#still tryin to think up' the fic/au name...

[plasma-studios]

blue's being driven insane and it's just chapter one LMAO

[something-tofightfor]

Snow And Mistletoe - Epilogue

Pairing: Joel Miller x Female Reader

No Outbreak AU.

Word Count: 6,419

Rating: M - as a whole for language and innuendo... This is fluff, though, with some innuendo sprinkled in.

A/N: This is the end to the @pedrostories Secret Santa fic gift exchange for @burntheedges. I wanted to close out their story with the *initial* idea I had behind the fic ... so I hope you're still interested. (I might also be persuaded to write the entirety of the night they spent in the hotel together ... if anyone cares, that is ... because I've got some **ideas**)

Thank you so much to everyone for reading and for responding. I had so much fun writing this one. Thanks also for your patience - I wanted to have this posted last night, but that just didn't happen.

Summary: Spending the night at the hotel with Joel changes things in a lot of ways. But when you leave to head home on Christmas Eve morning, it presents an opportunity for the two of you to take what you've discovered between you in a variety of different ways. What happens when Sarah and Ellie are once again thrown into the mix - and what do the two of them have planned for Christmas?

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3

The drive back from the hotel the following morning was different than the one to it had been. 

You and Joel kept up a steady stream of conversation the entire way, your hands linked together atop the center armrest. He was lighter, somehow - more open - and you were enjoying every second of it, Joel’s laughter joining yours and filling the cab. 

You’d gotten very little sleep, the two of you making the most of the time and privacy that you had had together, and it had been good. No, better than good. Biting your lip, you looked out the window, watching as you passed other cars on the highway. It was amazing.

“What’s goin’ on in that heada yours?” Joel squeezed your hand, humming your name. “You got quiet.”

“I’m just thinking.” Returning your attention to him, you shrugged. “About how much has changed in the last couple days and how much more it could change.” 

“That’s all you’re thinking about?” He turned his head briefly toward you, one brow raised. “Because I’m thinking about the way you -”

“You’re fucking awful, Joel.” Scowling at him, you could feel the heat rising up the back of your neck and warming your cheeks. “But no, that’s not all I’m thinking about.” He laughed again, tugging your hand up so that he could kiss your knuckles, the scruff of his beard and mustache tickling your skin. “What do we tell Ellie and Sarah?”

“Whatever you want to tell them.” He let go of your hand, scratching at the back of his head with his fingertips before using them to grip the steering wheel loosely. “They obviously wanted somethin’ to happen, so they can’t be too surprised that it did, right?” You agreed, letting your mind wander to the smirk you knew would appear on the teenager’s face when you told her that yes, you and Joel would be seeing each other again. “I’m off ‘til the second week of January, and I know you’ve gotta work, but …” He paused, frowning for a few seconds before glancing over again. “But maybe we can find time to see each other?” 

“Of course.” Your hand found its way to his knee, the worn denim soft to the touch. “Maybe we could have you and Sarah over for dinner or something, too. You live close enough, and -”

“I’d like that.” He nodded. “I wasn’t lying when I said that tryin’ to bring someone new into my life was hard because I didn’t want to involve Sarah too soon, but that ain’t… it’s different here.” It was - and while it eliminated one hurdle for you and Joel, it presented another. 

“I think she spends more time at my house than she does at yours.” Joel laughed again, agreeing with you. “This almost seems too convenient, doesn’t it? They’re friends. They plotted to get us together. We let it happen. We get to tell them that they’re right about us being interested in each other.” You blew out a breath, covering your face with one hand. “God, they’re going to give us so much shit when we admit it.” 

“Yep.” He laughed quietly, swearing under his breath. “But I gotta be honest, I’m not all that upset about this one.” 

“Really?” 

“Really.” Joel cleared his throat and took the exit, waiting a few seconds to continue. “Last couple days have been a lot of fun. I’m done makin’ excuses. I’m kinda pissed it took two 17 year olds to make me act on it, but I’m glad they finally did.” You were glad, too, and you knew Ellie - knew that even though she’d likely make some comments for a little while and give you an appropriate amount of shit for dating her best friend’s father, the girl would actually be happy for you. Because she knows me. And she knows Joel and Sarah, and … 

“I guess I’m not, either.” You pulled your hand back and let both of them rest in your lap, eyes on the familiar scenery as you got closer to your house. “What do you and Sarah usually do on Christmas Eve?”

“We make dinner together.” He stopped at a red light, squeezing the wheel. “This year we’re makin’ spaghetti and meatballs. That’s about it. We used to go to my parents’, but when my dad passed, that stopped.” He turned down your street, the truck moving slowly. “You?” 

“I’ve got presents to wrap. Ellie usually calls Marlene and we all talk for a little while, but aside from that, no plans. We get takeout and then have leftovers for tomorrow while we hang out.” He was quiet as he pulled into your driveway, but when Joel parked the truck he finally spoke again, unbuckling his seatbelt and turning toward you. 

“Would you want to come over for dinner? We always make enough for leftovers, and since Tommy’s not comin’ this year, we’ll have even more to start.”

“I don’t want to intrude.” Your heartbeat quickened, though, lips parting in shock at his invitation. “Joel, that’s… it’s been you and Sarah, and …”

“It has been.” He shrugged, eyes locked on your face. “But things change.” 

“Bring it up when we go inside.” You nodded. “See what Sarah says. It’s up to her, Joel.” 

You expected him to get out of the truck then, but instead Joel leaned in, head tilted slightly to the left so that he could kiss you softly. 

It wasn’t a kiss that would lead to anything else; instead it was just an agreement, the man letting you know that he’d heard you and would do what you’d suggested. But it was just as meaningful as the ones you’d shared in the room the previous night and earlier that morning - no hesitation or restraint on his part, Joel acting on instinct and encouraging you to do the same. 

“Let’s get this over with.” He rested his forehead against yours briefly, but when Joel pulled back, he was grinning. “You ready?” 

You were, and so you both got out of the truck and headed for the house, your overnight bag slung over one shoulder and Joel walking a step behind you. 

The house was quiet when you entered, but after a few seconds, you heard the sound of music from Ellie’s bedroom, turning to look over your shoulder at Joel - who nodded with a slight grimace on his face - before you leaned against the wall and called out to them. 

“Ellie? Sarah? I’m back. Joel’s here with me.” There was a pause and then you heard the sound of quick footsteps coming down the hallway, followed by the appearance of both girls at the top of the stairs, their eyes moving between the two of you. “Hi.” 

“Hey, Dad.”  Sarah pushed past Ellie, her socked feet on the steps as she hurried toward where Joel stood. “How was the party?”

“Was good, babygirl.” He held an arm out to hug her, Sarah stepping into the embrace without pause. “How was your pizza? 

“Good.” Ellie plopped down on the steps about halfway down, her hands hanging between her knees. “Have a ton left over, too.” Joel’s eyes flicked to you and you nodded once, crossing your arms over your chest. 

“You don’t have to eat leftovers if you don’t want to, Ellie.” Joel looked over at the girl, Sarah pulling away enough so that she could look up at him and then over at her friend, her eyes going wide. “Haven’t brought it up with you yet, Sarah, but …” He looked down, both hands stuffed into his pockets. “How about we invite them over for dinner tonight?” 

She was quiet for a few seconds and then her jaw dropped at almost the same time Ellie swore under her breath, the words holy shit hissed out in shock. “For real?” Sarah’s eyes landed on you, and you saw it briefly - a look of genuine confusion in her eyes followed by one of understanding, the expression similar to the one you’d seen on Joel’s face more than once. “Can they stay and watch the movie with us, too?” 

“What movie?” Ellie spoke before you could, her smile widening. “And what’s for dinner?”

“Spaghetti and homemade meatballs.” Joel cleared his throat. “And I’ve been talkin’ up the Curtis And Viper 4 chase scene for weeks, so -”

“Oh, dude. It’s so good.” Ellie groaned, shaking her head. “Sarah, you’ll love it.”

“I’m not so sure about that, but…” She laughed and so did Joel, but the girl’s next words shocked you even more than the movie invite had. “If you invite them over for Christmas Eve, you should invite them over for Christmas dinner, too.” 

“Wait, what?” You spoke before anyone else could, your eyes focused on Sarah. “We can’t, Sarah. That’s for you and your dad. And you’re going to -”

“Don’t you dare say no.” Ellie stood, holding up one hand, pointer finger extended. “He smokes a brisket on Christmas. For sixteen hours. Do you know how fuckin-” She cut herself off, apologizing, but Joel’s laugh interrupted that, the man swiping at his face with one hand. 

“And I make mac and cheese and broccoli salad from my grandma’s recipes.” Sarah nodded, her eyes on you. “Even if Uncle Tommy comes over tomorrow and eats half of it, we always have a ton left over, because my dad doesn’t know how to buy small amounts of anything.” 

“I… we…” You looked at Ellie, who was staring expectantly at you, and then over at Joel, whose lips were raised in a half smirk, his eyes bright. Fuck it. Why not? “What can we bring?” 

“Yes!” Ellie pumped her fist in the air, following it with a quiet “hell yeah!” and Joel nodded once, tongue darting out to wet his lips. 

“Something to drink? I don’t know. Maybe a dessert? Sarah’s always complainin’ that all we have are cookies.” 

“I can do that.” You glanced over, looking at the clock on the wall. “Ellie and I will run to the store before everything closes and pick some stuff up. What time?”

“Six?” He looked down, checking his watch. “I forgot this damn thing stopped working. Shit.” Joel shook his head. “That should give us all plenty of time. It’s not even noon yet.” You agreed with him, and only a few minutes later, he and Sarah were heading out the front door, Ellie already back in her room to change clothes. 

You stopped him before he could walk out, though, saying his name quietly. When he turned back to face you, one hand still on your door knob, you blinked, shaking your head. “You didn’t have to invite us, Joel. And tomorrow, that’s … I feel like we’d be intruding.”

“You aren’t. I promise.” He reached out, taking your hand in his and squeezing. “Wouldn’t have invited you if I didn’t want you there … and neither would she.” You knew it was true, and so you didn’t say anything else, just nodding. “See you in a few hours.” 

You watched him walk down the walkway and toward the driveway, disappearing around the front corner of your house. Holy shit, all of this … wow. When he started his truck, you closed the door and then leaned against it, covering your face with both hands. “Wow.” 

“We told you.” Peeking through your fingers, you looked up the stairs at Ellie, the girl standing at the top and grinning. “I know you always tell me I’m too nosy, but …” She shrugged. “All I’m saying is that my present from Santa better be amazing this year, since I played a part in getting you a date with your dream dude and getting us invited over on Christmas, and -”

“The only thing you’re going to get is a box full of coal under the tree if you don’t stop gloating, Ellie.” She snorted, eyeing you as you pushed away from the door and grabbed for the strap of your bag. “Honestly, though … thank you, kiddo.” Climbing the stairs, you reached out and wrapped an arm around her, pulling her into a quick hug. “He is pretty dreamy, hmm?” 

She groaned and pushed herself away from you, rolling her eyes. “Gross. Stop it.” You passed her, heading for your bedroom and only turning when she said your name again. “What are you going to make… we’ve only got a couple hours?” 

Tossing the bag onto your bed, you put your hands on your hips, narrowing your eyes. “I don’t know. But we’ll figure it out.”

— 

The two of you stood on Joel and Sarah’s front porch at exactly 6 PM, each of you carrying two things. She had the brownies she’d baked and a bottle of non-alcoholic Prosecco for her and Sarah to share, the bottle nestled into a decorative bag that was stuffed with tissue paper. 

You carried a large dish of peach cobbler and a bag that contained two bottles of wine - one red and one white - the weight heavy over one arm. But you weren’t nervous when you rang the doorbell or when Sarah opened the door, the girl’s smile widening at the sight of you. 

“Come in. You can go and help Dad in the kitchen. I think he’s currently burning meatballs. Ellie and I are going to go upstairs and practice one last time.” You agreed and winked at the girl, the three of you making your way through the living room and into the kitchen, the sight of Joel’s broad shoulders in a thin t-shirt sending a shiver through you. “Dad, they’re here.” 

He grunted once, but didn’t turn around, and as you and Ellie set everything down and the two girls disappeared toward the stairs, you stared. He can’t see me, so it’s fine. “Do you need the fridge? There should be room.” He stepped to the side and picked up a spatula, using it to flip the meatballs in the pan. “I’m going to finish these and dump ‘em in the sauce and then jump in the shower.” 

“Sarah said you were burning dinner?” You put the Prosecco and the desserts into the refrigerator and moved over to where Joel stood, resisting the urge to settle your hand on his back and instead nudging him with an elbow. “Smells pretty unburnt to me.” 

“The day I burn meatballs is the day hell freezes over.” You laughed and so did he, eyes on the food in the pan and the deft way he handled the utensil, quickly turning the remaining ones to ensure they cooked evenly. “This is Sarah’s favorite thing I make. When she was little and first started eatin’ real foods, my ma’s meatballs were one of the only things she’d ask for. So I started making ‘em too.” 

Every new thing you learned about Joel and Sarah was like a gift. He was letting you in piece by piece, including you in small pieces of his life - giving you the opportunity to know the two of them. And it’s only been a few days. “They look amazing, Joel. Do you make the sauce, too?” 

“Sort of.” He looked over, nodding at the stockpot with his chin. “I start out with jarred sauce and add to it. It’s meatless, because Sarah went through a phase where she tried to eat less of it, but it always tastes a little different every time because there’s no real recipe.” 

“You said you add the meatballs when they’re cooked, but -”

“I do.” He pointed to a second, smaller pot. “I like to cook ‘em in sauce, just for flavor, but I know not everyone eats meat, so…” He trailed off. “Gimmie a second and you can taste it.” 

You stepped away and let him do what he needed to finish, only a few more minutes of sizzling in the pan before the last batch of meatballs were soaking in the simmering sauce. Joel wiped his hands on a towel and then reached for one of the spoons in the drawer, taking a lid off of the larger pot and dipping it in. For a second, you thought he was going to feed you, but instead he handed it over, one eyebrow raised. Blowing on it, you waited until it had cooled to taste it, your eyes going wide at the flavor. “Shit, that’s good.” 

“I know.” He winked, reaching up to swipe at the back of his head. “Glad you like it. Do you think Ellie will?” 

“Yes. She’s going to love it.” Setting the spoon down in the sink, you turned back to look at him. “I brought a red and a white, and Ellie got some nonalcoholic -” 

“Whatever you brought is fine.” Joel reached out, putting his hands on your hips and urging you closer. “I’m not picky.” He kissed you softly, the man’s lips lingering in their press against yours. “I’m glad you’re here.” 

“I am, too.” Murmuring the words, you nodded. “Do you need me to do anything while you’re in the shower?” 

“I’m going to start boiling the water for pasta, but nah. I should be done before it’s ready. TV’s in the other room, you can turn it on if you want.” You weren’t going to do that, but thanked him for the offer nonetheless, your eyes wandering around the kitchen as Joel exited it, too, the pot of water on the still-warm burner that he’d used for the meat. 

When you were sure he was upstairs, you turned toward the sink and reached for one of the sponges in the drain rack. Hope he has good water pressure. Grinning, you started washing the dishes he’d used, humming to yourself as you worked. 

You felt comfortable in his kitchen. You felt comfortable in his house, knowing that Ellie and Sarah were upstairs, the girls likely whispering behind a closed door as Sarah put the finishing touches on what she’d been working on for the better part of two months. I wonder when she’ll give him his gift. You chewed on your lower lip while you wiped the countertop down, cleaning up a few stray splatters of grease. Tomorrow, before we get here I’m sure. 

“You didn’t have to do that.” Turning at the sound of his voice, you froze in place at the sight of him standing by the edge of the counter, water droplets still clinging to the skin of his throat above the collar of his dark green shirt. Seeing him after a shower twice in one day? It really is Christmas. “I was going to do it while the pasta’s cooking.” He ran his fingers through his hair, the salt-and-pepper strands slicked back and away from his face, your eyes following the movement. 

“Now you don’t have to.” Shrugging, you wiped your hands on the towel. “Dishes are done. Water’s just about boiling. I stirred the -” He closed the distance between you swiftly, one arm going around your waist and the other hand lifting to curve around the back of your head. “Joel? They could walk down and -”

“I know.” He nodded as he leaned in, trailing a line of kisses over your cheek and against your lips. “Don’t care, though.” Yeah, I guess I don’t, either. You kissed him back, inhaling the scent of his body wash and shampoo, those two things combining with his cologne in a trio of scents that was cozy, his hold on you firm. When Joel broke the kiss, he didn’t let go of you. Instead, the two of you remained in front of the stove, the man’s gaze locked with yours. What is he… “We should have done this sooner.” 

You agreed. You’d been single for just under a year aside from a few dates here and there, and based on what you knew of Joel’s life, he hadn’t had anything serious in that time, either. Can’t change it now, though. “Well, we’re doing it now, and I’m not going to complain about that.” 

His return smile was soft, Joel nodding once before he released you and headed for one of the cabinets. He opened it and pulled out a large box of pasta, setting it down on the counter. “Pick a wine and put it in the fridge. We can save the other bottle for tomorrow.” 

“You think we’ll go through an entire bottle between the two of us?” You laughed, moving toward the bag and pulling out the red, a bottle of Beaujolais-Villages. Turning it over in your hands, you held it up. “Only needs to be chilled, not cold. How long until we eat?” 

“Not that long. Maybe a half hour? Gotta make the bread and boil the noodles.” He shrugged. “That enough?” 

“Yes.” You stored the wine in the fridge and then made your way back to the counter, watching as Joel poured pasta into the water. “You’re making enough for an army, Joel.” 

“Leftovers.” He grinned at you, eyes crinkling at the corners. “When I say Tommy eats like a horse, I’m not kidding.” You both laughed, the sound filling the kitchen. 

The two of you talked for the remainder of the time he spent with the pasta and bread, and by the time you headed upstairs to let Ellie and Sarah know that dinner was ready, you’d already decided that that Christmas was at the top of your list of holidays. 

You knocked twice before Sarah told you to come in, and when you pushed the door open, you saw Ellie sitting cross legged on the floor while Sarah was on the bed, an acoustic guitar on her lap. “Dinner’s ready.” Your smile widened and you pointed at the instrument. “That the one you -”

“Yeah.” She bit her lip, frowning. “Ellie said I shouldn’t restring it before tomorrow morning because he’s probably going to want to do it himself, but …”

“I agree.” You leaned against the doorframe. “Plus you’re used to playing on those strings, and if you get new ones, it might feel different, and you definitely don’t want that.” She nodded, her expression serious. “When are you -”

“After dinner.” She swallowed hard and then took a deep breath. “While you guys are here. Because I need … I need you here.”

“No.” Ellie stood, staring at the other girl, even while shaking her head. “You don’t need us here. You’ve got this.” She reached out, taking the instrument from Sarah and then setting it carefully in the case “But I’m so fucking excited to see you play for him, Sarah.” 

That was all the encouragement the other girl needed, Sarah bouncing to her feet and nodding as he finally relaxed. You gave Ellie a wink and a discreet thumbs up, and then the three of you headed down the stairs and back into the kitchen, where Joel was pulling plates out of the cupboard. 

Well, looks like my question’s answered then. Eyeing Sarah as she hugged her father with one arm, you hung back until both girls had served themselves from the pots and bowls, both of them giggling as they did so. 

Sarah carried both of their plates into the other room while Ellie followed with the bottle of Prosecco and two glasses, and when you and Joel were left alone in the kitchen, the man spun to face you with a smirk on his lips. “Your turn.” 

With a laugh, you stepped next to him and picked up a plate, but as you started to take food, Joel moved to stand next to you, doing the same. Both of you loaded your plates in silence, casually bumping into each other a few times before you’d finished, though it wasn’t on accident. Just as you reached for your fork and knife, Joel said your name and reached around you, one hand grabbing a stack of napkins, his fingertips grazing your lower back as he withdrew his arm. 

And when you looked up, you caught Ellie pointing her phone at you and grinning, Sarah’s eyes bright over the rim of her glass as she watched, too. 

But you and Joel ignored it as you carried your plates into the dining room and sat down, avoiding the chairs at the ends of the table and opting to sit next to each other - much like you had at the Chamber party. 

It was Joel that began the conversation, digging into his plate of spaghetti and sauce and focusing his attention on Ellie. That led to Sarah chiming in between bites, and finally you spoke up, too. The four of you talked throughout the entire meal, and though it was all loose conversation it felt warm, the soft glow of the tree next to the TV stand and the light from above the table setting the mood. 

You felt comfortable there, too, and even though you knew that a lot of the time you spent with Joel wouldn’t be with Sarah and Ellie, it calmed you to think that if the opportunity ever came up, things wouldn’t be awkward. Well, not as awkward as they could be between a teenager and their parent’s date. 

The food was delicious - and when you made a joke about Sarah having to teach Ellie how to cook, you were rewarded with a deep scowl from the girl and a laugh from Joel, Sarah’s immediate agreement resulting in a groan from Ellie, her face buried in her hands. “Merry Christmas to me, right? Must be gang up on Ellie day.” 

“Nah, I just don’t want you to starve when you’re at college next year.” You shrugged, taking another bite. “I know you’ll have a meal plan and all that, but … you might need to fend for yourself, and it’s always nice to have options.” 

“They have microwaves in dorms, you know.” Ellie wrinkled her nose at you, followed with a roll of her eyes. “I can make Easy Mac and Chef Boyardee ravioli.”

“Yeah but you can’t live off that shit … I mean…” Joel groaned, rubbing at the space between his eyes with one hand. “It’s good, but …” 

“I know.” Ellie cleared her throat. “Also, am I allowed to have a second plate? These meatballs are amazing Joel.” 

He waved her off, fork in hand, and when she sat back down, the conversation shifted. The girls took over on dish duty at the end of the meal and you and Joel quickly moved to the other room, taking both wine glasses and the bottle with you. He refilled them after you settled down onto the couch, but Joel didn’t turn the TV on. 

Instead, he turned his head to look at you, one brow raised in question. “Well? What do you think of Miller Christmas Eve so far?” You waited a few seconds before you answered, giving yourself a chance to look around the room and take it all in before you spoke. 

“I think …” Catching Ellie’s eye, she held her phone up and then looked over at Sarah, and then at Joel. What? You looked over, smiling at him. “I think I’ll be able to answer that better after we watch this movie. But the food was good. Wait til you taste dessert.” His lips twitched, Joel’s eyes on you. “How’s it feel to have company?”

“Good.” He nodded. “I like having the two of you here.” He lowered his voice, eyes focused on you. “You bein’ here.” There was no hesitation when he spoke, Joel’s words honest, and in an instant, you were upset with yourself for not giving him a straight answer. 

“Joel, I -” 

“I’m going to go upstairs for a second, I’ll be right back.” Sarah’s voice interrupted your thought, both you and Joel turning your attention to her. “Don’t start the movie without me.” It’s happening. You inhaled sharply, locking eyes with the girl as she passed in front of you and headed for the steps. Joel assured her that he wouldn’t, and when Ellie settled into the armchair, curling her legs beneath her body, you looked over at her, mouthing the word “OK?” 

She gave you a discreet thumbs up, and when you repositioned yourself on the couch, you looked over at the kitchen counter, noticing that a cell phone was propped up against a candle, aimed at where you and Joel sat. Talk. Don’t just sit here in silence. “So, Joel, what’s so special about this chase scene?” 

He started talking immediately, and even Ellie cut in, but at the first sound of footsteps on the stairs, she trailed off, her smile growing. “Dad?” Joel’s head turned toward the stairs and yours followed suit, teeth digging into your lower lip at the sight of Sarah standing there, the handle of a guitar case clinched between the fingers of one hand. “Can I give you a Christmas present tonight?” 

“What?” He leaned forward, clearly confused. “What are you…” She stepped closer and his eyes moved down to what she held and then widened, both of his hands flattening against his thighs. “Sarah, where’d you get that fr…” His attention returned to you only a few seconds later, recognition in his eyes. “From you? From the -”

“Give her a second, Joel.” You shrugged. “Just listen.” 

Sarah moved even closer, setting the case down on the ground and then reaching for one of the tall chairs in front of the counter, flipping it around. “I wanted to do something without you knowing. Because…” She unlatched the case, flipping it open and then reaching into it, her fingers curving around the smooth wooden neck of the guitar. “You’ve done so much for me and I wanted to surprise you.” 

She sat on the chair and situated the guitar over her knee, taking a deep breath. “Sarah… Babygirl, I …” He leaned forward, hands curled into loose fists. “What are you doin’?” 

“You’ll see.”

You’d been witness to many of the practice sessions and lessons Ellie had given Sarah throughout the months of November and December. You’d seen the girl’s confidence grow from day one, her skill with the instrument not exactly that of a novice in the beginning, though she’d been nervous, especially when playing on the expensive instruments in the store. 

But as the weeks passed, Sarah progressed … and even though you were capable of helping her play the song she’d chosen, it was Ellie that had helped her with singing in the previous few weeks, the teenagers working to seamlessly combine one skill with the other. 

So when she took a deep breath and looked at Joel, her nervous smile turning into a full-fledged one before she opened her mouth to begin the song, you were just as shocked as him. She sounds fantastic. 

I'll be home for Christmas

You can plan on me…

As she played and sang, Sarah closed her eyes and tilted her head down, her picking more confident with each note. You only looked away from her once, stealing a glance at Joel, who was leaning forward, one large hand covering his mouth, eyes shining above it. 

Sarah paused halfway through, taking a deep breath as her fingers continued to pluck at the strings, and when she caught your eye, you nodded, lips pressed together. She looked at Ellie next and though you didn’t see her reaction, you saw Sarah’s - her grin widening before she began to nod her head in time with the music, casting her eyes down again. 

Please have some snow and mistletoe

And presents by the tree… 

You were dimly aware of Joel’s hand finding your knee and squeezing, but you didn’t look away from Sarah, even as you put your hand on top of it and squeezed back. You were glad that the song was being recorded, because you knew that Sarah would remember very little of it once it was over, and from the sounds of it, it was the first time Joel had ever heard her perform - at least while playing, too. And he’ll want to keep this. 

But it was the last lines of the song that truly caught you off guard, and from Joel’s sharp intake of breath, they hit him hard, too - which was the girl’s intention. She looked up again as she played, entirely focused on her father’s face - and in a voice as clear as a bell, sang directly to him. 

I'll be home for Christmas

It won’t be in my dreams. 

She strummed out a few more notes and then let out a shaky breath, her hold on the guitar tightening as the sound died away - and then the room was silent, everyone waiting. “I mean it, Dad. Even if …” She stood head shaking back and forth slowly. “No matter where I go to school, I’ll be here with you for the holidays. I’m not leaving for good, I -”

He pushed off of the couch and took the few steps necessary to reach her, both of his arms going around the girl in a hug that took her by surprise. She had the sense to hold the guitar out, Ellie reaching for it before you could even think about moving. When it was safely in the second girl’s grip, Sarah hugged Joel back, her arms wrapped so tightly around him that you heard him release a quiet “oof”, though he made no motion to let her go. 

You looked at Ellie then, her expression full of pride in her friend, and when you gave her a thumbs up, she beamed at you, but stayed quiet. You heard Joel murmuring to Sarah, and when she laughed, backing away, he leaned down to press a kiss to the top of her head, his hands moving to her arms. 

“Thank you.” He scoffed, looking up at the ceiling and then back at her - before turning his head toward Ellie. “Do you … d’you think I can play that guitar before you take it back?” Joel twisted back to look at you, sighing. “That’s the one I’ve been lookin’ at when I come in, and …” 

“Dad.” Sarah spoke before you could, reaching out to grab the phone on the counter, sliding it back into her pocket. She then moved over to take the instrument back from Ellie. “That wasn’t your real present. This is.” She held it out to him, looking nervous for the first time. “I know how much you wanted it, and when Ellie was telling me about her discount, I figured that if I worked there, too I could…” 

“Sarah Jane Miller, you did not buy me a Taylor acous-”

“I sure did.” She thrust it toward him, her expression defiant. “And I didn’t get a receipt so you can’t return it.” It was your turn to cover your mouth at the sight of Joel’s hands reaching out to take the guitar from her, his breath catching in his throat as his fingers closed around the neck. 

“You shouldn’t have done this, Sarah. It’s too much. I don’t…” 

“You do.” She stepped away from him, sitting on the arm of the chair Ellie was in. “After everything you’ve done for me after Amanda left?” She smiled, crossing her arms over her chest. “And I got a really good deal on it. I kind of know the owner.” 

Joel looked at the guitar again, and for a split second, you thought he was going to take Sarah’s place in the chair and start playing, which would have been great. But instead, he took a breath, thanking Sarah as he let it out, and then bent over to put the instrument back in the case, latching it shut. “Yeah… I know her, too.” 

He turned back to where you sat, and only moments later, Joel was standing in front of you and holding his hands out, ready to pull you to your feet. “What are -” 

“Thank you for bein’ so nice to my little girl.” His hold on your hands was tight, but when Joel let go, he didn’t move away. Instead, he got even closer, placing both hands on your hips. What is he … oh, shit. Oh, shit. “And to me.” 

He leaned in and kissed you before you could reply, and though your first instinct was to jump backwards, you fought it. Instead, you brought your hands up to his arms and rested them there, he warmth of his skin through his sleeves radiating against your palms. It was a short kiss, the man barely giving you a chance to enjoy the press of his lips against yours before it was over … but it was enough. He didn’t back away from you even after ending it, his still-shining eyes locked with yours as though asking if what he’d just done was alright. It is. Of course it is.

“Duuuuuuuuude.” Ellie’s voice startled you, your attention moving to her - and to Sarah, whose mouth was open so wide that it almost made you laugh. “Is there something you need to tell us?” 

“Nope.” You laughed, hands slipping under Joel’s arms so that you could hug him, the man urging you even closer. “Not a damn thing.” 

It was Sarah’s turn to laugh, the girl standing and moving so that she could grab one of the blankets and some pillows from next to the couch, dropping them on the floor and then throwing a second blanket at Ellie. “Are we gonna watch this movie or what?” 

Joel let you go then, dropping back onto the couch and waiting until you sat down next to him to reach for the remote. But once he’d turned the TV on and navigated to the correct streaming service, pressing play, he slung an arm around your shoulders, urging you closer. 

You rested your head against his shoulder, repositioning yourself so that you were more comfortable - and just as the movie’s opening credits started rolling, you felt his lips on your temple, his beard scraping softly over your skin. “Sorry about that.” He whispered the words, fingers curling around your arm. “Couldn’t help it.” 

Angling your head so that you could look up at him, you smiled. “I don’t want you to.” He raised both brows, the smile slowly spreading across his face. “Merry Christmas, Joel.” 

He didn’t reply, instead tilting his head to rest his cheek against the crown of yours as the two of you settled in to watch what you hoped was the first of many movies together. 

— 

The version of the song I based Sarah's performance on: I'll Be Home For Christmas - Lizzy McAlpine

Tag list reblog coming soon.

[rowarn]

Heya, Rowarn!

It's ya girl 📑❗ here. How are you doing recently?? I'm doing well! Only one more month for my internship and I'll be done so powering through! 😭

Also THANK YOU FOR PART TWO OF THE HYBRID AU 🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️

I've been craving some Gaz content so imagine my surprise when I read that HE PICKED US UP WUSHAYSVHSHSHS IM SOLD

Also, where I live (India), summer's coming and lowkey I hate summer😭. What's your favourite season ❓❓

🫶🫶

HI BB <3

i've been better. i'm havin a real gutter ball on mental health rolls these days )-: but we ball and i'm tryin to get thru it!!!!!!! ik it'll pass, it always does!!! i just gotta stick it out!!!!!

AND IM SO GLAD U LIKED IT!!!! i intentionally didn't include his name in the tags bc i wanted ppl to be surprised to see him hehe i knew gaz lovers would be happy to see him pop up in one of my fics finally !!!!! price lovers r still getting paid dust im sorry

my favorite season is probably fall. i live in the southern united states so summer is super brutal here and winters r also pretty bad but i prefer to be cold over hot bc i can always get more warm but when im too hot wtf do i do ???? go naked?????

but i like fall bc it's a little more on the brisk side but not cold. spring is okay but......bugs............so i think fall is my favorite !!!!!

[onebatch2batch]

i don’t really have a prompt for this fic, nor an excuse to be writing this instead of my zombie au but here, have some good ol’ fashioned post-canon kastle fluff xo

[READ ON AO3]

excerpt:

“Could’ve been he went up against someone who didn’t like the alter boy shit.”

“Frank.”

“Ah, sorry, Karen. You know it gets to me.”

Karen gets home to a vigilante on her doorstep, except it’s not the one she’s expecting and it’s not her doorstep. Matt Murdock is sitting on the linoleum of her kitchen floor and he’s in his suit—not the nice charcoal one from this afternoon at work, but the maroon one with the mask and the horns. He’s slumped against her fridge and there’s blood on his lip. She’s sure that further examination will show more blood beneath the crimson of his outfit, but she doesn’t think to do that right away because she’s exhausted and surprised and horrified, standing there in the doorway of her apartment. It takes longer than she would like to admit to get her bearings. 

“Oh, shit.” 

Karen glances down the hall to see if there’s anyone around and locks the door behind her. It was still locked when she got home, so he must have come in through the window. She’s still in her work clothes—after she, Foggy and Matt locked up for the day she’d been out to dinner with Tish Walker. It had been nice, and normal, and exactly what she needed to separate herself from the crazy in her life.  

Half of which is bleeding on her floor. Karen drops to her knees beside him and carefully pulls off his mask with shaky fingers. His eyes are closed and he is still--too still. 

“Matt? Shit, Matt, can you hear me? Hey, wake up.”

He doesn’t move. She sets two fingers to his pulse, heart hammering. 

Alive, but faint. 

“Oh, Matt, shit shit. Come on, what happened?”

He stirs, faintly. His eyes blink open unseeingly. Matt gasps, all raggedly and wet, and the stone in her stomach sinks further at the sound. “Karen.”

“Yeah, I’m here. Hey, what happened? Can you tell me? I don’t know what to do—“

His face screws up as he tries to sit up. He doesn’t get very far and after a brief struggle, he collapses once more with a painful sounding cough. Blood smears against the fridge behind him. “You were—closer—“ he gasps out, and then goes still again. 

“Goddammit.” She presses the back of her hand to her mouth, mind racing. There’s only one other person who she can think to call right now, and the thought makes a hysterical kind of laugh bubble up in her throat. “Oh, you’re going to kill me for this.”

—

To his credit, Frank Castle takes one look at Matt and doesn’t comment. He squats next to the couch — Karen getting Matt out of his suit and somewhere more comfortable by herself had been a feat — and takes stock silently. 

Karen pushes her hair behind her ear, standing at the foot of the couch. She waits until Frank sighs. 

“Can you help him? Please.”

He turns to look at her over his shoulder, frowning. “I can help with the little stuff. Stitches. Looks like his shoulder needs set. But I ain’t a doctor, Karen.”

She sniffs, nodding. “Okay. What do you think happened?”

Frank rolls up his sleeves and grabs for her extensive first aid kit. He rifles through it and pulls out several items, starts threading a needle. “Dunno. There’s been a lot of talk about a new group in town. Some thugs tryin’ to put their name out. It’s been ugly—trafficking, murders, robberies. Drugs. Could’ve been that. Could’ve been he went up against someone who didn’t like the alter boy shit.”

“Frank.”

“Ah, sorry, Karen. You know it gets to me.”

He sends her a wry smile, drops it when he notices the look on her face. “Hey, hey. Karen. He’s gonna be fine, alright? You wanna help or get cleaned up?”

She glances down at the blood on her blouse, at the streaks smudging her arms. Looks at Matt’s slack expression, how pale he looks in her old baggy sweatpants and bare chest. She straightens determinedly. “I want to help.”

He nods. “Okay.”

—

It takes the better part of an hour. All in all he needs sixteen stitches in various places, his shoulder reset, and a lot of cleanup. Karen handles that part alone, gently washing away the blood and dirt as Frank brews coffee in the kitchen. 

When Matt is clean, she touches a hand to his cheek. “Matt, come on. Wake up, okay? I have to yell at you for breaking into my apartment.”

“Like you’ve never broken in anywhere.” A mug appears by her head. Karen takes it thankfully, sending Frank a grateful smile. 

“Thanks. And that was different.”

“Yeah.” He snorts. “That time you were only snooping, not injured. Come here.”

He helps her to her feet, ducking his head to place a soft kiss on her lips. It’s brief and tender but it still makes her chest ache with want. He smells like coffee and the lavender soap in her bathroom and when he pulls away his smile is crooked. “Hey.”

“Hi,” she breathes, and then sets her head on his shoulder with a deep breath. “Thanks for doing this. I wish I could have called under better circumstances.”

“Mhm, it’s nothin’. Will say I was hoping for a repeat of last night when you called, though.” 

She flushes, but lifts her head to give him a pleased smile. His gaze scorches over her skin. “Yeah? Were you hoping for a second date, Mr. Castle?”

“Yeah, somethin’ like that. Hopin’ I haven’t, uh, lost my touch. You know it’s—it’s been awhile.”

She thinks of the night before, standing in this very spot. Takeout boxes on the kitchen counter. Candles lit. Frank with his hands on her hips as she touches her lips to his for the first time, both of them scared and exhilarated. How a small kiss had bled into tongues and teeth; how they’d barely made it to her bed. Her heart pounds as she remembers. “I think your touch is just—fine.”

“Just fine, huh?” The stare he’s giving her now sends a shiver down her spine. He cups one palm against her neck, steps closer. “That all?”

“Frank, not with Matt here. He could wake up.” The last thing Karen wants is for Matt’s supersonic senses to pick up on any of...that. For all she knows, his abilities could even work when he’s unconscious and she would never forgive herself if he heard that. She blushes again, clears her throat. Sips her coffee. As much as she wants to give in and return to kissing Frank, it’s out of the question. She hesitates unsurely. “Will you stay, anyways?”

The question seems to throw him for a loop. He frowns. “‘Course, Karen. I’m not—hey, I came here for you. Not for him, alright? I came here because I—...it’s not just that, for me. I mean I want that, too, but uh.” He huffs, exasperated. Gives her a sideways glance. “It’s more for me. You gotta know that.” 

Shit. Don’t sleep with Frank with Matt in the other room. Don’t sleep with Frank with Matt in the other room. Don’t do it. “Okay. It’s—for me, too. You’re more than that for me, too.”

He smiles, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Wanna get some shut eye? I’ll stay up for a while.”

“I won't be able to sleep,” she murmurs, gaze returning to Matt’s still form. It’s nearly midnight but there’s too much going on in her head to sleep. Most of all, what’s going to happen when Matt wakes up and finds the Punisher in her living room playing nurse. “...want to play a game of chess?”

—

When Matt comes to, he’s disoriented. The last thing he remembers is getting knocked sideways by some thug and then making a hasty escape, head ringing. And then he’d been so close to Karen’s apartment, he’d—

Karen. He’s at Karen’s. 

Matt grunts, tilting his head to listen. It’s quiet in the apartment but he can hear two sets of even breathing from the other side of the room. One presence, so familiar, is Karen. She’s sleeping, if her even breaths are anything to go by. The other presence is also painfully, shockingly familiar--and chuckling out a quiet laugh. 

“Seen better days, Red.”

Matt grimaces. “No thanks to you. What are you doing here, Frank?”

They keep their voices low. Karen sleeps on. Frank shifts imperceptibly but doesn’t come closer. Matt trails a hand over his chest in search of his wounds. They’re all sewn up and bandaged. His right shoulder aches. His head aches. Shit, his whole body aches. He’s a little fuzzy from sleep and it takes a moment to realize how close Karen is to Frank. She’s leaned against his shoulder, arm intertwined with his. 

“Babysitting your sorry ass.” Frank huffs. “Karen called me when she found you. Needed help fixin’ you up.” 

“So she called you?” 

He wishes he could say he’s surprised, but he’s not. Karen has always shown a particular interest in Frank Castle, so it seems a logical progression that they’re friends. Or--well, maybe more than that. He can smell Frank all over the apartment, now that he’s looking for it. Matt exhales, sitting up slowly. The room swims. 

“Yeah, got a problem with that?” Matt grunts. He’s in no mood to pick a fight. Frank snorts. “You got a dislocated shoulder, stitches, bruised dome. Nothin’ you haven’t seen before, I’m sure.”

Karen shifts again, murmuring softly in her sleep. They both fall silent, waiting until her breathing has evened out. Then, Matt sighs. 

“This is happening, then?”

“Mhm, sorry to burst your bubble.”

“Contrary to popular belief,” Matt grits out as he manages to swing his legs off the couch and onto the carpet, “I have other things to worry about that what Karen gets up to.”

“Clearly.”

Matt puts a hand to his ribs, glad that none of them are broken. Out of any injury he’s ever had–that’s the worst. It makes moving around a lot harder, and it’s already pretty hard with the wounds he’s sustained. It takes a few long moments once he’s upright for the ache in his head to subside. After a few deep breaths, he turns in Frank’s direction. “Thank you. You didn’t have to help, but I’m grateful you did.”

Frank doesn’t respond to that other than a grunt. Then, “She’s gonna want to see you before you leave. Make sure you’re alright.”

“Don’t wake her–just let her know it’s fine.” He pauses, and then adds ruefully: “It’s all fine.”

He doesn’t wait for Frank to respond, and instead sways awkwardly to his feet and blinks against the throb in his head. At some point someone had changed him into sweatpants, so he grabs at a sweatshirt on the armchair and pulls it on carefully. His suit is in a bag on the floor and he grabs it on the way to the window. He’s listening for anyone who may have followed him when Frank calls out softly.

“Red. This somethin’ I need to worry about?”

He stops in consideration. Tonight was rough–he’d been outnumbered and barely escaped with his life. Even so, he knows Frank has been out of the game for a while. Matt hasn’t seen much evidence of the Punisher in Hell’s Kitchen, and he wonders if that is in part to what’s happening just behind him. 

“I’ll let you know,” he says finally. 

Frank hums his assent. “See you around, Murdock.”

–

Matt is barely out the window when Karen stirs, lifting her head to look around. “Matt–?”

“He’s alright,” Frank murmurs. “Just missed him.”

She sighs and sets her head back on his shoulder. “I’m surprised you guys didn’t wake me up. I didn’t hear any arguing.”

“Hey, I can be civil,” he objects, shoving at her side gently with his elbow. “And anyways, he wanted me to tell you it’s all fine.”

“It being us?”

“Guess so.” 

Her hand finds him as she considers his words. She slots her fingers with his, tracing over the trigger-rough bumps and scars. Frank lets her think, lets himself enjoy the quiet. That’s what she is for him–she’s the quiet, the peace. He’ll patch up Daredevil a hundred times if it means they can sit in the silence after, shoulder to shoulder, her careful fingers tracing paths over his palm.  

“Thank you for tonight,” she says after some time. “I’m glad you came. Come to bed with me?”

And yeah, as she pulls him towards the bedroom with a sleepy smile and without stopping to put away their empty mugs or the chess board (where she absolutely decimated him), Frank decides he would play doctor every day to any vigilante she might bring around, as long as she looks at him like that after. 

[thiswasinevitableid]

Pleasant Surprise (Indruck Superhero AU)

A little fic I’ve had bouncing around my head for awhile, set in the universe of “The Thrilling Adventures of the Green Knight.”  It takes place after that story, and after the events of the small fics “Aww, Rats” and “Back in Time”. You can read it as a standalone, but it does contain some spoilers for main fic.

“You know how you always say communication is important in a relationship?” Indrid drums his fingers on the arm of the couch. 

Dr. Mwangi nods, the chain on her glasses glinting in the soothing lights of her office.

“I...there is something I am not sure how to communicate to Duck. I, it’s something I’ve been dishonest about. I” Indrid takes a deep breath, “I lied about the date of my birthday.”

Dr. Mwangi doesn’t so much as cock an eyebrow, much like she managed not to gasp in horror when he told her what his training regime involved when he was learning to be a villain. Indrid’s going theory is that this self-control is his therapist's super power. 

“Do you want to spend part of our session today figuring out how you’d like to talk with him about this?”

Indrid fidgets with his glasses, “Yes, please.”

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

Duck comes home to one of his favorite scenes; Indrid sitting with his easel in front of the rat run. His boyfriend decided he needed to cultivate his artistic streak, so that one part of his life would not involve superheroing or villainy in any capacity. From the look of it, he’s still on the theme of inserting the rats into still-lifes of different styles. 

Duck loves watching him paint, in a way at once connected to and completely different from the attraction he feels observing the other man train in the hideout or dig himself into engineering a new invention. There’s the same cleverness in his hands, the same concentration lining his face. But there’s an innocence that’s absent other places, a kind of happiness that only exists in activities untouched by his past.

“Hello, chivalrous one.” Indrid murmurs as Duck comes to drape his arms over his sweater clad shoulders.

“Hey sugar. I like the new paintin’--is that Dr. Harris Bonkers?”

“Indeed.” Indrid turns his head, his grin as bright as the streetlights flickering to life outside, “The fuzzy medical practitioner in the style of Seurat. I foresee Aubrey liking it as a Christmas gift, and I wanted to do it while the inspiration was still fresh.”

“Bet she’ll get a kick outta it.” Duck kisses the top of his head, then starts removing his work clothes, “you had dinner? Thought I might reheat some pizza.”

“I ordered us dinner, it should arrive within ten to fifteen minutes, depending on whether this is the broken stoplight timeline.” Indrid sets his brushes aside, stands so he can follow Duck down the hall to the bedroom.

“Thanks for doin’ that.”

“There is, ah, something I wish to discuss before it arrives.”

Duck turns and his heart twinges. Back when Indrid was his nemesis, Duck learned to read his emotions, a skill that eluded everyone else. He can tell when Indrid is nervous and, most often, when Indrid is nervous and doing everything he can to hide it.

“What’s on your mind?” He takes a soft step towards the other man, who goes very still as he summons his next words. 

“Do you remember what I told you about my birthday?”

“That it was in the spring and you’d let me know when we were gettin close to it. Wait, fuck, you never did, not this year or last year. Then again, last year was when the White Star boys kept tryin to fuck everythin up, think a lot of stuff got missed. Do you, uh, wanna do a birthday observed or somethin? Could even get a little goofy and do a half-birthday.”

Indrid shakes his head vehemently, “No. That is not it. I, I ah, I lied. My birthday is not in spring. And before you ask ‘when is it,’ the answer is I have no idea. We never celebrated birthdays. I only know my age because my father unleashed my brother and myself upon the world some time after I, or rather we, turned eighteen.” Indrid tucks his hands into the pockets of his sweater, “that is all I wish to say.”

It would be easy to giggle at his serious tone. 

Duck pulls Indrid into a hug, “Thanks for tellin me. Do you want help tryin to work out when it really is?”

“I...I do not know. I was simply tired of such a small lie weighing me down.”

“Okay. You wanna cuddle until dinner?”

“Of cour--oh damn it all.” Indrid steps back, pulling off his sweater, “Baron Thorne is going to try and hold an entire dormitory of students hostage in forty-five minutes.”

“More than a two hero job?”

Indrid tips his head back, then replies, “it’ll go best with for. I shall alert Barclay and Aubrey.”

“Roger. I’ll get the car.”

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

Duck’s researching potential plants for Dani to modify into non-lethal weapons when the secure elevator dings open and Agent Stern hurries out, looking a kind of excited he hasn’t seen since Barclay’s parents landed their ship to meet their son’s new boyfriend. 

“Gettin the feelin you got good news for me.”

“I do.” Joe pulls out his datapad, “I went through the files we confiscated from Abbadon to find the one on Indrid. It did indeed have his birth date, and you are not going to believe what it is.”

Duck looks at the little boxes of letters and numbers beneath the photo of a much younger Indrid with a much crueler smile. 

“No fuckin way.”

“I know right?” Joe grins, “ I think he’ll get a kick out of that.”

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

“My birthday is on Halloween?”

“Yeah!” Duck looks so happy that for a moment the emotion carries Indrid as well. 

“That is rather fitting. It’s always been my favorite holiday.” He can see it now; little orange lights, a black tablecloth, some cake.

“And it’s three weeks away, so we still got time to plan somethin to mark the day. I was thinkin we could have it Friday, since Halloween is a Saturday and I know at least Barclay and Dani got things they do every Halloween. How’s that sound?”

He isn’t sure. Something circles up from the deep, animal part of his mind, but he can’t name it and so does his best to ignore it. 

“It sounds wonderful.”

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

Indrid cannot escape. Everywhere he turns there are birthdays; on the T.V, in the restaurants he and Duck go to, on cards and balloons when he’s getting groceries 

It’s your big day!

“You don’t turn thirteen everyday”

To my son, on his eighteenth birthday

“To my brother, my favorite partner in crime”

“This week on ‘My Neighbor’s a Werewolf,’ Jamie throws Max a surprise party, and gets a big surprise of his own.” 

When that one flickers across the screen, Indrid clicks the T.V off with a little hiss. He’s tense, feels like the embodiment of the moment a knife-tip meets skin; resistance and resignation in the instant before it all comes pouring out. 

“You got a cake preference?” Duck rests his hand on the couch near Indrid’s shoulder, tone light as he continues, “know you like really sweet stuff, I could get mom’s hummingbird cake recipe from Jane-”

“Whatever you think best.” Indrid flexes and coils his fingers.

“‘Drid, it’s your party, you get to mark the occasion however you want.

“And what if I do not wish to mark it at all?”

“Uh…” Duck clears his throat, “uh, that’s fine too.”

Indrid turns his head to see the expression he knew would be there. 

“That upsets you.”

“N-uh, fuck, I uh, it don’t uh-”

“Duck, please do me the courtesy of not drawing out the lie.”

Ducks shoulders sag, “Guess I’m a little disappointed. I, uh, I was havin fun plannin it with you. Thought I could make up for all the times you didn’t have one.”

“Well, you can’t.” Indrid snaps, stands more dramatically than he means to. He just wants this to be over, wants to stop seeing the memories he thought he’d properly laid to rest, “you cannot make up for what I saw, what was done to me, what I did.”

“I-”

Indrid holds up his hand, “I know you see it as your job to remove all traces of my tragic past that you can.”

“Hold the fuck on.” Duck shakes his head, “Is that what you think I’m doin? ‘Drid, it’s just a party. If you don’t want it you don’t want it, but don’t fuckin pretend this is some indicator of us as a pair.”

“Oh but it is.” Indrid feels his lips curl into an old smile, “you get to play the nice, normal hero making everything better, while all I am is someone to pity, broken long before you ever met me!”

Duck goes still, and in his visions he sees the rats finishing skittering to the far side of Ratopia. It’s at this moment he realizes he’s been yelling. 

“I…I am going to bed. Goodnight.” He hurries down the hall, only bothering to change his pants before crawling under the covers. In most futures, Duck follows him and demands they finish their argument, leading to a far larger fight. But the hero doesn’t come. This gives Indrid time to get his breathing and heart rate back to normal, to try and work out why the thought of his loved ones gathering to celebrate his birth makes him want to disappear into the night. 

He’s not quite asleep when Duck comes in. He’s not quite ready to apologize. As he’s contemplating his options, his boyfriend slips under the sheet and lays in such a way that his right hand is inches from Indrid’s own. 

Without opening his eyes, Indrid slides his fingers across Duck’s palm. Duck shifts to interlink their fingers, and closes his hand. 

Indrid wakes up five hours later in two discrete stages. The first is coming out of the nightmare, of his body registering the need to move, to hide, before his brain is fully back to the present. The second is waking up enough to wonder why he always hides in the closet after these dreams; he didn’t have a closet growing up. 

He creeps into the living room, hoping he hasn’t woken Duck. He has woken Chicken, who decides it’s close enough to her breakfast time to yowl at him until he feeds her. While she crunches her cat food, he opens one of the doors to Ratopia. The mischief is mostly asleep, but at  the sound Void rouses from his spot atop Mallard and scurries over to Indrid’s hands. 

“You forgive so easily.” Indrid murmurs, cupping him in one hand and closing the cage with the other, “or perhaps you just forget with much greater skill than I.”

He knows when Duck is behind him. Without turning, he sets Void on his shoulder and says, “I think I know why I have been so unpleasant tonight. I...I have only ever marked two changes in age; being old enough to face the trials of my order and being sent out to cut down those who dared oppose us. My ‘birthday’ is a harbinger of suffering and death. And I, I know that is not the real truth, but it is the one my body believes, the one my mind has been bracing for without me fully understanding that’s what it is doing. I did not mean to take that fear out on you.”

“‘Drid” Duck’s voice is scratchy with sleep, but when Indrid turns his eyes are alert, “I’m so fuckin sorry. It, uh, it didn’t occur to me that your birthday would be wrapped up so tightly with the shit you went through as a kid. I never meant to push you into somethin you didn’t want.”

“But I do want it!” Indrid shoves his hands into his hair, “I want to have dinner with our friends, to get gifts, to enjoy a thing that millions of people partake in every day. And I am so, so very angry that I cannot, that instead I am dealing with all of this.” He gestures vaguely to himself, then looks at Duck, his body registering safe as the hero joins him by the rat run. When Duck opens his arms, Indrid nestles into them without hesitation. 

“Whatever you decide on, that’s what we’ll do.” 

Indrid hums, snickers when Void clambers onto Duck to tickle his cheek with his whiskers. After the shadows of the past recede in the warmth of Duck’s embrace, Indrid whispers, “I would like to have the party. I would like to help you plan it. But I...I would like a few of the details to still be surprises for me. It might be nice for my birthday to bring me a pleasant one for once.”

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

“Oooh, this looks so cool!” Aubrey sets a gift on the table as she admires the mothman string lights, banners, and balloons, “dang, Duck, didn’t know you had a decorator streak.”

“Don’t get a chance to flex it much. And it’s kinda easy when the theme is so specific.”

“I’m trying to compliment you, doofus.” Aubrey playfully whacks his arm, then squeals, “honey, look, rats in hats!”

“Awww” Dani joins her to regard the mischief in their tiny party hats (only Mallard is still wearing his, the others in various states of tossing them about), “Indrid, did you make these?”

“Indeed, though Barclay made these.” He slides the enclosure open and sets five rat-sized cupcakes on the floor, “which is wonderful, because I did not want them to feel left out. They’re getting them earlier than the rest of us because Barclay is looking for ways to keep me out of the kitchen.”

“It’s your birthday, that means letting someone else cook!” Barclay calls from the kitchen.

“But I modified the blender and the mixer to be self-operating!”

“Wait, what?” Is all they hear before Barclay is drowned out by whirring. 

“Should we help him?” Dani says through their laughter.

“He’s a professional, he’ll be fine.” Joseph steps from the kitchen, his casual wear of jeans and a Loch Ness Monster dress shirt still somewhat jarring to the former villain who only ever saw him in suits, “Aubrey, Dani, can I get you anything to drink?”

“Yes please. Okay doctor, time to play.” Aubrey opens the special hatch in Ratopia and deposits the rabbit, who settles in to be groomed by his smaller friends. 

Dinner is fancy macaroni and cheese and fruit salad, Indrid’s favorites. As Ned regales the table with his latest misadventures in fixing up his new van (“I was unaware an owl could nest in a seat cushion”) Indrid glances at the entryway. 

“Everythin okay?” Duck whispers.

“Yes. I, ah, I simply did not expect so many gifts. I know it’s customary to receive them but I thought you got one or two. Not that everyone brought them.”

“You wanna open them?”

Indrid nods, grinning, “very much so.”

He takes care not to peek at the futures when unwrapping them, wanting to preserve the excitement as long as possible. Aubrey gives him a six pound bag of Lucky Charm marshmallows, Dani sneaks out to the car and returns with a potted plant (“I modified it so that the blossoms will be extra attractive to moths”). Ned gifts him a signed, limited run poster from Red Dust on His Soul, Joseph and Barclay a stack of new romance novels (“I think you’ll like Agent X, it’s a mystery series but he romances quite a few characters in them”). Mama sent a package from West Virginia that contains a small, wooden duck she carved herself and made especially smooth so it would be soothing to rub). And Lydia Little, AKA Sylvia Cold, presents him with a mug declaring him “Favorite Brother.” 

Duck’s present is the last one he opens. Waiting for him in the rectangular box is a white shirt with “World’s Greatest Rat Dad” on the front. The back is covered in squiggle-scratches of five different colors, which Duck explains are signatures from the mischief made in rat-safe fabric paint. 

“It’s perfect.”  Indrid sighs, kisses his boyfriend and then beams at his friends, “it is time for cake.”

They dim the lights, sing to him as Barclay emerges from the kitchen with a massive, mothman shaped cake with lots of candles. To his delight and surprise, the inside is layers of pink and yellow, flavored with strawberry and vanilla. He eats far more than is perhaps wise, but it is his birthday and it is his understanding that such things are allowed.

His guests linger for a few hours more, Aubrey and Dani the last to leave with a reminder to put the plant on the balcony. Indrid waves goodbye, closes the door and arms the security to full. He turns back into the house, sees the cards and gifts his friends put so much thought into locating for him, the stray dishes and half-empty glasses that signify they were here. For him. Because they wanted to be, because they care about him.

“‘Drid? You want any more cake before I put it aw--oh fuck, sugar, what’s wrong.”

“Nothing” he sniffles, grins, “these are tears of happiness. I, ah, I hurried us into cake because I felt them upon me when I opened the gifts. It will take some time yet for me to be willing to show such feelings around our friends.” He wipes his eyes, “thank you, my love, for arranging this.”

“Any time, darlin.”

He smiles, “Have I mentioned lately that you are my hero?”

“Pretty sure you called me that this mornin. But I sure as hell don’t mind hearin it again.”

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

“What is this?” His brother scowls up from the paper plate Indrid passed to him through the complex delivery system keeping his cell from the world around it.

“Cake. Today is our birthday. Did you know that?”

“Who cares for such frivolous things, little brother?”

“Those of us who do not spend our lives steeped in the misery of others, twin brother. If you do not want it, give it back and I shall share it with one of the guards.”

Apollo looks at the cake. Then he kneels on the floor, tearing into it with his hands. He doesn’t eat it what he destroys, and after a moment Indrid grasps why.

“Did you really think I hid some device to help you escape in there?”

“Yes.” His brother is now trying to light stab the cake with his gaze. 

Indrid rubs his forehead, “Perhaps some day you will learn to see things for how they are, not how you believe them to be.” He starts for the door, looks over his shoulder and says softly, “happy birthday, Apollo.”

A slam as his brother strikes the see-through front of his cell, “Get back here this instant you worthless, traitorous, coward!”

The door slides open and Indrid steps into the hall. Joseph is waiting for him, drops his eyes from the security feed to the man in front of him, “what a waste of Barclay’s cooking.”

“Agreed.”

A gentle pat on his shoulder, “You tried, that counts for a lot. Now go enjoy your night.”

“And my knight?”

“Him too.” Joseph waves goodbye, then adds, “and happy birthday!”

Indrid gets home before the city trick or treating hours begin; he’s feeling rather good, all things considered, and Halloween is so beloved by villains that the odds of his evening being interrupted by work are almost none. 

Duck is on the porch lighting their Jack ‘O Lanterns, grinning brighter than all the candles and lights on the block combined when Indrid walks up the steps to join him. He sees in the futures that he’s made him a special, Halloween themed birthday dinner. 

He pulls Duck into a hug, kissing the top of his head with happy sighs, thanking whatever twist of fate pushed him into the arms of the man who was, in many ways, his first-ever pleasant surprise.

[twilightprince101]

Mafia!Wiggle AU

So yeah, I came up with the idea of Wiggle being a mob boss a few days ago and I succumbed to the brain rot. Wrote an entire fic for this idea, introducing her and what she's like.

I got flustered myself writing the tall crime lady. Enjoy!

Mafia Boss Wiggle

“GET YOUR HANDS OFF’A ME YOU MEATHEADS!!” A lanky, roughed up grumpus struggles in the beefy arms of two well-dressed goons. They grip his arms tight with their paws, dragging his body along behind it like an afterthought. “You have any idea what my family will do when-?!”

“Shut your trap already,” the purple goon groaned. They adjust their ornate mask, brushing the sunset and emerald colored feathers out of their eyes. “Honestly, you’re lucky we caught you before openin’ hours, else we’d have to knock your teeth in to keep you from disturbin’ the patrons.”

“Don’t act like yer better than me!” The red grump kicks over a velvet chair from a nearby table as they pass. It clatters against the polished wood floor, echoing through the well-lit nightclub. A bartender--wearing a similar feathered and jeweled mask to the goons--gets up from polishing glasses to set it right. “Don’t you know who I am?! I’m from the Turnpipe family!! My boys’ll storm this place once they hear what you’se done to me! They’ll roast you all over open flames until every last strand of your fur is singed to the flesh!! You’ll be nothing but a naked mole rat for the rest of your lives!!!”

“Heya Cold-Brew, how was your kid’s party last night?” The blue goon holding Turnpipe’s other paw waves to the bartender as he sets the chair upright.

“Went okay. Park got rained out midway through the picnic, so we went to Slaker’s for ‘shakes.”

“Ah, shame. Need any help after I’m done here?” He gestures to their victim as if it were a sack of potatos. The red grump wiggles and yells while scuffing the floor they’re dragged across.

“Nah, should be good here, thanks ‘Stein. Fifteen until the doors open.” Cold-Brew waves back to the goons as he returns to his station, both wave back and smile.

“I SAID LET ME GO YOU INVERTEBRATES!!!!”

“Ugh, honestly why can’t you all say anything original?” The purple grump shakes their head. “Always just ‘let me go,’ ‘I’m with this family,’ ‘You’ll pay for this,’ if you’re gonna keep yappin’ at least say something interesting.”

“I’LL TEAR YOU LIMB FROM LIMB!!!”

“Hehey, he tells jokes!”

The nightclub’s attendants laugh together under the neon spotlights as the intruder’s yells fall on uncaring ears. Past the bar lined with high class alcohol and the grand stage lined with spotlights and the band pit, the three grumps make their way to a door labeled “BACKSTAGE: EMPLOYEE’S ONLY.” With a quick knock and faint response from the other side, the two gently push open the door and leave the main area behind.

“Heya boss,” the purple goon speaks, his voice much more formal. “Found this one tryin’ to bash the front lock open with a brick. Got him before any major damage was done, don’t worry.”

Both grumps lift the intruder up by the shoulders, leaving his legs kicking in the air. It takes the Turnpipe a moment to adjust to the dimmer lighting and he coughs from the lingering cigarette smoke in the air.

“Thank ya’ darlings,” a sultry voice speaks, facing away from the three. The grump thinks that the boss is some shade of pink, but poking above the large mass of pink fluff a sort of golden orange pokes out. Despite being held in the air, the orange grumpus sitting at the table in front of them reaches just below the Turnpipe’s height. “Wouldn’t want him making a mess before our loyal customers come in.”

“Are you these goons’ boss?!” The Turnpipe screams, pointing at the grumpus. “You fucked up now! When the Turnpipes hear of this-”

“They’ll tear us limb from limb, yes hun I know.” The boss speaks calmly, comfortably while applying purple eyeliner via pocket mirror.  “I could hear you all the way backstage, making me consider sound proofing.”

The red grumpus blinks. Despite the goons disregarding his threats earlier, for some reason his mind expected her to take him seriously. He takes a moment to look around the employee’s area, finding various other grumps of size and stature. Some more fancily-dressed grumps put on makeup and practice vocal exercises in large vanity mirrors, while toned tux-wearing grumps check their suits before walking out to the main club area. All of them are wearing the same mask and haven’t given him so much as a glance.

“Now tell me darling,” the boss angles the pocket mirror to address her intruder. Her ice blue iris gives off a sharp, cold gaze that clashes with the warm and comforting atmosphere before. “Why were you trying to break into our lovely establishment? Just couldn’t wait to have some fun, wanted to steal some of our booze perhaps?”

“Wh-no I’m, I don’t care about your stupid club!!” The Turnpipe yells, finding his fury again. “One’a your meatheads shook down my brother! They were on my family’s turf, and I don’t take these insults lyin’ down!”

“I can see that. So you’d rather take it in the air instead?”

Some of the other staff members chuckle as they check themselves for the third time over.

“Du-buh?!” Did you even hear what I said?!” The turnpipe explodes, his enemy’s eyes narrowing in the mirror. “YOUR goons-”

“I heard you clearly.”

The CLICK of the pocket mirror cuts through the smoky air. She places it on the table alongside the bills, fan letters and knives and begins spinning her chair around. It swivels as she sweeps her long legs along with the momentum, poking out of her dark emerald dress. The dark emerald dress’s frills flutter from the sudden movement, draping the boss from her knees to the straps on her shoulders, hidden under her flowing pink mane. With a CLACK of her deep purple heels on stone she sets her crossed legs down and stops the chair in place. Her previous playful gaze is now replaced with one of annoyance, both her icy and greyed eyes narrowed in contempt.

With her clean scar sweeping across her right eye, the boss of the Gilded Dahlias, Wiggle Wigglebottom, sits up fully and rests a paw on her chin while gazing down at her prey.

“I’m just curious as to how you thought you could barge in here and get revenge against my boys, my gang, even me, all by yourself. You certainly don’t have the physique or firepower to do the job, so my first guess is that you’re either full of yourself, or just plain dumb.”

The performers all “ooooooooh~” between them, like a class of 8th graders hearing their fellow classmate called up to the principal’s office.

“I mean-well, I…” The red grumpus searches the floor for the right words, then balls his fists and puffs out his chest. “I’d assume YOU would pay us with respect! Us Turnpipe’s been around longer than you newbies have, so we outrank you!”

“It’s stupidity folks!!” Wiggle cheers and flicks up a paw to announce the results. A few goons groan and dig into their jacket pockets, handing their smiling associates a fat wad of bills. Turnpipe’s hot air dissipates and he deflates once more.

“Damn, third in a row… I’ll treat you to a drink later Wiggle.” A brown-furred performer in a glittery red dress crosses her arms.

“Maybe a milkshake,” The boss peeks over her shoulder, “I overheard Brew talking about Slakers and my sweet tooth’s been acting up lately! Them icy sweets are ‘Callin my naaaame~’.” She sings in a wide vocal range with complete ease, giving her paw a flourish and leaning back as she hums.

“You… You know, just because you’re new it doesn’t mean you’re better than us! Don’t act like you’re a hotshot just because you did a few successful heists!”

“A few? Oohohoho!!” Wiggle peers back, sitting up straight once again. “Goodness darlin’, you are not helping your case right now. Tell me, how many bank heists has your little family done in the past year?”

“Uh… twenty five?”

A tuxed grumpus snorts as he walks out.

“Oh darling…” Wiggle places a palm against her cheek with a pitiful smile. “That’s not even cute, it’s just... sad.”

“Yeah?! Well, I’d like to see you-”

“Fifty three.” Wiggle interrupts. “In the past three months.”

“...wha-”

“Around… how much was it Abra?” Wiggle calls behind her.

“Passed the million mark just last week!” A green grumpus, wearing more casual clothing, peeks out from around a corner leading to an employee hallway.

“Got so much excess profits that even after giving everyone a bonus, I got to turn the rest to my own personal bed!” She waves a paw in the air. “Certainly wasn’t the comfiest experience, but I at least got to check it off my bucket list!”

“I… I don’t…” The Turnpipe’s words do their best to try and search for any rage or anger to grasp onto, but any attempt to feel above her hasn’t worked, not helped by the fact he’s still being held up by the shoulders like a small child. After around ten seconds of stammering, Wiggle sighs and shakes her head.

“You don’t gotta try and act tough anymore darlin’, I think I get what you’re about now…” The sunset grumpus uncrosses her legs and lets her other heel clack on the floor. The Turnpipe’s gaze goes from eye level to slowly upwards, and upwards, and upwards; the boss’s body obscuring the light from one of the vanities. She wraps one of her paws around the grip of a knife lodged into the table and yanks it out. Her prey freezes up in the arms of her trap.

“You didn’t come here so you could avenge your brother or any sappy nonsense like that.” Wiggle circles around the Turnpipe, her heels echoing their clicks with each step while fiddling with the knife in her paws. “You came here so you could try and make yourself feel big and stwong, flaunting your family name as if it were a gun in of itself.”

“I…” Clack. Clack. Clack. It becomes hard to think as each step feels like a hammer and chisel against his brain. Wiggle looks the red grump up and down, drawing invisible lines up and down his torso.

“Since you came in you’ve been talking about your little gang as if you ran it. ‘My boys,’ ‘My gang,’ ‘My my my my my.’ But all that time, being caught up in your own head? It just made your skull more dense. All you are is just some lowly lackey that probably joined, say…” She plants an elbow on the Turnpipe’s head, checking her makeup one last time in the reflection of her knife. “A month ago? Maybe less?”

The frog in her armrest’s throat nearly leaps out of his mouth. His head shrinking down is the only confirmation Wiggle needs.

“You’ve been so caught up in that little bubble of yours, thinking you’re the hottest grump on the block, just because you’re part of a gang. Think just because you have a name to flaunt around and access to guns it makes you powerful. But I’m gonna let you in on a secret little man.” The Turnpipe’s body clenches as Wiggle stands back up and Clacks her way back to his front, eyeing the knife she paws in her hands as intensely as possible.

“Having a name to flaunt around doesn’t bring you power.”

Clack.

“Having guns and knives to hold against people’s throats doesn’t bring you power.”

Clack.

“Having enough money to buy out all of Grump Vegas doesn’t bring you power.”

Clack.’

“But you know what does?”

Wiggle towers above the Turnpipe, patting her razor-sharp knife in her paw. All different rays of light are obscured by her roaring mane, leaving the grump to cower in the arms of her two goons. She Clacks forward, and her goons take a step back. Not out of fear or trepidation though; a quick glance to both of their faces shows the same devilish smile that their boss wears. Clack. Clack. Clack. Clack. Clack. Every single step is like a jolt of ice to his heart, dragging every last little step for an eternity as his entire being trembles in the arms of the two goons. Just the slight bump of the wall on his back knocks out every bit of air in his lungs and he fights to just inhale as his natural predator CLACKS just inches away from him, casting a toothy, ecstatic smile. Her single, silver iris seems to glow in the limited light.

Wiggle grips the knife in a reverse grip in her left hand and begins to raise it. The grumpus tries to close his eyes and look away but she grabs his chin with her other paw and forces his gaze back to her. His attempts to shake his head in a desperate plea are pointless, her paw digging into his fur and keeping him from moving even a centimeter out of place. The glinted metal shines as it finally reaches the zenith of its arc, hungry to tear through red grumpus fur. With nothing left to do all the Turnpipe can do is let tears stream down his face.

With the speed of a bullet and barely giving the Turnpipe a moment to flinch, Wiggle swings down the dagger. Her victim closes his eyes and blurts out a whimper and-

THUNK!!!

…

He’s not dead. His eyes are still fuzed shut but he’s still not dead, he can hear the sounds of the backstage area around him. The Turnpipe forces an eye open to peek at the knife and his skeleton nearly leaps out and books it at the sight. The knife is only a hair’s length away from his cheek embedded into the wood beam he’s pressed against. A sting in his cheek and the running of a warm liquid helps him fill in the gap of what happened. But just a little bit away, the Turnpipe finds something else that makes his body completely shut down

It’s Wigglebottom’s face, just as close to his as the knife.

Her icy and greyed eyes peer into the Turnpipe’s irises, flickering around while high on adrenaline and terror. Her gaze looks past his false-bravado exterior and reaches further, deeper inside him into a dark pit he had tried so desperately to hide. A black, slimy, jittering piece of disgust comes out. Letting the grip on his chin go she traces his chin and speaks in a tone fitting of her now-sultry gaze. Wiggle leans in close, so close that the Turnpipe can smell her rich floral perfume, and whispers into his ear.

“Fear~”

“...”

The Turnpipe’s mind has gone blank. Despite the pounding jackhammer in his chest, the final whisper and breath of hot air from the Gilded Dahlia boss erases his mind, leaving him a whimpering and stuttering mess. A few of the remaining employees from backstage snicker and point at her latest victim, though he isn’t able to process the fact that he’s being mocked. Seeing that the usual routine has worked yet again, Wiggle leaves the knife implanted in the wall and pulls back with a satisfied smile.

“Boys,” she snaps a finger in the air, her tone returning to the playful nature it was before, “drop our newest employee. He won’t be going anywhere anytime soon, should be good to leave him back here for the day.”

Both goons do as they’re told without question, letting the grumpus slump to the floor, his knees having completely given out. He continues to stare at the ground and shake his head, crying as he trembles from the terror just inflicted.

“So what’re you gonna make this one boss?” The purple grumpus asks with a playful smile. “Waiter? Bartender?”

“Nah.” She shrugs with little effort. “He doesn’t really have the looks for either of those. Probably’ll make him our new janitor, been needing a new one after our last one squealed. Feel free to give him the old guy’s uniform, I feel it should fit pretty well.”

The purple goon nods and takes out a sketchpad, writing “Find old janitor’s uniform” at the bottom of the list as they walk past and out towards the main area.

“Alright everyone, hopefully this little show of mine was able to help you get fired up! We got five minutes ‘till the doors open, get those finishing touches done!” The boss claps her hands in the air to her employees, resuming business as usual. “If we’re able to double our profits today I’ll treat everyone to Slakers at the end of our shift tonight! Let’s make tonight a good one darlin’s!”

The warm and familiar chatter of the backstage area continues once more. As every last well-dressed employee strolls out to prepare for the afternoon they pass by their new coworker, neither giving the other a glance. As the front door opens and the excited clamoring of a new audience begins to fill the club, Wiggle peers down at her latest victim, slumped up the hole-ridden wood post on his back. She smirks and gives a content sigh.

“Maybe one day you’ll all surprise me… but until then, I suppose this is just as fun~”

Wiggle ruffles the head of the former Turnpipe like an affectionate puppy, and then walks back to her main office, her heels Clacking and echoing throughout backstage and the red grumpus’s empty mind.

[sourpatchkidsandacokecan]

Little Darlin's Birthday Celebration Writing Challenge

 Rules and things!

You don’t have to be following me, but it would sure be lovely if ya did!

Please signal boost this so it doesn’t flop!

Open for all Marvel and Sebastian Stan characters! (But my favorite is Bucky)

Send me your pairing and prompt in an ask! That way I can keep track of things easier in case tumblr implodes, a url changes, whatever!

One prompt per fic, you can sign up for multiple prompts if you plan to write an individual fic for each.

Use the “keep reading” insert on anything over 500 words

No word minimum or maximum

Use proper warnings please!

No pedo/incest

Fic due date: March 10th, 2020 (my birthday is Feb 25th! but since Bucky’s is so close we’ll end it there)

@ me in the fic when you post and  # it #ldbcwc

If I run out of prompts I will try to find or cook up some more! (no more than 3 people per prompt and I will strikeout prompts when they reach the 3 person limit and are no longer available)

It does not have to be birthday theme’d, I just wanna celebrate my birthday with y'all!

That’s it! Any questions feel free to send them via DM or my askbox

Elizabethtown Quotes

"I'm impossible to forget, but I'm hard to remember."

"I don't know a lot about everything, but I do know a lot about the part of everything that I know, which is people."

"I will miss your lips... And everything attached to them."

"We are intrepid. We carry on."

"You're always tryin' to break up with me and we're not even together!"

"We are the substitute people, remember?"

"No true fiasco ever began as a quest for mere adequacy." @lailannajacobs w/ bucky

"In that moment I knew that success, not greatness was the only god the entire world served."

"Here I thought I was so mysterious." // "Trust me. Everybody is less mysterious than they think they are."

"Do you ever just think I'm fooling everyone?" // "You have no idea." @joannie95 w/ bucky

AU's

Vampire AU

Werewolf AU

A/B/O AU

Fallen Angel AU @jobean12-blog w/ winter soldier, @star-spangled-man-with-a-plan w/ bucky

Hades/Persephone AU

Aphrodite AU

College AU

40s AU

Soulmate AU @wintersoeldiers w/ bucky(?)

Roommate AU @buckybarnesbeans w/ bucky

Fake Dating AU @thatfanficstuff w/ sam wilson

Biker AU @kaunis-sielu

Other Prompts

“You still have all of me, however broken I am.” @locke-writes w/ bucky

“I’ve never thought I deserved this.” @captain-rogers-beard w/ bucky

“Please, just hold me for a while.” @happygowriting w/ stucky

“So, are we still sticking to the ‘I just didn’t sleep well’ story or...?”

“There are other places to stick a thermometer. Don’t think that I won’t.” @bookdragon13 w/ bucky

“You can take care of yourself? You’re on the floor. How’s that working out for you?” @bookdragon13 w/ bucky/clint

“You don’t need my help? So I should just let go of you right now? No? That’s what I thought.” @voila-tout w/ loki

“Sorry my complaints department is closed, please just take your damn meds.”

"You can't keep going on like this! You have to trust someone!" @buckythewhitewolfx w/ bucky

“Bite me,” @sammy-jo1977 w/ matt murdock

Songs (use them however you wish)

Mariners Apartment Complex - Lana Del Rey @s-trawberryv-eins w/ bucky

Finally//Beautiful Stranger - halsey

I Don't Want To Wait - Paula Cole

Drugs & Candy - All Time Low

Molly - Lil Dicky & Brandon Urie

Me and You - Skrizzly Adams

Like It’s Her Birthday - Good Charlotte

Birthday - All Time Low

Birthday Party - AJR

When I Was Young - Blink 182

Clementine - Halsey

Graveyard - Halsey @fandomoneshots-imagines w/ nat

3am - Halsey

Killing Boys - Halsey

929 - Halsey

I Hate Everybody - Halsey

Needy - Ariana Grande

So Far Away - Staind

Control - Halsey @nacho-bucky w/ bucky

Right Here - Staind

Savior - Rise Against

Name - The Goo Goo Dolls

Good Man - Devour The Day

[astoldbygingersnaps]

i made an off-hand post about the frankly way too large playlist i’ve made for star trek au which prompted the lovely @birkastan2018 to ask what songs are on said playlist. i mentioned in the post that a good chunk of the tracks are pretty spoiler-y for what goes down in parts three to five of the fic BUT i can at least post the first half of the playlist, which lines up more with parts one and two. for best listening, i’d recommend keeping the songs in order. (and yes, for the record, i have spent faaaaaaaar too much time on this.)

so, without further ado, feel free to check out the first half of the tracklist for something bigger than sky below the cut!

one. the chain; fleetwood mac

(and if you don’t love me now / you will never love me again / i can still hearing you saying / you would never break the chain)

two. remember my name; mitski

(i need something bigger than the sky / hold it in my arms and know it's mine / just how many stars will i need to hang around me / to finally call it heaven?)

three. the king; conan grey

(crush always making me feel like i got nothing to offer / but i’m the only one that can make you feel right / i'm the only one that you think of at night / baby, don't lie)

four. let’s fall in love for the night; finneas

(i know better / i know better / i know better than to ever call you mine)

five. there’s nothing holding me back (NOTD remix); shawn mendes

('cause if we lost our minds and we took it way too far / i know we'd be alright, i know we would be alright / if you were by my side and we stumbled in the dark / i know we'd be alright)

six. favourite color; carly rae jepsen

(when i'm close to you / we blend into my favourite colour / i'm bright baby blue / fallin' into you, falling for each other)

seven. falling for u; peachy! & mxmtoon

(i'm scared / of telling you how i feel / maybe it's better if i just try to conceal the truth / for me and, for you)

eight. have you ever been in love; the ivy

(i just wanna see it for myself / i never wanna do this alone / have you ever been in love? / i don't think i have, i don't think i have)

nine. tighten up; the black keys

(i wanted love, i needed love / most of all, most of all / someone said true love was dead / and i'm bound to fall, bound to fall for you)

ten. do i wanna know?; arctic monkeys

(i'm sorry to interrupt / it's just i'm constantly on the cusp of tryin' to kiss you / i don't know if you feel the same as i do / but we could be together if you wanted to)

eleven. compass; the neighrbourhood

(i've got something to confess / i'd keep you in my pocket to use / you're my only compass / i might get lost without you)

twelve. satellite; guster

(you're my satellite / you're riding with me tonight / passenger side, lighting the sky / always the first star that i find)

thirteen. talk too much; coin

(you know i talk too much / honey, come put your lips on mine and shut me up / we could blame it all on human nature)

fourteen. eyes off you; phangs

(a chance i wish you would give me / if we're being honest, i really want it)

fifteen. don’t worry, you will; lovelytheband

(i can make you happy for a while / smile for a little / pretending like my heart ain't broke / you think i'm charming for a minute / funny for a second / until i turn into a joke)

sixteen. wicked game; stone sour

(it's strange what desire will make foolish people do / i never dreamed that i'd meet somebody like you / and i never dreamed that i'd lose somebody like you)

[totaldramafan-lauri]

The Far Side

It’s. Finally. Done.

Dear god.....OK, so....this was supposed to be like Dancing With A Stranger - short side thing as a break from the other one I was working on.....but it just.....got WAY outta control. XD

Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t, like.....a LOT longer than Focused On Her or anything. The reason it took soooooo much longer to write is that a lot of crap kept happening IRL that stressed me out to the point where I couldn’t write, or could only work on it in very short doses some days. I skipped a lot of days, unlike with FOH which I was working on daily. They’re actually about the same length, I’d say...but FOH had more stuff in it, definitely.

I think the reason this got outta hand was that, unlike Dancing With A Stranger, where I only went up to the first chorus, I actually went through the whole song here, thinking “It’ll be fine, I’ll just make the segments moderately short!”

......Sometimes I forget just how flipping detail-oriented I am. >__>

The song this fic is based on is “The Far Side” by Aviators, BTW. I heard it one day after being reminded of a certain AU from Discord....an AU based on a concept that I really really like. The song reminded me of it, and......I-I couldn’t resist. >/////>

Despite the fact that I was stressed a lot of the time while writing, I really did try to make this the best that I could. I don’t think this is my best work, but I did enjoy making the dialogue, as usual.....I-I really hope it’s good enough! >///////<

I will warn you, however, that this doesn’t have as much of a story as my other fics. It mainly consists of two characters talking. If that isn’t your thing, you might not wanna read.

WARNING: Implied yandere and very light N/S/F/W!

--- Where'd you get the notion you're only human? You know there's a dark place that will make you something more... ---

How'd you get into this situation?

Oh yeah, you were pressured into it. "It'll be fun", they said. "No one's been in here for decades, maybe we'll find something," they said.

Why couldn't you show some backbone? If you did, maybe you wouldn't be here right now. All you could feel were two things: regret, and fear. You were alone, wrapped in darkness, with no noise to distract you from your thoughts...and the only light being from the candle you were holding.

You couldn't believe you had gotten separated from them. How could you let that happen? You were so stupid...Your group had been small, just you and four other people, each with a candle. You had heard the rumors of the place you were in being haunted...of people hearing voices whenever they'd dare to enter. The last person who tried to search there went in alone, and never came out. No one had gone in there since....not until your thrill-seeking friend and their friends caught word of it. Not that any of them actually believed in...ghosts...but a spooky location that drove its last residents to possible insanity? They should've backed out. And they should've known better than to bring you with them.

But here you were, terrified out of your mind in this dark, unfamiliar place. You didn't know how you had gotten separated...one moment, you were trailing behind them as they wandered down one of the old hallways, and you thought you had followed them into a room, but...maybe it was a different room? You could've sworn you had seen them go into this one, but your eyes didn't deceive you. There was only one light in here: yours.

You frantically called out your friend's name, getting no answer. You called out the names of the others, desperate for some response, but there was still only silence. You felt a lump start to form in your throat, tears coming to your eyes. You were starting to panic.

And then, suddenly, you felt something softly touch your shoulder...and you thought you heard laughter.

--- I could sell a one-way to absolution To the wholly abstract where we'll never drift back ashore ---

You gasped and flinched, your free hand immediately going to the place you had felt the touch, but finding nothing. Oh no...you were getting delirious, weren't you? Or was this some sort of cruel joke?

You yelled out your friend's name again. "Th-this isn't funny!" you shouted, your voice shaking, "S-stop it!"

It was then that you heard the laughter again...a soft giggle, echoing through the room. You began shaking more. "C-come out..." you said, your voice getting weaker, "...P-please..."

"Poor lost little doll...Don't worry, you're not alone~"

You felt your heart skip a beat when you heard an unfamiliar voice. Was there someone else in the room? There had to be...but where were they? You frantically moved the hand that was holding the candle all around you, looking everywhere you could see. "Wh-who's there!?" you shouted, "Wh-where-!?"

"Awww, sorry, but you're not gonna see anything...not with that candle you're holdin'~"

You stepped back in panic when you heard the voice again, and double-checked around the room. You saw no one. No one...there was no one here. This couldn't be real...you had to be hearing things. You were going crazy, and had to get out of there as soon as possible.

You shook your head, trying to regain the little composure you had left before. "No...no..." you muttered under your breath.

That's when you heard the door close behind you, softly, as if it had been pushed by a gust of wind. You jolted and turned towards it, seeing that it was indeed shut. You let out a startled yelp and practically started hyperventilating. How did that happen? There was no one else around who could've done that! In panic, you shouted your friend's name again, hoping that they were outside the door...but the only answer you got was more giggling.

"What's wrong, doll? Why do ya look so scared~? I just want’cha to stay a while...~"

It wasn't real. There was no way this was happening. There was no way...they were right...

"Ghosts don't like light!" one of the people in your group had said, "We should all bring a candle."

You hadn't believed them. There was no way that the place was really, honestly haunted, right? It was just a rumor. Just a way to get a rise out of people. But still, the idea of possible danger had caused your friend to shake with excitement, so you went along with them. It wouldn't be so bad, you thought. It was just an old, abandoned house...nothing else...

Nothing else...

You darted for the door, reaching for the knob with your free hand, and opened it, looking back into the hallway. You cried out for your group.

"It's better that you're not with them anymore..."

"S-stop!" you shouted in panic, hitting your head against the door.

"No one can bother you anymore~" the voice practically purred, right in your ear. You felt a light touch on your shoulder again, "Everything will be OK~..."

"STOP!" you shrieked, hitting your head again before bolting down the hallway as fast as you could. You didn't remember which way you had come, and your limited vision didn't help that at all. But you just wanted to get as far away from that room as possible. You could try and backtrack once you could think straight again.

You turned a corner, trying your best not to drop your candle out of your shaking hand. Why did this place have to be so dang big? Why did people build such big houses? If it was smaller, maybe someone could've heard you scream...and someone could come help you, and comfort you, tell you it's just in your head...

You ran past a few doors, not bothering to stop to check them. Then you reached a flight of stairs. It hit you that maybe your group had gone up there, and that's why they didn't hear you. So, you trudged up the stairs, panting heavily from running.

As much as you hated it, it wasn't long until you had to stop to catch your breath. You leaned against a wall for balance. You were far enough away from that room now, right? You tried to straighten out your thoughts, but it was hard when you were still recovering from such a rush of adrenaline...You had to calm down.

"Why are you still tryin' to look for them? They're not gonna help you!"

There was the voice again, echoing through the hallway you were now in. Your eyes widened and you instinctively tried to start running again, but you had no energy left, so it was more like a fast walk. You really needed to get in better shape.

"Or is it me? Are you tryin' to get away from me, hmmm?"

"G-go...away..." you protested weakly, speaking more to yourself.

"But I just wanna talk, that's all~"

"S-stop..." you panted. You stopped walking and started pulling at your hair, whining pitifully. "I-it's not real...y-you're not real...s-stop!"

Whenever you acted like this...like a scared child...you would occasionally get pity from others, but usually, you'd get told to grow up and act tougher. But that never worked. Every time you tried to toughen up, you'd always fail miserably...Maybe that's why you had agreed to come here - to prove you weren't afraid. But now, you once again failed, and reverted back to your natural state. Timid, and a nervous wreck. A victim to the voices in your head.

You just wanted it to stop...

Silence filled the hallway for a moment, as you stood there stiffly with your eyes squeezed shut...and then, you felt something trail up your back. It was a gentle touch, soft as the wind. You flinched as it reached your shoulder, slowly trailing over it.

"How real did that feel, doll~?"

This...was not in your head.

--- I've been living on the far side I've been leaving footprints in your mind ---

"I did tell you ya weren't alone! You should'a believed me~"

The voice echoed, every word coming out smooth as butter. It was a feminine voice, sickeningly sweet yet playful, laced with a slight accent.

Your body had become frozen in fear, like a deer in headlights. It was as if your mind had stopped working. You couldn't deny it. You couldn't come up with any explanation. That touch was real...you couldn't have made that up.

"I really am here...ya can't see me, not right now...but I promise, I am~..."

You opened your mouth, and all that came out was a tiny squeak. You couldn't bring yourself to do anything else. You didn't wanna open your eyes and see no one there. You didn't wanna believe this was happening. There was a creeping sense of dread building in your gut as you gathered the facts as best you could. You were in the presence of someone you couldn't see. And whoever this was...had the ability to touch you.

You felt like you were truly in danger.

You almost wished that it was all in your head at that point. Your fear allowed you to move again, shaking your head and taking a few steps back.

"Skittish little kitten, arent'cha? C'mon, don't be like that~"

There was another soft touch, felt all around you...like a pair of arms wrapping around you from behind. You gasped, your body stiffening once again. You wanted to run away, but you knew you couldn't. Whatever this force was would keep following you. And this feeling of being held in place...you knew you could easily break free, but for some reason, you couldn't. Was it fear? Did you not want to agitate...whatever or whoever this was?

The voice spoke again, right in your ear. "Shhhh...just relax...Everything will be OK, as long as you're with me..."

A shiver raced up your spine at the sound. A tone of voice that would normally be considered...soothing...Was this being trying to calm you down, or was it a trick? If there was anything you wanted more than anything, it was to be assured you were OK...but you felt like you shouldn't let your guard down...Still, maybe it wouldn't hurt to try talking to it...

You gulped before attempting to speak again. "Y-you...A-are you a...a...?"

"A ghost? Is that what you're tryin' to say?" There was a giggle. "Well, what else can I be~?"

So it was true...Everything you heard was true. There really were ghosts in this place...and you were in the arms of one. What could you even do next? You gulped again, feeling how dry your mouth was from all the yelling. If you ran, you'd just be followed. If you left, you'd feel guilty that you'd be leaving your friend and the others inside. But maybe they'd already left without you? Where were they? You knew you had to find them...but how?

"But I don't wanna scare you...I never did," the voice echoed into your ear again, "Maybe a rattle ya a little, but not too much...All I wanted was to talk to you...And hold ya, mmmm, just like this..." You felt something rest on your shoulder. "From when I first saw you, I knew that's what I wanted...I'd never seen someone look so lonely in a group before...I could tell, those other guys didn't care about ya at all. They would've easily left ya in the dust if they wanted...And someone like you, so small, so cute, deserves much better...So I just had to take you away~"

You took in every word you heard with disbelief...It wasn't the kind of thing you expected to hear from a ghost. It - she - thought you were...lonely? And wanted to help you?

You weren't lonely, though, were you? You had friends. No matter how different they are, they still talked to you. They wouldn't have brought you here if they didn't like you, right?

"Y-you're wrong...about them..." you said, voice shaking, "Th-they're my friends, and they wouldn't...l-leave me. Y-you don't know them..."

"I know their TYPE, though," she replied, "Always excited about the next big thrill...Not ever wantin' to stop and take a breather...Puttin' their dreams above anyone who cares about 'em. The second you start fallin' behind, they don't look back to see if you're still there...They'd happily leave ya behind, waitin' for them to come back for you..."

"Th-they wouldn't-!"

"Shhh...I saw. They never looked back to check on you...They didn't even care about how spooked ya looked...It was so sad! Trust me, doll...ya might not think you can do better, but you can..."

There was a trace of irritation in her voice as she talked about your group. You were about to disagree again, but then you thought about it...You didn't wanna come here, but they had made you. And you couldn't say no to your friend. It had always been like that...you were always going along with whatever you were told, because you were scared of saying no. But what did they do in return?

You were constantly stressed out, and they didn't try to understand you. They never slowed down for you. But...you never minded. You didn't wanna feel like a burden.

She was wrong...you really couldn't do better...And you didn't want to! They liked you! It was fine! You were fine!

"Are your feet tired, after our game~?" she asked you, interrupting your thoughts, "You're in luck~" You felt her let go of you. You shivered, realizing how odd it felt. "Two doors down on the left, doll...That's my room~...Go there if you wanna take a break, OK?"

She was right...your feet were aching. You really wanted to sit down. You were not used to running that much, and your body was crying out in exhaustion. It was really starting to dawn on you that maybe this ghost really didn't want to hurt you...maybe she was telling the truth. But it could also be a trap...

"I...should really keep looking..." you protested weakly.

You felt something brush against your back, softly, trying to push you forward.

"Awwww, but it doesn't have to be too long...C'mon~"

"B-but..." your voice trailed off, and you hesitated. You thought of a possibility - If you stayed in one room, maybe they would eventually find you. If they really were still here, and didn't leave without you...they must've noticed you were missing by now. And if they did find you...then you would be proving her wrong. She'd get proof that they cared...and so would you.

You finally took a step forward, holding your candle in front of you to illuminate the hallway the best you could. Then you walked to the room she had recommended.

"Very good!" she said excitedly, as she was surely following you, "No more running...I don't want ya to waste your breath, kitten, when I could take it away myself~"

It was strange. You couldn't help but still feel on edge. You were lost, couldn't escape, and were resorting to following a ghost's orders while in her domain. This could easily go bad for you. And you knew that.

Yet, you felt heat rush to your cheeks...

--- Tell me all your secrets I could be your key to the afterlife ---

You opened the door and looked around the room she had called hers. It was a large bedroom, one that no doubt would've looked very nice without the signs of age everywhere. There were old stuffed animals scattered all over the floor and on the bed, and the walls were a pastel pink. It wasn't the kind of taste you imagined she'd have, but you didn't dwell on that too long. You were just happy that it looked safe.

While you were looking around, the door closed behind you, letting you know that she had followed. "I know it's a bit...childish," she said, "The girl who lived here before me was quite...innocent...and loving..." her voice got lower as she said those words, before quickly switching back to her normal tone. "But I don't mind too much~"

You looked around more, a bit scared to touch anything. She was right, there was a bit of a childish feel to the room, which made you feel uneasy. "Can I...sit down...?" you asked nervously.

"O'course ya can. That's why you're here, isn't it~?" she answered with a giggle. "Oh golly, it's been so long since I've brought someone in here..."

You slowly walked over to the bed and pressed your hand to it, testing its softness, and then you finally sat down, stretching your legs in front of you. It felt so good to be off your feet, after what felt like hours. You reached over and sat your candle down on the nightstand close by, keeping it close to you still, and breathed a sigh of relief. This was no doubt the most content you'd been up to this point in the old house. You still hoped you could leave soon, as you were still uneasy being in the presence of a ghost in an unfamiliar place...but you decided that this was better than wandering around.

Your thoughts once again wandered to your group, wondering where they could be, or if they'd already went by here before you got there...how unlucky that would be...

Your thoughts were interrupted by a cold touch trailing up your arm, causing you to inhale sharply. Her touches were so light, yet they always made you react like that, and you didn't like it. You didn't wanna keep being the "skittish kitten" she saw you as...but you knew you couldn't help it. That was just how you were.

"P-please stop...doing that..." you said shakily, looking down at your hands, folded on your lap.

Her chuckle echoed through the room, sounding very close, and you let out a small peep when you felt something on your cheek. Your hands went to cover your face. What was she even doing? Didn't she say she didn't wanna scare you? Was she...trying to do something else? No, there was no way...

"N-no!" you squeaked as you gave yourself a few slaps on the cheek. "Stop!"

More laughter filled the room, louder this time. She was clearly enjoying making you react. "Y’know I can't hurt ya, right?" she said, "Not that I'd ever want to~..."

Her touch moved to the top of your head, slowly stroking it, as if praising a pet. You squeezed your eyes shut at that sensation, freezing up for a moment. "A-ah..." you attempted to keep speaking, "But still...y-you can't..." your voice trailed off. Her gentle petting didn't cease, and for a moment, you felt your walls start to come down. You didn't wanna admit it, but despite how light it was, it felt...good. However, you were able to quickly snap yourself out of it and place a hand on your head, hoping it would make her stop.

Luckily for you, she seemed to let go from that. "Don't worry your pretty lil' head, doll~" she said, her voice a croon, "You're safe here~..."

You tried your best to hide the shiver that raced through you. "I'm not sure...if I should believe you..." you mumbled.

She claimed that she wouldn't, and couldn't, hurt you. But you were still wary. You couldn't see her. Yet she could see and feel you. You couldn't help but think that was unfair.

"I understand that it's not easy to trust me...but I'll treat ya well anyway, babe! I'll be better to ya then they ever could..."

She was referring to your group again, wasn't she? She really didn't like them. You were again tempted to leave the room, and her, to look for them again...but you wanted to prove her wrong. And so you'd stay here. With her...

You hoped you wouldn't regret this.

You chose not to reply to her that time, and when you didn't, she spoke again. "What's wrong? Worried about them? You're so sweet, carin' for people who aren't thinkin' about you...But I assure ya, they're just fine! I didn't touch 'em at all! I just wanted you, doll~"

Her touch returned, this time trailing up one of your arms, causing you to shrink back. "And now...I have you..."

Her voice had gotten deeper, and somehow, smoother as well. Your heart started beating faster, in what you assumed was fear. You tried to tell yourself not to be scared...that, again, she couldn't hurt you. But it didn't work...your heart raced, and you felt heat rise in your face. You gulped, and scooted closer to your candle.

"Calm down~" she crooned, her voice back to its normal tone, like that hadn't even happened, "You're gonna be here a while, doll...Ya wanna be jumpy like this the whole time, hmmm~? Or do ya wanna relax?"

You tried to find your words again, but it was difficult. Your mouth had gotten dry, your thoughts, fuzzy...and you didn't fully know why. Fear had never affected you like that before. It was almost as if...you couldn't finish that thought. "It's..." you stuttered, "...k-kinda hard to relax right now...Sorry..." Did you just apologize to her? What was wrong with you? This wasn't the kind of situation to be polite in! You mentally slapped yourself for that.

Another chuckle, this one softer and less sinister. "It's OK...just take it little by little. You'll see that you're in good hands...you'll see that you can trust me...because I'm not leavin' your side~"

It was official - you were stuck with her as long as you were here. Maybe it was because you didn't wanna be all alone, but, for the first time...that thought didn't scare you. Maybe...it wouldn't be so bad.

--- Feel the rhythm in my cold heart I could make your soul a work of art ---

"Let's start with something simple! Tell me your name~"

You fell silent, unsure if you should answer that request. You didn't know what kinds of things she was capable of. Could she leave the house? Could she look for you? You weren't sure, and you didn't know if it was safe to ask.

"C'mon, I wanna get to know ya better...I'll let you know me better too! Does that sound good? You scratch my back...and I scratch yours~?" the point was emphasized with a slow touch trailing up your back.

You thought about it a bit more, as you looked down at your hands. She'd made it clear what she wanted - not to hurt you, not to scare you...but to talk to you, nothing more. In fact, with the things she said, it almost felt as if she wanted to make you happy. Of course, it was hard to tell how honest she was, especially with the playful way she talked to you. You had a hard time reading ordinary people, so reading someone who's face you couldn't see...it felt impossible. But she wasn't leaving. You had to accept that.

And you couldn't deny that the opportunity to learn more about her in return certainly sparked your curiosity...

Just as you were contemplating it, she asked the very thing you were trying to ask yourself.

"Cant’cha give me a chance?"

You took a deep breath, hoping this wouldn't come back to bite you. You mumbled your name under your breath.

She repeated it. "Is that it?" You nodded shyly. "What a cute name...It fits you~" You felt your face flush at that. "Thanks so much for sharing it with me~"

"I-it's fine..." you stuttered, "A-and...no one has ever said that to me before..."

"What? That your name is cute? Or that YOU'RE cute~?" she asked with a chuckle.

Nerves built inside of you, causing your stuttering to get worse, to the point where you were fighting to not stumble over your words. "I-I...um...No way...Y-you're lying, like, it's a j-joke right? I-I'm not..."

"You're just provin' my point there, doll~"

You looked at the wall, doing the best you could to avert your eyes from her, even though you couldn't see her. You wanted to hide your burning face. No one had ever called you cute before...Even though you couldn't fully tell if she was serious, you didn't know how to react...A ghost complimented you, and you were flustered. It was embarrassing.

--- Just a touch of heaven Walking with the dead makes you feel alive ---

You felt something softly cover both your hands on your lap, making you flinch and look over again. Not that you really had any reason to...you saw nothing there. But, you could imagine her there, looking you in the eyes, as she placed her hands over yours...

...Why didn't that thought scare you?

She said your name again...Your name, coming from her smooth voice, echoing throughout the room...Your thoughts escaped you, and you sat there silently, not pulling away. For the first time in what felt like forever, you felt yourself start to relax.

"Doll...Have you ever had a best friend?"

You willed yourself to speak again, as if snapping yourself out of a trance. "O-oh, uh...a best friend?"

"Yeah! Y'know, someone you can open up to...Someone you can tell aaaall your secrets to...Someone you can trust with everything~..."

You paused, trying to think into your past. Was there ever someone you felt you could tell anything to? Or have you always been scared to do that? "...No," you answered truthfully, "I've had friends before...b-but never a best friend..."

She hummed. "Mmmm, that's sad...But I know the world out there is full of fake friends who'd never treat ya well..." she said softly, as you could very slightly feel your hand being stroked, "I'd never treat ya like that. I'd never make ya feel like ya don't matter...I can show ya what it's like to have a best friend~"

Her words were soft, and in a way...caring. Maybe you were simply losing the ability to fight back, but...it felt like she was being honest. Having someone to be there for you, to comfort you...a special someone like that...was that what you wanted? With your current friends, you were always scared to open up, worried that they wouldn't like you anymore. To have someone who you know wouldn't do that, no matter what...you couldn't deny how nice that sounded. But...was this really the right place for that?

You didn't know what to say...she had left you stunned. It felt like you were...melting. Maybe...you should trust her...even for a little while...

"Oh! I almost forgot!" she said, "Call me Spinel~"

And just like that, you knew her name. You repeated it back to her. "Spinel...?" your voice was weak, unsure, "L-like...the birthstone?"

"Exactly that, toots~"

What a unique name...Spinel. You didn't say it out loud, but...it fit her.

--- We could take a ride on the road to paradise You'll abandon your bones for a desolate home away ---

"It's your turn to ask a question now. Fire away~"

You were taken aback when she said that, having had no idea you were taking turns. "Oh, um..." You paused, trying to think. What should you ask first? She'd given you the opportunity to learn more about her, and you wanted to take it...Maybe knowing more would make you more comfortable. But you had no idea where to start. Should you start with her past? Should you ask her...what she looks like? If she even has an appearance at all...? Was it OK to ask questions like that? Would she even tell you the truth?

While you thought it over, she said nothing, but you could still feel her ‘hands’ on top of yours, so you knew she was still there. She was being patient with you...She really did want you to talk to her. It was hard to believe...

Finally picking a question, you spoke up again. "How long...have you been here?"

"How long? Hmmmm..." now it was her turn to stop and think, "...Sorry, doll, I lost track of exactly how long! It's been longer than you've been alive, though, I know that much!" she said, in a casual way.

"R-really? That long?" you asked incredulously. You supposed it made sense, with how old the mansion was. Was she as old as the place? Or even older? Had she always lived here, since she was...alive? Was she even alive before? More questions popped up in your mind, your curiosity rising.

"Y'know what? Go ahead and ask another one. Maybe I'll give ya a real answer this time~"

"N-no, it's fine! I'm fine with the answer I got!" you said quickly.

"But ya look so curious! Y'wanna follow it up?"

You were embarrassed that you were so easy for her to read. Again, you avoided the big questions about her appearance and her death. You wanted to try to be polite to her, and treat her as a person and not a ghost. After all, she had asked you to give her a chance, and you decided to do just that. "Do you, um...live alone...?" you asked nervously.

"Yes, I do," she answered, "But there are more of us. I do go out and mingle with other spirits like me sometimes...We like watchin’ humans, when we can find 'em...Lurin' away groups and splittin' them up is our favorite thing!" she giggled, "But most of the time, I stay here."

So there were more...That thought made you uneasy. Knowing there were other ghosts, possibly ones not as social as Spinel was, out there somewhere...and they like luring humans...You should've known you couldn't be the only one who's caught her attention. You weren't special enough.

Just as fear started to build up in your body again, you felt her stroking your hand again, as if she sensed it. "But don't worry. We don't mess 'em up...That's not what we like doin'~...We just like playin', and talkin', like this~"

So...all ghosts, or at least the ones like her...they were all affectionate, like her? You found that hard to believe, but you had no way of proving it false. And she had no reason to lie to you at the moment.

"But so far...none of 'em have been the special someone I want..." she added, softly, "No one wanted to stop and chat for long...and I never got to make 'em truly happy...But you, doll, you're different..."

Her words had made you think. Was that really all she wanted...? Was that true? Everything she said to you to calm you down, ease your fears...Part of you had wanted to believe it, and now, all of you wanted to believe it. All this time, Spinel was alone, and wanted a...a...

"S-special...someone...?" you asked.

"That's right..." she said, in a voice just above a whisper.

Her touch left your hands at last, but you weren't free for long. You felt her softly stroke your cheek, causing goosebumps all over your skin. You inhaled sharply at the sensation.

"Maybe I'll get to..." her voice trailed off.

Your body was frozen, and the tone of her voice caused a feeling in your chest that, for once, wasn't fear at all. When she didn't finish the sentence, you longed to know the rest. What was she going to say to you? You felt like you needed to know. "G-get...to...wh-what...?" you asked, your voice coming out breathier then you had wanted it to.

After you asked that, she immediately released your cheek, leaving you to bend forward, letting out a breath you didn't realize you were holding. "Whoops, I almost got ahead of myself! It's my turn to ask now!"

"B-but...what...were you gonna say?" you asked her. "Wh-what...?"

She chuckled. "Eager, arent'cha? Well, good to know you aren't scared anymore~" she teased, "Don't worry...you can ask me later! I'm not goin' anywhere, remember~?"

Your face flushed, and you looked down at your hands again. Why did you have to get so caught up in the things she said? Did it even really matter, if you weren't gonna come back after this? Your group was probably looking for you right now, and here you were, wondering what she was going to say to you...as if it was important...

But you couldn't help it. She was getting to you.

--- Have you seen the watcher's castle born of ice? It's a comforting hold for the wandering souls to stay ---

"You were forced to come here, right?"

You nodded. "Mhm..."

"So, did you know anything about this place before ya got here...or, perhaps, had you heard things?"

"I thought we were asking one question each...and that's two..." you said, in the most deadpan voice you could muster. You tried your hardest to seem like you didn't care, embarrassed about what just happened.

She giggled in response. "Oh, you! Y’know that first one doesn't count, since I already knew the answer~!"

Of course she already knew you were forced here. She had told you the reason she took notice of you is that she'd seen how scared you looked. Even when you tried to hide how much you didn't wanna come, someone still noticed...Thinking of that again, you realized that Spinel read your emotions better than your friend did. How did that work?

And she made it seem like...she cared about you so much already...It was an odd feeling.

"I-I know," you replied after a pause, "I was just messing around, that's all..."

"Tryin' to show me some sass, huh, kitten? Better watch out, 'cause I'm callin' the shots here..." she said teasingly, "...and ya can't hurt me with those claws of yours~"

You weren't sure if it was just your imagination, but the way she said that sounded almost flirtatious, in a way. You turned your head away from your candle in an attempt to hide your flushed face in the darkness...a futile attempt, for sure, given she lived in darkness. You attempted to keep calm while your heartbeat picked up speed.

"You OK there~?"

You subconsciously started jiggling one of your legs in your nervousness. "I-I'm fine...!"

"You gonna answer me, theeeeen~?" You flinched as you felt something trail up your chest very slightly, and you moved back a bit.

"I-I didn't know too much!" you stuttered, your voice cracking a little, "A-all I knew was that it was old, a-and no one has lived here for decades, a-and..." you paused, "...that people went insane in here...s-said they heard voices! B-but I was told not to believe that part...L-like it was a rumor..."

She chuckled. "You thought you wouldn't find anything? And how did that work out for ya~? How does it feel, knowin' that the rumors are true, huh~? And now that ya know not to be scared..." you felt her again, running through your hair, as her voice got quieter and whispier...more sultry, "Talkin' to me right now...does it thrill ya, doll~?"

Your voice got caught in your throat as you sat there wide-eyed, like your brain had stopped working. The feeling in your chest intensified at her words...it was a fluttery kind of feeling, one that you hadn't felt in a very long time. You didn't know how to react to it. You didn't know how to respond to her. Yet your thoughts raced, trying to catch up.

Does it...thrill you? Does she think that you like talking to her? Why would you enjoy sitting in the dark, in an old abandoned bedroom, talking to someone you can't see? You already had enough conversations with voices in your head, and this was no different then that...except it was way creepier!

...But...it wasn't. You could feel her there. And she was listening to you, in her own way...Giving you all her attention, saying things to you that no one else had ever said before...

...But no...there was no way that you were enjoying this. You were just waiting for your group to find you, that's all...right?

"N-no..." you attempted to speak. "I-I just- ah-" you were cut off when you felt something brush your lips.

"You're not weaselin' your way outta this. If ya really didn't like bein' here, with me...ya would'a left already, is that right~?"

You shook your head. "N-no! I-! I'm just w-waiting for my friends!"

You were too flustered to speak confidently, even though that was something you had an excuse for. You had agreed to come with her so you could prove her wrong about your friends! Prove to her that they really did care about you, and wouldn't leave without you! While it's true that you could leave the room at any time, it would be better for them to find you...

But...how long has it been?

Your heart sank as your thoughts went back to them. "I just...thought they'd be here by now..."

"Awww, don't look like that...I'll gladly let ya stay here with me for as long as ya like~..."

And just like that, the fluttering was back. Though a part of you still resisted her, it was getting harder to pretend. And hearing her say that to you...it brought you a joy that you didn't think you could feel. Maybe she did thrill you after all.

"I-I guess I will, then..." you said, still trying to keep a straight face.

--- I've been living on the far side I've been leaving footprints in your mind Tell me all your secrets I could be your key to the afterlife Feel the rhythm in my cold heart I could make your soul a work of art Just a touch of heaven Walking with the dead makes you feel alive ---

"It's your turn to ask again~" she said in a sing-songy way, snapping you out of the daze you had started to fall into.

"O-oh, right..."

You paused, trying to think of a good question for her. Something she'd feel comfortable answering. But all you could think of at first was the thing you were most curious about.

'What do you look like?' You wanted to ask her that so bad. You wanted to attach a face to the voice talking to you all this time. But...you chickened out yet again. Your mind went through every single negative outcome it could to dissuade you from asking her that, and it worked. You didn't wanna accidentally offend her if she didn't actually have a form, or if it counted as bringing up stuff from a possible past. And you couldn't help but think that...maybe this was a case where you didn't want to know the answer.

But still, she was so mysterious...and you felt increasingly curious about her, against your better judgement. So, you searched your mind for another question. Not wanting to keep her waiting, you asked the first one that came to your mind.

"So, uh..." you talked slowly, trying to avoid stuttering more, "You said that there are more...like you..."

"Yes, I did~"

"Well...where can one find them...? Like...is there a certain place you meet...?"

"Not really! Sometimes here, sometimes other places...as long as it's not crowded, where we can find small groups at a time, really! But, doll, y'know you could always come right back here if ya wanna see me again~" As she said this, you felt her on one of your shoulders and one of your cheeks.

"Wh-wha...?" your face flushed brightly, and just like that, the stuttering returned, "N-no, that's not it-! I-I was just curious!"

She chuckled, and you could hear it close to your ear. You let out a flustered squeak at the sound, trying to scoot away more and hitting the nightstand, causing your candle to wobble. You were immediately embarrassed at such a reaction. After trying your best to not seem scared of her, you just had to do that. All she was doing was teasing you! It wasn't that big a deal!

"Hey, hey! Careful there~" she said, clearly amused, as you felt her let go of you, "Did I startle ya? I'm sorry..."

"N-no, it's fine! It's fine!" you said quickly, waving your hands in front of you, "I-I'm..." you looked down in embarrassment, "...always like this..."

'I'm always like this'. You felt like you said that a lot. Whenever people apologized for making you freak out in any way, you'd say that to make them not feel bad. You never wanted anyone to feel bad for how you were...And that was the case even then. She wasn't just a ghost, she was someone who was being nice to you. And...you didn't wanna blow it.

Even if...there was a chance you'd never see her again...

"You really are such a cute little thing, doll..."

You were not expecting such a comment. You were about to disagree, when you once again felt your head being stroked lightly. "I really am sorry, y'know..." she said softly, "But I really just can't help myself...when ya look like this~..."

Her touches were always so light, it felt like they were barely grazing you. Yet, they never failed to make you go crazy. You couldn't explain why...Maybe because it was a sensation you weren't used to. You were always so distant, and averse to being touched...so, now that it was happening, it felt so foreign to you, so new...At first, you weren't sure if you liked it, but now...it was almost...comforting...

You fell into silence, sitting still as she pet you, your body relaxing bit by bit. "Do ya like that~?" she asked, voice still soft. "Awww...you really are like a kitten..."

Normally, words like that would be considered condescending...but this time, you didn't mind it. The thing you tried to disprove now didn't bother you at all. What was she doing to you?

"Stay like this for me~..." she crooned.

--- Oceans away from home Deep in the danger zone, I'll carry you ---

And so, you stayed like that, sitting with her in the dark old bedroom. And the longer you talked to her, the more you forgot why you were there. It felt like time had stood still. You lost track of exactly how long it had been, because you no longer cared. You just wanted to stay with her...

You continued asking each other questions for a bit, but even that little game was forgotten when she asked you what kind of things you like to do. You told her about your hobbies, describing your favorite things with enthusiasm. It was normally embarrassing how caught up in things you got, but with her, it wasn't. She sounded genuinely interested, and whenever you'd pause to let her speak, she'd tell you to continue. Even when she'd never heard of video games before, a testament to her age, and you had to try and explain what they were to the best of your ability, it never seemed like you lost her interest. On the contrary, she sounded very impressed that such things existed.

All the while, her feather-light touches continued grazing you...On your head, your face, your arms, your back...all over. Every single one assuring you that you weren't acting like a little kid talking to an imaginary friend...this was real. She was real.

The first time you cracked a smile at her, she immediately took note of it. "What a cute smile you have~" she cooed, in a way that made your heart flutter.

Her voice, which had once frightened you, now had a different effect on you altogether. Once you accepted her, you realized just how good it sounded...Playful, yet sweet and comforting at the same time...and able to switch to smooth and sultry at the drop of a hat. The things she said to you where things you had only dreamed of before, and her giggles and chuckles were like music to your ears. How could you ever have been scared of her?

She was like your dream come true...and yet, there was something missing. Something that increasingly bothered you.

As you talked, you tried your hardest to try and see where she was. Maybe she wasn't completely invisible to you...maybe there was some way you could see her. You tried squinting your eyes. You tried looking for extra shadows cast by the light of your candle. But nothing worked. You saw nothing.

The fact that you met someone like this, who made you so happy, but you couldn't see her...It felt so longing...

You tried to fill the gaps in your mind, by imagining a beautiful woman before you. She was tall, had gorgeous eyes, and wore a playful smirk on her face as she teased you. But, as much as you liked that image...that was only in your head. Was it right to project your desires onto her? Why did this bother you so much? You could still hear her, and feel her...that should be enough. She was a ghost. You shouldn't be expecting more...and yet...

"So~...what else do ya know about us?"

You were still sitting on the bed, having just finished a snack you had pulled out from your bag. You took a long gulp from your water bottle as you could feel her pressed against your back, and draped over your shoulders from behind, when she suddenly asked that.

"Huh? What else...?" you asked, taken aback, after you finished your drink.

"C'mon, toots, there's gotta be something else, and I can tell what~"

There was something you knew that you hadn't told her? What could that be? You thought you'd told her everything you'd heard, which wasn't much...but then it hit you, when you turned to look at your candle, still burning brightly.

"Light..." you mumbled.

"What about it?"

"I-I was told that...you don't like the light," you said, thinking back to what your friend's friend told you all, "That's why we all brought candles, instead of only a few of us..."

"Is that all~?" she asked you, sounding a bit excited.

"Yeah, it is..." you sighed, "When I said that I knew next to nothing, I meant it...S-sorry..."

"Don't be, doll..." she assured you, "I didn't expect ya to know everything..."

Was there something you didn't know, that you should know? Worry began flooding your mind as you thought it over. "Does the light...hurt you...at all?" you asked. You felt awful already...after all, she'd been around you for this long...Why didn't she tell you? You didn't wanna cause her any harm!

Once again, her chuckle rang in your ears. "No, it doesn't hurt at all!" You immediately breathed a sigh of relief, and a strand of your hair twirled in the air as she spoke, "You're so sweet, worryin' about a ghost like that...What did I ever do to deserve meetin' someone like you~?"

Your face flushed yet again, a sight that she was likely used to by that point. She was very skilled at making that happen. "I-I..." you began, but your voice trailed off. 'I should be the one asking that'. That's what you were about to say...but you stopped yourself. Were you worried about coming off as cheesy, or...did you not want to spill out too much of your feelings to her at once? That's what you always avoided doing...and now that you found yourself liking her, you were really cautious about your words. Opening up was not easy for you. "Th-that's good," you started over. "I wouldn't really call myself sweet, though..."

"Well, I would, and I'll say it over and over again until you believe me~"

You hang your head, looking down at your lap as you picked at your fingers nervously. "I-I'm not sure if I could believe you..." you said timidly, "Because...you don't know me well enough..."

"But I know enough!" you felt her touch trail down your cheek, slowly, "Enough to tell you're nothin' but sweet...Oh so sweet~..."

You didn't know how to respond to that. Yet again, she said something that no one else had ever told you before. The idea of someone like you - antisocial, cowardly - being seen as "sweet" in any way was a foreign concept to you. Normally, you would brush comments like those off, excusing them as being made by people who didn't know what you were really like...or, in some cases, you'd think it was creepy. But with Spinel, it was different. For some reason...hearing her praise you made you feel good, and...you wanted to believe her.

"You are right about one thing, though! It's true that I don't like that candle of yours~" she continued, as she twirled your hair, "And while I already just love bein' here with you...to really make me happy, you could blow it out..."

That comment caught you off guard. She wanted you to blow out your candle? Well, it did make sense, she was a ghost and all...But, if light didn't hurt her, then she didn't really have a reason to want it out, right? She should be fine like this...and you were fine like this.

Was there something she wasn't telling you?

"Can ya do that for me~?"

You tried to process her odd request. "Put out my candle...?"

"Yeah...Right now~"

You looked over at said candle, still sitting on the nightstand next to you. The only source of light in the room. Meanwhile, she continued petting you and playing with your hair, making it hard to think. You liked being able to see where you were...but if putting it out would make her happier...would it be worth it?

--- Skipping the pain of death I'd like to steal your breath and make you new ---

"Why...?" you asked.

"Well, I don't wanna ruin the surprise~" she said, before her voice suddenly shifted into a whisper, right into your ear. It was a sound that sent shivers through your body. "But I promise, you'll like it~..."

Surprise? Did she mean...it wasn't just for her comfort? Something would happen if you did so? But what...?

For a moment, it was tempting, and you almost reached for it...but something stopped you. Was it fear? Were you getting scared again...? You thought back to what the guy had said when he handed out candles to all of you. He had said to keep your candles with you at all times. Normally, you would've thought that was just so you could see, but from the way he said it, you knew that wasn't the only reason. You didn't really believe him, but now that you knew he was right, and the place really was haunted...was there something else he had known? You regretted not asking him any more.

And she wasn't telling you. You wanted so badly to trust her, but her not giving a straight answer made your mind go in a direction you didn't like...

"I-I don't wanna get lost in the dark, sorry..." you finally answered. Immediately, you felt a sinking feeling in your chest, hating refusing her request. You tried to shake it off, wanting to believe it was the right choice. After all, without your candle burning, you wouldn't be able to find your way out. You were so unfamiliar with this house, and it was so big...

The petting stopped. And unlike before, you didn't want it to.

"You won't do it?"

Her voice was still soft, but there was something...different about it. Something that made the mood instantly change. You tried to tell yourself it was just in your head. After all, you often felt like situations were often worse than they really were! You were fine...There was no reason to be tense.

"But why?" she asked, her touch still light on the top of your head. Your heart began beating through your ears. "It's so easy to do!"

"I just- I don't-" you stuttered, trying to put together a coherent sentence, "I don't like being in the dark, th-that's all-"

"You still don't trust me...do you?" she interrupted, her voice becoming firmer with each word. "After all I did...all I said..."

She'd never sounded like that when talking to you before. Was she...irritated? Your heartbeat accelerated, and not with joy. You didn't like this feeling. "I-I do trust you..." you said. That didn't come out sounding the way you wanted it to. You were too shaky and nervous.

"But you're not bein' honest with me. You're still scared of me...Ya want me to go away?" She completely stopped touching you.

"No!" you immediately yelped at that, beginning to panic.

"Then go on, I'm LISTENING..."

You had really, really messed up. She was mad at you. She was...mad at you...

"I-I'm telling the truth! I don't like the dark, and it has nothing to do with you, I promise! I promise!" you talked quickly, your eyes darting around the room in vain. You didn't know why you were looking. You knew you wouldn't see anyone. "I-is there anything else you want me to do for you? J-just tell me! I'll do it!"

There was no answer.

The sinking feeling worsened.

Silence filled the room, the only sound being from your thumping heart. "Sp...Spinel...?" you called out weakly. No answer.

No...this wasn't happening...There was no way she left you...She had said she wasn't going to...That as long as you were here...But now, not only could you not see her...but you couldn't hear her, and you couldn't feel her. It truly felt like she wasn't there with you anymore.

"Spinel...?" you repeated, louder and louder, panic rising. "Spinel!?"

When you had first encountered her, you wanted her to leave you alone. But now, after finally getting granted that wish...you were crying out her name like a scared child. After so long of talking to her, feeling her presence around you like a warm blanket, you felt so alone...so empty...

"Spinel? Y-you're still here, right!? I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!"

With every second of silence, you felt more and more alone.

"P-please...d-don't..." your voice started shaking more and more. "N-no..."

A lump had risen into your throat. It felt like you were going to cry. This wasn't what you wanted. Not at all. But...perhaps this was what you deserved, after denying such a simple request. If that was a test of trust in her, then you had failed. Now you were paying the price.

You messed up, like usual. She had been so good to you. It didn't matter if she was a ghost. She had been kind, accepting, patient, maybe even loving...and you drove her away. Why were you always like this? Why was everything about you so terrible?

You tried to fight back the tears welling up in your eyes as you leaned forward, putting your face in your hands. "Spinel..." you whimpered, almost barely audibly. You began trembling, feeling more vulnerable then ever before.

You deserved this. You deserved this. You deserved this-

Suddenly, you felt something stroking your head, and heard a sweet, gentle voice echo through the room.

"Don't cry, doll..."

The voice that had once instilled fear in you, was now the thing you wanted to hear more than ever. And feeling her there once again, assuring you that you were still not alone, no matter how you felt, and what you saw, or rather, couldn't see...the tears still brimmed in your eyes, but out of pure, sheer relief.

"Yeah...that's right, I'm still here, babydoll...shhh, shhh, don't cry, I'm here~"

The previous frustration you had heard in her voice was now completely gone, as if it had never happened. However, you were still cautious with trying to put together the words you wanted to say to her. There was no way she wasn't still mad at you. Just because you started crying doesn't change anything, you told yourself. She could just be doing this to calm you down, that's all.

But, even though you were guilty for cracking open like this...you finally realized that you didn't want her to leave.

You slowly lifted your head out of your hands. "D-don't...scare me like that..." you weakly whined, sniffling.

"Awww, did ya think I left ya all alone? I'm so very sorry...I wouldn't do that to ya~! I told ya I wouldn't be leavin' your side, and I meant it~"

Her words made you feel warm inside, like you were melting. She didn't leave? And she wouldn't? Even when..."I-I'm the one who's sorry..." you said, your words shaky, "I messed up, and made you think I-I didn't...trust you...Y-you have the right to wanna leave, it's fine, I-"

"I'm your best friend~" she interrupted you, while continuing to stroke your head, another touch softly gliding up your arm, "And I'll be here for you, when no one else will~...I'll never abandon you, no matter what'cha say to me..."

"S-so...you're not mad at me...?" you asked, hopeful.

"I'm not...Just a lil' bit frustrated at first, but I get like that a lot. Don't feel bad, OK? It's not your fault...I did jump on ya a bit...but you forgive me, dont'cha?"

You quickly nodded while letting out a long breath in relief. You were a little embarrassed for jumping to conclusions, but she wasn't mad, and she was still here. You were always so scared of saying no to people you liked, in fear that they would take offense to it. But she didn't...and you were so happy.

You wiped your eyes with a hand, sniffling more...and then jolted in surprise when you suddenly felt her touch one of your bare thighs.

--- Live beyond this divide I promise you the other side ---

"Kitten~..."

Her voice once again took on the lower tone from before...the sweetness was still present, but it was now coupled with something else, something...darker. Once again, a shiver traveled up your spine at the sound.

"Are ya happy right now?" Her touch trailed up your thigh, stopping just before it would travel under your shorts. "Or~...do ya want more? Do ya feel like something's...missing~?"

Her smooth words carried a lot of weight, and you tried to think on them, though it was hard in your current state. Something missing? Your mind once again wandered to the thing you wanted most - to see her. But you knew that would never happen, so you decided not to mention it. You didn't want to bring up your hopeless desire. After experiencing that feeling of panic when you thought she had left, you realized that things like that didn't matter. All that mattered was that she was there.

Hearing her voice, feeling her ghostly hands on you...It really did make you happy. And that embarrassed you, but you couldn't deny it anymore.

"I'm...happy..." you muttered quietly.

"Are ya sure? You can tell me the truth, y'know..." she crooned, her echoing voice sounding almost ethereal to you, "I wanna do anything to make ya feel good, doll~..."

It felt like you were growing weaker as she spoke to you, so much that the fact she didn't believe you barely registered at first. You just wanted her to keep talking...to keep chasing away those worries and self-doubt that had taken over your mind and made you cry shortly before. You didn't wanna think of anything else...

"Anything~..."

Her touch trailed across your thigh, moving inwards...You inhaled sharply and jolted in shock once again, pressing your legs together tighter. "S-Spinel-" you stuttered, trying to piece together what just happened...Even if it wasn't much, no one had ever touched you in such a way before! Your cheeks flushed brighter than ever before. "Wh-what are y-you-!?"

"I wanna know everything about you~" she crooned, as she stroked your thigh ever so softly, "All your high points, all your low points...all the good and bad things about you...all your secrets, all your dreams...Nothin' is too much for me, doll...No more holdin' back, OK? I don't want ya to hide anything from me~..."

Your breath hitched, and goosebumps rose on your skin at her touch. You didn't have it in you to tell her to stop, so you simply sat there, taking in the new sensation while trying your hardest to focus on what she was saying. "Wh-what's there to...say...?" you said, attempting a laugh, "I'm not very...interesting...! I-I don't really have...much to hide...!"

You were lying through your teeth. You hid many things from people. It was a habit to not share what you were feeling, and to bottle up your emotions. But you really did think you weren't interesting.

"I'll be the judge of that~" she said with a chuckle, "And I've enjoyed my time with you so, so much...So please, lemme hear everything...Anything that's eatin' at ya, so I can make it better~"

It was becoming harder and harder to think straight as she continued stroking your thigh, but you still tried to. Was there anything that she could do to make you happier? Was she implying...what you thought she was? No, there was no way...Yet, you got more shivers at the thought. What was she doing to you? And how do you respond to such a loaded question?

"I..." you said, your voice almost a whimper, "...don't think...there's anything more...y-you can do..."

"Just try me~..." she whispered, as her touch advanced further up...under your loose shorts. You couldn't help the noise that escaped you.

There's nothing she could actually do to you, you thought. She's a ghost. You can't see her...you can't...see her...but...

"B-but..."

"I can give ya everything ya want...Just tell me, doll...Tell me~" Her stroking continued, her touch lingering on your sensitive skin. If it were anyone else doing this, you would've moved away and told them to stop. But it was her, and though you were flustered at her actions, a large part of you wanted her to keep going...Despite the fact that you knew she couldn't go further, you just wanted this...

This was all you wanted to think about.

"I-I..." you tried to speak, coming out as barely above a whisper, "I'm happy enough...just, um...b-being with you..." You closed your eyes in embarrassment, feeling your cheeks get even warmer. It took a lot of willpower for you to say that. You never thought you would admit that. It was the first time you made it clear that you enjoyed her company. With that, you officially stopped resisting her. Regret filled your mind, and you worried if that was the wrong thing to say. Would it have been better if you had kept denying it? Were you coming off as...desperate?

"That's all? You're sure that this is all ya want, huh?" she asked softly, "You're too cute..." You shivered again as you felt her lightly touch your cheek, "Dont'cha worry, toots...As long as you're here, I'll be with you..."

You sighed, taking in her soothing touch and words. The way she treated you still seemed so surreal...She made you feel a way you had never felt before. None of your other friends had ever affected you like she did. It was as if...you were in love.

"...So stop lyin' to me."

Her voice suddenly shifted once again, becoming firmer. Your heart skipped a beat, and the calm you were in faded away as quickly as it had started. "L-lying? I'm not-!" you began.

"LIAR!" she interrupted, raising her voice. You flinched, your voice getting caught in your throat. She yelled at you...You didn't understand what you did. She said she wasn't mad at you, right?

Your breaths became shaky in your panic, but her touch never left you. She trailed up and down your thigh, gently, softly..."Ya say ya don't want more, but you do..." she spoke softly once again, but without the soothing air from before. The atmosphere had become tense, to the point where it seemed like she could lash out again at any moment. "I don't like bein' taken for a fool, kitten. Even if ya can't say it, I can see it all over your pretty face..."

Your heartbeat was racing, her every word hitting you so hard you could almost feel the impact. She knew you were hiding something from her...but you had accepted that what you desired couldn't happen, so you didn't think you would admit it. And what else was there? Your mind scrambled to think of something to say...but she didn't give you the chance.

"That's right, I know~...I know what you're feelin'...You don't wanna just be best friends..."

When she said that, it felt like time had stood still. Your mouth opened, but you had no reply. Your brain was flatlining as she continued working her magic, giving a dark chuckle.

"Hit the bullseye, didn't I~?" she purred, once again sounding close to your ear. All that you could muster in response was a barely audible whimper.

Hearing her say that...It was something that hadn't crossed your mind, but was it true? Did you really desire to be...more to Spinel? Is that why you felt so strange around her? Why you opened up to her? Did you have feelings for her? Did she really see through you so easily, that she could identify something like that before you yourself did? Or was she simply telling you how to feel? That small part of you that was still wary, told you that there was no way she was right...

But the way your heart was pounding...The way the warmth in your body rose when she touched you...and how empty you felt when she let go...

While you were trying to piece yourself together, she went back to stroking your flushed cheek, the touch on your thigh still lingering as well. "A bit tongue-tied? Awww..." she continued, "It's OK, doll...I know it's hard...You're scared of spillin' your guts to anyone, after bein' pushed around so much...But it's OK, I'm happy...I'm sorry I yelled at ya...I'm so, so very happy that ya feel that way about me~!" you felt something lightly press against your forehead, "'Cause, guess what~? I feel the same~..."

You couldn't believe what you were hearing. She...couldn't have been telling the truth. There was no way someone like her could ever feel that way about you...But...the way she talked to you, the petnames she gave you...that wasn't completely a friend thing. You had tried to convince yourself that she was just really playful, but now, after she said that...No. This couldn't be true. This couldn't be happening. Not to you...

"I haven't felt this way in such a long, long time~...I can't get enough of ya, darlin'~...You're wonderful~..."

You whimpered, your entire body flushing in a way it never had before. You felt like you could start sweating at any time. Was this...anxiety? No, you knew what anxiety felt like, and this wasn't it. Hearing her praise you like that...it made you feel weak, lighter than air...

...But that nagging voice in the back of your mind wouldn't shut up.

"Mmmm, so, so sweet~" she whispered, her touch wandering under your shorts, towards your inner thigh...You inhaled sharply, causing her to chuckle slightly. "You like that~?" she cooed.

Thump. Thump. Thump. Your heart pounded through your ears.

This wasn't right. You had only just met her that night. And...she was a ghost. You could never...

"Did that make ya happy~? Did I make ya feel good~? Awwww, that's great! Don't be nervous, let it all out..."

Even after you'd opened up to her, confided in her...you'd been completely blind to your own feelings. But she wasn't. She had caught on...and told you she felt the same. Through your amount of disbelief...yes, you were happy. She made you immensely happy. As you sat there, speechless, you kept replaying that one thing she'd said in your head: "I feel the same."

You wanted so badly to believe her... You wanted so badly to tell her everything...how she made you feel... But still...there was something missing...and a part of you remained wary of her, telling you to stay on guard.

"Do ya want me to keep goin'? Touchin' ya like this~?" she crooned, "Do ya wanna be distracted from all the awful, awful things outside~? To stay here with me, and think of nothin' else~?"

You whimpered again as she continued speaking to you, her smooth voice offering you something that sounded like a pleasant dream. At this point, you had almost forgotten why you were even here. It didn't matter anymore...

"Does that sound good~? Lettin' me chase all those bad thoughts away~?"

You closed your eyes, your breath quickening. "Y...yes..."

"Good~..." she whispered, that one simple word sending more shivers through you. "You're so good, doll...Now, let me in~...Show me you're not scared anymore~"

This wasn't right. But...it felt so good. You tried your hardest to push the fear into the farthest corner of your mind. Spinel wouldn't mislead you. There was no reason to be afraid. You took a slow breath, and slowly, you parted your legs.

"That's it~" she purred, and you instantly felt her brush against your inner thighs where even the lightest touch sent pleasant tingles through your body. You put a hand over your mouth to stifle your whimper at the sensation. She hummed, which let you know she was enjoying herself. "Didn't I tell ya not to hold back from me? Let me know how I'm doin', OK?" she asked, in an almost innocent way. "Take ya hand off ya mouth," she added firmly. You noticed that her accent got stronger the more aggressive her voice was. Another detail about her that you found yourself liking.

You did as she asked, and were rewarded when she trailed up further. The more she touched you there, the more you wanted it. Your body begged for more, to feel her more than you were. Was it not possible? At least you were lucky to feel her at all. On your cheek, she kept stroking, and soon, you were completely melting under her touch...a whimpering, squirming mess.

Your breath hitched, and without meaning to, you began rolling your hips against the mattress beneath you. It was astounding, the hold she had on you. "Y'know, I've always wanted my very own...pet~" she said, the amount of breathiness in her voice making her sound very exhilarated, "Someone to call mine~..."

Those words made it worse. You whined, squirming more, desperately trying to feel her more physically. You couldn't. The touches were light as ever. It drove you crazy. It was the best feeling of your life, but at the same time, it didn't feel right. Something was building inside you, but it felt...longing. "S-Spinel..." you breathed out her name, "Please...help..." you whimpered.

"Hm~? But I'm doin' all I can, babe! Unless~..."

She trailed up even further...as far as she could to your crotch. You felt an unfamiliar tingle there. You let out a small peep at that, being far beyond the point of resisting. You were so glad no one else was there...

...But it still wasn't enough. It was so light, just to the point of getting a reaction, but not strong enough to bring you to where you wanted to go. She was such a tease...

"Keep makin' those noises...I like it~"

Soon, it became unbearable. You squeezed your eyes shut and whimpered a bit louder, your desperation reaching its pitch. Your body was so warm, you felt like you could start sweating. Her teasing was driving you mad, and the things she was saying weren't helping in the slightest.

"Sweet little doll, if only you could see what I can...You're so pretty with your face all pink like that..."

You had always had an image in your head of this kind of perfect moment. The kind of intimacy you had never thought you would ever receive...Melting under the command of someone beautiful, sweet praises muttered to you in a voice you couldn't resist...just like this. Your heart racing, just like this. Your breath taken away, just like this. You, in your desperation for more, clinging to them, not wanting to let go...

In the heat of the moment, you raised both your hands in front of you...but there was nothing there. You grasped at the air, whining pathetically.

You opened your eyes...but you saw nothing. You saw no one looking back at you.

And you finally broke down.

"Stop..." you whispered, your voice shaking. When she didn't respond, continuing to touch you, you repeated yourself a bit louder. "S-stop...!"

She listened to you and stopped, removing herself from you entirely. You found yourself immediately missing her touch. "What's wrong?" she asked softly, sounding concerned.

You took a shaky breath as you came down from the emotional high once again, and wrapped your arms around yourself in an attempt to keep the warmth from dying. "I..." you whimpered, "I-I can't..."

You couldn't bring yourself to finish the thought. It was just too painful for you...too much to bear...But it felt like you couldn't hold it in anymore.

No matter how much you loved talking to her...no matter how much you loved the feelings she gave you...there was a desire within you that couldn't be satisfied. Something inside that craved things you couldn't have. And you hated it. Why did things have to be this way?

She had told you that she felt the same...and yet, you could never truly be held in her arms. You could never look into her eyes. You could never see her smiling back at you. You could never bury your face in her chest, feeling safe and sound. And you could never feel the magical sensation of being taken by her.

Even her voice, which you loved listening to...the way it echoed made her sound far away...out of your reach...

You shuddered, feeling your eyes well up with tears of frustration. But then, you felt her once more, brushing against your shoulder. "Hey..." she whispered, "It's OK, I'm here for you~"

"B-but...I can't..." you attempted to speak, while choking back the lump rising in your throat. She stroked your upper arm in what would normally be a soothing fashion, but instead, it only reminded you of your anguish. Finally, it was too much. "I can't see you!" you cried out, a sob following after. "I-I wanna trust you, and...and I wanna believe everything you've told me...but...I can't see you and it kills me! I-I can barely even feel you...!" you sobbed louder, "I-I wanna see you! I wanna see you!" With every word that tumbled out of your mouth, it was harder to hold back the tears, and they spilled out. You covered your face, not wanting her to see you like that.

For a moment, the only sound in the room was your sobs. She was still touching your arm, so you knew she was still there, but she was completely silent. It was just as you feared - she didn't want to hear that.

You shouldn't have said anything. You should've kept it to yourself. You were an expert at keeping things to yourself, so why did you do that? Why were you so needy? Did she think you were ungrateful now? That wasn't true...you were so happy you met her...

Why did the most perfect person you ever met have to be a ghost...?

--- Abandon light inside of you You're ascending now And breaking through Nothing living's ever true ---

In the midst of your regret-filled thoughts, she spoke again.

"Doll...Hold out your hand~"

Her words were soft and smooth as always, which surprised you. Was she not bothered by what you'd said? Did she not mind at all, even as you cried? You felt a bit of relief wash over you. You had been so worried about her reaction...like she'd take offense to it. But you should've expected better from her...After all, no one else had treated you like this before. There was no one else like Spinel...

You uncovered your face and did as you were told, holding out one of your hands in front of you. You gasped softly when you suddenly felt something lightly pressing against your palm. You tried your hardest to identify how it felt...it was light, yet you thought you could almost feel a softness.

"Right there..." she said softly.

You could feel yourself melting inside. That was her...you were actually touching her...It was a small thing, yet it made you feel so happy to be able to do one of the things you yearned for. "Spi...nel..." you choked out her name, tears finally spilling down your cheeks. You wanted so badly to throw yourself into her arms...

"Your hand feels so good in mine, doll~" she cooed at you gently, "Dry those tears for me, OK? I'll stay like this for as long as ya need..."

You didn't move your hand at all, savoring the moment. Once again, you had to remind yourself that this was reality and not a dream. You brought your other hand to your face, wiping the tears away as best you could, sniffling. "Sorry..." you mumbled, feeling embarrassed. That was two times now that you've cried in front of her.

"It's OK...I understand...This is hard for me, too~" she said, as she gently caressed your cheek once again, "I'm the one who should be apologizin'...I wanna make ya feel as special as I see you...But, sadly, this is all I can do..."

This was hard for her, too? Was she just as frustrated as you were, and just didn't show it? Well, she must be used to living like that...but still, from the way she said that, it didn't sound like it fazed her at all. Was she just taking pity on you? Still...you wanted to believe her words. Every single one...She really did make you feel special.

"But..." she said, "There is a way that can change...A way that I can be with you even more~"

Your eyes widened in surprise when she said that. "Even...more...?" What does she mean? Was there a way around your problem after all? You were immediately curious. It was one of your flaws - jumping to conclusions, getting your hopes up over ambiguous comments. "Wh-what's that...?" you asked.

Her answer was simple, but the way she said it gave it a lot of weight...and importance.

"Blow out the candle..."

You felt a sinking feeling in your gut. Once again, it came to that - your candle, still burning on the nightstand next to you. Your source of light. Your crutch. She'd requested this before, and you had refused. That had made her upset, and you hated it. Would you dare do that again?

You fell silent as she held your cheek, lightly stroking it. "You heard me..." she crooned, "Just blow out that candle, and I promise to take care of you~"

Your face flushed at those words. It was such a simple request...but what would actually happen afterward? What was she hiding from you? Why did thinking of that make you so nervous? You had told her you weren't scared anymore...but did you lie to both her and yourself?

"B-but..." you stuttered, not moving a muscle, "I...I can't..."

"You can~..." she responded, "We can have so much fun in the dark...You and me, together, alone~..."

"But...we're already together..." you protested weakly, "...just...like this...I-I'll get used to it..."

"Ya don't have to, though! Y'see..." her voice dipped lower again, sounding close to your ear, "I can give ya what ya want most~"

Goosebumps rose all over your skin, and a small peep escaped your lips. It wasn't just her voice, but what she said. What you want...most? Could it be...Was it true?

"W-will I...b-be able to...see you...?" you asked.

For a moment, there was complete silence. The only thing you could hear was the pounding in your chest. Just the thought of being able to see her...After you had convinced yourself it was impossible...You couldn't help it. Your body was acting out in excitement, and you couldn't calm down. "Spinel...?" your voice was a high-pitched squeak. You tried not to seem desperate, but her lack of an answer was making your thoughts race.

Her dark chuckle filled the air, making you shiver. "Why dont'cha find out~?" she finally responded, "C'mon, don't keep me waitin', doll~..."

Once again, she didn't give you a straight answer, and it drove you mad. She was such a tease, through and through...You should've known that by now. She always knows what to do to coax you further and further, until you're a mess once more. But this...this time was different.

This time, her teasing was making you...wary.

"Blow out the candle~" she repeated, "Do it for me~"

You wanted to obey her, and put out the candle. But...would you like what would happen? If it did cause you to see her, even in the darkness...Would you truly like what you see?

It felt like she knew you inside and out...but you two had only just met today. There was so much about her you didn't know. You didn't know what kind of things she was truly capable of...the things she could do in the dark.

What if she was...tricking you?

That one thought made you feel sick. No, no, there was no way. She had treated you better than even your friends have. She even showed concern for you. That had to be genuine.

But...what if she was too good to be true? What if she was actually...

A monster?

You clutched your chest with one of your hands, trying to keep your nerves in check. You had to stop thinking those awful thoughts. Being walked over all your life had made you a nervous wreck. Of course something like this would seem "too good to be true".

Spinel wouldn't hurt you. Spinel wouldn't lie to you. Spinel made you feel things you thought you had forgotten how to feel.

"Are you OK?" she asked, "Are you...scared?"

"N-no! No, I'm not scared!" you answered quickly, "I-I dunno what's wrong with me, but...I'm not scared...I-I don't wanna be scared!" You looked down at your lap, jiggling your leg anxiously. You hoped she wasn't hurt at all.

"Oh~? Then...are ya maybe...a bit nervous~?"

"I-I..." you began, but your voice trailed off. You didn't know how to respond to that. Of course you were nervous. You had no idea what would happen, good or bad. Even the thought of being able to cling to her solid form as she works an indescribable magic to you...was that something you deserved? Would you be good enough for her...?

Maybe you weren't just scared. Maybe you were also worried about...that...

"Don't worry about a thing...Just listen to me~" she purred, "Calm down, and let me adore you...Blow out the candle~..." her voice became a whisper, "Blow it out~..."

There was no way something big wouldn't happen. She was so adamant, repeating it over and over...and each time, it became harder to resist. The world around you blurred as she spoke to you. There was still a looming danger in the air, but you felt assured that she'd protect you from it.

You wanted to listen to her...you felt compelled to obey her every word...but your nerves were climbing, thinking about what could happen. You craved intimacy, but you were also afraid of it. If this really would allow you to see her, what would you do? Clam up? Become even more of a mess? You'd never done anything like this before...you didn't wanna disappoint her...

While you thought about that, your heart raced in your chest, and your breath quickened. No doubt, she noticed this. Her touch trailed down your cheek to your chin, gently tilting it upwards. You could imagine her looking into your eyes. "C'mon, darlin', don't chicken out on me now...I know you're excited...I know how much ya need me~..."

You whimpered in response, words escaping you. She chuckled, and you felt her grab your arm, as if holding you in place. You closed your eyes, shivering.

"This isn't just for me...This'll be for you~" she continued, "This'll be for your happiness...That's all I'm after, doll...I saw how ya reacted when ya thought I'd left you...It hurt me so, so much to see that! I never want ya to feel like that ever again...I never want ya to be...abandoned ever again. Those friends of yours, they led ya to me...and now ya don't need 'em anymore. You deserve so much better~..." Her sweet words swirled in your head, making it hard to think.  

Your...friends...Oh yeah, that was originally why you came here. It was to wait for your friends. How could you have forgotten? How long has it even been since that had last crossed your mind? It felt like so long since you'd last seen them...You remember being so worried that they'd forgotten about you, and then you went and forgot about them. Why did you...you...

That small blip of guilt you felt left as soon as it had come when she continued speaking.

"I wanna give ya someone who will listen to you...Someone who will never leave ya behind...Someone who will love you, so you never have to be lonely again...That's what ya want, right~? So please...give me the chance to save you...I may be a ghost, but if ya blow out that candle...I can make ya feel alive, doll~"

Alive...That one word carried so much importance. And made you think thoughts that you'd be ashamed to share. Your body heated up, and you tried to stay calm. She was right. You never wanted to be lonely again. You had been fine being an outcast, but being here made you realize just how starved for affection you were. And now that you had gotten a taste of it, you never wanted to go back. You're not sure you'd be able to.

But it wasn't just that. You didn't wanna seek out just anyone to belong to. You wanted...her. Spinel. The first one who'd ever treated you like this. Even if it was a trick, you didn't care. You never wanted to let this go. As long as you were with her, you'd be happy. You'd happily play the fool for her as many times as you could.

When she finished speaking, she let go of you. You let out some deep breaths, your heart just about ready to burst out of your chest. You didn't have much time to clear your head, as you soon felt her touch your back, in what felt like a really soft nudge forward...toward the nightstand, and your candle.

"So do it..." she said darkly, almost menacingly.

Without a word, you opened your eyes and reached for your candle with your shaking hand. Once you came close, your nerves came back briefly, and you hesitated.

You didn't know what she was capable of. You didn't know what would happen. The warning you had been given all that time ago repeated in your head. Ghosts don't like the light. It repels them, and makes them harmless. Darkness is where they thrive, and putting out your candle would be surrendering to them.

You pushed those thoughts out of your mind. You wouldn't let someone else tell you how to view her. You knew her now, and you trusted her...

...And so, you'd surrender.

You breathed heavily as you finally picked up your candle, bringing it to your face. "That's it, doll, that's it~" she cooed at you encouragingly, "You're almost there~"

You could feel the warmth of the flame on your face as you brought it closer. It felt nice. It was as if it was silently pleading you to reconsider what you were about to do to it. You basked in the warmth for a few seconds, as you gathered all the courage you had...

And you finally blew it out with a single breath.

The room filled with darkness. You squeezed your eyes shut, shivering and whimpering softly, bracing yourself for whatever could happen. Your courage melted away as fear and regret filled your mind...but that didn't last long.

You gasped when something cupped your cheek. It was...a hand. Cold, yet soft and gentle. And unlike anything you'd ever felt before. Before you could react, a familiar voice spoke to you, sounding closer and more real than ever.

"It's gonna be OK, doll~..."

It was like a tremor running through your body. The warmth in your face rose, the feelings almost overwhelming. Your heart fluttered in your chest in anticipation. In that moment, nothing else mattered to you. There was nothing else to think about...no one else to worry about. You were right where you wanted to be.

You slowly opened your eyes...and your candle, now useless, was dropped to the floor.

[typinggently]

For the writers ask my beloved: 💜💘👻💻 Love u tg♡

Ah, lovely, thank so much 😔🌹

-

💜- top 3 favorite lines

from my own fics? I uHHHHHH

I rally enjoyed how I got to call Tommy a dumb whore TWICE in La Cabale des Séducteurs amoureux, ch.3, in almost the SAME words:

once by Alfie

“You’ve never seduced anyone in your life, have you? Only put your hands in various treasure chests and licked you fingers clean after. And now look at you.”

and once by Polly

“Seduction? You haven’t seduced a single person in your life, Tommy. You don’t know how to seduce, you only know how to fuck.”

-

And thirdly (I’m double-counting the whore bit), I honestly still think very fondly of the first fic I ever posted? Which was America’s Sweetheart, tryin’ to get away? It’s a Hannigram fic and very stream of consciousness, but I still think of the white chocolate melting on his fingertips now and then (i know you don’t like white choc but sorry x) (also don’t..ask me what that fic is...or what it means...it was just me having fun...I think I wrote it to a friend of mine on whatsapp...fond memories.)

On days like this, he thinks that maybe Hannibal doesn’t need to drug his food, maybe the drug comes from him himself, like the scent of a flower, numbing Will’s senses and making him still, docile in terror that tastes like white chocolate on a cold day. Cold in a way that almost seems familiar, but misses the smell of oil and wet fur, the clicking of claws against wood floors. Crinkling silver paper and his forehead rests against the window, white splinters melting on his fingertips and the sound of rain against his ear, pressed to cool glass.

💘- what’s your favorite AU? Least favorite?

Generally speaking a favourite au always depends on the fandom, I think. My least favourite AUs are usually High School AUs since I prefer stories with characters that aren’t teenagers, I suppose? And I think many of the characters are like are formed by their experiences. So in my eyes, making them teenagers would either mean taking their characters away or fumbling around to still make it fit. A 16 year old Tommy simply wouldn’t be the dumb ass bitch I write about now, and trying to make the complicated mess of his sad (and very stupid) life fit a 16 year old...nah.

I love....really weird AUs? I think? I mean again, it depends. But I love writing stuff that has very little to do with the source material. I remember when I wrote a drabble about Tommy and Alfie being Vampire Hunters?? That was fun. 

(Also I love mob aus....Not in a “glamourising organisd crime” way, I don’t think, but I like to think about how certain characters would act if they were in a situation were violence was more normalised? Most characters I like already have a connection to violence in some way, and I like thinking about stripping them from their morals some more)

-

👻- 2 or 3 sentences from something you haven’t posted yet

I checked my fanfic folder and found some really old projects?! There’s a second part I had planned for 45 minutes to get all dressd up and I started writing it in 2018?! It’s only 800 words long so far but rereading it was very sweet. I like the vibes.

“Alright, alright.” Alfie’s tone is placating, like he’s doing Tommy a favour, like he’s indulging him, and he pulls him in without putting out his cigar. “Let’s see whether we can get you warm, then.” The light hasn’t fully reached the insides of the room yet and the tip of the cigar is glowing orange in the shadows, swirling and writing Alfie’s words into the air as the cigar bops between his teeth.

-

💻- three works of yours that are must reads

I don’t particularly think any of my stories are must reads, but I’m generally speaking very proud of my Napollya Fic Hymetian Wax - it’s just among my favourite fics. I love talking about art, I was really happy when I wrote it, it’s just all around very dear to me.

Another project that’s just very dar to my heart is the Hannigram fic Dr H. Acula. It’s like...3/8 chapters so far because the last year has been very rough, but I still just LOVE the concept of vampire Hannibal with his dumb punny name. There’s so much sensuality, hypnotism and erotic violence in the concept of vampires and I really hope I’ll do it justice.

And a PB fic I had a lot of fun with was Pandora’s Box. It has that lavish sensuality and I LOVE the concept of Tommy in jewellery. Their little games are the most funto write and I really, really love their dynamic in this. This little game of push and pull.

Idk about “must read” but I think those three give a rather good impression of what I want to do with my writing?

-

this was such a delight... ty sm 💌

[destieltropecollection]

Destiel Trope Collection 2019 Day 9: Coffee Shop AU

rain is falling, looks like love | @alullabytoleaveby Rating: General Word Count: 5536 Main Tags and Warnings: coffee shop au, student!cas, barista!cas Summary: “Um. I didn’t order this.” Cas shrugs.“It’s on the house. Consider it a thank you for your patience.” Dean snorts. “Thanks, I guess. Although I’ve never been much of a muffin man. Honestly, I’d prefer a piece of pie,” he says with a winning smile. Cas determinedly doesn’t fall for it. “Beggars can’t be choosers, Dean. Eat your muffin.” -- OR: Cas works at a coffeeshop, Dean is a customer, and they're both ridiculously in love with each other.

...And One Awkward Barista To Go | @isolemnlyswear-iamsuperwholocked Rating: Teen & Up Word Count: 2113 Main Tags and Warnings: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Alternate Universe - Coffee Shops & Cafés, Alternate Universe - After College/University, Coffee Shop Employee Castiel, Post-High School, High School Crush, Tumblr Prompt, Based on a Tumblr Post Summary: Dean finally got out of his hometown to go to college, but when he comes back on break he passes the cafe where he first met his old crush, Castiel, and old memories make him go inside...because what are the chances he'll even still be there, anyway?

Noveltea & Coffee | @rustling-pages Rating: Explicit Word Count: 50064 Main Tags and Warnings: Magical Realism AU, Slow Burn, Mutual Pining Summary: Dean once thought his literary themed coffee shop ‘Noveltea & Coffee’ would be a better, more satisfying source of income than working as a mechanic. He thought people would come for the good coffee and stay for an even better book selection. He also thought he’d be running it with Sam, but that didn’t happen. Now he’s stuck with a bad mood he’s emoting all over the place, a lovingly created coffee shop no one ever frequents and a soul full of worry for the brother he no longer talks to. When Castiel – a defeated librarian turned accountant – comes stumbling in during a November downpour, things change so drastically for the better, it might as well be magic…

Not So Alone Anymore | @pherryt Rating: General Word Count: 4211 Main Tags and Warnings: a/b/o dynamics, omega!cas, omega!dean, alpha!michael, web designer!dean, Mpreg, abandoned!dean, Misunderstandings, Pining, Confessions, Cas owns a coffee shop, Angst and Fluff, Pups, past michael/dean Summary: Suddenly alone and pregnant, Dean’s resigned himself to raising his unborn pups by himself after Michael skips out on him for greener pastures. Along comes Cas. They get off on the wrong foot but maybe Dean isn’t so alone anymore...

Nobody's Fault But Mine | @peanutbutterjelly-pie Rating: General Word Count: 6139 Main Tags and Warnings: Alternate Universe, Fluff, Bakery, Misunderstandings, Mistaken Identity Summary: Castiel just should have listened. He seriously should have. But instead he found himself hypnotized by those beautiful green eyes and he totally missed the most important thing in the process.

50 Last Dates | @reaperlove77 Rating: Teen & Up Word Count: 1379 Main Tags and Warnings: pining Dean, clueless Cas, Humor, fluff, coffee shop au Summary: It was Dean's guilty pleasure, watching scruffy guy dump his various boyfriends, a real life soap opera. He really, really wanted to get to know blue eyes better, but come on, Dean doesn't date shady. But there's more to the story than he expected.

Autumn in His Eyes | @DesiraeLovesDestiel Rating: Explicit Word Count: 50464 Main Tags and Warnings: Bar Owner Dean/Artist Cas, Humor, Fluff, Angst with a happy ending, Smut, pining, minor character death, Summary: Castiel worked his ass off to escape his family and make a name for himself in the art world and now C.J. Krushnic was one of the most sought-after artists around. After years of abuse from his dysfunctional family, he was finally living as he pleased and answered to no one other than himself. Until his older brother, Lucifer, was arrested and found guilty of multiple homicides. Now the name C.J. Krushnic was synonymous with sex, lies, and murder. Castiel, exhausted and stressed by the constant paparazzi and speculation into his own psyche, goes into hiding, moving into an inherited property of his beloved grandmother’s in the cozy little town of Bear Claw, Vermont-where he meets one Dean Winchester. Dean, though not without his own baggage, is a kind and generous soul who unlocks something in Castiel. Seemingly not put off by his surliness-in fact, Dean seems to enjoy it- the kind bar owner reawakens Castiel’s muse, making him want to open up about his past and who he is. But Dean is too bright to deserve all of Castiel’s dark and the artist is determined not to let them become anything more than good friends. But Castiel soon learns that Dean has other plans.

Bean's | @lemonsorbae Rating: Teen & Up Word Count: 6787 Main Tags and Warnings: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Coffee Shops & Cafés, Fluff Summary: When Dean had returned home from his third tour in Iraq, he’d begged the universe for a mundane life. No more guns, no more Arabic, no more shitty showers and MREs; Dean just wanted quiet.

Cakepocalypse! | @mittensmorgul Rating: Mature Word Count: 64145 Main Tags and Warnings: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Post-Episode: s13e23 Let the Good Times Roll, Baker Dean Winchester, TV producer Castiel, Alternate Universe - Reality Show, 13.23 coda fic and therefore canon, Friends to Lovers, Love Confessions, Angst and Fluff and Smut, but mostly fluff with a dash of crack.. Summary: “What the hell you tryin’ to sell me?” Dean asked, folding his arms across his chest. “Not selling, Deano. Buying. Or at least, renting for the duration of a limited season run,” Gabriel said, as Dean’s frown deepened. “Have you ever dreamed of being a Hollywood superstar?” Dean laughed outright at that and shook his head, turning around to pick up his coffee again. “Man, no way in hell. You got the wrong guy.” Spoiler alert: He did not have the wrong guy.

The Angel Cake Challenge | @almaasi Rating: General Word Count: 8132 Main Tags and Warnings: Canon Universe, Fluff, Romance, Team Free Will 2.0, Day At The Beach, Mistaken For A Couple, Bakery and Coffee Shop, Food as a Metaphor for Love, Public Displays of Affection, Pet Names, Endearments, First Kiss, Closeted Dean Winchester, Coming Out, Openly Bisexual Dean Winchester, Crossovers & Fandom Fusions, Good Omens Summary: There's a kooky gay couple sitting in this little beachside bistro, at the table next to Dean. Dean's biggest mistake was telling them they looked cute together. Now they've noticed Cas, and they're silently encouraging Dean to be as openly affectionate as them. Dean didn't sign up for this challenge. But now? Hell, he's in it to win it.

Purple Horse in a Coffee Shop | @almaasi Rating: General Word Count: 8437 Main Tags and Warnings: Fluff, Crack, Alternate Universe - Human, Alternate Universe - Office, Pride Parades, Coffee Shops, Horses, Colorblindness, Pride, Workplace Relationship, Agender Castiel, Asexual Castiel, Wizard Castiel, Bisexual Dean, Prince Dean, Pansexual Sam Summary: Nobody expects to see a purple horse at a Pride parade. So, naturally, Dean Winchester is surprised to meet his office co-worker and long-term crush, Castiel, riding atop a magnificent steed - and dressed in full wizard regalia, no less. Somehow, Cas thinks he (and his decked-out horse) are wearing grey. They visit a coffee shop with their friends and family, trying to get to the bottom of this mix-up - and apparently the purple horse is coming too. “One medium black coffee with two sugars; one macchiato; three small soy lattes; one large decaf with a caramel shot - and ten apples, please.”

[writingamongtheroses-archive]

Hell’s Studio- Chapter 3

Reminder that this is inspired by  Bendy and the Ink Machine, @squigglydigg Toon Henry AU, @star-going-supernova fic ‘The Art of Being Alive’, and the ‘Pulling Strings’ series by @riyuyami.

Suzie awoke with a groan.

Everything hurt.

She sat up, blinking stars- hah, stars- out of her vision before looking around. She was still in the studio, although it had dulled to shades of black and white. Suzie stood, something brushing her knees. She glanced down to see it was the edge of the striped scarf. She looked up-

Wait.

She hadn't been wearing a scarf.

Suzie glanced down to see that she was, in fact, wearing a scarf. Black boots had replaced her sneakers and were her legs white?

"I...I gotta find a mirror." She left the room, heading through the halls. Finally, she stumbled into another room. A full-length mirror caught her attention. Suzie rushed to it and then stared. She had changed.

Before entering the studio, Suzie had been blonde with a little bit of chub. She had worn a raincoat, sneakers, and a striped shirt with jeans. Now, she wore a trenchcoat version of the raincoat with a sweater, boots, and tights under jean shorts. A beret sat on her head.

But...

But she was a toon.

She had been slimmed down. Everything had a little bit of curve and black and white. The scarf covered where her neck would be. Pulling off the beret, she confirmed that the little ponytail that sat on top of her shoulder-length hair still remained. Her eyes had gotten bigger, the iris black dots.

"Okay, don't panic. This is...a stress dream! That's all!" Her body ached. "...A really weird one." She grinned confidently. Then she frowned and pulled her cheek. It didn't hurt when she did. She released it and it snapped back. Rubbing the sting away, Suzie let out a moan. Then she started patting herself over. Every bit of herself felt weirdly rubber-like.

Like a toon.

Something drew her eye to the next room over. Suzie entered, glancing around.

Then she paled.

Tables were scattered around, covered in medical and surgical equipment that was stained black. Outstretched and strapped down on a vertical lab table, was Wolfie Wolf. His eyes were crossed out, clearly signaling death. His chest was ripped open, ink splattered everywhere.

"Wolfie...?"

Painted on the wall in black, once again, were the words THE CREATOR LIED. A shimmer of gold drew her attention. Another message was written in gold. I'm sorry buddy, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry... The last word was written sloppily next to more gold. Max, what have you done...

Suzie turned away from the gruesome scene before she could throw up.

She stumbled out of the room, mindlessly walking before she entered what must've been the music department. There were still instruments everywhere and a projector set up, playing a jazzy little tune as a cartoon of Daemon rolled. Another audio log sat on a shelf, marked JUNE.

"So far, I'm liking the job. The character they want me to voice is just adorable! But when I was getting introduced to the music director, Ron Menken, this other woman burst in. Turns out she was Peace's old voice and nobody had told her that she was going to be replaced. She went into this fury once the situation was explained. Menken told me she's like that."

Something prickled up Suzie's spine.

Something was wrong.

The little tune had started to twist until it no longer sounded cheerful. It sounded more like a bunch of instruments were contesting to make as much noise as possible while keeping to the tune. Then it went silent.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't Walt."

Suzie slowly turned.

The background had blanked on the screen, leaving a white space. Daemon was still there with a smile on his face.

Staring at her.

"Don't be a stranger, old buddy! It's been what, forty, fifty years? It's been so long since you came back home- HEY!" Suzie had sprinted out of the room because, nope, she did not sign up for this.

She ran until she couldn't run anymore. She stopped, panting as she leaned on her knees. Suzie finally managed to collect herself, standing up straight. She noticed her reflection in an ink puddle and stared.

Her outfit had changed.

Looking down, she could see it had changed to a white shirt with lace edges and a ruffled collar. A black vest was over it, matching the black pants and boots she wore. The reflection showed the clasp at her throat. "Wha- How?! I never changed! Oh boy..."

Okay. This toon world was confusing.

Suzie took a step.

Then something slammed into her head.

Stars squeaked around her head. She fell to the floor. Before her eyes slid shut, she saw a dark figure stare down at her. There was a crowbar in their hand

"Sweet lamb, sweet lamb, it's time to sleep."

-_-

"Ow..."

Her head hurt.

Suzie's eyes slid open. Last thing she remembered... "Where...where am I?" She looked around, seeing a large empty room. Looking down, she saw she was tied to a pole in the middle of a pentagram. "Oh boy...what the @$%@ did that devil do-"

"STILL YOUR TONGUE!"

The echoing male voice came from speakers mounted on the walls. "HOW DARE YOU INSULT MY LORD! You have the gall to insult him?! He, who you abandoned? He who has graciously spared you and welcomed you to his world? I will not allow this stand! I shall prove myself to him! I will have him notice me!" It sounded like the ravings of a madman.

"Who are you?" she yelled. "What's going on? What's the meaning of all this?"

"The meaning...?" A door creaked open. Suzie's head shot to it and she paled.

The person that stepped out appeared to be made of pure ink. It sloshed off him, staining the pants he wore. She couldn't see his face. It was covered by a Daemon mask.

"Isn't it obvious, sweet lamb? It's time to pay for your sins." He entered the room fully. "I am honored that you came all the way to visit me. It makes this feel...cruel, in a way."

She let out a shaky breath. "What happened to you?"

A giggle escaped him. "What happened? What happened?! Why, I've been enlightened! My eyes have been opened." His finger tapped her nose.

"You...you're not making any sense. Look, just untie me, okay?" She squirmed a bit before continuing to talk. "We can talk and work this out. We can figure out a way-"

"QUIET! I won't listen to the words of a traitor. Especially you, Walt." Her great-grandfather's name was spat out like a bad taste. "You...yes, I was like you once. Blind, heedless of what had occurred when we abandoned him. But I soon came to learn, to understand...I care!" He really was crazy. Suzie resumed trying to break free. "I am loyal. I am a traitor no more."

"You're crazy!"

He continued, ignoring her words. "And I will serve him well by carrying out righteous vengeance in his name!" He spread his arms wide. "Hear me Daemon! Hear me! Arise from the darkness and claim this tender lamb-"

"RON!"

Everyone's heads shot to the doorway.

The dancing demon himself stood there. His expression was full of anger. "What in blazes d'ya think you're doing?!" He stomped inside.

"My lord! I-I offer you this-"

"Quit your blabbering! Who do you think you are, tryin' ta move in on my piece like this?!" He aimed a gloved thumb at himself. "Takin' payback is my biz and I'm not done takin' it from either of you!"

"What did I do?!" Suzie protested.

"But- my lord! I want nothing more than to serve you!"

Like in his cartoons, Daemon pulled out a giant mallet from behind him. "SERVE THIS, YA NUT!" Ignoring Ron's screaming pleas for mercy, he brought it down. Ink spread from underneath the head. Suzie paled.

"Oh, come on." He threw the mallet away. "Are ya just gonna lie there 'n' mope?" He kicked the puddle. "Get up! I'm not done with you! Hey!" He splashed it a bit. "Ron! I'm talkin' to you!" But Ron didn't come.

He looked up in confusion. "Hey! What's goin' on? What's the big idea-"

Daemon saw Suzie's pale face and the horror probably in her eyes.

He glanced down at the puddle.

"Whuh...no." An echo had slipped into his voice. Hysterical laughter began as his eyes shrunk. "Max said-"

Without another word, he turned and ran out of the room.

A few minutes later, Suzie blinked out of her horror. "Hey! Is anybody going to untie me?" She looked around, seeing nobody. "Please?" There was a sound from outside. "Hello?" She could hear footsteps.

Then they entered.

"...Wolfie?"

@andiwriteunderthemoon

[aceyanaheim]

I got this from Mary P. Sue’s blog. It looked like fun so I took her invite to any followers who wanted to do it.

Author Name: AceyAnaheim

Fandoms You Write For: Multifandom

Where You Post: Here mostly. I have an AO3 but I haven’t used it much.

Most Popular One-shot: On Clarity And Promises ( The Originals) 

Most Popular Multi-chapter Story: I haven’t….posted any. >.>

Favorite Story You Wrote: Cake and Everything.

Story You Were Nervous To Post: Each and every one of them.  

I have very high anxiety about sharing my writing. I’ve only shared it with a few close friends and even that took a while.

I think Cake and Everything was a lil bit more nerve-wracking just because I have very dear friends I look up to who write Seto already so well and its hard not to think i need to....do it as good as them I guess. 

Also my Stanuary fic ( no link bc Im not...particularly proud of it) for similar reasons. I know people in the GF fandom that are like uber talented and that I also look up to as artists..and as people since they were super welcoming and nice and GF was my starting thing on tumblr. I was super nervous that compared to their work..it just wasn’t good enough to share.

When I look up to and/or care about people..I tend to want everything I share with them to be good. It’s..it’s a bit of a mind trap I’ll admit. I’m trying to work on it. 

But also ( for the stanuary fic) I just spent way too little time on it and compromised quality over meeting the prompt list/deadline and it.. I knew it wasn’t something I wanted to share which..made me more nervous about sharing it.

It’s interesting that Cake and Everything was the first fic I shared on tumblr since the Stanuary fic. I’m thinking that first thing you share ( either the first fic you share period or the first fic you feel like it’s good enough to share with people) also adds nervousness. 

But I’m workin on gettin over all of that.

How Do You Choose Your Titles: Very Randomly. I don’t put as much thought into it as I probably should. It’s often the last thing I do and usually I’m just looking to fill in the bar. I know its important and I’m tryin to work on puttin more thought on it but...yeah.

Do You Outline: I used to. But not as much lately.  I suspect I will have to for multi-chapter works.

Complete: >.> Oneshots count right?

In Progress: Tales of The Clans. ( Anne B Walsh’s Dangerverse) 

Coming Soon/Not Yet Started: I really wanna get into the Trancendence AU and write something about Toby Pines and Alcor because Begrudging Promotion To Parent is my jam. A fic about what happens when Laura Kinney becomes Seto Kaiba’s bodyguard. Mayyybe a Supernatural Next Gen fic if I can get myself into it again. Other stuff I’m  not sure I’m ready to share yet but include Marvel’s Runaways, X Men First Class, and Disney’s Descendants as well as an OC centered fic set in The Nightworld Series’ world that is way too long and someone should talk me out of tackling but I have the most amazing friends and instead it’s being encouraged and oh gosh if I could show yall the outline.Its a freakin Huge multichapter multi character behemoth looking thing. I dont know what i was thinking.

Anyways.

 I have some DDADS ideas both for fic proper and a Crossover with In The Heights. 

Oh and sometimes I entertain the thought of Movie!Laura being found/adopted by Seto because self indulgence is a powerful beast but thats a bit trickier to mesh together into a fic so it’ll probs take a bit of a backburner to the comic!LauraxYGO crossovers.

Do You Accept Prompts: Not usually only because I have so much anxiety with sharing works. I have no problems writing around a prompt ( and have done it in multiple occasions)  but sharing the end result is quite hard for me.

Upcoming Story You Are Most Excited To Write: The Laura Kinney and Seto Kaiba story.  I think I hit on how all the dynamics are gonna work and how the character plots might or might not change so I’m already having fun with it. Even if I never write it down and instead daydream a lot about it  bc...Reasons.

I’m still not sure which verse ( between Laura coming in when Seto is still under Gozaburo’s guardianship, or Laura gets hired by Seto to bodyguard Mokuba) I’ll follow first but I’m still very excited.

I’ve got a plot bunny or something in the back of my mind where Jubilee uses her Stubbornness and sway with Logan to make Laura, her, and Logan and Gambit resemble a family and stay together. 

A Boy Meet World/Percy Jackson crossover fic tha may or may not happen. A Boy Meets World fic where i claim an old OT3 and it rewrites certain parts of Girl Meets World.

There’s also an MCUxHeroesOfTomorrow crossover where the kids Tony raised in Earth-55326  land on the MCU world  and basically swarm around him ( and their parents) and Peter and Harley are not jealous okay shut up. that may or may not include comic verse characters. 

It’s mostly fluff and silliness Ngl

I.I have a hard time not taking on too much..if you can’t tell.

Gonna tag @queen-of-carven-stone @alexseanchai  @useless-protagonist  @kohakuhime and @rscoil if they're okay with it of course  >.>

And of course anyone who wants to do it is welcomed to.

[sun-kissed-star]

alright y’all here’s the first fic i promised, i’ve had this one in the making for a week or two. it’s part of my modern au where medda adopts jack from the refuge and jack is still Just a Babey in this. enjoy!

trigger warning: child harassment, creepy guy, slight mentions of past abuse, slight violence

It was no surprise that Medda was at least a little well-known. She wasn’t famous, and she didn’t have an entourage of fans following her when she walked down the street. But she owned her own theater, and the seats were usually full on the weekends. That earned her at least a few looks of recognition.

Jack was happy for her, honestly. She was doing what she loved, and he was grateful that she let him help at all by bringing him into the theater to help with painting. Still, it meant that by the time she got him out of the Refuge, there were at least a few articles and tabloids online with headlines like Medda Larkin’s Love Child and Little Kid Hits the Stage! Sometimes it was fun to tease them, but most of the time they were just annoying. Medda had tried her best to keep him out of the spotlight for privacy’s sake, but he’d promised her it was fine. He’d had worse, and a few photos online wouldn’t kill him.

As soon as the backstage door opened and Medda stepped through, still panting a little from the adrenaline of the stage, Jack looked up at her with a wide grin.

“Great show, everybody!” Medda said, pulling her hat off and wiping some sweat off her forehead. The pride on her face matched Jack’s smile. “Completely sold out! That ain’t happened in weeks.”

“Well, with those new songs, I’m surprised it’s not happenin’ every night,” said a man on tech crew. He chuckled. “We’ll sell out for the next month if you keep pulling those out of your -“

“Hey, watch it,” Medda admonished, jerking her head towards where Jack was sitting. “He’s only been here a few months. Don’t ruin him just yet.”

The man smiled guiltily and tipped his baseball cap. “Sorry, ma’am.”

Jack took that as his cue that it was okay to step into the conversation, and he slid off the chair he was sitting in and walked up behind Medda, hesitantly wrapping his arms around her torso.

“You did good, Mama.”

Medda twisted around, smiling as soon as she recognized his voice. That was a nice thing she did that no one else had ever done, and Jack hoped she never stopped.

“Oh, I can’t take all the credit, baby,” she said, kissing the top of his head. “That set piece you helped the crew with? The whole crowd loved it!”

“Yeah, yeah,” Jack said. “Hey, uh, do you wanna go on an ice cream run?”

“If that’s what you want, honey,” Medda said. “I’ve got a few things to clean up back here, then we can do that and get home and get some sleep. Wait in the hallway for me, okay?”

Jack nodded, letting her squeeze him one more time before letting her go and walking to the door. He waved to the crew, earning choruses of “Bye, Jackie!” before turning the handle and stepping out.

He’d barely turned the corner from the backstage door before he collided with a man wandering down the hallway.

“Oh!” the man said, grabbing his hat in surprise as he stumbled backwards and his eyes flew down to Jack. A look of surprise washed over his face for a split second before he plastered on a smile.

“Sorry, didn’t see you there,” he said. “I was just looking for, uh, the dressing rooms.” He gave Jack a second glance, probably taking in his paint-stained shirt and mussed hair. “Say, why’re you back here? You know this place is off limits, kid.”

I could tell you the same thing, pal, Jack thought. The man was pale and his cheeks were a little too flushed. His stomach was bulging under his tan suit and bright red tie. His hair was thin on the sides of his head and he was wearing a fedora that he wasn’t pulling off. In his head, Jack was running through a mental list of Medda’s tech crew and the guy’s face wasn’t popping out at him. He wasn’t familiar at all, and that was setting off all the alarms in Jack’s head.

“Um, I’m Medda’s -”

Before Jack could finish, the man suddenly snapped his fingers.

“Wait a minute! You’re Medda Larkin’s boy, aren’t you?” He leaned in to get a closer look and Jack wrinkled his nose at the stench on his breath. “Yes, you are! You’re the one she adopted. I read about you online.”

Jack decided now wasn’t the best time to correct him about still being in the foster system. The man’s fake smile was putting him on edge, and his fight and flight instincts were itching to kick in. His eyes darted to the backstage door. Could he book it and hide out in the dressing rooms?

Before he could make his grand escape, the guy thrust a hand at him

“I’m James,” he said. “James, uh, Colton. How do you do?”

Jack didn’t shake his hand. “Hi.”

James retracted his hand, awkwardly clapping them together. “Well, now that we’re here, let me ask you something,” he said, changing the topic as quickly as the conversation had started. “Do you think you could show me where backstage is?”

Jack blinked up at him. “Sorry, what?”

“Backstage, kid,” James said. His smile was looking grimmer. “I’d like to say hi to your, uh, your mom.”

“Um, I don’t -”

“Oh, don’t you worry,” James said, looking a little more impatient as Jack continued to give him a blank stare. “I knew her in high school! We were close friends. I’m sure she would be happy to see me.” He leaned in again, just a couple inches from Jack’s nose. “What do you say, hm?”

“Um. No.”

James’ smile dropped completely from his face. His eyebrows furrowed. “Listen, kid, you don’t get a say in who Medda’s talkin’ to,” he said, as if trying to explain something to a two-year-old. “Why don’t you just -”

Jack shrugged. “Sorry, mister,” he said. “I don’t know ya, and I’m just a dumb kid, right? I ain’t supposed to talk to strangers and you ain’t -”

James grabbed his collar.

“Listen, kid,” he repeated, quickly going beet red. “I swear to God, you know what I went through to get back here tonight? If you don’t show me where the damn door is, I’ll -”

“Hey, l-lemme go!” Jack said, squirming as James shook his collar. Call him crazy, but after living in a kids’ prison for half a decade and getting used to being thrown around like a ragdoll by the guards, he didn’t want a random man he didn’t know tossing him around. “Put me down, help! Leave me alone, Medda, I need help -!”

“Oh, what is your problem, boy?” James snapped. “What, are you fresh out of a boot camp or something? Just calm down and bring me to Medda’s dressing room or wherever the hell she is and I’ll let you go!”

Jack couldn’t breathe all of a sudden, and he felt as if the man was pushing him into a tiny box that he couldn’t escape from, and his heart was beating faster and where was Medda -

“What’s goin’ on out here?”

As soon as the backstage door opened, James’ hands flew away as if the grip he had on Jack’s collar had burned him. Jack went stumbling back and crashed into Medda, who was standing right behind him.

“Medda Larkin!” James said, patting himself down, flustered. He stuck on another easy-going grin. “Didn’t expect you over in this part of the theater.”

“I could say the same thing about you,” Medda said. She put two hands on Jack’s shoulders, providing silent comfort. “Now would you mind explaining what was happenin’ out here?”

“Oh, nothing,” James said, waving his hand as if brushing it off. “Your boy and I were just having a little chat -“

“Looks to me like you were shakin’ a kid like you were tryin’ to unscrew his head,” Medda said, cutting him off sternly. Jack almost never heard her take on the tone in her voice, but when she did, it could make Snyder himself tremble.

“No, of course not!” James said hastily.  “I was just telling Jack here what good friends we were in high school. I thought I might drop in -“

Medda cut him off again. “Funny,” she said, her hands squeezing Jack’s shoulders tighter. “I don’t remember going to clown school and making friends with any bozos like you.”

“Oh, well... don’t you remember?” James said, looking a little more desperate to salvage the situation by the minute. Jack couldn’t blame him. “We had English together! And we had that acting class in senior year! I just thought I should pop into your show and see how you were doing. We were friends before your name hit the papers.” His beady eyes searched desperately around the hallway for a way out of the piercing glare Medda was giving him, and in a split second, he grabbed Jack’s arm and yanked him forwards. “The kid’ll tell you! We were just talking about it. Listen -”

“No, why don’t you listen to me, hun,” Medda said, her voice crystal cool but still sharp enough to cut through the air. Brushing James’ hand off, she guided Jack back to her side and subconsciously pulled him close to her chest so that her arms were almost creating a human shield around him. “I don’t know if you’re reading those articles online, or if you even read at all, but he’s ten years old. Put your hands on him again and I’ll call it child harassment.”

James looked scared now, which was probably what Medda was going for. “Hang on, you can’t do that -”

“Oh, I definitely can, doll. Now, what were you saying about being friends in school?” She looked thoughtful for a minute, then she snapped her fingers. “You know what, I don’t remember you, but I do remember a nice boy that grew up to be a police officer.” She gave James a sugary smile. “Would you like me to give him a call?”

“No!” James said, throwing his hands out. “No, you have a good day, ma’am, uh, you’ve got a great boy, ah, I’ll see you another time.” His rambling followed him all the way out the door, echoing down the hallway as he ran towards the door to slip past security.

Medda watched him go, but the second he was around the corner, she turned to Jack without even a trace of a glare left on her face. She put a hand on top of his head and tilted it to look at his face.

“Are you okay?” she said, forehead creasing in concern. She wiped a splatter of paint off his chin. “If it were up to me, people like that wouldn’t be getting anywhere near my theater.”

“I’m fine, Mama,” Jack said, a smile growing on his face. Sure, he was a little shaken up, but he was happy. Medda cared about him enough to get involved and chase the guy off, and that was enough to make his heart grow three sizes. “Honest.”

“I’m glad, baby,” she said, patting his head before taking her hand away. “I’ll talk to security about letting people past. Honestly, I’d swear they were sleeping on the job.”

Jack shrugged, following her as she put a hand on his lower back and pushing him towards the backstage door. Her makeup was washed off and she’d changed out of her costume, and Jack was relieved to go home. “Probably. You think they’d let the Delanceys in next time if you didn’t talk to ‘em?”

Medda frowned. “Those boys that keep pickin’ on your friends?” Jack nodded, and she sighed and shook her head. “I bet so.”

Jack giggled, hiding his smile in his sleeve. Her exasperation was so dramatic that she was probably just trying to get him to laugh, but it was definitely working. “Um, do you wanna go on an ice cream run?” he said. “If you want.”

“Honey, I think we both deserve it after tonight.”

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[fontasticcrablettes]

I posted about a Raven and Rita headcanon/AU a few days ago and, well, made a quick fic out of it.  1.5k, just a short scene. 

“Hey, kid.”  Raven grinned and leaned against the doorframe.

Yuri, already in his underclothes and ready for bed, held the door and prepared to shut it in the old man’s face in a second. “Is something up?”  He was tired.  They had stopped at the Comet in Zaphias to rest and prepare before heading to Tarquaron, and Yuri had been looking forward sleeping in his own bed one last time before the final push.

Raven rubbed a hand on the back of his neck and hesitated around his words.  “I was just… y’know, wonderin’ if you’d be up ta chattin’ a bit before we set tout tomorrow.”

Yuri wanted to go back to bed.  Repede, curled up in his familiar spot on the floor, glanced up at him.  But Raven looked anxious, obviously had something on his mind, and wouldn’t have bothered Yuri if he didn’t want to have more than just a simple chat.  “Sure thing, old man, but don’t keep me up too late.” He opened his door wider to let Raven in.

Raven settled himself into the chair by Yuri’s little table.  “Mind if I get a drink?”

Yuri waved his hand while sitting on his bad. “Help yourself.”  He watched Raven pour water from the pitcher and stall for time. He was starting to get worried about what could be distressing Raven this much, but sat quietly and let him talk when he was finally ready.

“I wanna tell ya a little story.  Bear with me, alright?  Way back when I was a lad, younger than you even, I was a knight here in Zaphias.”

Yuri pulled his legs up and settled in for the story.

“And even back then, I was… well, Raven the Great has always been a hit with the ladies,” he winked at Yuri, but when Yuri’s deadpan expression didn’t change, dropped his smile.  “Anyway.  There was this girl.  She and I… we had a thing a couple of times, but nothing real serious.  Then I found out my platoon was getting’ shipped off ta Desier, to reinforce Mt. Temza during the war.  I went over just ta say goodbye and well… she told me….”  Raven clutched the glass and took a sip. “Look, I thought it was a lie ta get me ta stay.”  He pulled his gaze up to meet Yuri’s eyes.  “I didn’t think she was tellin’ the truth.  If I had really thought she was – that there was gonna be a baby – I would have… I don’t know, stayed behind? Ah, who knows.”

Tiredness was already slipping away and Yuri’s interest in the story had spiked.  “Hold on. Are you saying you have a kid?”

Raven grimaced.  “I… think so.  Like I said, I didn’t think she was tellin’ the truth. I went off ta Temza and, well, you know how that worked out.  I didn’t come back ta Zaphias for a few months, and by then I was Schwann and tryin’ ta put my old life behind me.  I never talked ta that girl again, and she didn’t recognize me as Schwann, and I never thought about her claiming ta be pregnant the night before I left.”

“Is there a reason you’re thinking about this now?”

Raven held up a hand.  “Hold on, it gets even more complicated.  So, flash forward a handful of years.  I’m at a political function and I overhear some nobles gossipin’. I overhear that girl’s name and listen in.  Apparently, she had just died.  Someone asked about the father of her child… and the guy said it was some useless lout of a knight called Atomais who disappeared after the pregnancy started.”

Yuri frowned. “Atom-?”

“That was my old name,” Raven waved the interruption away.  “So, yeah. She had a kid.  The kid was now six years old.  My kid.”

Yuri had to whistle in amazement.  “Damn.  Where’s the kid now?  Did you meet them?”

Raven shifted uncomfortably.  “Hold on tight, ‘cause this story is still rampin’ up. You know what they said?  When one of them asked what had happened to the kid? He said the little girl was some prodigy and she’d been sent to Aspio to train under the mages there.  The girl I’d slept with?  Yeah.  Her family was called Mordio.”

Yuri sat motionless on the bed.  He’d experienced too many shocking revelations in too shot a time.  He only pulled himself together because Raven was staring at him expectantly, clearly hoping for some sort of reaction.  “So… how positive are you that Rita is…?”

Raven shrugged with a pained expression. “Maybe… 95?  How many other child prodigy mages named Mordio who are fifteen years old could there be?”

“Yeah, that was almost definitely Rita’s mother, but there’s still a chance you’re not the father.  Right?”

“Maybe?  She told me she wasn’t seein’ anyone else, and she seemed certain it was mine the last night we talked.”

“…Damn.”

“I know, right?”  

“You’ve known since you met Rita?”

Raven gave a half-committed shrug.  “I’ve suspected.  Obviously I didn’t want ta think it was possible at first, but it’s been gettin’ harder ta ignore.”

“So… why are you telling me?”

“We’re heading ta Tarquaron tomorrow, aren’t we?” Raven frowned and leaned back.  “I couldn’t stop thinking… I might die tomorrow, and I’m the only one who knows.  I guess I just wanted someone else to know, to maybe tell her one day.”

“I get that, but I mean, why are you telling me?  Why not just tell Rita?”

Raven’s thoughtful expression turned to terror.  “She’d kill me.  Assumin’ she believed me, she’d murder me right there.  ‘Course, I can’t say I wouldn’t deserve it – not like I’ve been a stellar father.”

“So what, you want me to tell her for you and take the brunt of her anger?”

“No, no, I don’t want you ta tell her at all! If anything happens to me tomorrow, then… you can tell her when she’s old, if she starts looking for answers about her past.”

“Alright.  I won’t tell.”  Yuri hesitated, because this was between Rita and Raven and he didn’t want to tell other people what to do with their lives.  This situation, though….  He took a deep breath and shook his head.  “I won’t tell her, but I think you should.”

“Ya really think so?”

“Honestly, I don’t have a clue who my dad is.  I’ve always….”  And here he had to mull over his words again because it made him uncomfortable to say aloud, but Rita was his friend and if she had a chance to avoid a stress that had plagued him all his life, he owed it to her to speak up. “I sure wish I knew.  Do what you want, but from someone who’s got a big question mark over 50% of his family tree, it really sucks.  Rita deserves to know the truth.”

Raven nodded slowly, face lined with thought.  “Don’t you think Rita’d be happier with a blank slate than with this old man?”

“I think she’s going to be furious and she’s going to make your reception at the Heracles look like a hug, to be honest.  It’ll probably pass, though.  There are worse people to be related to.”

“Oh yeah?  Like who?”

Yuri smirked and raised his eyes to the ceiling. “Don’t put me on the spot like this, old man.  Zagi comes to mind, maybe?”

Raven managed a laugh through his stress.  “Hey, I’m not that bad!”

“Point that out to Rita.  It might help.”

“Alright, alright….  I’ll do it.  Just, not tonight.  I’ll wait until after Tarquaron, ‘cause I think we all have enough stress to worry about as long as the Adephagos is up there.”  Raven rose and gave Yuri a nodded.  “Thanks, kid.”

“No problem.  But yeah, don’t tell her until after Tarquaron.  You’re not entirely useless in battle so it’s better if she doesn’t break your legs until after tomorrow.”

Raven cringed.  “Stop scaring me or I’ll lose my nerve.”

He left and Yuri flopped back on his bed.  He stared at the ceiling, ready to finally sleep, but now he couldn’t stop thinking.  Picturing the old man as a father was bizarre enough, even without inserting Rita as the child in question.  Rita was going to be furious, but at the same time, Yuri couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy.  He kinda wished his own father would suddenly reveal himself, just so he could know who the asshole was and have a chance to punch him in the face.  

He yawned and rolled over.  The old man wasn’t really all that bad, he thought, so it was a shame that Rita was definitely going to murder him.  

[qwertythepopstarian08]

JSAB Steampunk AU Fanfic: Terminal

I couldn’t resist writing another gift fic for @just-steams-and-shapes

I have literally fallen in love with that AU, and I’ve realized how fun it is to write Luce and Belle.

I know some details may be off, but I’ve been putting this story on hold for a bit, so I hope everything suffices in quality.

This is technically an AU of an AU of an AU (is that right?) so any inconsistencies can be attributed to that... please?

Also, just because Belle and Luce were the only available characters on that blog so far, I added an OC, Riley the Mountain Blossom. She has a minor role, so please don’t yell about her presence.

Description: Belle realizes just how dangerous Deceoras can be... no matter who they used to be.

Warnings for minor body horror, animal death, angst, and canon-typical violence.

Three months, two weeks, and four days after his transformation, Luce was still a Deceora. Belle had tried everything she could to revert him to normal, from medicine to magic to chiropractic procedure, yet nothing seemed to work.

Belle was in no way fine with this. Luce was reduced to what was essentially an animal, and because of the stigma and fear surrounding the Deceoras, he couldn’t leave the house or even linger by the windows. He was trapped in his own body, barely able to communicate for the words scrambled on his tongue and got lost between his jagged fangs.

The two of them tried their best to find a cure, but it seemed that Luce was doomed to stay a monster forever. Even the feral Deceoras seemed to sense something was up. A few had taken to lingering by the workshop, not attacking but just… watching, beckoning the newly transformed creature to join them.

Each time one came, Belle hoped that their bond would hold up, but even she couldn’t deny the look of distant longing in Luce’s gaze…

Deep down, they both knew that he’d slip. Given his predatory nature, it was only a matter of time.

It had been a full year before things went downhill.

Luce had started falling into a hopelessness, believing that he’d never go back to normal. He’d remained in his beastly state for what felt like an eternity, and each passing day made his heart break as he awoke to see himself looking and feeling like a monster.

At the moment, hee was sulking, perched on one of the tables and trying vainly to gnaw at a granola bar. His teeth just weren’t meant to consume oats, or anything other than meat and shards, for that matter, so he only succeeded in eating the snack one bite at a time, over the course of an hour. It was… loud.

((Cronch-cronch-cronch-cronch))

Belle had tried to raise his spirits. She approached, a tentative smile quirking at her features.

“Luce? You awake?”

It was code for, ‘Are you in control?’ Luce was prone to snapping into a more feral state at times. He never hurt anyone, but he didn’t seem to respond to vocal communication, unable to understand. As of late, he’d been slipping out of control far more often than usual, undoubtedly because of his lack of hope. He just didn’t have the strength to fight his instincts. Much to Belle’s relief, the Deceora nodded, huffing as he sat up. He was aware, although he just wanted to sleep.

“Rrrr….” he growled lowly at her, too tired to muster up words. He licked chocolate from between his teeth, giving Belle a side glance. “Mmrf.”

The purple shape crossed her arms, her tone becoming a bit irritated.

“Come on, Luce… I want to talk to you.”

The Deceora turned around, sighing heavily. “Monsters… don’t talk.” He drew in on himself, a soft, sad croon spilling from his jaws. “But… I listen…”

Belle walked around, cupping the beast’s face in her hands. She was unafraid of his lagoon infection by now. From the looks of it, it only spread through open wounds, and she’d taken care to bandage any work-related injuries. Luce looked up at her with puppy-dog eyes, whimpering a bit. His heart rate eye, now modified to fit his current facial structure, started to slow in pace.

Belle pulled him into a sudden hug, giggling as she heard him squeal and try to break free. He’d gotten significantly bigger during his time as a Deceora. If he stood on his hind legs, he came up to his sister’s shoulders, counting his horns. He was no longer the weakest and smallest of the monsters, but the purple engineer was unafraid, having reassured herself that he’d never raise a claw to her.

He was her brother, after all. They poked fun at each other and teased, but at the end of the day, they only had each other. Belle was rather strong; she had to be, given her line of work. She easily hefted him up to her shoulders, where he clung to her, held by her second pair of arms.

“I”m gonna spin ya….” she warned.

Luce threw his head back and screamed. From any other Deceora, the sound would have been threatening, but in the months that he’d been like this, Luce had learned other ways to communicate besides through his stilted speech. That particular scream was one of excitement.

Luce’s screeching halted as he heard knocking at the door. Belle frowned, and the beast felt himself being lowered. His horns drooped, and he whimpered, allowing himself to be set down.

“Alright, fun’s over,” Belle stifled a chuckle. “You stay right there.”

Luce huffed, sticking his tongue out. He dimly wondered what Belle’s excuse would be now. With his advanced senses, he could hear his old friends outside, undoubtedly looking for him. He admired their loyalty and concern, but it only broke his heart when he heard Belle tell them, time after time, that he was ill and couldn’t come out to play.

He was thirteen now, but he was still a kid… or at least he was before turning into a monster.

His thoughts started to spiral, and he shook his head, standing on shaky legs. A low, curious growl rumbled from his core, and he peered around the corner of the table to see who was at the door.

From what he could see, it was a flower. He vaguely recognized the kid from the last time he’d been outside, before he was cursed. The young sprout had just joined his mutual friend group, and he thought he remembered her name as being something that started with an “R”...

The flower was inquiring about him again. It was a sweet gesture; she hardly knew him, yet she came all this way just to ask about him.

“Uh… do you know when Lucy will be better?”

Luce winced at the nickname. In his current state, he couldn’t quite suppress the urge to hiss, wanting to shatter whoever came up with that title. He wished he could blame his aggression on his current state, but he’d always been a bit volatile at heart...

The girl at the door seemed to hear him, her eyes going wide as she glanced over Belle’s shoulder. Luce darted behind the table, although the flower managed to catch a glimpse of his tail, hearing his claws clicking against the floor. She shuddered.

“What was that?”

Belle tried to remedy the situation, holding up all four of her arms to block the flower’s view. “Nothing, just some old, creaky gears… don’t worry about it!”

The flower narrowed her eyes, skeptical. “I’m worried… is Luce doing alright? He never passes up a chance to go exploring….” Her tone became solemn, almost nostalgic as she sighed. “The other kids say that he once knocked out a bird with his arm cannon. We nursed it back to health, and it’s not mad at him… in fact, we named it Lucy Junior….”

Luce’s growl abruptly cut off, and he blinked, tilting his head. Suddenly, his endearing nickname didn’t seem so bad, and he crooned sadly, thinking about that day, all those months ago.

One of the rowdier kids had dared him to try to shoot fireworks from his arm. They’d all gone out to the forest to goof around and pretend to be explorers or monster-hunters. Up until his disappearance, Luce fondly recalled the crazy stunts that the others put him through. It was all fun and games for the most part. Occasionally, a kid broke an arm, or a few bushes got burned down. But no real damage was created.

The bird had been a misfire. It had been sitting in a tree, far away from the action. But then, as soon as Luce readied his cannon, it swooped, coming down in a collision course for the blast. They had banded together to nurse it back to health; they may have been a destructive bunch, but none of them would actually kill someone… Right after that, Luce vanished, having fallen to the Deceora curse…

Luce whimpered, looking up to see Belle starting to close the door. He shook his head, suddenly growling to himself.

He missed his friends, he missed his life… he missed being a kid... and not some abomination. He wanted his old life back, even if he stayed a monster.

Without a second thought, he jumped up and rushed at the door, shrieking. It was meant to be one of his signature battle cries, but in his current form, it came out as a threatening roar.

The girl, whose name he now remembered as “Riley,” turned with wide eyes. Luce was vaguely aware of Belle’s startled yell, hearing her begin to mutter blights and otherwise rude exclamations.

Luce ignored her, determined. He rushed through the door, leaning outside to see the girl. Mustering up the willpower to be understood, he screamed, “RILEY! IT’S ME!”

Riley screamed, staggering back. She obviously knew what a Deceora was… everyone around here knew all too well. She scrambled back, watching with wide eyes as Belle fearlessly grabbed the monster by the tail, dragging him into the house again.

“What are you doing?” she hissed. “Tryin’ to get killed?”

He whimpered, shaking his head and pointing at Riley.

He choked, “Friend….I miss… my friends.”

Belle groaned, holding her head. She crossed her arms, backing away and allowing the Deceora to go free.

“Well, half the neighborhood has heard ya now… might as well go and clear things up before people start jumping to conclusions... “

Her gaze became distant, and Luce knew that she was thinking back to his initial change. Belle had assumed that he was a feral beast, attacking him, thinking that he was dead. She’d been trying to get the full story before she acted nowadays, not wanting to put anyone in unnecessary danger ever again.

Luce happily crooned, standing on his haunches to give her a proper hug. He nudged her shoulder with his snout, then fell back onto all-fours, turning to face the confused flower.

“Hi… Riley…” He trotted outside, keeping his gait slow so as to avoid frightening her. “It me… Luce? Remember…?”

Riley blinked owlishly. She stepped back, concerned. She knew what a Deceora was; EVERYONE in Paradise probably did at this point. They were infamous for being relentless killers… but this one… just wanted to hug her.

“What… what are you?” Her petals drooped, and she looked up at Belle. “Is this like… a guard animal? Did… did you train it to attack intruders?”

Belle raised her arms in surrender. “Nope.” She chuckled bitterly, sending a glare towards Luce. “That’s my dumb little brother. Got himself turned into a Deceora.”

Riley suddenly staggered back, her eyes going wide.

“A what now?!” She looked at Luce, who whimpered. “YOU’RE A WHAT?!”

He shrugged, then started to trot closer, trying to appear small. Luckily, not many people were out at this time, having seen the other Deceoras in the area and opted to stay indoors more often lately.

Luce approached Riley, his head held low. His horns flicked downwards, and he glanced at her, a soft, nonthreatening growl pouring from his jaws.

“Don’t be… scared… won’t hurt…” He tilted his head, whimpering. He towered over the flower, so he could understand her fear. If he stood to his full height, he’d be like two of her, with the physical strength of ten. He kept his voice low, trying to avoid the growling tone. “It’s me… Luce… friend… won’t hurt you… not monster…”

Riley seemed to understand, frowning as she looked up at Luce. She recognized the pink hue of his gaze, a twinge of guilt hitting her as she saw how afraid he was… of scaring her. This couldn’t be a trick. Deceoras were smart predators, but none of them could mimic speech, at least to her knowledge. There was no doubt in her mind… that the monster before her was her friend. She hesitantly approached, reaching up to touch one of his horns.

He recoiled slightly, whimpering. His gaze was melancholy; he wasn’t in any pain anymore, but he was terrified… he didn’t want to scare anyone. Riley frowned.

“Oh… Luce… what happened to you?”

The Deceora breathed a sigh of relief, then sat on his hind legs, chuckling bitterly. He lifted his foreleg, showing the jagged scars and bite marks that still lined his arms. While the scratches and claw marks had healed significantly, the bite wound was still visible, having closed up but left a dastardly scar. It was proof of his curse. As long as it remained, Luce was sure that he’d remain a Deceora, lagoon venom coursing through his veins.

Riley shakily reached up, tracing a hand along the scars.

“... You were bitten?” She looked up to see him nod sadly. “But… that’s never happened before…”

Belle stepped up, crossing her arms.

“Maybe it has.” Luce and Riley looked at her oddly. Sighing, she elaborated, “I mean, nine times outta ten, Deceoras kill their victims and leave nothing behind, so there’s no telling what really happened…” She looked at Luce’s scars, frowning. “I’ve been thinkin’.... What if some of the victims survive, but they end up like Luce? Some of those Deceoras are smarter than they look… who’s to say they aren’t people?”

Riley thought for a moment, humming. It sounded crazy, but….

Luce huffed, his horns drooping. Riley tilted her head, thinking. If Luce could spontaneously change into a Deceora, who was to say that others couldn’t befall the same fate?

“That’s… strikingly sensible…. Most Deceora attacks happen out in the Badlands… too far out in the wilderness for a shape to find help in time…” She crossed her arms. “If one was to succumb to the venom and turn into… this… no one would ever know…”

Belle added, “The Deceora attacks have been less frequent here ever since Luce changed…. They must know that he’s still a shape at heart… they won’t turn anyone else if it’ll just give us power against ‘em…”

Luce glanced between the two, huffing. He didn’t want to think of himself as a symbol of fear at all… even to the enemy. While he was a frightening creature on the outside, he doubted he’d be able to bring himself to kill a Deceora with his own claws and teeth. Back when he could shoot blasts at a distance, it was easier to shatter something… he didn’t have to get blood on his hands.

But now… he knew deep down, the moment the shards flew, he wouldn’t be able to hold himself back. As soon as blood was spilled, he’d succumb to his instincts and KILL. He’d tear it apart.

He grumbled, bristling.

“No… hurt… anyone…” His horns flicked back, and he hissed. “Not monster… won’t fight.”

Belle gave him a sympathetic glance, sighing. She reached over to pat him on the head, and he purred sadly, nuzzling her hand.

“No one said ya had to, bro. I know you don’t really wanna hurt anyone…” She frowned and looked at Riley. “He’s been real skittish lately. He wouldn’t raise a claw to anyone.”

She internally winced, thinking back to her initial reaction to his change. She’d attacked him in fear, and he sat there and took it, knowing that fighting back would result in her getting injured worse.

He was aware of his raw power, having seen Deceoras tear shapes apart. He didn’t want to become another monster. Although he had predatory instinct, he’d mellowed out slightly, knowing that if he didn’t keep his aggression in check, he’d shatter someone… most likely her.

Luce whimpered and nudged Belle in the side.

“Want… go back…. Inside…” He growled softly, on high alert. “Someone… see…”

Belle nodded, sighing.

“Yeah, I don’t think anyone else would be too keen on seeing a large Deceora just wanderin’ about…” She glanced at Riley, starting to back away towards the house. “See you later?”

The flower held up a hand in a half-hearted wave. Luce looked over his shoulder as he was lead back inside. If he squinted, he could see fear in her eyes.

~~~

~~~

Later that night…

Luce’s eyes snapped open as he heard scratching at the window. He leapt up, horns flicking back as he glanced around, his pupils shrinking despite the lack of light. A low growl had started to rumble from his core, and he found himself on edge, sensing something. He stood shakily, tossing his blanket aside as he scanned the area.

It was a few minutes shy of midnight. He grumbled slightly, a snarl threatening to rip from his throat. He was frustratingly familiar with being awoken late at night… or rather, in the darkest hours of the morning. He turned to face the window, his tail thumping against the edge of the bed, his claws digging into the sheets.

His glare met parted, serrated jaws, and he hissed, agitated by the familiar sight of another Deceora.

The pests had stopped attacking his home altogether, but they’d taken to watching him. They normally kept their distance, yet a few curious stragglers stuck around dangerously close to his dwelling, waking him with their clicking calls.

They seemed to think he was a part of the pack, if only for the fact that their venom ran through his veins...

A deep, subdued instinct in Luce’s core forced him to respond, and he, instead of ignoring the creature and going back to bed as he desired, found himself hissing quietly at it, his eyes narrowing as a warning.

It pawed at the window, inquisitive. It seemed to be a bit younger than him, small and a bit scrawny in stature. It didn’t look like it could put up much of a fight, although Luce knew better than to judge a creature by appearance. He trotted up to the window, sitting up on his haunches and pressing his face against the glass.

He could feel the cold of the night from the window. It was pleasantly chilly, just the right temperature for a nightly walk… if there were no Deceoras out… if he wasn’t a Deceora himself.

He huffed, swiping a claw at the visitor, trying to get it to leave. It tilted its head, rearing up and leaning against the windowsill, small, raspy chirps sounding from it. It didn’t seem aggressive, but it wasn’t sentient as Belle had mused earlier, either. It just wanted to play…

Luce winced, his horns flicking upward, before he sighed.

In an act of impulsive curiosity, he nudged the window open, allowing the crisp air to filter through. The young creature outside gave an almost happy series of clicks, nearly climbing inside, before Luce scrambled out, hopping out of the window. He landed with a soft thud, shuddering for a second as his body became accustomed to the chilly, fresh breeze. He purred, having missed the brisk weather dearly.

Quickly growing fond of him, the other Deceora nudged him with its muzzle, trilling. It was a similar shade of lagoon corruption… it must have thought he was a member of its pack.

His tail started wagging a bit, and he paused, looking up at the sound of approaching footfalls. He instinctively pushed the other creature behind him, letting out a huffing hiss as he glanced around.

From the shadows, another Deceora emerged… an adult. It stood tall, easily reaching the roof of the house in height, not even counting its horns. It glowered down at Luce, who staggered back, cowering a bit. He recognized the towering being’s power, and while his logical mind told him to run, his instincts forced him to stay, waiting for approval from the higher pack member.

He instantly jolted, a slightly worried trill escaping him. He looked down at his claws, his vision blurring a bit. When had he started thinking like this? He was a shape, not a Deceora. And yet… he almost… liked it out here, with the nightly beasts. He shook his head, looking back at the tall creature. The smaller one had bounded over to it, giving an affectionate purr as it approached. The large Deceora let out a deep croon, briefly embracing it before turning to face Luce.

It locked eyes with him, communicating a welcoming aura, before it turned, retreating into the forest, the tiny monster in tow. Before he knew what he was doing, he found himself advancing forward, quickening his pace to keep up with the giant.

His strides were less clumsy than usual, and in his sleep-deprived, instinctive mindset, Luce didn’t think twice about following the two beasts. In that moment, he was just another Deceora, roaming through the night, hunting for sustenance.

In just minutes, Luce had slipped into the mindset of the beast.

A rapid fluttering movement  piqued his attention, and he snapped his gaze towards the source, horns flicking backwards. A low growl ripped from his core, and he halted, turning around. The other two monsters slowed to a stop, the younger beast glancing over its shoulder to glance at him, curious as to why he stopped.

Luce’s predatory instincts flared up, and he stalked towards the bush where he’d seen the movement, a clicking hiss escaping from him. He heard a frightened chirp, a fanged grin spreading across his face. Whatever was there… was afraid.

He sniffed, catching the scent in the air. Avian… warm-blooded… terrified of him. He hadn’t eaten anything since that granola bar from earlier… Whatever was there would soon become his dinner.

Luce crouched, inching towards his prey. Seeming to sense his intent, the large Deceora turned, watching him, ready to interfere if something went wrong. It gazed down at him, holding the smaller creature back from interrupting.

There was a sudden rustle of grass as the hidden animal tried to flee. Luce gave a howling cry, pouncing at it. His claws closed around a small, feathered shape, and he suddenly squeaked in surprise, recognition dancing in his gaze. He tumbled through the bushes, holding the tiny bird close, his eyes squeezing shut.

He could feel a warm , viscous liquid trickling from where his talons had punctured the avian. Its panicked cries quieted to pained trills, and it vainly tried to wriggle free, only for its damaged wing to snap the wrong way.

Luce heard the bird’s dying cries, his heart racing. Its blood splattered across his mechanical eye, which he angrily tore off, shuddering. Warm, slick blood coated his flesh. He’d killed something. With his own two claws. He went cold, nearly letting out a cry as he stared down at the bird.

He recognized it… it was the bird he’d helped to rescue a year ago. Once again, he’d harmed it… this time, it would perish in his hands… in his talons.

Unable to restrain his carnivorous nature for any longer, Luce lowered his head, crunching down on the tiny avian and finishing the job, silencing his prey. It gave a last, shrill chirp, before falling silent, the light leaving its eyes as the venom worked its way through its system.

Luce stood, the bird still suspended from his jaws, its bloodied feathers slick and dripping with red. He glanced over at the other two Deceoras, his eyes wide and tearful.

He trotted over, dropping the bird at the larger beast’s feet unceremoniously. As soon as the bird fell from his jaws, he gagged, backing away and glaring at the large Deceora. It stared through him, a confused croon escaping it as it tilted its head. It failed to interpret Luce’s conflicted expression, moving aside to allow its smaller companion access to the catch. The younger monster trilled happily, wasting no time as it darted over, its jaws closing around Luce’s catch. Purring, it snapped its head to the side, tearing the bird’s wing effortlessly. It tore at the avian like a piranha, unaware of the emotional turmoil the action caused Luce.

He staggered back, a haunted look glaring over his eyes. His head hurt… his senses were overloaded. He hadn’t meant to kill the bird. Yet… he was… hungry.

His mind reeled, his rational thoughts warring with predatory instinct. He couldn’t think straight. He was overwhelmed.

Shaking his head wildly, Luce broke into a run. He was dimly aware of the Deceoras calling after him, although their clicking cries were mute in comparison to his screeching. He shrieked until his throat was raw, trying to block out his fervent senses. He could tell, even without the heart monitor, just how fast his pulse was racing. Terrified, he rushed back to the house, wanting nothing more than to curl up and cry himself to sleep.

He wasn’t a real Deceora. Belle had reassured him of his sentience many times before, but after this, he was beginning to doubt his chances of ever changing back. Even if he managed to reverse his curse, would things ever go back to normal? He’d spent so long as a beast… he couldn’t imagine returning to his old self now.

He’d have to relearn how to walk, to speak, to exist as a normal shape, just because of his mistake. He’d have to reintegrate into society, have to regain the trust of his friends, of himself… He didn’t think he could handle it.

Luce came to a halt just as he reached the window, looking down at himself. His claws were caked in avian blood, and the smell was starting to agitate him, his eyes flickering between fearful pink and mindless lagoon. His head aches, and he started to sway on his feet, nausea flooding his core.

He whimpered, curling up, his tail tucked to his side as he shuddered. He licked the blood from his paws, his jaws clattering, raspy breaths leaving him as he fought his own instincts. The old scar on his foreleg suddenly ached with a phantom pain, and Luce whined, looking over his shoulder to see pink and green blood starting to drip from the aggravated wound.

His entire body screamed with agony, and the Deceora finally mastered up the strength to stand, his frame quivering.

He hesitantly approached the window, standing on his hind legs to reach. Hissing softly, he hefted himself up, attempting to scramble back inside. He only managed to succeed in knocking his arm against the wall, wincing at the loud thump that sounded, a stinging pain shooting through his shoulder, down to his wrists. The pain only increased as he attempted to scramble up the wall, his claws digging into the windowsill as his hind legs kicked vainly.

Finally, he seemed to alert Belle to his troubles, his cries echoing through the night. He heard approaching footsteps, tensing as he saw his sister rush into his room, her fists clenched with worry. She looked around, frantic, before she spotted him clinging to the window, a confused glimmer shining in her gaze.

“Luce?” She opened the window, wasting no time as she reached out and carried him inside. She held him at arm’s length, looking over him for injuries. “What were you doing out there?”

He whimpered and looked away, ashamed of himself. He refused to speak, afraid to show his bloodstained fangs.

Nonetheless, Belle caught sight of the reddish stains along the Deceora’s scaly flesh, her eye filling with a deep, paranoid fear. She nearly dropped him, her hold faltering as she stifled a gasp.

“Is that… blood?”

She set the Deceora down, crossing her arms. He averted his gaze, a shrill whine escaping him as he lowered his head. His horns were angled downwards, a clear indication of his anxious state. Something was bothering him, and it definitely had something to do with the blood.

“Luce, were you attacked?” Belle decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. She’d incriminated him once too many times, and she couldn’t afford to lose his trust again… for him to lose his trust in himself again. “Are you alright?”

Much to her dismay, Luce just whimpered more, draping his lanky arms over his face and attempting to look small. He was panicked, his agitation only increasing as time passed. He’d done something horribly wrong, and he recognized it.

Belle sat next to him, pulling him into a sudden hug. He winced, his breaths quickening, before he abruptly pulled away, his eye going wide.

“You… hurt…” he whined. “Stay away…”

Belle sighed, holding out her hand to show the tiny, irritated scratch. Normally, Luce would have merely worried about spreading his corruption through the open wound, but only one panicked thought filled his head now. He could smell the trace amounts of blood, a deep, horrible part of himself thinking back to that bird and wishing that he’d seized the chance to devour it.

He growled lowly, and Belle tilted her head, slightly concerned.

“I got nicked working on some parts… no biggie.” She narrowed her eyes, suspecting a deeper meaning behind the Deceora’s worry. “Why?”

That simple question seemed to set him off, and he suddenly shrieked, unable to handle his own emotions. He ended up rolling right off the bed, scrambling to try and right himself. His limbs felt heavy… foreign…. It shocked him to think that he’d gotten used to his new form, but right now, he could barely move.

Everything felt… weighted. He wanted to go back outside.

He refused to look at Belle, his eyes welling up with tears.

“I…” He hesitated. What would Belle think? Would she finally see him as a monster?

His mind swam with frantic thoughts, and he curled up, his eyes flickering between lagoon and pink. Belle took notice of the ocular change, her voice filling with worry as she reached out, only to be responded to with an aggressive hiss.

Luce arched up, his eyes wild with agitation. It was getting difficult to think properly, especially in this… limited space. He wanted to run, but between the bed and the walls, he could barely maneuver. It was quickly becoming clear… a monster like him wasn’t meant to coexist with shapes.

He wanted… to be free.

Shaking his head, he acted on the impulse, leaping for the window. He heard Belle yell after him, yet he forced himself to ignore her, bracing himself as the glass shattered. His scaly flesh deflected most of the glass, although he couldn’t help but hiss in pain as he hit the ground, shards of glass falling around him. He didn’t waste a second to leap to his feet, briefly shaking himself before he broke into a run.

He couldn’t stay here… not after what he did. He couldn’t endanger his sister.

Shocked, Belle climbed out, rushing after him. Her panicked yells rang out through the night, and Luce felt tears threatening to spill from his eyes again.

He glanced over his shoulder, screeching at her, trying vainly to get her to stop following him.

“Luce, what are you doing?!” Belle started to fall behind. She was athletic enough, but she just wasn’t built for such a sprint, at least not a long-distance one. “Luce, come back! Luce!”

The Deceora paused briefly, turning to face her. He arched up, his eyes flaring with corruption, before he let out a threatening roar, his horns angled backwards. His jaw hung open, dripping with venom. His heart was racing.

“Stay away!” His words dissolved into hisses, and he screamed, “DANGEROUS!”

Belle finally seemed to falter, taking a shaky step back. Her eye filled with fear, and Luce could almost sense what she was thinking of… a feral Deceora.

It hurt to scare her like this… it hurt to yell at his sister, but he had to, if only to get her to leave him alone and forget. He gave an almost rabid snarl, swiping at her. He was dangerous, and she had to see it.

“Luce… bro…”

Before Belle could get another word in, Luce cut her off with an angered hiss. Without further hesitance, he turned and ran, hoping that he wouldn’t be followed. He wanted to believe that he’d never harm her, that the incident with the bird was a fluke, but he couldn’t trust himself. He kept running, forcing himself to race through the forest as his muscles burned in protest.

“I’m… sorry…” he wheezed. “Too dangerous…”

He didn’t stop until he could no longer hear Belle’s footsteps, could no longer detect her scent in the air. He collapsed in the middle of the wilderness, sure that he must’ve travelled all the way to the Badlands with how far he’d run.

Luce’s heart ached, even more so than his body. His mind reeled, and he found himself curling up and sobbing, fighting to catch a breath as he wailed. He was vaguely aware of the inquisitive, familiar chirp that sounded near him.

The small Deceora from earlier trotted over to him, nuzzling up to his side in an attempt to provide comfort. He didn’t protest this time, having resigned himself with his fate. Whimpering pitifully, he returned the embrace, a clicking hiss escaping him as he did so.

The younger creature purred sadly, seeming to sense his despair.

Luce could barely breathe, but he didn’t dare move, afraid to lose his only companion. His eyes slid shut, and he drifted off, feeling his will to return to normal dwindling to nothing.

The chances of him ever reversing his curse were slim to none. No matter what Belle had tried, he’d remained a Deceora. He sighed, although as he took in the crisp, chilly air, he found his despair being replaced with something else.

A curious anticipation… for his new life.

~~~

~~~

Weeks later, Belle was still searching for her brother. The only sign of him had been an avian corpse, a familiar little bluebird that had once been fondly referred to as, “Luce Junior.”

The bird was mauled by a Deceora. Belle knew her brother was to blame.

Her hopes died that day, and from then on, when clients of the workshop asked where he was, she replied with a sad sigh, a haunted look in her eye, “I don’t have a brother. Luce is dead.”

She saw a familiar Deceora sometimes, in the odd hours of night. It was smaller than the others, with dark, thoughtful pink eyes. Its wounds had healed. It had let go of the past. Sometimes, it looked at her, and Belle got a rush of familiarity, almost wanting to speak to it.

She didn’t dare approach, for she knew what it was capable of. It didn’t matter who it had once been; it was a Deceora, and it was dangerous. It was fond of her, nonetheless, and Belle often caught the creature watching her from afar, protecting her from a distance.

But it never stuck around. Belle knew deep down… it was afraid of becoming attached.