#what makes xyr heart flutter?

[whalebone-pb]

On The Shore (First Meeting)

tw: emetophobia (very brief)

Xe finds them washed up on the beach while searching through debris for xyr collection.

A harsh storm has just passed, the smell of rain and sea salt stinging xyr nostrils, a light breeze buffeting xyr cloak. The night sky is still covered in black clouds, blocking out the moon and stars. At first, in the darkness, xe mistakes them for a dead animal of some sort—an eel, or something equally skinny and long—covered in kelp and sand. It’s only when xe steps closer does xe realize that whatever it is is trembling, alive, and is not an eel at all.

Eels do not have paws, after all.

Xe darts forward, alarmed. Their flank rises and falls far too shallowly, their pulse fluttering under xyr paws as xe works to untangle some of the seaweed and ocean debris from their body. Xe works fast, knowing just from touch that their body is far too cold. 

Xe doesn’t know if the cat is even from Abyssal, much less an Umiya resident, but even underwater-dwellers can drown if in the wrong circumstances. When the kelp is cut free from its tight hold on their neck and face—the head and ears of a Prowler revealed, expression twisted into a pained grimace—xe places xyr paws on their chest, pressing into it over and over, alternating by opening their jaws and blowing air down their throat. 

After a tense several minutes, the cat beneath xem finally surges upward and heaves.

Saltwater spills onto the sand between them. A brief chill of relief rolls down xyr spine as the cat shudders, hacks, and coughs up an ocean’s-worth of water and bile. It’s short lived, however, as the fit finally eases and the stranger collapses, falling back into unconsciousness.

Xe hoists them up into xyr arms and hurriedly treks across the beach and back into the coastal town where xyr rented abode resides.

It’s far too late into the night for the medical office to still be open, and the recent storm has everyone within their houses anyway. Xe bites down rising panic as xe maneuvers the limp, far too light, cat past the door and inside. Xyr Luna upbringing (though xe grew to resent it) had sharply reminded xem time and time again to remain calm, even in the face of emergency. Xe will just have to make do with what few medical supplies xe has.

Xe lays them on xyr ratty, moth-eaten couch and fetches an equally done-in-by towel from xyr bathroom. Xe wraps it around them as best as xe can, before shakily unfolding the patchwork knitted blanket (still smelling faintly of xyr grandmother, which xe desperately tries to ignore) from the back of the couch and wrapping it around them as well.

Xe then goes to start the boiler. Xe is still unaccustomed to Abyssal’s lack of fireplaces due to the tropical climate, but desperately hopes that the radiating heat will be enough.

Lastly, xe checks their extremities for wounds. A few small scrapes that need to be cleaned and bandaged, but nothing extreme. Xe washes xyr paws and sets to work, settling xyr nerves the slightest bit, the work far more monotonous and soothing in comparison to the resuscitation xe had to give. 

When there is finally nothing left to do but wait, the clouds outside have cleared, the early morning sunrise casting shades of pink, purple, blue through the windows and onto the lumpy form of xyr visitor. Xe slumps down into the chair beside the couch and lets out the breath xe had been holding.

Well, how about that, xe muses tiredly. I just saved a complete stranger.

Xe can just hear xyr Luna kin mocking xem from across Mewmoia.

—

It isn’t until lunchtime that xyr visitor stirs.

Xe is eating the preserved tuna and fruit xe had bought a couple days prior with the meager copper xe had to xyr name when xe hears a sneeze from the livingroom, almost loud in the silence of the cabin. Xe drops the mango in xyr paws and immediately rushes out of the kitchen, heart pounding in xyr ears.

The visitor is sitting upright, clutching their head in their paws, blanket and towel spilling around their waist. Now in the rays of sunlight, xe notes their dark blue pelt and the crescent-shaped marking on their forehead. Dried saltwater makes their fur stick up in some places, small pieces of kelp and sand clinging on stubbornly.

“Greetings, stranger,” xe says, keeping xyr voice low so as to not startle them.

Their whole body jolts even so, claws unsheathing imperceptibly. They slowly look up, eyes squinted. Dark purple meet xyr own white. An Abyssal native, then.

Silence passes between them. Their gaze roves over xem piercingly, making xyr pelt prickle uncomfortably. Their expression is completely blank, the only thing betraying their anxiety being their clenched jaw.

“You are in the company of a friend,” xe reassures after they offer no response. “I found you last night on the beach, half-drowned.”

Xe hasn’t had much conversation with anyone since xe left that dark, forested country a year ago, save for the trading of goods when needed. But even xe knows that one should usually respond when spoken to. As it is, they simply blink, looking away to scan their humble surroundings. The longer the silence stretches, the more uneasy xe becomes. It only hits xem now that there’s the potential that they’re Deaf, or have a concussion or brain damage of some sort. Alarmed, xe steps forward, unsure if xe remembers much Sign at all—

“Was there anyone else?”

Their voice is raspy and brittle, barely louder than a whisper. Their gaze is back on xem, as piercing as ever, halting xem in xyr tracks.

It takes a second for the question to process. Confusion makes xem stumble out, “...No. Just- just you.”

They give a short nod, some of the tension leaving their frame. They then attempt to stand.

The moment their weight rests on their hind paws, they crumple. Xe rushes forward with a jolt, catching them by the arm before they hit the floor. They hiss through their teeth, whether from the contact or pain xe is unsure, and xe hurriedly sits them back onto the couch. 

“Easy, easy! You’re still weak, not fit to go anywhere yet,” xe says, quickly pulling away to give them space, “Drowning is not an experience anyone can just walk off, you know.”

They look down and to the side, the twitch of their tail-tip giving away their displeasure, arms wrapping around their midsection. A strange character, xe thinks, but xe can’t find it within xemself to begrudge them for their behavior. Anyone would be out of sorts after an experience like theirs, after all. And I have a sneaking suspicion there’s more to this stranger’s story than they let on.

“Some food in your belly would do you some good, I think. I boiled some leftover fish stock this morning, I’ll go fetch it.”

Xe darts into the kitchen and grabs a bowl, pouring the broth from the pot on the stove. It’s more tepid than warm, but no catfolk in their right mind would have a warm meal in this humid weather, so xe carries it back to the stranger and into their slightly extended paws.

They sip from it slowly. No conversation is offered as xe settles into the chair across from them, and xe lets the awkward quiet settle for a moment until a sudden thought occurs to xem.

“My apologies, a poor host I make,” xe laughs softly. “What’re your name and pronouns, stranger?”

They freeze. Their eyes flick to xem, then back down to the half-empty bowl.

Xe almost thinks they won’t respond again, when they rasp quietly, “She/it.”

“...And your name?”

“Of no importance.” A longer pause, her brow furrowing the slightest bit, as if considering something. “But you may… call me ‘Osedax.’”

Xe smiles at Osedax. “Well, now, Osedax. My pronouns are xe/xem, and you may call me whatever you fancy.”

A Luna exile needs no attachment to their name, after all.

It gazes at xem for a long moment. Something like understanding passes over her neutral expression, and in return, realization dawns on xem. We are one in the same.

“I will think on it,” it replies eventually. 

Any remaining awkwardness ebbs away, leaving xem to breathe easier than xe has in years. In an hour’s time, xe will let Osedax get cleaned up, and head to the medical office just in case, then they may part ways.

But in this brief moment of time, two strangers with fraught pasts find kinship in each other.

[unwilling-souls-if]

How would ROs feel if someone close to them points out how well the RO and MC are gtting along? *wink wink* *nudge nudge* (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧

I imagined it to be Crescent (+ a Xander cameo for Charlotte) for everyone since they’re the only one who can be so unsubtle lol (#justiceforcrescent) Set in late crushing stage! <3

Xander:

“What? No!” 

Xander doesn’t know why his first reaction is denial. Maybe he wants to protect MC’s reputation. Who would want to be associated with him? ‘MC would,’ answers a voice in his head. He pinches his lips. It’s true. MC would. Crescent elbows him with a shit-eating grin.

“C’mon, loverboy, it’ll be fine. Don’t miss out on this because you’re too scared!”

Xander’s heart flutters even as he shakes his head.

“I’m not scared,” he grumbles, looking away with a blush. “And I’m not going to miss out on anything.”

“That’s the spirit!”

--

Charlotte:

She laughs giddily. Is it that obvious? Does MC think they’re getting along too? Oh, she wishes they did. It’s a bit embarrassing that other people noticed, but… That means they have some chemistry. A spark.

She gets lost in her domestic fantasies as Xander looks between his sibling and a smirking Crescent. Charlotte’s face arbors the familiar shade of red it takes when the topic is on MC, and Xander sighs softly. Crescent pats him on the shoulder.

“Look how happy they are,” they whisper in his ear while Charlotte giggles to themself. “You don’t have to worry about them.”

--

Dione:

Oh, the glare. The dark, threatening stare. Dione smiles coldly, her voice dropping low in a threatening way: “Mind your fucking business, Crescent.”

“Whaaat, you’re saying you don’t like MC? Aw, it’ll break their heart!”

“If you tell them anything,” she hisses back, “I’ll kill you slowly and painfully.”

Crescent laughs and mimes to zip their mouth shut with a wink. Dione rolls her eyes.

“You like them,” they sing-song in a whisper. “Dione and MC, sitting on a tree…”

They narrowly avoid the burst of wind Dione throws at them.

--

Perceval:

Perceval chuckles at Crescent’s words, staring at the door by which MC had exited the room just prior to the angel’s comment. 

“They’re easy to get along with,” xe simply answer.

Crescent pouts at the lack of a stronger reaction. They knew Perceval was hard to tease, but they still expected more. Still, the utter love they can see in xyr gaze is very telling. The body language. The shared glances. Perceval has never been one to hide xyr feelings, always so openly... loving. Crescent’s nose scrunches.

“Your stupid love-sick face is going to make me puke.”

Perceval laughs at that, xyr smile becoming more boyish.

“You started it! You’re right, I love MC, I love them, I want to wake up next to them and–”

Crescent throws a book in xyr general direction.

“It’s not fun to tease you, Percy. You’re so unashamed. It’s almost indecent.”

“You’re a drama queen.”

--

Crescent:

They stop their movement, their hand tightening around the bottle until their knuckles are white. Slowly, Crescent puts down the wine and his head drops to stare at the floor without answering.

“Oh, come on! You know I’m right!” their friend grins, waving a finger at them. “You and that angel get along sooo well!”

Crescent snorts, but they don’t look up. They know it’s true. They feel at ease with MC, more than they ever have with anyone. It’s beautiful, and very scary. They fiddle with their sleeves, twisting the fabric.

Their friend notices Crescen’t lack of answer. The absence of jokes, of the usual annoyance when people imply anything romantic between them and someone. And they know it’s because this time, it’s not a joke. It's the bare truth, exposed to the world, enough for others to pick up on.

[zorlok-if]

Treasure

“No, momma,” Kevin whines, “I don’t wanna go to grammy’s!” The young boy drags his feet, tugging on the skirt of his mom’s mint green diner uniform.

Sally sighs heavily, exhaustion threatening to leak from her eyes as thick, mascara-stained tears. She squeezes her lids shut, massaging her temples with one hand. “Kevin, sweetie, Mommy needs to go to work. You have to—”

“Dev!” the child screams. Sally feels her son let go and sprint forward. Her eyes burst open, lids sticky with sleep.

Her neighbor is kneeling on the floor, tossing xyr mail into a worn leather briefcase, xyr long trench coat pooling at xyr feet. Sally can’t help but notice how Dev’s dark outfit complements xyr warm brown skin. How xyr clothes highlight xyr toned figure. Dev looks up and makes eye contact with the boy charging merrily towards xem. As xe smiles, the cheap fluorescent lights of the entryway sparkle in xyr dark iris. Xyr visible eye is surrounded by bags and a dark circle—as it always is—but even fatigue looks good on Dev.

“Hey, Kev,” Dev laughs, arms wrapping around him in a bear hug. Xe picks him up, rising to xyr impressive height, and spins Kevin around. “How’s school?”

“Good,” Kevin sings, giggling with joy as he flies through the air.

Carefully setting Kevin back down, Dev looks up at Sally in a way that makes her heart melt. “You been good for your mom?” xe asks. Kevin doesn’t answer the question, he’s too busy insisting on being picked up again, but Sally nods softly. “Good,” Dev smiles, ruffling Kevin’s blond curls, “you’re a good kid.”

“Hi, Dev,” Sally finally murmurs.

“Hey, Sally,” xe returns, tightening the loose, messy bun futilely attempting to contain all of Dev’s hair. As xyr hands lower, they instinctively touch the straps of the eyepatch covering xyr left eye, checking that it didn't shift during the interaction with Kevin. “Heading out?”

“Momma’s gotta work,” Kevin pouts, crossing his arms with an exaggerated, “humph.”

“Which means you have to go to grandma’s,” Sally returns, though it sounds more like a plea than a statement of fact.

“Can I play with you instead?” Kevin asks, his head bent at a right angle as he tries to look into Dev’s eye.

Sally blushes, chapped lips parting but Dev cuts her off, sinking to the floor again so Kevin doesn’t have to struggle to look up at xem. “Ah, I wish little man. I’d much rather spend my evening hanging out with you—that sounds way more fun—but I’m pretty swamped. Next time, okay?” Kevin frowns but nods his head. “But,” Dev continues, “you’re gonna have tons of fun with your grandma, I promise.”

“Dev?” Kevin asks.

“Yeah, bud?”

“Are you a pirate?”

Horrified, Sally opens her mouth to admonish him, they’ve talked about this. He knows he can’t ask people questions like that.

Again, Dev cuts her off with a glance and a smile so easy it makes butterflies flutter in the pit of her stomach. “It’s okay, Sal,” xe assures her then looks back at Kevin. “I am a pirate.”

Kevin gasps. “Really?” he squeals.

Dev nods and leans forward conspiratorially, placing a finger to xyr lips. “Yeah, but shh. Don’t tell anyone.”    

“Why aren’t you in the sea?”

“I’m hiding out from a bunch of other pirates who want to steal my treasure.”

Kevin looks like he could faint. “Treasure?”

“Oh, yeah.”

“Can I see it?” he asks, looking back at his mom. She waves him on. No way is she going to cut this short.

Dev smirks, “Well… I guess I can give you a peek. If you promise not to tell anyone. Promise?” Kevin nods enthusiastically, his head moving faster than a bobblehead during an earthquake. “Okay,” Dev whispers.

Distracted by a theatrical display, neither of them see Dev palm a coin or drop it in Kevin’s pocket—xyr movements are far too subtle and deft for that. “And now,” Dev says dramatically, “here.” Xe pulls xyr empty hand away from Kevin’s ear, looking at xyr fingers with mock disappointment. “Huh, that’s weird.” Xe does the movement again. “What? It should be—” Dev leans in and pretends to look into Kevin’s ear, “Did you find any coins in here earlier?”

Kevin giggles, “No! Coins don’t go in ears!”

“No?” Dev asks, pinching xyr bottom lip with xyr thumb and index finger, brow crinkled with exaggerated confusion. “Hmm, I guess they don’t. Where do they go?”

“My piggy bank.”

“No, I don’t think I put it there. Where else?”

“Momma’s piggy bank.”

Xe laughs, “Nope, don’t think so.”

“Washer machines.”

“Nah. Anywhere else?”

“Pockets—" Kevin sticks his hands in his pockets and turns them out, perhaps to remind Dev what pockets are. The coin clatters to the ground. Kevin looks at it and then back up at Dev, his eyes as wide as Sally’s smile.

“Ahh, right! That’s where I put it,” Dev picks it up, rolling it across xyr knuckles a few times before flicking it over to Kevin. He catches it eagerly. “Silly me, I should probably make a note of that. That way I don't forget again.” Dev laughs, bashfully looking down. “Guess that's what 'X marks the spot' is for, huh?”

“How’d you do that?” Kevin asks, his mom wondering the same thing.

“Magic,” Dev winks—at least, Sally assumes xe winks. “You can keep that if you want,” xe taps the coin. “Make sure to show it to your grandma when you get to her house.”

“I will!” Kevin clutches it to his chest, jumping up and down. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” He runs back to his mom, presenting his new treasure with radiant pride. “Momma, momma, look! Look what Dev gave me!”

“I saw that,” Sally chuckles, subtly shaking her head in disbelief. “Thank you,” she glances back to Dev.

Dev bows, rising with xyr briefcase in hand. “My pleasure.” Xe approaches them, saying, “‘Til next time, Kev,” with xyr closed fist extended to him. As Kevin places his small, pale fist against Dev’s, xe recoils, shaking xyr hand out with a pained expression and a sharp intake of breath. “Oof, ouch. You’re getting strong, little man.” Kevin laughs.

“Bye, Dev.” Sally whispers.

Xe nods. “See ya, Sally.” Dev heads up the stairs behind them, taking the steps two at a time.

"Did you see, momma?"

"Yes, I did. That was very nice of xem, wasn't it?"

Kevin nods. "I really like xem."

"Me too, honey," she murmurs, fixing Kevin's hair, "me too."

As they walk out to her car, Sally can't help but wonder: Why are most folks afraid of Dev? Why do people hate xem so much? Like, come on. What's the worst thing Dev could've done?

[exquisitexagony]

He was taken aback by Flynn's sudden point. He blinked, frowning a little. He wasn't really thinking about himself if he was being honest and maybe that wasn't a good thing. Maybe he had gotten a little too attached to Flynn...He wasn't ready to face the possibility of consequences from that attachment, though, and those possibilities seemed to heighten at the idea of trying to date even for a short time. He swallowed hard, trying to pull together his thoughts. The gentle touch of the others hand over his was soothing, even if it made his heart skip a beat once again.

They listened carefully as Flynn explained how they felt, where their feelings came from and just how far they were willing to go. They did agree that a "date" might not be much different than what they were already doing, aside from labelling it as such. Still, there was so much more that went into dating...and so much more that they had stopped themselves from doing for fear of crossing a line. Hell, there were a lot of things he didn't do with Flynn simply because he cared for him so much, things that he would do perfectly fine with others. Touch was a huge love language for Sami and that meant that he was constantly keeping himself from holding onto Flynn or cuddling with him unless he did so first...as well as other things.

Xyr own silence lasted for a while after Flynn finished, blinking mutely as xe tried to put together how xe felt, what was going through xyr head, what all needed to come out. Xe swallowed, finally letting xyr lips part.

"I- I- I don't..." Deep breath. "I care about you a lot, Flynn." The honesty made his chest ache and he felt tears prick his eyes despite himself. He swallowed hard, looking away. "More than I think...I've ever cared about anyone? Um..." They started to chew the inside of their upper lip. "But the last time I got into a relationship it- it- it- it...it didn't..." They shook their head, eyes fluttering shut for a moment. "A lot happened. There's a lot of...stuff...that I...that I don't talk about? A- a- and it's not that... that I'm keeping it- it from you, but..." They shrugged. "It's...It makes stuff like this a lot- a lot ha- harder...for me." Their eyes finally managed to meet Flynn's again, though their gaze briefly flitted over his lips. Their heart was pounding, face warm.

"So as long as we...take it...slow...and as l- long as...you'll say...if I make you uncomfortable, I--" A shrug. "We can...you know...try- try other things. St- stuff we wouldn't...normally do? I don't know..!" Shaking his head, he buried his head in his hands, feeling stupid, ashamed. "Only if you want to try it, though, I mean...I'm OK with being your best friend, but- but- but I'm also happy to- to see if anything else is...is there, I--" They were frantically rambling now, trying to both consider what Flynn wanted and verbalize what he truly desired.

"It's not just about me, though, is it?" The question is posed gently - Flynn's not trying to be accusing, but so far he's talked about what he's thinking, and how he thinks Sami feels, but Sami hasn't really said all that much. "You don't seem super enthusiastic - what's on your mind?" He almost reminds Sami about their no-secrets agreement, but that seems like a low blow.

A soft stroke of Flynn's thumb over the back of Sami's hand. "Here, I'll go first. I like you, a lot. Mostly as my best friend, a little bit as something more. I'm not sure how deep yet. As for where do we go, well. I'd suggest a date but we hang out all the time already so I'm not sure how much different that would be."

Flynn does have some idea of what might come next, eyes dropping quickly to Sami's lips before flicking back up. He won't say so yet, though, because he has a bad feeling it might be one of those things Sami goes along with to make him happy.

[enbiart]

Delinquent kel at the party Aubrey took him to?

HELLO I FINALLY FUCKING WROTE SOMETHING. yes this is written instead of drawn out. a bitch needs to break out of xyr writers block.

i tried to put in a read more and it didnt work :| mobiles a bitch

.

.

The music pounded through his skull. It was loud and blaring, a constant thump thump thump coursing through his veins. It was some pop song he'd heard on the radio a million times yet somehow never caught the words to; Not that it'd do him any good to know them, anyway. He could barely hear his own thoughts over the chatter and movement of people throughout the house.

He took a sip from his solo cup. It was nearly empty with some off-brand soda, more flat than fresh. It was the exact same drink he'd gotten when he first arrived - Aubrey advised against getting refills after the party really got going, saying that the drinks would probably get spiked at some point.

On the other side of the living room, some girl started taking her top off to the slurred cheers of the crowd. That's as good a sign as any that people were getting drunk now. Kel sighed and took another sip. He was starting to get a headache.

He decided to go look for Aubrey. They may have arrived together, but they almost immediately got separated. He wanted to be hurt by her negligence, but after just five minutes in the sea of dancing highschoolers and strobe lights he could barely tell left from right.

At first, the energy and atmosphere of the party made his blood positively sing. Ducking in between partygoers, grooving to the tunes, helping himself to the snacks - this was nothing like those lame school dances. It was leagues better - it was exciting and new and made the world outside the house walls melt away as if it didn't exist.

But now...now he was a bit lost on what to do. He tried socializing, had a thousand different topics he could use to befriend strangers with, but this was a party organized by the graduating class of his highschool to celebrate the start of their last year and he was just a freshman. A short, baby-faced freshman at that. Even now he could see people giving him weird looks from the corner of his eyes. He wasn't going to make much progress with these folks.

He groaned quietly. Bothering Aubrey would make him feel better.

He downed the rest of his soda and tossed the cup to the floor. Everyone else had done it, so why bother being the one person to actually look for a trash can? ...He actually felt kinda bad for the guy that had to clean this place up after the party. Poor, poor man.

Kel wandered through the house, peeking into different rooms and regretting most of it. There were a lot of drunk high schoolers doing a lot of drunken misdeeds. There was going to be so, so much gossip at school next week, he was sure of it. Thankfully, none of the drunken miscreants had pink hair, so he was saved the horror of having to tell Aubrey she'd done something embarrassing.

After making a full round through the house, he found himself looking into the kitchen. It was less crowded than the other rooms - some unspoken party ettiquette to not mess with the fine china? - and it was there that he finally caught sight of Aubrey. He opened his mouth to call out to her -

- only to freeze as he saw the people she was with. He recognized them as her newer friends. Kim, and her brother Vance. Kim was sitting on the counter, playfully kicking him as they bickered about something he couldn't hear. Aubrey was clutching her stomach laughing at whatever it was. None of them noticed Kel standing in the entrance.

Something twisted in his chest at the sight. It prickled painfully and made the room feel too small and too hot. He clenched his fists hard enough to hurt.

Wordlessly, he turned and left.

The back door of the house was in a hallway directly to the left of the kitchen. The hallway was empty and the door unlocked, so Kel didn't think twice about slipping outside into the night.

The sudden shift from the heat of the party to the chill of the night was enough to give him goosebumps, and he belatedly wished he'd worn something with longer sleeves. The back light was on, moths and gnats fluttering around it and casting moving shadows on the patio. Colors from the party inside streamed through the windows, and the music was still fairly audible.

He gritted his teeth. There was a rusty metal gate in the fencing around the yard that led to the side of the house. It only came up to his hip, and he hopped it.

The alley between this house and the next was dark and cold; The streetlamp further ahead barely reached it. Metal trash bins were lined up against the walls, in varying degrees of fullness. A cricket began to chirp nearby, and the sound hurt his ears.

He took a deep breath, walked further into the alley, and kicked one of the trash cans as hard as he could. And then he kicked it again, and again, and again. He knocked one onto its side and stomped on it with all his might. The lid rolled on the ground. He picked it up and threw it into the street.

The sound and smell was horrible but it still felt oh, so satisfying. He didn't even know why he felt so angry. He already knew Aubrey had friends other than him. Hell, he knew they were probably ten times more fun than him at parties. There was no damn reason for him to be so pissed off, and yet! Here he was! Here he was!

He growled and kicked another. Ugh!

It had taken a lot of effort to get to this party in the first place. His parents had been absolute asses about everything he did lately, and didn't even approve of him hanging out with Aubrey any more ever since the town started talking about her. He'd had to work up a lot of nerve to ask Aubrey to take him here, and even more to actually get here. He climbed out a window, for Christ's sake! Climbed down a house!

So why -

SMASH!

- was he -

SMASH!

- having such -

SMASH!

- a crummy time?!

He panted. His foot was starting to hurt.

"Looks like someone's having fun."

He jumped, nearly tripping over himself in his haste to turn around. Bathed in shadow, Aubrey stood leaning against the wall, watching him with an amused expression. Kel's face flushed with embarrassment. God, she must've seen all of that.

"Whoops, didn't mean to scare you," She said unapologetically. "I don't think I could've given you a heads up, though, with how into it you were."

Kel glared weakly at her and crossed his arms. He knew she was going to make fun of him for his little temper tantrum, but he really wished she wouldn't. "I don't know what you're talking about," He said defiantly.

"Uh-huh, yeah, sure," She said with an eye roll. She pushed off the wall and further into the alley where he was; In the improved lighting, he noticed she was carrying her bat. He didn't remember her bringing it with her. Maybe it wasn't actually hers. It might've been the homeowner's. She pointed the tip to the ground and eyed him with something like anticipation. "Mind if I join you?" She asked.

Kel blinked. Um, what? "I, uh, still don't know what you're talki -"

"Can I tell you something, Kel?" She interrupted. She changed focus from him to the fallen and dented bins on the ground, and shifted her hold on the bat to two hands. The hair on Kel's neck stood on end at the intensity in her eyes. She took a deep breath, and said, "I really hate this town."

And then she swung.

The sound of her bat bashing against metal stabbed his ears and brought his headache back tenfold, but like before, the sight of the destruction brought such a deep satisfaction it almost left him breathless. Cathartic, that's what it was. She brought her bat down again and again and again, over and over and over, and each swing got his blood pumping and his heart racing. He felt himself grin, and couldn't resist the temptation to join in.

He'd kick a can onto its side and then kick it over to Aubrey, who'd be tense and waiting to strike it hard down the alley. A particularly stubborn can would refuse to dent under his weight and she would nudge him out the way and go to town on the poor object. The party was gone completely from their minds as they set their sights on complete devastation. They laughed, breathless and crazed and high on adrenaline.

Their mayhem didn't go unnoticed for long. A window of the neighboring house opened, and someone yelled out, "What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Kel only had a second to panic about the consequences before Aubrey grabbed his hand and took off running. He nearly fell over himself, but quickly found his footing and ran right beside her. He could run faster than her if he wanted to, but he didn't want to. He wanted to run with her. He didn't particularly care where they were running to - as long as it was with her.

They were still laughing as they ran.

[antigoddex-a]

[   *   @debting​​   :   ]   —   —   —   his glasses are on the very tip-top of his head but he doesn't care .     he doesn't need to see his mujigae when he has xyr face cradled in his hands as gi-hun kisses the very lips that belong xem alone .     between each kisses ,  gi-hun giggles .     giggles because he realized that he missed being so in love ,  the feeling of it all ,  to be the only one in the eyes of his lover .     but he giggles because goodness ,  he's never seen someone be so good at a claw machine before .     smek .     smek .     smek .     and he has to breathe .    "     i'm scared to ask what other things you're so good at ,  mujigae .     stop winning us so many stuffed animals .     our bedroom can't hold that much more .    "

MUJIGAE GIGGLES ALONG WITH XYR LUCKIEST CHARM ,  tickled by the kisses Gihun has been giving to xem again and again and again   —   such a repetition it is ,  soft as sweet ,  that xe does not mind exist when it brings only endless joy in xem .   Adored ,  xe gently bumps xyr forehead against Gihun’s at his series’ end of kisses ,  forgetting about the plastic bag filled with stuffed animals present near their feet ,  the rows of arcade machines around them   ;   everything but Gihun’s existence   —   what only matters to Mujigae then and now and forever .   It is until Gihun speaks ,  reality returns to xem .   A louder giggle leaves Mujigae as xyr hands rests over his .   ❝   I - I - IIIII think you should ask ,  Gihun,  you might like the answersss !   ❞

WITHOUT WAITING FOR HIS QUESTION ANYWAY ,   xe grins widely ,  xyr eyes bright and lively .    ❝   I am sooo good at . . .   ❞   Xe places a tender kiss on Gihun’s lips ,  then giving him a small playful nip on the lower part .   ❝   Kissing you !   ❞   Mujigae leans back to observe Gihun ,  letting the silence linger between them ,  teasing him .   ❝   I am also so good at giv- giving you compliments and praises  ,  which ,  by the way ,  you are - you are super duper GORGEOUS ,  as always !    ❞    Mujigae slips xyr hands underneath Gihun’s so xe is now cradling his face instead ,  sensing the heat leaving him .   Xe giggles more ,  delighted to find him flustered .       ❝   I - I am - I am just the B-E-S-T at loving you so so so MUCH ,  Gihun !   ❞

MUJIGAE RECALLS THEY ARE IN PUBLIC ,  so xe ends xyr answer with extra innocent kisses on his neck ,  smiling against him .   Xe makes a lovely trail upward before xyr lips meets behind his ear ,  lightly tugging the lobe in gentleness .   While xe leans back ,  still holding onto his face ,  xyr heart flutters at the mention of their bedroom   —   our bedroom ,  our ,   ours   —    He said these words entirely as a joke ,  yet there was something about this particular part of it that softens xem so much . . .   ❝   Okay ,  le- lemme get our last prize ! . . .  ❞   Xe lets go of his face and stands eerily still before him ,  xyr expression blank   —   Then ,  laughing ,  xe hugs Gihun and twirls him a few times ,  ecstatic .   ❝   Now I had won your love for ME !   ❞

[spacegaywritings]

A manly man - Oneshot

edited 26th MAY: pronouns, spelling, shortening sentences, replacing words

Summary:  ftm Roman is on his period and it hurts and sucks. Vulnerable and disgusted, he cuddles up to his soulmate who always understands him. Remus is always there to assure xyr better half and make sure he knows he is loved - and a strong and manly man. Remus uses xe/they!

Tags: menstruation stuff, trans character /trans Roman, remrom, romantic /platonic incest (if you wanna see it like this), gender roles (mention) 

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story under this cut!:

Roman dragged himself over to his bed, sinking into the soft mattress and sliding under the cool sheets.

 They would be warm soon, he told himself. It would just be a couple of moments until then, he assured his body.

 The adolescent was shivering and overall felt like a truck had run over his entrails but left him to look just as dashing as usual - if not a tad paler than his average appearance.

He was sick to his stomach, his nausea sitting so deep in him and piling up as much as to actually reside in his throat as well. His whole body was sore, heavy and simply dirty inside and outside.

 He was frail.

Breakable.

He felt more vulnerable than he had ever been in his life and it was humiliating to ... to be.. to .. to b-bleed!

 It was an audacity to have him suffer like this! He was a prince, a man made to romance and charm people, to change the world and end misery for any and all people.

Instead he was stuck in his bed, by now curled up in his own puddle of horror and bad feelings. He was swimming in dysphoria and shivers of disgust.

 A soft knock could be heard at his door.

Roman snuggled deeper into his bed, trying to just sink into the mattress enough to actually disappear into the safety of softness.

 No humans, no creatures at all, just cotton and filling and feathers or whatever there was in mattresses.. Hemp and all. Things, just sleepy things.

 His throat produced a sound.

 Roman was not sure what kind of sound it was. It sounded raw, real. It was like a theatrical performance of the worst crisis the hero had to go through in a tragedy such as MacBeth.

The sound was probably enough to invite the person on the other side of the wood to come in and right after it, the door was slowly pushed open to reveal the vulnerable blanket burrito to Remus.

 “Princey, you okay?”

 Remus pushed inside, their back leaning against the door until it closed. Their arms sported another set of blankets and a hot water bottle. There was a backpack perched up on xyr shoulders.

 The suffering wanna-be royal curled further into his all-time low and let out another sound of agony.

 “Aw, my knight, I am here now. I got more blankets~”, xe offered with a little pose to show off the inviting sight of desired warmth.

There was a hot water bottle in their blanketed hand and a mischievous grin playing on xyr lips.

 The blanket burrito shifted a bit, just enough to move from the middle of the bed to the side which Remus took as signal that there was enough space for another person.

 “Hey hey, hey hey hey hey hey hey!”, they started as they moved over to the side of the bed that was now free for him to join their lovely Roman on.

Another non-verbal sound of mild annoyance came from the tall figure under the sheets and Remus simply took the invitation to go on with xyr announcement.

 Xe leaned in.

They whispered.

 “You know what?”, xe continued, carefully arching xyr back to get even closer to Roman. Xyr voice dipped into a sound that edged on conspiracy, on riot and schemes, “I got snacks for you. They are almost as sweet as you.”

 They flashed him a smile and slid under the covers, rudely inviting the cool outside into Roman’s happy safety for a moment but the hot water bottle was immediately in place to aid him and make up for the incredulous intrusion they had dared to start off with.

Roman hugged the hot bottle against his stomach, slowly shifting it lower to his cramping and screaming abdomen.

 At once, a little sigh of relief stole itself onto his features. His body visibly relaxed, muscles loosening, his whole posture being less tightly wrapped up in the mess of sheets he had created by now.

 Part two was now in place.

 Remus was giggling as xe made xyrself at home with another big blanket immediately joining the two and covering them up.

The fluffy fabric spread over the two.

The smaller one carefully lowered themself to press a little smooch to the top of Roman’s head.

 “Hey there, my prince”

 Xe smiled.

 Despite his sour mood, Roman could not help but feel his heart flutter and lips immediately twitching into the slightest hint of a smile.

Remus noted the change with a soft smile as they gently tugged Roman’s head into their lap and started stroking through his soft curls.

 Xe loved how velvet the ginger mess of Roman’s hair was. It was like a child imagined clouds to feel like. Fluffy, adorable, simply a dream to cuddle.

 “Mhmmmm...Rem...”, he hummed groggily.

 They whistled back in reply and quickly moved just enough to reach their backpack and get their hands into it. Xyr hands slung around a small bottle of lemon juice which was quickly handed over to Roman.

 “Got you the good shit, right here. This will kill your fucking sicky-ew, so we can have some snacks for you. I got films to watch on my shitty stupid tablet and nobody can take that from us.”

 Remus carefully uncapped the bottle and held the bottle for their soulmate to drink from it. Roman did, like the good boy he was and Remus gently brushed through his curly, short hair.

 They started watching a little show after that, just cuddling up and hugging while Remus pressed a few kisses here and there to Roman’s pained face.

Eventually, the sick man drifted off in the arms of Remus and to the sounds of some off cartoon show playing in the background. Xe held the prince-to-be close and allowed xyrself to actually doze off along.

  ***

 It was a few minutes later when Roman stirred the slightest bit, immediately alarming his datemate to wakeup and pull him closer to their chest.

 Remus grumbled and immediately wrapped xyr arms around the living stuffie that was the manly Roman. This time, he was fighting back a bit.

Softly, innocently, he shoved Remus away, gently nudging them aside with soft violence.

 “Not nooow”, he whined as he fought to get out of the sleepy gremlin’s grip. It was more of a challenge than one would expect. Honestly, Remus was kind of strong with their stupid arms of an athlete.

 What did xe do again? Roman was not in the right mind to remember but he was sure it was some kind of really gay dancing shit which was why Remus was able to lift him up with little effort.

Surprisingly, Roman was still a bit stronger in his arms and legs but not so in his back and overall ability to keep up body tension. He was not made for this kind of stuff. Right now he was just sweaty and icky and ugly.. so so ugly and disgusting that he needed to get up and change.

 His miserable state was less after his meds had kicked in and he had gotten some juice to ease his once so upset stomach.

A small smile appeared on his lips and he gave in for a minute.

 “Rem, I need to .. I need to go”, he defended himself as the smaller CHONK of human wrapped their limbs around him in pure spite and loving spirit.

Xe grumbled but xyr arms seemed to loosen around the regal idiot just enough to give him the heartbreaking permission to leave, despite the pain it caused Remus to be abandoned so harshly, so rudely, so absolutely col-

 Aaaand Roman was gone.

 Remus whined after him but tried not to complain too much and instead swallowed the needy sounds.

Why were they the clingy one and not Roman? Being clingy was work , it was exhaustive and it required someone to always be with them to fulfil their need to be somewhat physically touched every now and then.

It was too bad Roman did not have so much for touch as Remus did but they made it work.

 Somewhat luckily, shark week was the time during which Remus got more cuddles and Roman allowed himself to be more “vulnerable” and show his general soft side as a man.

 Maybe it was a downside of people generally hugging him less ever since he came out.. people being more physically distant and giving him the feeling it was “unmanly” and “weak” to hold hands, to cuddle and snuggle and have stuffies or emotional attachments and such.

 Ridiculous, if you asked Remus. But their gender-non-conforming lifestyle was already speaking up against Roman’s insecure heart enough to invalidate their argument, subjectively.

Even xyr pronouns were so strange, so new and out there.

 Roman would always argue he was outstanding and proud but at the same time, he would not dare to do anything that could obstruct how he was perceived by other people.

Being anything but cis was a whole struggle but being a transman was probably another level of difficult.

 Remus did not have any “gender roles” to fulfil in order for people to be more inclined to use their pronouns correctly. Usually, they just did not and Remus would proudly suggest “it/its” pronouns. Other wanted to devalue xem with these but xe loved this set of pronouns and would never back down from people who thought they could hurt xyr gender identity and change xem in any way. You know, make them right, straighten them out so they would be “normal” again.

 Roman, on the other hand, had people tell him he was not allowed to use restrooms unless his genitalia was “right”.

Shark week made the whole struggle more present.

When people always invalidate your whole existence and sometimes even intentionally used your weak spots and insecurities against you, it would eventually wear you down enough to be affected. No matter what Roman did, it would be written up to him doing it because he was a transman.

 “Oh, is this because you are a “man” now?”

“Of course you would want to do this so you can try to look manly like the others”

 All those words have been enough for Remus to start fights left and right and they would always do it again for their golden boy. Not that Roman knew. Roman hated being protected.

 Roman was the knight in this story. He was the ace of hearts, the soldier of the forgotten and protector of the oppressed. Remus should be the one to need protection.. but maybe that would be too much to ask for.

None of them really needed it.

Remus was just sick of hearing people hollering their transphobic bullshit around, especially at xyr prince.

 “Rem?”

 Roman was standing in the door, leaning against its frame with tired eyes and a pale face. As much as Remus tried to enjoy a needy handful of boyfriend but the bitter taste of conditions always came with it.

 “Finally, my prince has come”

 Xe breathed out in relief and opened xyr arms.

Roman immediately abandoned the door frame and threw himself onto the bed with a little skip over the bed frame. He landed all over Remus, knocking over the cup that used to hold lemon juice and also involuntarily pushing the tablet further away.

 He was giggling a bit, just a slight shadow of a smile tickling his features as he threw his arms around his datemate’s neck and quickly pulled them further down with him.

 “You are silly, Rem”, Roman commented.

 Xe shook xyr head.

 “You are my prince. You always have been and always will be this prince of my dreams”, they insisted stubbornly as they brushed their index and middle finger over his throat.

“I did not know how much I needed you until you came for me and swept me right out of my dumpster.”

 He blushed and nudged Remus away with his elbow but he still slid back into xyr lap. His mouth was producing sounds like the ones meant to silence a child but he was just seeking the comfort of a hiding spot to cover up the bright red blush on his cheeks.

He carefully buried his face in Remus’s little fat roll of a tummy.

 “You were an abomination of a human being when we met”, he remarked with a muffled voice.

 Roman was right. 

 Everyone saw Remus in the light of society's strict rules. They identified xem as a man rather than the gender-defying riot xe was. 

They dumpster-dove, yes, to recover packaged and completely fine groceries thrown away by big companies because they weren't allowed to sell it or give it away. They indeed broke rules and tagged walls but Remus had shown Roman the art of graffiti and the roots of it. Xe had proved xyrself to be more than a societal disgrace but instead be a considerate person to never litter and live a highly principled life instead. Not one restricted by society.

 Honestly, Roman was probably more likely to accidentally endanger others due to his impulsive and defiant behaviour while Remus was genuinely trying their best to always think of others. People just took it to be offensive when Remus was late to school because they helped a worm cross the street or started a spontaneous sit-in because of speeders on school property. 

 Everyone thought xe was a slacker, someone looking for attention with xyr pronouns and identity. Even their names was seen as "too extra". 

 "I'm sorry", xe mumbled and carefully tilted his head just enough to glance up at xyr datemate. 

 "I - I didn't mean that in a bad way. That was mean to say" 

 He cleared his throat to justify his inconsiderate comment. He was a lover, not a fighter! It was his duty to protect Remus and not play into the mean nicknames used by bullies against xyrs whole being. 

  One of his favourite things about the embodiment of chaos was this: Instead of getting mad ,they just shook their head with a giggle. 

 "You tickle me, Roro", xe started with a snicker, "your words are endearing to me ~" 

 Roman furrowed his brows. A smile fought onto his lips. 

Remus wasn't as insecure about themself as he was. Nothing seemed to ever hurt xem. 

 "You're the best, Rem. You really are" 

 Roman cuddled back to the little fat roll of Remus when an idea hit him. 

Slowly, his fingers crept up to their sides and, once in reach, immediately ran up and down their skin. 

 "Wh-", Remus began with a surprised gasp. 

 It was too late. 

 Squips and squeaks escaped the trash goblin as Roman's fingers played xyr giggles like a fiddle. The pal was writhing and twitching, vividly moving and trying to escape the tickling fingers. 

 But the Prince wasn't just a great royal and soulmate, he was also an amazing hunter. He knew when to change his angle, switch positions and shift to another spot on Remus' vulnerable body. 

They were a treasure book of sensitive skin. Almost any and all gentle touches sent xem into a giggling fit. 

 The smaller pal was curling into themself, laughter ever-persistent and body still vibrating in excitement and occasional snickers that echoed from xyr throat even after Roman retracted his fingers. 

Remus was but a little ball of giggles by now, their existence reduced to nothing but amusement and little tears from being so ecstatic. 

 On top of that, xyr prince was smiling at xem with this softness on his features.. Not even kid's cartoons could be that soft and gentle. It was a Roman-only phenomenon. 

Remus breathed, the burning lungs in their ribcage thirsting after the sweet relief of oxygen at last. Slowly, coordinated breaths in and out were managed and only occasional giggles stole their breath while Roman patted their face softly. 

 "You okay there?" 

The pal simply leaned into the touch with an approving hum. Xyr eyes closed and xe patted the space next to xem. 

 "I'm glad you're better, Roro" 

 He cuddled back up to his soulmate and took the trashy being into his superior, gay arms. A squeak could be heard, like a mouse finally finding the cheese it's been destined to achieve in its life. 

Remus sniffed happily and hugged back, melting into the embrace their Roman offered. The caramel soft embrace only two parts of a whole would ever be able to understand. 

 "Rem?", Roman whispered, softer than the late night spring breeze rustling the blooming trees right now, "Are you okay?" 

 Remus stubbornly pushed their head against Roman's collarbone and simply tugged - or rather: repeatedly attempted to tug - the blanket over the two instead of bothering to answer this daring question. 

Xyr grappling hands eventually calmed down when Roman shifted to pull the blanket completely over them and even covered their curious faces with the soft fabric Remus had brought over. It even smelled of xem, Roman remarked with a small tad of surprise in his thoughts. He only now realised, when the blanket covered their faces.

 It was the moment of realising you had more money in your bank account than anticipated which meant you weren't as broke as expected, unusually so. 

... It was a nice surprise and filled Roman with the comfort of nostalgia and affection. 

 "It's okay, Rem", Roman reminded them " I'll always have you - as you'll always have me, you little cryptid." 

 They hummed. 

 "My man", xe mumbled into his chest, voice low and unusually shy. 

 "My one and only prince. My manly prince." 

 Roman's cheeks turned a regal shade of red as he snuggled his beloved idiot closer. 

Why would they say that now, he wondered but refused to ask. Never would the man turn down unexpected bouts of validation. 

 His chest harboured fireworks inside. Little tingly sparks of warmth tickling him, fondling him ever so gently from the inside. 

A dream kissed his creation and glitter blessed his actions. 

 Literal kisses. 

Actual kisses. 

Little smooches dripped and dropped onto his face. His whole facial features were soon ravished by the precipitation of Remus' intense wave of affection. 

 Smooches arrived at his jawline, little pecks graced his eyes that immediately shut with a hesitant giggle. 

More and more little softness was spilled all over his head. The little curls were kissed deeply with a dutiful smile in the dedicated face of Remus, the appreciation of all art that was xyr beloved Roman. 

 He shook his head, shaking the kisses off only to receive more little butterflies and tickles of lips along with whispered praises spreading all over his cheeks. 

 "You're my hero" 

 Not a single spot of facial skin was left without the warming enlightenment of their bundled up love. 

 "My one and only royalty" 

 Remus nuzzled his neck. 

 "If you were my king, I wouldn't overthrow your government unless you were really really mean", they promised sheepishly. 

 Roman's heart fluttered its wings of love like a Kolibri. 

 "You'd be the least favourite of all my people ", Roman retorted with equally diabetic sweetness in his words, "because I'd never want you to be below me." 

 Remus wiped xyr puffy eyes and blinked. 

 "That's a dumb pick-up line", they remarked with a flustered hint of dismay in their eyes. 

"Just make me equal then, so I can be your favourite like I'm meant to be." 

 Roman tugged at Remus and quickly rolled on top of them with little effort, only stopping when he was on Remus' other side and got to kiss the hidden sharpness of their cheekbones. 

 " Remember that I'm your man ~", he sang in response. 

 The two continued to tease each other, softly exchanging little smooches and kisses to litter only with love in this wide world that was the other to each of them and them only. 

 They ended up sharing the snacks and juice Remus had brought over. 

Before supper came, they were snuggled up and dozing off contently in the worry-free state of comatose sugar overdoses. Love nibbled at their dreams and palms found each others backs as the two slept through the evening. 

 In the background, Mulan was running on Remus' forgotten tablet. 

[jowritesthingss]

A (Demi)Boy and His Demon: One

Fandom: Sanders Sides

Pairing(s): LoSleep (Logic | Logan + Sleep | Remy)

Rating: Teen

Content Warning(s): lots of swearing, religion mention, demons mention, drugs mention (just once in passing), one sex joke (a la Remus)

Length: 2,584 words

Brief Summary: Sleep-deprived writer Remy accidentally summons a serious-and-seriously-fed-up demon named Logan. One. In Which Remy Does Something Even Stupider than Summoning a Demon

Fic Masterlist!

*

“Hello,” the person standing in front of Remy said, staring disapprovingly down at him through their glasses.

Remy looked the dude up and down once, twice. (‘Dude’? He wasn’t sure if they were a dude so nah, they’ll stick with ‘person’ moving forward.)

The person standing next to his table was a tall, thin brunette, with no-nonsense rectangular glasses and a no-nonsense expression on their face to match. They were admittedly well-equipped in the looks department—that is to say, they were most definitely hot, Remy’s bi little heart skipped a beat—even if their fashion sense was seemingly nonexistent. They had on a plain black collared shirt, jeans, and what looked like a name tag of sorts—so maybe they were a new barista at the café then? Although Emile hadn’t mentioned any new hires.

“Uh. Can I help you?” Remy asked, arching a perfectly-trimmed eyebrow.

“I believe that I should be the one asking that of you,” the person returned, and...were they glaring at Remy? As much as Remy understood the wrath foodservice workers felt towards particularly Karen-like customers, they really didn’t think the current situation warranted it.

“I’m good right now, actually,” Remy dismissed, hoping the weirdo would get the message, “but thanks for asking. I guess.” They looked back down at their writing again, shuffling the paper with the summoning circle to the side and focusing back in on their laptop.

After a few moments of typing, though, Remy became aware of the shadow that still fell over his keyboard. He glanced up to see the person still staring intently at him—only this time they were closer than ever, standing right at his left shoulder.

“Uh, babe.” Remy wasn’t feeling so nice anymore, and they let the irritation seep into their voice. Remy was on a deadline. Remy had no time for nosy strangers. “Ever heard of personal space?”

“No,” the weirdo responded, and Remy honestly couldn’t tell if they were being serious or sarcastic. It seemed they were being serious, though, when their brow wrinkled in confusion. “You are the one who summoned me, are you not?”

“I...don’t think so?” Remy wracked their brain, trying to recall if there was anything he’d done that might make a barista feel obligated to come check on him. Were they really that much of a pathetic gay? Was it really so obvious that he hadn’t slept in like two days and desperately needed yet another refill of iced coffee? “Yeah, like...I really don’t think I did.”

“And yet you are the one with my summoning circle written down,” the person insisted, gesturing down at the sheet of looseleaf paper, and—wait, what?

“I’m sorry, what?” Remy gaped.

Now that they were closer, Remy could read the name tag on the other person’s—no, the demon’s?—chest, which read “Supreme Lord of Dark Knowledge”, with Logan neatly written in parentheses beneath it.

‘Supreme Lord’ Logan picked up the piece of paper that Remy had aimlessly scribbled a summoning circle upon at random, for use as a reference in designing his own. A few faint droplets of his blood were spattered across it from the papercut. They looked Remy in the eye, and it occurred to Remy that the person’s—Logan’s—eyes were oddly maroon and almost glow-y.

“I am a demon,” Logan said, leaning in to Remy, so close they could practically kiss him, “and you are the one who summoned me. So how may I help you? What is your purpose behind summoning me?”

Remy stared.

Logan returned his gaze, obstinately inching yet closer. Eventually they were getting way too much into Remy’s personal space, rude, so he caved and let Logan win the unspoken battle of wills, yanking their head back almost violently.

Remy started to laugh.

“Oh my god,” they said, gasping for breath. “I haven’t reached the hallucination stage of sleep-deprived caffienation this quickly before.”

“—I. Uh. Pardon?” Perhaps realizing just how uncomfortably close the two were, Logan backed up a respectful distance before looking down at him, confused.

“I’ve gotta say, you’re the most realistic hallucination I’ve had since I tried LSD that one time back in high school.” Remy wiped a tear from the corner of his eye. They looked Logan up and down a bit more appreciatively, now that he knew that they were a product of his own imagination. “Damn, my mind knows how to appeal to my...well, everything. You’re pretty hot.”

“It is hot in hell, yes. So naturally my temperature runs higher.” Every time Remy thought it not possible, Logan became even more perplexed. “Excuse me—if I might request clarification for a moment here. You think that I am not real?”

Logan reached out a hand and closed it securely around Remy’s wrist where it lay on the keyboard of his laptop, his hand steadily pressing the “p” button on the forgotten word document that was chapter seventy. “I can assure you that I very much am not a product of your imagination.”

Remy swore.

“What the fuck,” he said, not caring as his voice gradually grew louder, “what the fuck.” They jerked their arm away from Logan, accidentally knocking over his precious iced coffee, and they swore again as they raced to pick up his laptop and his notes to save them from a watery death.

“Bitch,” Remy hissed at the iced coffee that now steadily inched its way across the table. They then looked up at Logan. “You made me spill my coffee,” he accused. “What the hell, man?”

The supposed demon raised an eyebrow, snapping his fingers, and Remy’s coffee slid back into his cup and righted itself again, good as new, what the fuck. “I do believe that we just established that I am in fact a demon and not a man.”

Shit, shit, yeah, right. “All right, then what are your pronouns?” Remy asked. He wanted to rip them to shreds, yeah, but all the better to not misgender them as he did so.

“Gender does not work for demons as it does for humans,” Logan informed him, “however, in your language, xe/xem/xyr pronouns are particularly...satisfactory...for me.”

“Cool.” Remy nodded. “I’m Remy, they/them and he/him.” He paused. “Okay, like, back to business—what the hell?”

“Yes, that is where I come from.” Logan nodded, and was xe serious or was xe patronizing Remy? They were pretty sure xe was patronizing him.

“Okay.” Remy glared up at xem. “Then like...can you go back already?”

Logan let out a long-suffering sigh, pushing xyr glasses up on the bridge of xyr nose. “Tell me what deal you would like to make, and then yes, I will gladly depart from this ridiculous world.”

“I’ll remind you that you’re the one who appeared in this ‘ridiculous world’ out of literal fucking nowhere,” Remy snarked, half under their breath.

“And I shall remind you that you are the one who summoned me,” Logan snapped. Xe scrutinized Remy carefully. “Although I must say, I was not expecting the likes of you to be intelligent enough to summon me at all, much less as unintentionally as it appears to have been.”

“Hey! Watch what you’re sayin—nope, never mind that.” Remy exhaled loudly, exasperated. “Just tell me how to get rid of you already.”

“Very well.” Logan pushed xyr glasses up on the bridge of xyr nose. “It is quite simple, really. In order to break our connection, all you must do is destroy the summoning circle that initially began the connection. In order to do that you must—”

“Oh, really?” Remy relaxed, shoulders lowering slightly. Nice and easy. That was good. “That’s easy.” He grabbed the paper in both hands and started to tear.

“Wait, no! No, not like that, you are going to—” Logan leapt on top of Remy, knocking them and their chair to the ground.

But it was too late. Remy had already ripped the paper—and, consequently, the summoning circle—in half.

A snapping, burning feeling coursed through Remy’s body as he crashed to the ground, hard.

The torn halves of the paper fluttered to the ground around Remy and Logan as they lay on the floor, disoriented, Logan on top of Remy, Logan’s face in Remy’s neck and Remy with their vision impaired by Logan’s hair.

Remy spat out a mouthful of Logan’s hair, shoving xem off of him. “What the fuck?” he exclaimed once more, not unlike a broken record.

“I should be asking the same of you,” Logan spat, straightening xemself up and adjusting xyr glasses, and holy hell, if Remy had thought xe was glaring before, it was about fifty times worse now. “You are supposed to burn the circle and destroy it, you half-wit. By merely breaking the circle as you did you didn’t release me, you bound me to you for life.”

“Well, like, how was I supposed to know that?” Remy shot back through clenched teeth, trying to stave back the anger and panic churning in the pit of his stomach.

“I was just about to tell you that,” Logan seethed, and shitshitshit, abort mission, maybe Remy should back off, maybe angering the supposed demon wasn’t a good idea, xyr eyes were literally shining with literal fire and xyr hair was starting to float up and that couldn’t be good—

“Hey now! What’s going on here?”

Remy and Logan looked up to see Emile standing in front of them, short and chubby and blond and arms crossed and wearing his bright purple apron and scary-calm, which was somehow even more terrifying than the literal demon, even as he was practically an angel (not literally—or at least, Remy didn’t think it was literal—god, please tell them it wasn’t literal).

“Why don’t we take whatever this is to the back?” Emile asked the two of them, only it really wasn’t a question.

Oh, yeah. They were in the middle of a busy coffee shop full of witnesses, weren’t they.

Remy shoved themself to their feet and hastily grabbed his things, while Logan righted the chair xe had knocked over when xe took Remy down. Then, meekly and not unlike scolded children, Remy and Logan followed Emile to the employee break room. And boy, Remy was not looking forward to the conversation that no doubt would ensue.

-

“...So you’re saying you’re a demon,” Emile said slowly, eyes wide as he stared at Logan.

“Indeed.” Logan waved xyr hand and extinguished the indigo flames that had previously been dancing across xyr palm.

“Ooh ooh ooh! Like Bill Cipher?” Emile asked excitedly.

Remy lowered their face into their hands.

“Like—ah, yes, of course,” responded Logan the actual literal fucking demon, “although I personally prefer to take a more humanesque appearance on the rare occasions that I am summoned. I find it is more calming for the humans that summon me.” Xe tilted xyr head, looking curiously at Emile. “You’ve met Cipher?”

“I—” Emile gasped, eyes practically starry, and hell, could this get any worse for Remy. “He’s real? I knew it!”

The bell jingled back out in the shop, then not two seconds later the employee door swung open, and hell, this could get worse for Remy.

Remus stepped through the door, eyes bright with mischievous delight and clad in a hideous combination of jeans, some obscure band tee, and an honest-to-god camouflage-patterned tutu. “I heard through the grapevine that some major shit is going down.”

Remy glared half-heartedly at Emile. “You did not text him.”

Emile laughed awkwardly, scratching at the back of his neck.

“Babe,” Remy groaned. “You didn’t.”

“He did!” Remus garbled out, grinning wider than the Joker. “So our dear little Remsykins has a boyfriend now?”

“Not a boy,” Logan said, while at the same time, Remy groaned, “Not my boyfriend.”

“Details.” Remus waved Remy off, although he at least had the decency to ask Logan xyr pronouns before opening his mouth to continue harassing the two of them with questions.

Remy held up a hand. “Uh, nope. I’m dealing with enough bullshit right now, babe, and I’m still mad at you for falling so far behind on art. None of your weird questions about, like, fucking demons or eternal torture or whatever, please.”

Remus’ mouth clacked shut loudly, and he looked rather put-off. Then what Remy had said fully sank in. “Wait, demons? As in, demons existing? For reals?”

Remy turned to Logan, despairing, and thankfully xe seemed to get the message, stepping in.

“Indeed they are, as you put it, ‘for reals’,” Logan affirmed. “I’ll give you...ah, I believe humans still say the ‘Spark Notes’ version of our present circumstance. In researching for their comic, Remy inadvertently copied down my summoning circle. When he got a paper-cut, blood got onto the circle, and he spoke the incantation—” Logan turned to look at Remy, “—which, by the way how on earth did you manage to accidentally say the summoning incantation?”

“I didn’t,” Remy said, furrowing his eyebrows.

“Did you say anything at all?” Logan asked.

Remy thought back. “Uh, I think I said...‘goddammit’?”

“Ah.” Logan blinked. “Yes, well, that isn’t the traditional incantation, but...it suffices.”

Remy threw up their hands, walking away from Logan, Remus, and Emile and glaring mightily at the overly cheery coffee-themed wallpaper. “What the fuck,” he said to no one in particular for the umpteenth time. It was rapidly becoming his favorite phrase.

“Incantations aside, I was summoned,” Logan continued, as if xe had never been interrupted in the first place, “whereupon your friend panicked and accidentally bound me to them for the rest of their life.”

Remus cackled, delighted. “Damn, Remsykinsies, haven’t you gotten yourself into a mess!”

“I don’t. Want. To think about it,” Remy seethed, turning back around to face him and the others again. “I’d much rather we focus on how you should really be leaving to go finish up chapter sixty-five already, thank you very much.”

“Like I’d miss out on watching you humiliate yourself?” Remus was getting the last of the giggles out of his system. “Fat chance.” He swiped a tear of mirth out of the corner of his eye before he continued to speak. “Anyhow, so you’re telling me that demons actually exist in this world, and I’m not one of them?” he asked, his tone mildly indignant. “Rude.”

“And thank god for that,” Remy muttered under their breath, collapsing onto the overstuffed pink couch in the break room. Even if Logan didn’t kill them and steal their soul or some shit, Remus simply being Remus was about to do him in. “The moment you become a demon is the moment the world burns.”

“Exactly!” Remus grinned at him, and how did his teeth look sharper than that of the actual demon in the room? Maybe Remus really wasn’t human after all.

“Eh, whatever! Moving on!” Remus rounded on Logan, expression alight with all the fires of hell, and Remy was really having a difficult time remembering who, exactly, the demon was in this scenario. “I just want to know—are you a demon in the sheets?”

Remy lowered his head into his arms and screamed.

(That night, as Remy and Logan awkwardly lay on opposing sides of Remy’s bed, resolutely refusing to face each other, Logan would ask how on earth could it be possible for xem to not be a demon in the sheets, as xe is a demon everywhere xe goes, and Remy would fall off the bed.)

.

.

.

Prologue || One || Two || Three || Four || Five || Six

*

Chapter two should be up either Friday or Saturday, and if not then def by next Wednesday. Also btw if you haven’t figured it out by now, Remy’s a demiboy who uses he/they pronouns in this, and Logan uses xe/xem/xyr, although as a demon human concepts of gender don’t really apply. ^^

Want to be added onto any of my taglists? Shoot me an ask or a message here or via my other social media!

[stenchofthesea]

Well This Is Awkward

me?? contributing to a fandom??? holy shit yall 

i wrote up a quick little idea I’ve had about Vespa and Buddy’s first meeting - i think two criminals meeting and lowkey falling for each other in the middle of two different jobs with the same target is *chef’s kiss* so... here you go. tw for alcohol and non-con drug use (buddy drugs a guard in a club, nothing graphic)

(read it here on AO3)

Let it never be said that Buddy Aurinko couldn’t dazzle a room. From the sleazy bars of the Outer Rim to the swanky parties of the Solar elite, Buddy could charm a Venusian two-headed porcupine if it got her closer to her next paycheck. Right now, though, the target was much less spiny but no less dangerous - a young diplomat from Earth on vacation to a party moon orbiting Saturn. The diplomat xyrself posed no real threat, except maybe to mommy’s credit card bills, but the two bodyguards would be more of a challenge. Luckily, mommy’s credit card was exactly what Buddy was after. After all, if the governor of New New York could afford to keep raising taxes on her poorest citizens, surely she could afford a few of Buddy’s resupply trips.

Buddy held an empty champagne flute loosely in one hand, then stumbled and tripped her way through the crowd to where the diplomat was at the bar enjoying a drink swirling with half a dozen different colors. “‘Scuse me, sorry - oh goodness, darling, terribly sorry,” she slurred apologies and finally reached the bar, using the pressure of the packed nightclub to get closer to the bodyguard than would normally have been allowed. The hulking woman gave Buddy a quick once-over and then went back to scanning the crowd. A professional, then. No matter. Buddy giggled drunkenly and leaned over the bar to wave to one of the bartenders with her not-quite empty champagne glass. On one particularly clumsy wave, she dropped a small, clear capsule from her glass into the glass of water on the bar by the first bodyguard. A rather unfortunate “malfunction” had disabled the air conditioning ten minutes ago and the temperature was already climbing. Buddy saw the sweat beading on the bodyguard and waited. Within a minute, the bodyguard turned and grabbed the water - the capsule fully dissolved, thank the stars - and took several gulps. Excellent. Buddy ordered another drink and pretended to check her comms, dancing in place to the thumping music. Several more minutes passed and then she saw it - the twitch of discomfort in the bodyguard. A hand on the stomach, no doubt rolling with nausea. She turned and signalled to the other bodyguard before making a beeline for the restrooms. Buddy used the motion of the crowd to slide closer and brush against the diplomat.

“Oh! Aha, I'm so sorry, Mx.-?” Buddy fluttered her eyelashes and pouted just so.

Xyr eyes widened, first in surprise but then in enchantment. “Ah, my name is Mx. Isodore Naolin.” Xe collected xyrself and offered Buddy a hand to shake, of all things. “And who might you be? It’s not often I get to meet someone so beautiful, I simply must have your name!”

Buddy took the proffered hand and brought it to her lips, pressing a chaste kiss to xyr knuckles, watching the spreading blush on tan cheeks. “You can call me Lyra Sultan if you like.”

After that, it was almost too easy to charm her way to a back room, away from the remaining bodyguard, with an eager young diplomat in tow. She was just getting ready to palm xyr wallet when the lights went out.

“Hey, what- ack!” After the sounds of a brief scuffle, the diplomat’s words were cut off with a choke. Just as Buddy was pulling out her comms for any kind of light, the main lights flickered and turned back on.

There was another person in the room.

Specifically, a woman.

More specifically, a green-haired, scowling woman currently choking out a diplomat to Earth.

“Wait! Stop!” Buddy cried.

The woman turned the fierce scowl to Buddy and Buddy felt her heart skip a beat. Cheekbones sharp enough to cut glass, dark eyes a woman could get lost in, and wiry muscles to back up the rather serious “don’t fuck with me” vibes. She didn’t loosen the chokehold but she was hesitating and Buddy was eager to get the business out of the way to pursue this... new line of inquiry.

She swallowed against her suddenly dry throat and drawled, “I’m just after xyr wallet. I don’t care what you do with xem after that.”

The woman scoffed. “Yeah, right. What, you think I’m gonna let you get close? Why don’t you just buzz off, lady, or else you’re next. Me and Mx. Naolin are goin’ on a little trip and you won’t like the destination.”

Oh Buddy wouldn’t let this woman slip away so easily. “I’ll give you a third of my cut if you like, in return for your timely help. Like I said, I couldn’t care less what you do with xem, I’d just like what I came here for, darling.”

This gave the woman pause, but then she growled and deftly wrestled the diplomat to the ground. She held xyr hands in one of hers as xe snivelled. She found the wallet and tossed it to Buddy, who caught it with ease. A few keystrokes later and Buddy was a significantly richer woman. She looked back at the woman and held up her comms.

“I’ll need a name for the transfer, darling.”

The woman huffed and scowled but eventually muttered, “Ilkay. Vespa Ilkay.”

Vespa. The name swept through Buddy’s mind like a sandstorm. She wouldn’t forget that name any time soon. She transferred the credits with no problem, attaching her personal contact details as a note. Buddy gave Vespa a slow onceover and smiled like a cat that just got the cream. “Well, Vespa, darling, once you’re done with this little kidnapping, feel free to get in touch if you need another job. I have a feeling we could do great things together, and my intuition is never wrong.” She turned and sashayed to the door, savoring the matching looks of confusion on Vespa and the diplomat’s faces.

Just as she reached the door, Vespa called out, “Wait, what’s your name?”

Buddy tossed a smoldering look over her shoulder just to watch Vespa’s eyes widen.

“You can call me Buddy.”

[unwilling-souls-if]

Not the OG "nibbling wings" anon but what would the winged ROs reaction be to MC nibbling their wings while fluttering their eyelashes flirtatiously innocently at the RO?? I'm definitely not trying to fish for a less angsty Xander reaction. Nope, not me

Hi! Took some time but it's there hehe :) Wayyy fluffier than the og ask (here)

Relationship stage!

Xander: Oh god. Xander swallows heavily. His body is stiff and tense. His eyes close and he throws his head back to chase the memories swarming his brain. He tries to focus on MC, on the sensation of their mouth on his wings. It’s faint, most of the nerves are numb, but still, the ghost of their lips on him anchors him to life. Xander knows they don’t mean anything by it, that it’s just their way of expressing affection or to busy themself. But it’s so nice. He can indulge for a while, right?

***

Charlotte: Charlotte almost feels like there’s a cat in front of her. MC nibbling on their own wings, distracted and innocent. Their wing is folded toward them, but the other hangs back. Charlotte ducks to snuggle, shoulder to shoulder with MC.

“Hey there, my love.”

MC smiles and wraps their other wing around her shoulders. It feels like home.

***

Dione: Dione is speechless. She tries to look for any sign of flirting or mind games that MC could be playing. But no, they’re just… softly biting her wings while she works at her desk. Her fingers stop typing and she stares at them in contempt for a while. They stare back, and Dione sighs fondly as she rolls back in her chair.

“Sit on my lap, MC, we can cuddle.”

***

Perceval: Xe huff out a little laugh.

“Love, you know I’m ticklish!”

“Mmh,” MC answers, fluttering their lashes at xem. 

There is no malicious intent, Pierce knows it. Xyr hand reaches out to rest on the small of their back. A low humming sound escapes xyr lips as he traces shapes and flowers on the fabric of their top. Perceval is very happy to let MC do whatever they want, as long as they’re here with xem. There is no lesser way to give or receive affection from them. And personally, wings is xyr favorite.

***

Crescent: Their lips curl up with amusement. They don’t want to stop MC from nibbling their wings, because while they can’t feel anything in them, the warmth of MC’s body and the way their eyes shine is enough for them.

For once, Crescent feels satiated. There is no doubt shadowing their heart, no hesitation when they lace their fingers with MC’s. They’re here, alive long after they should have been gone. And lately, they’ve been happy about it. 

MC barged into their life and kickstarted their heart back again— Crescent can let them nibble on their wings if it makes them happy.

[ingenio-academy-if]

Absolutely stole this ask like the last cookie from a plate on a Christmas night: "MC gives crushing!RO a letter saying it is very important, the RO read it, immediately leaves the room RO opens the letter and it reads: "Do you like me? ☐ yes ☐definitely ☐absolutely!!!!" and MC giggling and looking from behind a column". Can we have poly reactions too? (･ัω･ั)

Stop thats too cute 🥺

Assuming super deep crushing stage, like almost in a relationship.

-

Zane: He stares at the note in his hand, eyes wide like saucers- did you- when- HUH???

His eyes shoot up when he hears your laugh and his mouth goes dry- how should he- uhm. His heart hammers in his chest as his feelings spiral for a moment - but the look of your smile, the sound of your laugh... It starts to calm him slowly.

He tucks the note close to his chest, a very small smile tugging on his lips.

-

Evander: The piece of paper feels like it weighs a ton in Evander's hand as he scans each words, the curve if every letter, the spaces between the letter... What- what should he do?

His eyes shoot up and meet yours from where you're laughing, and his heart flutters and the weight in his hand diminishes with his realization of what he wanted to do.

Damn, you're lucky you're cute.

-

Aimé: Oh this brings back memories. Xe smiles to xyrself as xe reads the letter. Xe delicately places the piece if paper down as xe looks for a pen among xyr belongings.

Xe could almost hear how your heart skipoed a beat from where you stood. With delicate hands, xe marks the appropriate box with a red 'x', then xe folded up the letter again and put it back in it's envelope before finally making eye-contact with you.

Xe mercifully doesn't laugh at you almost tripping as you rush over to receive the letter.

-

Nova: Nova laughs as she reads the letter, her eyes easily find you where you hide. She looks at the letter again, considering if she should find a pen and-

No. Fortune favors the bold.

With determined steps and a confident smile, she starts to walk towards you, a reply at the tip of her tongue.

-

Kane: WHERE ARE THEIR PENS? Kane curses themselves as they search through their bag desperately, unaware of you watching them from a distance. They were to occupied with the letter, this was it!

They didn't think this was how the two of you would officially confess, but they aren't complaining!

Once they find a pencil at the bottom of their back, they get to work. They mark every bix with a heart, decirating the rest of the letter with more stars and hearts, they poured themselves into this odd human tradition until they heard a snicker a distance away and they freeze. Wait, how long have you been standing there?

-

Zaimé: Aimé has a brilliant smile in place while Zane stares at the piece of paper wide eyed in shock. The two of them sit together silently while Aimé let's Zane process the letter.

He looks up to where you stand, all smiles and giggles before looking towards Aimé, who is smiling as well.

"I can lend you a pencil" Xe offers, keeping xyr voice soft as xe extends a pen towards him.

Zane gently takes it and looks down at the paper, his chest felt warm.

-

None: "Wait- so it's both of us??" Kane frowns as they read over the letter, making sure that yebb, Nova's name is there too. Nova snatches the paper from Kane's hand, her eyes glance over towards you where you're hiding (badly).

"Yebb." Nova's tone sounds amused "Looks like Mc likes me too-"

Kane groans in dismay "why do I have to share with you?" They cover their face with bith their hands and sigh dramatically, Nova laughs.

"Stay here and wallow in your misery, I'm gonna go tell mc I like them back-"

"Whoa there! Not without me!"

[exquisitexagony]

Fingertips trail gently through her hair as she nuzzles against him. He lets her yawn, rub her face into his hoodie and glances down at her with a smirk. A yawn given in response to hers, a sleeve-covered hand reaching up to cover it.

A roll of their eyes when she promises not to laugh. It wasn't so much that they expected it from her, but it was a vulnerable dream. It felt like such a ridiculous thing to admit out loud.

A small yelp when she tickles at xyr ribs, giggles quickly fluttering past their lips as they flinch away slightly. A hand takes hers, pushing it away through laughter. "All right, all right!" A shake of xyr head with a playful grin. Xe sighs. Eyes close so xe doesn't have to see her expression as xe tells the dream, practically sees it in xyr memory.

"It's...kind of hard to explain, but...I was in...what I can only assume was some kind of pool--or a river. Some body of water. Just swimming, treading water, going nowhere..." He swallows. "It was...You know, stressful, but somehow also relaxing? No responsibilities." A bite of his lip. "Then it sort of...Well, there were these splashes of waves suddenly shoving me around and I couldn't breathe..." He pauses, eyes opening to stare at the stars. A flash of his face in his memory.

"I don't, um...I mean, it's hard to see, in my dreams..? Everything's sort of...black and white and blurry, monochrome with only flashes of colour here or there where it matters..." He clears his throat nervously, shifting a little in his spot. Fingertips have stilled against Leo's back by now, heart racing a little.

"But...He shows up. Just a hand at first, but it's like...I know it. I know him. He's still got the bracelet I made him...It's old and tattered, but it's there." Another beat. He sucks in a deep breath, slowly, trying to ignore the slightly blurred wetness in his vision now. "So I take it. And it's like..." Brows furrow a little, gesturing slightly as he tries to come up with the right words.

"Everything just...stills. There's no more chaos, I can breathe again and he kisses me and I--" A pause, rolling his eyes and looking off to the side. "I can breathe. And everything is so...bright, colours bursting into life all around me, but it's always starting with him." A long, drawn-out pause, not looking back at Leo now, head turned to one side and staring off into the distance.

"And his eyes..." His voice is a low whisper now, rasping softly. A reminiscent smile brushes his lips, pain there, but joy too. A slow blink. A tear trails down his cheek.

"And we hold hands...and make love, I think, but it's just colours...and then we're just--" A shrug. "Together." He sniffles, quickly reaching up a sleeve-covered hand to wipe away the couple of tears that had slipped out. Eyes return to the sky. "See? Silly."

Leo is happily pulled into Sami’s arms, body shifting slightly until she finds a comfortable place to rest her head. She yawns and buries her face against the fabric of xyr hoodie to wipe away the subsequent tears. After a moment, she’s lifting her head to look at xem again.

“I won’t laugh.” Her face scrunches in feigned offense. “I only laughed at your dreams once! And that’s because it was funny.”

A quick stretch and she closes her eyes, snuggling closer. The sound of Sami’s heartbeat mixed with the light breeze is comforting, helps her tune out the worries in her head. And she liked to hear xem talk, no matter what it was about. Xe was probably the only person in the world she never got tired of.

“Tell meeee.” She prods, her fingers lightly tickling into xyr ribs. “I wanna know.”

[exquisitexagony]

A small laugh as she emphasizes her love for birthdays. Quite frankly, birthdays just made him feel old, but he appreciated the sentiment. Honestly he was just glad that she was the only one there. A party would've been too much, but this? This was actually very nice. A sweet gesture. The kind of thing his sister would probably have done for him if she were still around...

Arthur quirks a brow as she passes a box his way. Eyes narrow a little, lips pursing as they tilt their head at her. "You didn't have to get me anything," they murmur almost immediately. And then she's suddenly grabbing a hat and forcing it onto their head. An eyeroll, shaking their head. "I see, so this is just an excuse to humiliate me," they tease with a smirk. Once she seems satisfied with their appearance, they pull the bow off the top of the box and carefully open it up. Instantly, their face lights up.

Bright eyes stare down at the image she'd made for xem, a warm smile on xyr features. A soft chuckle. Xe pulls it out, squinting a little to read the small printed words. Xyr chest tightens and xe swallows hard, bits xyr lip...This was probably the nicest thing anyone had done for xem in a long time. Xe didn't keep friends, didn't even make acquaintances...so things like this were few and far between. It'd probably been at least a good 20 years since xe had experienced anything as carefully thought out as this.

Then, he sees the extra line toward the bottom and his brows knit together. Look up.

As blue hues lift to view Leo, he thinks for a moment that his heart has stopped. A sharp intake of breath, then he's releasing it slowly, shakily. Eyelids flutter, trying to force back the tears he feels prickling at his eyes. He swallows hard. His gaze shifts from the beautiful guitar to Leo and back again until finally a small smile manages to pull up his features. A soft, shuddery laugh releases, vision blurred by the tears that refused to be quelled.

"Leo..." A tear drips down his cheek and he's quick to swipe it away, sniffling. "Sorry..." He's beaming at her now, setting the box down as he moves over to take the Gibson from her arms. "You..." He licked his lips, staring down at the beautiful instrument, fingertips delicately smoothing against the wood. He shook his head. "No one's ever done anything like this for me before...I don't...I don't know what to say."

It’s so hard to gaugehim when he always looks so stoic. But that was also her favorite thing about him – when he smiled, when he laughed, it was always genuine.

“Well, I asked Pete when-“ Before she can finish her sentence she’s swept into his arms. It’s unexpected to say the least, but her arms wrap around in reciprocation. The squeeze he gives her makes her laugh, even if it cuts short as he sets her down. But the slightest hesitation is there when their head rests of her shoulder – and for the briefest of moments Leo doesn’t want them to let go. It had been so long since someone hugged her that she’d almost forgotten what it felt like.

“Of course.” If there had been the slightest inclination of sadness on her face from their parting it’s quickly scrubbed away with a smile. “Unfortunately for you, I love birthdays.”

She turns from him again, eyeing the table with the cake and other things on it. Leo pokes randomly at some of the decorations like she’s trying to decide something. She takes a long sip of her seltzer before setting it down and grabbing something. Turning to face him again, she’s beaming.

“Okay I was going to wait but I’m way too excited, so.” A box is extended to him – the present perfectly wrapped in plain brown paper, decorated with small drawings she had done herself (of course). A green bow is situated on top. “Open it! Oh, no, wait.” She turns again, grabbing one of the party hats off the table. “You can’t open presents without your party hat.”

When he opens the box he will find a tiny drawing of himself playing a guitar, sat atop his truck with a note that reads:

Happy birthday, Arthur! When you first told me you played guitar this is exactly what I pictured. You, the moon, and that old blue truck, picking away into the night. I don’t know what the guitar you lost looked like, but I hope this is close enough. P.S. Look up!

And when they look up again they will see Leo standing there with an old acoustic Gibson in her hands. One that was incredibly out of her price range, but luckily, a client had given to her for free because her son no longer wanted it.

“Don’t worry, I won’t make you sing for me.”