#this is another one of those things that Weren't meant to be drabbles but i guess they are

[oceansatedogs]

(asaden thoughts ripped from my twt)

warning for violent/sexual themes and shit(?)

thinkin about how asa nor denji ever knew a real love, or ever had (or used to have) real friends. i want a love for them that's about finding out what the fuck trust even means. i'm thinkin about a shy love that creeps into the crack of a doorway like a dog with its tail between its legs. and it's a quarter til eleven at night and there's a spot on the bed where he could curl up, right next to asa.

and it's a tense sort of love. an unsure, inexperienced love. not knowing how to fill the space between them with a conversation kind of love. and asa's aching to take flight if it gets to be too much, and denji's ready to bite if he has to.

they don't get along well at first. they push and shove into each other and rarely see eye-to-eye.

(asa doesn't wanna look into his eyes, out of spite most of the time - but also, they always say that you should never look into the eyes of the thing you're gonna kill. it makes it harder. asa plans on keeping her eyes closed at the end.)

denji swears he doesn't "wanna fuckin deal with her". and if you asked asa, you'd get a similar answer, just with less cursing.

but he's there for her every time she falls and she's telling him everything she doesn't wanna tell anyone else, besides the demon in her head.

(it's also the first of the few times she'll spill her guts to him, but with no cuts or gashes. for now, it's a conversation on the floor, backs against the wall.)

i want them to fumble and fall and figure it out:

"what do you do on the second date? or the third?"

"does she actually like me?"

...

"should i tell him how i got that scar on my right leg from when i was 9?"

...

"do i still want to do this?"

...

.....

"how do i say i'm sorry?"

they have the kind of love that's tense but then they fall further, faster. like a body that's about to hit the ground - and it's just as hopeless as it sounds. because while they hold each other at night, asa's thinking about how now's the perfect time.

like,

asa's head is resting on his chest, and she can hear his heart's soft beating. and she's thinking about it; about sinking her talons into him, ripping him to pieces. she could do it right at that moment if she wanted. instead of twirling blond locks in her finger, she could twist a blade a few inches deep into him, and with just as much deft. and instead of deep kisses and mouths connected by threads of saliva, there'd be blood. so much blood. and bites and scratches and bruises and guts.

but like,

asa's limbs would still cling to denji's body as they tumble; and she'd writhe beneath him and curse and cry out his name. she'd still grab his hair in fistfuls, and he'd still be trying to catch his breath, and they'd be disheveled and their bodies would roll on the ground as they wrestled.

except, in this scenario, replace those damn butterflies with betrayal and the roses denji brought to their 5th date with resentment.

it crosses asa's mind as she looks at the boy in front of her, trying to decide how she wants him: teeth or teeth (of a chainsaw).

she can feel yoru's heavy presence leaning forward.

it makes her feel guilty.

[futureplayboibunnie]

lil Mafia Boss! Miguel O’Hara x fem! reader drabble

Warnings: NSFW, depics of violence, blood, some steamy stuff but not too much, sooo much dirtytalk.

You were many things. But you weren't naive.

That wouldn't be an issue if Miguel couldn't talk his way out of hell and right into those pearly gates. His manipulation and sweet talking were just another thing that made you hate him and attracted to him amongst many other things

He was an asshole. He was a powerful Mob Boss. He was your husband and your arch-nemesis. You both loved playing these little games that would send the other down a spiral of paranoia and obsession- it lit a fire under both of your asses. It made you meaner, sharper, stronger

Miguel told his men to take shots at you, haphazardly, making sure they all missed for the sole purpose of scaring you to make you behave and see how valuable his protection was . You weren’t scared, you were pissed and filled with rage. You blew up one of his lackey’s cars, he watched it burn in front of him, if he had gotten into the wrong black beauty of a Lamborghini, he’d be a pile of ashes.

You both poked and prodded, messed and obsessed with every step you made. It was like a Greek tragedy. You outsmarted him some days. He outsmarted you some days.

But after all of it, you were still married, still husband and wife. When he fell for you, he fell hard. You were the daughter of of one of the most renowned gangster in the country, Miguel had to pay his dues to earn his respect- and in the end it payed off. Your father blessed your marriage and that night was a dream above all dreams. The honeymoon was beautiful too, every night was filled with passionate and messy sex and every day he spent with you he fell more and more in love.

But Lord did you test his patience, it was something that you were born to do. He was angry and channelled his rage through many illegal mediums.

Yet you always let him back in.

-

You’ve been doing what you’ve been doing for the past few weeks.

Waiting up for Miguel.

Waiting for him to come home.

He said he had something to take care of and hasn’t shown his face since. And here you were, waiting for him like a Park Avenue trophy wife. Your wine was making you more anxious than tipsy as you glared at the clock, the fireplace in front of you not warming your body from this strange fear of a man you hate and love. It was nearing 1am.

Then you heard it, the door opening and closing and the rustling of expensive shoes hitting the marble of the foyer, then a jarring clank of keys hitting the holder.

Your breath got lost in your throat, eyes widening when you saw Miguel’s figure. His white shirt was bloodied and his fists were bruised and raw. It’s not his blood, but he did have a cut on his eyebrow. You scoffed as you stood up from your seat.

But that didn’t stop you from both charging at each other, wanting to see each other up close.

“I hate you.” You said with a scowl but what was it all for when you both embraced each other seconds after.

“I believe you.” He said coldly but he knew you meant it. Your head rested on his shoulder and he could smell the shampoo you used earlier tonight. A sweet orchard, green apple. Yet your sweet scent didn’t transfer to yout personality. You didn’t like to sit still and play house.

You were an antagonizing bitch.

He was a heartless bastard.

Yet here you were.

Hating each other, yet seeking each other’s company.

“I hate you.” You repeated much firmly this time and Miguel gripped onto your cheeks and pulled your face up so he could glare at you.

“I said I believe you…I haven’t believed anyone in a long time.” He muttered, but his tone was harsh. Unamused eyes searched yours for an answer but instead he found contempt and sadness.

“You left for weeks….I hated you every second of it.” You spat out but your words couldn’t be brutal when you were this sad.

Miguel’s grip on your face softened, the pads of his fingertips tracing on the outline of your chin. “Now that I’m back…do you still hate me?” He was asking with genuine concern for some reason.

“Yes.” You whispered but your legs started to tremble as the word rolled off of your tongue. Miguel frowned indignantly and huffed out, taking his turn to pivot the conversation to him just ordering you around again.

“I don’t want you leaving the penthouse. I don’t want you outside while I deal with these bastards-“

Your choked breath cut him off. “Is that all you’re thinking about right now? I can’t fucking believe you.” You scoffed, his gall was truly outstanding, of course he had to do this right now. You weren’t purposefully trying to fan the flames to Miguel’s anger but he wanted to treat it like you were, he was already annoyed for ruining one of his best shirts with the blood of subspecies and now he has to deal with you bitching and moaning…and not in the way he liked. “You know what Miguel-“ He directly stopped your words by gripping onto your waist and neck and sitting you on the dining table. You struggled against his hold but it all proved to be fruitless.

“You’re gawking at me like an idiot right now.” You insulted but he was way too far gone now, the crimson of his eyes migrated to a deep ring of burgundy- he was already pissed and you just had to play with him the wrong way.

“You’re beautiful that’s why.” He said endearingly, like he was cooing at you but his serious expression really contrasted that.

“You’re flattering me because you wanna fuck?”

“You asked me if you staying here is all I’m thinking about right now and in fact, it’s not.” Miguel placed a palm on your chest and pushed you flat onto the table, hard. Your eyes were half lidded weapons, scrutinising his every move- and dare he think, he loves it, because he always proves you wrong.

You were his wife, his bitch, his cumdump. You both may hate each other but you always needed each other in this way.

No one else could make you cum otherwise, no one else memorised your body like he did. How couldn’t he? He loved you…once.

You like to think these outbursts are impactful and grand displays of independence but no, you’re Miguel’s lover and you’re gonna act like it.

Hmm. You always looked so pretty in this silk robe, but the fact that your nipples were peaking already under the thin fabric told him all he needed to know.

“I was thinking of you today when I was killing my competition’s men, while I got blood on my hands.” Miguel’s calloused palms splayed onto your smooth legs, feeling up and down teasingly, riding up your robe. You arched against the table already.

Shit, you didn’t mean to.

“The others said that my mind was wandering. I could see their mouths open and close but I couldn’t hear a single word come out..” He said huskily, you gasped when he ripped open your robe, revealing your naked and beautiful figure under him. The only thing that could ever get him off. He dipped his head between your legs to were your thin barely there panties were, he ran his nose over the fabric and inhaled softly. “I could smell you.”

You blinked up at him in confusion, you didn’t know what to feel. You were mad but so aroused…and in the weeks he’s been gone you hadn’t been able to pleasure yourself at all. He looked vicious and mean, your husband was ruthless and sometimes….sometimes it was so fucking arousing, you couldn’t help but squirm and struggle underneath him.

“You wanna know what I did? You wanna know who the man you married is really like when he’s not at home?” His head raised up to your ear to mumble hotly, you jolted and struggled when his hand suddenly went to your already sticky folds.

You weren’t sure if you even had a choice, so you stayed silent, your expression akin to that of vacant displeasure….but oh, were you lying. Your face was about to break.

“I shot them in the kneecaps and beat them until they were barely breathing, but would you believe the way they died was by suffocation?” He chuckled lowly, his fingers teasing your already sloppy entrance.

“F-fuck…are you talking about?” You tried to fight back the moans collecting in the back of your throat but you couldn’t help it.

“They drowned in a puddle of their own blood and I put them there.” Miguel rasped firmly in your ear, his tone and body language becoming very intimidating and…scary. “The bastard’s blood got on my fucking shoes.”

Your husband only wanted to protect what was his. His fingers plunged inside of you, feeling up and down, circling around. You whined out.

“One of them I knew, he went to my fucking highschool hermosa. I called him my friend. But the worst thing occured to me, I imagined him on top of you, my wife, the woman that loathes me so. I saw him tasting you in my head and that’s what made me kill him. You. Just because you sit up here in this untouchable palace doesn’t mesn you’re any cleaner than I am. You’re just as depraved as I am.”

His eyes were beating with a scorching red, his lips were curled into a visicious snarl and at this moment, you knew he was right and that made you want him that much more.

You were his lover.

He wanted you to act like it.

Even if that meant being exactly like he was.

Heartless.

-

(I deleted my other mafia Miguel fic because I wasn’t sure if i was gonna make it a bigger fic or not and I felt like if i kept it up it would’ve been confusing or something? I’m playing on the same ideas in this fic dw)

[sweetbbyshion]

Eros' song

-> Shinichiro Sano x Reader (no pronouns or descriptions)

characters: Shinichiro Sano

genre: fluff

summary: you write a poem as a way to confess to your best friend

warnings: childhood friends to lovers, i wrote the poem so please don't be too mean or i'll cry, also DON'T STEAL THE POEM FOR THE LOVE OF GOD it will be my last reason, the reader is into books, first quote is from Kafka's Letters to Milena and the second is Edgar Allan Poe's Annabel Lee

network: @eveningatthemoviesnetwork

Shinichiro has been your best friend since your first memory surfaced. From the moment you could process thoughts and emotions, the man has been close to you. Truly, it was a matter of time until one of you fell in love and you happened to be the (un)lucky one.

You were no older than thirteen when the infamous incident happened. Shinichiro (also thirteen and with a really, really ugly hairstyle) looked at you and gave you a big toothy smile, like he always does whenever a cool bike passes by you. Suddenly, flowers exploded behind him, angels sang, the sun shone brighter than it had all day and you found yourself almost squinting and on the verge of throwing up because of the butterflies in your stomach. Metaphorically, obviously.

It was a shame, really. You nearly yelled at the universe for not giving this evil curse to Shinichiro instead but, apparently, the entities above also doomed Shinichiro to a life of rejection. So, you suffered because your best friend didn’t look at you and the man suffered because no girl wanted him.

At thirteen you turned into poetry and all kinds of literature, finding pieces that you related to a bit too much and, eventually, writing things yourself. Shinichiro didn’t understand most of the stuff you read, always questioning what words meant and what was so special about those poems that had you tear up so often. You shared that part of your life with him as well, showing the poems, drabbles, verses you came up with that were messily written in your journal. Fortunately for you and your weak heart, Shinichiro didn’t really understand that most of the things you wrote were about him.

It stayed that way until you were twenty three. You were less naive, more in tune with the feelings that made you want to throw up years ago and definitely in love with your best friend (who kept getting rejected even after changing the horrible hairstyle; the Gods really hated you both). Shinichiro had his own bike shop, a gang that supported him through everything and you. He still happily reads whatever you wrote in your journal and he still doesn't understand half of the stuff you have there but the honest praise and support makes your heartbeat a little bit faster. Shinichiro is there when you publish your very own poetry book, his name deservedly on the first page. To Shinichiro, who was always there for me. As Franz Kafka said “In a way, you are poetry material; You are full of cloudy subtleties I am willing to spend a lifetime figuring out.”

So, maybe, you were a bit too obvious with the whole ‘I love you’ deal but Shinichiro didn't seem to understand all the hints you dropped. Everyone around you seemed to find out about your little secret and some of his friends even went out of their way to let you know he felt the same but you weren't so sure.

“What you writing over there?” the smooth voice of Shinichiro pulls you back to reality, the noise in the shop coming back in an instant. It was almost dinner time and you came into the shop hoping to have a meal with your best friend before going home. Deciding to entertain yourself, you pulled out your notebook and a pen from your bag and wrote some ideas that popped in your head as you stared with heart eyes to the object of your affection.

“Nothing important.” A lie. The words that stared back at you formed, yet again, another finished love poem that you dreamed of showing to Shinichiro in hopes that he would read it and return your feelings. Shinichiro knew you were lying. Somehow he always knew. You refuse to return eye contact when he grabs your pen and doodles mindlessly next to the verses, a routine he acquired when you whined about the pages of your journal being too boring with just words in it. You look at his hands gently drawing small hearts (Shinichiro couldn't draw a heart even if it was to save his family but you grew to love the blob shapes) and a random dog with stars surrounding it.

“Can I read it?” You meet his eyes, tender and sweet, which were already looking at you. Your heart flips, turns and does cartwheels when Shinichiro gives you that toothy smile that makes him close his eyes and you can only let out a small “Sure.” before closing your mouth so you don't accidentally confess.

My soul holds a secret that my pen

Now wishes to share.

In ink-stained lines, my feelings find a home:

Untold to anyone but the Gods from above,

As I convoke Eros to help me compose a piece

That will reach your heart.

But do I dare?

Do I dare trouble the deities with a greedy tone

When I can’t gather the courage

To whisper confessions when we’re alone;

The only witness to my love

Being the moon shining high up

And the paper getting stained with passion.

So sure of my affection yet,

I hesitate.

Do you dare reciprocate these heavy feelings

That only keep me awake at night or

Am I merely a friend that consoles your ego

When things fall apart?

But it’s okay,

For I have accepted the possibility

The harsh, unwanted probability

That I’m doomed to an existence of unrequited love

And a lifeless life

Without the muse who inspires me

To write the most loveful poems and

The most sorrowful verses.

You nervously glance at Shinichiro while he is reading, noticing how his eyes squint and his nose scrunches from time to time (he does it when he doesn't understand something that is written). You pay close attention to his face, the poet in you wishing to remember Shinichiro until your last day if the worst was to happen. A part of you hopes the man will finally understand all of the things you wished to say but weren’t strong enough to. You pray that your poem reaches his heart and soul, that he sees you not only as a longtime friend but a life partner. “Wow.” He sighs, lifting his eyes from the paper to settle on you again. “I’ll never get tired of saying you’re really good.” Shinichiro stands back at his full height, murmuring about back pain after leaning down for so long. You look up at the man who has your world spinning around him, waiting to see if he says something more. He doesn't.

“Is that all?” You ask, playing with the bracelet on your wrist (a gift from Shinichiro when you turned 18). He looks at you confused. His eyes scan the paper again, rereading the verses to figure out if he missed anything. He still looks lost so you grab the pen and, in a moment of courage, you write a few words at the bottom of the poem. For Shinichiro, who I “loved with a love that was more than love”. The handwriting is shaky, giving away the anxiety exuding out of you. Shinichiro reads the additional words, then stops, then looks at you. You get up, not being able to have his body towering you that way. He is standing next to you and, for the first time, you’re not sure about the emotions revealed by his eyes. You wonder if you made a mistake confessing out of nowhere, in his shop, while his siblings and friends are hanging out and the last customers exit. You should have eased your way into the subject but what’s done is done and all you have left is to wait.

“I know I’m not the smartest person…” Shinichiro’s eyes are on you, reading your every move. “But does this mean what I think it means?” You nod, not trusting your voice. His eyes widen and, in a sudden movement, Shinichiro is even closer to you. His hands are on each side of your face, forcing you to look at him. “You wrote a poem for me. A love poem.” You nod again, your movements a bit restricted by the big hands holding your face in place. “I’m going to kiss you.”

Shinichiro gives you five seconds to step back before his lips are crashing against yours. You don't think any poem, book, word could describe what you felt the moment your lips met. It’s fast and a bit clumsy but you couldn't be more happy this happened, unable to control the smile when Shinichiro stops the kiss to look at you. You want to giggle like a young teenager when Shinichiro gives you that smile you love more than anything. “Does this mean you feel the same?”

“Yeah. Have for a while. Couldn't stand the thought of getting rejected by you though.” His thumb caresses your cheek and you find yourself leaning to the touch.

“I would never reject you.” You murmur, embarrassed at such revelation. “You know there’s a quote from Emily Brontë-”

“Tell me about her in a bit.” Shinichiro interrupts you. “I want to kiss you again.”

The next time you write a poem isn't about Shinichiro, your best friend. Instead, you dumped all of the new (reciprocated) feelings about Shinichiro, your boyfriend, and the experiences you get from living with him by your side. Most of your poems were and will probably always be about Shinichiro Sano, no matter the status he holds in your life. You get to love your muse and your boyfriend gets a lifetime supply of romantic poetry dedicated to him (as well as quotes that fit each situation).

[poisonedxbeauty]

Drabble for @radiostarsz

「🕸️For the last few weeks, Val had overworked him insisting on multiple shoots to reach a deadline for their projects. It was frustrating, and there were numerous times when he returned to the hotel he had barely made it to bed. And no surprise on the nights he still retained a bit of energy, he had gone to bed after a few rounds, only to wake up hung over. But one of those mornings, something caught the spider by surprise. On the bedside table was a glass of water, some tablets and...three chocolate covered strawberries? However, there was no note. No sort of indication, nor hint of the one responsible. Did he talk to Charlie the night before? Husk? Maybe they had just seen the state he was in and left it there while he slept. But there was someone else who had nursed him one night. Would he have done it again? And was it wrong to be so hopeful it was him?

The spider shifted his weight so his legs dangled off the bed. One of his hands gave his beloved companion a few ginger pets, as the others ranged in responsivity. One taking the tablets, another the water, and the final: a strawberry. And this occurred for more than one night. In fact, it was motivational. It got him through the rest of Val's demands. Until, finally, he could breathe with some time off. Cherri was aware of his schedule and came bursting through the hotel doors to take him out. Usually they went to some sort of club to get fucked up, but things changed. Charlie caught wind of it and suggested a carnival. Both of them stared at her like she was crazy, but after enough convincing ( and free money ), they all took a little trip there. Only most went their separate ways. Smiles didn't come, though. He insisted that he had important matters to tend to, but told him to enjoy his time. He had been half tempted to ask if he had left the the stuff on his bedside table, but had hesitated.

❝ Y'know, someone's been leavin' shit by my bed. ❞ He shared with Cherri. ❝ An' no one's owned up to it. ❞ ❛ What the hell are they leavin' yuh, Ange? ❜ ❝ Just some shit fer my hangover's an'- ❞ ❛ And? ❜ ❝ Don't fuckin' laugh but chocolate covered strawberries. ❞ ❛ No fuckin' way! Yuh totally got a secret admirer, bitch! ❜ ❝ So, I got plenty 'f those. ❞ ❛ Ugh, not like those fuckin' creeps ya dumbass. Someone lookin' out for ya, mate! Bet it's someone in the hotel. ❜ ❝ Really?! ❞ He smiles as he speaks, but when he catches himself, he quickly acts nonchalant about it. ❝ Yuh-yuh think so? ❞ He notices Cherri smirking at him. ❝ Hey, quit bein' smug, bitch! It could be anyone. ❞ But she just laughs. He can't take back that smile now; she won't let him.

The spider crosses all his arms as he walks with her. If there's anyone he can trust with his secrets: it's her. She's been there since he can remember. She saw all the nasty shit he went through. She was there when he was at his lowest, when he self destructed, when the anger finally formed into tears. She meant the world, and he knew he could trust her. ❝ I might know who it is. ❞ ❛ Who? Is it the cat? ❜ ❝ Could be, but I don't think it's him. It might be Alastor. ❞ ❛ Him? Yuh take somethin' without me, mate? Why would it be him? Isn't he some Overlord piece of shit? ❜ ❝ Yuh think I don't know it sounds crazy? But yuh weren't there when he - when Val- ❞ He notices how curious she is. How widely she's staring at him, and feels her hand touch his arm. ❝ It's normal, y'know Val, shit happened and he hit me, there. Any way's, when I got back that night, Smiles was there and he...he helped. ❞ The spider slightly smiled. He felt Cherri gently hit his arm. ❛ Alright, bitch, enough of this mushy shit, let's do shit! I'm gonna win me a thing! ❜ She smiled and tugged Angel along.

The two went on a ton of rides. Angel had taken Niffty on some spooky bug related thing, then they ate with their friends and won some prizes. It felt like exactly what he needed. Seeing his friends happiness was almost contagious. And for a bit, he had listened to their thrilling experiences until something in the distance caught his eyes. Was that what he thought it was? No way. Without a thought, he started walking away towards the game booth. Cherri followed him once she noticed. ❛ Angie, where yuh goin? ❜ ❝ That game over there. ❞ ❛ Why? ❜ He took her hand until they were close. ❝ Fuck me, that shit's real? ❞ ❛ What? ❜ ❝ That thing! It's a fuckin' spider wit' antlers! It's perfect! ❞ ❛ For what? You want that thing? ❜ ❝ Obviously. ❞ ❛ Piece of cake, mate. If yuh want it that bad, I'll win it fer ya. ❜ Before she could go up, he got in front of her. ❛ The fuck, Ange? ❜ ❝ I gotta do it. It ain't fer me. It's fer Smiles. ❞ ❛ Really? Huh, didn't know freaky face was into this shit. What else's he hidin? ❜ ❝ He might not be, but - fuck it. I've made up my mind. That thing's gonna be mine. ❞

The spider fueled by determination paid the man. His first few attempts were fruitless. Followed by the next few. Chances were this shit was rigged, and Cherri and him exchanged a knowing look. All he had to do was figure out how exactly it was rigged. After tossing the ball a few times in his hand, he realized that the ball may be too big for the hole, and that shit didn't go in easy. There was only one option and it was to cheat. Even Cherri seemed to realize this and shifted oddly. Wait, that might be a signal. He gave her a wink in hopes it was and noticed how her attention turned to the guy running the booth. This bitch was distracting him! Perfect! And while she did this, he made sure he won the game. The guy was in such disbelief, but when Cherri threatened to shove a bomb down his throat, he handed over the fluffy little spider/deer thing. Angel hugged it tight, squishing it against his cheek as he thanked Cherri for the help. And soon, the night came to an end.

When they returned to the hotel and went their separate ways, Angel snuck off as secretly as he could to Alastor's room. Hopefully he wasn't there. This would be fucking embarrassing if he was. He noticed two of the egg boiz about and told them not to say a word. But who knows if he could trust them since they were kind of dumb. He was about to turn the doorknob when, fuck, Charlie! He quickly hid the plush behind his back. ❛ Oh, hey, Angel, everything alright? You're going to Alastor's room? ❜ ❝ Ugh, no, well, yes. I borrowed somethin' from him an' forgot to return it. ❞ ❛ That's sweet, but this late? I'm surprised you're not tired. Well, maybe not. Who am I to assume? Silly, Charlie. I - ❜ ❝ Toots? ❞ ❛ Huh? Oh, sorry. ❜ ❝ it's fine, but remember how we're workin' on those team buildin' exercises an' shit? This is important ta that, so I really gotta get this done. ❞ He watched as she gasped. ❛ Yes! Totally! I completely understand. Ugh, so proud of you! Ok, got it. I'll see you tomorrow~ ❜ He chuckled to himself as she left before he snuck in.

No Smiles. He crept inside. It was so different being here alone. Almost gave him a sense of yearning. He missed the night he had been in here with him. Listening to an array of jazz music as they chatted. He sat down on the sofa Smiles had manifested for them, surprised it was still here. He could almost hear the melody and feel the piercing look smiles had given him that night. His fingers from his bottom left hand curled against the material before he got back up. The spider walked over to what he assumed to be a closet. Of course Smiles had more suits and jackets. His fingers brushed over the jacket and his cheeks flushed. The demon had covered him with one of these before, when he had been cold. He moved in closer and absentmindedly pressed his head against the fabric in his hand to take in the aroma. And when he caught himself, he let the fabric fall. There was no way Smiles was into him. This was stupid. He looked at the small plush he had in his hands and softly sighed. What if it was someone else? It wasn't above Charlie to be nice, but she probably would have checked in on him. Husk probably would have hinted it somehow that he looked like shit. Maybe he was just hopeful it was Smiles.

He went over to the table in the swampy area and sat down on the chair. He set the plush on the table in front of him. ❝ This is fuckin' stupid, ain't it? So he's nice once or twice ta me, big fuckin' deal. It ain't like I expect shit from 'im, y'know? ❞ He looked at the plush and sighed. ❝ But it ain't just 'bout 'im bein' nice. But the way he keeps fuckin' treatin' me, I don't know, I guess I felt special or somethin'. But what would you know? Yer just a fuckin' toy... ❞ He smacked it off the table. What if he was wrong? What if it wasn't him? Maybe Smiles would think someone else put this here. Niffty could be easy to blame. He'd buy it and would probably love it if it was from her. What would he do with it if he knew he himself had won it specifically for him? Besides, he was far friendlier with that Overlord, Rosie. Too bad it wasn't from her. She knew so much about him and he seemed to love it there. This fucking sucked. Why did he want to be his favorite anyway? Why did he have to feel anything for him?

He sighed and picked the plush back up. He got on his knees and set it in the chair. Smiles could think whatever he wanted. He could always deny this was from him, right? Just cause it was part spider didn't mean he was the one who got it. Niffty loved bugs. But, regardless, he still wanted to somehow find out what Smiles thought about it. Maybe he could use one of the egg boiz to find out. Once he felt ready, he left the room. If there was a chance Smiles was the one who had given him the things to get better, the chocolate strawberries, then he wanted to say thank you. An unspoken one. 」

[that-one-anxious-mango]

For the Drabble event would you be willing to do the first I love you? I love your writing.

                    As We Grow 

Summary: About how Austin and his best girl said those magical three letter words to one another. Plus the origin of their famous catch phrase.

Contents: MAXIMUM FLUFF. Mentions of past trauma. Gooey feelings. Sleepy Magnus. Crying. Awesome Austin (per usual)

A/N: Hi Beautiful Humans! How are you all? Ugh I missed you! Alas, I’ve been trapped in the claws of college. BUT, since I’m on break and writing up a storm I will try and get out as much as I can while I’m off, and also write some things I can put on auto fill when things get crazy.

I hope you all are having a wonderful holiday. To the Anon who suggested this sorry about the wait babe. AND to any one else who requested something I’m working on it babes. BARE WITH ME.

Any who please enjoy the fic!

P.S Everyone feel free to PLEASE comment and reblog. Also send me letters with ideas and prompts. Love hearing from you all! Much Love! *hugs*

                                              _______

You were sitting on your couch writing in your black leather planner, in it was your to-do list of all the mundane things that needed to be done in the upcoming week.

It had proven to be quite effective and useful in helping you to manage the events and such that went on in your semi-chaotic life.

And as old as you felt admitting that you had a planner in the first place, you felt even more old due to your current choice of outfit and music.

Sitting in your large house pink house dress with matching pink house slippers. Your hair was wrapped up in a silk headscarf and clear kitten framed glasses adorned your face.

In the background, the R & B station on Spotify played Saving all my love from the Whitney Houston album, while the scent of lavender and eucalyptus essential oils filled the air.

It was Sunday which meant self-care and a little bit of life management. Today you'd woken up and gotten brunch with Phoebe, Alex, Alana, and Beatrice. After you and a eager Magnus went to the Totem to go and browse, which you ended up buying a book for yourself and bought two books for Austin. Then you treated yourself to a nice hot shower and a full head to toe skin care routine.

 And now you were where you were.

Earlier in the day Austin had texted you to let you know that he probably wasn't going to be able to come over to watch re-runs of Grey's Anatomy while eating take out Thai-food like the two of you had originally planned. And even though you were disappointed a bit.

You understood.

Every since the two of you had started dating about three months ago, you understood that there were some days and times that you unfortunately may not hear from Austin due to him immersing himself into his work and preparation for Elvis. It's something he'd been upfront about in the beginning of your relationship, about how the process of him doing this role wouldn't exactly mean it would be a cakewalk for you guys. But within being a creative yourself mixed with the rather intense feelings you felt for Austin, you decided that you'd be in this for the long haul as long as you could be.

In the middle of Wednesday's list you heard the buzzer ring.

Frowning in confusion you got up, being followed by the patters of your scary purple onesie dressed guard dog, Magnus.

You weren't expecting anyone.

Going to the intercom you pressed the button speaking, " Yes? "

" Delivery for the most beautiful girl in the world." The voice familiar voice hummed through the box. The bright smile that invaded your face was wide and the involuntary skips that your heart did paired well with the warmth that filled you body.

Deciding to be a tease you replied, " I'm sorry but I think you have the wrong place. Have you tried apartment 3A. The young lady that lives there is quite beautiful and very stylish so it seems." You joked referring to your downstairs neighbor, Gladys Reed, who was a older lady that you'd befriended after a creepy encounter with another neighbor of yours. She was sweet and always looked out for you. She also always complimented you and Austin whenever she seen the two of you.

And you know what they say about an elder approving of a couple. 

It's good luck.

" Well. As beautiful as she is and as nice as that vintage Chanel may look, between me and you I think I you got her beat, baby. All seven days a week and twenty four hours in the day." He chuckled back, " Now let me up so I can see that beautiful face."

Giggling to yourself in glee, a short, " Okay." Squeaked out,  hitting the button that allowed Austin in.

It was only a matter of seconds before the knock on the door came and you ripped it open practically launching yourself into Austin's arms who was quick to sit down whatever was in his hands and happily catch you, securing his hands under your ass to hold you up. You both spoke quick little hi and hellos before you sealed your lips on his.

A fat wet kiss was placed on his lips followed by the depth he poured into it and the move to push the two of you up against a nearby wall, while he let his tongue nudged at the bottom of your lip until you let him in. Tiny moans could now be heard from you that resulted in the grip he had to your ass tightening.

With the door still wide open you could feel things heating up in many different places. Only the small thunderous barks and incessant feeling of paws hitting yours and Austin's legs pulled the two of you away.

Separating you smiled down at Magnus along with Austin who greeted him, cheeks red with embarrassment, " Hey Mags. Sorry man didn't see you there. What's up." He offered slowly setting you back down. Earning a enthused bark of a response, Austin laughed before turning his attention back to you.

" Well I guess you really are trying to compete with Miss Gladys. Huh, baby." He commented as his eyes raked you up and down.

Truth be told he thought you looked quite good. Like someone's fine wife...or mother. The last half of his thought made his chest flutter, because if things kept going the way they were he could see all those things down the line for you two.

Instantly beginning to feel self conscious you quickly offered to go and change into something more age appropriate and appealing. But your efforts were halted, " Uh uh, no. You seem cozy and comfortable, babe. Which makes me feel comfortable and cozy. You look good." He reassured leaning down to peck your lips before smirking, " Sexy even. Besides, long time ago I used to have a thing for older woman, so this might be doing it for me a little bit." He wiggled his eyebrows at your causing the two of you to begin a laughing.

Cheeks heating up you had to remember the spark of curiosity you had when he came in, so you asked, " So, Mr. Delivery man what'd you bring me? "

Looking at you he motioned with his head to follow his gaze to the wall by door and down. And when you looked you seen the pretty medium sized plant in a brown pot with a nicely tied pink ribbon around it sitting on the floor.

Your face scrunched in thoughts and nerves, " Babe, what is this? You know that I don't have a green thumb. At all." You reminded.

And it was true, every plant you'd gotten over you lifetime had always ended up the same way. Dead.

Even the Cacti you'd tried to take care of had found themselves being welcomed into the glory place where all the rest of your plants rested, otherwise known as the trash.

         Like you literally watered a cactus like once...maybe twice a month. So it astonishing to you how you managed to keep a puppy alive ... and not a plant.

" This..", Austin went over and scooped up the plant in hands bringing it over to you, " is our love fern." He stated holding it out.

Taking it cautiously, you bafflingly looked between the nice sized plant and Austin sheepishly smiling," Our..love...fern." You parroted looking at the amused face Austin held.

He nodded, " Yeah, baby. It's our love fern. I got it because you said you wanted one last week when we were watching that Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson movie."  He reminded you of the little comment you'd made when the two of you had been snuggled up watching How to lose a guy in ten days.

Then light bulb went off in your head and your eyes widen in playful disbelief,     " BABE! I WAS JOKING! You didn't have to actually go out and bring a poor plant back here to practically sentence to death." " You gawked at him laughing.

" We'll I'm not. There are two reasons why I bought this lovely thing . First, because although I know that you, my love. Are no Mother Nature, I have a pretty good track record of being able to keep plants alive. And I figured that if you have it here at your place, then I'll have a absolute reason and responsibility to come and see you and Magnus at least twice a week. Plus I'll teach you how to care for it when I'm not here, honey." He explained glancing over to the puppy who was enjoying himself on the couch happily lounging on your abandoned blanket.

When your eyes met his again you noticed how serious his face had turned. They captured yours in trance making sure there was no where else for you to look, " And the second and most important reason I bought the plant is because.." He started, using a hand to grab both of yours. He secured them ontop of his own hands that rested on the pot. You unconsciously squeezed them making sure that you had a firm clutch as the two of you held up the pot together.

" I also bought this plant because, I love you. I love you Y/N L/N. So much. That's something I've been wanting to tell you since I met you three months ago. And as this plant will surely grow everyday...so will the love that you and I have for each other. " He paused, " That's if you feel the same way of course." His eyes looked hopeful and pleading at the same time. Like his whole entire being was resting on what'd you say next.

And unbeknownst to you....it kinda did.

By now the waterline in your eyes was threatening to spill and this overwhelming mixture of joy and fear overtook your body all at once. Joyful that the man that you did in-fact love, loved you too. But fearful that while, yes, he did love you, for how long?  How long would he love and enjoy you before he decided that he was done and ready to leave like so many other people in your life had.

 Pulling you out of your thoughts Austin had moved to take the plant out of both  your hands and set it down on the floor next to you. Moving in closer he held your face in his hands gently lifting your head positioned to the floor, up to look at him.

As soon as your eyes locked the tears started flowing and you couldn't hold it anymore, " I love you too Austin. I-I really do." You almost whispered, the worry on his face seemed to only half melt when he seen that you weren't done with your proclamation, " But I'm scared. " You confessed.

His voice was soft in concern, " Scared of what, baby?"

His attentive tone made you feel even worst and you began crying a bit harder causing him to coo pulling you into his chest, resting his chin lightly on your head while soothingly rubbing your back. " You're okay, mama. You're alright. Just Breathe." He affirmed helping you along.

It seemed like the two of you stayed like that, forever in the moment.

Him basking in the feeling of you against him, and you relishing in the music that was the beat of his heart. You had slowed your breathing down to match it. 

It wasn't until you had pulled it together and found the strength to just be honest and say what you needed to say, " I'm afraid that you'll love me for as long as you want and then leave me once you get however and whatever you need. Or find somebody new. I'm not saying that you would do something like that, Austin. But you're not the first person to say those three words to me, and then utter the other two. Good bye."

Sighing, he hated hearing that this was even a doubt in your mind. Not because he was offended or he thought you didn't trust him, but because it made him upset that people in your past hadn't had the courage or god given common sense to take care and cherish you, like he planned to.

So in comfort he posed his own question, " What if you decided to do the same thing? If you find some other guys that could fulfill your needs of cuddles, tacos, and bookkeeping? Huh? What would happen then?" He asked.

Without hesitation you went, " Austin I would never, ever, EVER. Leave you for someone else you know that." You sniffled.

Tenderly pulling you closer he responded, " And just how you would never, I would never. I know that others haven't treated you the way they should have. But baby I am here to stay as long as you want me. And if that just so happens to be forever. Then dammit,  you better believe I'll love you forever and always. " He stopped chuckling a bit, " Hell, I might just follow you into the beyond, baby. And love on you there."

His comments laugh. He made you feel so at peace and loved. You felt warm inside and outside of your body.

Pulling away you went to look at his face which his instinctively reached out and wiped some stray tears off of your face,  offering a somber smile, " Well okay then. Let's do it. I'll love you Austin Butler. Forever, always and beyond." You affirmed smiling.

Nodding in excitement he said, " And I too will love you Y/N Y/L/N. Forever, Always and Beyond. No matter what." He concluded swooping you in for a kiss that tasted salty by the mixture of your tears and some of his. The two of you had kissed plenty of times now, but with each kiss still came that gooey feeling. And you never wanted to let it go anywhere.

Minutes whirled by you two being wrapped in each other before Austin was picking up the plant to try and help you find the best place for it.

Deciding that it'd thrive best in your bedroom window where it was in line of direct sunlight and your eyesight. You now lied snuggled up with Austin's arms securely wrapped around your body while he big spooned, and felt the little movements Magnus made in his sleep from his position at the foot of your bed.

Together the two of you watched the sun say it's goodnight and moon say hello when Austin made a comment in your ear, " Now, baby. No matter what happens. You have absolutely got to remember to help keep our love fern alive. I mean it, now. Don’t let our love fern die." He warned kissing the shell of your ear.

Just then a corny reference to the movie popped in your head and you couldn't resist, " But, honey. What if it decides it wants to go to sleep? " You teased.

Chuckling along he responded with a, " Absolutely not."

                                             ---------

              * Reference from Movie :) * 

[luvsae]

helping you | enid rhee

enid rhee x fem!reader

fluff + slight angst

summary: you come back from a run and enid notices you're a bit hurt, so she helps you ♡

note: this is just a drabble but hope you enjoy nonetheless!

Walking back into your shared house with Enid after getting hurt on a run was either a blessing.. or the scariest thing you ever imagined.

Her eyes were instantly on your cuts that were on your body - worry instantly filled your girlfriends body as she ran up to you.

"Y/N? What the hell happened?" Enid cupped your face gently, examining your slight injuries.

"I, uh," you couldn't help but feel embarrassed with the way you got hurt, but you also couldn't lie to Enid. She knew you too well, and also, you didn't want to lie anyway. "I fell..."

Enid's head tilted slightly out of confusion, yet a smile played out on her lips. "You.. fell? Really?"

"You're gonna make fun of me." You rolled your eyes jokingly as Enid let out a quiet chuckle.

"How did you manage to get this many cuts by falling? How did you fall?" Enid asked out of curiosity.

"I found something really cool to get for you, but then I kinda.. slipped on something that was on the floor, hit my face off of something, and got scratches..." You confessed.

Enid bit her lip and nodded. She wasn't laughing at your injuries or anything, but more so how it occurred. You always said you weren't blinded by love, but here you were - hurt because you wanted to get something for your girlfriend.

"You got something for me?" Enid asked.

"Yes," you told her. "I got something for you."

Enid's eyes lit up. "What is it?"

"I'll show you in a second," you placed your backpack on the floor. "I have to clean my cuts before they get infected. If they do."

"Hey, wait," Enid followed you as you made your way over to the kitchen sink. You stopped when you noticed her right behind you. "Since you got hurt because of me. I can clean your wounds."

You smiled at her. "Really?"

"Sit down," Enid instructed as she got a cloth and some rubbing alcohol from the cupboard above. "Don't want those cuts to get infected, right?"

"Right." You sat on the counter and watched as Enid wet one towel with water, and another one with the alcohol, then came over to you.

"First the water," she held your face carefully as she dabbed the water on the cuts. You watched her face harden slightly as she was now focused on helping you. "Now the alcohol. It's gonna sting a bit, alright?"

"Okay," you said as she now placed the cloth on your cuts. The familiar stinging feeling soon irriated you. "Ow."

Enid smiled and finished up the cleaning before going over the drawer and picking up a bandage.

She unraveled the piece and then placed it on your cut. The other ones were too small, but they could heal on their own without a bandage.

With one more look, Enid nodded and smiled once again. "There you go. We can change the bandage later just to keep it clean. Do you have any other wounds from the fall?"

"No," you replied. "Thank you for helping me. I really appreciate it. You're the best girlfriend ever."

Enid stood between your open knees, placing a sweet and slow kiss on your lips. Her hands rested on your hips as your hands rested on her cheek.

You broke the kiss and sent her a goofy smile in response to the sudden kiss. Moments like these were great and you always wanted them to last forever.

"Next time I'll come with you, okay? Can't have you getting hurt again." Enid teased, but she meant well, she always did.

"Okay," you nodded before getting off of the counter. "I'll give you what I found, one second."

You hurried over to your backpack, unzipping it and finding the object inside. It was still safe and secure - there was a Polaroid camera inside.

Making your way over to Enid, you handed her the camera. "It has some film inside. Thought we could take some pictures together.

Enid's mouth resembled an 'o' as she looked at you. "This is the best present I've ever received."

You let out a laugh, "I think it was worth getting a few scratches over."

"We should take on now!" Enid stood beside you and held the camera out, posing by kissing you on the cheek and you letting out a goofy smile.

Click.

It was a perfect gift.

[lunartearrose]

Oc kiss week 2024 #2 - Rain

Ocs: Forage the Tiefling druid, Gwen the seamstress living doll.

Gwen belongs to Sammy, my DM! I don't think she has a public tumblr as i was not told it, but she is on discord. Didn't get permissions to tag or tell either way, just to use Gwen ^^;

World: DnD campaign(s) and maybe an extensive minecraft au i chuck a bunch of ocs into

Another drabble under the cut! Warning for typical dnd violence.

Whenever it rained, Gwen always thought of her boyfriend. And whenever he was away on hunter guild business, it always made her long for his return.

Tonight, it was one of those nights. The rain was pouring loudly against the walls of her boutique, a comforting and constant sound as she wrapped up her work for the night. In Particular, she had been commissioned for a beautiful wedding dress…

“Hey, so… I didn't want to bring this up earlier, but….” Harmony spoke up from the sidelines, using a pair of opera glasses to look at Gwen's tightly packed order list writing, “Didn't the client want a white dress? White with a dragon motif?”

Gwen paused, glancing at her work. “Well, they did. Did I make a mistake?”

“Well, for one, that's not pure white - it's an off-blue. But I guess it's subtle. The more interesting choices you have on that dress are the pearls and the coral. You're also definitely sewing eels instead of anything dragon-like.”

“I- well-” Gwen stammered, doing a once-over of the dress, “a subtle blue is often used to accent white and make it feel whiter - and I'm not done with what you're calling an eel! Just gotta add the scales and the. The head… and don't dragons like treasure?”

Harmony gazed at the dress through her pair of opera glasses. “Are Forage's shed coral antler-things a typical choice for dragons to hoard?”

Gwen sighed, shoulders slumping as she hid a blush. “...to me they are.” She muttered softly. “I'll fix it in the morning…”

“I'll get you up early so you can get it done without a rush.” Harmony replied.

Wrap-up continued, and Gwen inspected her spools of thread. The stuff she used for embroidering was almost out!

“Hey, do you think the supply shop is open still?” Gwen asked.

“Maybe the one in the hunter's guild.” Harmony answered, “If not that one, try to find Miranda's or something.”

Gwen frowned. “Miranda kinda scares me… I also don't think I want cursed thread, but I'll try the hunter's guild. Thank you.”

As Gwen put her coat on and grabbed an umbrella, Harmony called after her, “Keep to the populated streets. You know. The murders.”

“Y-yeah Harmony thank you Harmony”

With that, Gwen went to brave the storm. It was a heavier rainfall than she thought!

And with weather like that, barely anybody was on the streets. She was about half way to her destination when she realized this wasn't exactly safe. And the people that were there… weren't exactly minding their business.

She tried to pay it no mind, but more and more people were beginning to follow her. Take the same turns, move almost beside her… something was deeply wrong.

Seeing a flash of silver out of the corner of her eye, she quickly dodged out of the way of a dagger meant for her. She ran as fast as she could, as voices shout to each other, coordinating her downfall. She screams, but her voice is muffled by the rain.

She eventually slipped on the rainy ground, landing hard on the coral and rock cobbled ground. As blades of all kinds pointed her way, dripping with what was surely poison, she curled up, arms blocking her face in defense…

But then, strangely, she felt something. A dizzy sensation that messed with her sense of up and down, making her ears pop. As much as it made her hair stand on end, the sensation was familiar. She knew this power.

The blades never came down.

She found herself sitting on the surface of a puddle, now looking miles deep, to unknown depths. Several of the men carrying blades were entangled in tendrils that extended from the deep blue darkness, choking them even after their blades dropped, plunking into the darkness below. Soon to follow, the men were dragged down, a rush of bubbles the only signifiers of their screams for mercy.

One assailant had managed to avoid the deep pool, and attempted to string a bow as fast as their trembling hands should.

“WHERE ARE YOU, YOU MONSTER?!” the scared ranger shouted, “I SWEAR, IF YOU DON'T COME OUT, I'LL SHOOT HER!”

“Oh, but were you not planning to shoot anyway? Do not talk out of two sides of your mouth.” A sweetly cruel voice pierced the rainfall, clear as crystal waters.

The ranger spun while the druid talked, attempting their last-ditch effort - but in a blink, their body had been pierced by stalks of shimmering coral. There was no bloodfall - the stalks of coral greedily soaked up everything that was meant to fall, not a drop to spare for the ground.

“Watch your step. The coral still bites.” The druid giggled.

The ranger screamed in agony. Forage appeared from the stalks, his eyes cold as he surveyed his prey. In the heavy downpour, his hair wavered like tentacles, enjoying the soaking rain. Feeding off of it. His shark tail waved from side to side, and the fins beneath his ears perked at the sounds of fear.

“Now. Either you talk, or you die. What possible purpose could you have for attacking my dear Gwen? She'd never hurt a fly. Surely you were all about to strike the wrong person.” Forage asked.

“FUCK YOU!” the ranger screamed, pulling a leg off of a spike to kick Forage, “BOTH OF YOU GO TO HELL! DIE!”

Forage let their boot hit his wrist. In turn, the water clinging to it was heated to boiling by his Tiefling blood, cooking his enemy's injuries for good measure. He smiled, teeth pointy like a shark's.

“Die it is, then. I am certain the guild must've caught plenty of your ilk by now. Your sob story does not interest me in the slightest. You hurt Gwen, after all.”

With that, the coral grew wildly, engulfing the ranger, crushing, spearing, sucking the life from them until all that remained were the horribly beautiful stalks, glowing softly in the rain. Slowly, the coral began to grow down and away, flattening itself to seep back into the cracks of the cobblestone and filling any gaps.

“Forage…” Gwen spoke. She was shaking, wondering if this was real, or if she hit her head when she fell.

The purple tiefling spun around to face her, the coldness washing away with the heavy rain. “Gwen! Are you alright?! That cut was not deep, was it?”

He was quickly by her side, wrapping up her arm with some bandages. He's really, real… and… he really, really went crazy on those guys for trying to hurt her!

“I am sorry, I was not careful with my spell slots - I do not think I have the juice to do much healing. Are you hurt anywhere else?”

“I-I’m alright… j-just help me up…” Gwen replied.

Quickly, Forage did just that, hugging her tightly. At that time, she noticed the state of his clothes.

“Did a pack of wolves tear you up before you got into town?” Gwen asked.

“Well… I did end up having a… well… scylla moment again. Hence the quick cover up with my ripped coat. But it was only briefly! That's why I was able to grab all those jerks at once.” Forage explained, ears drooping a bit. “I-I didn't scare you, did I? I think my brain would explode if I hurt you…”

“Nono, you didn't attack me at all.” Gwen explained, “I'm just… gosh, it really is you. I really missed you.”

“Okay, I'm glad. I missed you too, Gwen…”

At this, she glanced up, still hugging him tight. Even after ten years, He still took her breath away… with his cute looks, and mesmerizing eyes… and oh, what a gleaming smile…

“Right! What am I thinking… I owe you one of these, right?” Forage smiled. He leaned in close and whispered, “A kiss has its own healing magic, right?”

Not even pausing to agree, Gwen quickly pulled him in for that kiss. They held each other closely for a long while, giggling and kissing, over and over. They were soaked by the end, but neither cared at this point.

Or well, Forage worried over Gwen's state! Her body was stitched, wasn't it?!

“Shoot! We should get home, shouldn't we? I do not want you to catch a cold or anything!” Forage said, glancing up at the sky. “The rain will not stop until tomorrow. The ground's been begging for it.”

“Oh, yeah, sure. Uh, where did I put my umbrella…?” Gwen said, glancing around.

Forage perked up for a moment, running to grab his staff from where he had left it on the ground. From the orb in the middle, a tentacle emerged, offering up the missing umbrella.

“There it is!” Forage said with a smile.

Gwen gently took it. “Thank you, octopus.” She said.

With that, the two walked home together, Gwen under the umbrella while Forage held her hand, getting soaked without a care, as he liked to be. They got through the doorway and Forage took the time to help her dry off, joyously talking about his trip back home.

“Oh, hey.” Harmony greeted the two from by the stairwell. “You get your thread, Gwen?”

Gwen paused… and then facepalmed. Forage gently patted her shoulder, and promised he would get some for her early tomorrow.

[jaelijn]

Fic Writer 2023 Review

Based on this. I always want to do annual reviews but then don't get around to them and then it feels weird doing them in February, so here we go for once. Under a cut because long (There's 30 things and I ramble. Not sorry.).

1. What’s something new that you tried in a fic this year? How did it turn out and would you do it again?

I suppose that I wrote a fic from Blake's POV counts. I didn't have a big plan for trying something new for Whumptober this year, but I always find myself doing it because everything starts to feel stale if you write 30 fics in so short a timeframe. So the POV was supposed to be what I tried with that fic, but the fic got away from me a bit, so in retrospect the unusual (for me) POV feels comparatively insignificant. There was also more Jenna this year - I think I'm getting there, so yes.

2. How many fics did you work on this year? (They don’t have to be finished or published!)

I have no idea. I have a very long list of WiPs that I am sure I have added a sentence or two across the year, or maybe I just opened them, fixed a few typos and closed them again, and then I have a few handwritten things that I haven't typed up yet. But *at least* it's 35 published things (31 of which are Whumptobers) and the longfic, so 36. Put like that, it sounds terribly prolific.

3. What’s something you learned about yourself as a writer?

I enjoy creating without expectation - immersing myself in the longfic with no idea when it will be done or how long it will get was terribly freeing. The downside is that I also realised that I'm not really intrinsicly motivated to post and share anymore, or at least that thought generates no positive pressure at all because scales. It would be really easy for me to never post another fic right now, but I'm not stopping writing.

4. What piece of media inspired you the most?

Always and ever, Blake's 7. There's nothing else that makes me want to write right now.

5. What fandom(s) did you write for this year?

Accordingly: Blake's 7

6. What ship(s) captured your heart?

Avon/Vila. Though they had me already.

7. What character(s) captured your heart?

See above.

8. Did you write for a new fandom or ship this year?

No. Since a lot of my writing, Whumptober aside, went into the longfic, I didn't do much experimenting - not even during Whumptober, really.

9. What fic meant the most to you to write?

Longfic aside, because as ongoing project that obviously matters, possibly Wet Towels, because it feels like I nailed a tonal direction I want to go in with my Avon/Vila.

10. What fic made you feel the happiest to work on?

By far, the longfic. Some of the Whumptobers were just the right kind of painful, but the most joy creating - yes, the longfic.

11. What fic was the most satisfying to finish writing?

Impending Destiny. I know I keep harping on about this fic, and maybe I'm the only one who thinks it's the best oneshot I've written this year and everyone else hates it, but it was so intense to write and so satisfying.

12. What fic was the most difficult to write? Did you finish it?

I did a few "second takes" on Whumptober this year, so I guess those and no, but then again the second take wasn't difficult, I just wasn't happy with the first and haven't touched those since. Fic I stuck with, possibly either Ghastly Aftermath, because ouch (it's difficult to write while you're crying at your own writing, all right?) , or Mistaken Trust because the final scenes were difficult to get right.

13. What fic was the easiest to write?

Nothing strikes me as particularly easier than the rest, really, but then what published writing I've done has been mostly in my comfort zone either way. So I guess all of the ones that weren't difficult?

14. What were your shortest and longest fics this year?

With Every Single Kiss has literal drabbles, so that, though all of the drabbles together are longer than my shortest oneshot. Longest is the ongoing longfic (duh) currently sitting at approx. 91k.

15. Rec a fic you wrote or posted in 2023

I am once again begging you to read Impending Destiny, lol. But if that isn't you're cup of tea, try Mistaken Trust or Spun Gold.

16. What were you go-to writing songs?

I didn't have many, this year. There's usually at least one or two, but I had a weird year with music, I feel, with few new songs that I really fell in love with, so there's been lots of playlists on shuffle and there's no song I could point to.

17. What were your go-to writing snacks?

I don't really snack when I write for fun, and I've had to cut down on my chocolate intake, so unless it's a chocolate praline, none.

18. What was the hardest fic to title?

Is "all of them" an answer that's allowed? I guess I could say Free Fall, not because of the fic, but because it was the first Whumptober and I was trying to figure out the "title format" for the rest of the Whumptobers. (I don't know if anyone has noticed that the Whumptobers have had title formats for three years now, but either way...) Other than that, the no-longer-so-untitled longfic was the one I put most thought into titling, but I'm not telling yet.

19. Share your favorite opening line

So... the thing about Whumptober is that it makes you *incredibly aware* of opening lines, or the format of opening lines. I try not to start all of them the same way, but I also tend to... slip into self-referential facetiousness doing that, in that all of them become funny when considered side by side.

I suppose "Avon was high." and "When the rebel forces of Carin IX finally managed to fish Avon out of the river, he was drenched to the bone." still amuse me (Spun Gold and Wet Towels, respectively).

20. Share your favorite ending line

Now I have to open all of them again, haha! Uh, let's do a not-Whumptober for once:

But lying curled up in the embrace of his most trusted companion, his link with and buffer against the world, Avon sometimes wondered whether it had been a curse at all. (The Price, from R&F #7)

21. Share your favorite piece of dialogue

Uh... spoiler for Impending Destiny, but I keep it vague and not post the whole thing?

“Whoever said that love is the most powerful force in the universe was a bloody liar,” Avon spat, “or a colossal fool. [....]"

22. Share an excerpt from your favorite scene

Oh for... just... just read Impending Destiny, okay?

23. Share the final version of a sentence or paragraph you struggled with. What about it was challenging? Are you happy with how it turned out?

Oof, I guess the final lines of Mistaken Trust. It would have been so easy to just let them hug and kiss but Avon resisted and once that line was there I had to do something with it that didn't feel unkind to Vila in a plot that... wasn't kind to Vila. I think I managed the balance and once Avon had said no I didn't want to go back to the easy ending, but it wasn't easy to get right.

24. What’s something that surprised you while you were working on a fic? Did it change the story?

... Impending Destiny. It was supposed to be a fix-it fic!!! It's... not a fix-it anymore. The shift was so striking that I made a tumblr post about it.

25. What did you use to write? (e.g. writing programs, paper & pen, etc.)

Word and paper & pen, very occasionally a note app on my phone. All of the Whumptobers had a paper version before I typed them, but I've only written snippets of the longfic on paper. I enjoy not writing at a screen every now and then, but it *is* slower.

26. If you had to choose one, what was THE most satisfying writing moment of your year?

I don't know, because my writing has been so unevenly balanced (very slow but steady progress for most of the year and A LOT of writing in September/October). I suppose finishing the Whumptobers again? Or perhaps when I realised that the longfic was going to be longer than BDaS without it feeling forced.

27. Did you do anything special to celebrate finishing a fic?

No. Once the longfic is done, maybe I will.

28. How did you recharge between fics?

Recharge? What's that? Or rather: between fics? What's that? Hahah.

I know what I would have *liked* to do, which is read a fanfic once in a while, but there's not much new out there to my taste these days. I guess watching other shows counts. I have resorted to rewatching B7 as final measure.

29. If this were an awards show, who would you thank?

The numerous people who kudosed, the few people who commented, @oxideblack for the incredible art and for the appreciation of my fics from their circle of fans, @quordleona03 for the inspiration, and @comarum and @foreignobjecticus who know why.

What’s something that you want to write in 2024?

Ah, it would be nice to finish the longfic this coming year. But I'm not making any plans. With how I feel about the sharing & posting, I'm counting it as a win if I don't lose my motivation entirely.

[taesiccc]

~Café Notes~

PAIRING: Taehyung x Reader (f), Namjoon x Reader (f)

GENRE: Yandere au, fluff, slight angst?

RATING: Teens and up.

WORD COUNT: 6.4k

DISCLAIMER: Mentions of all characters and events occurring in this writing are fictitious and only written solely for entertainment purposes. 

SYNOPSIS; You receive these peculiar notes and it's no longer appealing or cute when they start appearing in your bedpost. It's only starting to get creepy..

AU/NOTE: This is an oneshot/drabble. I wrote this in a hurry so editing is a joke.🤡 Read the end for more notes.

The bell chings as you enter the cafe. The shift was usually light during the noons which didn’t totally mean relaxing in the aroma, It also meant lesser staff. As an university student, part time jobs weren’t surprising to you but it still meant extra effort. Also, working in a cafe was not always fancy like that. Every job has its own cons and yours was the shift timing. It constantly changed to its own comfort, destroying every other plan you schedule for the day. Just another month and hopefully you'll hopefully be able to get an organized agenda like your manager promised.

Converse feet drag along the familiar tiles immediately putting you in character. The same apron, the same name tag, the same ambiance with a slightly different set of people but, one thing remains the same.

The note.

‘Luv ur smile! :)’

The note read. You’d normally appreciate compliments but this was starting to get a little creepy. These notes simply keep coming and it was growing evident with the fact that it was meant only for you. No 'from' name was ever mentioned, nor was there any evidence of this person.

Eventually, It felt cute when they started; even so having you write back notes and sometimes even storing them but once they’ve started appearing on personal visiting spots or even your front door; nothing has been the same.

You weren't seeing anyone at the moment and its not like the cafe staff were super close or this nice to begin with. Except for some staff, same aged as you but to think those female staff were lesbians, didn't set accurate to your accusations. Costumers? Well..your shift was never the same and you haven't heard from any other staff of receiving notes like these. You were turning worried, fearing if you've acquired a stalker or some sort. You weren't an influencer to attract weirdos but you were aware that its very much possible for an ordinary student like you as well.

Changing shifts or even writing them back to stop didn’t work. The notes were still very visible and still very readable. You feel yourself become more like a paranoid, skeptical with anyone you met. You stare at the note once again before crumbling it and tossing it over the bin.

“That was so close!” You flinch at the sudden invite.

“Oh- I thought…your shift was over?”

“That’s no way to greet your coworker, I mean I understand- I’ll just leave if you hate me” he pouts as he states, making you roll your eyes at him.

“Will you ever stop being so dramatic Taehyung?” you stare in disbelief.

“Maybe, one day…but the world will live to regret missing a sweet person like me” he grins knowing he'd earn a sigh from you.

“And uhm, looks like your secret admirer left you another note!”

“About that-

“Didn’t you store them? Like you always do? And why? didn’t you like the message?” he interrupts and you feel your body tense at the moment.

“Hey relax- it was just sticky and nasty so I.. uh preferred to pass that out” you lied.

Taehyung was soo convinced that it was your secret admirer! At times you even find yourself contemplating if that was true. But to you, it just seemed like a novel thing. He was nothing to blame since he has a knack for fascination. He just self proclaims his love for romance and hearing another lecture leaving his mouth about how it’s apparently a “deadly sin” to deny a ‘pure form of love’ can wait for another week. He even says that you're lucky for something like this. Taehyung is not necessarily delusional but in most cases he does behave like one. He’s basically a childishly adorable dude that you’ve managed to befriend but definitely don’t regret.

At times he makes it look like he's left the notes then later tell you that he was lying all about it. and it wasn't one day but several times making you check him off the list, a lot frustrated. He is most probable to do stuff like this but, you'll immediately be able to make out since he's built like 'captain obvious'.

You still have an eye on him in case he's actually doing it; so you can get back at his ass for having you in constant dilemma for all this long!

--

“This feels so nice!” You sip the hot beverage. It was usually another staff that worked this shift with you but leave takes for substitute.

“I didn’t know you guys drank off of the company! Should be illegal right?” he sounded baffled.

“Yeahhh? But we kinda just accidentally switched off the cameras one day and started drinking some”

“Did you just say ‘acci-den-tally’? Geuss what? You can miss me that shit!“ he scoffs.

“It’s okay then. Just pay for that beverage you’re drinking right now and hopefully 'Sir Taehyung' can live in righteousness” you spoke rather unamused as he peaks through the fifteen bucks worth drink before reviewing your comment.

“Never mind. I think our boss deserves this for the ridiculous prices” he gulps the hot liquid while you spurt out a hearty laugh.

--

It was great spending time with Taehyung. He was like the only genuine friend you owned. Even tho you only got to see him at the cafe, he was always there by your side when you needed someone. He’s taken care of your sick self at bed, sometimes even buying you chocolates and candy during your cramps. It surprised you to experience so much care coming from a somebody. You weren’t necessarily childhood friends but still friends to an extent. To be honest, you just loved how he was being sincere with you and you appreciated it a whole lot. That was something really remarkable about him.

He insists recording all your favorites or anything to begin with yourself as a sense of growing your friendship. You were initially weirded out by the fact that he lend ‘matching charms’ for both of you within four days of meeting but nothing surprises you now that you’ve known him. He’d send birthday cards and cupcakes for the entire birth month until it was finally your birthday. He got attached way too quickly and his actions constantly make you question his sanity; only to conclude that he was being nothing but a sweetheart and much of a gem you didn't wanna miss!

“See ya dingus!”

“Goodbye beautiful! Sleep tight!!”

You wave Taehyung and shut the door behind you. Hurriedly you shake yourself off the clothes before plopping yourself on the bed. You feel slightly uneasy laying down as you toss over to the other side. The scent feels oddly different but puts you to sleep very soon.

---

The next day you leave for university and seat yourself through the lectures. Calculus class was always shit but it feels more terrible today. Your eyes droop uncontrollably, barely seeing anything around you. You’re feeling a lot sleepier than usual so you stretch your limbs hoping to feel refreshed but it seems impossible for you to focus.

Would a class of sixty three know if you were to take a friendly nap? The lecture itself sounds like lullaby at this point. You cross your elbows and lay your neck by the seat soon dozing off officially.

**

I woke up feeling a little cold. It was as if I could finally open my eyes for the first time. My limbs ache and I wish to lay a little more if not my attendance begging for dear life. My cheeks felt moist; it’s probably just my drool.

Once I’ve lifted my head up I immediately feel the urge to sleep again. Regardless, I stretch my hands above and yawns leave my mouth a little too loudly. I wipe my cheeks with my sleeve, ready to finally get out.

As I rummage through my bag I feel a pair of eyes on me. I look besides me and a boy, almost twice my size looks at me while I stare back confused. The corner of my vision distracts me to a stain on his shirt that looks crooked. I keep looking back and forth until the thought finally hit me.

‘Did i lay on him? And god- could that be my drool? Shit!’

--

You feel your lids widen at the sight also feeling very much embarrassed of yourself. You quickly look over to his eyes that crease in a matter of seconds. He presents himself before you could; interrupting from telling anything.

“It’s okay! Don’t worry about it!” he says as he overlooks your panic.

“I’m really sorry about that! I really am! Is there something I can do to-

“It’s completely fine miss, you don’t have to do anything” he smiles but it only makes you more guilty and embarrassed.

“I apologize again, I-I probably gave you a lot of hassle all this while- is there something I can-

“Hey- calm down. It’s no big deal, really! It’s a normal thing so no biggie!-' he assures still having you look anywhere but his face.

'-Do you think I’ve not drooled when I sleep? let go…Don’t even worry about it!” He smiles again patting your shoulder. You feel awkward standing there visibly having nothing to say. The silence falls; his tall frame standing there while the clock ticked. Your insides torture you to tell something that could maybe help fill the void-

-

“How about I treat you a drink!" I ramble and his eyebrows furrow at my offer. I was scared for a second; Later realizing how I sounded; I regret putting that up like some creep trying to hit on him. Should have sounded absurd and sudden..

"or...or this would make me feel terrible for the entire day” I say, trying to make the intention much much clearer this time.

Relief rush through me as he chuckled, highlighting his dimples to my sight. He looked handsome and appeared really polite with his gestures. A smile crept down my lips, feeling rather comfortable this time. A good man like him definitely didn't deserve drool stains! At least I was convinced..

“You don’t have to” he smiled ruffling his hair, still flaunting the pair of hollow dimples.

Maybe it isn't too bad to hit on him after all..

“I insist”

--

I was practically jogging beside him. His steps were wayy too longer and faster for someone with an average height. It wasn’t really my shift but I’ve decided to get this over with. It just felt like I was deserved to waste my twenty bucks on a drink especially for a stranger in consideration to what I did. I totally deserve this. I confess, my sleep schedule is trash but blaming it for my actions? That's a little too much.

--

You were in the midst of classes, still hurrying to buy this guy his drink. You didn’t know how many classes you have missed but dear, you had to hurry.

“What would you like?” your fingers tap the counter slightly impatient.

“Uhm how about we both get drinks? It’s a little awkward for me to drink while someone watched” he chuckled lightly, rubbing his nape.

Normally at these situations you would lie to someone about your financial status basically being a bitch to your expenses and excuse it with something else but it was not like you were gonna see him everyday and engage in amazing conversations about space and neither could you come with a lie so quickly. well.. it didn't even matter if you lied anyway! did it?

“Erm..I’m kinda low on budget right now, it’s cool if only you had it. It's fine, I don’t feel like drinking one” you admitted with utmost decency.

Although these are some very embarrassing series taking place altogether in a day, you didn’t currently care but you knew you’d recall this one day and fall down a pit of dipshit you’ve done all along.

“If that’s the case, I’ll pay for the drinks!” He supposed as you feel yourself blush at the sudden offer, making you appear slightly tinted due to the embarrassment.

“Uhm..I’m the one that’s supposed to pay for you.. some other time?..maybe?” you speak in uncertainty, not sure where this was going.. as if you expected to meet him again?

“I insist. How about you give me company instead of buying one?” he anticipated for your reply while you froze in serious thought.

“Take this as my favor miss?” he smiles, tilting his face to look at yours.

You didn’t know if it was him that made you come to terms with his deal or if it was your budget anymore. You didn’t know what to say either but couldn't bring yourself to deny with whatever he had to offer. You’d be hesitant to agree but you were certainly welcomed by his charms that appeared way too attractive than it should have.

--

The drinks were bought and being slurped on by it's owners. You haven't talked a lot other than the basic things exchanged in a conversation; to even call it a conversation would be a crime. You just sat besides this random guy, pretending to be very calm and casual while in reality you sucked the life out of this drink, wanting to get to your classes. You just wished you didn't choke on it and make it any awkward.

"May I know your name?" he spoke a little sudden as you successfully choke on your drink like you hoped not to, startling the boy beside you. He leaves and hurries back with some water lending it to you also putting your drink aside in the process.

You don't divert you gaze as you feel your cheeks burn to his actions. You concentrate on drinking the water before answering his queries.

"Are you okay?" he assures as you nod in response.

"Yes and thank you for this" you say between coughs pointing to the bottle.

"Don't mention it"

Soon the silence fills, hurting you physically to stay there.

"We never- "And about my-

You interrupt eachother making a very clumsy conversation. You did not enjoy any impressions you were giving him from the beginning, even so wondering if he regrets inviting you for a drink.

"ha ha so uhm like i was saying, we never exchanged our names?" He talks again bringing you out of your thoughts. He seems to want to know about you while in your perspective, you start to contemplate if he was interested in you.

Your mind takes a turn suddenly making you anxious to face him but you set aside these temporary thoughts, finally stating you name. Something you should have done in the start.

"Right! Yes. my name is y/n. you?"

"Namjoon. Kim Namjoon." He pronounces as he smiles.

"That's a nice name. It's got a wise meaning to it actually, I'm not sure if you know that-

"Wait..Really? I've always been interested in name analogy- just that I wasn't sure if anything was ever authentic. They say name analogy varies from horoscopic inspection which i think is utter hogwash! There is a clear line distinguishing both astrology and and scientific observations! Don't you think?" He rapped them all in one go. He sounded really consumed in topic making him look like a reporter.

You took in all of his words, somewhat amazed but still managed to scrutinize them. His eyes glistened as he looked at you; really eager to know your opinion.

"Woah- so name analogy is not fake after all." You mumbled at the thought.

"Mind elaborating?"

"My uncle does these things and I basically grew up listening to them and he's had people asking him to analyze the name 'Namjoon' and according to him, it means 'something genius from the south' and surprisingly, It's not fake at all!" You tell him, getting a little lively about the experience also complimenting him on the side.

"Damn..Thank you! I'll flaunt that around for a bit now!" he jokes earning a genuine chuckle from you.

The day passed but it didn't even look like it! You spent all your time talking with Namjoon and maybe even walking around for a while and it felt really warm having his company. It's safe to say you liked his calm but talkative nature or that you simply liked him. You observe attraction to Namjoon but also do not want to make a fool out of you in the end. It could be an infatuation but until then you just know you've got that crush!

Like wise, like the gentleman he is, he leads you safe at your doorstep, biding you with a goodbye and pleasant night wishes. This day was not any other day but a very pleasing day in your life. It was certainly very pleasant unlike your first impression but turned out way better and modifying than you expected it to go like. With that being said, you flee off to your bed with circling thoughts about him.

-

The bell chings as you enter the cafe. Converse feet drag along the familiar tiles immediately putting you in character. The same apron, the same name tag, the same ambiance with a slightly different set of people but, one thing...disappears?

You don't see the note.

As much things made you felt suspicious and off, you were equally happy it was ending. The door chings again as you look over. Your moody face turns contented as you watch him walk in.

"Taehyung!" you wave but he seems nonchalant. His lazy steps make their way into the counter, completely ignoring you. Now, you were sure something was very off with his behavior. You look out the counter making sure no one came, before strolling behind him. He works like a soulless frame, showing no acknowledgement of your presence. It almost makes you cringe.

"Tae? You okay?" You halt. His hair fled down like he'd just woken up. He ties his apron around his abdomen, making it clear that he refuses to face you. You think before your hand flinches at the shudder voice.

"Yesterday. Where were you?" he sounded stern, tying his apron repeatedly for what took like two seconds.

"..I...was..." your words trail to think of something else. You didn't know why you didn't just expose the fact that you met someone you liked but you knew that you wanted to tell it first to him more than anyone else until the second you really saw him.

chime!

The café calls for service and you leave the place. It wasn't disturbing to you the way Taehyung acts but it set you at unease to see a different side of his.

You lavish yourself, free from thoughts and continue blind copying orders.

"What can I get you sir?"

"Your company?"

Your eyes deviate at once looking over to the man with a greenish trench coat. Foxy eyes, rough yet supple hair, and undeniably adorable dimples. You almost sigh as he coughs catching you off guard. Your cheeks blush severely burning your insides. He grins in return, quite flushed himself.

"The usual" he says, making you frown; "yes?" your voice sounding almost like a whisper. You clear your throat collecting your voice, gulping down any signs of fidgety.

He chuckles, before he talks, quite rasp as you find- "You know what? drop it. HEY! EXCUSE ME?!"

He beckons Taehyung to the front. Taehyung roams his way around reaching out to your side. "Just get me a Espresso con Panna and y/n what do you want?" you struggle to grasp before he orders something else for you, pulling you out with him. You look back at Taehyung who stares back idly.

You smile sheepishly, before sitting down with Namjoon. Things were escalating quicker and you didn't even wanna judge. Although you liked spending time with him, it still concerns that you were very much at work.

"HELLO? YOU" not too long but you hear from the counter. His loud voice captures everyone as Taehyung signals Namjoon to come over while you insist that you leave. "Why? doesn't he work here? Sit." he orders. You hesitate to sit nonetheless follow.

He removes his trench coat revealing a thin fabric shirt poorly covering his buff chest. Your eyes wander elsewhere, shocked over the impact over sized clothes can hide. He retracts backwards gesturing Taehyung to come over instead. It makes you uncomfortable to see Taehyung act so unfamiliar but watch helpless.

His walk slugs along your table finally scenting his scent.

"What's the matter?" Namjoon demands rather harshly. "We don't have whatever you asked for" he replies, detached. "Fine. Just get me coffee black".

Taehyung turns to leaves but halts when he comments "Work better and maybe I'll spare tips".

You suddenly feel so scabby of Namjoon. You look over to him and his aura is something very contracting. Your eyes meet and his lids crease in a matter of seconds, and you already feel so used to it.

"I come here everyday but I never see you around.."

"Wait..Really?"

The conversation continued.

You had forgotten all about today just like the last time. You no longer felt irked nor did you worry about Taehyung. You're just captured when he's around; Like a picture of a flower in the of midst a war.

Long fingers slide past your vision. The order is served by Taehyung on the table. He carefully places your drinks before leaving. Once again, you feel some what unpleasant. He brings back all that had happened; Like the flames behind the flower.

"It's on me." Namjoon reminds as you nod knowingly. Your hands pick on the straw and just as your lips touch Namjoon grabs it away. You look at him baffled before he yells out to the counter.

A wearisome Taehyung walks out only to get yelled at by your infuriated crush. You don't seem to make heads or tales out of this situation.

"THIS IS THE WRONG ORDER!" he yells at his face and your eyes immediately diverts back to the drink. You rotate the cup reading out the name. 'cold brew'. It was your drink!

"Joon stop! it's the right order!" you yell and pull him back as an attempt to stop this unwanted drama. Taehyung seemed unaffected to the scene and looking at him upsets you. You were no good to his strength as he pushes you away gripping his collar.

"CAN YOU NEVER MIND YOUR BUSINESS? YOU'RE SUCH A SHAME AND I EXPECTED NOTHING LESS FROM YOU!" His words, very spiteful, outraged you leaving you speechless to his behavior. You didn't know why he was making such a big deal out of a darned drink!

"JOON PLEASE STOP! HE'S GOT THE DRINK RIGHT! STOP IT" you yell on top of your lungs stopping the brawl. The café falls silent, having many people even leave the once peaceful ambiance.

Namjoon sighs as he collects himself. You look at Taehyung who looked pathetic and weak but somewhat aggrieved by the look of his eyes.

"See. This is not what I ordered. I ordered this." He points to the board, in a way explaining it to you. You ignore him, making your way to Taehyung instead. "Taehyung why?" you ask distressed. "That's not your favorite" he ends simply, softening your eyes and wavering heart.

"And? did I ask your opinion?" Namjoon heated back. Taehyung simply apologized to him and accepted to pay for the drink. You no longer wanted to stay there. You pitied Taehyung so much so you claimed the drink beyond Namjoon's quarrel and as a result he simply left.

Only you and Taehyung remained.

You took glances as you swept the counter. He stood by the cash register recording funds. In a way to lighten him up you quickly finish the chores and and discreetly get to the register.

"Hello! I'd like to pay for this!" you exclaim to which he simply doesn't spare a glance instead, passes you a slip. You look through the contents to find he had already paid. He abruptly leaves before you could catch hold of him. His moody self or anything else other than the Taehyung you know only perplexes you and it only gets worse when he doesn't talk. You follow him to the backroom and he's left.

You didn't expect many chaotic events to occur but one thing you did expect was a headache. You lay your head on the marble counter but soon remember to dispose the towels. As you dispose the waste, something catches your attention. Something that looks like a note.

You pause for a moment but reach out to the note. You open the crumbled paper and it stated a single sad smiley. The note lies lifelessly on your hands instantly making you conscious of your surroundings. 'Did this supposed stalker watch me the entire day? Was he present in the café?' You feel yourself twitch at the thought.

You crumble it back throwing it in the bin; this time more palpitated from the scenarios. Not a second later you hear the backroom door unlocking and you rummage the desk acquiring a knife. The front exits were locked, leaving only one option. Maybe if you haven't looked at the note you wouldn't have to be this paranoid. You clutch the knife through your sweaty palms agreeing to commit also feeling lumps of sweat deposit down your chest.

"Time to close. Hurry up." you recognize the voice,

At once bringing you out of your dilemma. You lift your quivering self and collect your belongings dashing to the source.

As soon as you see his face, a pressurized urge pushes you to embrace him. Your hands lock around his figure, almost crushing his ribs. Your cheeks stain pathetically that tumble down his sharp collar bones as you let out your compressed breathing onto his nape. You wish to never let go off of him, feeling confident that no one would harm you if he was beside you. Your heart rate bang through your ears nearly making you pass out.

You don't notice until he backs you away. You look at his face but it looks the same. You don't understand why he behaves this way and it annoys you how he doesn't even look at you. Your hands slid back onto his torso and you continue to deliberately stare at him. Determined you'll make him talk. He clicks his tongue, portraying clear annoyance. He doesn't even wish touch you nor speak to you.

Unexpected, your tears well up disconnecting yourself from Taehyung. You seem to have forgotten the fear that over took you moments ago, replacing it with guilt and humiliation. You never realized how much his actions mattered until they actually showed.

His shadow passes yours and you stay still condemning yourself. The lamppost flickers, glistening your replacing tears. You look back one last time and see yourself left out in darkness. It perplexes you and you walk home mundane.

Feeling weak, You reach your door and chills run down your arms feeling a distanced gaze from somewhere. You stand by and watch for moving bushes or stomped on leaves. But instead, you see a note. Not any normal note, but the same exact note you still receive.

Your head watches over the sides while you gulp lumps of stored saliva down your throat. You contemplate but regardless curiously pick the note and rush through doors. You make sure they're locked before reading them out. You open it at once and all you find is a single word with a smiley.

'SORRY! :('

The note flees down from your palm and lands graciously on the floor. You simply stare at it knowing that you were being watched. Watched by 'them'. You hated how silent the home was. It mad you mad very second. You could even be watched right now and you wouldn't know. They could even be inside your cupboards. Your thoughts surround your actions and the people you have met.

'T-taehyung?'

You analyze just as you receive a text. Afraid to even read it but your thumbs slid through as his name pops up.

'Have you reached home? I'm so sorry! Let's please talk!'

The message ends with a '-joon'. You look through the number before texting him back with a reply. Such activity clearly makes you feel at ease, feeling like you're not alone. Just as the message sets in, you see a received text from Taehyung.

It seemed quite normal at first sight but it makes you anxious and hideous to think about it. You no longer feel safe or doubtful as you keep reading his simple yet concluding message.

'good night'

You watch the clock as it strikes 1Opm sharp. The message reads at 9:57pm; the time you should have reached home. The time you should have picked up the note..

The time he must have been here..

Gone crazy you collect yourself in a corner. The clock sounds, Joon's spamming messages, and lastly settling silence, make you shudder every now and then. To think you've trusted him makes you feel shitty if you were him. Your head feels unsteady with visuals of a psychotic bastard like him.

Taehyung. Taehyung. Taehyung.

You fall ill by the thought of something sickly startling. You just don't trust yourself the moment everything reflects itself. You finally start to understand moments better and nothing helps considering the fact that you loved him very much dearly. You grow self conscious and concerned by every passing minute not allowing a bit of drowsiness to settle in. You refuse to lay and even wished the same for torturing yourself with an unsound mind.

With no darned sleep and aching heels that stayed up the entire night watch guarding the house, there was nothing you can do but to get your job resigned. You didn't wanna go back to seeing Taehyung or holding any ties with him. It's been almost a minute and and you've left the job by a spoken fake reason for the owner. Of course you refused to go the café but you made sure it wasn't his shift.

You didn't know if Taehyung would stop stalking you or not sure how to restrain him without any clear proof. You were convinced and he was still much of a stranger to you and why would there ever be a reason for defending his actions? Nothing would stop you from ever being paranoid and cynical here after and he was all to blame. Just the thought of him made you quiver under nothing and to think of the mask he wore was something even disturbing.

Namjoon helped you find an apartment conveniently close to his so you didn't have to feel unsafe. He was sure he'd help you move out but after he's heard all about Taehyung, he insisted you stay with him.

Not sure if you had to share anything at all with him in the first but he's all you've got, closest to not being a stabber. He's been with you for a while and you knew he sincerely cares about you unlike an obsessive psycho. You've heard from Taehyung a crazy amount but it's only best if he'd stay the hell away.

You haven't briefed Namjoon on anything but keeping it cut short. You were happy he didn't dig deep on it and offered to help instead. The notes still remain a traumatizing part and you'd rather keep it to yourself.

--

"That's way too much!" You panic taking the seasoning away from him.

You both engaged in weekly cooking for fun and this time it was your turn. He'd make a mess out of your apartment in just a matter of minutes!

Namjoon suggested you'd both spend time together, so you didn't feel uncertain. You very much appreciated his thoughtfulness and understanding; and shifting apartments were more entertaining.

"ALRIGHT! How about I cut these onions?"

"OH PLEASE NAMJOON! Don't even think about onions anymore!" You yelp remembering the time he'd cut them with the knife held upside down.

He simply sighs and instead watches you stir the dish. You flush feeling his chin rest down your shoulder. At this point you were very much aware that you liked him but you weren't ready to get rejected just yet. Love was always something hard to understand for you cause you've only had experiences of the wrong kind. Namjoon made you feel special in ways you didn't know you could have. You'll be sure to confess, but not anytime soon.

"oh! my phone.." you excuse yourself to the ringing call.

"JUST STIR!" You yell across the hall while he gestures standing like a soldier.

Your lips slip a smile as you attend the call but soon wither as you hear his voice. A voice you haven't heard all month.

"Y/n listen to me! PLEASE JUST LISTEN! GIVE ME A CHANCE!" he begs aloof of the volume, crying by the line and you feel your pits sweat through your clothes. You try to stop the mild headache that kills you with memories and betrayal.

"No" you manage to speak and its barely even subtle. He continues screaming through the call, not being able to hear the whisper of words you're letting out. You keep an eye on Namjoon, in case he hears about Taehyung. He's got a terrible temper when it comes to Taehyung and you're least interested in including him with this.

"PLEASE! PLEASE Y/N! MEET ME THIS ONCE! ONCE! I CAN EXPLAIN EVERYTHING!"

"n-no..i won't-

"IF YOU'VE EVER TRUSTED ME, MEET ME THIS ONCE! PLEASE! AT THE CAFE! FOR ME! THIS ONCE.."

The line trails and you panic through every second. Your hand clutches the phone tighter when you hear small sobs. You always cared for Taehyung and hearing him cry, burdens your heart to your stomach. You wait in line, unable to cut the call until you hear him again.

"..please..this once. please" His voice trembling and distant. You decline immediately feeling your lids moist up.

'Were you wrong all this while? Was this fair?'

Your mind collapses with consecutive thoughts. You certainly couldn't bare how he sounded and your gut signs you to meet him. He was someone very important to you and he was such a jem you promised yourself never to miss. Things would only kill you to desperate curiosity if you didn't meet him but you also needed to know that he was nothing but a stranger.

The sun falls and you finish your dinner quicker. You've made up your mind. You don't really inform Namjoon and rather excuse yourself to a sick friend. Your brain appears fogged to think of anything but only Taehyung. His words ring continuously, stirring you with advance guilt.

All you ever wanted to do now was to meet him and get answers.

--

You wrap the towel by your wet body and turn down the door knob. You let a slight welp feeling a strong electric shock pass through the metal. Clueless, you proceed to open it once more getting shocked the second time. The knob falls down heavily and you reach out to fix it. You push it through the door only to get shocked third time in a row. You look into it and find a lean thin black wire sparking red lights.

You stand unmindful until the thought finally seemed to have hit you. You hide yourself away feeling your knees strain weak while your palm shuts your mouth tight, other holding the towel. Fear settles down your gut realizing something disgusting and horrific happening to you. Your heart beat dooms through your ears and you curl yourself feeling disgusted and unreal by the happening.

You hear your room door creek through the silence making his footsteps echo around. The door bangs with no voice or exposure. Goosebumps settle behind your neck as you sob into your hand flooding it with salty tears. The bangs get louder and louder making you horrendously anxious and frightful.

"y/n? I know you're there. Open the door and I won't hurt you darling.."

His shadow lurks around the door while he bangs it like he'd break it. His voice so smooth but the sound makes you quiver in fear, bunching your swollen lids. You whimper helpless and betrayed by him. You're aware he'd break the door anytime soon and you sit put not knowing what to ever do. Recording your nudes was the last thing you've imagined that might happen to you. Your toes curl by the thought of him watching your videos for god knows how many days.

"y/n...Y/N! I SAID OPEN THE FUCKING DOOR!" He bangs the door as it slightly crashes from the sides.

You quickly attempt taking the nearest vase seeing how he'd still catch hold of you. Cries leave your mouth wailing to leave you alone and nothing more. You scream in fear asking for help from someone who you thought was your savior but a sickening bastard in disguise.

"YOU BITCH! UNLOCK THIS RIGHT NOW! DO IT BEFORE I FUCKING CHANGE MY MIND!" He screeches banging the door violently.

Your hands shake making you nauseous and unfocused of the situation. The more the door broke the more you feel yourself loose control.

Next thing you know, the door crashes open to his view. Your eyes widen and your feet backs up to his vile appearance. His body glistened with absurd amount of strained muscles and sweat, really making him look like a monster.

To your defense, you swing the vase by his head but he switches your arms in one tight grip strangling your neck.

"How cute!" You hear his wicked chuckle as you suffocate under his arms.

You struggle to hold your towel and at least manage to stay alive while his corrupt eyes overlook your dreadful ones. He drags you outside as you choke pathetically attempting to yell for help.

He lifts you up in ease, hovering over your frame then spraying a familiar scent. You feel yourself ahead of huge pain and torture in the midst also crying over your aching heart more than anything. You last wished Taehyung would appear to save you from a psycho you're going to be condemned to..

let me know if yawl want a bonus where all the truth is unveiled cause there are more parts to this. It was initially planned that I would just include it in here but it's already too long.

HAND! (iykyk)

[outcastedang3l]

for @lnights @exquisiteagony and @drabbles-from-the-dark-side have a little bit of cult channel that I wrote really quick.

Joonas had seen the man before at the bar, but almost always the man was with friends which meant Joonas couldn't approach unless he wanted too many questions. Not today though, today the man was alone in a corner of the bar, nursing what had to have been the guy's fourth beer. It made Joonas smirk to himself as he ordered another round, taking it over to him. Normally Aleksi would be around to help but it was a ritual hunt night with the moon full and high in the sky, and Joonas knew Aleksi, and Olli to be completely honest, would pitch a fit about not participating.

It also probably wouldn't work well to have Aleksi sounding as bloodthirsty as ever while trying to bring in new members. So Joonas was on his own, but he didn't mind. He knew he was charming and had enough good looks to bring in almost any man or woman, so long as they didn't ask too many questions about their group's more private rituals. Of course, he knew the group looked like a bunch of forest-loving hippies from the outside, but those who had been around long enough knew the truth. Joonas wasn't willing to risk the group's safety to satisfy some outsider's curiosity for a night.

"I've seen you around before, but I don't think I've ever seen you look this lonely." Joonas intoned as he placed the offered beer on the table. "This seat empty?"

"What? Oh, uh, yeah." The man muttered confusedly, accepting the beer. "I've seen you around too, but I'm pretty sure that you normally end up leaving with somebody. If that's what you're looking for then you're barking up the wrong tree."

Joonas chuckled and shook his head with a small smile. "Not tonight. You looked lonely so I figured you could use some company."

"Ah, thank you," The man blushed "I'm Tommi by the way. And I guess I could. It's been a particularly shit day today."

Joonas rolled the name around his mouth for a minute before speaking again. "Joonas. Mind if I ask what happened?"

"Lost my job today." Tommi replied with a bitter laugh

"Guess you just weren't meant to be at that job." Joonas shrugged, but it was good for him. It meant that this could be an easy catch for the cult if Joonas played it right.

Tommi sighed. "I guess. It's just been one thing after another though recently. I feel like I have no idea where to go anymore."

"I get it, I've been there." Joonas smiled sympathetically "Luckily I had a friend to guide me out of it though."

"Yeah? You're lucky then, I don't have any friends really." Tommi's eyes had a saddened look to them. "I really only spoke to my coworkers but they were never friends."

"I could be your friend?" Joonas offered.

Tommi looked up at that with a small smile, and oh was that a good look on the taller man. "Thank you, I mean it."

"Of course," Joonas smiled back, it was almost too easy for him at this point. "And if you need a job I know a place. Where I work is looking for more people. It might not be more than secretarial work really but it pays well."

"I'll take anything right now if I'm being honest, but you really don't have to. I can find something on my own." Tommi shook his head but Joonas could already see him giving in.

"Really, I mean it," Joonas smirked "I mean what else are friends for."

[alj4890]

Love Drabble

Quid Pro Quo Pars Duo

(Jackson Nevrakis-Walker x Nichole "Nicky" Beaumont) in a look at what happened at Collette's wedding.

A/N 🤣 well I'm easily swayed. When I saw @twinkleallnight 's comment that she would love to see what these two were doing at the wedding while Emerick and Juliet were joining up to avoid suitors, I wondered the same thing and even thought about maybe writing it while I was writing the previous drabble. 😂 And for @hopelessromantic1352 , I've added more Thomas for you. So once again, let's see if we can find a way to get these two back on the road to being a couple again.

@lodberg ​​ @hopefulmoonobject ​ ​​@hopelessromantic1352  @krsnlove ​ @twinkleallnight @tessa-liam @sirbeepsalot @thehonorarybeaumont

Masterlist

Paris, France...

"Aren't you riding with us?" Olivia asked while following Juliet into the waiting car.

Jackson shook his head. "I'll meet you there."

She quirked an eyebrow at Drake.

He knew that look meant that he should press for more information.

"If you've found a way to miss this wedding," Drake instead said,'"then take me with you."

Olivia rolled her eyes in a huff.

Juliet leaned over her to yell out.

"If anyone shouldn't have to go to this ridiculous wedding, it's ME!" Her green eyes focused on her brother. "Please tell me you found a way out of this!"

"I haven't." Jackson replied with a grimace. He knew better than anyone how much his sister didn't want to be a part of this event. "Sorry, Jules. You know I would have told you if I had."

She slumped back into the carseat.

Olivia motioned for Drake to get in. "We'll see you there."

Drake patted his son's shoulder as he got in.

"Don't be late!" Juliet yelled out once more.

Jackson held a hand up in farewell as the car drove off.

Slipping his hands in his pockets, he headed towards the Beaumont's vila.

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

"Hey Jax!" Izzy greeted, rushing down the steps.

"Bye Jax!" Emily added, following at her heels.

With giggles and chatter, they quickly got into a waiting car and got on their way to the church.

Jackson released a relieved sigh. He wasn't quite up to anyone questioning why he was coming over to the Beaumont's.

His trip to Los Angeles had gone better than he hoped. He and Nicky were able to be around one another without any pressure or arguing. As if by unspoken agreement, they steered clear of any talk about their infamous breakup and the reasons behind Nicky leaving him.

He wondered now if he was pushing his luck. They had been around none of the usual crowd those few days in Los Angeles. Now they would be attending an event that held the very people, the very pressures, their relationship used to be under.

Would it cause all the bitter feelings of their ending, memories of happier times, and reminders why they weren't in fact engaged by now or at the very least, happily in love to rise to the forefront of their minds?

No use worrying over it now, Jackson thought to himself.

He knocked on the door, hoping he wasn't about to do something that would end up hurting them both.

His eyes widened somewhat at the sight of Thomas Hunt opening the door.

"Jackson." The famous director eyed him before his frown eased. "I see you've been dragged into this wedding nonsense like everyone else."

"Yes, sir." Jax chuckled while stepping inside. "How'd you get stuck with going?"

Thomas softly smiled. "It is hard, as I'm sure you know, to say no to a lady's pleading." His lips eased even more. "Especially when she reminds you of all the times she came along as your plus one in the past."

"I heard that." Amanda playfully grumbled as she came down the stairs.

Jax braced himself. Fear of anger or coldness from her gripped him. He knew he shouldn't feel that way, especially since it was Nicky who had dumped him, but he worried about seeing her after all this time.

Amanda had been one of his favorite "aunts" growing up. Once he realized he was in love with Nicky, he realized why he adored Amanda as much as he did. She and Nicky shared so many traits, both physically and personality wise, he couldn't help but love her too.

Plus, he'd always assumed that she would one day be his mother-in-law.

His worry disappeared the moment she flashed her warm, delighted smile his way.

"Jax!" She walked up to kiss his cheek. Her eyes flitted over his face. "I swear you look just like Drake did at your age."

He chuckled, returning her hug. "That's what everyone says."

"And here I was hoping to be the first to think that." She winked at him. "Nicky should be down soon."

"Soon soon, or soon?" He teased.

She laughed. "Soon soon, I think."

She then turned her attention on Thomas. "Don't you look handsome?"

The gruff director snorted while tugging at his bowtie. "Of the two of us, I think you deserve the compliment." His eyes dropped down her blue lace dress. "Might want to change in case you upstage the bride."

She laughed, shaking her head. "I know that's not true and a rather clever ploy on your part to make us late for the wedding."

"Nonsense." Thomas replied. "I have no desire to be late." His lips eased into another smile. "I'm trying to get us out of going completely." He offered his arm to her. "Truthfully though, you do look quite lovely."

"That's what I told her." Nicky called out.

Jackson felt his heart stop the moment he saw her coming downstairs. The silk gown Nicky wore looked as if it had been designed with her in mind.

He'd always loved waiting on her at the bottom of a staircase. It gave him more time to admire her figure while feeling a great sense of pride that she'd chosen him as the man to escort her wherever they were going. His eyes were already falling into their old habit of traveling down her curves then catching glimpses of a long leg peeping out of a high slit.

He met her eyes when she paused on the next to the last step. How many times did he take it for granted that she used to do that so they would be the same height for a kiss.

She beamed at him. "You shaved!"

He rubbed his jaw. "This is a court event. One must be properly sheered for everyone to admire."

"As I recall, you weren't too concerned with that edict and neither were Uncle Liam and Aunt Riley." She teased.

He found himself smiling at her, simply enjoying that the same feeling he had seeing her again in Los Angeles had only grown stronger these last couple of months.

So far, it wasn't a fluke.

"We should go." Amanda whispered to Thomas.

She slipped her arm within the bend of his, tugging him quietly away from what she hoped was the beginning of their reconciliation.

Nicky looked up at their retreating forms.

"We'll meet you there!" She called out.

"See you soon." Amanda responded.

Once the door shut, Nicky let out a sigh.

"You okay?" Jackson asked.

"I am." She smiled at him. "It's been a busy day getting everyone dressed and all." She looked once more towards the empty entryway. "Emily and Izzy's laughter woke me up. Then Mom and Uncle Thomas were out on the terrace having breakfast and simply enjoying themselves." She sighed happily again. "It has been a perfect day."

Jackson felt that old need to take her in his arms and simply hold her. He knew from what she'd shared when he last saw her how much she needed her mother and sister to be back to how they once were. Hearing her say it was perfect simply in seeing them happy made him want to remind her how she'd made so many of his own days perfect by simply being there.

Right now, this day felt absolutely perfect.

She refocused on him. "You look quite dashing for this wedding." Her dimpled grin grew. "Is this in revenge for Colette or are you hoping to catch someone's eye."

He slipped his hands in his pockets and leaned against the banister. His signature smirk appeared on his handsome face as he met her hazel gaze.

"I think I already caught someone's eye." He winked at her making her laugh. "With how you look, I wouldn't mind having you on my arm for the rest of the night."

She playfully swatted him with her clutch once she took his arm. "Careful, or I'll tell Colette you're planning on objecting during the ceremony."

"Talk like that makes me think you have some Nevrakis blood in your veins." He shuddered, making her laugh again. "That's quite a threat."

She squeezed his arm close for a moment. "Don't worry. I kept you out of her clutches for years." She looked up at him, feeling a thrill over the smile he gave her. "One more night won't kill me."

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

"Nicky!" Alec rushed down the steps of the church to sweep her into a big hug.

She hugged him tight before stepping back to admire his gray tux. "Let me see you." She motioned for him to turn around. "Just as I thought." She tapped her chin, eyes swimming with mirth. "Still devastatingly handsome."

"Don't even think about trying to distract me with compliments." Alec warned. "You were supposed to call me when you got to Paris."

"I know, I'm sorry. I was exhausted by the time we landed yesterday." She explained. "I slept sixteen hours."

"Oh." Alec stopped wagging his finger at her. "Then I suppose I can let you off this one time." He squeezed her into another hug. "But only if you tell me you're coming back to Cordonia for good soon."

Her smile dimmed some while glancing over at Jackson talking to some other nobles. "I think we will. It's been hard to bring it up to Mom and Emily. Everywhere we go, we'll end up thinking about Dad and I'm worried they'll become depressed again." She swallowed, wishing things had gone differently. "I know I'll hurt seeing our home and all the old places we used to go, all while knowing he won't be there with us. I don't know if I can take going through it again."

Alec wrapped his arm around her shoulders, squeezing her close like he always did whenever she was sad. He rested his head against hers for a moment, trying to find a way for his best friend and family he loved to be able to come home for good.

"Plus, I'm sure it would be a bother to Jax if I did return." She admitted. "I can just picture the press hounding him everywhere he went into how it felt for the lady who dumped him to return."

She had to fight back tears in thinking how he might end up hating her in the end. She couldn't risk losing these steps forward with him. She hoped that one day, they'd be standing on a church's steps like this because it was their wedding and that was why one of her best friends was hugging her.

"I guess this means I have to come see you then in California." Alec mumbled.

He noticed how down she looked and gently shook her.

"I should be getting all over you for what you did."

Her head jerked up, lips parted in shock.

He continued in a serious tone to tease her. "You've made me the one to keep Emerick and Jax in line." He lowered his head to hers. "You know that was supposed to be your job. I'm merely the getaway driver."

She burst into laughter.

Jackson smiled over at the two when he heard the sound then excused himself from the group he was talking to.

"What's so funny?" He asked, attempting to be causal as he pulled Nicky back beside him.

She automatically slipped her arm within the bend of his. Jackson placed his free hand over hers, smiling down at her.

Alec noticed the whole interaction and couldn't help but hope this was only a glimpse of the beginning of them finally being where they were supposed to be. He couldn't think of two people more perfect for one another than these two other than his own parents.

"I was reminding Nicky of our jobs." Alec replied with a wink at her.

"Jobs?" Jax repeated.

Nicky giggled some more. "Alec has had to deal with you and Emerick all on his own."

"I'd forgotten how much she helps when you two go off on adventures." Alec reminded him. "I think I've aged ten years since she left me alone with you two."

"Come on." Jax argued. "I'm nowhere near as much trouble as Emerick."

Nicky and Alec shared an amused look.

"I'm not!" He told them.

Nicky gently patted his hand. "Of course you aren't."

"Alec!" One of the groomsmen motioned for him to hurry back into the church.

"That's my cue." His earlier joy seeing his friends disappeared.

"We better go find our seats." Jax added.

"We'll look for you at the reception." Nicky promised as Jackson pulled her behind him.

"Can't wait." Alec's grin returned.

He couldn't wait to see them back as a couple.

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

The two had originally planned to sit near either his parents or hers. Since they were running behind, they ended up slipping into the end of a pew in the middle of the sanctuary.

There was little space left. Nicky was squeezed up tight against Jackson's side to avoid crowding the other man next to her.

"Sorry." She whispered.

"No problem." He mumbled back.

Every time she turned to look about at the decorations and wedding party coming down the aisle, he would catch whiffs of her perfume. She seemed to not notice him shifting in his seat to keep her completely against his side.

He draped his arm along the back of the pew, fingers gently brushing her bare shoulders. He wished her hair was down so he could tease her by pulling at a lock during the drawn out ceremony.

He then noticed the tears in her eyes.

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

Nicky was doing fine, even cheering in her mind each time Jackson moved to keep her close. When he draped his arm behind her, her nerves nearly sang feeling him touch her skin once more.

But then the couple began their vows to one another.

Her giddiness dissipated at the thought that this was all she wanted...all she'd ever wanted.

Her dream, even as a little girl, was to be married to Jax. To have to sit here and watch a couple who weren't even in love go through the very ceremony she longed for hurt worse than she expected.

It felt like her chance for happiness really was dead. Jackson probably did just want her as his date for revenge. Either that or use her as a shield against the other ladies who eyed him with lust for his body and/or his title.

She'd never have a wedding, at least not with him.

She should be grateful that he at least treated her as a beloved friend now instead of...

Her breath hitched the moment she felt his lips against her temple. His arm curved around her shoulders while he offered her his handkerchief.

She looked up at him.

His brow was furrowed in that familiar way whenever he saw her crying. She knew he couldn't stand to see her upset. He'd once told her he never felt as helpless as he did the moment he saw a tear fall down her cheek.

Could it be he still felt that way over her? That he could still love her after everything that happened between them? The fights and harsh words...had they left no lasting, irreparable damage upon their hearts?

He leaned down toward her face and pressed his forehead against hers. His nose brushed hers briefly, lips so close to her own.

"Don't cry." He pleaded in a whisper.

She sniffed and raised his handkerchief to dab under her eyes. The moment she began to pull away from him, he locked his arm in place around her.

She couldn't help but hope that this meant he would want to marry her some day.

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

The two remained by the other's side for the whole reception. They laughed during observations of their siblings and friends. They danced only with each other, much to Collette's irritation. And shared a number of glasses of champagne off in secluded corners.

When it came time for the bouquet toss, Colette specifically called Nicky's name and those of Juliet, Emily, and Izzy to come to the front.

"I know you each need all the help you can get to find a husband."

She'd attempted to make her insult sound like a playful taunt, yet everyone who knew her caught the true meaning.

Juliet purposely folded her arms, determined to burn the bouquet if it even came close to her.

Emily rolled her eyes over the situation, firmly decided to relax and let other ladies from the court fight over it. She knew her sister and friends would all have much better spouses than what Colette ended up with.

Izzy was fuming with a smile on her face, just like her mother, Hana, taught her. She was having all kinds of revenge scenarios running in her mind for Colette to even think of insulting her friends. She would pick one and find a way to get back at the young lady for daring to cross those she adored.

Nicky, though wanting to slap Colette over so many things she'd done to her through the years, managed to remain calm and collected.

Before she could blink, the bouquet was coming directly towards her.

Without much thought, Nicky caught the bouquet of white lilies and roses.

Colette burst into raucous laughter.

"Lady Nicky!" She doubled over, making certain every eye was on her. "Let's hope you can catch a husband as easily as you did the bouquet."

Chuckles and murmurs came from all over the banquet hall.

Those closest to Nicky were decidedly not laughing. Their stoney, bored expressions let the entire room know their feelings.

Thomas had to grip Amanda's hand under the table to keep her from getting up and saving her daughter from Colette. Her hazel eyes had darkened with her anger.

Drake kept a grip on Olivia's shoulder keeping her still. Rashad eased back when he noticed Hana trembling with rage. Riley ignored Liam's whisper to calm down, deciding to let those close to their table know how gauche the Queen of Cordonia found Collette's behavior.

Alec, Emerick, and Ellis all had fists clenched ready to jump in if Nicky needed them.

Emily had tears in her eyes, wishing that her sister wasn't being humiliated in such a way. She was ready to scream to everyone that laughed how wonderful and lucky some man would be to win Nicky's heart. She wished Scott Caulfield was here, showing the world that Hollywood's newest sex symbol was completely enamored with Nicky.

Izzy had already decided on which forms of vengeance she'd enact on Colette. Now she could add some more for doing this to their Nicky.

Juliet already had her lips parted, ready to launch into a verbal onslaught these pampered nobles never knew was possible.

But then...

Jackson stepped up and took Nicky's hand. In front of all of them; he lifted it to his lips for a lingering kiss and managed to have that shy hopeful smile on his face.

"I hope I know the lucky man." He said loud enough for everyone to hear.

Mutterings and whispers exploded over the hint that he would be the one she chose to marry.

Nicky blinked at him, unsure what to say.

He tucked her hand in the bend of his arm and led her out of the hall.

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

"Give me a minute." Nicky pleaded once they went down a part of the mansion closed off for the party.

Before Jackson could react, she dashed into a nearby room and shut the door.

She fumbled in the dark for a lamp then leaned against a desk. Her breaths came in and out in broken gasps as she relived the humiliating moment over and over.

I shouldn't have come, she thought. To face everyone again after so little time and with Jax! I want to go home. I don't want to be here or with anyone ever again. Why did I think--

Jackson slipped inside and shut the door.

Nicky whirled around in surprise, bracing herself against a desk. In the shadowed light, Jackson's face looked harsher than usual. His dark eyes held her immobile as his hands clenched into fists.

She didn't know what to do anymore as she stared at him. All her hopes and dreams seemed so foolish now. It was pointless. All she was trying to do was completely pointless.

With a curse over seeing her upset once more, Jax crossed the room and yanked her in his arms. His lips captured any words she was about to say in a deep, desperate kiss.

Nicky hung limp for two heartbeats before she wrapped her arms around his neck. She eagerly responded to every touch of his lips and tongue against hers. She felt like she was coming back into the warm light after months of cold, bitter darkness.

The feel of Jackson holding her like he once did didn't feel old or dull. Her body reacted as if they had never kissed or touched before this very moment. The butterflies and heart racing was just as strong or if not stronger than before.

His hands splayed on her bare back, attempting to press her even closer.

He felt his senses come alive for the first time in months with the passion and tenderness of her response.

He'd wondered if they ever got around to kissing again if it would be comfortable and nothing new. He knew now that it was an all new excitement thrumming through his veins over being reunited with her once more.

Their breaths echoed in the room when they ended the kiss. They held tight to the other while searching for signs of regret or repulsion.

They knew they should probably talk about whether or not this was a moment of weakness, too much champagne, or simply because they couldn't imagine being with anyone else.

All they wanted to do was wallow in the wonder of their kiss and see if it was as good as if felt. They both leaned in for another.

And another...

And another...

And another...

[rosesradio]

#11 with binary boyfriends?

11 is "i can't believe you're still alive" which...i meant to include as dialogue but went off the rails instead, hope you don’t mind lol. also this is a stranger things au of sorts, where instead of relying on dungeons and dragons to name the creatures, demetri uses his dungeonlord knowledge. enjoy this 400 word drabble ! <3

It was something out of a video game.

Eli picked up the sword off the ground--the same one he and Demetri had admired for years in its glass casing at the San Fernando Valley History Museum. He'd seen Eli develop admirable--frankly, badass--karate skills over the years. He'd even seen him wield a sword for a demonstration at an All Valley one year. But Demetri never expected to see him actually use a sword, much less on a...a...

The creature looked vaguely like a Monxispot, one of the most deadly creatures from DungeonLord. Eli probably thought the same thing, though he'd never admit it. It had a face like a flower, which was the only nice thing Demetri could say about it, because its face opened up with a deafening shriek to reveal hundreds of rows of deadly sharp teeth. It walked on two legs, though its form was contorted, veiny, and almost...slimy. Demetri would be nauseated if he weren't so terrified.

When that...gaping crossway gate had opened up, the ground trembling like another earthquake, all those creatures spilled out. Then, there was no battle for the soul of the Valley. There was only death, destruction, and those left fighting.

But Eli stood up. When they were chased into that museum, he held Demetri's hand the whole time, an unspoken promise not to let him go. He'd grabbed the sword from its broken case, swinging with a martyr's desperation. When the Monxispot clawed at Demetri, Eli yelled and stabbed it right as it opened its hideous face, killing it instantly.

Eli ripped the sword from it, stabbing it again, and again and again everywhere he could reach. He kept swinging until Demetri pulled him away, grabbing at his sleeves.

"Eli, Eli it's okay! It's okay, it's dead!" Demetri repeated. "Please, just--"Eli finally relaxed against him just slightly; neither of them would ever be fully relaxed anymore. He finally turned, eyes meeting Demetri's, and he collapsed into a sobbing heap in Demetri's arms.

"It's okay," Demetri soothed, trying to avoid looking at the Monxispot corpse. He buried his face in the crook of Eli's neck, breathing heavily. "We're okay...you're my hero, Eli, you saved me..."

Eli pulled away at that, grasping Demetri's arms, forehead rested against his. "We're okay," he echoed. With that, his resolve seemed to crumble, and he kissed Demetri with all the passion and desperation he was feeling towards the world, towards Demetri.

As the world tore itself to shreds around them, Demetri kissed him back.

[anneimaginesundertale]

Hope you're having a good summer! I've been neck deep in summer school lmao!

I'm in a fellby mood, so can I have a drabble with him and the prompt?

🩲 Walking around the house in underwear because it's too hot for clothes

Hey! I'm doing pretty well. I hope summer school isn't too overwhelming for you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

Sometimes you loved where you lived. The weather was often gorgeous and you knew there were people who came here on vacation to experience the summers. What the tourists never realized was that there were some days when your paradise of a hometown turned into the pit of hell. There were days when the sun beat down brutally on anyone foolish enough to go outside. There were days when it was too hot to wear anything other than your underwear, or to do anything other than sit on the couch with as many fans as possible and moan about how hot it was.

Today was one of those days. You barely had the energy to answer your phone when your fiery boyfriend called. You smacked at it and managed to put it on speaker. "Uhnnnnhhh?" you groaned.

"Where are you?" Fellby sounded angry, but it was his worried angry tone, not his actual mad one. You'd gotten good at deciphering his moods in the time you'd been dating him.

"Home," you said. "S'hot outside..."

"So? I thought we were going to do something together today."

"Only thing I wanna do is go to the pool and you can't go," you said.

"Well I want to see you."

"Sorry."

"I'm coming over."

He hung up before you could say anything. His words registered in your brain and for a moment, you thought, "I should put some clothes on if he's coming over here." You weren't even wearing your pretty underwear. You had on the really old, ugly, holey stuff because it was comfy and thin. You thought about changing, but that meant getting up, and walking, and the thought of that (let alone putting more fabric on your already sweaty body) was horrible enough to keep you on the couch.

The doorbell rang. You shook yourself out of your heat-induced stupor and tried to remember who would be at the door on a day like this. Your brain didn't make the necessary connection until the door opened and your boyfriend stepped through the door.

The heat in the room rose another ten degrees. Or maybe that was just your face, as you realized what you were wearing. Or maybe it was his face, as he realized what you were wearing. He turned his back immediately.

"What the hell?" he grumbled.

"It's hot," was your only defense. You slumped back onto the couch. "I told you..."

For a moment, the only noise your boyfriend made was a sort of cross between logs popping in a fire and a tea kettle whistling. Finally he managed, "I'll make you a drink to cool you down."

He headed for the kitchen and you stayed on the couch. You heard him banging around in the cupboards and the freezer, heard ice clinking in a glass. Then he stomped back to the living room. "Here," he said, holding out a glass. "I've got my eyes closed. Drink it and then go get dressed, please."

Curiosity overwhelmed your heat-induced sluggishness. You took the glass. Immediately you felt a chill, just from touching it. The drink inside it was the same purple color as Fellby. You sipped it. It tasted like a melted snowcone and somehow, it made you think of winter. A delicious, delightful coolness spread through your whole body and you felt energy you hadn't had since the heatwave hit.

"What is this?" you asked.

Fellby shrugged. "I make drinks to warm you up. I make drinks to cool you down. Go put on some clothes, please."

You downed the rest of the drink, shivered in delight, and stood up on the couch to kiss him on the cheek. "Be right back," you said and headed for the bedroom. You might even have enough energy to tease him when you got back.

[realityhelixcreates]

Shards of the Nexus: A Handful of Fragments

Several short bits of dialogue and character moments that I couldn't really fit into other stories. First of an ongoing drabble collection.

Gen, with a hinting of YJ/Bruce relationship. Narci is working on his language, but still sometimes uses words we might find inappropriate.

“I bet it's because you're black.” Narci said suddenly. “The way your teachers treat you. I saw it happen a lot in the training center. We had loads of black students, and yeah, they weren't as good as me, but they weren't bad either. They were just ignored more than everyone else. They could have done just fine otherwise.”

“Then they would have been your rivals.” Nash pointed out. “Isn't it better for you that they got left behind?”

“No way, even at their best, they would have never have been my rivals. No one was. They would have been good, great even, but not my equal. I was never worried about that.”

“Huh. Well that's good for you. But I'm not black.”

Narci regarded Nash carefully, taking in his details again.

“You're not?”

“Nah. My gramma was, but no one else.”

“Oh. Mulatto then.”

Nash seared him with a judgmental stare.

“Aren't you too smart for words like that?”

“Ah-sorry!” Narci fumbled. “I thought that was the polite term.”

“The polite term would be not giving a shit. It doesn't matter anyway. Does it?”

“N-no...”

“People might try to make it matter, but it doesn't.” Nash looked away. “But you might be right. About my teachers, I mean. I might just have to...test them on that. Might need a little help with getting them all to the right place though.”

Narci's embarrassment evaporated under his angelic grin.

“Oh, you bet!”

?~?~?~?~?

Helix held the lump of protoplasmic gray in her lap as they just watched, and waited. This is what they had agreed upon. This is what they had decided.

It shifted under his sky blue gaze, the thin, anxious line of this mouth. Slowly, it's formless body took shape. From primordial dough protruded an arm, a leg. Constriction near the top brought a head and neck into being. Tiny fingers burst from flattening palms, uneven tubes wriggling, solidifying into proper, jointed shapes.

It struggled with its bones, jerking and twisting them into place, but it began to falter, as if tiring.

“Come on now.” he said quietly. “Pull on through.”

“You can do it.” she murmured.

Together they encouraged the quickening creature, as it faced the first battle of every living thing; the fight to be born.

A rosy flush blossomed across newly formed skin, gray melting away into pale pink. Orange hair sprouted like moss, petal-like ears unfolding.

At the last arose the thing that would forever cut it off from what it was meant to be, and set it on it's new path: a face, the grooves of eyes and mouth splitting, deepening, opening up in incomprehension for the world it found itself in. It had a jaw, teeth, a nose, eyebrows, all things none of it's original kind ever had.

Helix held the almost fully formed being out to him.

“Quick, you have to name it!” she said.

He took it in his arms and gazed carefully down as the last details came into place.

“Madeline.” he said. “Your name is Madeline.”

The now-child rearranged herself for the last time, fully and permanently a part of their world.

?~?~?~?~?

“-and it got caught in the door behind him! Nearly jerked him right off his feet.” Arkham said, and Detective laughed. “Next time I saw him, he had tear away zones built into it, but I'll never forget the dumbfounded look on his face. He knows I saw him too. He doesn't get to live that down.”

“I know why he wears a cape, and he does use it well, but it really is a weak point, isn't it? And they're all like that! Whatever is he teaching those children?”

“Ever grab a Robin by his cape and smack him into something?” Arkham asked.

“I should say not. Robin was a strapping young lad by the time I met him. Certainly not the sort I could just swing about.” Detective poured Arkham another cup of coffee. He sipped with an appreciative nod. “Well, the first one, anyway. And by the time the second and third rolled around, I had stepped away from physical engagements with vigilantes. Simply wasn't my forte. And the thought of violently putting my hands on a child didn't really sit well with me.”

Arkham shrugged.

“If they attack you, you defend yourself.” he said simply. “It's a valuable lesson, and each one of those brats needed to learn it in turn. If they wanted to survive, that is.”

“Fair.” Detective said.” Batgirl, however...”

“Hopeless.” Arkham declared.

“Enthusiastic.” Detective rejoined. “But perhaps a bit too focused on aesthetics over training. At least the cape is short?”

“On your world maybe.” Arkham scoffed. “You've got the redhead, right? Yeah, we had her too, for a little while. Things went poorly for her, I hear. Now I've got to deal with a silent stalker in a gimp suit, and she wears a long cape.”

“Ever grab her cape?”

“Not once.” Arkham said. “I'm pretty sure she will actually just kill me. I respect that, so I don't play games with her. Her 'brothers' could learn a thing or two from her, but they won't.”

“Oh, I don't know.” Detective mused. “They aren't entirely brainless after all.”

“Just close to it, if they keep wearing the damn capes.”

?~?~?~?~?

“Hey Eddie?” Bruce asked. “Can you tell me what I'm like on other worlds?”

YJ leaned against his boyfriends shoulder, glanced up towards his face.

“Not much different than here, honestly.” he said. “Everywhere I go, you're an obnoxious rich boy.”

“Heaping praise, thank you so much.”

“Well I've never actually met another you. I just know about them because they're all also super rich and prominent figures in their own Gothams. Universally philanthropic, throw huge parties, fund half the city, all the same. You could go meet them yourself, I'm sure they'd all find it entertaining.”

“Eh, I dunno. I don't see how you can stand to spend so much time outside of your own dimension, even to spend time with me. Doesn't it drive you bonkers?”

“Well, first of all, I've never been bonkers. Second of all, what do you mean? Most other worlds aren't all that strange. The city looks different in some of them, yes, but-”

“That's not what I mean.” Bruce cut him off. “I mean the way it feels. You don't feel it? I've only been to a few others, but every time, it really feels like I shouldn't exist there. Like even the sky is rejecting me. It's like there's something wrong with me specifically.”

YJ sat up.

“I've never felt that.” he said. “The worlds are kind of alive. Maybe there a just some people who don't fit well into others.”

“Is there just something different about me?”

YJ thought about it.

“You seem similar...oh. Wait. You're the only one I know of who's family is still alive.”

“Wait, really?”

“Yeah...all the others lost their parents at a young age. Otherwise, they're the same.”

“Well, thank my lucky stars, I guess. If that's what gets me pushed out of other worlds, I'll take it! Poor other me's. I hope they're all right.”

“Yeah. I wonder what kind of a difference it makes, that you having your family makes the worlds see you differently?”

Bruce shivered.

“I'd rather not think about it.”

?~?~?~?~?

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Sunday, December 10

XANDER: It's a good thing I'm part fish. BEAUTIFUL WOMAN: Which part? XANDER: The one with the hook in it. BEAUTIFUL WOMAN: Careful. Someone might reel you in. XANDER: Yeah, but then there'd be the flopping and the gasping and sure, maybe it'd work out, but chances are I'd up and leave you at the helm in your white dress and they find you spawning with another fish who turns out to be spawning my very good friend night and day behind my back and then comes the fighting and again the flopping and the gasping 'cause hey -- Chicken of the Sea here's not doing great with the women these days.

~~Seeing Red~~

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

Shopaholic by veronyxk84 (Buffy, Dawn, PG-13)

The Gubbins of Terror by WarnerHedgehog (Buffy, OCs, G)

Show Me by Echofarandfaint (Buffy/Spike, E)

Truth in the Lie by Bobbie23 (Giles/Jenny, Buffy, T)

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Cocktails by honeygirl51885 (Buffy/Spike, PG)

Yes! The Great Christmas Bake Off. I Love This Show! by honeygirl51885 (Buffy/Spike, G)

Meant 2 B by Spikelover4ever (Buffy/Spike, PG-13)

Welcome Home by VeroNyxK84 (Buffy/Spike, PG-13)

Sugar by honeygirl51885 (Buffy/Spike, PG)

The Christmas that Spuffy… Went on a Bicycle Tour in Amsterdam by Tessa (Buffy/Spike, PG-13)

Interactive: A Spuffy Christmas Mad Lib by all_choseny (Buffy/Spike, )

[Chaptered Fiction]

Forgiveness Doesn't Come Easy, Chapter 10 by slaymesoftly (Buffy/Spike, R)

Ties to the World, Ch. 30 by The Danish Bird (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

The Neighbor's Point of View, Ch. 63 by the_big_bad (Buffy/Spike, PG)

The Aurelian Prophecy: There's No Way Out, Ch. 9 by Willow91 (Buffy/Spike, R)

New Normal, Ch. 29 by holetoledo (Crossover with Clive Barker's Jericho / Tortured Souls, Buffy/Spike, Angel/Cordelia, Adult Only)

Hell Hath No Fury, Ch. 4 by the_big_bad (Buffy/Spike, PG-13)

The Freak Show, Ch. 8 by hulettwyo (Buffy/Spike, Adult Only)

Cherry On Top, Ch. 13 by Maxineeden (Buffy/Spike, R)

Cherry On Top, Ch. 14 by Maxineeden (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Slay Bells Ringing, Ch. 10 by all_choseny (Buffy/Spike, PG)

High Tide, Ch. 7 by ClowniestLivEver (Buffy/Spike, PG-13)

Forgiveness Doesn't Come Easy, Ch. 10 by slaymesoftly (Buffy/Spike, R)

As You Wish, Ch. 2 by Melme1325 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

As You Wish, Ch. 3 by Melme1325 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Easy Street, Ch. 1 by Arke (The Walking Dead crossover, Faith, FR18)

Out For A Walk... Bitch, Ch. 4 by MaggieLaFey (Buffy/Spike, Adult Only)

Forgiveness Doesn't Come Easy, Ch. 10 by Slaymesoftly (Buffy/Spike, R)

A Very Summers Winter, Ch. 10 by VeroNyxK84 (Buffy/Spike, PG-13)

Spuffy's Little Helper, Ch. 10 by Alyot (Buffy/Spike, PG-13)

Slay Bells Ringing, Ch. 10 by all_choseny (Buffy/Spike, PG)

High Tide, Ch. 7 by ClowniestLivEver (Buffy/Spike, PG-13)

[Images, Audio & Video]

Banner: I Saw Buffy Kissing Santa Claus by veronyxk84 (Buffy/Spike, worksafe)

Captioned screenshot: "im a fake idgaf girl" (Spike, worksafe, click the image to make the text legible)

[Reviews & Recaps]

Bad Eggs by idknikkip

[Fandom Discussions]

Spuffy Realizations: Seasons 5-6 by marilyn-not-monroe

WHY IS SPIKE SO POLARIZING? by NoShip

Spike punching Tara by The Whirlwind and others

“All those hours locked up under the stairs and you still weren't good enough” by JellyfishDry9464

Giles wanting to kill Dawn. by AcanthocephalaFew846 and others

Should Xander and Willow have dated? by Simple-Ceasar

Buffy-Triggered Food Cravings by 1r3act

TIL Sweet killed a dragon (kinda) by DifficultRice7075

"Older and Far Away": Richard's weirdly incurious! by 1r3act

Were Xander and Anya on the verge of getting back together at the end of Season 7? by GreyStagg

What would Wesley have done in Season 5 of Buffy? by Simple-Ceasar

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[luxaryllis]

HELLO!! hai! I really love your Sibling!reader book so much! And you also write for Hetalia!! May i request "Aph China!reader with the dorm leader"?? Of course, if you want to ♥️

Hetalia!China!Reader with TWST Dorm Leaders

Note: OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH!! MY FIRST REQUEST!!! And of course! I'll be assuming that the reader is also the personification of China, like Yao. If you meant otherwise, then please feel free to send in another request!! Also, I will be making lots of references to the English dub (specifically with the Aiyahh thing, and some lines China says). Also, the most I'll be doing for this are first impressions, some learning more abt each other, becoming friends, and also post-overblots too! I'll also be adding how they react to finding out that reader is a country personification, if that's alright. If you want me to add a little drabble of an interaction, feel free to request it! Also, this will be mainly platonic, since that is my default; but you can also imagine it as romantic if you want! Also, for Ignihyde and Diasomnia, since I don't know the full plot of theirs (as well as the characters themselves), their parts might be a bit shorter; but I will try my best to make it as accurate as possible!

Also, I personally think that China is JUST like Lilia. Both are old, ancient, fatherly(?), have raised kids, definitely great fighters! The only difference is that China can actually cook great food! No offense, Lilia-

And please note that this was not meant or intended to offend anyone. And that all mentions of 'China' refer to Yao himself/Aph China, unless said otherwise, the same with other countries meantioned. Please tell me if you found anything here offensive and I will try to revise it. Thank you!

Heartslabyul:

Riddle Rosehearts

🌹 The Welcoming Ceremony thing was so confusing for Riddle.

🌹 Imagine how he felt when he saw this magicless student suddenly KICK the headmage! And the strange cat-racoon-tanuki monster!

🌹 With amazing form all throughout! Even after literally SOMEHOW JUMPING THROUGH FIRE?!?!?

🌹 They were also very loud! The ceremony is a SOLEMN occasion! Do they have no sense of proper decorum?! OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!!!

🌹 Riddle wished he could just off that student's head!! Except said student had no magic at all!

🌹 Not only that! But right after kicking the headmage and the monster, they say, "Aiyahh. These people and this talking cat is so immature, they'll probably never grow up. Ah yes! Would you like to sample some Chinese tasty treats?!" SO NONCHALANTLY!! (If you get this reference, please be my friend lmaoo)

🌹 Disrespect to not only the occasion, but the headmage AND THE STUDENTS!?! OFF WITH THEIR HEAD!!!

🌹 Yeah... not exactly the best experience.

🌹 After the whole dwarf mine incident, he hears that the magicless student from the ceremony AND THE MONSTER became an official student?! With the former being a dorm leader of Ramshackle?!?!

🌹 Goodness, he can only hope those troublemakers won't be causing any trouble.

🌹 Then he hears that the Tart Thief (Ace) took refuge in Ramshackle?! Goodness!

🌹 During the Lunch scene (when Cater, and Trey meet ADeuce and Grim), he sees a very... strange? sight.

🌹 Do you wanna know what he sees? Well, he sees the Ramshackle prefect cooking food, feeding Grim, and shoving other food on Cater, Trey, Ace, and Deuce's plates (and mouths, if they weren't talking). ALL AT ONCE?!?!

🌹 Yes, Riddle. This is the power of a 4000+ year old nation 🙂

🌹 Anyway! After those scenes and stuff, Riddle's first impression of the prefect is that they are loud, obnoxious, weird, pushy, fearless, and strangely efficient in cooking food.

🌹 The Ramshackle prefect probably force-fed Riddle with one of the food. And while he would usually off the head of the person who would DARE do that to him, he couldn't help but stop and enjoy the food-

🌹 When he sees them in the Unbirthday Party, he's actually surprised to see that the Heartslabyul uniform looks pretty good in the Ramshackle prefect... (Red looks good in Aph China, let's face it, everyone)

🌹 When Riddle went apesh*t on the fact that Ace brought a Mont Blanc/Marron Tart, you (the Ramshakle prefect) were NOT happy 😠

🌹 Like, you were probably like, "AIYAHH!! HOW DARE YOU SAY NO TO THAT TART THEY PAINSTAKINGLY MADE FOR YOU!? ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?! I EVEN PUT IN SOME OF MY SECRET INGREDIENTS THERE!! AND YOU STILL SAY NO?!?! AISSHHH I WILL DROP KICK YOU UNTIL YOU ACTUALLY TAKE IT AND EAT IT!! (Insert you saying a couple of insults, curse words, and other stuff in Chinese)

🌹 Okay, Riddle stopped understanding what you were saying once you started ranting about it. But while he couldn't even understand what you were even saying in that weird language of yours, why does he feel bad?!?!

🌹 That is the power of Asian parent rant/scold/talk.

🌹 But then, Deuce mentioned something about Tyranny, and suddenly the prefect went quiet??

🌹 You suddenly went quiet when Deuce mentioned it being tyrannical or dictatorial. (Insert all of the instances China has mentioned these, as well as China's history with it-)

🌹 Anyway, during Riddle's Overblot, you definitely beated the ink out of the weird monster behind him-

🌹 You probably beat him with a wok you somehow pulled out??? (You prolly pulled it out of your @ss)

🌹 Anyway, after his overblot, you confront Riddle about his past.

🌹 You also say a lot of wise things, making Riddle surprised.

🌹 You also somehow pull out a lot of great food, pastries, and other stuff and feed them to Riddle while he was recovering.

🌹 After that, Riddle realizes how kind and wise you are. Sure, you're also a pain in the neck to deal with, but you also know how to be mature, which he appreciates.

🌹 You also prepare some food for him and the rest of Heartslabyul. You help Trey in the kitchen a lot too.

Savanaclaw:

Leona Kingscholar:

🦁 Oh? A little herbivore actually kicked the headmage and their supposed "familiar", and offered everyone else food right after? How interesting...

🦁 When you stepped on his tail, and he makes the threat, honestly, you probably went into a fighting stance; or pulled out you trusty wok-

🦁 This makes Leona surprised, as it isn't everyday someone would actually respond like this to his threats.

🦁 It also makes Leona excited. This herbivore seems pretty confident. Must be pretty strong and brave too, since he saw that form they had when kicking the headmage.

🦁 But why a wok?? 🤨🤨

🦁 Anyway, before the fight could actually start, Ruggie comes in, and the plot ensues.

🦁 Later on, when he meets you in Savanclaw and challenges you guys to a game of Magift, he was half-expecting, half-not expecting you to actually be good at a game meant for people with magic??

🦁 You probably used some cooking appliance or something else (like a stick? idk-) to hit the disc around 🙄😒🤣

🦁 You also most likely had a hunch that the culprit was someone from Savanaclaw. Since no one from Savanaclaw was actually getting injured.

🦁 Honestly, why didn't Heartslabyul/the MC even think of that?

🦁 Anyway, we had no solid evidence anyway, so the plot goes on.

🦁 Overblot!Leona gets absolutely destroyed by you and your trusty wok.

🦁 You also somehow not seem so affected by the sandstorm going on?!

🦁 Anyway, after his overblot, and the Magift games, Cheka goes in the infirmary to check on Leona.

🦁 Also, Cheka absolutely LOVES you. You're nice, you're funny, and you were AMAZING during the game! And now he wants to learn how to play Magift with a wok 🤣🤣

🦁 Anyways, like with Riddle, you definitely sit him down and feed him lots of food while giving him a free therapy session some advice with lots of wise words.

🦁 Leona doesn't really listen much (he's too busy chowing down on that delicious food of yours), but takes some words to mind.

🦁 He also sometimes has you cook for him when Ruggie gets too busy.

🦁 Edit: The first time you saw Leona (and basically every beastman), you took one look at his ears and immediately wanted to touch and pet them. Like in this video, 0:12 timestamp. Leona as Japan.

Octavinelle:

Azul Ashengrotto

🐙 He hears about how great your food is and immediately thinks of how he can take advantage of that.

🐙 Our little capitalist over here literally tries getting you into a contract with him so he can exploit your cooking skills.

🐙 And when he sees that you came to Monstro Lounge to talk about the anemones, he's overjoyed!

🐙 Other than Ramshackle being up for collateral, he also put "the Ramshackle Dorm Prefect's Services" or something similar.

🐙 Also, he definitely reminds you of America and Russia, which is strange because both of them don't really like each other; but you still see them in Azul.

🐙 Mostly because of Azul's shadiness and charisma, respectively. And capitalism (for Alfred/America-)

🐙 But you still signed the contract, because Grim told you to, like the little loveable sh*t he is.

🐙 Anyways, the plot goes on.

🐙 Like every other overblot that happens, you beat the overblot up with your amazing wok, and martial arts skills with the others.

🐙 Now, Azul does sort of look up to you, because you seem like this really britherly or fatherly person in the most chaotic way; lots of people like you. He also envies you because you weren't bullied at all, and you seemed like you had a great childhood.

🐙 But really... did you actually have a childhood? I'm pretty sure your history during your earlier years were full of war and violence. You might as well be traumatized or something. Plus, being a country personification isn't the best thing in the world, really.

🐙 Anyway, you sort of open up about this with Azul in the most subtle way possible. Without having to disclose that you're actually over 4000 years old and are a country personification back at your world.

🐙 After all the drama, you definitely still help Azul with Monstro Lounge, as long as he pays you, honestly (because that crow of a headmage doesn't).

🐙 Edit: You also make a China Town with Azul's help in NRC. You both share the income of Chinatown, and Azul will help advertise your Chinatown.

Scarabia:

Kalim Al-Asim

☀️ This baby wouldn't even treat you any differently to be honest.

☀️ He basically treats you the same way he would the main character.

☀️ Kalim would also ask you about the place you're from and its food, cultures, etc.

☀️ He loves your food!

☀️ Jamil be sighing in relief that he doesn't have to constantly cook for Kalim and that he has a helping hand in the kitchen.

☀️ Kalim would also LOVE to know more about your siblings; and would tell you about his too!

☀️ Just little wholesome things with him, to be honest

☀️ He would also teach you about modern technology cuz you are a boomer.

☀️ When Kalim was getting really sad, especially during Jamil's overblot, you tried to comfort him.

☀️ How you comforted him? Through food, and some wise words here and there.

☀️ You're an old country who has a lot to say about things, when given the chance.

☀️ And being around Kalim just allows you to simply release all your worries and just talk with him 😊

☀️ Sorry this is short, it's literally all so wholesome and sweet-

☀️ Edit: during the marching to the oasis things, you serve everyone food and water, and somehow build a cabin building. Jamil is stressed.

Pomefiore:

Vil Schoenheit:

👑 This queen takes one look at you, and approves of your fashion style.

👑 At least you know what looks good on you and what doesn't.

👑 Hears that you designed a Ramshackle Dorm Uniform and thought it looked amazing!

👑 He also would definitely go up to you and ask you about your skin care and hair care routines.

👑 You probably teach him how to do the make up from back then; like, old-style make-up and how to make other cosmetic items that were made during old times.

👑 Also, MODEL/FASHION HANGOUTS!

👑 You guys also do a bit of gossip here and there and complain about other people to each other.

👑 During the Pomefiore arc, he sees you trying to teach everyone how to do some traditional Chinese dance, and sees how great you are at dancing!

👑 Has you help him teach the first years how to dance with elegance and grace.

👑 After his overblot, you don't exactly comfort Vil, because you don't know exactly what to say to him.

👑 But you keep him company as he recovers, and do your best to keep gim happy and content.

👑 With food, of course.

👑 However, Vil can't help but notice how you've been praising or acknowledging him and his efforts more; and also make sure he's taking care of himself properly.

👑 Vil is heartwarmed on how you do your best to comfort him.

Ignihyde:

Idia Shroud:

💀 He's seen, and heard of what you can do.

💀 And it makes him a bit nervous to actually approach you.

💀 He really doesn't approach you at all.

💀 But he's really scared of how good you are at martial arts.

💀 Just like that one SSR character from...

💀 He also thinks that your attitude is alright.

💀 Another reason why he wants to stay away from you is because of covid because you're one of those extroverts he wants nothing to do with.

💀 He reminds you of a much more reclused and socially awkward Japan/Kiku.

💀 I honestly don't know how to phrase this, because I don't know the full story of the Ignihyde arc; but you do try to get him to open up to you (and other people) more.

💀 I'll have to cut this short because I'm not very familiar with Idia as a character, and because I don't want to write something that might be contradictory towards the actual canon when the finale of Ignihyde actually releases.

Diasomnia:

Malleus Draconia:

🐲 You probably deeply respected Malleus, because he's a dragon.

🐲 Yknow, with China and his dragon in Hetalia? It only has like a few seconds or smthg of screen time; but it's pretty memorable for me.

🐲 Also, you have probably seen and fought scarier and worse people than Malleus.

🐲 Plus, Malleus is a bit of a sweetheart to MC sometimes. Even though he can be pretty terrifying, he has thise sweet moments.

🐲 Anyway, Malleus definitely compares you to Lilia.

🐲 And you guys also just talk to each other and ramble and listen to each other during your nightly walks.

🐲 You often visit Diasomnia to cook or give food for them, to save them from Lilia's abominations.

🐲 You guys would PROBABLY spar sometimes. No magic hand-to-hand combat. Sometimes combat with a stick, but Malleus wouldn't want to use magic to harm you.

🐲 Malleus can't help but feel this sort of ancient vibe/aura to you; like how he feels with Lilia.

🐲 Both of you are hopeless boomers too.

They find out you're a personification of a country:

Riddle: Excuse me WHAT?! 😐🤨😦😧😨😱 He'd be all, "No way... I fought, lashed out at... and disrespected a country personification?!?!" And would applogize to you so much. After he's absolutely sure you've forgiven him, he would LOVE to know your contry's history, traditions, and even laws/rules of the country!

Leona: 😐😑😐🤨 His intial reaction would be like, "Okay??" and then the realization sets in. He doesn't freak out, no. Well, he does internally. But it isn't much really. He does get a bit interested in some of the emperors/rulers your country has had before. Other than that, he doesn't make a big fuss about it. He does treat you with a tad more respect, though.

Azul: Ah, I see... wait WHAT?! 😄😀😐🤨😧😨😱 Poor baby is horrified at the thought that he tried to scam a country. After a while of calming him down and stopping him from running to his octopot to cry, he finally calmed down. He gets interested in your country's specialties. He's also curious of your history, traditions, culture, language, basically EVERYTHING. He'd also want to know more about other country personifications.

Kalim: He isn't so affected, honestly. He thinks it's really cool, though. 😮😯😲🤩🤩 He'd also ask you about EVERYTHING about your country and your world. Tell him some stories about funny things in the past too.

Vil: He doesn't have much a reaction. Is pretty calm while you tell him, and asks his questions calmly. He wants to know the fashion history of your country and possibly the world. And other things like history, and other stuff.

Idia: He's horrified 2.0. Apologizes A LOT to you for everything he's made you go through. He's also a bit curious about other country personifications, and the technology in your world too. Telling him some nice stories of your past might make him feel a bit better. But also, congratulations, you've just made Idia solemnly swear to himself never to make you angry or get on your bad side.

Malleus: Ah.. I suppose I shouldn't be calling you Child of Man anymore, yes? He's a bit interested and perplexed on the concept of country personifications. But after some questions and explaining, he accepts you anyway. He's most interested on your past emperors/rulers, as well as some of the battles you've fought in. He's also interested in the other country personifications.

END.

I hope that was alright hehe. If you'd like me to add or remove anything, or if you have any constructive criticism for me, feel free to tell me!

Also, this video, with France as Rook. I just see this happening 🤣🤣.

Edit: Also, you try selling medicine to someone, but I don't know who. Like in this video (Russia as someone else), and this video (Japan as someone else). And I just posted this right before I went to sleep, so sorry for any typos-

The edits were made on April 26, 2022. Might add some other things soon.