duskgraves

[duskgraves]

Comforting My Confrontations-

Summary: Why would Darlin stay when it is made extremely clear they aren’t wanted? Warning: does contain confrontation, feelings and mention of anxiety, and themes of isolation.

Tanker, was a nickname given to them by their pack mates when they were teenagers. With how reckless they always seemed many believed they lived up to the names meaning. Just barreling through everything, waiting for the wall to finally break them.

In light of recent events that went on in the past year and a half, many of their pack mates were proven right. They had, once again, tried to barrel through a problem and put pack members in danger. When they first returned the glares and lectures they got seemed fitting to them. They believed they deserved it. However, no one was looking at what they did, what they meant to do. Sure they were going out to get revenge, but they kept it all a secret to attempt to keep their pack safe. Besides, it’s not like many of them reached out to them anyway.

Tanker had received consistent messages from David and Marie, checking in on them and seeing how they were doing, most of the time without getting a proper reply or even a reply at all. Milo and Asher would give updates on pack drama or inquire about how they were healing. After a while their messages also became less frequent. The other pack members texted Tank maybe once or twice after they left. They didn’t have any right to be reading them the right act about pack being family.

It was about two months since they returned now. The Quinn situation was quieting down but still at the forefront of the packs worries. Tank felt heavy waves of anxiety whenever the vamp was mentioned. The idea of more people being involved and at risk put them on edge. They felt like a heavy burden that David was obligated to.

Luckily for them, they had Sam. He has been their rock and someone who they desperately needed. He understands them and doesn’t press them for answers. He comforts them and gives them time and space. If he was at the pack meeting that Tank was about to walk in on he would hold their hand and walk with them into the stuffy room. They would feel calm and at ease. Unfortunately, he wasn’t their, so they got off their motorcycle and shoved their helmet on the handle bar. Quickly grabbing the bag of sweets they bought for everyone, they took in a deep breath preparing themself for whatever today would bring.

They gripped onto the door knob turning it open before they could back out. They began their walk passed the front room and down the hallway. When they were about to enter the dens meeting room, they froze. They could hear commotion as one of the pack members they didn’t know very well was yelling. He was always one of those members who would glare at them and make snide comments under his breath. The few times Sam went to the meeting, Darlin had to grip his hand tighter just to get him to calm down. Right now, however, he was pulling no punches and they could see him standing just a foot away from David Shaw, yelling at him.

“Their dangerous!” He yelled. “How could you let someone like that be associated with the pack! They are no good and have never been good!”

“That is my job to decide not yours Pablo,” David stared the man down.

“Well it might as well be. I mean, you aren’t using your head here David. Don’t you remember how they were as a teenager?!”

“Hey Man maybe you should calm-“ Asher chimed in as he saw Tank standing in the middle of the doorway to the room.

“ I thought they were getting better but no, they are still fighting with the same crowd and bringing the pack back in danger. They’re tanking our reputation. I don’t get why you insist on having them here. They’re gonna be the death of all of us.”

“PABLO-“ David yelled, anger souring his tone but he was quickly distracted by the sound of a bag dropping to the floor. The entire pack turned to look at the door frame, finally noticing the shifter standing there. They tightened their hands into fists and they pivoted on their heel, walking back down that hallway, bag of sweets now long forgotten. “Tank-“ David called getting no response as they opened the door and slammed it shut.

They felt cold and angry. They were getting better, they knew it, David knew it, Sam knew it. Everyone should know they are nothing like how they were, even three years ago. The audacity of their pack member got to them. Once again they felt isolated, unwanted, and angry. They felt foolish for letting anyone back into their life. They were an idiot for believing they could be a part of the pack.

They pushed their helmet on their head and started their bike when they heard quick footsteps behind them.

“Tank- Tanka hold on-“ it was Milo Greer, probably their best friend in the pack. He ran over beside the bike but was unable to get them to stop. They just wanted out and to leave. They didn’t need another lecture, another reason to forgive and forget. Not wanting to be around anyone from the pack they quickly pulled out and left, leaving Milo in the parking lot behind them.

Their phone was going off with messages and calls. They could feel it in their pocket but didn’t care to check what was happening. They just drove, needing to clear their head. That’s when it started raining. They knew it would come. They could smell it. They loved the rain. It was calming, cool, and rejuvenating. It was something that gave them a sense of nostalgia. The only issue was the rain made riding their bike ten times harder. They were an excellent driver, sure, but the rain made it hard to see and made the roads slippery. Then there was the added pressure of their pack of their mind. They couldn’t focus on one thing or another. It was all colliding with another thing. The rain, the lights, the thoughts, the sounds, the smells. It was overwhelming and they couldn’t breathe. They couldn’t focus, that was until a bright light came out of nowhere, causing them to swerve out of the way to miss it.

They quickly lost control of the bike, and went over the edge of the small hill the road was on. They landed in some shrubbery and just laid there. The wind was knocked out of them and no doubt they were going to be bruised as hell tomorrow. Not to mention that the way the bike tipped over left a burn on their ankle that was now more than likely fractured. They huffed as they got up, propping their bike up examining the work that needs to be done. They realized that they were around two streets from their apartment and their bike wouldn’t make the ride. Deciding to walk back, they gripped the handle bars of their bike and pulled it all the way to their apartment.

They arrived back at their apartment building leaving their bike in the spot they usually parked it. They headed upstairs to their apartment and quickly got into the shower. Once they finished they changed their clothes and grabbed their phone out of their now out of use pant pocket. They saw fourteen calls and thirty one texts from David Shaw 🖕🐺, Thirteen missed calls and twenty eight texts from Ash 🤡🐶, Eight missed calls and eighteen texts from Shorty 🖕🤌, and five missed calls and two texts from Cowboy Batsman 🤠🌙. They were about to click on the messages from Sam when there was a knock on their door.

[duskgraves]

Freelancer, hammered: I'm just saying all my problems would be gone if I could just motorboat Huxley's titties just ONE time

Damien, on the brink of losing his shit: Freelancer I swear if you don't stop talking about my boyfriend's tits

#redacted asmr #redacted freelancer #redacted damien #redacted huxley

[duskgraves]

Return of The Redacted Winter Gift Exchange Has Arrived!

Hi everyone! If you weren’t around Tumblr last year or are new to the redacted fandom, welcome! Last year I ran a winter gift exchange where people would exchange ‘gifts’ of small works of fanfiction to each other at the end of the year, and I'm very excited to be doing this again!

Here’s a quick rundown of how it works:

You’ll fill out the google form I’ve linked below and that asks you a couple questions about your favorite characters/couples and turn it into me.

In return, I will give you a form someone else has filled out, and you will write a small work based on that person’s ‘wishlist’, and someone else will do the same with yours.

On December 31, everyone will post their gifts, using the tag ‘Redacted 2022 Winter Gift Exchange’.

This is a safe for work event, so writers of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate! This is all just for fun, so don’t get too caught up in comparing yourself to others. Published authors and beginners are all welcome! I hope you all choose to join! I’ll be closing the google form on November 19th, so make sure you fill out the form by then if you want to participate.

Form: https://forms.gle/Nes6jL8MEBAUSKdx5

I’m going to tag a few people under the cut who may be interest in joining. If I tagged you and you don’t want to participate absolutely no pressure :)

@romirola @romeo-the-homeo @teddybasmanov @teasandcardigans @cottagecorexboy @sealriously-sealrious @obsessivedino @angel-shaw @ejunkiet @batch-of-pengwings @bittersweet--chaos @bruh-im-aggro @dolls-circus @darlin-collins @starlitangels @fuzzy-melonlord

Alright I'm too dumb to think of more names. Tag ya friends and peer pressure them into joining. That is a joke please don't do that

#redacted asmr #Oooo #this looks fun im definitely joining #thanks for tagging me :)

[duskgraves]

Freelancer, completely hammered and half asleep on the couch: Jesus I'm sorry for sleeping with an incubus but you'd understand too if you saw his d-

Damien, being the one stuck with taking care of them: For the last time I'm not Jesus, and will you pleASE STOP TALKING ABOUT GAVIN'S DICK

#redacted asmr #redacted freelancer #redacted damien #redacted gavin #tw alchohol mention #tw language

[duskgraves]

*sam and darlin walking to an event*

sam: we're gonna be late...

darlin: don't worry, i know a shortcut

sam 20 minutes later emerging from a hedge and spitting out leaves: IT’S NOT A SHORTCUT IF YOU HAVE TO CROSS THE HIGHWAY AND CLIMB OVER A ROOFTOP

darlin, pulling twigs out of their hair: WE'RE HERE AREN'T WE??

[duskgraves]

You did your best, Sunshine

Disclaimer: Angst, major angst.

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

Asher groaned out painfully, eyes struggling to open only to be momentarily blinded by the overhead light. He swore harshly at it as he turned his head and closed his eyes once more. A chuckle came from the side of him causing him to quickly turn his head towards it. Instantly regretting his decision when the bite from his neck made itself known again.

“Careful there sunshine, don’t want to open the stitches that they just put in.” 

He snorted as he carefully massaged his neck, fingers barely brushing over the bandage. “You’re one to talk, the hell you doing out of bed already?” Eyes moving over to Darlin who had their elbow on the armrest and their cheek resting on their fist. He examined them in slight shock. They were still very bandaged up but sitting upright casually like they hadn’t just been almost torn in half by that centuries old vampire. 

“Hospital beds are shit and I was getting tired of lying down, my legs were getting cramped,” they replied, stretching their legs out for exaggeration.

He rolled his eyes at them with a grin. “David’s going to throw a fit if he sees your ass up already,” 

They retorted, “He’s going to throw one anyways after the state those hikers found us in. I swear that man looks for an excuse to bitch at people.” Asher slowly lost his grin as he thought back to what had just happened. A somber silence filled the room for a few seconds.

He winced, not able to stand it for any longer. “Did you really have to go after Quinn?” 

They stared at him silently for a moment, eyes shifting back and forth. “He was getting too close for comfort. Angel and your mate got cornered by him and were so shaken up they could barely even tell us what happened.” They moved their hand from their cheek to cross their arms over their chest. “Standing by would've just let him know that he can get away with this. And I've been with him long enough to know it's best not to let him get too comfortable.” 

“We were working on a plan, barreling at him headfirst put you in so much danger. You could’ve died!”

They shrugged carelessly, “Better me than anyone else.” 

“No. No!” He snarled, attempting to sit up but whimpering when he put pressure on one of his many broken ribs. They leaned forwards like they were going to help but only watched with worry as he attempted to sit up. It took him a minute of pained whines before he was fully upright with his one good arm wrapped around his abdomen. 

“Tank,” he finally continued when he could catch his breath again, “I get that we weren’t close when we were younger and I get that even now we aren’t exactly best friends. But fuck, I care about you so much. You’re my pack. My family. I'm sorry that you haven’t been as included and I'm sorry that you feel so isolated from us. I wish I can go back in time and slap my past self silly for not doing more but unfortunately my powers are limited to that of turning into a giant ass wolf who sheds an ungodly amount.” They laughed a bit, making him grin slightly again. “So even if you don’t think it, your life is no less valuable than any of the others in the pack. We would all fight for you just like you would us. So please, let us help you instead of trying to run off to shove a foot up his ass on your own.” A watery smile crossed their face as they looked at him with a look that made him want to pick them up and squeeze the shit out of them. He toothily smiled back, his eyes starting to blur making him rapidly blink to shoo away the tiredness.

He then yawned before asking, “You know if Babe is going to be here soon?” 

They shook their head, leaning back in their chair again. “Haven’t heard much, but knowing them I guess they’ll be breaking several laws to get here as quickly as possible.” 

His grin only widened at that imagery. "Our poor alpha's going to get so many gray hairs with our asses." The two broke into a fit of laughter at the thought. It eventually died back down into silence. 

Exhaustion finally started to weigh heavily on his mind too much for him to ignore now. He slowly began to move back down not wanting to risk falling over while sitting upright. 

“Can you do something for me?” Darlin then softly asked as he adjusted the pillow under his head before finally settling. 

“Of course, well…actually I can’t really do much right now.” He tiredly grinned, making them snort with an eye roll.

“Don't worry I’m not asking you to run a marathon,” they replied, “But, can you keep an eye on Sam? Make sure he’s alright? I just…I don’t even want to imagine what he’ll think about all of this. Quinn…he really messed me up this time and Sam just…” trailing off, eyes downcast in deep thought.

He scrunched his eyebrows at the request but nodded nonetheless. “You know I’ll be there for him. But if you're worried he's going to be mad at you then you can stop those thoughts there. I mean he’ll definitely be giving you an earful but he’ll be more worried than anything. I mean it'll take a lot more for that guy to actually be angry, especially at you.” 

They bit their lip, nodding a bit. “Just…Just promise me you will. And let him know I love him and that I'm sorry. I'm sorry to all of you.” 

He yawned once again with a nod and wave of his hand. Each time he blinked his eyes stayed closed for longer. “You should..you should get back to bed and rest some more though,” he murmured, looking up at them through his lashes. Somewhere in between his blinks they had stood up and were beside the bed.

They quietly replied, “Get some sleep, sunshine, you did your best please know that." He didn't have much time to process that before he was drifting off into a painless sleep.

When he woke up once more his head turned to where Darlin once was only to see David now in that chair with red eyes and exhaustion on his face.

Asher groaned, "David?" Said man looked up, body relaxing slightly at the sight of him awake. 

Leaning forwards as he asked gently, "How are you feeling Ash? Do you need the nurse?" His beta shook his head a bit, eyes moving around the room to see it was empty besides the two. 

"Where's Babe?" He asked, looking back with worry. 

"They're fine, hospital only allowed family to stay overnight and made an exception for me as alpha." He nodded as he rubbed the tiredness out of his eyes.

"You already lay it into Tank and it's now my turn?" He joked with a slight chuckle.

David instantly tensed, eyes watering which caught Asher completely off guard. A sinking feeling already in his gut now. 

It took him a moment to collect himself, holding back the tears as best he could before he spoke, "They didn't make it." His breathing halted.

"..what?"

"They were found dead in those woods with you. I'm sorry Ash, they're gone." 

He shook his head frantically, trying to sit up but was whimpering in pain by the sudden movement. "No no no, I saw them. I saw them! They were here! They talked to me!" David shook his head, unable to stop a tear that fell as he watched his friend panic.

"I'm sorr-" 

"No! They're not-they're not dead! I talked to them!" He grasped at David's arms who instantly held him tightly, letting his friend sob violently against him. "They can't..I saw them, they were sorry," he cried out, throat painfully tightening. He felt like he could barely breathe. "I saved them, I promise!" 

David whispered, "You did your best Ash, I'm sorry."

#redacted asmr #redacted darlin #redacted david #redacted babe #redacted asher

[duskgraves]

Long haired darlin using their pocket dagger as a pen/stick to hold their hair up>>>>

Them taking off and their hair falls on their shoulders as they hold it up someone's throat

[duskgraves]

This fic has me kicking my feet in the air and giggling

Honesty is the Best Medicine

Don’t judge the title, I fought with it for a good twenty minutes before giving in lol

This was written for several reasons. 1) @romirola and @zozo-01 have both been wonderful to me and written wisdom teeth removal fics at my request, and it made me want to write one. 2) @thatlesbeanjew requested Sam/Darlin hurt/comfort and I am always happy to deliver for her ♥️ 3) I need more practice writing shorter fics, and it’s a good warmup for my writing commissions lol

♥️ Tag List ♥️

@dolls-circus

@darlin-collins

@darlincollins

@gingerbreadmonsters

@teaseat

@duskgraves

@yourratbae

@mainhoesstuff

#redacted asmr

[duskgraves]

I am so in love with this work that I'm kicking myself for not having read it sooner. Cowboys and farm life have never interested me but damn does this fic have me by the neck now.

Between You, Me, & the Fence Post - Chapter 7

So today has been a bit of a rollercoaster… losing my apple pencil at least gave me motivation to buckle down and write as I wait for its replacement to ship in… have 7.5k of Ranch AU goodness lol (hopefully y’all feel better towards David after this chapter lol)

Taglist ♥️

@dolls-circus

@darlin-collins

@darlincollins

@gingerbreadmonsters

@zozo-01

@teaseat

@duskgraves

@yourratbae

@mainhoesstuff

#redacted asmr

[duskgraves]

I am so in love with this work that I'm kicking myself for not having read it sooner. Cowboys and farm life have never interested me but damn does this fic have me by the neck now.

Between You, Me, & the Fence Post - Chapter 7

So today has been a bit of a rollercoaster… losing my apple pencil at least gave me motivation to buckle down and write as I wait for its replacement to ship in… have 7.5k of Ranch AU goodness lol (hopefully y’all feel better towards David after this chapter lol)

Taglist ♥️

@dolls-circus

@darlin-collins

@darlincollins

@gingerbreadmonsters

@zozo-01

@teaseat

@duskgraves

@yourratbae

@mainhoesstuff

#redacted asmr

[duskgraves]

Currently wishing I could animate because this new song 'Bloody! Bloody!' By Junie and The HutFriends would be a perfect fit for Darlin

#redacted asmr #redacted darlin

[duskgraves]

Angel, gesturing to a group of ducks: Look at all those chickens

David:...

David: They're fucking ducks

I headcannon that David is an old man trapped in a young man's body, meaning that whenever Angel tries to make a pop culture reference or references a meme he has absolutely no idea what they're talking about. It's absolute torture for them.

#redacted asmr #redacted angel #redacted david

[duskgraves]

I headcannon that David is an old man trapped in a young man's body, meaning that whenever Angel tries to make a pop culture reference or references a meme he has absolutely no idea what they're talking about. It's absolute torture for them.

#redacted asmr #redacted angel #redacted david

[duskgraves]

I headcannon that Sweetheart's favorite movie is Coraline and they watch it every chance they can get. Especially on Halloween. Milo is terrified of the movie and his fear has barely lessened each time watching it.

#redacted asmr #redacted sweetheart #redacted milo

[duskgraves]

Just a thought from this

[duskgraves]

Darlin: A newly turned vamp tried to fight me today, but by pure coincidence I happened to know their dad on a first name basis. I yelled his name, he looked at me and smiled and after that I told them "I'm gonna fuck your dad."

Darlin: I gave that vamp more psychological damage than Quinn ever has—

[duskgraves]

Sam after finding Darlin bleeding out on their own couch:

#could also apply to David and Angel