#they've been through so much... needed them to hug like yesterday

[utenixx]

"Not to worry, Athrun. You're perfectly alive."

No text ☺️

[brbsoulnomming]

Tell Me Sweet Little Lies Part 17

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | AO3

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Eddie wakes up with his face smooshed against Steve's bicep, which, honestly, is not a bad place to be. He lifts his head up a little, blinking bleary eyes, and sees they've both migrated towards the center of the bed. Steve's rolled over onto his stomach, face buried in his pillow. Eddie's still on his back, but he'd shifted a little, leaned in towards Steve, and they're pressed together all along their sides.

Steve moves, which Eddie is guessing what woke him up in the first place, and turns his head to look at him.

"Morning," Steve mumbles, all rough with sleep.

It's not the first time Eddie's heard him like that, yeah, but it is the first time that Eddie's been this close, that he's been touching this much of him, and it makes his brain shut off.

"Doesn't it hurt sleeping like that?" he says, like an insane person.

Steve huffs out a little laugh. "My back's all torn up too, man, it kind of hurts sleeping like anything."

Shit, right, Steve'd gotten dragged over the lake bed in the Upside Down. Eddie has a vague memory of red streaks like road rash all up his back before he'd put on his vest.

Eddie makes a noise, quietly distressed, mostly because he doesn't know what to say to that, and he gets to watch the way Steve's eyes go all soft up close.

"I've had worse," Steve says.

It makes Eddie snort. "You keep saying that, but it's not as reassuring as you seem to think it is. Will you at least let me take a look at it later?"

Steve smiles. "I look after you, you look after me?"

"Something like that." Eddie ducks his head. "Come on, I'm starving."

They take turns in the bathroom. Eddie borrows more of Steve's clothes - another pair of boxers, the same track pants and a dark gray sweatshirt this time. Steve abandons the attempt he'd done at jeans yesterday, opts for navy sweats and a green sweater.

This time, Eddie lets Steve help him downstairs, even gets set up in a chair at the kitchen table so he can watch him cook breakfast.

They're halfway through eating a massive stack of pancakes when the walkie flares to life, and a time is agreed on for everyone to come over.

Turns out Steve hadn't been kidding about an invasion.

There's everyone in their little Vecna fighting mission, of course, Robin and Dustin and Erica arriving in Nancy's station wagon with her. But a Surfer Boy pizza van comes up alongside of it, Max and Lucas and Mike Wheeler spilling out of it along with Jonathon Byers, a pair of kids that Eddie's going to guess are El and Will Byers, and a dude that Eddie's pretty sure he's never seen before.

He's Argyle, apparently, owner of the van and the guy who pointed out that Eddie was not a girl, Jonathan's best friend from California.

Also brand new to all of this, which makes Eddie toast him with his second mug of coffee, from where he's pretending he needs to lean against Steve for support to stand up but he's also mostly using him as a shield because both Dustin and Mike look like they're ready to tackle him any minute.

Someone must have updated the California crew on what went down in Hawkins, because no one asks Eddie why he's standing in Steve Harrington's kitchen wearing Steve Harrington's clothes.

Steve stops working as a deterrent for Dustin about two minutes after the introductions are done, and really, Eddie's kind of surprised it took him that long to come over and hug them both. He's reasonably gentle about it, at least, so Eddie guesses he can't complain much.

"Hey, buddy," Steve says, ruffling his hair. "We're still okay."

"Still alive and kicking," Eddie chimes in, slinging one arm around Dustin and giving into the hug.

Mike looks - sullen and uncertain, like he's not really sure of his place here and he's unhappy about it. For a moment, Eddie considers ignoring it until he absolutely has to do something about it, but, well. He's kind of ignoring a lot of things right now, and he really doesn't want them all to come back up at once.

So he stays in the kitchen as everyone else trickles out into the living room, plops down at the table and makes significant eye contact with Mike, raising one eyebrow. Sure enough, it works, and Mike stays behind.

He doesn't say anything, just drops down to sit at the kitchen table with him and looks mulish.

It reminds Eddie of himself, actually, and he wonders if this is how Uncle Wayne felt sitting across from him when he was fifteen. Shit, he owes that man so much. Eddie's still got some coffee left, though, and he can wait this out, taking slow, lingering sips.

"You weren't supposed to get involved with all of this," Mike says finally.

Eddie raises an eyebrow at him. "Yeah, well, Vecna disagreed with you."

Mike scowls. "You were supposed to be safe. Everything was supposed to be done, or I never would have-"

He cuts off, but Eddie knows exactly what he was going to say.

"Or you never would have left," he finishes for him.

"I wouldn't have!" Mike insists, looking up at him with a fire in his eyes. "Joyce left, and she took Will and El and Jonathan, and Nancy said she wouldn't have left us alone like that if the gate wasn't closed and we weren't safe. Once November passed and nothing happened, we thought we were good."

Eddie sets his cup on the table, the hand that isn't all splinted up running absently over his knee. "That's a lot to unpack right there, Wheeler."

Mike groans. "Whatever. The point is, people who get involved with this because of us die. And it wasn't supposed to be you."

"Aw. Almost sounds like you care," Eddie says, batting his eyelashes at Mike, who scowls harder at him. "Mike, none of this is your fault. I didn't get involved in this because of you, I got involved in this because Hawkins is a shithole and Vecna is a jackass who targeted a girl I knew. Being friends with you guys is the only thing that got me out of this, okay?"

Mike scoffs. "You mean Dustin and Lucas got you out of it."

Eddie raises his eyebrows at Mike, because really, is there jealousy happening here? "If we're going to be technical, Nancy was the one who figured out the Creel connection, and Robin was the one who figured out that music was the key, and Steve got to Max in time and-"

"Okay, okay," Mike grumbles. "I still should have been here."

Ah. Not jealousy - or at least not entirely jealousy. It's the paladin thing, being upset with himself for not being there when his friends needed him. "Mike," he says, pitching his voice a little gentler. "You can't be everywhere at once, you know that. When the party splits, you have to pick which group to go with, and from what it sounded like, you were right where you needed to be. El and Will needed their paladin, didn't they? And we had Steve."

The cloud over Mike's face had been lifting, and he even got a smile when Eddie said that El and Will needed him, but it drops back into a scowl when he mentions Steve.

"Steve's not a paladin," Mike retorts. "If anything, he's a barbarian."

That's not the point, Eddie knows it isn't, but he can't help but consider that, thinking about Steve bare chested with blood and grime all over him for probably a moment or two too long. "All right, yeah, I can see that," he admits. "But what gives, I thought you guys all thought Steve was a badass?"

Mike whips his head around, looking out the kitchen door, then slouches down in his chair. "That was before you knew him! I just didn't want you to like, pick a fight with him when he picked us up, because he's already had too many concussions."

Eddie raises an eyebrow. "Uh-huh. And how many of those concussions did he get saving you little assholes?"

Mike pulls a face that Eddie is going to assume means all of them. "That's not the point. I just - are you and he -"

Oh, shit. Somehow, Eddie had completely forgotten their shenanigans over the walkie yesterday morning. He fights the urge to fidget, and instead gives his best stoic, you'll never get it out of me face. "And what if we were?"

Mike slumps down even further. "You don't have to yell at me. Jonathan already got there, I'm not going to say it's gross. It's just - I was gone for like a week! You kept insisting that he was an asshole, and wouldn't believe Dustin and Lucas, and now you're staying with him?"

All right, well, when he puts it like that - Eddie scrubs a hand over his face. "Kind of hard to hate someone when you watch him rip up demobats and then he carries you out of the Upside Down."

Mike rolls his eyes, but he looks a little less like his world has been completely shaken. "Oh. Yeah, Steve does that. So you're not-"

"No," Eddie says, because he can't keep talking around it, and saying anything else would be a lie. There's a pit in his stomach that says no is technically a lie, too, because Eddie's pretty convinced that Steve is his soulmate, but he can't let that trip him up. "I mean, we're definitely friends now, but he's letting me stay here because I've got nowhere else to go."

"They told us," Mike says, his scowl back. "We'll figure something out. Nancy and Jonathan got Hawkins Lab to release a story about Barb, and all of Starcourt got covered up. We'll get your name cleared."

It's a great sentiment, but Eddie's not sure he can believe it at the moment. He clears his throat, nodding towards the living room. "You better get back out there."

Mike stands, though he pauses to look at him quizzically. "You're not coming?"

Eddie holds up his cup. "Just finishing my coffee, I'll be right out there."

Fuck, he knows as soon as he says it that it's a lie. He'll just have to hope that Steve is too busy with the gremlins to check what just got written on him.

Mike apparently doesn't believe him, either, because it's only a few minutes after he leaves that Robin comes into the kitchen.

"Your turn to check on the new guy?" he asks her.

She scoffs. "Awfully self absorbed of you, Eddie. Maybe I just came for leftover pancakes and coffee."

He raises an eyebrow at her.

"Okay, I mostly came for coffee," she relents, pouring herself a cup. "But also to check on you. Hey, though, bonus, you're not the newest guy anymore."

"Thank you, Argyle," Eddie mutters as Robin comes to sit next to him.

"So," Robin says, taking a long drink from her cup. "Are you going to give me something that's a reasonable approximation of the truth so I can not lie when I give a condensed report back to concerned parties, or are we just going to sit here for a while and make this awkward?"

He huffs out a little laugh. "I don't know, Buckley, I'm pretty awkward and you're definitely awkward, I don't think we have much of a shot of this not being awkward."

She smiles at him, wide and amused, but that doesn't stop her from taking another pointed sip of her coffee as she looks at him over the brim of her mug.

"How come I have to be the one who's always getting checked in on?" Eddie bitches. "I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one not doing okay."

"Because you are the new guy," Robin says, though not unkindly. "Everyone else has been through this enough that we kind of know how they're going to react, and what to look for that means things are getting worse. They did it with me, too, after Starcourt."

Eddie hadn't actually been upset, just a little ruffled by the fact that so many people are this concerned over his well being, but if he had been, that would have soothed it. "Steve told me a little about the aftermath of that, about the song you taught him."

Robin laughs a little. "There you go. I had Steve singing that for me just about every night for a while. That's mine - my brain gets itself all worked up with hypotheticals and possibilities, and things that could have happened but didn't will just start spilling out until I have a hard time sorting them all out from what actually did happen. Some of the others have gotten pretty good about knowing when to let me talk myself through it and when to cut me off and distract me."

It's shockingly vulnerable, especially for sitting in Steve Harrington's kitchen with a huge group of people just on the other side of an open doorway, and Eddie appreciates it more than he can say.

"I hyperventilate," he blurts out. "I get trapped in my head and I can't get words out. It gets worse at night and when I wake up, but Steve and Dustin have kind of figured out how to talk me down. I'm sure some new terrible way of not coping will probably come up, but that's me right now."

Robin nods, looking thoughtful. "Has Steve had a nightmare yet?"

"No," Eddie says. "I don't think so. He said he does better with one of us there, so we've been sleeping in the same room."

He isn't expecting it, but that makes Robin light up, looking at him - almost like Steve does, when Eddie did something for one of the kids, and Steve smiles so warm and open at him.

"Thank you," Robin says, toying with the handle on her mug. "My parents wouldn't let me stay over until they knew for sure I was okay, and I just - yeah, that's him. He goes into protect mode when he wakes up from a nightmare, and he needs someone there to tell him that we're all safe."

Eddie gives a little smile, trying not to give into the way his stomach does a stupid, lovesick little flutter at that. "Protective mode fits him so much better than that you're all so beneath my notice thing he did in high school."

Robin barks out a little laugh. "Right? I couldn't believe it when I actually met the real Steve and found out how dorky and sweet he was."

He lifts his mug to her in a toast, draining the rest of his coffee in one gulp. "I'll keep an eye on him for you until your parents relent," he promises, even though it feels a little disingenuous because he was planning on doing it anyway.

She shoots him a grateful smile. "It was a lot easier after Starcourt, probably because it was so new and my parents figured I'd just sneak out and be over here anyway. This time they said they'd come find me, so, you know."

So she didn't sneak out, because Eddie was here and no one can know that, and he feels a stabbing of guilt.

Robin continues before he can decide if he should say anything, though. "We came to a deal, I'm home for a week and then I can come over and stay with you guys until they start school back up again."

Fuck, okay, then. Well, no, mostly not fuck - he's kind of excited about it, actually, the idea of staying with both Steve and Robin for a while is stupidly appealing - but it means he's only got a few more days to suck it up and tell Steve he thinks they're soulmates, unless he wants to do it with Robin there. Which, actually, wouldn't be the worst thing -

"Wait, start school back up?" he asks, his mind skipping and catching on that.

She grimaces. "Yeah, with the earthquake and the school still being used as a shelter, the school year's on hold. They made sure to inform us we'll have to make the time up during summer, but, eh. Gives us more time to make sure you're graduating."

He must look a little blank, because she rolls her eyes at him.

"You're one of us now. If you think Nancy and I aren't going to make sure you're right there with us on graduation day, then, well, you've got a little more time to get your head out of your ass before the mandatory study sessions start."

Oh.

He shouldn't have finished the last of his coffee, because there's suddenly a lump in his throat that he can't quite swallow past.

There's a little bit of a commotion outside the kitchen, though, saving him from having to say anything.

"Robin!" Dustin shouts from the living room. "Is Steve lying?"

"Nice try, dingbat, you know I need more than that before giving up any of the goods!" she shouts back without hesitation.

"He says there's nothing the hospital could've done for him if he stayed and let us look after Eddie!"

Robin pauses, like she's doing a mental catalog of something, and Eddie clocks onto what it is at the same time as she calls, "Not lying! Not enough to count, anyway."

His stomach drops, and he feels like the floor goes with it.

"You and Steve are soulmates." Eddie's not sure why he says it. It's obvious, and he doesn't really want to hear it confirmed, but - he's an idiot, apparently.

"Yeah, we figured that out during Starcourt."

Eddie - needs to say something, he knows he does, because Robin's looking at him in that searching way again, like she's seeing too much of him. But what the fuck is he supposed to say? Robin's his friend, how is he supposed to tell her that he'd wanted her soulmate to be his so bad that he'd almost tested it a few times, that he still wants Steve to be his, that he's angry at her and Steve and himself and the goddamn world, even though he knows he's the only one to blame for thinking he could have this? He can't even bring himself to look at her, gaze dropping down.

"Wait, you didn't know? I thought the gremlins told you."

There's a moment of silence before he hears a sharp intake of breath, and he can't stop himself from wincing.

"Steve and I have two!" she blurts out in a whisper-shout.

His gaze snaps back up to her face, and she's staring at him wide-eyed and frantic.

"What?" he asks, feeling a little wide-eyed himself.

"Soulmates. Steve has two soulmates, and so do I."

Oh.

Oh.

"Oh," he breathes out, his eyes darting to look back at the doorway, where he can just see the back of Steve's head.

"Yup. A platonic," she says, emphasizing the word way more than is really necessary for Eddie to pick up on what she's implying. Steve hasn't found his platonic soulmate yet - it could be Eddie. "And a romantic. So, you know. If you wanted to do anything with that information. It's there."

Eddie swallows, finally looking back at her to see the way her eyes are brimming with nervous excitement. "And you're… you'd be okay with that?"

She rolls her eyes at him. "If anything, I'd be relieved. It'll be a hell of a lot easier to navigate if it's someone who's been through the Upside Down stuff. I like you, Eddie, don't go getting a big head or anything, but you're pretty great."

And that's soft and sincere enough that it actually does make his head feel a little bigger - or at least his cynical heart, anyway, because he likes her, too. He's never been jealous of her before - watching her and Steve together has always felt good, made him all gooey and fond even when he refuses to acknowledge it - and he doesn't want to be jealous of her now.

He can do this, he decides. Steve might already have a romantic soulmate, but Eddie'd already resigned himself to having a platonic soulmate more than once. He can do it, if it means having Steve.

"Cool," he says, and resists the urge to make a face at himself. "That's, uh, yeah. I'll keep that in mind."

She raises one eyebrow at him, and he groans, leaning over to plant his face on the kitchen table.

"Just leave me here," he implores her, his voice all muffled.

Robin laughs at him, though not meanly, and pats him on the head. "No," she says cheerfully. "Suck it up and take your next dose of meds and let's go into the living room."

He groans louder, but he does get up and shuffle over to down his meds, not looking at her as he sets the bottle back down. "You're pretty great, too," he admits.

She doesn't say anything in response to that, until he finally looks up to find her grinning at him.

"I know," she replies smugly. "Now come on, potential soulmate-in-law, your solitary brooding time is up."

Taglist (always happy to add more!): @vampireinthesun @koibug @estrellami-1 @mentalcyborg @allbimyself26 @questionablequeeries @the-s-is-silent @whimsicalwitchm @a-gae-af-racoon @tinyplanet95 @n0-1-important @velocitytimes2 @swimmingbirdrunningrock @newtstabber @jcmadgirl @roblingoblin285 @lexyvey @paperbackribs @goodolefashionedloverboi @evix-syne666 @raisedbylibrarians @stxrcrossed186 @nightmareglitter @greekgeek24 @starman-jpg @crazyhatlady86 @imfinereallyy @manda-panda-monium @deleataecount @prideandsensibility @chaoticvictorianspirit @maydillydally @disrespectedgoatman @scarlet-malfoy @i-less-than-three-you @hbyrde36 @hallucinatedjosten @dragonsandgayships @arepaconchocolate @g4ys0n @novelnovella @bisexualdisastersworld @ghostofyourvampiregf @scarletyeager @pettrichore @nerd-and-nervous @hiimlevi @queenie-ofthe-void @cinnamon-mushroomabomination

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Part 18

[bluegalaxygirl]

Obsession's Grip (Zosan X Reader) P5

Plot: After saving some of the straw hat crew from a prison, the crew help takes a young man away so he can have a fresh start in life. He's shy but seems to grow attached to Reader in an unhealthy way.

Warning: Bad language and Violence.

Reader is Female (Sorry), Zoro X Sanji X Reader, Poly relationship, established relationship. Reader has the ability to control the snake tattoos on her arms that come alive when she commands, they can change size and are connected to her emotions.

P1 - P2 - P3 - P4 - P6 - P7 - P8 - P9 - P10 - P11 - P12 - P13 - P14

The morning sun hits your eyes making you groan, rolling over you go to put your arm around one of your boys only to remember where you are and what happened yesterday. Your headache is gone leaving your mind a bit clearer but your chest still hurts, you can't tell if its emotional or physical though. Sitting up you notice Nami and Robin sleeping in the other bed meaning it's very early, Sanji's most likely up by now and the thought of talking to him pops into your head. You know you need too and now would be the best time since you'll both be busy today with docking at a new island this afternoon. Getting up you get dresses and wash your face cleaning off yesterdays tears all while trying to be quiet in order not to wake up the two girls, this time also gives you a chance to think over everything and hopefully get your head and heart in the right place before talking to Sanji and Zoro. A lot of what Percy said yesterday rang true, starting off with Sanji you know he flirts with every woman he see's and its never bothered you because you know the reason behind it, he wants to make every girl feel happy and some times a compliment or a smile can easily do that. It does scare you that a woman will flirt back and try to get him in bed or something, thats the part that hurts but you've seen it happen and how Sanji reacts. He'll still be nice to that woman but tone it down and either take your hand or start complimenting you as well and if Zoro is there the swordsman will drag the cook away even if he's in the middle of a conversation.

When it comes to Nami and Robin you have no problem with Sanji taking care of them since you know for a fact the two aren't interested in him in any way and wouldn't hurt you. You love the girls, and they deserve so much after everything they've both been through, the heart eyes, swaying over and getting what they need is Sanji's way of showing them how much he cares, of course the cook does it to you some times, it's not as often anymore so Percy wouldn't have seen that. Sanji doesn't always greet you like the other girls instead you get kisses, hugs and those soft loving eyes, your heart melts just thinking about them. Thinking back to the other day when Robin was doing Percy's hair Sanji did complement your work, yes he praised Robin more than you but the black haired woman is so skilled at that job and plus, you don't need praise when he looks at you with such love, the way his thumb ran over your cheek makes you swoon. Then there's Zoro, yes he's quiet and aloof, he doesn't show affection around anyone outside the crew but thats because he doesn't like strangers looking, Percy is a stranger so of course he won't see the way Zoro holds you and Sanji or hear his cocky and teasing comments. The swordsman is more than happy to hold and kiss you with the crew around since he trusts them and knows they won't judge your relationship unlike outsiders. As for the faking being unable to navigate is something you should have laughed at, there's no way Zoro fakes getting lost, you know he can't read a map and even if he could be would still get lost, there's no way he's faking it just to go off with some random woman that he doesn't know or trust.

When Zoro trains with your snakes you do sit and watch if you have the time but yesterday you were behind on jobs so even though it was training day you deiced to do the garden. Of course Zoro wanted you to stay and watch mainly, so he can show off, but he isn't pushy unless your in danger, if you need to do something he might complain about it, but he'll let you go. Percy didn't wait to see what the swordsman does after, Zoro will bring your snake back and if your tired he'll carry you to take a nap with him or bring you to the kitchen, he won't let you walk. He'll tell you all about the training and how amazing your ability is while thanking you and showering you in hugs and kisses, Zoro doesn't take advantage of you and has never hurt your snake on purpose. You mentally kick yourself for even thinking they would cheat on you, what Percy said was false and your sure to have a stern word with him later about it, your kind and understanding but you won't let some stranger who hardly knows your boys to insult them and comment on your relationship but first you need to apologise to Sanji, Zoro, Nami and Robin for all the trouble and hopefully clear things up. Looking back at the girls still sleeping you give them a smile before heading out the door making sure to close it quietly. The morning sun feels great on your skin bringing you a sense of happiness while walking across the deck to the kitchen "Miss Y/n" You stop in your tracks hearing Percy running up to you, taking in a breath you calm yourself before having to talk to him.

Turning your cross your arms over your chest while looking over the worried young man "I'm so sorry about yesterday, i didn't mean to upset you with all my questions, i was just curious" The young man bows while panicking a little, yes the questions bothered you but what he said about your boys bothered you more. You want to scold him, but he's been through hell and your worried yelling or being too harsh will make him scared of you, when you don't answer Percy looks away from you starting to become shy "I really am sorry, you were so kind to me and i… I was rude, not only with asking you all those questions but also commenting on two people i hardly know" The young man takes a step closer to you while taking in a deep breath "I was worried" Raising an eyebrow at him you wait for him to continue wondering why he would be worried about you or your relationship, rubbing the back of his head Percy looks down at the floor "Your really kind and understanding, i don't want anyone to take advantage of that. My mother did that to my farther so i.. I feel a little protective over people like you. I know i hardly know the two but i can't help seeing what i see. I could be wrong and misunderstand their actions so i'm sorry for stepping out of place" You can't help but stare as he rambles on, its true Percy has no idea what Sanji and Zoro are like, but he seems to realize that. There is a part of you that feels off about this though, he apologised yet still thinks he's right about what he said.

Pushing all of that away for now you might as well just take his apology so you can talk to Sanji before the rest of the crew wakes up "I appreciate you trying to look out for me but their nothing like your mother, they don't take advantage of me, and they would never cheat on me, i think its best if you don't comment any further" You state turning your back to him starting to head up the stairs only for him to grab your hand, anger boils up in you as you yank your hand away, turning to face the young man your ready to yell at him but stop when seeing him flinch while his hand blocks his face. Your heart breaks seeing him like this, Did he think you were going to hit him? your angry yes, but you wouldn't hurt him unless he attacked you "I-I'm sorry, i'm not going to hurt you, i just… I won't hurt you" You sigh stepping down the stair and taking his hand lightly in yours, he flinches again at your touch but relaxes when you pull his hand down from his face to give it a light pat "I'm a little angry that you would jump to conclusions about them, you've only just met them, you know nothing about them. I think its best if you stay away from me and my boys for a while, until everything calms down and emotions aren't as high" Patting his shoulder you head back up the stairs leaving Percy to stand there and think. You don't feel like he's a bad person, his past seems to have a big hold on him and how he see's other relationships. You know Sanji and Zoro will be mad after you tell them about what happened so warning Percy beforehand to stay away will hopefully make things easier for everyone.

Walking into the kitchen your happy to see only two people, Brook at the table drinking his morning tea and Sanji in the kitchen, the bags under his eyes means he didn't sleep well last night or maybe not at all. It seems he didn't notice you walk in since he's so focused on the food he's frying up, the unlit cigarette in his mouth dangling almost falling out, you can't tell if its because he's tired or if his mind is else where. Brook gives you a wave before pointing to the door secretly asking if he should go, not wanting to cause a scene you shake your head while giving him a smile, the skeleton nods in response going back to drinking his tea. Walking around the counter you manage to get the cook's attention "Sanji-" Your cut off when the blonde's head shoots your way starting at you in shock, then happiness and then finally panic as he quickly turns off the stove and throws his cigarette away to give you his full attention. "My love i'm so sorr-" Sanji gulps taking a few steps to meet you only for your arms to wrap around his neck pulling the blonde into you for a hug "No, i'm sorry, none of this is your fault" You whisper hoping to calm him down and keep the conversation between the two of you, relaxing into you Sanji wraps his arms around your waist while burring his head into your neck "I'm sorry for all the trouble i caused yesterday, i promise I'll explain later when its just the three of us. None of this is yours or Zoro's fault" You sigh stroking his hair as his hold tightens not wanting to let you go, the cook's chest still hurts at your actions but mainly because he's worried, with what Nami said, how your snake acted and your refusal to see them at all let him know you were beyond upset.

After a while of holding you close confirming to himself that you are actually here and in his arms and not a figment of his imagination, Sanji pulls away to look at you but keeps his arms around your waist. Smiling up at him you run your hands from the back of his neck to his cheeks cupping them while rubbing his soft skin with your thumbs. "Are you alright my love? are you hurt? Did you eat last night? Do you need anything?" The blonde whispers placing his forehead against yours, sighing you know he's worried but the constant questions bring you back to yesterday making you tense up a bit "I'm sorry my love" Sanji pulls away unsure of what made you tense up all of a sudden, trying to relax you wrap your arms around his neck again placing your head in his neck "I can't take constant questions at the moment, my minds still a little… could i have some tea?" You ask pulling away hoping it will help you wake up and calm down, nodding Sanji gives you a smile while placing a kiss on your forehead that you lean into "Of course my love" letting you go the cook rushes off to make you some tea while you lean against the counter looking down at the pan on the stove, before you know it a cup of tea is placed next to you as the blonde's hand runs up your side "Would you like some?" Nodding at his question the cook places a kiss on your cheek, turning the heat back on Sanji gets back to cooking a smile on his face now instead of that gloomy look. "Mind if i stay here?" You ask picking up your cup of tea and blowing on it.

The cook happily nods glad that your wanting to be around him, it also conforms that your not mad or upset with him like he thought last night. Putting a plate down next to you Sanji places another kiss on your forehead missing your touch, rubbing his arm you lean into it also missing his touch "I love you" You whisper once he pulls away, cupping your face the blonde gives you those loving soft eyes that makes your heart melt immediately healing any and all heart ache from last night "I love you too, Mi amour" Sanji whispers back but doesn't make a move to kiss you in case you don't want that, putting your cup down you hold his hands to your face enjoying his warm and soft hands before leaning closer placing a kiss on his lips. The cook relaxes into the kiss while humming in delight his thumbs caressing your cheeks, pulling away you both linger close to each other for a while before separating fully so you can eat and Sanji can get back to cooking. More and More of the crew arrive and soon even Percy joins mainly being dragged in my Luffy and Usopp who are both excited about the island their docking at later today, although you don't know if its inhabited or not yet. The door to the kitchen opens once more raveling a very tired Zoro who's still in his sleeping bottoms, running a hand through his messy hair and yawning the swordsman heads into the kitchen area hoping for some coffee but stops in his tracks when noticing you leaning against the counter looking him over. The swordsman gulps looking from you to the cook hoping to find out if it's ok to approach or not.

The look of slight panic and confusion is clear on his face so you push off the counter and step over to him "I'm sorry Zo" You whisper wrapping your arms around his neck, Zoro instantly latches onto you wrapping his arms around your waist and pulling you tightly into him "Fuck baby, you had me worried. What the hell happened?" Despite his sigh of relief to have you in his arms the swordsman was still tense, holding him just as tight you run your hand into his hair while placing a kiss on his neck "I'm sorry i worried you but I'll explain later, When its just us three alone. You and Sanji didn't do anything wrong, i just needed time to get my head in the right place" You whisper pulling away to place a hand on his cheek, looking closely at his face you can see he had a restless night. Zoro leans into your touch while keeping a tight hold around your waist not wanting you to pull away from him "I understand that you needed time but don't worry us like that. I love you baby" Smiling at his words you lean in and lightly kiss his lips "I love you too, Zoro" You whisper back against his lips before kissing them again, the swordsman smiles into the kiss while kissing back finally relaxing his body. Sanji smiles at the two of you while putting a cup of coffee down and plate of food "Come on, before it gets cold" The cook comments with a small laugh, pulling away you kiss his lips a few times before trying to pull away but his hold stays tight around you "Let me hold you… just a little longer" Its rare for the swordsman to beg especially with the crew present.

It catches you off guard making you stand there and stare at him for a minute, but he doesn't let go, snapping out of your shock a sigh escapes your lips but your smile remains giving him a nod. Backing you up to the counter Zoro refuses to let go of you for even a second, one hand tightly around you while the other grabs his coffee "Thanks" The swordsman smirks at the cook who nods leaning over to lightly kiss the man before getting back to cooking. The three of you relax listening to the crew at the table all talking, laughing and eating, on occasions Sanji will walk over to deliver more food or fill up cups, as time went by the cook started looking at the clock making you slightly nervous "What's wrong?" You ask with your arms around Zoro who's holding you tightly with both arms, his chin resting on your shoulder to look over the crew behind you. Sanji sighs turning the stove off and whipping his hands "Nami and Robin aren't up yet, It's not a problem its just…. We're approaching an island soon, and we need Nami for that, i want to go and wake them but i also.. Don't want to leave you" The blonde steps closer placing his hand on your cheek, taking his hand you place a kiss on his palm "I'll be here when you get back, i'm not going anywhere. Plus waking up to you is a treat" You smirk seeing the cook start to blush at your words making you giggle, Sanji wipes his nose as a bit of blood trickles out before kissing your cheek "Your too sweet my love" The cook smiles while starting to make some tea and food for the girls.

You were too distracted with the cook to feel the eyes on you but Zoro noticed, looking over your shoulder the swordsman's eyes land on Percy sitting in between Usopp and Chopper who where talking loudly but the young man just sits there his eyes on you and your interaction with the cook. It didn't bother Zoro too much since it looks like the young man was just staring off into space with a blank expression, his mind most likely else where but that changed when the cook kissed you. A slight growl leaves the swordsman's lips as Percy's jaw clenches, his eyes narrow and nostrils flair clearly pisses, as Sanji walks away from you the young man glares at the cook his hands gripping the knife on the table. Zoro tenses while releasing you from his hold ready to jump in if need be, the world around him goes quiet unable to hear your concern at his sudden action. The swordsman's eyes are fixed on Percy who slowly starts to relax while letting go of the knife and turning his attention to the group talking around him. "Zoro?" You ask concerned placing a hand on his chest trying to push him off you, the swordsman finally snaps out of his predatory gaze to look down at you seeing the position he's put you in. His hands gripping the counter either side of you the muscles in his arms tight locking in place, his heaving chest presses up against you pinning you to the counter to the point where your hips dig into the edge making it more uncomfortable. His angry energy making you gulp as he looms over you but his eyes widen in shock before stepping back "Sorry baby" Zoro panics his white knuckled hands releasing the counter.

Sanji walks over placing the try of drinks and food down he was going to give to the girls before noticing what was going on "What is wrong with you?" The cook asks with a mix of concern and anger, looking over at the cook Zoro takes another step back only for you to grab his hand, you couldn't see what the swordsman was looking at but something clearly got his blood thirsty attention, the look on his face before scared you a little since you've only seen it a hand full of times, usually ending up with someone dead. "I'm sorry, I'll tell you later" Zoro sighs his eyes going back to Percy who's laughing and joking with the crew like nothing happened, Sanji raises his eyebrow while looking at the table. You do the same but quickly look back wondering if it was Percy who upset Zoro, did the swordsman figure out it was him who made you upset or was it something else? "Try to calm down. I'll be back soon" Sanji pats the green haired man on the shoulder before picking up the tray and making his way out of the kitchen, Zoro nods leaning against the counter while keeping an eye on the table. He wanted to follow the cook, make sure nothing happens, but he also doesn't want to leave you so for now he'll watch the young man and if he makes a move to leave the swordsman will have no problem stopping him one way or the other. Rubbing Zoro's arm you lean close to him hoping to calm him down, the swordsman starts to relax but doesn't take his eye of the table, your happy that at least he's no longer looking to kill. Wrapping your arms around his waist you bury your head in his neck giving it a kiss as his arm moves around your waist the other tapping on the counter.

[hel-phoenyx]

New Year's Eve, Interlude

A little text with no incidence on the story because I am bored in the plane, still a part of @corneille-but-not-the-author's @soupedepates's and my collab

They've been blowing up my phone for hours now.

It started with Oli. They sent at least a hundred text messages. Started calling at some point. Oli is not a caller. I must have done something to deserve that.

Then it was Kaizarz. Seventeen missed calls in half an hour. The count probably exceeds the two hundreds now. Usually I would be afraid after the first twenty calls, because that means I would get an earful. It got to thirty when I collapsed.

It was nice knowing you, I told Oli Domi and Meili when that happened. I barely survived the scolding. And the hug afterwards.

I don't think I will survive his hatred.

Then it was Meili. He called once, Twice. Sent a text. Then ten. His ringtone is burgundian lullaby since I joked about our long-awaited aryanification. I can recognize it.

Meili is not the kind to be that insistant.

After that it was Brynja. And Aarni. Then Hector and Thorfinn. I picked up none of them.

Nothing from Domhildr.

Of course. Why would she call you? You hurt her. She told you she loved you and what did you offer her? Silence.

Did she say that to make me feel better?

She could never love someone like me.

I do not deserve someone like her.

I do not deserve her feelings.

I do not eat. Do not shower. Do not do anything. Kriss is the one blowing up my phone, now. I don't answer.

Just leave me alone. Stop clinging to me. What am I to you?

The second choice?

I hear a knock on my door. It's morning, judging by the sun's angle on my window. It looks like I fell asleep on my couch. Still in yesterday's clothing.

I would like not to answer, but the door opens without me wanting to. Behind it is the worried expression of my brother-in-law.

Relief seeps through his worry wrinkles when he sees me prostrated on the sofa.

"Thank gods! I thought you did something irreparable."

"......... Gustav?"

He nods, sits next to me. Brushes a lock of sweaty hair off my face.

"You scared Kriss to death, you know. To the point she told me where was the emergency key to your flat."

"what....... why?"

"Well, you're her brother. And even if she calls you a piece of work, she cares, so, so much about you, kiddo."

I can taste something on my mouth.

Blood?

"Don't..... Call me kiddo. Please."

"Too bad, you need to be a child right now. So I will treat you like one and ask you to tell me what happened to warrant such a crisis."

He's still smiling.

Stop.

Stop.

Stop.

"I've just.... Hurt people. Again."

"As one does. I'm not asking you to wallow in self-hate, said Gustav softly. I just want to know the context."

"........ Context is, I don't know how to communicate."

Gustav has a little laugh.

"That's not new."

"...... It's worse."

"I can see that. But you won't solve anything with despairing away in your flat."

His finger pinches my cheek.

"Hey, tell you what. Come spend a little time home with the kid and I. When Kriss returns you can tell her about all this, but in the meantime I'll brew you tea and get chocolate out and maybe we can bake you a cake, how about that?"

...

In fact

I would like that very much.

Seeing the family I don't loathe.

Forget all this for a moment.

But

".... Gustav?"

"Yeah?"

"Why all this? Are you doing this because Kriss asked you to?"

He smiles.

"Of course not. I have known you before her, Tyr. I care. And I will always, always, care."

I am sat on my sister's couch, mug in hand, while my nephew all-excited is baking me my favorite chocolate cake. I hope he's not messing the kitchen up, while his father is not here to look at him. But Gustav seems confident in his abilities.

He's now sitting next to me, his hand stroking mine. The good one.

"Goodness, he ends up saying. That is a fucked-up situation."

"I'm sorry."

"No, I am. I told Fenrir I saw you. Didn't expect him to do that."

"....... Me neither."

Gustav sighs.

"He got too far. And Domhildr... As much as I feel bad for her, she didn't exactly choose the right way. To tell you that, I mean."

"Was there even a right way?"

"I mean, there is certainly a better one than asking you to kiss her after Fenrir got to your head, and getting away when she heard your silence. Like, sure, you handled that poorly, and you will have to make things right. But this was.... Heated to say the least."

My eyes are fixated on the swirls in the tea. Black, no sugar, with cinnamon. Gustav's emergency bad day tea. Sometimes I can see a smiley face calling from me in the movements of the liquid.

I can't believe that face is truthful.

"I think.... She said that to snap me out of it. Why wouldn't she? Poly or not, there's people... Far more lovable than me."

There's Oli. There's Kaizarz. Fuck's sake, there's Sigismund. That I hope will manage where I failed. Making her happy.

Gustav smiles a little sadly.

"Dear me, Fenrir really got through your head."

"It's not Fenrir. Not only. It's also... I can recognise when people have had sex together, Gustav. I've tried to hard to see those hints on you and Kriss, you know. And yesterday... Oli and Domhildr..."

I sigh.

"I sound petty and jealous and I probably am but it cristallized the fact I am, once again, the second choice."

There's a silence. Gustav just looks at me for a long, long while. I can hear the kid having fun in the kitchen, probably mixing the cake batter judging by the noise. Before, finally, Gustav squeezes my hand.

"Tyrfing, you are not the second choice of anyone. You are my brother-in-law, Kriss's baby brother, Brynja's favorite person in all the world. You are Kaizarz's, Meili's and Oli's best friend. And it would look like you are, also, one of the people Domhildr loves."

His smile is shining like the sun.

"So please, don't put yourself down like this. You are, as everyone you love is, your own person."

It may be what kickstarts the crying.

[dragonform]

Dragons Rising Season 2 Pt1 overall thoughts!

WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS DO NOT CLICK UNLESS YOU'VE WATCHED THE WHOLE THING

In no particular order:

Wow, this season was the heaviest one yet. I'd been a bit disappointed by how Season 1 seemed a bit light on the life lessons that I found so compelling in Ninjago. Well, DR2 delivered in spades, from the theme of secrets, to the issues of mental health. Never should've doubted Ninjago writers!

WHY LEAVE SO MANY UNRESOLVED THREADS THOUGH. Not even clues for fans to speculate on?!?

Like what happened in Cole's journey to follow Master Wu?

What really is that glowing orb sprite thingy? Because it showed up in the Monastary of Spinjitzu to close the portal gate, right? How was it doing that before they'd even traveled to Mysterium? Have I misunderstood something? (Granted, I had to do chores here and there so I really might've missed something... need a rewatch)

Where did Cinder even come from? How did Ras recruit him? What's his story?

What really is Arin's object spinjitzu power?

Of course I'm sure all of this will be resolved/revealed eventually, but it seems a lot to conclude in the next 10 episodes. Oh wait, they've said they have enough material for a few more seasons right? Well, sure looks like enough for at least a third season.

I think the ones who are gonna have a falling out are Arin and Sora. It's gonna be revealed, maybe at some critical point, that he didn't actually do object spinjitzu to get them the win, and it's gonna destroy his self confidence as well as his trust in Sora.

They're gonna get all of the Forbidden Five out eventually, possibly by shoving more ninja through the gate. Which is fine, because the ninja will just meet up and come back through the Power of Friendship!

SO CURIOUS to find out what the elemental powers of the Forbidden Five are.

I was a little disappointed by the lack of Euphrasia though. I thought for sure she'd have a more major role this season, but she still remained a side character for most of it. Oh well, patience!

BONZLE. I did NOT expect her story to go this way. Still trying to wrap my brain around a sentient spell, but hey. It's Ninjago.

Love her so much though she's so precious.

Speaking of precious, ZANE. That's it. That's the whole thought.

No, I AM going to expand on that. Look at how he had such a vast knowledge of the Administration's rules and regulations. Look at how he stalled them with it. Look at the pride he had in helping them raise their efficiency by NINE PERCENT. IT COULD'VE BEEN TEN YOU GUYS. IF HE HADN'T GOTTEN RESCUED.

MR FROHICKY. I need that Frohicky plushie like YESTERDAY.

Also PUPPY COLE PLUSH WHEN

COLE. He's still protecting and trying to comfort everyone. What an amazing fight he put on at the monastary, almost a one-man army against the Adminstration's mechs, with Gandalaria's support. I bet his failure to protect Zane would have devastated him if Zane had been deactivated permanently. Fortunately Gandalaria knows more about nindroids than she should...

GANDALARIA! Endlessly positive and chirpy and disorganised. Like a more established Fungus. Wish I could be her. Loved seeing her dynamic with Cole being her straight man (hush, yes I know.)

So happy to see Kai get his focus for a change. Love Lloyd but he gets the focus like... every season. Kai needs the love. He's really cool this season.

Nya gets the least focus :( I miss her

WHY are all the ninjas' powers only as powerful as the plot calls for it :/ Zane's frozen way more than just a runaway mech back in the day!

I still think Ras looks too cuddly to be taken seriously as an antagonist. I mean would you not hug a Ras plushie? Look at those eyes. Look at that nose.

Is Ras's master a Source Dragon or the Overlord? OR BOTH?

Love Rontu, but she is such an archetypal (?) Nurturing Mentor to Egalt's Grumpy Old Master

Egalt has dragon cancer :( he looks way cooler in the show than he looked in the promotional materials and the set

I haven't talked about Jay, have I? JAY. Oh how my heart skipped a beat when he showed up pointing that gun/taser at Bonzle. I literally said out loud "OH NO OH NO OH NO".

I think that was the single most terrifying part of the whole season for me. I don't even know why it was so visceral. I think I was worried that his entire peronality had changed, though I don't know why I thought that, since in Pt1 he was literally playing video games instead of working.

So I was actually relieved to hear that he felt he didn't really belong in the Administration. Pre-merge Jay probably couldn't even fill out a single form properly. He probably had Nya or Zane or Cole do all the paperwork for him.

He clearly wasn't suprised that he had control over lightning. Why did nobody know about it? He's the kinda guy who'd use his powers for entertainment if he didn't have a good reason to hide them.

He didn't recognise his own ninja outfit D:

Lastly, the Finders - I'm also a little troubled by how Cole seems to put them ahead of his ninja family, but then again. He knows the ninja are all very capable warriors who can take care of themselves. On the other hand, for who knows how long, he had felt responsible for protecting his little newfound family. It makes sense that he would continue priotising them even after finding his old family.

In conclusion, Cole is such a dad :D

And to wrap it up, NEED PT 2 NOW 6 MONTHS IS TOO LONG TO WAIT NETFLIX /shakes fist

Sorry that was so long and rambling! Fun though.

I had wanted to do a blow by blow reaction post of every episode, but I can't seem to get clear photos from my device without major reflection issues. Still trying though!

[youcantrewind]

Find the Word Tag

Okay so, @indecentpause tagged my dnd character's aesthetic side blog (@silverthebard) and I'm feeling like that might have been either a typo or just reeeeally randomly chosen out of a hat, since I don't touch that account much these days and have never posted any writing there. BUT whether it was actually meant for me or not, I'm gonna do it anyways because it seems fun. 😂

I'm just gonna do it over here instead, because my "WIP"* isn't related to my boy Silver. (*quotes because it's done but I'm not done editing and posting the last chapter yet, so it's technically still a WIP, right?)

Okay. The task was find the words up, down, left, right, and start.

Bits from 'what if we kissed in the brig?'!

up:

Jeremy smirked at them, picking up the sparse tray, and headed back the way he'd come. Let's just get this over with, he thought to himself, hurrying back through the dining room. The less he had to look at the moofmilker in the shiny armor, the better.

down:

Tal just sat down next to him, back against the wall as well. "You're not the prisoner. You don't need to lock yourself up in here."

"I'm not locked in here," Jeremy jabbed his thumb towards the vent. "And technically neither are you. I've been meaning to ask you about that, actually..."

"About what?" Tal pulled his knees up, resting his arms on them.

"You know the vent is an escape route, but you've never used it, have you?"

Tal rested his chin on his arms. "I don't want to escape. I belong in here."

left:

Under the brig's bench was a crumpled piece of clothing, left from yesterday, forgotten. But it was his, and it was soft, and it smelled like him, and Tal didn't know why it helped but he pulled it into his bedroll, hugged it close, and fell soundly back asleep.

right:

He breathed a sigh of relief, suddenly wondering why the Captain hadn't provided him with a sidearm of some sort for this job. Surely this was dangerous, right? What if he had tried to escape? The closest thing Jeremy had to combat training was...

Well. He had a lot of siblings. Did that count?

start:

He shook that thought from his head, frustrated at how easily his mind wanted to destroy the trust that he thought they'd been building. No, he wouldn't let himself succumb to those dark thoughts and start sabotaging this conversation with another grumpy mood swing.

Believe in him, please. It's all you have.

There we go. I'll tag... hmm, who have I seen who has mentioned they've possibly got WIPs on the go? @abner-krill @ms-nerd and whoever else sees it and wants to take part. Your words to find are ones I saw someone else give out, because I like the possibilites: first, second, never and forever

[crabs-nonsense]

Something I love is my mom's romantic relationship. Like her partner and the ways they interact are both so wholesome and amazing. So you guys are gonna unlock some lore here.

Over two years ago my dad cheated on my mom and she said their relationship was over, because that was a rule she's always had for herself, once a cheater always a cheater. After that she started dating her current partner in a long distance relationship. They are an enby who lives in Norway and the two of them met on tiktok because they both cosplay the marauders era from Harry Potter.

In the two years they've been together my mother has gone and spent several months visiting them and meeting their family twice, once for summer and once for winter. Their family loves her and regularly invites her to things even though she can't attend. They video chat pretty much daily and text constantly. They've seen eachother at their highs and lows and been there through it all. An extremely funny fact is that my mom started learning Norwegian from a 6yr old with a very specific dialect and a speech impediment, because her partners son mostly speaks Norwegian with a bit of English.

Anyways the reason I was thinking about this is that yesterday I was in a voice chat with my bsd cosplay friends and my mom was across from me talking about the paperwork for getting citizenship through marriage with her partner. And I'd said she doesn't have to be engaged for a long time before getting married, which very much confused my friends and I had to explain. So it's been on my mind lol.

I love that they've talked about the steps needed for all of us the get citizenship, and how to get my sister and I onto disability there. And they even told my mom they might get a bigger house just so we can all still live together. They also send us Norwegian candy from time to time (sending things to the US is super expensive so it's not very often). They also send all her kids presents both randomly and for birthdays and Christmas. I have a crocheted pokemon plushie from them that I absolutely adore.

But yeah despite my mom being completely done with my dad he spent a year and a half trying to "win her back" but in like a really semi toxic roundabout way that all of us could see would never work except for him. And he only this year finally moved out of the house. Divorce papers FINALLY got filed and we all know he's going to drag it out and fight for full custody just to spite her. So because of that my mom and her partner are only dating, but mom has said the moment the divorce goes through she wants to take a small trip to Norway so we can all meet them in person and she wants to propose in person. Her partners son (again he's six) insists he's planning their wedding (they've never said anything about getting married to him), and he collects rocks and shells every time they go to the beach to use as center pieces for the tables.

Another thing is that with the safety of trans people quickly fading here they've also talked about how if things get bad enough that we are in danger here, we can all go to Norway. Like they told my mom if she suddenly said hey we're getting on a plane and will be there at x time, they will get their family together to get large enough transportation and housing for us (I have 4 siblings so there's 6 of us in all).

And and and!!! They are also disabled and have been since they were a kid. They don't have the same issues my sister and I do but they do have joint problems and chronic pain just like us so its been amazing to be getting first hand advice for a lot of things. They are so amazing i can't wait to meet them in person and give them a hug honestly.

[tsukuharuko]

It's been...a year since they've met..since that very first day and the little adventures they would have since then. Through her friendship Yusuke had gained a lot..the drive to better himself, a food truck, two very hyper puppies, a few hens and roosters and a very big and empty house...there's going to have to be some changes because this..what they have between them, much like him it needed to change.

So of course once she was done with her own shift, he was at her flat per usual and once she came home he greets her with a smile. "Haruko I need ya t' sit down because..I dunno this news is big." Huh, maybe he should have led with a nickname..instead of using her name. He's probably shifted the tone more than he intended. "This friendship between us..hugging, cuddling, kissing..and..the sex which are all amazing by the way..it just can't go on. I've got an epiphany yesterday and it made me realize how I felt..how I've always felt..but before that here." He places a key into her hand, the key towards his house, all doors will never be locked for her again. "That's a key to our home and I guess the reason I called ya here is t' say I don't want t' be your friend." He took hold of both her hands. "I wanna be yer boyfriend." For the life of him he couldn't think of ANYTHING romantic to say. "So, how about it, I'm too in love with ya t' let this chance slip."

Haruko sat on the couch at Yusuke's request. She was confused -- he didn't usually call her by her actual name. Was there somethign wrong? But he seemes happy...

Then he started speaking. At first, Haruko felt her heart sink in her stomach. It can't go on. She knew it. She expected it. She couldn't hope things to stay the same, she knew someday Yusuke would have realised he deserved better, someone equally amazing as him, and that wasn't her; tears started filling her eyes at the perspective, and she pressed her lips together, ready to hear the rest.

But when the rest came... Haruko's heart soared back in her chest, palpitating like never before. She blinked through tears -- did she hear it well? Was it all true? She stared at the key Yusuke put in her hand, baffled. The key to his house -- and in a way, the key to his heart, too.

"Yusuke, I..." She stammered, tears of joy running down her cheeks. "Are... Are you sure? I..." She sniffled, fingers entwining with his. "I never thought I could ever be enough for you but... I-If you're sure, if it makes you happy..." A moved sob escaped her chest. "I-I couldn't be happier myself!"

She threw her arms around him, crying of joy against his shoulder. She pulled back to look at him with the warmest, most tearful smile ever, so happy she felt she could die on the spot and not regret it.

"Yusuke, I..." She leaned in, ready to kiss his lips. "I love you so much..."

BEEP BEEP BEEP--

Haruko jerked up with a gasp, heart still racing. She glanced around, confused, before realising she was in her bedroom. Pu was heald in her arms, and by the blue feather stuck on her lip, she could bet she was kissing him-- Oh. Oh no.

It was just a dream, she groaned, letting herself fall back against the pillows with a groan. She sighed, staring at the ceiling with a bitter sense of frustration. Of course it was a dream. As if, she thought, frowning at her own fantasies.

But at least the Haruko in her dreams managed to speak out her feelings for her. She wished she could be as brave in real life...

[prince-toffee]

Fireworks

Blaze felt awful. There were moments when she'd wish the earth would swallow her whole - to just disappear for a little bit. Misery was written all across her face, she tried her best to hide her frown behind the forced smile, for the sake of all of her guests. Her inter-dimensional friends did not get to come over to her home pocket-dimension often, and she didn't want to worry them. She invited them to allow them to enjoy themselves. That was often a flaw of Blaze's, she always downplayed her own feelings and emotions, while prioritising those of others, which was in turn one of her greatest gifts. Everyone was having a good time, that's what mattered... well, almost everyone.

The royal-purple Princess focused her silent gaze through the grouping of her marshmallow-roasting friends on a lonely grey hedgehog who sat off to the side, on his own. She had no idea how long she had been stuck in a trance, staring at Silver. At his black eye make-up, how his chest fur danced in the breeze, how his lightlines pulsed instep with his breaths. He hugged his arms close to his chest, trying to keep warm from the cool evening winds. The Sol Queendom was famously for its tropical climate, but during the nights it tended to get chilly. Not that Blaze could tell - she often found other's small-talk about the weather and opinions on temperatures and what to set the thermostat to endearing and curious. She wondered what it would be like to feel... normal... cold, or even just tepid, to understand what 'room temperature' meant. But she tried not to dwell on it. She, nonetheless, wrapped herself in a fuzzy blanket that Amy had weaved for them, mostly for the soft textural comfort, but also to appease this deep insecurity and need to fit in.

Silver's head was bowed down, his golden eyes pointed at the ground, deep in thought of some kind, thought he did not seem too happy. Not that Silver smiled openly much around others, but it seemed to often slip when around her - she enjoyed seeing him smile very much. She found it very infectious. She thought it made him look cute. She wished she could have seen it more often.

She wondered if the same thing lingered on his mind as it did on hers. She couldn't stop thinking about it, no matter how much she tried. The memory, and the hurt; it was still fresh, it still stung, at the corners of her eyes - it almost brought tears to her eyes yesterday when she had retreated to her personal chambers. Did he hate her now? Could he even look her in the eye? Was their friendship over?... Did it make her a monster?...

Blaze and Silver hadn't known each other for long, but they've been friends from the moment they met. And Blaze felt like her life had been better off because of it, she cherished the moments they shared together, no matter how rare they were - Blaze always managing and running an entire country - Silver protecting and attempting to mend his time. They were both workaholics, moments together were few and far between, but that's what made those moments so special. One such moment graced them yesterday, where Silver had managed to find the time (not pun intended) to visit her. One of their favourite activities was gardening within The Royal Gardens, Silver loved learning about various flowers and vegetables, they enjoyed walks along the garden, while sipping on some mint chai, grown from within their very garden. For some reason Blaze had managed to build up some newly found courage, and planned something for them that was-- she herself would never have admitted it, but it was a positively romantic concept; Blaze wanted to show Silver the field of fireflies that rose from the nearby pond reeds, a quiet place she had often ventured to to be alone when she was a little girl, just to be alone with her thoughts, enjoy the nature around her without her mother or her advisors breathing down her neck. It was a nice meditation spot. And the poor girl, just wanted to share it with someone she wanted to get closer to.

Blaze led Silver along by the hand, through the grass plains. She had grabbed a lantern off a wall, and intended to us it to light their way. But it did not unfold as so. Blaze knew in passing of Silver's apprehension to fire, seeing him flinch at the lighting of a match, or getting tense at the mention of a distant forest fire or fire alarm. But she did not understand the extent of it. Silver never really talked about it, and Blaze never cared to ask, she beat herself up about that. Silver never talked about his 'home' much, he did not care to do so when he was present in a paradise. Though he did divulge some basic factoids here and there; Blaze knew he was a time-traveller from the distant future of The Chaos Dimension, she knew he came from a desolate apocalyptic world of ruin, that he was afraid of his birthplace, but still found it worth protecting, fixing, and fighting for - which often inspired Blaze making her heart glow bright and warm, Silver never really gave monologues, never really talked much in general, more of a listener, but he just somehow managed to earn Blaze's admiration so... seamlessly, never on purpose. She found him endlessly fascinating. She knew the basics of his origin, but not the specifics - he poured so much time and effort into researching and understanding her home-realm, her people, friends, culture, but Blaze was always too busy to return the favour, it ate her up on the inside. She hoped to mend that mistake.

She didn't know about the fire, the brimstone, the smoke and ash, The Beast he fought everyday to make it here. And he in turn never saw her outwardly use her powers - and so, when the Princess went to light the lantern in hand and she opened her hand and summoned a spark of flame out of nothingness, which snapped and combusted into a roaring blinding fireball caged between her fingers. Then, just then, Silver could have sworn he had heard the flames roar and growl, and saw the visage of an old nightmare unhinge its jaws and lunging at him... The pain, the fear, in his eyes, it hurt her. He fell back, creating a protective barrier between the two of them to... defend himself from... her...

...Blaze could not exactly remember the rest of the night, only that they separated, and left things unspoken and unresolved. The evening made her retreat to her room, and retreat into herself. The tears evaporated and steamed before they could make it out of her eyes. What was meant to be a perfect evening had turned into a haunting memory that the woman could not get rid of. Long had she feared herself, the poor girl. That raging wild flame inside her that she was born with. For as long as she knew what fear was. Her mother, all the sacred texts, the murals, the history, all spoke of how the fire burning within her was a gift, a tool to mend divides, and a weapon with which to defend her people and realm. But the young Blaze; Blaze the Kitty Kat did not see it as such - she saw it as a curse. When she was five she burned down her first bed. At six she locked herself in her room for a month after accidentally burning a school friend. At seven she wrapped her hands in damp bandages and rags just so she could hold a flower in her hands without turning it to ash. The poor girl thought herself a monster, a Beast. Every new day seemed to prove those deep dark thoughts right - it took her a long time to overcome them, but she did, thanks in no small part to Gardon, who was her rock, and more proud than the sun was warm. Through his nurturing love and care the girl finally managed to see herself as more than just that power everyone else wanted to exploit, when she looked in the mirror she finally saw a young woman staring back. Gardon was more of a parent than Blaze's biological's ever were. Teaching her how to breath, meditate, educated her about medical options to reduce stress, how to assess a situation without spiralling to the worst case scenario, he listened to her, and most importantly he loved her like she was his own. And kids can tell the difference. And Blaze never forgot, hence him being nominated her right hand, at her side at all times.

That evening last night, it brought all those insecurities back, and they came back with force. She knew the thoughts weren't true, they weren't her, she knew that - she had a better foundation now, she was in a healthier place. But they still stung. Only afterwards did she find out the full extent of Silver's harrowing background, from his fellow time-traveller, Gold. The horrors they encountered there; monsters of rock and lava, the relentless scorching heat, clouds of smoke choking out the clear skies, he had never experienced pleasant warmth - the same way she's never experienced pleasant breeze. He couldn't see the positive to the flame, once she couldn't've either, but perhaps she could show him. Perhaps she could still mend this fresh wound. From what Gold had divulged Silver wasn't feeling great about how he behaved last night, and had been feeling ashamed and guilty (then again, it was Silver, when was he not?).

So, she organised this, a little get together with her friends, on The Day of the Fireflies; a minor holiday of The Sol Isles - and so the barbeque was set in motion.

Blaze's gaze was broken briefly by a large mass of orange entering her periphery, she turned to be almost nose to nose with a certain grinning raccoon who was looking so excited she could've taken off like a rocket on the spot. Ever since seeing the two partners in action together, she had fantasised some fictious, romantic interpretation of the two, and had been teasing her pyrokinetic mentor non-stop for weeks about it. To Blaze's dread and embarrassment she found that the girl had actually been writing fanfiction about them, which, a flustered Blaze burned up in a flash. Blaze rolled her eyes and huffed, she did not want to deal with her mentee at the moment. The feline stood up and made her way over to the solitude hedgehog. He noticed her approach and stiffened up.

"Can I sit down here?" She asked for permission though she already knew the answer.

Silver awkwardly, stiffly shook his head up and down, a slight blush coming through on his cheeks, "Yeah, sure, of course." Blaze sat down. She said nothing at first, and so neither did he. He was looking away from her.

She was the one to turn to him and opened up a dialogue, "Silver, about yesterday, I'm--"

"No, no, don't worry, don't apologise, you-- you didn't do anything wrong." He stuttered nervously while looking saddened, "You have nothing to apologise for. It should be me who should've apologised, for how I acted." He hugged his arms tightly and close to his chest. "I'm so sorry, Blazey. For making you apologise, for making you feel so terrible about yourself, Marine told me about... about everything; I'm sorry. I'm a horrible friend. I-- I understand if you never want to see me again."

At first Blaze simply, wordlessly took her blanket off and draped it over Silver's shoulders, and then she began to speak her peace, "That's better, I would've heard your teeth chattering from all the way over at the campfire. Did she now? I knew I shouldn't've confided in Marine lest the whole Queendom know a secret. Seems like we both have a spy on our sides... Silver, I do need to apologise - I knew not of your phobia, or your past, well... future, anyhow-- All is forgiven... And I do want to see you again, Silver. I-- I really enjoy our... ventures together... I enjoy being with you- being friends with you, I mean! I hope you feel the same-"

"I do! I do." His cute little ears perked up.

"Then how about we start over? From scratch."

Silver gave a tiny shy smile, "I'd like that."

"Then; Hello, I am Blaze. Well met."

"Hehe, hi I'm Silver, it's lovely to met you."

"Care to join the campfire? With the rest of us?"

"Uhmm, I don't know- about that..."

She gently placed her hand on top of Silver's to reassure him, "Silver, I promise you, you'll be alright. I know you fear it, the flame, I know you can't see anything good about it; You can only comprehend it as a destroyer, a cleanser; that it consumes, scorches, deforms, and brings horrors to all - for a long time, I thought that too. But I have... better voices advising me now, you could say. I see the brighter side of it, and... I'd like to show it to you as well- if you'd let me."

If Silver was a man of faith, than Blaze would be his Goddess. He believed her, believed in her, he'd follow her to the ends of the earth and lay down his life for her. "Of course." He took her hand, and followed her to the campfire, "And those roast marshmallows do look delicious." They sat down together, overlooking the setting sun, creating a beautiful pinkish-orange horizon - it was mesmerising. "Gaia, that's gorgeous. I never get tired of it. There was no sun, no clear skies where I came from."

"Strange, it's such a simple thing, I never appreciated it. But it is beautiful. The sun gives our greenery energy, food, and life. It gives us time and structure. It powers our machines, and inspires our mythology." She smiled to herself. She looked down. She slowly, quietly lit a flame in the palms of her hands so not to startle Silver, who motionlessly watched - the ball of flame sat cradled in Blaze's hands like a baby. "It's funny, such a simple thing - but so influential, crucial, foundational. Fire brought us out of the caves, it kept us warm at nights, it cooked our food, it defended us from predators, it powered our progress forwards through history." She brought it a little closer to Silver, making him warm and fuzzy, "Fire can bring about life too." The glimmers of flame reflected in their eyes. They locked eyes for a brief moment, seeing their futures within the other.

But before either of them could do anything impulsive, their little raccoon rascal leapt in between them pointing up at the darkened sky, exclaiming excitedly, "Look! It's starting!" And then-

Peeewwww... PAK! cRaCkLe!

Colours of every kind exploded all across the blackened canvas above them. A shower of sparkles fizzled and rained down over the body of water in front of them. Blaze turned back to look at Silver, his gorgeous chubby face was tinted with every colour of the rainbow - Silver's eyes were wide and his mouth agape, he was in awe and wonder - and so was she.

The End

Quick doodle inspired by @felis-rach 's post and @casuallysonic comment

"What if, just as Sonic's scared of water, Silver's scared of fire?" Maybe he thinks that everything that fire does is to destroy, but Blaze can teach him otherwise yeah the last airbender reference let me be lol

[ehhs-ya-boi]

I'm actually outta space in my google keeps for the outline for this one, so this is gonna be the hub for all of yesterday's tomorrow. or tomorrow's yesterday, or whatever other fuckin wip name I have for this 3gs fic.

Obviously spoilers under the cut-

Probably a short fic, but who knows. I said then-

For only the goddamn outline-

I wasn't kidding when I said I was running outta space... And don't tell Xai-AroAce I've been working on this for like a year now. Also when I wrote this a year ago I didn't really consider it, but now I'm thinking he/they pronouns for 3gs.

Overall, I don't think he'd care that much but they also never correct you when you use they/them pronouns with them so... it sticks.

= - - =

// CH1 //

You're hired at Meeple as a tutor of some kind for helping to teach the robot army, since there's far too many and Cobs is far too busy. You're a pretty good tutor so it could either be that you showed that you were good, so Cobs stations you with 3gs or that it was already established that you were a good tutor by your like resume or smth so you were automatically put with 3gs. Either way you're put to work with 3gs.

// CH2 //

I know 3gs is kinda a prick, full of himself, yada yada. He's a leader. He's sure he doesn't need your help but since Cobs specifically put you to work with him, he HAS to keep you around. He spends most of your study sessions in solo-study which is fine by you, but also a bit disheartening since you'd seen him around and wanted to get closer to him. Maybe not a crush per se, but like, you wanted to talk to him. You get a break through with him by talking about a specific topic he likes (maybe space? Robotics? Psychology/communications again?? Basing this off of that 3gs post.)

// CH3 //

You guys engage in fun conversation about robotic mechanics. I would like to think that he's actually teaching you about it and it's like an exchange of knowledge. Like you're the tutor hired to get him better at being a diplomat (so communications again...) And you help him with his tone while he teaches you how to fix mephones/the basics of robotics. You both become pretty good friends. Cobs doesn't like this and re-stations you back to the other phones. Around this point, him only considering them objects would rub you the wrong way but he's your boss and you didn't want to lose your job. You obviously do so but still meet up with 3gs for fun. No Cobs does not find out.

// CH4 //

It's time for them to leave. Everything they've been working towards. It was time to get the prime shimmers. You wish 3gs good luck and give him a hug before your shift is over since Cobs wasn't letting any of the tutors stay to watch the lift off. 3gs tells you he doesn't need luck, he's the best there is, the best doesn't need luck. He's gonna be fine. You trust him. Why wouldn't you? He'd been right about a lot. The next day you're transferred to a different department. You were one of the tutors that showed the most promising outcomes with the phones, so Cobs kept you around.

A week passes as your at Meeple, it's boring without 3gs but the pay's good. (You don't see this next part btw) Suddenly 3gs busts through the door and into Cobs' office. He gives a rundown of what happened, and begs Cobs to not try to go after the shimmers again. They're a peaceful race, please- /please Cobs don't/. Cobs shuts off 3gs, calling him outdated and a simple failure who has no right to say what he should and shouldn't do.

// CH5 //

A rumour starts going around about the MePhones came back from the trip. You being one of the top tutors of the experiment are excited to hear this and ask around about how they did and if 3gs was back. The answers were very iffy some saying he did, some saying he didn't, some admitted to not knowing. You weren't liking the mix of answers so you went to Cobs. Cobs tells you not to worry about those hunks of metal since the mission failed. He says he'll have you work with his new creation once it was finished. You're pissed for many reasons, one being that he spent to much time and money on solders who looked up to him that you really couldn't believe he'd just toss them aside like that. 3gs looked up to him- wanted to make him proud- and all Cobs had to say for it was "it needed to be stronger, so I will make one that is"??? Just- just who did he think he was????

Cobs doesn't like your back talk, it's annoying and SO yesterday. He makes some off comment about how you were empathizing too much with the robots, like how 3gs was for those power sources. It was disgusting. At the mention of 3gs your tune changes, you're a lot calmer. You question where he is, and if he'd be around MeCloud any time soon. Cobs notices your change in demeanour and uses it to his advantage: He says he's /resting/ since the mission was a failure, so it'd take some time for him to be back on his feet (or something along those lines). You're taken aback. You ask if you could see him. Cobs tells you no, he needs repairs first, and you need to focus on your job. You take the hint, not wanting to press further and wind up losing your connection to 3gs.

// CH6 //

A couple years have passed. You sort of helped tutor MePhone4, barely making any progress, since unlike his elder brother he did NOT like studying. When he wasn't making progress with the generation like Cobs wanted, he let you know that you'd be assigned to a new phone, 4s. You saw MePhone4 leave with MePad, but denied ever seeing it. It wasn't your business, you had your job to worry about, but you were glad he finally got to do what he wanted. (The show showed up on TV a couple of times but you didn't watch it regularly.) Deadlines got shorter with how long you were meant to aid the phones. 4s didn't need much help anyway due to his internet connection with Siri. When he was labelled obsolete in Cobs eyes, you were assigned to MePhone5, then MePhone5S and MePhone5C, when they'd all failed, you were the last on the chopping block.The last MePhone you saw as a tutor was MePhone6, it was only a little bit into your job where Cobs pulled you aside to tell you that your services were unneeded. The phones were smart enough to learn what they needed on their own. You were the last of the tutors left anyway, you knew this was coming...

You asked Cobs to let 3gs know that you would love to study with him again. This got a cackle out of him. "That's real funny! MePhone3gs has been rotting away storage for years at this point! You really thought it would be coming back?? I knew you were dumb when you couldn't even teach MePhone5S about anatomy but c'mon! I guess I can tell you now since I don't need you anymore. It came back from the mission broken, ranting on about what I should and shouldn't do, so there was no way I was bringing it back. It was a liability, just like you~ Now pack your stuff and leave--your severance pay should be processed in a couple of days." You felt mad- pissed again, but didn't show it this time around. You gave a quick, "Ye- yes, Mr Cobs," before returning to your desk/workstation. You knew it was weird that you'd never seen 3gs again, but a piece of you held on to the fact he was just in repair- or avoiding you- or fucking something! You never let yourself believe that he would just leave him to rot, because that was insanely fucked up. But you figured he was a fuck up corn cob so it wasn't too far off. You remembered how MePhone4 left years ago. It would be difficult, but you still remembered the places 3gs showed you to avoid the building's cameras so you could study with him. The building didn't change, and by jove, you weren't leaving without him. You told the few coworkers left that you were leaving and it sucked to go, but you had to grab a box for your stuff.

You asked where storage was, a shoe horn lets you know that there should be some in a storage closet, specifically in the one on Cobs' floor in the corner of the building. You were highly suspicious of this answer but but thanked them anyway. You walked their normally with the excuse of "I'm just getting a box" under your belt for when a MePhone (either 7, 7+, 8, or 8+) asked what you were doing. They let you go about your way as you searched around for some place with storage and 3gs. You caved after about 4-5 closets and no 3gs, and just went to the one Shoe Horn told to about to grab a box. When you got there and entered in the normal pin (4010, based on apple's founding day but reversed (3gs told you it)) that was used basically everywhere on his floor. When you went in you tried to find a light switch but there wasn't one. You couldn't risk Cobs finding you in there so you let the door close and looked around with a tiny flashlight on your keyring. It wasn't much but it worked enough to see a little bit in front of you. You looked around for an empty box, shuffling through shelves of old wires, computer parts, batteries, and even old computers from Cobs' glory days. It was all extremely dusty, hadn't been touched in years. You found an empty space in the dust where a box must've been moved (*cough* mechantosh's old spot *cough*) but carried on. In the front there wasn't any so you moved further and further back. Seeing another robot Cobs was working on You swore you saw it in one of MePhone4's episodes, you hoped he was doing well. You made a mental note to check back on the show when you got home with 3gs- once you found him of course. You had to go all the way to the back, cobwebs littered the place. You were sure nobody had been back here in like a decade... Your flashlight reflects off of a broken screen--a large one. You trace the outline with your light to realise it's 3gs... IT'S 3GS!! It takes everything in your power to not to scream/squeal/cry at the sight of him. You let out a stifled sob instead, trying to stay quiet. He was here. Not in great condition, but he was here in one piece. You were so fucking relieved.

You thought about shaking him, but figured there would really be no point since his battery was way past dead. You took some old shirt from one of the boxes and wiped the dust off of him. He definitely hadn't been touched in like a decade. You wanted to fix him, or at least get him semi-functional again until you could work with how to fix him. You knew he couldn't be awake in MeCloud because then he'd refuse to leave--he's too much of a head-strong phone. He would try to convice Cobs to get him back on whatever mission he wanted the newer phones to do, and it would just lead to him getting more trauma. You were not going to let it happen. You were getting him out of here, with everything you would need (charger, new battery, new screen). You'd been around MeCloud enough to know that he didn't keep old batteries on display anymore, so you looked around the old boxes, finding one after a while. In a different box was an old cable that would work for him if he needed a charge. You put them besides 3gs' lifeless body, before trying to move him. It was really hard to, he was heavier than you remembered. You would need a cart or something to move him out. And if you were going to do that, you'd need a box to hide him in. One like the shipping box MePhoneX came back in... It was in the back, you saw it one of the other storage closets. X wouldn't need it anymore, and you could put the other stuff in with 3gs since X was a lot bigger than him. You had a plan.

// CH7 //

The plan was to grab X's old box, shove 3gs and the things he'd need for repair in it, and gtfo out MeCloud. Easier said than done. You didn't want to cause a scene like the old contestants did, but thankfully Cobs didn't increase security much after that. The gaurds were really just the phones, and since you still had clearance to be in MeCloud they mostly left you alone. You had to act fast though, grabbing a dolly cart to push MePhoneX's box to the storage closet. You tried your best to avoid the cameras and be as nonchalant as possible, but you were practically asking for attention from the phones with the big ass box. You managed to lie your ass off through the interactions saying you needed to sort some old supplies and needed the big box to carry everything. They, being the eager machines they are, offered to help since it was probably for Cobs' sake, but you declined gently. The MePhones after 6 were an interesting bunch--practically soulless but still somehow having a remanence of benevolence in their systems. You always tried to be gentle with them, both physically (since they were prone to bending) and mentally (since they just wanted to do a 'good' job).

You managed to make it back without a hitch, pack 3gs and his necessities with major muscle pain later, and cover up everything. You'd grabbed a smaller box that you /did/ find in the corner by 3gs, so you packed up the stuff from your desk in that before packing away 3gs. With some more straining, you got the box back on the dolly and wheeled it out of the storage closet, still avoiding the cameras by going in their blind spots. You'd made it onto the elevator and to where part deliveries were dropped off. You hoped that you'd be able to find a replacement screen somewhere in there since Cobs hardly cleaned it out fully. No screen but you took your loses and gtfo. There was a transporter back to earth by the back entrance, specifically for deliveries, but it worked to get you back on land. Once there, you made your way to Meeple Headquarters' earth parking lot, since that's where all the workers were. You found your car and dropped the back seats to fit the box in your trunk. You were glad you invested in a SUV as you closed the trunk and nothing caught. You drove home in silence, the weight of what you just did hitting you as you stared at the rode.

You just stole a vip (very important product) from Meeple... You prayed Cobs wouldn't notice. You parked in your driveway and turned off the headlights. You were glad you lived alone. If you wanted to continue though, you'd need to find a job that paid at least half as well as Meeple did. You were glad you didn't blow all your money on a huge ass house when you moved. It left you with enough money to be comfortable. You thought about who else you could tutor or something as you wheeled the box to your front door. You flicked on your lights and put the box in your living room. You moved your couch and coffee table to make space for the box before plopping it on the floor. You'd taped it pretty securely so you worked on cutting open the box. Once open you took out everything besides 3gs. You laid them against a wall then forced yourself to get 3gs out of the box and sitting on your sofa. It was very eerie to have what was essentially a corpse sitting in your house, but you figured it would have to do as you got a sheet to put on the floor before putting him on it. Once that was in place, you looked around him to see if you had any screwdrivers that would fit, and thankfully you did. Even after all these years you could remember what he taught you about robotics and MePhone repair. You needed something to pry his screen off so you could reach the battery. You remembered going to the factory where they used some suction-type thing to apply it. You'd have to go to the store.

// CH8 //

It was the next day, and you got started by the phone corpse in the middle of the living room. It made you remember everything you did, and how you probably just put a target on your back for the rest of your life. Great. You made yourself some breakfast as you guessed it would be best to have 3gs up and running before Cobs tried to come for you. You went to the hardware store and bought a plunger, and some larger screwdrivers. When you came back you got to work. You put what he taught you to the test, and it turned out he was a great teacher, because you managed to open him up, pry his old battery off with your kitchen spatula, and replace all the ribbons and screws with out anything seemingly going wrong. You closed him back, his screen popping back into his frame with a little click which made you too nervious. You pushed in his power button and waited with bated breath. Nothing. Nothing happened and you were panicking internally. You then tried plugging him since the battery was probably out of power. You screamed when you plugged him in and the charging icon came up. That meant you'd done everything right and really did just had to wait for him to charge! You remembered him saying that it took a while to recharge fallen soldiers so you gave him a couple hours before pressing the power button again.

You were met with 3gs begging Cobs not to do something. It tore your heart apart, you guessed that was the last thing he was saying before being shut off. 3gs panted as he regained his bearings looking around your living room and trying to sit up from the couch. He looked around before realising you were there. He called your name in confusion and you couldn't help but bawl on the spot. You pulled him into a tight hug, completely inconsolable. He sort of just awkwardly let you cry for a bit as he looked around your living room some more, noting all the tools. He pushed you away gently to ask what the hell was going on. That's when you finally forced yourself to calm down. You told him everything: how he was dead, how long he was gone, how Cobs kept him in a closet saying he'd repair him someday but never actually doing it, how you may have kidnapped him and repaired him yourself--everything. It was a lot to take it. 3gs didn't want to believe you, but his memory before shutting down served him right. Cobs /did/ shut him off himself, and called him obsolete... 3gs didn't know what to do with himself now. He had no purpose anymore. You told him he had so much purpose! You were supposed to do so much together when he got back- you were going to teach him more- he was gonna teach you more about mechanics- and- and... You knew what you had to do. He needed to enjoy life. He needed to know that he was allowed to. He may have been made to be a solider, but that wasn't all he had to be. You brought up his successor, MePhone4. You told him about his show, how he was just like him, but doing what he pleased. You let 3gs know he was free. It was like a light sparked behind his cracked eye as he took your words to heart. He was free to do what he wanted... He asked if he could be a professor--he always liked to learn and share what he knew. You told him that of course he could, he'd just need a degree.

// Epilogue //

You parked your car in the driveway as you came back from the middle school you'd secured a job at. You figured getting a secure job was better than being a freelance contract tutour again. It was kinda stressful but the kids weren't all bad. You turned off the car and went to your door, only to be greeted by 3gs pixelated smile. He gave you a hug as he locked the door behind you. He took your keys and put them on a hook as you groaned against his screen. You still had papers to grade but his hold felt nice. He let you know that he made some dinner between working on his closing thesis on the participation of matter through regeneration. Very few places could actually generate matter and he'd finally managed to figure out how Cobs managed to to it, and now to make it more affordable. He just needed to go back to the lab at the college he was in to really get to test out his theorem. You congratulated him and shared out food for you both. He always liked to remind you that he didn't need to eat but his excitement got in the way. He'd taken over the dining table despite the fact he took over your office so you moved to the couch where you shared dinner and spoke about your evening. You were glad he was back and doing so well.

[myuntachi]

[18TRIP Feature Event Translation] Drifting in the Sea of Tranquility - Track 2

translation: jelly

proofreading: dimi, tsukimi, niri

📍Dream of the Shobu-ike Pond

ーThe first sea was a sea that smelled of irises.

I can't recall when exactly this was. However, I’m certain it was at a lake with irises in full bloom during that summer where my father embraced my mother. The hug was tight, strong, and gentle, yet delicate and fleeting like foam—they embraced each other as if they needed nothing more in the world. Their reflections rippled lightly upon the surface of the water, seeming as if they could melt away at any given moment.

My father waited an eternity for my mother as he ran his lakeside bar. When I was young, he used to tell me, “Bars have a sort of magic to them. They've been blessed by the gods of wine and allow you to meet the one you’ve been waiting for. Whether it's through a drunken dream or an illusion, it doesn't matter to those who wait.”

My tender self used to think he must’ve waited a hundred years for that someone.

I stared at the water’s surface while thinking of their tireless meetings that continued day after day—the surface which blended both dreams and reality. I watched the reflections of my childhood self as the pungent scent of flowers surrounded me.

Suddenly, another person appeared beside me.

“Are you looking at the waters today too?”

I gave a small nod as I turned to face her. I was met with the beaming face of a girl not much older than myself.

The two of us spent our summer together like this at the lakeside.

“You can’t go traveling without a companion, after all.”

It was mainly because she approached me, a stranger, without any hesitation. Despite her young age, she was used to traveling due to her parents’ work. They were staying nearby for the time being, so she would share her stories of the sights she saw with me.

“This lake is the best. I wish I could show it to everyone in the world!”

“That’s what you said about the Dead Sea yesterday, too.”

“Yeah! You can’t argue that it’s the best, after all!”

“Hm, okay. Then between all the seas in the world, which one is the best?”

“Huh, ummmm, ummm…”

She thought it over seriously for a few minutes before her face lit up—

“Of course, it’s gotta be the one from my hometown.” She smiled genuinely.

“I hope I can show you …'s Sea one day too!” she said as though she truly believed in it, dreaming of our future ahead.

I wanted to tell her we should go now—that we should go see it together.

But before we could continue, my mother and father appeared. Just like her, I was returning home today. My mother cried holding a bouquet of irises in her hands as my father asked, “Will I see you again?”

My mother nodded.

“Will we see each other again?”

I’m sure they will—once the flowers bloom once more.

📍 HAMA House - Rat Room

Yodaka: Ah…

Nagi: Ah, Yodaka-san, you’re awake. Good……

Yodaka: Good… morning. Is something the matter? You’ve frozen up.

Nagi: Are you crying?

Yodaka: Hm? …No, I don’t believe so. Both my eyes and my cheeks are quite dry.

Nagi: I see. Sorry. I guess I saw wrong.

Nagi: But you seem kind of lonely for some reason. Did you have a sad dream?

Yodaka: My dream… I wonder. I might’ve forgotten about the details as we were talking… possibly.

　ーPrinting

Nagi: Oh, that’s Netaro’s invention.

Yodaka: Indeed. I had it on before I went to bed last night.

Yodaka: …This.

Nagi: It printed out… the scenery of a lake? So that’s what you were dreaming about, Yodaka-san.

Yodaka: No, I was… This certainly looks like the place in my dream. I remember that.

Yodaka: (However, I can’t help but feel as if something is wrong. The beautiful irises, a clear lakeside…)

Yodaka: The irises, the lake, Father, and Mother…

Yodaka: (This is all very beautiful, however—)

Yodaka: Oh…

Nagi: ??

Yodaka: …The blooming flower isn’t supposed to be an iris. It should be a lily.

Nagi: Huh?

Yodaka: (Right, the flower that was blooming that day in that location, the one my mother was holding was a white lily.)

Yodaka: My dreams may have gotten mixed up after hearing about the stories of the Eight Seas of Oshino from Koda-san yesterday.

Nagi: Oh yeah, that kind of stuff happens a lot. Like, when your dreams and memories get mixed up and you can’t tell which one’s real.

Yodaka: Indeed. It happens quite often.

Yodaka: (However, it seems that the scenes in my dreams are based on my fragmented memories of my past, at least.)

Yodaka: (The lake, the lily, my father and mother. To be able to recall all this so clearly is truly unusual—)

Yodaka: …Oya?

Nagi: ??

Yodaka: I don’t… have a headache.

Nagi: You mean the ones you get whenever you recall your past?

Yodaka: Yeah. What’s surprising is that I don’t feel even the slightest bit of pain.

Nagi: Then that means… reading your printed-out dreams won’t cause you to have a headache…?

Yodaka: It seems so. What’s more, because I don’t have a headache, I can recall my memories more clearly than usual.

Nagi: Wow. Netaro’s invention is great. It’s amazing that it also has this effect.

Yodaka: (I can remember the lake, the lily, and my father and mother.)

Yodaka: (And also—)

📍 HAMA House - Meeting Room

Momiji: Alright, then without further ado, let’s begin our meeting for the Night Team's next feature tour!

Daniel: Woo, let’s get her done and over with.

Ryui: Oi, you geezer, can you try taking this a bit more seriously?

Toi: Ahaha ♪ But there’s nothing wrong with deciding on our plans fast!

Momiji: We had Toi-kun and Ryui-kun act as the hosts last time, so we should choose between Nagi-kun, Yodaka-kun, and Netaro-kun for the main hosts this time!!

Yodaka: …

Momiji: I’m looking for any volunteers, any show of hands that feel like, “I want to be the main!”—

Netaro: Me me me me me! I volunteer myself~!

Yodaka: What enthusiasm. You didn’t say a word last time, what changed your mind?

Nagi: It’s good that he’s eager… Though I've got a bad feeling about Netaro being so gung-ho about this, is it just me?

Ryui: Wow, we agree for once.

Toi: I wonder. But doesn’t having Netaro-san as the host sound fun?

Daniel: I don’t really care who you pick.

Netaro: There seems to be 2 people who I shall not name that are doubting me, but never fear. I’ve got a wonderfully brilliant plan and location to commence the highest degree of hospitality~!

Ryui: I’m getting more worried by the minute. Tell us what you wanna do first.

Momiji: Yeah, I also want to know.

Netaro: Worry not, I have just the answer to that ♪ I want to hold a tour that uses a bunch of my inventions like my “Human Genome Replacement Squeaky Hammer” which is currently under development, or my “Genetically Engineered Manchu–Han Banquet”—

Netaro: I call it the Fractalled Rebirth of the NewType[1] Tour! In other words, a tour centered on human reincarnation.

Yodaka: ……

Netaro: I’ve heard that humans consider themselves reborn after going on a journey. Which means, it would be totally okay if we made a tour on actual reincarnation ♪ Yes?

Ryui: No! The hell? Did you think we were gonna let you conduct a large-scale human experiment!? Rejected!

Netaro: Awww~

Momiji: In terms of an innovative tour idea, I do think it’s nice…

Netaro: Mmmmm~~~?

Toi: But it might be a little scary for the visitors. Maybe if you went about reincarnation in a lighter way…

Netaro: Nyo!

Ryui: Huuh?

Netaro: I said nyo~! I wanna try using my invention in a tour! I wanna do it, I wanna try, lemme tryyyy~~!

Ryui: Looks like he won’t listen…! Oi Hachinoya, hurry up and reign him in already!

Nagi: Huh?

Ryui: That’s your fucking job, isn’t it?

Nagi: Oh, it is…? …Okay. I’ll become the subhost and take the full scale of Netaro’s inventions and human experimentations all on myself, I’m ready to be a sacrifice.

Yodaka: …Could I pitch in for a moment?

Momiji: Of course, Yodaka-san!

Yodaka: I thought over it a bit, but… what if I became the main host and Netaro acted as the subhost?

Daniel: Oi, Yodaka, my man, are you serious about this?

Yodaka: Why, of course.

Yodaka: I believe that depending on how they’re used, Netaro’s inventions can actually have incredible effects.

Netaro: A wild supporter!

Yodaka: As the main host, I’ve thought of a way to incorporate Netaro’s inventions into the tour in a manner safe for the human population—

Yodaka: And meanwhile, Netaro can focus on inventing the things he wishes to as well.

Toi: Waa… I think that’s a great idea!

Netaro: Yaaay~!

Yodaka: And there’s also the fact that… due to personal reasons, I wanted to ask that we go to Yamanashi as the location for our study tour.

Yodaka: (There’s no doubt that the Eight Seas of Oshino are stirring up my memories. If possible, I wish to go see them in person.)

Yodaka: Therefore, could I take on the role of the main host?

Momiji: I think that’s a great idea! I’m very happy that you’re volunteering yourself, Yodaka-san!

Ryui: Well, it should be safe if Natsume’s in control of him…

Nagi: And I’m relieved I don’t need to become a NewType, so I’m in favor.

Netaro: Oh, so Yoda will be the main?

Momiji: Sorry Netaro-kun. Maybe next time…? And we can let Yodaka-san do it for now…?

Netaro: Hard candy.

Ryui: Huh?

Nagi: Toi, do you have any?

Toi: Yup, here!

Ryui: Jeez…

Netaro: *Lick, Crunch*…

Momiji: (Thank goodness. He conceded, somehow…)

Momiji: In that case—

Momiji: It’s decided that the main host will be Yodaka-san, the subhost Netaro-kun, and the study tour location Yamanashi!

translation notes:

the shobu-ike pond is one of the ponds of oshino hakkai, named after the abundance of irises that grow within and around it (shobu = iris).

[1] a reference to gundam.

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[sweet-villain]

Walk As The Wind Blows~ Eddie Munson 

Anonymous asked:

Ok so I've been thinking about this for a while. Can you do story of Eddie and reader, they've been dating for a few years (their now in their mid 20s) . And reader has been giving hints to Eddie about wanting a baby. But everytime that conversation gets brought up, eddie gets so nervous and changes the subject. Reader finds out somehow that Eddie has a son , he had with his ex when they were teens. And has never been in the kids life .. I just need a little drama lol

Slight Angst

Tags : m-rae23 ~ palomam18 ~eddiesprincess86~ irish-newzealand-idian-dutch~ igmentofquinn

It felt like yesterday that you walked into O'Donnell's class holding one strap of your backpack while you entered the classroom. You walked through the aisles of desk making your way to the back near the window plopping down on the seat. You hadn't heard the bell rang watching some of the students rush outside and some already ditching making their way to their cars.

" Nice of you to join us, Mr. Munson" you heard O'Donnell voice bringing you out of your thoughts turning ahead just in time that Eddie Munson makes his way through the rows to his seat which was next to yours. He plops down making the chair scratch against the floor of the classroom. He leans his head on of his hands as he turns his gaze to you watching as you drew on your desk.

" Miss L/N, please pay attention to my class otherwise I'll have to give you detention" O' Donnell says. You grumbled sliding down in your seat. When she turns around, you flip her the bird making Eddie laugh next to you.

" Something funny, Munson?" He nods.

" You, princess. I like you" he winks. From that moment on Eddie and you were inseparable.

-

You laughed watching as Eddie flipped off O'Donnell after he accepted his diploma walking down the steps. He races towards you engulfing you into a hug.

" We did it!" he beams with happiness as he twirls you around. There is twinkle in his brown eyes. He sets you down on the ground shaking his head as his cap falls to the ground, he doesn't care much of it but cups the sides of your face as his thumb caresses your cheek.

You were so proud of him. You have been dating Eddie for almost a year now, he mustered up the courage after Hellfire one night after everyone left. He couldn't hold it anymore watching when you rolled the perfect 20 and jumped in happiness, he was going to tell you. You were his dream girl.

The feelings were mutual as you told him he was your everything that night. He promised to never hurt you and make you happy.

If only you knew what secret he held.

-

You and Eddie have worked and saved up to have your own place, live in a trailer near Wayne. It's been a couple of years and everything was going good until your eyes stared longing at new born babies. You saw them at the grocery stores, Nancy and Steve even have a new born, even Robin and Vicky have a new born but you don't.

You always wanted to be a mother, but every time you brought it up to Eddie, it was like he didn't want to talk about it. He would squirm in his seat, refuse to look at you or his body stiff and he decides to move to another topic.

" Did you see Steve's and Nancy's little munchkin? The little one was dressed in a cute dinosaur outfit. It was so precious, my heart swooned at the sight."

Eddie pauses as he hears you talk about Steve's and Nancy's new born, it has been a couple of months since the little one was born. He clenches his eyes shut, his hair fans over his face shielding the look on his face feeling his heart clench as you talk about babies.

He wants to give you one, but he can't and the reason will break your heart. He has been quite about it wanting to keep this secret from you. Even told Wayne, that he can't tell you otherwise it would break your heart.

If only Eddie knew what was coming.

You pause hearing the plate clutter in the sink and the only sound is Eddie's breathing and the running water from the sink. You quickly notice the way his body stiffed and his hands are palms out in a pause. You know he's listening but he's not really here with his mind being clouded.

" Eddie?" you call out to him reaching your hand out to place a hand on his shoulder. He reaches out for the knob to turn off the water and turns to the side to get a kitchen towel that is on the side of the fridge. You watched as he wiped his hands cleaned and simply brushed past you into the bedroom.

" Edward" you call out to him again knowing he doesn't like it when you call him by his full name. His shoulders tense up and raise a bit as he pauses in his step.

" Not right now Y/N" he says as he opens the bedroom door and closes it. You frown, sighing to yourself grabbing the remote and turning on the tv.

The conversation was put on hold for now.

-

" How old is she?" you ask the mother as she holds her baby wrapped in a blanket as her husband is pushing the cart by her side. " She's almost a year this coming December" you awed at the little girl noticing how her big eyes are watching you. She babies with her tony tongue seeping out with drool coming out.

" Look how cute, Eddie" you tug on his jacket sleeve getting his attention. He was looking at the cereals he wanted to get when he turns his head and his eyes got wide at what you were pointing at.

A baby.

His eyes shoot down onto the cart he's pushing, hearing as you talk to the baby. It pains him to see how much you wanted a little one of your own. He really wants one with you but he isn't sure if he's going to be a good enough dad when he's already trying to be one for his son.

The son that you have no idea that exists.

When you turn back to look at Eddie, he was already pushing the cart and walking ahead of you in a fast pace.

" Hey wait!" you call out to him racing to catch up to him as he turns the cart to the left of the store. The cereal is forgotten as Eddie's hands grip the cart and his heart is racing.

" What was that back there?" you question putting a hand on his hand. He glances down at your touch and then looks at you seeing the confused face.

" Let's just get what we need and get out of here" he says, continue pushing the cart further into the store.

-

" Oh thank god your here" Steve says as he opens the door, with a crying little one in his arms. His hair looks like it hasn't been combed in a week or even looks like he showered in a while. He has a small towel on his shoulder and give you his little one.

" Woah there" you stumble back a bit bumping into Eddie who was behind you as he muttered something walking around you to the living room where he sits down. Steve plops down besides him and Nancy walks out of the bedroom, yawning. She doesn't look like she slept at all.

" Hi there"you cooed at the baby bouncing as you pat on the little once back. After a few minutes the little one stops crying, both Steve and Nancy look at you with wide eyes.

" How did you do that?" Nancy asks. You shrug.

" Honestly have no idea" Steve chuckles as he says, " You're a natural. You were born to be a mother."

" Awe, thank you, Harrington" you whispered trying to wake the little one in your arms. Eddie has been watching you from where he was sitting as his heart swells and cracks a bit. Yes, you looked like a natural with a baby but he sees the frown and the longing in your eyes. He knows you wish you had a little one of your own that looks like a mini Eddie.

You talked to him about it wishing he would, he is terrified of not being able to take care of two. He's already trying his hardest with his son.

-

Eddie stares in shock seeing her out of all places here. He turns his head watching as you picked up milk and a carton of eggs. He turns his head to look at the girl he used to have a crush on, the girl he had a one time thing with. He eyes the baby in her arms as he carries it. He doesn't miss the black small curls on the little once head.

" What are you looking at?" you asked him putting the eggs and milk into the cart as your eyes look to see what he's looking at. Your shocked to see who it was and your worried glance look back at Eddie. He's watching her as she moves closer.

You have no idea who she was but seems as Eddie knows her.

" Why don't you say hi?"

Eddie's gaze turns to you and that's when you see the terrified look on his face.

" what's the matter?" you put your hand on his arm, rubbing it a bit. He whole body is shaking and his mouth is dry as he stares at her and the little one.

" Eddie?" she asks, holding the baby in her arms as the little one cooes at her. " Eddie Munson?" she tries again but Eddie could only nod gripping the cart tighter.

" It's been so long, how you been?" you look at her hair that is put up in a messy bun with little strands coming out of it. Her eyes shine with bags underneath her eyes, she doesn't have make up on and is dressed in a hoodie and jeans as she hold the baby in her arms.

Your eyes look over to the little one with dark curls and those brown eyes. Those familiar brown eyes. Your eyes turn back to your boyfriend who is standing there like a statue not knowing what to do.

His eyes go wide seeing the look on your face. He sees the gears turning in your eyes as he shakes his head, removing his hands from the cart reaching out to you.

" You.." was all you could manage to get out, fist by your side. You lean over grabbing the milk out of the cart and opening it. " Why would you keep this from me?" you ask, your voice cracking feeling the tears coming.

" I didn't-"

" Bullshit!" you hover the milk over his head and turn it upside down. Gasps was heard around you as the milk drenches his hair and down his face. Eddie is gaping in shock at what you had just done. The milk is covering his face and his hair feeling the coldness of it.

" Fuck you, Munson!" you threw the empty carton of milk at his chest. Your feet picked up as you ran through the aisle and out of the store, passing people feeling everything was a blur. You ran and you ran and you ran coming up to a familiar door.

It flew open to reveal Robin who had a spoon in her mouth and her eyebrow frowned. Her face softens seeing your body shaking and tears.

" What happened?" she asks, pulling you into her and closing the door.

" Who is it?" Vicky asks as she comes into the living room and the plate she had in her hands dropped as she rushes to you, sitting on the other side watching as you sobbed in your hands.

Eddie knew how much you to have a baby and kept this from you. How could he do this to you?

Robin rubs your back in comfort as you lean into her.

" Who did this? What happened?" she asks again. You bring your face out of her shoulder, muttering, " Eddie.... has.. a... baby.. with.. not.. me" you managed the words through your sobs. Robin's and Vicky's eyes go wide at what you said.

" I'm going to kick his ass!" Robin shoots out of her seat with her fist t the side. Your hands cover your eyes as you sob feeling your heart crack in two. You loved Eddie and he went and kept this from you.

Robin races out of the house in search for the metal head. She had words for him, and fists too.

[welcome-to-green-hills]

Happy Easter Mystery! :3 (gives hugs while stuffing my face with chocolate because I'm a chocoholic XD ) Do you want another potential Sonic 3 scenario? :3 I thought this potential one up yesterday...think hypothetically in the middle of the story ;)

It was eerie as Tom and Maddie maneuvered through the halls of the old research labs. It was...so spooky.

Something full of the most modern tech, that modern day phone and technology companies would be jealous of...yet fully abandoned...

"Jeez..." Tom muttered, trying to break the silence that was quietly freaking him out, "To think that 50 years ago, there was all this...tech, makes the likes of Star Trek outdated...it's so odd."

"Oh?" Maddie responded, trying to humour the situation, "And...the fact that our three boys are aliens from across the galaxy is not at all...odd to you?"

Tom gave a small smirk, "Alright, alright."

Maddie giggled a bit, readjusting the little backpack full of some of Tails' helpful gadgets on her shoulder.

Although, mentioning their boys...Tom was now stuck in thought.

"Maddie...do you think..."

Maddie held his hand, "I know...I'm worried to. But...our boys, their...very smart. They've been in this sort of scenario before - not exactly of course, but still - and...if they DO need our help, then, they can just call us. Their smart kids, and they have each others backs."

"Right. Just...well...you saw what that...hedgehog did to them back at the house..."

Maddie shuddered at the memory. She couldn't deny what happened...

Sneaking through the rooms, Tom saw something on an old table. A old rectangle block...picking it up - it was an old VHS tape. MAN, now did Tom feel old...

But then he saw the title on the side, written in big ink.

'PROJECT SHADOW - CASE STUDY 8'

"...Project Shadow..."

"Shadow..." Maddie asked, "Isn't...that the name of the black Hedgehog Sonic told us about?"

Tom looked around, and saw an old, dusty monitor in the corner, with an old VHS system attached and plugged in. Something told him to put the tape in.

And he did.

The TV switched on, Tom and Maddie got in front to watch it.

'"Is this on- it's on? Oh! Yes! Project Shadow Case Study, part 8.'"

An man appeared on the screen, dressed in a white lab coat, and he had a moustache...a moustache that slightly resembled...

Tom and Maddie dared not speak up his name...but shared a glance at each other.

"'His vita- I mean! It's vitals are running perfectly normal! It's almost as though this creature was like us humans! It's a big breakthrough! Our next sta- M-Maria!'"

A girl ran past, behind the old man. Presumably Maria.

A teen girl she seemed, with beautiful golden hair, dressed in a blue dress and cardigan, and had the giggle of an angel.

"'Sorry Grandfather! Shadow's idea!'"

"'No it wasn't.'"

Tom and Maddie noticed a...familiar face walking up to Maria. A black hedgehog...with read markings on his quills. Was it...

It was.

Shadow.

His face showed much more...happier marks. His eyes were gentle, innocent...and a smile was on his face.

Tom was stuck, looking at Shadow's face...he gulped a little, somewhat anxious.

"'Alright you two! Run off now. Haha, I'll join you in a moment, I need to record this-'"

"'What is this?'" The black hedgehog asked, walking up to a gadget - an old record player.

"'Press it Shadow!'"

"'M-Maria! Don't encourage him-!'"

'Lord almighty, feel my temperature rising-'

"'Grandpa? You listen to-!"

A laugh could be heard coming from the black hedgehog...a laugh...that tugged the heartstrings of the two humans watching the screen.

"'Oh!!! No! don't touch it-! Uh- E-End of case study!'"

And the video stopped.

Tom and Maddie were frozen, watching it. They both could feel the mixed emotions between them. Maddie then turned to her husband, who was still staring at the now blank screen.

"...Tom...?"

"...Sorry, it's just...it's...seeing...if that is really...who we think it is, then why does...he reminds me of..."

"...Sonic."

"...Yeah."

Maddie hugged Tom's arm, rubbing his hand supportively. Tom just shook his head and looked at her. His eyes were pained...

"Just...what the heck happened to make him become...this."

👉🥺👈 Vinyl lover Shadow, my beloved 👉🥺👈 My heart ❤️🥺❤️

[shingekinosimpson]

Eight Days (marco x reader)

The marco x jean x reader poly saga continues!

marco bott x fem!reader (with a little bit of Jean thrown in too)

18+ mdni

Word count: 4.5k

Warning: Explicit

Tags: angst and pining, oral (reader receiving), fingering (reader receiving), a smidge of biting, intense sex, unprotected sex (established relationship), multiple orgasms, slight overstim, lots of fluff (especially at the end which gets very gooey indeed)

Summary: Jean’s away on a business trip and you and Marco are missing him more than you thought you would.

******************************

It's only been a week. Get your shit together.

You've been saying this to yourself a lot the past couple of days. Like yesterday morning when you reached over, half-asleep to caress Jean's chest and felt nothing but cold bed sheets. Or last night when you bought too much food for dinner, forgetting there was only two of you.

The pain you'd felt in both instances was unsettling. It was a strange sort of discomfort; knowing your body was whole but still feeling like a part was missing.

Ugh, when did you become so needy?

You know Marco is feeling it just as much as you. It's evident in the way your touches linger a little longer, in the sad smile you share when you sit down to eat, in the way you cling to each other as you sleep; gathering the other person so close, as though you're afraid they'll slip away.

You'll be squeezing him even tighter tonight after the shitty day you've had. You can't wait to get home, wanting nothing more than to wrap your arms around his torso and let him hold you.

"Hey, I'm back," you say after closing the front door, your voice a little shaky with relief.

"In here," Marco calls and you follow the sound into the bedroom.

Marco's already in his pyjamas, sitting under the covers as he works his way through a stack of research papers.

"Hey. How come you're in bed?"

"Felt a little chilly I guess. How was your day?"

You don't answer, electing instead to flop down beside him and face plant into the pillow.

"That bad huh?" he chuckles, moving his work to the bedside table.

'Bad' honestly doesn't cover it today. An oversight on your part put you at the top of the shit-list at work. Your boss had chewed you out pretty badly and you couldn't even be mad because they were right. You'd made the mistake through carelessness. There was no-one else to blame.

You begin to tell Marco all about it, but when you get to the part when your boss called you into their office, tears prick at your eyes and you bury your face in the pillow.

"Hey, it's okay," Marco soothes, concern seeping into his voice as he brushes his fingers through your hair. "Talk to me darling tell me what happened. Do I need to beat someone’s ass?"

That makes you snort and lift your head to look at him. "Like you would ever. You don't even like swatting flies."

He mirrors your watery smile and lies down next to you. "I bet I could be downright vicious if the situation ever called for it." You laugh again as he prods your nose. "Seriously though, if they've said anything out of line you-"

"Nothing like that happened I swear. I'm not even upset with them. I'm upset with myself more than anything. My head's just not with it lately and I'm so frustrated with myself for letting it affect my work. I just...I really miss Jean so fucking much."

Arms, that usually feel so strong and solid, wrap shakily around your shoulders.

"I know. Me too," Marco huffs into your hair.

"We're so pathetic."

"Yeah."

"He's only been gone a week."

"Eight days."

"Still though."

"Yeah...Things will be okay at work. You're amazing at your job and your boss knows that. It will all be forgotten about in a few days."

"And what if it's not?"

"Then you'll get sacked and I'll get to spend all day hugging you."

You laugh as Marco pulls you close and twists until you're on top of him.

"You'd need to get sacked too for that to work. Idiot," you smile against his chest.

"Worth it."

You breathe in deeply and sigh, both of you enjoying a moment of silence together.

"Hey," you say, looking up and waiting until Marco's eyes lock with yours. "I love you."

A soft, affectionate smile meanders across his lips and you lean into them before he can reply. You kiss him, warm and gentle, stroking your thumb across his freckled cheeks.

"I love you," he eventually breathes, returning your kisses with a softness that makes you dizzy, rolling you both back onto your side.

Both of you whisper affirmations of love between kisses and the sweetness of those words starts to erase the stresses of your day. With each touch of your lips and caress of your skin, the tension and pain slowly ebb away.

All you feel, smell, hear, taste is Marco.

He makes his way from the corner of your mouth to the curve of your neck, the loving kisses he leaves along the way making your skin tingle.

"Love you so much," he breathes, hot and heavy against your pulse before dragging his lips back towards your mouth.

Your breath hitches when he kisses you again, still oh so gentle but with a definite needy quality that wasn't there before. His tongue slides easily past your lips and you tilt your head to accept him, shivering at the feeling of him possessing your mouth.

When he lets slip the tiniest of whimpers, you tighten your grip on his hair, curling your tongue more firmly against his.

"Love you," he whispers once more, kissing your collarbone and tugging the material of your dress down to expose your skin.

"Please," you beg when the sensation of his hot breath becomes too much, "undress me baby."

With a low moan Marco captures your lips. He cradles the back of your head before letting his hand travel, slowly but firmly, down to the dip of your waist and over the curve of your hip. After releasing your flushed lips with a wet pop, he tugs harshly and rolls you onto your stomach.

You can't help the weak moan that escapes you as he moves to straddle you, strong hands caressing your curves again before sliding up to the top of your dress. He nuzzles the nape of your neck and starts pulling at the zip, his soft lips dropping hungry kisses down your spine.

"Marco...," you say breathlessly, arching your back the lower he goes. God it feels good.

"So gorgeous," he murmurs quietly to himself, kissing his way back up to your neck.

You inhale sharply when Marco drags your dress off your shoulder and bites you there, just the wrong side of gentle.

"Marco baby."

He's quick to soothe the sting with hot, licking kisses and tugs your dress the rest of the way off.

You only lose contact for a second or two, but you're still glad when you feel Marco's warmth against you again as he leans down to kiss your neck, soothing any remaining tension in your body.

You grab at him needily when he encourages you onto your back and lies on top of you. The weight of him pressing you into the mattress feels exquisite and you wrap your legs around him in an attempt to get closer.

"Marco," you pant tugging at his clothes. "Please sweetheart."

He helps you pull his t-shirt over his head and you gasp at the feeling of his bare skin finally melding with yours.

You let your hands roam all over his chest and neck, spurred on by the feeling of goosebumps breaking out under your fingertips. And when you start carding your hand through Marco's hair, he rolls his hips in response to your touch.

"Ah..."

You slip your other hand down the back of his joggers to squeeze his gorgeous flesh and your head swims with pleasure when you feel his hard cock grind against you.

"Mmm, Marco," you whimper, moving to stroke him through his underwear.

He drops his forehead to yours with a choked moan and rocks forward against your hand. A thrill runs through your core, feeling how hot and solid he is. After a few languid strokes, you tug impatiently at the waist band of his joggers, sighing with relief when he helps you push them down to his knees. You wrap your thighs around his waist as he kicks them off the rest of the way, wondering if he can feel the growing wet patch where his dick is pressed against your underwear.

Marco's mouth settles on your pulse again, kissing and licking indulgently over sensitive skin. The feeling makes you shiver, back arching off the bed as you suck in a sharp breath, pressing your breasts up against his chest. Taking advantage, Marco slips a hand under you - nimble fingers quickly releasing your bra and tossing it aside with no concern for where it lands.

"Aah! God baby," you keen as he drops his head, drawing your nipple into his mouth and swirling his tongue in a way that makes your head spin.

After squeezing and kneading the flesh of your other breast, he caresses down your body. His fingers wander over your underwear but he keeps them flexed. Your insides squeeze wantonly at the sensation, absolutely desperate for his fingers to curl and crook against your clit.

Your writhing keen sets Marco ablaze with need. He pants a humid moan against your breast and begins to shift down your body, kissing and licking until he reaches your underwear, which he drags off with the help of his teeth.

You shudder and writhe when his lips reach your thighs, pleasure sparking between them in anticipation of his touch. An appreciative moan rumbles in his chest when you eagerly part your legs, showing him exactly where you need him.

"God you're so pretty," he breathes, though it's pretty much drowned out by your desperate sob when Marco runs the pad of his thumb in a slow circle over your clit, spreading your slickness over the sensitive nub.

You draw in a breath to beg for more but Marco dives forward before you have the chance, claiming your pussy with his mouth as he plants a sloppy, open-mouthed kiss between your folds.

"Oh my...G-God...Marco...Ah..."

"Mmmm," he hums, lifting his gaze to meet yours, staring at you through dark, hooded eyes, all while doing something insane with his tongue.

He wraps his arms around your thighs and squeezes lovingly, pressing his face further into your pussy and lapping at you like it's his last meal. Licking over you with another exquisite swirl of his tongue, Marco lifts his head as he squeezes your arse appreciatively.

"Love the way you taste baby. Always so good."

You buck forward when his fingers move from your curves and slide right into your cunt.

"Oh fuck!"

Those two fingers pulse deliciously against your tight walls, timed to perfection with Marco's tongue massaging your clit.

You don't know whether to cry with relief or frustration when Marco lifts his head and you finally get a chance to breathe. Not for long though. After licking all the way up to your knee, Marco crooks and thrusts his fingers at a devastating pace. Your cries of pleasure only just drown out the lewd sounds of your wet pussy, but the main sound you hear is Marco's sweet voice, moaning hot and humid against your sensitive skin.

He slows his speed but thrusts harder, licking and kissing the inside of your thigh before he stops to suck a dark possessive mark there, his eyes fixed on yours the whole time.

"Feel good baby?" he asks in a deep, honeyed voice.

"Always."

The rush of pleasure and affection you feel when Marco whimpers and grips your leg is almost too much. You reach for him, wordlessly pleading with him for more sweet kisses and Marco is more than happy to oblige. After pushing them wide apart, he slots between your thighs and leans his weight on you, capturing your lips in a needy kiss.

His hands roam everywhere, stroking and squeezing reverently over your flesh. You mirror his movements, letting your fingers tips wander over his ribs, his heaving chest, his biceps.

"Marco...Need you."

A gorgeous groan rumbles in his throat as he tugs your lower lip between his teeth, his hard dick pushing into your hip join.

"Okay baby." He kisses your cheek, your temple and the corner of your mouth in turn. "Like this?" he asks, eyes gesturing to your position.

You nod. "Need you close to me."

You wrap a hand around the back of his neck and pull him towards your kiss-swollen lips.

You're aching for him to fill you up. You reach down to guide him to your entrance, shivering at the way his stiff cock drags over your clit.

"Okay love, I got you," Marco says with an adoring gaze that makes your heart squeeze.

He reaches to move your hand away, strong fingers curling around your wrist and tugging gently. You bite your lip around another moan when he presses kisses all along your forearm, your fingers tingling as you let him push your arm back beside your head. The tip of his cock teases at your entrance as he laces his fingers with yours and you grip them tightly.

"Please sweetheart," you pant. "Please fill me up."

"G-God baby," Marco stutters losing his composure and framing your face with his hands. He holds your cheeks and kisses you, desperate and overwhelmed and greedy.

You let him move at his own pace, holding him close and losing yourself in the sensation of his tongue sliding with yours.

Eventually he leans over you on one arm so he can steady himself. After swirling the head of his cock against you, he pushes forward oh so slowly, sliding deep into you in one long perfect stroke.

"A-aah!"

The way you stretch around his length makes your whole body flush with pleasure.

"Fuck," Marco breathes, panting against the hollow of your throat.

You card your fingers up the back of his skull and kiss along his shoulder, eventually encouraging him to turn his face towards yours.

"Kiss me," you whisper and he does, slow and loving.

You lick into his mouth and arch your back, your body bracing itself for the first thrust but it doesn't come. Marco just gets further and further lost in you, licking decadently into your open mouth to lap up all your whimpers. His deft fingers roam everywhere, like he can't decide where he wants to touch you most, all while your pussy throbs and tightens around him. You moan every time his hands squeeze you, his fingers digging into the flesh of your hip, your breast, your arm, your thigh, your ass, your waist.

The sensation of him grabbing at you like a man possessed coupled with his cock filling you up drives you crazy. He still hasn't moved, but your pussy trembles around him nonetheless, creating a feeling so intense, your fingers twist in his hair and claw at his back in a pathetic attempt to anchor yourself.

Marco's needy hands finally pick a place to settle; one holding your head with the other grabbing and squeezing your hip.

And just when you've reached your limit, just when you're about to beg him to move, he finally draws his hips back and grinds into you deep and slow.

You cry his name before a stuttering moan leaves your throat, your body shuddering with the absolutely exquisite sensation of Marco's dick sliding against your plush walls.

"G-God...you feel so good," he breathes against your lips, still kissing and licking into your open, panting mouth.

He drags his dick out of you and pushes home again, choking around a moan that almost sounds like a sob. Your head is swimming with how intense it feels. Every nerve in your body is tingling and throbbing with need, your overwhelmed moans punctuating the air with every movement.

"Marco...Marco...god...yes."

After grinding his pelvis against your clit Marco pulls out slow and controlled, drawing in a shallow breath before thrusting forward with just enough force to have you keening. The pace is agonising in the best possible way. You feel every ridge, every vein of Marco's gorgeous dick dragging along your sensitive walls, your pussy holding him tight despite how much you're gushing over his cock.

"Oh...fuck baby...so wet for me," he pants, almost like he can't believe how affected you are.

"Course I am...I fucking love you...ahh." The whimper Marco presses into your neck makes your heart clench. "Love you...love you so much."

His control slips and he picks up the pace, snapping his hips a harder while still holding you close.

"God I love you," he affirms against your lips with a wavering voice. "So much baby."

You kiss him deeply, pouring your feelings into your movements as you grasp his broad shoulders and tug at his hair. His tongue curls firmly around yours as his warm fingers travel to your thigh, hitching your leg up and squeezing it closer to his side.

"Aaah! Marco!"

It's only a slight change in position but it sets your whole body aflame. The muscles in your legs tense as your core tightens, toes curling as ecstasy starts to take over your body, trembling and twitching under Marco.

"Marco...M-arco!"

All it takes is a sloppy kiss pressed to your neck and you are gone, the steady, deliberate rhythm of Marco's thrusts stuttering when you clamp down around him and fucking wail for him, coming hard on his cock.

"Oh my god. Oh fuck baby...sound so good."

Marco moans with you as you ride out your orgasm, though 'ride out' isn't exactly accurate considering how long and intense it is. Your back arches hard as the aftershocks hit you. It should leave you feeling utterly spent but it has the opposite effect, flames licking teasingly at your core with the promise of another climax if only you can work through the sensitivity.

Marco slows down when your shuddering and trembling ebb away, allowing you to catch your breath. The love in his eyes when yours flutter open is almost enough to make you cry. Everything in his expression is so open and affectionate. He takes a moment to look at you and brush a few loose strands of hair from your damp forehead, his eyes searching for any indication that it feels like too much or that he's hurting you in any way.

"Please don't stop," you plead breathlessly.

He smiles sweetly. God he's gorgeous. Completely and utterly.

"Don't say that just for me baby. You came really hard I don't want to-"

"Please," you say desperately, squirming against him. "Please, it feels so good. Please keep going."

He gives an overwhelmed huff into your neck before lifting his head to kiss you. The tiniest of moans escapes him as you welcome his tongue and your last remaining ounce of control dissolves.

"Please baby. Pleasepleasepleasepleas- Ahh!!"

He rocks his dick in and out of you and you dig your nails into his back, crying out at the rush of pleasure that spikes through your cunt.

"Holy shit baby. Oh fuck...fuck! I can feel your pussy shaking around me."

"Harder, harder baby," you pant.

Marco pauses to spread his knees wider and then he gives you what you need, pistoning his hips at a devastating pace, jolting you further up the mattress. He slides his arms under your back, gathering you close and pulling you down onto his dick with every hard thrust.

A completely overwhelmed moan rips up your throat and echoes around the room. The intensity knocking you dizzy as you claw at the muscles flexing along Marco's back.

"Aaah, I love you. I love you I love you," you cry, squeezing your eyes shut.

"Look at me darling," Marco commands, "Look at me when you come...please."

"Oh god!"

Your fingertips slip in Marco's perspiration so you grab anywhere you can and hold on for dear life, your arms made weak by the insane waves a pleasure rolling over and over your body.

"Marco! Mmm! Mar...Love y- G-god!"

You descend into moans and keens again, no longer able to form words. Everything around you ceases to exist. It's just you and Marco. His warmth, his scent, his adoration overwhelms your senses to the point where you're not even sure which way is up anymore. Not that you need to know. Not with the way he's pressed against you like he was made to be there. Not with the way your eyes are still locked together like you're the only two people in existence.

He chokes your name, struggling to hold your gaze when his face contorts with pleasure, brow furrowed and mouth open as he cries out with his own release. Eventually his body takes over, shaky arms giving out and letting him collapse against you as he comes. He grips your waist and claws at the pillow, hips twitching with every spurt inside of you.

You gently sweep your thumb across the crown of his head, back and forth, back and forth, as you both catch your breath. Your post-orgasm bliss settles over you like a warm blanket and you sigh contentedly. You couldn't wish to be anywhere else than right here with Marco, his chest pressed against your chest, your hearts beating in tandem.

It feels like a long time before either of you move, let alone speak, but the first thing Marco does is kiss across your cheek and capture your lips, hot, slow and lazy as he melds his tongue with yours. After a few sweet moments he pauses, lifting his head to look at you through hazy eyes.

"Mmm, love you," he just about manages.

"Love you baby," you coo, scratching his scalp.

You smile and he smiles back, before ducking his head for another slow kiss, though it’s cut short by the sound of Marco’s phone ringing on the bedside table.

"That'll be the boy," he states reaching over to grab it.

You see when he flips his phone round that it is indeed 'the boy', calling for his daily facetime session. Marco flops back against the pillow but you jump up, wanting to clean up the mess before you settle into your chat with Jean.

"Hey beautiful!" Marco answers, holding his phone with extended arms.

"Hello yourself," says a familiar voice that still gives you excited butterflies. "You're looking very shirtless."

"Not just shirtless," Marco smirks before tilting the phone to give Jean a good view of the rest of him.

"Ffffuck," Jean says appreciatively. "Though that is one tired looking dick. You been having fun without me?" he pouts.

"Well don't fuck off on work holidays then arse-face!" you shout before lying next to Marco and leaning into view.

"Ah there she is. Love of my life and voice of an angel. And I keep telling you it's not a holiday! All these conferences and workshops are boring as fuck."

"Well ditch them and come home then," you say sticking your tongue between your teeth.

"Well about that," Jean starts.

Oh god please don't say they've extended the trip.

Dread twists horribly in your stomach.

"The last conference has been cancelled so I’ll actually be home in four days not six."

"What? Seriously?" you ask.

"Yeah!"

The wave of relief you feel, the force of it, is overwhelming. A sudden influx of tears stings your eyes, your face hot as you try to hold them back.

"Oh thank fuck," Marco smiles. "We miss the shit out of you."

He looks down at where your head is resting on his chest, probably expecting an excited reaction. You try your best to get yourself together, you really do, but when Jean asks, "Hey are you okay?" you fail.

"Y-yeah, sorry 's just-"

You cover your face with your hand and the dam breaks. All your relief and pent-up heartache washing over you with every sob. Warm arms envelope your shaking body as Marco cradles you to his chest.

"Hey you're okay. It's okay," he soothes, his calmness contrasting with Jean's panicked questioning.

"Babe? Hey what's up? Baby what's wrong?"

"S-so-rry," you croak, not wanting to worry him. You take a deep breath, glad that it adds a bit of strength to your voice. "Sorry Jean. I didn't mean to cry."

"Is the thought of me coming home early really that awful?" he smirks.

What you wouldn't give to reach through the screen and plant kisses all over that stupid, cheeky, beautiful face. You have definitely been too hard on yourself. I mean look at him! It’s no wonder you’re on the floor after a week away from that face.

“You know it isn’t,” you smile. “I’ve just- We’ve just been missing you today. Like A LOT.”

“Yeah…I’ve been missing you guys too. This week’s been hell to be honest.”

“Why didn’t you say so?” you ask, heart clenching at the thought of Jean going through this alone.

Jean shrugs, looking sheepish – adorably so.

“Didn’t want you to worry…or admit it to myself either I guess. Being away from you guys has been a lot harder than I thought it would be. Hotel room’s starting to drive me a bit crazy too. I never thought I’d miss my own shower so much!”

Marco snorts at that. “What’s wrong with the shower?”

“Oh god,” Jean starts, rolling his eyes and running a hand through his hair. “There’s like, ZERO water pressure. It’s awful. It’s like being gently pissed on every morning!”

Laughter bubbles up your throat as you and Marco listen to your ridiculously cute boyfriend.

“Is that your subtle way of telling us you’re not into that then?” Marco asks with a cheeky grin.

“Definitely,” Jean laughs.

“Shame,” Marco teases. “Anyway, enough about your pissy shower. We need to get dinner started. I’m freakin’ starving.”

“You haven’t eaten dinner yet?” Jean asks.

“We err…got distracted,” you reply with a mischievous smile.

“I ate something else.”

“MARCO!” you cry, appalled.

It just sets him off laughing again, his beautiful freckles disappearing into the creases around his eyes. You expect Jean to start laughing too, but when you look at him he’s gazing at you both with the sweetest smile; his adoration so painfully obvious it breaks your heart.

“Listen…can I keep hanging out with you, while you make dinner and stuff? I just…really miss you guys.”

If you could, you’d be at the airport screaming ‘Shut up and take my money!’ to whichever airline could fly you out to Jean the fastest.

“Are you kidding? Of course you can you big goober!” Marco smiles.

You take turns giving Jean a good eyeful as you both slip into something comfy and, true to your word, keep him with you as you potter about the kitchen. You have to hang up to eat but have the idea to watch the same movie at the same time, sending a constant stream of messages and silly snapchat pictures. Jean calls back at bedtime of course, listening contentedly as you and Marco take turns reading pages from your book. Neither of you dare to hang up until you’re sure Jean’s asleep, watching from where’s he’s propped you up on the bedside table as his eyes close and his breathing becomes steady.

“Goodnight sweetheart,” you whisper, finally shutting Marco’s phone off.

That night, you and Marco hold each other close, but it’s not with the same desperation as previous nights.

You’ll see your boy soon. And until then, you’re lucky to have each other.

[nvvermore]

Idle Worship

The apprentice seeks Amaryllis’s help in the investigation

[the lovers]

words: 1.5k

cw: none

accompaniment

-☽☼☾-

A whole afternoon socializing with the courtiers leaves me exhausted. Even after Nadia retired for the evening, the group still demanded my attention, with no way to escape, until Portia finally came along to distract them.

We walk through the halls and chat for a little while, Portia doing most of the talking about whatever little things happened around the Palace today. When there’s a short lull in the conversation, I take my chance.

“When do you think Amaryllis will show up? To court, I mean.”

Portia gives me a knowing smirk. “They really caught your eye, huh? They’ll do that to you. As for showing up, good luck. Since I've been here, they only really leave their quarters to hunker down in the music room.”

“Do you know why?”

“Not really, I've tried to get them to open up— they’re pretty friendly to me— but I got nothing. Apparently they've been like that since before I showed up.” Portia explains. “Staff who have been here longer than me say that it all started after the Count’s death. Some say it was in mourning, some say it was out of guilt, but no one has a concrete explanation as to why.”

“But before they weren't like that?”

“Apparently not. Before, they were one of the biggest names in Vesuvia thanks to their music. Anyone who was anyone wanted to see them perform, whether it was at the opera or down in the South End at some dive. Their contributions to the city, from their art to their aid during the plague, were well documented. And then it just stops.”

“Their aid?”

“They were treating the sick. Their music has a magical quality, it was rumored that they were able to create a song that healed people. On top of that, they took anything they made financially and funneled most of it back into the city. The Count and the courtiers hated them for it.”

Everything starts to make sense to me as Portia explains. I need Amaryllis to get to the bottom of all this. I can't wait a second longer.

“Do you know where I can find Amaryllis now?”

“Probably the music room, but they really don't like to be disrupted while they're working in there.” Portia glances up at the clock on the wall as the two of them pass by. “I’m sorry, I’ve got to go check on the Countess. But please, don't go and bother Amaryllis, okay? Cause I’ll end up hearing all about it.” She bids me farewell with a quick side-hug, dashing down the hall towards what must be the Countess’s wing.

All alone for the first time in forever, I take it upon myself to wander the palace halls, looking for any sign of the songstress.

It’s already been a long day, and I haven't even had time to recover from yesterday.

Julian breaking into the shop again, the masquerade announcement, whatever happened with Asra at the fountain. It’s all been so much, compared to just a few days ago when all I had to worry about was tarot readings and restocking shelves. But something in me tells me not to stop now.

I stroll down the halls, admiring the craftsmanship of everything from the delicately carved moldings on the ceiling to the art hung on the walls, making turn after turn, getting lost in the maze of the Palace.

Eventually, one more turn brings me to a dead end, with a set of large, carved double doors at the end of it. From behind them, I can hear a soft melody being played on the piano. It’s enchanting, and strangely familiar, and I can't help but follow the sound until I’m against the door, just trying to hear the music clearly.

l’m so lost in the melody that I don't notice the door opening until I’m practically falling into the room. A few discordant notes are hit and the music stops, and I look up to find Amaryllis, the court musician, behind the piano, quickly standing from their place at the bench.

“Can I help you?” they ask, their gaze sharp as the grimace at me.

“I’m sorry, I was just—“

“Barging in on me? The least you could have done was knock.”

“The music… It was just so…”

“It was nothing.” Amaryllis studies me for a moment longer, before sitting back down on the bench. “Now, if you'll excuse me.”

I watch as they position their fingers on the keys, preparing to play once more.

“Why are you still here?”

I take a few steps closer to the piano. “Actually. I wanted to talk to you.”

“Oh really?” they ask, with a mild air of annoyance. I ignore it.

“Yes. From what Portia and the Countess have mentioned, you've been here at the Palace a long time.” Amaryllis keeps their head down, focusing on the keys as I speak. “Were you there the night the Count was murdered?”

They slam the cover down, rising once more. “Why do you need to know?” they ask, a strange amount of ire directed at me.

“I’m sure you know by now why the Countess has invited me here. I’m just doing my due diligence to track down Doctor Devorak.”

“If you were truly trying to bring him in, you would already know he’s back in the city.”

Amaryllis knows?

They stare me down, towering over me, eyes cold and accusing. Their demeanor is enough to make me lose the small shred of confidence I had.

“I— I haven't been able to pin him down just yet. I need help.” I plead, but the way Amaryllis regards me doesn't change.

“Strange. It doesn't take much to pin him down. Last I checked he was just begging for retribution.” There's an inkling of disdain in their tone— not as much as there is when Asra talks about him— but it’s enough for me to pick up on the negative feelings they have about Julian.

“The Countess told me that you once made it your mission to know everything going on in the city.” I mention, trying a different approach to get through to them.

“She must have neglected to mention that my services come with a price.”

“Why didn't she just ask you to find him if you know so much?”

“She did. And I told her no. And I’ll tell you the same thing.”

I can't quite figure out Amaryllis’s motive. It’s not love, like Portia. It’s not justice, like Nadia. They’re similar to Asra, but withholding what they know has nothing to do with protection. Once I figure it out, maybe they’ll give me something.

“What if I don't ask you to find him? What if I just ask you to help me find the truth?”

“The truth?” they scoff.

“Of what happened that night. I have a feeling you might be the only one who really knows.”

“Even if I do know, I can't tell you.”

“Why? Are you protecting yourself? Are you guilty?”

From behind their veil, Amaryllis’s hard expression cracks, for just a split-second. Had I blinked, I would have missed the subtle downturn of their lips, full of regret.

Was Amaryllis somehow the Count’s killer? Going undetected within the walls of the Palace all these years? I don't want to believe it, but everything they say only pushes me closer to the conclusion.

They take a deep breath, letting it out with an audible sigh, arms dropping down to their side. “Lucio was a horrible man and leader. He deserved worse than what happened to him. My greatest regret is that it wasn't under my hands that he suffered.”

“I’m not very inclined to believe you if you won't even tell me anything.”

“Why would I let you shed unnecessary light on his death?” Amaryllis’s voice raises into a shout. “So that his spirit can rest easy? So the people can suffer some more as we dredge up another spectacle about it? Making everyone he victimized relieve it all over again? I don't think so.”

It finally hits me then.

Vengeance.

“Portia told me you used to do everything to aid the people. You were actively assisting and donating all of your salary during the plague. I know you cared once. Tell me so that the people can have closure. So you can. So that Julian doesn't end up as the Count’s last victim. Don't let your hate for him overpower your love for this city.”

“You don't know me,” they spit.

“I feel like I do.” It’s true, somehow.

Suddenly, Amaryllis turns, gathering up the pages of music that were spread out upon the piano. They brush past me, heading for the door.

“I hope you find what you're looking for, but it won't be from me.” Amaryllis says, not bothering to address me directly.

And with that, they're gone. The receding sound of their heels is the only sign that they were ever here.

[clumsycapitolunicorn]

Last minute Stranger Things S4 thoughts no one asked for...

Getting the sad stuff out the way first...

I think Murray is kicking it. Along with Brenner (yay) and Owens. I don't know who between the Hawkins group could go. I've been worrying about Jonathan from the Cali group. I think since they said it's a body count, as well as extras, I think we will get some secondary Hawkins characters who've been around since S1/2 going. That'll be sad since I've liked them too (I've been worrying about Karen but what if something happens to Ted and then she gets in the know about stuff. She has her own poster and was front and centre with the parents).

Ok, onto some other stuff.

I'm really excited for characters to get Vecna'd only because we get a look at what's going on in their head and they address all they've been through.

Will...SO MUCH TO ADDRESS WITH WILL IT'S NOT EVEN FUNNY ANYMORE. I JUST WANT TO KNOW IF HE HAS POWERS ALREADY. SERIOUSLY, he's a huge part of kicking off S1 with El AND all the explanations that have to lead back to him having powers. I need them to address this. I want him and El working together like the d&d game. I love their siblings relationship and would like more please.

Will is the most likely to get Vecna'd. He has been THROUGH IT. Taken (NOT K*LLED) to the upside down for a week, possessed by the main creature there which led to deaths of people that he probably feels guilt over, can now sense him, nearly got killed when his house was shot up, has been feeling pushed away AND he's dealing with his sexuality and is probably worried about how people react. Oh, and add having a crappy father to the list. I want to see all that's going on in his head. I'd love it if this awakens his powers. There's so many parallels to him and Henry/One/Vecna. Give me this.

HOPPER AND EL REUNION. I NEED IT LIKE YESTERDAY. I KEPT THINKING SHE WILL LOOK INTO HER VOID AND SEES JOYCE ONLY TO SEE HOPPER BEFORE THEY REUNITE AND MAYBE HOPPER BEING ALIVE IS LIKE A POSITIVE EMOTIONAL POWER BOOST (if anyone is going to give her that let it be hopper). Also El seeing Hopper first is like when Joyce saw him first in the pit. When they reunite and they cry and I cry and El feels a bit better about her hair cause he's shaved too.

I NEED AN EL AND JOYCE INTERACTION. I feel so robbed I'm going to need them to reunite and when Joyce tells her she's sorry for lying to her about where she was, this leads to El admitting she lied to about how school was going and everything that followed. And we get them hugging and El thanks her for bringing her dad home and Hopper is emotional over Joyce taking in his daughter and how well they bonded.

JOPPER. AFTER 6 YEARS THEY ARE HAPPENING. I know they are probably going to make out (probably in the demogorgon pit after taking them out and Joyce saved Hopper) and wearing matching clothes. The way they'll reunite with the others (definitely has to be through a gate at this point) like WTF DID WE MISS and then the others clicking onto them like WTF DID WE MISS. I REALLY GETTING CANON JOPPER. FEELS GREAT.