writing-till-i-am-dead

[writing-till-i-am-dead]

[writing-till-i-am-dead]

It's Just Business - Angel Dust's backstory

Chapter 3

8 years ago

The year was 1932 and this... This was the high life. That's what Anthony told himself. Dressing up, dancing and singing at cabarets. It was the life. Of course, he didn't go by Anthony at these sorts of things. 'Angel' was what he went by. Made things safer. That's what he told himself. But, being part of a crime family made everything the exact opposite of safe. But he was young, untouchable. But... that is just what he told himself.

"Tony?"

Anthony's blood ran cold and he turned to see a familiar face, shocked, disgusted, confused, concerned. He ran a hand through his dark brown hair, trying to process what he was seeing.

"Jon," Anthony said, his voice breaking slightly, the other performers looking at him in concern.

"You ok, Angel?" they asked, eyeing Jonathan suspiciously.

"Jon. Don't tell dad. Please," Anthony begged, reaching out for his brother.

Jonathan took a step away, still shocked by what was happening. "I have to, Anthony. What do you think'll happen to me if I don't."

"No, Jonny, don't!!"

Present

"Look at this place," Jonathan spat as they were outside of the bar Molly was to have her date. "What a place for a first date. Gaudy as hell. Cmon, let's get us a table at this dump."

Anthony gulps as he stared up at the sign for the bar. He knew this place all too well. Late nights performing and singing and dancing and partying. It was one of his favorite places. He heard through the grapevine that the place stopped doing those types of performances 7 years ago. The depression did that to a lot of those types of places.

"You comin', Tony?" Jonathan calls out.

"Huh? Oh! Ya. Coming." He chases after his brother, the doors swinging open. The place still smelled like cigarettes, however, the smell of booze was somehow even thicker. Probably because now they didn't have to hide the smell from the cops.

"There's Molly."

Anthony follows his brother's gaze and there she was, Anthony's twin sister. Her short, blonde hair had been curled as neat as possible and she wore a long, pink dress- her signature color, as she put it- made of a thin fabric. She definitely looked dolled up for a date.

"She is too damn pretty for some leatherneck," Jonathan growls under his breath as he pulls out a chair to sit himself in.

Anthony chuckles. "Can't help but agree with you on that one."

They watched over her from a distance. "So, where's her date?" Jonathan grumbles, tightly gripping a napkin. "He showin' her up? What an ass!"

Anthony waves his hand to get his brother to be quiet. "Shut up, I can practically see the steam coming from your ears. We don't want her to see us."

Jonathan sunk in his chair, crossing his arm. A waiter approached their table with a pen and paper.

"How can I help you 2 this afternoon?" he asks.

Anthony glances slightly at the waiter before waving his hand vaguely. "Ah, I'll take a beer."

"And I'll take a-" Jonathan started before the waiter cuts him off.

"Angel?"

Anthony's head snaps away from his sister and towards the waiter. "The hell-?!" There stood a familiar face. Stanley, or as Anthony mostly called him, Pauline.

Jonathan also recognized the name and looks between the 2 for a moment. "The hell are you?" Jonathan asks darkly, his hand drifting to the gun hidden on his hip.

Anthony jumps. "Jon, don't! This is Pau- er, Stanley. He was a friend back during.. that time.."

Jonathan blinks slowly and his hand slowly moving to rest on the table. "Ok..."

Stanley smiles nervously. "Well, I'll be damned, Ang- um, Anthony. You don't look any different. You sure you're not still 21?"

Anthony laughs awkwardly. "Yep. 29 years old.. haha.."

"Well, you look great."

There was an awkward pause. "Right. Sorry. What would you like to drink, sir?"

Jonathan seemed to have also forgotten what was going on and he shook his head to try and rearrange his thoughts. "Oh, uh, ya. Beer. I'll have a beer."

Stanley nods and hesitantly takes a step back before walking away. Anthony lets out a breath he didn't realize he was holding and leans back in his chair. That was so weirdly stressful. But also.. nostalgic.

"Welp. That certainly wasn't painfully awkward."

"Hah... ya.. Let's not talk about that, ya?"

"Ya, deal- Oh shit, the leatherneck is here!"

Anthony quickly turns in his chair to face Molly's table. And sure enough, there was someone new. He was particularly young and round faced. That surprised Anthony. Molly wasn't exactly considered 'young.' Dad had prevented her from having dates and so, now that so many think she's past her prime, she doesn't ever get to go on dates. To be frank, Anthony had been expecting some guy in his 40s or 50s.

"What a babyface," Jonathan hisses under his breath, practically clawing at the table.

"Easy there, Tom Powers," Anthony teases.

Jonathan glares. "You saying you're the sensible Mike?"

Anthony shrugs. "I like to think I am."

"Well, to hell with that, then. Wouldn't want a marines brother. Which is why we gotta put that clown," he tilts his head toward Molly's date, "outta commission."

Anthony laughs. “Cool down. We gotta wait until we can get him alone. Until then, let’s just relax and let her enjoy herself.”

“You know we can’t afford to let that happen.”

Anthony goes quiet and leans back in his chair. "Geez.." He stares at his sister and her date for a long moment.

Their beers arrive and they watch from afar, creating theories and speculating what they could be saying. "He's probably being dirty," Jonathan hisses under his breath. "Bein' weird with our sister." He takes a large swig of his drink.

Anthony sighs and shakes his head. "I dunno. He seems like a sweet kid."

"Sweet kid my ass," he scoffs. "Look at him! He's too damn smiley. Especially when we're in such turbulent times. No one can be that happy when we're at war."

Anthony raises an eyebrow. "You've gotta stop reading the newspaper. It's makin' you obsessed with this damn war."

"Bah, it's good to keep up with the news!" he says dismissively.

Anthony shrugs and looks back to his sister's table only to see her getting up and walking toward the bathroom. "Shit. Cmon, Jon."

Him and his brother quickly stood up and approached the table. There sat the marines kid that Molly was so smitten with, all alone.

"Hm?" He looks up curiously at the approaching figures. "What can I do you 2 for?" he asks.

Jonathan laughs sharply. "Aw, you hear that, Tony? He wants to know what he can do us for?" His eyes turn to a glare. "I'll tell you what you can do." He pulls up his shirt to flash him the gun he had on his hip. The boy's eyes go wide and panicked. Jonathan chuckles. "Yep. Come with us, will ya jarhead?"

He gulps and glances toward the bathroom door before back at them. "Ok.." he says with a slow nod.

Anthony grabs his shoulder and shoves him out of the bar, the 3 of them heading to the back door. The kid stumbles, catching himself before he could fall.

"Look, I don't have much money," he says, weakly putting his hands up.

Anthony scoffs. "Man, this is pathetic." He kicks him in the back of the knees, causing him to fall. "To think someone like this caught the attention of Molly."

The kid looked extremely confused. "Molly? Wait, you know Molly?"

They both roll their eyes. "We're her brothers. Don't ya see the familial resemblance?" Jonathan asks.

He looked between them, as if trying to decipher certain aspects of them that may resemble Molly. "I-I mean, he does-" he says, pointing at Anthony before getting cut off by Jonathan pointing a gun in his direction.

"All right, that's besides the point. Stay the fuck away from Molly, ya?"

He flinches so hard that his head hits the wall. "Yes! Yes, I'm sorry!" he exclaims, putting his hands up.

Jonathan and Anthony exchange a glance. "I dunno, I don't think he means it," Jonathan says.

Anthony just shrugs. "Like he's just saying it in the moment cause he's scared?"

"Ya, somethin' like that." Jonathan points his gun down at the kid's knees and smiles wickedly. "Let's make sure he knows not to go back on his promise."

"STOP!" a voice cuts through the air. They all whip their heads around and see Molly running out. "Just STOP it!"

"Molly!" Jonathan exclaims. She grabs his arm and attempts to pull the gun out of his hands. "Molly, stop it, it's not on safety!" A loud boom! cuts through the air from a stray gunshot, hitting the dumpster. Jonathan manages to yank his hand away from his sister, who was stunned from the noise.

Molly steps in front of her date. "Did dad make you do this?!" She clenches and fists and they could tell she was struggling to keep herself from pulling out her hair, an old habit of hers. "Ugh! You were gonna shoot him..!"

She turns to her date, sniffling. "Raymond, I'm sorry about this." She pulls him up from the ground and he seems to be leaning away from her touch. "You can go home. I'll pay for the drinks.."

Without any hesitation, he turns on his heel and runs out of there. Jonathan scoffs, shaking his head. "What a coward."

Molly snaps her head toward them, glaring sharply. "Take me.. to dad. Now."

[writing-till-i-am-dead]

It's Just Business - Angel Dust's Backstory

Chapter 2

Anthony glances at the ticking clock above the fireplace. Him and Jonathan had gotten home several minutes ago, but their father still hasn’t said a single word to them. He just sat in his arm chair at the center of the room, reading through the newspaper. Anthony and Jonathan exchanged unsteady glances. Usually their dad was quick to the point. When he was quiet and taking his time like this… it meant nothing good.

“So,” their father finally said, his voice cutting through the tension like butter. “You 2 aren’t taking the job seriously anymore?”

Anthony gulps. “Of course we’re taking it seriously, dad!” He turned to his brother. “Tell ‘em, Jon!”

Jonathan jumps and nods rapidly. “Ya, ya! We were just on a small break is all!”

Their father raised an eyebrow. “Break? Well, if that’s the case.. Johnny. Is it true you were going to club one of our associates with a pool cue because you were… on break?”

“I.. I..”

Anthony clenches his fists. The damn snitch of a goon!

Their father laughs darkly, but there’s no humor to it. “That doesn’t sound to me like you’re.. taking it seriously.”

Anthony steps in. “Dad, Jonny just wasn’t thinking ahead. You know how he gets. He’s a dumbass, through and through. But I kept him straight-!”

“You’re one to talk about keepin’ straight, Tony,” their father said, slamming his newspaper into the coffee table in front of him, causing Anthony to flinch.

“I-“ Anthony started, but quickly shut himself up, rubbing his arm.

Their dad pinches his nose. “Now, listen. Here’s what we’re gonna do. Molls has a date she’s going on later this afternoon.”

Jonathan and Anthony perked up protectively. “Who the hell with?” Jonathan asks.

“Not anyone part of our type of business. Just some kid, apparently part of the military. Ahh, marines, so you know he’s all brawn but no brain.”

“Some military asshead?” Jonathan scoffs. “Hell no!”

Their dad nodded, standing up from his chair. “I agree. I think we just gotta.. scare him away, yknow?”

Anthony pauses. “But.. Molly will never forgive us if we scare off her date.”

“What she doesn’t know won’t kill her,” their dad said, glaring sharply at Anthony. “Besides, if she does figure it out, not like she actually believes this can last long. She knows why I named her Moll-y.”

Anthony shudders. A bargaining chip. That’s all Molly is to their father. Someone they can sell off to another gang member if it means it’ll make the job easier for him.

“I can watch over Molly,” Anthony says.

Their father’s lips tightened into a straight line. “Why, you wanna dress up as her damn sister, Tony?”

Anthony shrinks slightly. “Dad, that’s not-“

“I don’t need to hear more excuses right now, Tony. It’s all water under the bridge, kay?” But his voice made it clear that that wasn’t the case. “But, Jonathan will also be helping out, kay?”

Anthony grinds his teeth and looks down. “Kay.”

“Good. Now get outta my face.”

Anthony and Jonathan shuffle out of the living room. “Can’t believe Molly is smitten by some leatherneck.”

Anthony chuckles weakly. “Ya. She does have a thing for meatheads, though.”

“Bah. I guess.” He reaches into his pocket to fish out a cigarette. “But I guess we’re gonna have to stalk Molly on her date.”

“Guess so,” Anthony says, pushing his hands into his pockets.

Jonathan glanced sideways to his brother as he lights his cigarette. “Hey. You letting dad get to you? Cmon, man, he’s just holding a grudge. You haven’t done that pansy shit in a long time. It was just a phase.”

Anthony doesn’t respond, instead watching the smoke float from the end of Jonathan’s cigarette. “Ya.. Just some stupid curiosity shit,” he says finally, turning on his heel and walking down the hall.

[writing-till-i-am-dead]

It's Just Business - Angel Dust's Backstory

Chapter 1

The soft sounds of clunk and thud filled the room followed by woops and pats on the back. The bar smelled of cigarettes and cheap booze. Ever since drinking was made legal, it practically flowed like water everywhere you went.

“Ay, Anthony!” Jonathan called out, leaning back against the pool table. “Buy me an old fashioned, will you?”

Anthony turned to his brother, an eyebrow raised. “You already owe me for the last however many drinks I’ve paid for you.”

“Ya, but I gotta celebrate! I’m on a roll!” his brother said proudly, swinging the pool cue over his shoulder, nearly smacking one of their workers.

“Hey, watch out for them!” Anthony snaps. “Dad’ll kill you if you injure any of his associates. And by extension, he’ll kill me because I’m not babysittin’ you well enough.”

Jonathan laughs. “You really think dad will care if I even so much as off one of these Joes?” He then lifts his pool cue, turning to face one of their father’s associates, a scrawny little guy with a sad mop of brown hair. “I could swing on ‘em right now and no one would even notice!”

And that he did, swinging the stick to hit the poor sap, but is stopped midway when Anthony comes up behind him and grabs it. “You overestimate dad’s favoritism of you,” Anthony says before pulling it from Jonathan’s hands and putting the cue up.

Jonathan scoffs, crossing his arms and Anthony turns to the shaken up goon.

“Well? Scram!”

Immediately, the associate scurried off in a panic and Jonathan laughs sarcastically. “You’re such an angel, Tony.”

Anthony rolls his eyes and lights a cigarette. “Don’t make me throw up,” he says, leaning forward onto the bar. “Just not gettin’ my ass beat by dad. Simple as that.”

The bartender, Bert, turns to Anthony while wiping a glass. “You’re gonna have to pick up all the snipes you have littered on the floor, Tony.”

Anthony gives him a teasing smirk. “But doesn’t it feel like a remnant of me left behind for you?”

“A remnant that makes my bar stink all the way to hell and attracts bugs,” Bert says, pushing the ashtray toward Anthony before turning away to get back to his work. 

“Well, the bugs keep the spiders fed,” Anthony grumbles and shoves the end of his cigarette into the ray.

“You’re puttin’ out a perfectly good cigarette because of Bert?” Jonathan asks in disgust. “Give it to me, I’ll happily smoke it.”

Anthony glares at him for a moment before handing the rumpled up cigarette off to his brother. But before Jonathan could enjoy a good smoke, the bar’s telephone began ringing.

“Agh, I hate that sound,” Jonathan growls under his breath, scratching his head in frustration. “Bert, you gonna get the horn?”

“Ya, ya, impatient twit,” Bert grumbles as he walks to the phone and answers. “Yep, this is Bert’s Beer Bar. Hmm.. Ya, they’re here.” He places the phone against his shoulder. “It’s for you 2.”

Anthony and Jonathan exchange a glance before Anthony shoves Jonathan and Jonathan shoves him back. Finally, Anthony relented and reached for the phone.

“Hello?”

“Anthony, are you and Jonathan slacking off again?” growled a deep voice on the other end.

He just sighs. “Hi, dad,” Anthony says in exasperation. “We’re not slackin’. We’re scouting. Keepin’ watch, yknow?”

“Keepin’ watch my ass. Probably playin’ pool and wasting tobacco.”

Anthony freezes. “W-Well, so what? It’s been real slow lately, what with the war and everything.”

“The war means we have to be on higher alert than ever, you lousy mug! We’ve got who knows how many people after us even more now that Italy got involved! Now quit slacking and get back to base!”

Anthony flinches when his dad’s yelling causes the phone to start breaking up.

“Alright, alright. Yeesh. We’re coming.”

Anthony hands the phone back to Bert before he groans. “Welp, Jonathan. The old man needs us.”

“Huh? But I still haven’t gotten my drink!”

Anthony smacks the back of his head. “Cmon!”

Jonathan grumbles under his breath, rubbing the back of his head. “Can’t wait to see whatever insane, impossible task he makes us do this time.”

“Well, no matter what it is, we will do it,” Anthony says darkly. 

“More like I’ll do it. You can’t do anything yourself, you dainty lil pansy.”

“Say it louder why don’t you,” Anthony growls, getting a loud laugh in response from Jonathan.

[writing-till-i-am-dead]

Do you like anguish? Have anguish

Noah is also kidnapped

Noah would be so confused. Collateral damage au. Hmmmmmm

[writing-till-i-am-dead]

Can you make a Loah story where it all ended? Where the kids try to return to their normal lives?

And Noah and Logan meet again

Mannn, I was really enjoying the angst 😔

Jk, jk, I’ll get around to it, don’t worry!

[writing-till-i-am-dead]

Loah Oneshot - Missing

Ohhh rarepair lovers! I come bringing gifts! They’re angsty!

Logan has been missing for weeks now. Noah wants to not be terrified, since Logan promised him he’d be ok. 

But him, his friends, and all of their guardians have gone completely radio silent. Noah has tried to look into where Logan may have gone, but can’t find anything. It’s terrifying. 

After the 5th all night we in a row of not being able to find anything information, he takes in a deep, sharp, shaky breath before slamming his laptop closed over and over again before tossing it onto the ground.

“DANGIT, DANGIT, DANGIT!” He covers his face in his hands. “He has to be ok..”

And now here he was at school. Several weeks since they’ve all gone missing. 

“Hey, Noah!” Barron shouts behind him. Usually, Noah would freeze, but Barron has gotten quite comfortable with his torment of Noah since Logan’s disappearance. And so, Noah has gotten quite to it. Again. 

He slowly turns, reaching into his bag. “Here’s your calculus, Barron,” Noah says under his breath before Barron snatched it from his hands. 

“Thanks. You’re a real lifesaver, Noah,” Barron says, flashing Noah a fake ‘genuine’ smile. 

Noah simply nods silently before Barron stalks past him. Noah lets out a big breath before leaning back against the lockers and sliding down to the ground. He tilts his hat down, obscuring his face. 

He had never been so lonely, which was odd, because this was exactly how it was before Logan. He hugs his legs and rests his chin on his knees. He wondered if Logan would feel the same way if Noah were to go missing..

He closes his eyes. No. Logan had those friends of his. 

He clenched his fists. Where were they? And why had Mr. Thomas also gone missing after he called them to his classroom? He doesn’t understand. He’s terrified. 

He feels his phone buzzing in his pocket, but he ignores it, instead reaching into his bag to pull out that comic Logan gave him. 

He has flipped through these pages countless times in these days. Closely analyzing the art, the dialogue, the foreshadowing, the world building. So that if when Logan comes back, he can tell him all about the comic, impress Logan, show him that he can connect with him better than… anyone else can. But that’s selfish, isn’t it?

He flips to the very last page and at the bottom corner was a small doodle done with a blue gel pen. It was of a shooting star going over the moon. 

Noah has stared at this doodle for hours before. It feels so human, so Logan. 

He probably sounds so desperate. 

“Oh my gosh.”

“I can’t believe it.”

“Is that seriously them?”

Noah looks up and sees people in the hallways, staring at their phones with looks of shock. He remembers his phone buzzing earlier and pulls it out. 

An emergency notification from his news app. And when he opens it, he feels his heart drop down to the pits of his stomach. 

“6 Kids Wanted: Extremely Dangerous. Call police if seen.” And underneath was a photo of 6 faces he knew. 

Ashlyn Banner. 

Tyler Hernandez

Taylor Hernandez

Aiden Clark

Ben Clark

And..

He gasps and nearly lets out a sob of horror. 

Logan Fields. His Logan. His best friend. 

Wanted? Dangerous? No, no. That couldn’t be. That was nothing like the Logan he knew. Just a few weeks ago, Logan had been looking at him with such care and genuine.. well, he didn’t want to say love to avoid getting his hopes up, but it felt like love..

And now he’s a wanted criminal? No, no. That’s not Logan. That’s not him at all. 

So why was he holding a gun in the picture?

Despite the horror, the terror, Noah can’t stop looking at the picture. Because no matter how much disgust he should be feeling, someone he thought he could trust is a dangerous criminal, he couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief. Because…

Logan was alive. And that made things a little bit brighter in these bleak circumstances. 

…

As Logan was knocked out in the car, leaning against Taylor’s shoulder, he found himself dreaming of simpler things. 

“Logan, sit down, you have food all over your face,” he heard his grandmother says before grabbing his small baby hand and wiping his face. 

And then it shifted. 

“Logan, no way you know this much about flowers,” he heard Taylor say as she observed the new roses he had just planted. “It’s unfair. You’re like.. good at everything!”

Before he could interject, he heard Ashlyn’s voice. “Poppies. These are my mom’s favorites.”

And it shifted once more and there before him was Noah. He sat on the sidewalk next to him, holding a comic book. 

“Yknow, Logan,” Noah says. “I think you’re my best friend. 

Logan saw his own hand reach out from his arm to touch Noah’s arm. “I feel the same way,” he heard himself say. 

Except he never did. He never truly did. He only stumbled over his words like an idiot, leaving Noah to feel like a pity friend. Once again. 

Logan wishes he could’ve said it. 

Wishes he could’ve told Noah everything. Everything that needed to be said. The important things. 

Not the Phantom World, or his family’s history. No. 

That he was his best friend. He wishes he could’ve told Noah that he was his best friend. 

Divider by @uzmacchiato

[writing-till-i-am-dead]

We need drugs (Loah)

And for some of us who are writers, we will soon start writing this new ship >:]

By the way... How are you? :D

Haha, glad to see I’m bringing people to my rarepair! I will definitely be reading those fics, and I’m brainstorming an idea for the next fic 😼

And I’m good! Thank God it’s finally the weekend!

[writing-till-i-am-dead]

How do I explain that we're going to need more Loah content? (Noah x Logan)

Hehe, don’t worry, I have some more ideas for these 2 dorks! I will feed you guys, worry not!

[writing-till-i-am-dead]

Loah Oneshot - Goodbye?

Logan was outside of the school, comic in hand as he waited for Noah. He had told the others to go ahead of him. Taylor had smirked and said, “Oh, meeting with that boy again?” before Tyler managed to drag her off. 

He chuckled awkwardly before Ashlyn stopped next to him. “You know we aren’t normal, Logan. But he is.”

He looked down sadly. “I know.. I know! Trust me, I’m not gonna get him dragged into our mess.”

She gives him a sympathetic look, but nods sternly. “Ok. I’ll see you at my place.”

He watches as his friends leave and lets out a long sigh. He doesn’t have long to mope, however, when he feels a pair of hands grab his shoulders. “Boo.”

He jolts and turns around, seeing a snickering Noah. Despite his heightened senses from his time in the Phantom Realm, Noah always somehow managed to sneak up on him.

“Do you have the comic?” Noah asks.

Logan smiles. Him and Noah started doing comic-swaps. Every Friday, they exchange a comic for the other to read over the weekend. Logan has learned way more about turtles named after famous artists than he ever thought he would.

Logan handed Noah the Star Trek comic and as he did, their hands brushed together for a fraction of a second, but they both noticed it. They always both noticed it. And it always made things so much more complicated.

Noah is convinced that Logan doesn’t like him like that. Especially because he’s been so much more distant lately. But distance is the only way to keep him safe. It feels like the Phantom Realm has been leaking into their normal lives. He would hate to drag Noah into that. Especially now, with their plans to return to Savannah. 

“Noah,” Logan says slowly. “Take care of yourself this weekend.. Ok?”

Noah gives him a confused, concerned look. “Ok…? You too, Logan.”

Logan hesitates, clutching the comic in his hands before throwing his arms around Noah. Noah completely froze before slowly hugging him back.

“Logan..? Are you ok?”

He hesitated. He wanted to tell Noah everything. But he couldn’t. “Yes. I’m ok.” He slowly lets him go. “Just.. excited to read this comic. I’ve been enjoying this series a lot so far!”

Noah still seemed unsure, but gave a hesitant smile. “Ya. I’ve been enjoying this series too.”

The 2 stare at each other for a long moment. Care and unspoken words passing through them before Logan slowly began to walk away. “I’ll see you later, Noah.”

“..Seeya..”

Noah watches as Logan walks away. It always seemed like Logan was the first to leave. So why did this feel almost like a goodbye? And, spurred by an almost nervous, terrified feeling that that could be the truth, Noah sucks in a breath and, without thinking, shouts out, “LOGAN! You… You better read that comic! …Ok?”

Logan stares at him, wide eyed, before smiling from ear to ear. It reminded him of the present moment, not what’s to come. And so, with a nod, he shouts back, “I will!!”

╔══ ❀•°❀°•❀ ══╗

Saturday 7:45 pm

>>Noah: Hey, Logan, I just finished the issue. I really liked it, but I’m also kind of confused about worldbuilding.

>>Noah: How are you enjoying your comic so far?

Saturday 10:50 pm

>>Noah: I found this cool Star Trek poster online. Getting ideas for your birthday 👀

Sunday 9:10 am

Noah: You weren’t responding yesterday. Just wanted to make sure you’re ok! <3

Sunday 1:36 pm

Noah: Hey, I stopped by the flower shop and apparently it’s closed due to an emergency? Is everything ok?

Sunday 9:20 pm

Noah: Logan, please, I’m scared. After our last talk on Friday, I’m concerned that you weren’t telling me something. I just want to make sure you’re doing alright.

And by the time Monday came, Noah’s anxiety was through the roof. He was so scared he came off too paranoid, too clingy. But seeing as how he hadn’t gotten a single message back… he had that right, right?

He shakes his head, clutching the comic tightly in his hand. He looked around for Logan, desperate to have confirmation that he’s ok. That’s when he spots him with his friends. Noah feels a wave of relief overwhelm him before he notices the looks on all of their faces.

They all looked so terrified, stressed, exhausted.. What happened?

“Loga-!”

But from around the corner.. Barron showed up.

Shit.

Noah was frozen in place, crinkling the pages of the comic in his hands as he clutched it tightly. Barron, what was he doing? Didn’t Logan scare him off? And why did Logan look even scarier than last time he saw him confront Barron?

He gulped hard and his breathing got shaky. It was at that moment when Barron locked eyes with Noah. Logan followed his gaze and also saw him, his angry face immediately shifting to guilt.

“Noah-”

“Both the nerds here for the picking. Perfect.”

“Noah, please, I-I’ll talk to you later, I-”

He was cut off, however, when suddenly Mr. Thomas stepped out of his classroom, startling everyone.

“I was hoping I’d run into you kids,” the teacher said. Immediately, Barron and his friends retreated.

“Do you think I could talk to you all in the classroom? I want to discuss something important before class starts.”

“Oh, um.. We’re actually in a hurry,” Ashlyn says. “We need to see Coach Wilson, so-”

Logan turns to Noah and stares at him for a long moment, a look of sadness and longing in his eyes.

“Wait!” Mr. Thomas shouts. “I-It’s about Savannah.”

Noah saw a look of shock and horror go on everyone’s faces, and that’s when he felt completely lost. Logan hesitated before reaching out and squeezing Noah’s hand. 

“Noah,” he said softly. “I promise, I will tell you everything. I just.. Can’t talk right now.” He looked down, noticing the comic still in his hand. “Spock never abandons Spirk, right?”

Noah smiles shakily. “I dunno, man, I’ve only read, like, 10 issues.”

They both chuckle.

“I promise… I’ll be ok,” Logan says as he slowly backs up toward the classroom.

Noah looks over at Mr. Thomas and feels unsure. Something feels off. But, he trusted Logan.

“Ok,” Noah murmurs. “I.. I’ll hold you to that.”

Logan goes to the classroom and as the door shut, he truly felt like that was goodbye.

Divider by @grungenglam

[writing-till-i-am-dead]

Loah oneshot

I’m back from the dead! (I never died, just mostly moved to AO3). Anyways, enjoy these nerds being nerds.

Noah is that kid that Barron was bullying (chapter 42) and I saw someone headcanon that he was the son of Jacob, the owner of the gun store (chapter 53), so adopted that here. Anyways, enjoy!

Noah hated working at the gun shop. The hours would go on late. His dad usually lets him clock out at 9 pm, but sometimes, usually weekend nights, he has to work the night shift. Well,, it’s not like he had anything better to do. What, go and hangout with Barron?

He shuddered at the thought.

He stopped hanging out with Barron after that glasses guy warned him. He had to admit, that kid was scary. The way he had pinned Barron to the ground. And his face alone had been terrifying. He was just glad that rage hadn’t been directed at him.

His gaze shifts to the clock on the wall. 10:43. Noah groans and slams his head into the counter. He was so tired. He just wanted to go home already. But he had to help his dad out with the shop. He rests his face on his arms and stares at the front door. He really wasn’t expecting it to open, so when he closes his eyes for just a second, he’s startled into jolting up when the door’s bell jingles.

“Um, welcome!” he announces, cringing at his stiff words, but quickly forgets about it when he sees who it is.

“It’s you!” It was that boy! The one who warned him about Barron. Logan, was it?

Logan blinks in surprise at Noah’s declaration and Noah felt his face flush as the awkward silence spread across the room.

“Oh!” Logan says, a look of realization dawning. “Noah!”

He remembered his name! That made him happy. Most people don’t even remember he exists.

“Ya. And you’re Logan.”

The 2 smile sheepishly at one another.

“So, uh, what can I do you for?” Noah asks, stepping out from behind the counter. He began wondering what the heck was Logan doing in a gun shop? And so late?

“Oh, um..” Logan rubs the back of his neck. “I’m going hunting this weekend. And I was bored so I decided to, uh, look around. Out of curiosity. Is Mr. Jacob not here?”

“Mr. Ja- Ah, my dad! Ya, he’s here. Just in the back and taking care of inventory. Do you need me to go get him?”

“No, it’s ok. I was just curious.”

“All right. Well, I can help you look at the selections, if you’d like.”

Logan seemed a bit hesitant but slowly nodded. “Alright. Sounds good.”

The two walk down the aisles and Noah points at a rifle on the wall. “Bolt action rifles are the most commonly used for hunters. But Winchesters are also pretty good.”

Logan smiles crookedly. “I'm actually better with a Springfield. The weight is perfect and the long range.”

Noah blinks in surprise. He didn’t know that Logan knew anything about guns. He didn’t seem the type. Then again, Noah probably didn’t either.

“So you have experience?” Noah asks.

Logan freezes before shrugging stiffly. “A little..” His voice was a bit strained, like he was hiding something or not saying the full truth.

The two go silent for a bit. Noah can’t help but feel a sense of kinship with Logan. Yes, this was kind of awkward, but knowing he’s not the only one who’s bad at talking to people gave him a little bit of solace.

“By the way,” Logan says, breaking the silence. “Are you still hanging out with Barron?”

Noah hesitates, pulling down his cap to hide his face a little. “No. He stopped talking to me after you and your friends fought with him.”

“Oh. Well that’s good.”

Noah wasn’t so sure, though. Ya, Barron was a jerk. But it was nice to talk to someone on a day to day basis. Now he’s just back to going almost a whole day without saying a peep to anyone. It’s just incredibly lonely.

Logan seemed to notice the unsure expression on Noah’s face.

“Hey, uh.. say, are you able to take a break?”

Noah jumps slightly. “Huh?”

“I was going to run to the convenience store to get some late night snacks. Wanna come with me?”

Noah’s face flushed and he began stumbling over his words. “Well, if you’re inviting me because you feel bad for me, you don’t have to.”

“No, no. I’m serious. I really do want you to come with me.”

“Well, I don’t know if my dad would-”

“Just go with him,” a voice says, cutting him off. 

Both of them whip their heads around and see Noah’s dad, Jacob, standing at the doorway of the storage room. “Go have some fun with your friend. I can hold down the fort.”

Noah’s face goes even redder and he clenches his fists at his sides. Now he felt like a baby who needed to get his daddy’s permission to go out.

But Logan, rather than laughing, simply smiles at Noah. “Well. Wanna come?”

Noah stares at him. Then stares at him some more. Finally, he lets out a grand sigh. “Ok. Sounds fun..”

They bell jingled as they opened the door and headed out. Logan carried himself with a level of confidence that made Noah wonder how this guy could have ever been bullied by Barron. It’s really admirable.

“So, what are you getting from the convenience store?” Noah asks.

“Just some snacks. My friends and I are having a sleepover tomorrow night and they love snacking.”

Noah looked down at the ground. That’s right. Logan has friends. Several of them. And what did Noah have? The ultimate collection of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles that he spent all of his work money on? He shook his head. He’s being a real self hating dick, thinking like that. Jealousy is an ugly thing, but considering how often he gets jealous, he might as well be hideous.

“But, we can also get an icecream,” Logan adds. “This place sells this really good mango icecream. It’s on me.”

Noah goes a bit red and nods slightly. “Thanks.”

They pull into the convenience store and Logan fills his basket up to the brim with snacks. “Aiden really likes peanut butter, and Ben likes gummies… Taylor prefers sour and Tyler prefers sweet.. And Ashlyn likes gum..”

Noah listens to Logan as he rattles on about his friends’ snacking preferences and he stuffs his hands into his pockets. Geez, this was so awkward. 

“And now for the ice cream,” Logan says, pulling open the freezer. Noah shivers as the cold air hits him.

They go to pay and the lady at check out, a sweet elderly woman, smiles at them. “Ah, Logan, sweetie. It’s good to see you. How are your grandparents?”

Logan smiles bashfully. “They’re good, ma’am. Business is well, haha.”

She nods. “Good.”

They take their snacks after paying and step out of the automatic opening doors. “You knew her?” Noah asks.

Logan chuckles. “Not at all. But, most people know my grandparents. They… have a lot of connections.” He clears his throat and reaches into the bag, pulling out their icecreams before sitting down on the sidewalk and looking up.

Noah wavers before slowly sitting down next to him, taking the icecream and opening it up.

“That’s the Big Dipper,” Logan says, pointing up. Noah follows his finger and squints.

“I don’t see it.”

“Cmon, just look closer. It’s real easy to spot.”

Noah chuckles. “I am looking close. I don’t see anything.”

Logan snickers. “No, no, look closer. I promise, it’s right there.”

“I feel like you’re pulling my leg, Fields.”

They both laugh.

“Say, I often see you reading in school. What kinds of books do you like?”

Noah hesitates. “Um.. well… they’re from the perspective of.. nonhumans. And they, um.. have cool action scenes and, uh..”

Logan raises an eyebrow. “If it’ll make you more comfortable, you wanna know how many Star Trek books I own? 231.”

Barron blinks in surprise and a slow smile spreads across his face. “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I read those comics behind actual books, pretending to read a novel or something.”

They both laugh again.

“Wait, wait, wait,” Logan says, holding up a hand to try and pause their giggling, but barely able to compose himself. “What’s your opinion on DND?”

Noah beams from ear to ear “I’ll play as long as-”

“-I’M THE DM!” they finish together.

They laugh even harder, Logan clutching his stomach and Noah covering his face. 

“I never thought I would meet someone who gets me so well!” Noah exclaims.

“Me neither!” Logan says.

“Huh? But don’t you have, like, a bunch of friends?”

Logan smiles crookedly. “Ehh, well, ya. And I love them, don’t get me wrong! But we’re all.. still pretty different. I guess me and Ben are pretty similar, but our interests don’t really match up. I always feel bad rambling about my interests.”

“I feel the same way with my dad!”

The 2 smile at one another before Logan’s phone starts beeping. “Shoot! It’s nearly midnight. I need to get home!” Logan stands up and finishes off his icecream, wiping his hands on his slacks. “Hey, before I go, give me your number!”

“Huh?!”

“Your number! So if we ever want to talk about ‘nerd stuff’ we can just give each other a call!”

“I-I don’t- Are you sure you want-”

“Quick, I don’t have much time before I- Before my curfew is through!”

Noah jumps and scrambles for a pen in his pocket, but quickly realizes he didn't have paper. Without thinking, he grabbed Logan’s hand and wrote the number there.

“There. And, you better not be messing with me, Fields,” Noah says.

Logan gives him a sheepish smile. “I wouldn’t do that.” And with that, he turned on his heel and disappeared into the night, leaving an awestruck Noah standing outside the convenience store, the dim flickering lights the only thing allowing him to see the retreating figure.

He gulped and tilted his cap down, blushing. Logan was.. SO COOL!

Bonus:

As Logan ran off, he was blushing so bad that he thought his face would melt off. Since when was he so pushy? SInce when was he so.. so.. AGH!!

AHHHH, I’M SUCH A WEIRDO!!!!! I'M NEVER GOING TO ASK SOMEONE FOR THEIR NUMBER EVER AGAIN!!

Divider by @youre-ackermine

[writing-till-i-am-dead]

Stargoth oneshot - Letter

It's not like Buddy liked Chase. He didn't. Honest, he really didn't. And you know he's being honest because he never lies... ok, well, he's lied a couple times.. actually, he's lied a lot. But he's really not lying about this. Because, what is there to like about this idiot? Because that is what he is, an idiot. Plain and simple. With his obviously fake blonde hair and forever-outside voice. The guy should just get the hell out of his way if he knows what's good for him. And that's what he's been telling him.

But he never thought Chase would actually listen.

3 weeks. 3 whole weeks since Chase has been in a book. This was starting to seriously piss him off. Where the hell was he? 

Now, reader, before you start getting ideas that Buddy actually misses Chase, you better think again. Chase has something he wants, the heroine key, and that is it. He just wants the key, so fuck off if you're questioning his honesty in the beginning. 

"Buddy?" calls out a voice, to which Buddy immediately jumped. But don't think he was excited! Or startled. He was merely jumped into action to follow it. However, he quickly realized that wasn't the voice of the blonde, but rather the even more unbearable brunette. 

"What are you doing with the heroine key?" Buddy asks, leaning against the stone archway. He looks around. Another high-fantasy novel with a castle. He's starting to figure out who's the one choosing these books in the first place.

Deacon whips his head around to face Buddy. "Geez. How do you do that?"

"Hm? Do what?"

"Just.. appear out of nowhere? Like you're teleporting or something?"

Buddy scoffed. This idiot really thought he was teleporting? As if someone could top Chase's idiocy. "You still haven't answered my question."

Deacon sighs. "Chase has been.. whining, lately."

Buddy scoffs. "When is he not?"

This got a chuckle from the brunette.

"You guys had some sort of fight in the last book you did together?"

Buddy raised an eyebrow and tried to remember. But, he and Chase would always fight, so he couldn't remember any of the specifics. "Probably."

Deacon rubbed his face, clearly frustrated. Deacon seemed to get peeved with Chase a lot, which gave Buddy a sick satisfaction. Not because he's jealous, of course not. But because if the two don't work well together, it'll be easier to make them crack. Give him information. Stop trying to twist his words.

Deacon groaned. "Well, something you said seriously offended him and he's refusing to use Silver, and has been using Bronze, instead."

Buddy felt his eye twitch, Deacon noticing and taking a step back. "Hey, don't shoot the messenger."

"What did I say that could've offended him that badly?!"

"Hey, you know how fragile his ego is."

Buddy makes a light 'tsk' and puts his hands on his hips. "Well this definitely is.. annoying." Before you think I'm annoyed because now I won't see him, that is not the reason. It's annoying because Chase was a much bigger slip up than his ugly, freckled companion. Buddy can extract more information from him. 

"Tell me about it. We've had lots of trouble collecting narratonin now, since the heroine key.. yknow.. summons you."

Buddy raises an eyebrow. "Well, then. He must not be that determined to collect it, huh?"

"Don't talk like that, Buddy. You don't know. He's been telling me to use the key, as long as I go into different books. But I just haven't wanted to deal with you on my own."

Buddy nods in agreement. "I would rather rip my hair out then be alone with you."

"Look. All I ask is you apologize."

"Look," Buddy says, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I don't even know what it is I said that is worth an apology."

"It was something about his singing, I think? And the narratonin? He gets really heated everytime he talks about it and then shuts down.

Ya, that did sound familiar. Buddy rubbed his temples in an attempt to remember.

"Snap and clap and touch your toes! Raise your hands, now body roll! Dance it out, you're hot to gooooo!!"

"CAN YOU STOP THAT!?" Buddy snaps. "You've been singing that tune all day!"

Chase rolls his eyes. "You are just jealous of my singing."

"Oh trust me, I am anything but. You're singing is like nails on a chalkboard. Grating and makes me wish I didn't have ears! You better hope you collect enough narratonin fast, before too many people are cursed to have listen to your voice and will never give you another chance to sing, even when you use the narratonin to make you bearable to listen to!"

....

Chase left the story after he said that. But Buddy hadn't sweat it too much. Why would he? They always bicker. But based on the look that Deacon was giving him, he could tell that he had screwed up.

"That's.. definitely too far, Buddy."

"I- How was I supposed to know he'd take it to heart?!"

Deacon shakes his head. "Look, whatever. You can't take back what you said and that's fine. But you can at least make up for it. Maybe write him a letter? The bedroom I woke up in the basement had a desk and some paper. Maybe go write something in there?"

Buddy raises a brow before tilting his head back. "Fine! Whatever. Only because of my own reasons, though! Not because I feel bad. Don't go and get the wrong idea!" he calls out as he enters back into the castle, bulldozing through guards.

"Move, move, Evil Queen, make way." He reads down the spiral staircase, twists and turns, twists and turns. By the time his feet hurt in his heeled shoes, he finally reached the basement.

The room felt all too familiar. Small, box shaped with a thick layer of dust on every surface. A creaky bed, about as soft as a rock, and blankets covered in bed bugs. This... was why he didn't really want the heroine key. Of course, he's still going to retrieve it. It's part of his job. But he will never use it. He's already got a crappy life. Why make himself live through another's?

He sits himself in a creaky oak chair, which gave him a few splinters, causing him to flinch. A small pile of thick paper and a quill with mostly dried out ink. But, still good to use. He wish he knew why his words upset Chase so much. Not because he genuinely feels bad, but because it would make this letter less of a hassle to write. He scribbles up in the corner of the parchment to check if the ink works. He then taps a couple of times in an effort to think of what to write. Buddy, despite all of his time dedicated to reading books, has never been good at words. Things never come out right and he always overthinks it, always adding parenthesis and commas to make his point more clear, out of the fear he's not being explicit enough.

"Dear Chase,

I still cannot believe that you let slip what your name was. You truly are 

I apologize that my words had offended you. I may not know what you plan to do with the narratonin, probably something stu. Your singing is really not that bad. It only makes me want to claw my ears off a little. I do think that you can have a big audience if you put your voice out there, with or without the narratonin.

-Sincerely, 'buddy'"

Buddy stared at the letter, questioning everything he wrote, but decided it was... good enough.. ya, it's not like Chase is worth that kind of effort.. 

He folds up the paper and stuck it into his back pocket. He looked up the staircase once more and let's out a long sigh as he made the long trip once more. Twists and turns galore with each step. The guards quickly moved as to not get pushed out of the way again. He found the ugly boy standing outside, waiting for him. He shoved the letter into his chest. "Here."

Deacon let's out a huff and nods. "All right. I'll see you later, Buddy."

Buddy simply just rolls his eyes. "Whatever."

The boy pulls out the Helper Key, wrapped around his neck, and the he's gone. Buddy looks at the spot where he had disappeared before mentally scolding himself for being so hopeful.

~~~~

It's not like Chase liked Buddy. He didn't. Because what is there to like about that jerk? He's an aggressive prick who does nothing but provoke him. With his incredible eyeliner and deep voice... He should just leave Chase alone. And that's what he's been telling him.

So he stopped bothering and has been properly avoiding him. 

Ho could he not? It wasn't the comment about his singing, although that had hurt, but the fact that Buddy thinks he's so shallow that being famous is Chase's biggest concern. And the way Buddy said it didn't ound like just a jab because he was mildly annoyed. It sounded genuine. Like her really thinks so low of Chase. Maybe Chase took it so seriously is because earlier in the day, before he said that, Chase had visited his mom. 

His moping is interrupted by a knocking at his door. He looks up and sees his cousin, Deacon, standing in the doorway.

"Where were you?" Chase asks. Deacon hands him a paper. 

"It's from Buddy."

Chase sucked in a breath. Buddy. Buddy!? Buddy sent him a letter? 

His heart was racing and his hands were clammy. No way. No. Way. Why was he getting so excited. Stop it, heart!! He pats his chest a couple of times to ease his rapid heart rate before he folded the paper open.

He scanned through the words, squinting as he made out some of the scribbled out sentences, and he finishes it off with a deep frown.

"What's with that face?" Deacon asks.

"This is kind of a crappy apology. There are multiple scratched out sentences that was just him being petty."

Deacon takes the paper and reads over it. "Hm. I mean.. ya, it seems kind of backhanded, but at the same time, since when has Buddy gone out of his way to do something like this i the first place?"

"You probably just told him to do it."

"Ya.. but what about the fact that he actually listened?"

Chase froze and looks back at the letter, feeling his face flush slightly. Damnit. He had a good point. He crumbles up the letter and was about to toss it into the trash, but stopped himself and instead tossed it onto his desk.

"Give me my key."

Deacon smirks.

"Don't smile at me like that."

Deacon quickly stifles it and hands Chase the key. Chase gets up ad grabs a totally random book and crams the key into the cover. The last thing he heard was, "Wait, not that book!"

Chase's eyes opened and the first thing he's met with is excruciating pain. He's impaled. He screams at the top of his lungs and standing over him is Buddy, whose eyes are equally as wide as he stares down at Chase. 

"What kind of book did you choose?!" Buddy exclaims, quickly pulling the spear out of Chase's chest, who's left panting and throbbing in pain. Buddy squats down and looks over him. "Deep breaths. The main character of this book has healing powers."

Chase tightly close his eyes and feels the gash slowly close up. He lays down in the ground, panting. "SHIT! I just needed to talk to you. Just my luck."

Buddy chuckles, actually chuckles, which feels like another stab to the heart, but kind of in a good way???

"You got excited to see me?" Buddy asks.

Chase scoffs. "I just came to talk to you about that letter."

Buddy goes quiet. "Hm. You seem upset? Was it not to your liking, your majesty?"

"Eat a sock," Chase grumbles.

Chase sits up, holding himself by his elbows. "What kind of book opens with the heroine getting stabbed?" Chase grumbles.

Buddy shrugs and looks around at the wasteland they were in. "Well.. what did you think of the letter? You still mad at me?"

Chase pauses before huffing. "Nevermind. I just wanted to say it sucked. I would keep avoiding you if it weren't for Silver, like.. begging me to go back to using her."

"Mhm?"

"Mhm!"

Chase stands up. Buddy does too.

It's not like they liked each other. They just had a story to complete. They just happen to.. do it together.

Shut up.

divider by @saradika-graphics

[writing-till-i-am-dead]

Only Star In The Sky - Jayvik

Viktor had never in his life met such a man as Jayce. Someone so strong and determined. Fascinated with breakthroughs and news discoveries. He really was a man after his own heart. 

But even still, he never really saw him. Days of Jayce working in the forge, or going out to give speeches. The times they get to spend most of together is the late nights in their lab when they should really be getting some sleep. Nothing but discoveries, machines, science, and Jayce. Viktor loves those nights.

But now.. Councilman Jayce? He scoffs lightly, nearly dropping his wrench. How will he balance the time? Scientist, working in the forge, councilman, and… Mel. And what about him? Where does he, Viktor, fit into that equation? This is why he just wishes he didn’t have to deal with these emotions. Emotions are just a hindrance upon humanity. He’s tried expressing those thoughts to Jayce, though, and he seemed rather perturbed by the idea. So maybe Viktor is the only one who believes that. 

“Viktor!” He jumps when Jayce explodes into the lab. He hasn’t stepped foot in here all week. 

“Jayce,” he responds, turning in his chair. 

“Sorry I haven’t been able to come in to help. Things have been busy. Mel, she uh-“

Viktor’s brain immediately started to ignore whatever it is that Jayce was saying as soon as he mentioned Mel. It’s not that he doesn’t like her. He really doesn’t. She’s confident and she gave them the chance to work on Hextech. She made them stars, not that that’s really what he wanted, but as long as he’s with Jayce, it’s not too bad. She’s not a bad person. But lately he just gets this.. exhausted feeling every time her name is brought up. A different kind of exhausted than he’s used to. 

Jayce takes a seat and rolls it over to Viktor’s side. “So, what are we working on?”

Viktor slowly raises his head. “Just fixing this one bit in the Hexgate.”

Jayce nods, eager to get back into working in the lab, leans over Viktor’s shoulder. “Need help with anything?”

“No..” Viktor says, shaking his head and Jayce nods. 

“Ok..” he says, moving a bit away from him. He thumps his pencil against the desk. “So, anything that I’ve missed?”

“No, not really.”

“No.. great discoveries?”

“No.”

“Ok,” Jayce says, leaning back in his chair. He could sense that there was something wrong with Viktor, but he couldn’t tell what. But whatever it was was making the room extremely stifling to be in. 

He tilts his head towards Viktor, looking at what he was working on. Days like these used to be some of his favorites. No words needed to really be spoken because they had their work and each other. But this was different. Jayce had no idea what the work was. He had no idea what Viktor was thinking. The room wasn’t comforting. 

Viktor worked deftly, and he always did. It’s what made him such a great partner. That and his brilliant thoughts, his ideas and presence. 

Seeing him work at his desk alone, though, was a strange sight. He felt like an outside observer. A person stargazing, rather than a star himself, with Viktor. 

“Viktor,” Jayce says. 

Viktor raises his head slightly. He looked so.. tired. But why wouldn’t he be? Working in the lab alone, plus his illness on top of it. 

“I just want to say, thanks for holding down the lab while I’ve been busy.”

Viktor stared at him with a neutral look before nodding a bit and looking back down at his work. “It’s no problem,” he says. 

Jayce frowns. “Well, it’s just that this means a lot. Seriously. Thanks, Viktor.”

Means a lot. Viktor almost scoffs. He wants to say how hurt he is, how mad he is. But when he looks up at Jayce, that hurt seems to just disappear. Affection. Affection is what’s holding him back. 

The door opens, followed by the clacking of heels. 

“Mel,” Jayce says. 

“You’re needed for a meeting, Jayce.” She turns toward Viktor and nods in greeting. Viktor does an awkward half wave before turning back. 

Jayce turns to his partner. “Um.. I’ll be back. Promise.”

“Of course,” Viktor says, knowing that ‘being back’ Will not be any time soon. 

He watches Jayce leave, about to put his arm around Mel’s shoulder, but stopping himself upon realizing it would be unprofessional to do during work. 

The doors close and the room seems to darken, leaving Viktor the dullest star in the world. 

Border by @enchanthings

[writing-till-i-am-dead]

CAN YOU PLEASE WRITE A BANNER SIBLINGS STORY (LOGAN AND ASHLYN) PLEAAAAASSEEE

Logan and Ashlyn - You’ve Always Got Us

A non-romantic oneshot

Logan was used to being home alone. There wasn’t a big deal about it. His grandparents own a business after all. Besides, back in the day, when they still had those jobs, he was home alone a lot more often than just every few days in a month.

And, in some ways, learning to take care of himself for so long gave him some seriously good benefits. Now he knows how to cook and clean and make sure that the house is secured.

There’s nothing to it. It’s just how things are. Does he wish he has someone to keep him company? Well, ya, a sibling or something of the sort is a nice idea, but he doesn’t want any other kids to get dragged into the Fields family drama.

But, today was definitely not too great. All the food that they have is expired, so he has nothing to eat. He would drive to the store, but he doesn’t have a license.

So, in short, he’s screwed. No lunch, no dinner, no breakfast… and that continues until how many more days his grandparents will be gone.

He already felt himself begin to panic. Ya, he could ask one of his friends to help. Tyler knows how to cook, Taylor is always ready to help, Aiden can’t stay out of other people’s business, Ben is a sweetheart, and Ashlyn feels responsible to take care of the others in the group. But Logan can’t bear to be a burden. He’s already been enough of an inconvenience for them.

He can go a few days without eating. Rationing. He did it a lot back in the day. It’s never fun, but he can do it.

He decides to go to the couch to watch some tv, to try and distract himself. He crosses his arms and hunches up his legs, turning his brain off for a while. Easier said than done.

He glances at his phone every now and then, tempted to text his friends, tell them about his situation. But he stopped himself. But then he immediately jumped to his phone when it buzzed.

It was a text from Ashlyn to the group.

>Ashlyn: Hey, guys. My parents said that since it’s Fall Break, y��all can come over for dinner.

>Aiden: Awww!!! Ashlyn, you’re inviting us over?!?!!?!

>Ashlyn: It wasn’t my idea.

>Taylor: I wish I could, but me and Tyler have to take our mom to the doctor today

>Ben: My sister is spending the night, I was hoping to hang out with her. I’m sorry :(

>Aiden: Ash. You know I would go if I could. But…

>Aiden: I ALSO WANTED TO HANG OUT WITH MY COUSIN 💔💔

>Ashlyn: Geez

>Ashlyn: What about you, Logan?

Logan was startled and hesitated. This was a perfect opening. But no one else was going. Would he be intruding?

>Logan: Well, I am free this evening, but I understand if you don’t want me over since no one else is 😊

>Ashlyn: I really don’t care. You can come over if you want.

He thinks about his response before slowly typing back a response.

>Logan: Ya, I can come over. But I’ll need a ride.

>Ashlyn: 👍

He fidgeted a bit, nervous. Was he being a bother? He should’ve just made an excuse. Oh, but the promise of dinner was enticing. He hated that he didn’t regret agreeing to go. He should. It’s just embarrassing. He’s being such a bother.

He gets up and puts his shoes on and waits by the front door for Ashlyn and her parents to get here to pick him up.

His phone buzzes and it was a message from Ashlyn saying she was here. He steps out and sees the Banner’s car on the driveway. He steps in and sits down.

“Hi, Mr. Banner.”

“Hey kid. Ashlyn, say hi to your friend.”

“Hi, Logan.”

Logan awkwardly laughs. “Hi, Ashlyn. Thank you for inviting me.”

“It’s no problem!” says Mr. Banner. “I’m just happy that Ashlyn actually invited her friends.”

“Dad.”

“Sorry, sorry.”

Logan laughs and awkwardly tugs his seatbelt. He shouldn't have agreed to come. This is so embarrassing and awkward. He can't think of any small talk.

"So, Logan," Mr. Banner says. "How's your grandparents?"

Logan felt a rush of relief. Thank the universe for Mr. Banner making small talk.

"They're doing fine. They're currently on a business trip."

"Oh? So you're home alone?"

"Yes sir."

"Well, that's perfect timing for you to join us for dinner!"

"Haha.. ya."

"We're making black-eyed pea soup! It's Mrs. Banner's specialty."

Logan nods. He's happy with that. That's definitely a comfort meal, and he needed comfort right now because he felt like his heart was going to burst out of his chest. Why. Is he. So. Damn. Anxious. ALL OF THE TIME!?

They pull into Ashlyn's house, the bus graveyard in the distance. It's always weird seeing it when they're not in the phantom world, despite the fact that they hang out there all the time.

They go inside and the house smells really good.

"Oh! You got him?" Mrs. Banner asks, walking out of the kitchen to greet them. "Heya, Logan. Thanks for joining us!"

"No problem, Mrs. Banner.."

"Why don't you 2 set the table?"

Ashlyn and him look at each other and she shrugs. "Ok."

They walk to the kitchen to get some silverware. "Your family is really nice."

Ashlyn raises an eyebrow. "Ya, well.. They like that I have friends now. So I think they're abusing it a little for get togethers like these."

"You consider us to be friends."

"Oh. Are we not?"

"No, no, no! That's not it! I just.. I thought maybe you just tolerated us.. me. Since we're all kind of.. forced to hang out... But.. you really consider us to be friends?"

Now it was Ashlyn's turn to be shy. "Um.. sure, I guess. Friends is a simpler term to describe what all of us are."

They pause. "Yknow.." Ashlyn says. "There's still some time until dinner is ready. Wanna go to my room to listen to music."

This catches Logan's attention. "Um.. sure."

They go up the stairs and to Ashlyn's room. "What kind of music do you listen to?" she asks.

"Oh.. I really like Beach Bunny.. You?"

"Ray LaMontagne," she responds. "I've never heard Beach Bunny."

He smiles a little. "Well, I've never heard Ray LaMontagne."

She pauses. "Song trade?"

He nods. "Ya, sure!"

They sit down on the floor and Ashlyn pulls out a Bluetooth speaker. Logan plays Nice Guys, and Ashlyn plays You Are The Best Thing.

“That’s exactly the kind of music that I imagine you would listen to,” Logan says with a soft chuckle.

“Oh?”

“Ya. He has a really soft voice, so not too overwhelming. I get it. Though the lyrics were surprisingly upbeat,” he jokes a little.

She smiles ever so slightly, but hides it by resting her chin on her knee. “Well, I wasn’t expecting yours.”

“Oh?”

“Ya. The song just.. I don’t know how to explain it. I always thought you’d be more of a David Bowie fan.”

Logan smiles brightly. “I love David Bowie!”

“So I was right.”

They let the music continue playing on and they both leaned back. “This is a lot less awkward than I was worried it would be,” Logan says.

“Tell me about it.”

“Nice to know I wasn’t the only one nervous..”

There was an air of understanding and solidarity between the two of them. It was nice, having someone who understands what it’s like, getting overwhelmed easily. He never thought it would be Ash, though. She’s always seemed… untouchable and far. Someone who’d never want anyone close, especially a whiny loser like himself.

“Kids! Dinner’s ready!”

The two head back downstairs and sit at the table. The soup smelled amazing and looked amazing. “Thank you so much,” he says.

“No problem, kiddo!” Mrs. Banner says, sitting at the table.

Ashlyn already started eating, but Logan waited until everyone was seated until he started eating. That’s what his grandparents taught him to do.

Once everyone got to the table, he waited until Ashlyn's parents started to eat, and then he dug in himself, napkin in his lap.

"So, Logan," Mr. Banner says. "How long until your grandparents get home?"

"Oh, I'm actually not sure. These business days can go on for a while.. Especially when the weather gets colder, since the flowers are all slowly going away."

He nods, but looks a bit concerned. "So they just left you with no idea how long? When you have no license..?"

"Oh, well, it's fine. I can take care of myself, yknow."

Mrs. Banner and Mr. Banner look at each other, a bit unsure, but don't push it. "Well, how about you spend the night?"

Both Logan and Ashlyn were startled by the offer.

"No, no, no, you really don't have to! I don't want to intrude-"

"Nonsense, we'd be happy to!" Mrs. Banner says. "Only if you want to, though. No pressure."

"I-I-I.." Ya, he's been at sleepovers, but with the rest of the group. What if Ashlyn finds it annoying that it's just him?

"It's fine," Ashlyn says to him. The two look at one another, as if they were both trying to read each other's minds.

"O...k..." he says slowly. "Thank you for.. having me..."

Mr. Banner nods. "I'll let you borrow some of my clothes, kiddo. I've got a lot of old ones I've been meaning to donate. But I'm happy to lend you some for tonight."

"Thank you.. thank you so much. This is really nice of you guys."

Mr. and Mrs. Banner clutch their hearts at Logan's sweetness. "No problem. Anything for Ashlyn's friends!"

"Let's go to my room," Ashlyn says. They begin to go back upstairs, Ashlyn already taking her earbuds out.

"Are you sure you'll be ok without those?"

"You're not like Tyler or Aiden. I'll be fine."

He smiles a little at that.

"I'll set up a cot for you." Right as she was about to go and get the stuff, he stops her.

"Thank you, Ash. Really."

"Hey, man.. it's.. fine. I can't really imagine being completely alone. My parents are.. yknow.."

"Ya.."

She nods and heads off. The Banner family is so nice. He's never felt so welcomed anywhere. Not even in his own home, where his grandparents are probably annoyed with him about something, even just a little. He doesn't doubt their love at all, it's just.. it doesn't feel like this.

A family where they all chat and tease and have fun.

She returns with blankets and a blow up air mattress. She plugs it in and turns it on after putting her earbuds back in.

"Hey, Ash?"

"Hm?"

"After this.. do you want to do another song trade..?"

She smiles. "Only if you watch ballet YouTube videos with me."

This surprises Logan. "Video trades, too? Well then. Only if I can show you mythology based videos."

She nods. "Deal."

He nods back. "Thanks, Ash."

[writing-till-i-am-dead]

Please read this original story I’ve been working on!! <3

The Chapters

A Prologue of Confusion

Chapter 1 - Hatred So Deep You Could Drown

Chapter 2 - Where You Don’t Belong

Chapter 3 - Your Rightful Place

Chapter 4 - King of the World

Divider by @kodaswrld

[writing-till-i-am-dead]

Stargoth oneshot - Safety

“Grandpa Ralph,” Chase calls out as he’s heading to the door. “I’m going to go pick up my friend.”

“All right! Be careful driving at night!”

Chase stepped out. Deacon really wasn’t fond of the idea of Chase doing this alone. But Chase insisted he should. He didn’t want to overwhelm the poor guy.

Chase gets in his car and Deacon comes over to the window. “Be safe, man. Do you have the pocket knife?”

“Yep.”

“And the pepper spray?”

“Mhm.”

“And the taser?”

“Yesssss! I have everything I need in case this goes south. My phone is off of silent, I set up the emergency button on my phone, and I have my whistle. I’ll be OK.”

Deacon furrows his brow. “OK…”

Before Chase could roll up the window, Deacon quickly says, “And Chase. If he really is… yknow.. If he really is going through what he told us he’s going through.. Make sure he’s doing fine.”

Chase nods. “I will. And I’ll tell him you’re concerned!”

“Please do not.”

Chase rolls up the car window and backs out of the driveway, setting the route directions on his phone and turning on some music, the first song coming on being a YOASOBI song. He started to drive down the road, seeing the sunset in the distance. Chase wasn’t sure how he managed to get through to him, but if this really is going to work, then this could be the most important thing he’s ever done, right along with trying to help his mom.

He passes by a sign that read, “Bus Stop 10 miles.” The road in this area was rocky, causing him to drive slow, the song now playing being a Britney Spears song.

He finally reaches the bus stop, it being nearly completely dark out right now. He pulls up next to the sidewalk, not parking so he won't get in trouble.

And there he was..

Buddy wasn’t dressed how Chase was used to. He wore ragged clothes that hung loosely off of his frame. They didn’t look like they’d been washed in a while. And his hair.. When was the last time Buddy had taken a shower…?

He rolls down the window, turning down the music. “Hey.”

Buddy looks up. He looked so tired. “Hey..”

“You not here to jump me, right?” he asks in a gentle playful tone.

Buddy shakes his head. “No.. no..”

He nods and leans back in the driver’s seat. “OK.. get in.”

Buddy hesitated. It felt like if he were to leave this bench and get in Chase’s car, that would be it. It would truly all be over. Like crossing the line into peaceful territory. And it felt too good to be true. But, he eventually managed to push himself up and got into the passenger seat. As soon as the door clicked, he knew this was it. It was finally it. He was free.

The two looked at one another. They’ve never been so close before. Not emotionally. Buddy’s never felt so seen.

Chase holds out his hand. “You doing good?”

Buddy pauses, considering his response. What could he say? What would he usually say to Chase, on any other day? Usually a snarky response would come to him so quickly, but it’s hard being witty when you’re so scared.

The only response he could give was a choked sob. He’d never cried in front of Chase before. He never wanted to cry in front of Chase before. It had been one of his worst nightmares.

But instead of mockery, or heaven forbid awkward pity, Chase simply rubs his back, no words needed with the action. Buddy only felt like crying even harder because of the action. Because it felt so good, so warm, so needed and so.. So loving.

“I have a pack of tissues in the glove compartment,” Chase says softly, patting Buddy’s shoulder.

Buddy nods, keeping his face turned toward the window so Chase can’t see him. 

Chase wondered if Buddy had any smeared makeup or something, but seeing Buddy’s reflection in the window causes him to realize he wasn’t wearing any makeup. And then he remembered.

“They don’t let me have anything,” is what Buddy had told him. And based on the clothes… ya. Probably not.

Buddy shrugs off the jacket he was wearing. His favorite jacket that he wears all the time. He places it over Buddy’s shoulders.

“The drive’s around 30 minutes,” he says gently. “Wanna listen to music?”

Buddy thinks for a moment. “Like.. Beethoven or Debussy?”

Chase snorts.

“What’s so funny?”

“Don’t.. Don’t worry about it. Be grateful you don’t know.”

“OK?”

“But, um.. We can listen to those if you want. Is that who you would listen to back in the Ex Libris?”

Buddy nods.

“OK. Lemme put on some of their music.”

Buddy hesitates, looking at Chase’s phone. He’d.. actually never seen one. He’s never had access to anything electronic or the internet.

“Actually,” Buddy says. “Can we listen to some of.. Your music?”

Chase looks at him, surprised, before nodding. “Ya. Of course, sure!”

He presses shuffle, the first song coming up being Chappell Roan’s Good Luck, Babe. 

Buddy hugged his knees, listening to the song playing as he looked out the window, watching the dark shadows of trees and buildings go by. Something about the words of the song just.. spoke to him. He never listened to music with words. Hell, he’s never heard anything speak about pining for someone of the same gender. He glances over at Chase, who’s tapping the steering wheel.

“So..” Buddy says. “Where’s your friend.. Deacon?”

“Oh. I didn’t want him to come.”

Buddy’s heart skipped a beat at this. And he hated that it skipped a beat. And then he hated that he hated it because why can’t he just let himself be vulnerable?

“Well.. it’s been a while that it’s been just us without him..”

Chase looks over at him at that comment, blushing a little. “Ya.. Guess it has been.”

The song came to an end and Buddy looked at the bluetooth screen. “Can you.. Can you play more stuff like that?”

“Huh? O-Oh! Sure! Ya, totally I have a pretty good playlist.”

The next song to come up being Mad Tsai’s Stacy’s Brother. Chase blushes brightly, not wanting to listen to a song like this with Buddy, but before he could skip it, he saw the intense look of concentration on Buddy’s face. He wanted to listen to this song, and Chase couldn’t just skip it. And it was a really good song… So why not just let it play? Even if he might start gay panicking, this isn’t about him. It’s about Buddy.

They eventually reach Chase’s house and Buddy looks at the home, suddenly terrified. He’s going to be in Chase’s home. He’s going to meet Chase’s family. He’s going to be in Chase’s life now. And Chase will be in his.

Chase steps out and opens Buddy’s door for him. “You all right?” he asks, noticing the look on Buddy’s face.

“I.. Does your family know I’m coming?”

“I told my grandpa a friend of mine needs somewhere to stay.”

“Your grandpa?”

“Ya. Don’t worry, he was cool with it.”

Buddy keeps hesitating before tightening Chase’s jacket around his shoulders and then steps out of the car. “OK.. Just make sure that they don’t touch me or anything.”

Chase snorts. “I would never let them touch you, your majesty.”

Buddy couldn’t help but roll his eyes. 

Chase opens the door for him. Buddy steps in and looks around. The home was.. Simple. It was just cozy and it wasn’t like a fairytale home. It was just a home. And that was something Buddy had never seen before.

“Grandpa!” Chase calls out, startling Buddy. “My friend is here!”

There was no response at first, and Buddy just thought that Chase’s guardian probably didn’t care and ignored the announcement, but then an older man came around the corner.

“Ah, yes. Chase told me you were struggling and needed somewhere to stay. I need you to try this,” he says, holding out a spoon of brownie batter.

“Huh?”

“I need this to be better than Diane’s.”

“Than whose?”

“You don’t have to eat it, Buddy,” Chase says.

Buddy stares at the spoon before slowly taking it. It smelled like.. chocolate! He quickly eats it and he’s just taken so off guard by how good it tasted.

“That’s really good.”

Ralph nods. “Yes. Yes it is.” He turns to Chase. “Take him to the basement, and set up his bed.”

“I knooooow, Grandpa.” He turns to Buddy. “Cmon.”

He leads Buddy upstairs, and Buddy looks around. He really can’t believe that this was Chase’s home. Chase, the boy he’s hated. The boy he’s fought. The boy who’s cared about him. This was where he’s lived this whole time. It’s like this home was a storybook all about Chase that Buddy had stepped into. 

They reach a bedroom and in the bedroom, Buddy sees a familiar face. Sitting on a swivel chair, reading some romance novel was the freckled brunette who Buddy really hates. 

Deacon looks up from his book and his eyebrows go up. “Well, dang. He really is here.”

Buddy is confused, looking in between the two of them. “Do you 2 live together?”

“Oh, that’s right!” Chase says, laughing. “Deacon is my cousin! I forgot I never told you that.”

This surprised Buddy. Family. This was all Chase’s family. Something that he’s never had, or experienced.

Deacon leans back in the chair, trying to seem cool, but ends up nearly falling back. Chase snorts. “Dorkin.”

“Shut. Up.”

Buddy watches the two of them. He’s seen them argue before, but this felt different. Maybe it’s because of the knowledge of their relationship. Maybe it’s because he’s witnessing it within their home. But it was still just.. Different.

Chase turns back to Buddy and takes his hand, catching Buddy off guard, but he doesn’t get a chance to pull away before Chase takes him to another staircase, this one leading toa secret cubby in the ceiling. “Sorry, you’re gonna have to sleep upstairs with the keys.”

“The keys?”

He pokes his head out and there he sees them. Golden, silver, and bronze figures looking at him. The other keys.

“Haha!” declares the Hero Key. “Here you have arrived! We have waited for you, valiant friend! Welcome and amazing job turning to the side of light!”

“Uhhhhh..”

The Helper Key sighs and doesn’t seem too interested in Buddy being here. “Just don’t step on my house.”

“House?”

“Oh ya!” Chase says. “They all have their own houses!”

“You.. You gave them houses?” “Ya!”

“Why?”

“Why not? They deserve something nice too.”

He stares at them, trying to understand. They were just keys.

The Heroine Key places a hand on Buddy’s knee.

“Violet. Is she..”

Buddy stares at the silver key as he remembers Violet.

He couldn’t get her. If he did, the elders would’ve noticed almost immediately and he would’ve never been able to escape.

“I..” He clenches his jaw and feels the tears coming again. He shouldn't cry over a damn key. It’s not like it was a person. It’s not like he cared about Violet. No, about the Villainess Key.

The Heroine Key gives him a sympathetic look and she nods. “I understand.”

He watches the silver key walk off and for some reason, some reason, he calls out, “She misses you.. I know she does.”

The Heroine key looks at him again and smiles. “Did she speak of me?”

His heart hurt as he remembered. “All the time.”

She nods. “Thank you.” She disappeared inside of her makeshift home.

“That was nice of you,” Chase says next to him.

“Oh.. was it?”

“Ya. But I’m not surprised.”

Buddy raises an eyebrow. “Why not?”

“Because you’re a good person.”

Buddy paused, not understanding what Chase had said. Why he said it. No he wasn’t. He really wasn’t. But Chase said it like he really did mean it.

That he was a good person?

A good person?

But, when Chase says it with that sincere look in his eyes…

How could he think he was lying?

“You can borrow my shower and I’ll lend you some clothes to sleep in. And then tomorrow we can go shopping!”

The idea of wearing Chase’s clothes freaked Buddy out, but kind of in a good way. He hugs the jacket he was wearing and looks down. “Why are you helping me? After everything I’ve done?”

Chase looks at him, confused. It was such an obvious answer that he didn’t know where the confusion could be coming from.

“Because, Buddy. I don’t let anyone suffer when they don’t deserve it.”

Buddy begins to walk to the ladder, about to leave to give Buddy some privacy and time to adjust. But right before Chase could leave, Buddy reaches out and touches Chase’s hand, stopping him.

The two stare at each other, blushing faces at stares that say everything in the world.

“My name. My name is…”

The words escaped his lips and damnit.. Saying it outloud felt like the release of a heavy burden. 

Chase stares at him and repeats the words, each syllable coming out beautifully on his lips.

“Ya… OK.” He squeezes his hand. “You’re safe here. This is your home now… We.. I am your home.. Now.. If you’ll let me.”

The raven haired boy stares at him, no words coming out, but his face says it all. That Chase was everything.

“Come down for a shower when you’re ready,” Chase says. “And.. welcome to the Hollow home.”

Hollow.

No.

This house was anything but hollow.

And Buddy’s heart felt full.

Divider by @bunnysrph