#and then ill keep holding her through everything good and bad for as long as i can :) i love her sosososososo much

[the-once-ler-in-superjail]

CHAPTER 36: The Asylum - Part 2

Finally here, sorry this one took so long, we both got really busy this time but it's here!

Lineart/cleanup, flats & writing- @wiggybe

Layout/roughs, shading/lighting & writing- @self-made-madman

(TW: Mental illness/health/asylums.)

PART2

Once-ler: *He holds the Warden in his arms, relieved to have another moment alone with him, knowing that they're going to get out of here and that people are following his orders. At least he can have his glasses, they're just glasses, prisoners get to wear their glasses because they're visually impaired, this should be no different. He sniffs and wipes his tears with his hand, whispering.* I love you too. *Kisses the Warden's head and sighs out, hooking his chin over his head and bundling him up in his arms.* You're going to be okay, we- we're going to get you out. *He can't let him down.*

Warden: *His eyes shut, and as he floats in the vague numbness of what's been done to him, he absorbs all of Oncie's love, the feeling of his arms, the scent of his clothes and the way his voice vibrates through his chest. It helps to calm him, more than anything else ever could, but there's an instinctive part of him ready to have it all ripped away.*

Dr. Zazzerzump: *She strides straight into the room and states in a simple, curt voice.* Mr. Once-ler. *She has the air of a headteacher who won't be suffering nonsense, but because she isn't a blustering, loud older man, and hasn't brought the chaos of a crowd with her, she doesn't cause the same flinching reaction in the Warden as everything else. To him, this is just one more thing to trust Oncie to handle for him.*

Once-ler: *Pulls his head back from his boyfriend and looks over to the new doctor walking into the room. He knows this lady to be the woman in charge here. Good, that means he can sort this out properly rather than having to slap drones around. He doesn't get up though; he won't leave Edmund unless it's necessary, and he doesn't care how he looks holding him. If anything it only shows that he means the man no harm and that they do share a relationship.* Hm. *His eyes meet hers and he lets out an acknowledging grunt.* Doctor... *He looks her up and down as for a moment her name escapes him, but he does know all the names in charge of his cities' institutions.* Doctor Zazzerzump. *That's the one. He frowns, glancing around at the other nurses as they follow in behind her as if he's pretending to wonder where the Warden's glasses are, like he's making a point. Two male doctors join also, including Snickberry-Shoo, who all keep their distance.* Thank you. I requested the nurses bring this man’s glasses to me, where are they?

Dr. Zazzerzump: *Her eyes flit to the way the Once-ler is holding the patient only once, to take in the information and judge it. It's inappropriate, maybe, but it is proof that they know each other. Or proof that the patient has been so well-drugged that he doesn't know what's happening. Well, the Once-ler is a sane man, so it's presumably the first one. And yet, policy is policy for a reason.* The patient is in here because he proved to be a danger to himself and others. We can arrange for his glasses to be reconsidered, but he cannot have them back just because you asked... *She searches for a word that isn't rude.* 'nicely'. I will have the administrators put in a request, and he will be re-evaluated for his tendencies.

Warden: *He curls tighter, pushing his bare face against the Once-ler's chest so he doesn't have to see the world without his filter.*

Once-ler: *Feels a spike of adrenaline in his chest when he's refused, the thought of having to wait making his frustration build all over again.* That's not soon enough. Can't you make an exception?! Look at him, he needs them. Even prisoners don't have their own glasses confiscated. What could be so bad about him having his when I can supervise?

Dr. Zazzerzump: They could break - he could break them - and then we have glass shards, sharp wire, and an unpredictable man in the same room. The hospital would be liable if any harm came to either of you, even - *she anticipates the potential solution he might offer* if you were to sign a waiver. I'm afraid your friend must follow the rules like everyone else in the secure wing - no special treatment. But we can have him seen by our resident optician if necessary.

Once-ler: You’re already causing harm to him by treating him like this. *Breathes in a sharp, frustrated breath as he clutches onto Edmund harder. He knew these were the reasons. He doesn't care. Edmund is more dangerous to himself without the glasses. Besides, it’s not like he isn’t already drugged up to his eyeballs, bound in a straight-jacket, and not being watched over by a sensible and powerful man.* Don't you have security cameras here for the same reason? Just keep a closer eye on him for god sake! *He knows that what he's asking is exactly special treatment, but why shouldn't he? Parole exists so that those facing trial can pay to be in a comfortable environment while they wait. He raises an eyebrow.* I'll sign whatever the hell you like, if any harm came to either of us I'd take that responsibility on myself and see to it that no repercussions fall on the hospitals reputation. I can do that. *He tilts his head to the other side, frowning harder.* On the other hand, however, I can't promise the same should my requests be refused. *Hisses as one hand releases Edmund to slip into an inner pocket inside his jacket to fine his cheque book.* Fuck sake, how much do you want for them? *Looks at her like she just personally hurt him* He’s not dangerous, not with me and not right now, look at him. I’ll pay you extra if we could just arrange to have him monitored so that he can have what he really nee-

Dr. Zazzerzump: I cannot be bought, Mr. Once-ler. *As corruptible as the bribe of money can make people, sometimes those with the a more selfish agenda than just greed can be more malicious.* *She doesn’t care for money, she cares for maintaining an old archaic institute that she holds power over. Taking small wins, keeping control over anyone in her immediate vicinity, and insisting on her old fashioned ideals. And it just so happens the vulnerable patients in this place make those objectives a lot easier. She remains totally unmoved, as cold as steel, although she does for a moment feel a skip in her chest at the thought of more money towards their operations here. Still, she will have no preferential treatment for the wealthy or connected, even if the town's founder himself starts writing a check. She doesn’t quite realise that anyone, poor or wealthy, known or noone, would be willing to give up everything in their possession for the people they love. She holds a fundamental belief, a false ‘moral’ virtue about herself, that those of the mentally impaired are a danger to be hidden rather than human beings to be treated, despite having little to no modern research supporting her biases. There is no grey area that could suggest that the pain of others might warrant an empathetic reconsideration of the ‘rules’, she just holds onto these old ideas being ‘correct’. It’s as if Thneedville, and the people in it, are a product of a time where mindsets like this were the modern standards.* As I said, we cannot sign our duty of care away.

Warden: *He shifts, yielding as easily as a doe when Oncie's hand releases him to pull out his cheque book, but never stops gripping onto him. It's all going over his head, whoever that voice belongs to. Oncie is fighting a battle above the surface of the water while he sinks down below, and all he can do to avoid going (further) mad with fright is to hold on and make sure he never leaves him by himself. Right now the world is very simple - everything outside of their arms wants to hurt him or worse, abandon him to his own mind. Everything inside their arms is safe and loves him.*

Once-ler: *Sneers at her through his teeth in a low voice.* Ev-ery-thing can be bought. *He lets her speak, and as she does, he removes his thneed from his neck as if he's already made up his mind about something, not needing to hear the rest of it- because one can’t reason with a person who’s already accepted their own world view as fact. One can’t engage debate, even the most civil, with a person who has already made up their mind. The only thing that matters now is protecting his own pack. Something about the way this woman speaks is making it both harder for him to breathe the fire he usually does and at the same time makes him want to burn it all down with even more fury than when he spoke to the previous doctor. It isn't just a bigger dog biting at a smaller yappy dog, it's a fox VS a snake, both fighting for the fallen rabbit, and he's met a snake like this before. Thankfully the two women are nothing alike, but that doesn't stop the vitriolic, rebellious feeling in his gut needing to prove her wrong. He hisses again, almost scoffing at the irony of her words.* Your ‘duty of care’… *He glances to the Warden in sympathy, then back to her with far less.* Why is he so out of his mind?

Dr Zazzerzump: *Adjusts her glasses.* Is that a trick question, Mr Once-ler? All of the patients here are ‘out of their mind’, that’s what this place is for. We haven’t begun analysis or treatment on this particular patient yet, but he’s here for a reason-

Once-ler: That’s not what I meant! *He steams. Treatment of this sort has nothing to do with the rationality of the person involved, they shouldn’t be strapped up, sedated, and left in a cold corner for someone to find them- if someone ever comes to find them- without sympathetic care.* I meant why is he so sedated? Why is he all drugged up out of his mind?

Dr Zazzerzump: He was acting out, Mr Once-ler. a danger to everybody. We sedate all of our patients. It makes them feel better and it makes it easy for us to handle them and treat them. *Of course, she has no understanding of how these patients might truly feel, she’s just trying to come across as caring to hide that all she really cares about is the efficiency of her control here.*

Once-ler: *He almost screams out lout to her; ‘Even when he’s already in a straightjacket?!’ But he doesn’t, it wouldn’t help. He looks down at Edmund who can barely hear this conversation through water, he just knows Oncie is there somewhere and is trying to protect him, but if the man wasn’t here then the confusion would only be making him panic more as he looses an extra layer of stability and understanding.* He’s not comfortable at all, he doesn’t feel better at all, he’s scared. *Maybe he was being a menace, maybe he did deserve to be brought somewhere, but then shouldn’t he have been brought to a jail cell for disorderly conduct? Somewhere he can be held for safety reasons, call someone he knows, speak to a lawyer and at least be reviewed before taken to an asylum? Who authorised that he be brought here? Were they called before the police and just snapped him up to fill one of their patient cells?… He had no idea this sort of conduct was going on here, in his own city. This is old, archaic stuff. For as abstract as Thneedville is, sometimes he does feel that it’s oddly stuck in the 1970’s, as if it’s a product of a mind that’s frame of reference is a world straight out of the late 60’s. Maybe after all of this is over he really should review this place top to bottom officially and write up a report, not just because he’s been personally hurt by it and it’s employees, but because there might be things here he’s not looked at, that could seriously do with reforming.*

Dr Zazzerzump: *Says nothing. She hasn't spared a second glance at Edmund, she's been too busy watching the angry man making his demands and she clearly has no intention of treating these patients like human beings.* If you have no further requirements, I shall leave you two in peace. Visiting hours close at 6.

Once-ler: *Almost hisses at the way she ignores his genuine concerns.* That’s it? That’s all you’re going to say?! *He huffs, and in a sweep of his tailcoats, he turns back to the Warden and strides strictly over to him. He glares over his shoulder to the doctor.* I’m not going anywhere, I’m staying here with him.

Dr Zazzerump: *Suddenly spikes. He can’t stay here! That’s an obstacle between herself and the power she holds over everyone in the place.* Visiting hours close at 6 Mr-

Once-ler: I heard you! And I don’t care. If you won’t let me take him out then I have no other option than to stay with him overnight while I make preparations to have him removed.

Dr Zazzerzump: *Sneers* Mr Once-ler if you do not leave, I will have to have you removed by security.

Once-ler: *Turns around and folds his arms.* Who do you think your security is funded by? Who do you think your very institute is funded by? *He squints and tilts his head.* The Thneedville government? *He scoffs at her*. You think your governments have more power than corporations? Where did you hire your security, from the government or from a company?

Dr Zazzerzump: *Remains quiet and clenches her jaw.*

Once-ler: That’s what I thought. *He tilts his head to the door.* Go on, call them, tell them to remove me… If you really think they’ll listen to your orders over mine. *Fine. He’ll play her games of ‘procedure’ and ‘protocol’, she can make this harder for him as much as she wants, that doesn’t mean she’s going to enjoy it.*

Dr Zazzerzump: *Her icy demeanour starting to crack, she tries to hold herself together, keep her composure, refrain from forming shaking fists with her hands at her sides. By the second, the Once-ler is revealing to her what little power she has, despite her doing her best to hold onto it.* Fine. *He hisses under her breath.*

Once-ler: *Turns his back to return to the Warden.* You understand then. Good. I’ll stay here with him for as long as I need. *He won’t leave until Edmund is in his custody, until he can take him out of this dreadful place. Every part of him just wants to drag him our right now, hire his own security, pay theirs off, rip him out of the straight jacket and take him home, but the amount of chaos that that would cause in both the short and long term just isn’t worth the trauma that it’d have on Edmund. For one thing he’d need to leave him to get it all done that fast, and he couldn’t bear to leave him with them- who knows what they would do while he’s unsupervised? The manic of all the action and panic could have a terrible effect on him, while doctors are grabbing at them, large security men are shouting and the Thneedville public are watching him like a spectacle. It’d be cruel to drag him through that. It’d also cause more problems in the long term for them both if if he acted so unofficially. The best thing he can do is be sensible and assertive, plan his escape right by his side, make sure it’s as easy as it can be, and never leave him alone so long as he’s still in here. He’ll need important files and equipment to do it, and that’ll take time to arrange that if he wants to stay with him the whole time, but it can be achieved. Anything can be achieved by the Once-ler. He leans down by his boyfriend and tucks the thneed into Edmund's bound arms across his front so that he can hide his face in it. He leans into his ear.* I'm not going anywhere. *He straightens up and turns to the doctors, standing between them and Edmund and acting as a barrier while looking incredibly tall at his full height and the extra tower of his hat.*

Warden: *He curls up when Oncie gives him the thneed, and the scent of butterfly milk and truffula tufts proves to the animal in the back of his mind that he's still safe. Still, he shivers when he feels Oncie pull away, and buries himself in the fluff, focusing on the gentle way Oncie spoke to him as his sluggish mind tries to hold on to whatever it can through the grey and depressing mire. He doesn't even remember what he did to deserve being locked up in here.*

Once-ler: I didn't get to where I am today, to owning all of your jobs today, under the false idea that 'not everything can be bought'. *His hand forms a fist by his side, the other one pointing a sharp finger.* I've been nice, I’ve played your game, now you're gonna listen to me. This man is leaving this building no later than tomorrow.

Dr Zazzerzump: *Opens her mouth to speak*-

Once-ler *His index finger and thumb pinch together before anyone can interject, as if making a ‘zip it’ gesture.* I don't wanna hear anymore goddamn bullshit recited from ancient documents! You can either make this easier for me or you can make it harder on yourselves, either way I'm getting what I want. I don't care what strings I have to pull, he's leaving tomorrow. You wanna know why? Because if you won't comply, then I can have you all fuckers replaced with people who will by just making three phone calls. So it makes no difference to me other than the fact you're wasting my time!

[The nurses behind the head Dr Zazzersump and take a step back, they straighten up with a spike of adrenaline in their chests, listening to the orders like soldiers. Dr Zazzerzump blinks at him, momentarily surprised and panic setting in at that threat, which quickly turns into cold anger to hide it. She looks around her staff and can feel her own sense of control slowly crumble as the medical teams have their attention stolen away from her by the Once-ler. The man has always been very good at claiming almost anything as his own.]

Once-ler: *Starts to count on his fingers. Without shouting, now sounding more like a very strict, growling army general. Suddenly they all feel like they work for him.* I want his discharge signed. I want his duty of care handed to me. I want his clothes ready. I want him off whatever shit you've been shoving down his throat. I want his goddamn glasses! And I want it all done by 3pm tomorrow because that's how fast it will take me to fuck up your whole system here and make it mine. *If he were an animal, the hackles of his fur would be rising and his teeth would be bearing, the gruffness of his voice growling through with that last word.* Every single one of you is going to be bought because all of these procedures you're following can be bought, so you better not waste any of my goddamn time once I slam that gavel down onto your precious procedures and shove them in my back pocket! *Points a finger towards each of them.* Get it all done by 3pm tomorrow and not a second later, because The Once-ler will not be late.

[The frightened shocked doctors and nurses behind Dr Zazzersump all stare at her with gormless speechlessness. They’re ready to skitter away and do everything he’s asked without question, because, SHIT, they need to get on this fast to have it all ready by tomorrow. Dr Zazzerzump herself is sweating, and every bitter bone in her body wishes she wasn’t. How dare he turn the tables on them and make such unrealistic demands with such a short deadline, they’d have to drop everything to get this done by then.]

Dr. Zazzerzump: *She attempts to straighten up at the same rate that the Once-ler rises, meeting his eyes and paying cold attention but not interrupting him now he’s on a roll. She holds rigid against his threats and swallows, but as she notices her staff becoming more restless at the mention of procedures and paper work, she can’t find a reason to oppose it. What he's asking for is technically reasonable, if unorthodox, so he’s trapped her in a dead end, all her talk of procedures turned back on her, and thrown the threat of a deadline at them all. Thank god that it is reasonable though, in the tightest possible way of tip-toeing around all the orthodox rules, because by this point not even she wants to deal with what wrath he might bring if she refuses him again. At the end of the day, he owns this town more than anyone else, more than she owns this asylum- regrettably.*

Warden: *He hears a man yelling, and like a dreamstate he simultaneously recognises the voice as his Oncie, and expects it to belong to a very different, much more violent man - because that's the man who would normally be in a locked cell like this with him unable to fight back. It’s confusing as his hearts instinct battles his learned neurological instinct. He curls further, clenching his eyes shut even tighter and reminding himself beneath all the numb and rubbery haze that Oncie is protecting him, Oncie will come for him, and that despite the sound of that powerful voice reminding him of things more dangerous, maybe it’s only so powerful because for once it’s actually protecting him. It does sound a lot like his strong Oncie after all. He’s safe.*

Once-ler: *Pulls in a deep breath and grabs the lapels of his jacket, pulling on them to straighten them. Clears his throat.* I will stay with him here overnight, I will keep the button alarm on me should I need to make anymore requests, no-one is to come near him unless it's for very specific medical reasons I'm unqualified to perform. Food, drink, medication, cleaning, anything else will all be handled by myself, and I want him weaned off the medication ASAP. *He raises an eyebrow.* You better hurry up then.

[The nurses scatter like a flock of pigeons, forgetting for a moment that Dr Zazzerzump needed to give an official before they can, but the Once-ler is right, they do need to hurry up if they want it all done on time. They need to turn the place upside down to avoid his wrath if he’s ready to leave tomorrow at 3pm and they’re late for it. How can the man work so fast when there’s only one of him and he can’t leave a cell? They have an entire team of people but they’re the ones frantically panicking for a deadline.)

Dr Zazzerzump: *Behind her, the doctors and nurses have backed off skittishly and darted off to work, trapped between the demands of two different dangerous animals who could both ruin their lives if they make a wrong move, but the bigger one clearly won. After a pause to collect her thoughts, Dr. Zazzerzump clears her throat and raises her hand to them. They’ve already made up their minds who they’re taking orders from now, but she throws out an official instruction, just to maintain a semblance of composure.* *Clears her throat.* Yes!- Mh.. Do as he says. For 3pm tomorrow.

*They scatter out of the door like spilled marbles, leaving the two alone. Then Dr. Zazzerzump continues.*

Dr. Zazzerzump: *Bitterly* The medication is a temporary sedative; it will wear off by morning and I shall make a note that no further doses will be required. There will be a nurse on call to arrange for overnight accommodations. *Grimaces, but tries to maintain professional. The decision has already been made now, all she can do is go along with it and appear as reasonable as she can to avoid receiving that harsh report.* Should you require anything further, the staff will assist you. Is that everything, Mr. Once-ler?

Once-ler: *Finally seems like he might consider withdrawing his claws the moment people start following his orders, especially when the woman confirms it to her staff. The fact that she doesn’t even question his power, influence or ability to have everything done by tomorrow in order to take Edmund out, goes a long way to placating him. He’d have really started ruining lives, he doesn’t care who the head doctor in this place is, if she’d said something like ‘we can’t guarantee, sir, that the changes you claim to make will be completed by then, if at all, and so signing documents and making preparations for rules that aren’t already in place would be a misdirection of time as well as possibly setting us up for illegal- blah blah blah.’ Good thing they all know when they’re in the jaw of the lion.* Yes. You can leave us alone.

*Dr Zazzerzump leaves with a slight twist in her expression, letting out a silent frustrated, but almost relieved that it’s over, sigh of relief. As she and the rest of the staff move away down the corridor and the door swings shut with a heavy thunk, she can be heard issuing clipped commands to everyone else. She tries not to rush too much, because rushing tends to make mistakes, but these things will move quick.*

Once-ler: *When everyone leaves and they’re finally left in private again, he turns back to Edmund, curled up on the floor, and all the anger sighs out of him (at least for now). Drops back down to his knees and leans over him, places his hand on his shoulder.* Edmund…? *His eyebrows knot up.* Edmund it’s me, they’re all gone.

Warden: *He pulls slightly tighter around himself when he feels the pressure of someone's footsteps on the floor beside him. The pressure on his shoulder doesn't make him jump - it can't – but he feels a spike of fear, in automatic self defence he tries to strike like a cornered rat and bite the hand. In reality though, he just manages to turn slowly and gasp. And then Oncie speaks, and he forgets everything except that his knight in shining armour is here.*

Warden: *He cracks open his eyes and looks up at Oncie, his brow creased with worry, desperate to get himself moving enough to talk but unable to force it.* O-okay. *He needs those bright blue eyes so much, but they're so bright he can barely look at them. His pupils visibly shrink against them. He shuts his eyes tight again with distress, hating the grey and how close he is to everything terrible around him.*

*This is so much. The cogs in his brain try to turn, and he thinks that he wants to break the bad feelings with a joke, or a flippant comment - it's not a conscious thought, but it's what the instincts in him tell him to do. He forces himself to speak again, his voice a hushed whisper.* ...I’m s- I'm really... Really scared.

Once-ler: *Sees the way Edmund almost tries to flinch and his eyebrows knot up harder. He can't even protect himself, it's so sad. Then that recognition comes and he swallows, his stomach fluttering with sad little butterflies but fluttering nonetheless.* I- I know, I know you are. *Sighs out and immediately drops down to wrap his arms around him and bundle him up again. He knew he'd get nowhere asking for them to release him from the straight jacket, not if they won’t even let him have his glasses because he's too unpredictable apparently. He was hoping he might be able to fumble with it himself once alone, but as he hugs him and feels around the back of it, he feels the padlocks and realises that not just anyone outside of the wrapped patient himself is free to mess with it. He mentally sighs, but just becomes more kind and gentle in response.* It's okay if you're scared. *His voice becomes thick but he holds himself together.* It's okay, but you don't have to be scared now, because- because I'm here s- so you're safe, and nothing is going to hurt you or scare you anymore. *Cups his hand around the back of his head and pulls him into his shoulder, and plants a long pressed kiss into his head.*

Warden: *His arms shuffle what little they can in an unconscious attempt to reach out and hold onto Oncie, but the best he can do is curl up as close as he can into the hug. Eyes shut, surrounded by his scent, he listens to the words and slowly translates them - he has to wait for each word to pop into meaning like bubbles from the ocean floor. His body relaxes a little bit, unable to protect himself anymore - no powers, no strength, not even his special filter that means nothing is real and nothing really matters. Suddenly everything matters, and it all wants to hurt him. Except Oncie. He's still here, he didn't leave forever. He sniffs, still tearful, and nuzzles into his shoulder and the thneed still tangled up between them. That kiss sends a wave of relief and love through him, and he realises without surprise that he's crying again. He shuffles again against the jacket, not enough to be considered 'a struggle', but miserably testing what it is. In a slightly thicker voice of his own, he asks,* What did I do? *He's obviously in trouble, he obviously did something, because he's in prison. If he wasn't so addled he'd be mad on his own behalf and flailing about it again, but all he can figure right now is that everyone's upset with him except Oncie, and that doesn't feel great.*

Once-ler: *Opens his eyes wide when he's asked what he did wrong, and he doesn't know how to answer. Even if the Warden wasn't sedated and put up a good fight, he'd crack eventually. He might go feral for a bit, but these people are… ‘trained’ to handle a dangerous, damaged psych patient like him. He's the Warden to himself, he's The Once-ler's soulmate to the man holding him, but the reality is that to them he's just another severe case like so many other names on a list and fading faces in the facility rooms. Their treatment of him is completely wrong, but he’s not a stable man, that’s the reality, and right now there's a lot of reality, there isn't a lot of Edmund. A runt might try to put up a good fight with it's teeth and it's ratty snarls, but in the end it'll still drop down under the teeth of a dog bigger and scarier than it, when it’s adrenaline has worn off and it knows it can’t put up a fight, when it's instincts tell it how small it really is and that it should just conserve it's energy and lie down. Edmund, at his heart, is a meek man. The thought of him being lost here, hiding fearfully in the corner of a room away from the dogs that beat the defences out of him, just like his father did, is the worst nightmare he ever could have conjured up.*

Once-ler: *His arms grip around him tighter, tighter than the jacket, and the way he feels him weakly squirm makes his heart break. He pulls back just enough to see his face, hand still cupping the back of his head, so it isn't heavy for Edmund to hold up.* Ohh... *His eyebrows knot.* It was just... *He doesn't even know what to say. He glances down his body and starts to shuffle them so they can rest against the wall in the corner of the room where it's most secluded.* You must be cold, let me help. *He shuffles up into the corner, carrying his boyfriend slowly with him, and takes the thneed back. He lets him rest between his legs against his front while he stretches out the thneed and turns it into a blanket. His heart is pounding and he's trying to swallow down an emotional lump, then he lays the thneed blanket over Edmund and then shuffles out of his own green tailcoat and lays that over him too to create a second, heavier layer to keep the warmth in. Pressed between Oncie's front, then the thneed and Oncie's weighted jacket, he wraps his arms around him and hugs him to his chest.* There. There, that's better.

Warden: *When Oncie cups his face, he looks up into his eyes as best he can and tries to understand what he did. Deep down, beneath all of his delusions, the current sedatives, the self-denial and the fantasies, he knows he's doing bad things. But if he didn't do those bad things, he'd be doing something even worse by letting down the terrible spirit of his father. To be good he has to be a good prison warden, and a good prison warden is vicious, cruel and controlling. But, because he's always been an empathetic baby, he knows that to be vicious, cruel and controlling makes people hate you and makes you a bad person. He can't win. There is no condition where everyone likes him and is pleased with him, so the only conclusion he has ever been able to come to is that he's just an inherently bad human being. But that's okay if he's louder than everyone else, insists to everyone else that he isn’t until he’s *delusional*, and tries to make them happy occasionally by making things fun. That's why he includes the prisoners in his science fairs and vacations and car races – bad, boring wardens wouldn’t do that, right?*

 *His expression breaks, tears filling his eyes as his mouth quivers and devastation spreads across his features. When he was a little boy, the scariest thing in the world was the thought of being abandoned for being bad. Now, here, it feels like reality itself is doing just that - he's been shoved out the way and left behind. He clamps up and tries not to make a sound, in case that's bad too.*

*He's completely pliable as Oncie moves them, trying to help but he can only move his legs and he can't move them much. When they settle, though, and he's covered in layers of warm weight and held all tightly in his protector's arms, reality feels that bit further away and he remembers that he's not been abandoned. Not fully, not by everyone.* *With a little bleat, he nods. It is better. His bare feet push against the cold floor beneath the blankets so that he's pushed against Oncie's front.* *After a moment, he finds the words to say.* Whatever I did... I- I didn't mean to... *That's a lie. But he'd do anything to be kept.*

Once-ler: *Feels his heart break when he sees the tears and tries to catch them with his thumb as he cups his cheek. He hugs him to his front, treasuring him like he's the only teddy-bear his parents have ever been able to afford, and clinging to him like a child hiding from the shadows in a wardrobe. Gasps at his words and whispers.* You didn't- It was an accide- it was a mistake- *He feels distinctly, innocently, devastated and sick to his stomach with guilt and worry, in an almost confused way that a juvenile would. As if he's at fault of doing something so bad to the younger kid living next door, who he often goes out to play with, but it's also his responsibility to take care of. But this time he convinced him to jump into the lake, climb too far up a tree, go too close to a wild animal, and it's his fault now that something terrible happened to him, and he's terrified of being told off by both their mom’s. So he just hides in the woods with him, trying to fix it and not knowing how, and just telling him that he's okay and everything will be fine, but he also feels sick with horror. His voice breaks.* But- but I'm going to fix it- I will! I'll fix it!

*He gasps as tears form in his own eyes and he curls around him. He's letting him down, he can't do anything right, he can't even get him out of this place in a city that be basically owns.* I- I'm so sorry- It's my fault. *His expression breaks down and he pulls him to his front, hooking his head over his shoulder and shaking it with guilt. He's useless. He can't even protect him from his own damn city.* I'm sorry, I'm s- so, so sorry, Edmund. I'm so sorry.

Warden: *He nuzzles against him, drying his tears on Oncie's front and pressing against him for safety until his muscles start to soften - he can't keep the effort up for very long, but he always stays hugged up in his arms. He lets out a soft hiccup when he hears that it was an accident, or a mistake, whatever it was. He can't remember how he ended up here - every memory is fuzzy and indistinct like a dream that fades faster the more he tries to grasp for it - but at least Oncie doesn't blame him. Right now that's the very final thing that matters, like the last star still burning in the sky. Everything else has failed, but Oncie is always there, and he never leaves him.*

*He doesn't quite understand when Oncie says he'll 'fix it'. He doesn't know what there is to fix, because prison is an inevitable force that can't be changed. It's like saying you'll fix a sunset. His eyes crack open again, wet eyelashes fluttering against his boyfriend's neck while his own dears don’t cease.* Hm? *The cogs try to turn again.* W-Why? *His voice is hushed, but it's still his usual loopy, lyrical lisp, with a quiver of sadness.* You're here. *That is the only thing that matters. The only thing.*

Once-ler: *Looks down at him with wet eyelashes too.* Because, well because you're still here too and I think it's my fault you are. *He sniffs and begins wiping the Warden's tears away with his hand, since he can't do it himself.* But- but like I said, I'll fix it. *He makes sure not to talk too quickly, to let the words sink in.* I'm going to take you back home, I'm going to make you feel better. It just- *he hiccups as another tear appears and he wipes it away on his shoulder,* It just won't be right now. But I'm not going anywhere, I'm staying here with you until I can make everything okay again- and then forever after that.

Warden: *He looks up at Oncie with half-lidded eyes, still tight enough in the corners that the middle-aged creases around them are visible, but more relaxed than they have been thus far. He blinks slowly when Oncie wipes his tears away, foggy from the sedatives, believing everything he says because he has no choice but to do so, and trusting him because how could he not? He knows in his heart that nobody should like him enough to be here, but Oncie is because they're in love.*

*His subconscious can't quite believe it when he's told they're going to get out of here, not because he doesn't trust Oncie but because he's never known a reality where a prison wasn't an ultimate and inescapable thing. If he was sober he'd believe him, but he can't right now. However, when he says he'll be with him forever 'after that'... something shifts. To hear that Oncie wants to be with him forever shakes up the foundations he otherwise fully believed in, and the idea that there might be a forever after this suddenly becomes plausible. His eyes widen just a little bit more - even as glassy as they are - and a smile slowly spreads across his face, welling up with hopeful, emotional, grief-stricken tears as raw feeling is able to bleed up through the sedation.* Ye... yeah? *He sounds so hopeful, and with the tone of a soldier wanting someone to keep talking to him as he bleeds out on the battlefield, his chest shuddering with emotional hiccups. Nuzzled up against him, able to feel his heartbeat and bury in his scent, looking up at him and hearing his voice - if he can't have his glasses, he can put a new barrier between himself and the rest of reality.*

Once-ler: *His heart breaks and clutches at the hope in the Warden's voice, seeing him smile makes some ray of hope bloom in him too. Nothing can stop the happiness that the Warden brings to the Once-ler when he smiles, no amount of sedatives or guilt, when the man shows that grin, shows the cute gap in his teeth and has that hope in his eyes, it can’t stop Oncie from smiling back to greet him. As his eyes well up again with painful love at the way the Warden’s overflow, he smiles a little too.* Ye-hes...* He almost sobs out silently, between his quivering, smiling lips. He sniffs, then leans in slowly, gently cups Edmunds cheek to tilt towards him, and presses his lips to his. The kiss lingers in softness, barely any pressure applied but the sentiment still clear. His arms squeeze him tenderly a little bit, and after he pulls away he gazes into his eyes and replies in a low voice.* Yes. I promise.

Warden: *He drinks in Oncie's smile like it's sunlight, fortifying him a little better and feeding that faith that everything is going to be alright. He can't envision what it might look like (which spooks him, because he has a very vivid imagination) but he believes that he'll feel better soon. Like a feedback loop, Oncie's returned smile only makes his bigger too. Then they kiss, and under the sedatives it feels like his stomach has erupted like an underwater volcano, something hot and wild and frantically desperate, dampened by a thick layer of vacuum, but unmistakeably there. It feels like he’s been kissed for the very first time, by the only person he’ll love for the rest of his life. It takes him a second to react before his lips twitch and then he's kissing back too - with a similar light pressure, but still very much a presence. Oncie is here, and Oncie loves him, he’s been saved. They draw back, and he looks up at him with utter trust, wide and glassy-eyed, but believing in him as the most powerful force of nature to exist. His eyes might be foggy, but his smile shines through for him.*

Once-ler: *Pulls away from the kiss and adores the smile on Edmunds face. He desperately needs that belief- because no-one else has ever believed in him. Strokes his thumb over his cheek as he cups his face and he gazes into his eyes, wiping away some more tears for his boyfriend. His eyebrows knot up as he blinks his own away and he sighs out sadly.* My little bunny... *Kisses his forehead again and tilts his head in concern, squinting his own eyes as if trying to stop them from being so bright, because he knows they're bright for the Warden without his glasses.* Do your eyes hurt?

Warden: *The combination of Oncie's gentle handling, the safe weight of the covers and the kind tone of his voice softens the Warden's body until he's a warm, heavy weight against his front. He still squints as he looks up into Oncie's eyes, but he doesn't want to lose him by shutting his own.* *It takes him a moment to translate the question, especially since he's still glowing over the kind and loving pet-name, but then he replies quietly,* Mmhmm... a little. *He doesn't care anymore, though. As long as his world is so small that it's only the two of them, he can survive even if they do ache.* I-it's okay.

Once-ler: *Eyebrows knot up in sympathy.* I can't get your glasses but- *Reaches up above his top hat where his sunglasses rest on his head and takes them, while also removing his hat and placing it down.* You can wear mine if it makes you more comfortable. *He helps him try them on, knowing that they're not yellow lenses so can't make anything warmer, but they are dark and so might helps soothe some of the brightness or overwhelming peripheral vision. The weight of glasses on his face might also just provide something of a placebo effect, who knows?* Does that feel better, or no?

Warden: *He watches with glassy docility as Oncie places the glasses on his face, and as darkness falls over his vision he blinks in curiosity. Then the unseen tension in his shoulders relax and the lines around his eyes soften. That feels much better - even if they still aren't right and don't make him feel like he's in his own little fantasy world, he does at least have the separation and some rest for his weak eyes.*

*He smiles up at him from behind his sunglasses, looking quite the picture in his colourless hospital clothes, restraints, and Oncie's sunglasses.* Much better. *He shuffles against him, unable to inch any closer but just wanting to feel the action of drawing nearer to him anyway.* Thank you... *He thanks him as innocently as a child knowing to be polite, but with all the love they share together.*

Once-ler: *Gently smiles when he sees that it's made him feel somewhat better.* Good~ *Leans down and kisses his forehead.* You're welcome. *His stomach squirms as he feels Edmund shift and for a moment wonders if he's uncomfortable, but then he settles against him.* They suit you. *He says with a quiet chuckle, wanting to ease some tension with a playful compliment.

Warden: *Blinks at Oncie with his own, slightly delirious, giggle. He looks up at him with endless gratitude, even just for the slight attempt at play with the compliment, because any amount of play is a good distraction away from bad feelings for the Warden.*

Once-ler: *He smiles back with depth behind his gaze. His heart then skips a beat as he thinks about saying it again, and maybe hearing it back, although he wouldn't worry if he doesn't because knows now that he's capable of it at least. His arms squeeze around him gently, lovingly and he mumbles by his ear.* I love you.

Warden: *He's so glad he's squeezed back, too. He wants that tangible sense of being as close as possible, so his senses are full with the fact that he's protected - because it's really spooky being unable to do anything to defend himself. When he hears those three words again, his body rises with a deep breath of relief and a rush of giddy - if woozy - happiness. Hearing those words still doesn't feel real, those words never applied to him before this man came along, and on some foggy level he understands that even now in all this bad feeling Oncie still wants him enough to be here and say that. Emotion rises in the back of his throat and for a moment his heart flutters. He loves him too.*

*He wants to say those words back. In the addled and muzzy confusion of the past few hours, he's not sure if he's ever been able to or not, but those are also dangerous words that might mean something very bad happens if he says them out loud. He doesn't want to bring down an axe on Oncie right when they're at their weakest, but at the same time he wants to say it so bad.* I-I... *He swallows, then quickly nods as a lump rises in his throat. Silently, he begs Oncie to understand.*

Once-ler: *His hand rises into the Warden's hair and he strokes his fingers through it. He smiles as he watches him try to reply, and doesn't force him, the fact that he's trying to is proof enough, it always has been. His stomach flutters and he leans down to press his lips against his head. He adds quietly when the Warden stops himself.* I know.

Warden: *He's so relieved to hear that Oncie doesn't need him to say it. If he did, the pressure would be too much, especially right now, and he wouldn't know what to do to make it go away. As it is, rather than struggle with the darkness, he's able to float in his arms, and even though he's far from home and can't move his body and doesn't know what to do, he's still kind of cosy. Even a little bit happy.*

*A few moments ago, he said those words because he wasn't sure if he'd ever see Oncie again, and if Oncie was getting away from him then... he was escaping, so maybe he'd hear them and wouldn't be hurt. That was the thought process, the desperation, that managed to coax those words out of him. As he clings to his soulmate's front as best he can, calmer and more aware that they're both here and both 'in danger', he isn't sure they have that freedom. A big man with an axe might enter at any moment. But somehow he still feels like Oncie might be a bigger man. He tilts his head closer to Oncie's chest and says very quietly, forcing the words forward,* A-are we safe?

Once-ler: *His hand comes round and clutches his head protectively when he feels him tilt towards his chest, and when he asks that question he opens his mouth to reply, but then a quick knock taps against the door and the sound of locks clicking with keys echoes through. His attention flicks to it and his grip tightens around Edmund, not to worry him but to make him aware he's protected. He stares towards the incoming sound like a wolf ready to pounce with sharp eyes, ready to snarl at the threat. But he suddenly remembers to collect himself.*

*The knock isn't so much of a request to enter as it is a warning someone is entering, the kind of half assed knock an aged mother gives on her teenage sons bedroom door before sweeping in to dump a pile of laundry on the bed. It's not so much of a knock and entry as it is two hard taps and the immediate creak of the metal hospital door as it sweeps open and white light floods through. An older, plumper woman enters with a younger nurse by her side. The former has been a carer for forty years, the latter didn't want to come back here alone.*

Older nurse: Evenin' Mr. Once-ler, sorry to disturb, but we've brought the overnight stuff by instruction of Dr. Zazzerzump. *She has bags under her eyes, her voice is nasally and she speaks her words with a slow drawl. She's a chunky, round figure and is the type of old nurse who has changed so many bedpans over the years that nothing disgusts or surprises her anymore. Although some patients occasionally do, including this one, but she's good at brushing it off and getting on with her job.* C'mon Lissie! *She enters further into the room holding a large roll of bedding like a lady Viking shifting a boulder. Lessie, a younger, fairly new nurse shuffles in hesitantly after her with pillows.* Do you want it assem-ba-lin' for you, Sir?

Warden: *Suddenly there's noise and voices and loud rattling, and it hits him all wrong because his brain can't process things properly right now. If he was by himself he'd panic and fear would strike and thrash him at them like a prey animal caught in a net. Flinching at and away from them somewhere between impulsive attempts to snap defensively and simply shriek from fright- or, that's what he'd think he'd be doing. In reality the sedative is too much to let him do anything shake out of fear and try to hiss. But his instincts are different now that there's someone else to take care of him, a bigger predator able to fight for him, and so that panicked, protective aggression doesn't trigger. Instead, he's just terrified and begging for rescue. He yelps at the sudden noise, and instinctively dives further against Oncie as if he were trying to dig himself into the ground. His body can be felt to begin to shake, and his hands tighten under his restraints as he grips onto himself in an automatic attempt to protect his organs. He lets out a small sound of fear and manages to dig his heel into the ground and shove himself as hard as he can into Oncie's arms, trying to hide in him like a deer hiding between the legs of a stag.*

Once-ler: *Is frowning towards the noise, but he blinks at the Warden's sudden rustling and hiding and feels his heart clutch in his chest as the same rate his hands clutch around him. His gaze snaps towards the door, now not so furious because things are more in his control and he has his soulmate back in his arms, but still protective. He assumes it's nurses returning to drop off the overnight accommodations he was promised, but Edmund doesn't have enough comprehension of what's happening to understand that's all this is. He pulls him into his front, hiding his face in his chest as he holds his hand against the back of his head and pulls their makeshift covers up a little more over him. He feels the shaking and hears the sound, and as his stomach clenches he can't help but whisper down to him that he's okay. Then he orders at the women.* No, just drop them down there and go. I'll do them myself.

Warden: *He's tense - really, really tense - as he grits his teeth and tries to block out the fact that reality is once again intruding on his world just when it was starting to arrange itself in a tiny little bubble he could kind of begin to handle. He was okay, for a second when it was just them. But the noise leaves him exposed to the real world again, to people who threaten everything about him. Even them just looking at him means he's not The Warden, which is the only thing his mind can deal with.*

*He's not sure if he'll end up bending his sunglasses with the force he's putting on them as he buries himself in Oncie's front. His arms shove, just once, in a panicked attempt to grab around his boyfriend's waist or flail at oncoming danger, but it's not strong and the jacket prevents anything from really happening. He can hear his breathing squeak, but he does at least calm a little bit when he hears Oncie talk to him. He stops his minute attempts at struggling, though his heart still flutters and he still freezes against him like a rabbit caught in an open field.*

Older Nurse: *Shrugs and drops the things on the floor. Lissie does the same, dropping down the pillows and a bag containing some overnight supplies. She grumbles on her way out barely heard.* A 'thank you' would be nice… Young men these days-

Nurse Lessie: *Nudges the older nurse and points over to the Warden. Whispers to her.* Nurse Julie, is that allowed?

Warden: *He doesn't really follow what they're saying, but he recognises the tones enough to hear when they drop the things on the floor - which makes him jump anyway - and start to leave. He begins to soften, just a little, but then they start talking again and he kicks at the ground beneath the covers and whispers Oncie's name in the smallest voice, begging him to make them go away.*

Once-ler: *He feels the pressure against him and doesn't care if his sunglasses are bent so long as they don't end up hurting the Warden himself. The kicking and the little whisper of his name only makes that anger surge up harder because now he's responding to his soulmates fear and feels anxious to defend his space. He just made a warm nest for him and they're invading it.*

Nurse Julie: *Huffs and looks over with her hand on her hips, adjusting her own glasses when she notices the new ones on the Warden.* Sir, I can't say that won't count as contraband like his own if he's-

Once-ler: *Is currently hooking his chin over the Warden's head and stroking his back with his hand under the coat and thneed. He rolls his eyes and snaps at her, the demand barked and final.* Just get out.

Warden: *Flinches at the sudden loud voice, his common sense even more inhibited with the sedatives and therefore his learned behaviour responds instinctively with a flinch to the shout of the angry man. But a split second later, he recognises the voice as his Oncie, which makes sense because the shout was very close and Oncie is hugging him right now, and that flinch immediately settles because he knows he’s being protected. Oncie is so powerful and has such a presence, he’d recognise that voice of his anywhere, it’s the voice that shows strength and makes demands around Superjail despite everything. Even in the jaws of Superjail, Oncie is still a force to be reckoned with. For some reason, that foggy thought almost makes his throat close up.*

Nurse Julie: *Rolls her eyes and shrugs as she turns and then leads Lessie out of the room.* There, that's your answer. *They close it all back up and leave them in peace.*

The Once-ler: *Once the women are gone, his attention immediately turns back to the man in his arms, even if a part of him is still watching their surroundings so that Edmund knows someone is.* Hey, hey, it's okay, they're gone. *He curls around him and rubs his lips against his head, speaking in a softer voice.* You're safe now.

Warden: *He's shaking like a leaf when the door shuts, eyes clenched shut, and realising beneath everything that he's in a really, really bad place, and that for him to be in this really bad place, something really has gone wrong. A certain existential understanding falls over him, but he doesn't have the processing power to handle it. He's actually in trouble. This is a situation that might not just go away like a sickness or a nightmare, but this might mean his life has really changed permanently. His eyes fly open and he looks up at Oncie like he's desperate to see something other than the terrible world he's landed himself in, and he whispers the word that signals that he wants everything to stop. His white flag, his safe-word, the sign that he wants to be in his bed now, and for the ride to stop so he can get off.* I'm sorry. *His voice is barely audible, but his expression is a mask of anguish. He pants with the appearance of falling into a pain-induced panic.* I'm so sorry.

Once-ler: *The shaking only makes him grip harder, as if it might keep him stable, especially at the way Edmund tries to hug for him but just can't. All he can do is hold him back with more strength, and at the least it keeps him warm so the chill doesn't make the shaking worse. Then he feels him lift his head and so he looks back down to him, and that expression of complete, traumatised surrender breaks his heart so hard that it makes him gasp out loud. Then those words come, and he loses his own. He doesn't know what to say, he feels his tongue go cold with a kind of horrified nausea. He shakes his head, eyes wide with knotted eyebrows as he gazes into his eyes and tries to just understand what he means.*

*Something in his expression, in his eyes, is telling him and he thinks he might just see the existential anguish in them. He just wants it to stop, he knows he's been bad - because he's in a bad place, and that's how he knows it works - but he doesn't quite know or remember what he's done. But he feels it, and he'll just apologise for anything, to anyone, to hope it might make the pain go away, that it might stop the punishment. When has he ever offered that grace to anyone himself? Maybe he doesn't even know it's an option, which makes this even more devastating if it's just a broken last cry for help that he knows is hopeless. Nevertheless, what he begs for is a thing that, in his childhood and world view, has always been nothing but an inconceivable idea that’s as real as the Easter bunny. That thing is mercy.*

*He sighs out a shuddering pained breath and cups his face gently with his hand.* Ohh... Bunny... *He swallows, feeling a small lump in his throat. He can only think of one thing to say, whether or not it's appropriate to come from him. None of this seems personal, none of it seems specific, it's all just highly emotional and much like Edmund will say anything to make the punishment end, Oncie will say whatever he needs to hear to ease him in this moment.* I forgive you. *He pulls him into his shoulder and curls around him, his knees coming up even more to cradle him.* You're forgiven. I can't make the bad things stop right now but I can promise you that you're not in trouble, not with me. You were never in trouble with me. *He kisses the side of his head a few times* And I'm staying here, and as long as I'm here with you, you're in a place where you're not in danger, you're not in trouble and you're not being punished, even if you're upset and hurting.

Warden: *His wide eyes stare up through the sunglasses and lock onto Oncie's, desperate for them. When his hand cups his face, he tilts into it so that his cheek is slightly smushed by his palm, a sliver of his teeth visible between parted lips, and big, terrified eyes filling with tears. When Oncie says those words, for a moment his world stops. His eyes can't pull any wider, but his breath pauses and something settles deep down in him - the little motor that had been driving him to higher and higher panic, telling him that he was in trouble and to run. When he hears that he's forgiven, it starts to very carefully melt down.*

*He's pulled in, and again he tries to hard to hug back but the best he can do is press against him and nuzzle into his warm embrace. His eyes don't shut but they do tighten as tears fall again, and he watches Oncie from the hug like he doesn't dare turn away and find out that he's a figment of a dream. He hears Oncie tell him that he's not in trouble, that he's never been in trouble with Oncie, and that he's going to stay here. That he's not in danger and he's not going to be hurt even though he doesn't feel good. A little bleat splutters out of him as he absorbs those kisses, needing them so badly.*

*'Forgiveness' has never been a word in the Warden's vocabulary. In day-to-day life, sure, he'll forgive a slight. He'll forgive his friends for mistakes and accidents, or deliberately pretend they don't hate him if they do something that hurts, but that's not mercy. Mercy is different. He's never once granted mercy to a prisoner without an ulterior motive. The only other time he ever showed mercy was when he dared to feed that puppy, and they both know what happened after that. Justice and mercy are two sides of the same coin, but he's never flipped his over. His father never flipped it over either - all he's ever known is black-and-white punishment for crimes. Mercy is ‘cheating’, as his Father would think. But he's so scared, and he'd do anything to make the fear go away. He'll cheat if he has to, not realising that he's not 'cheating', but genuinely crying out for help because his mind and sanity are still fighting for a shred of survival and he’s too small and weak to do it himself. His whisper of those words might as well be a scream from a burning building.*

Once-ler: *He doesn't realise that what the Warden’s psychology really reads is him granting him mercy, although that is the truth to what Oncie is offering him. Because as Edmund begs the universe for mercy in his moment of pain, the universe has granted it to him in the form of The Once-ler. Out of everything around him, this is the kind offering, the acceptance of the white flag, the hearing of the safe word and the offer to help cease the pain. That doesn't mean he can change the rest of his situation, but one corner of this situation is merciful. He does consciously know forgiveness however. He knows guilt and he knows how much freedom forgiveness can bring a person, because he knows that he himself would still be in a terrible place had the Lorax not forgiven him for all he'd done.*

Warden: *After a moment, he gives a pitiful nod. With a wet, little laugh he nuzzles his nose into his neck. He's still scared, but as Oncie insists on those promises, the dread begins to lift. He plants a gentle kiss against him.*

The Once-ler: *That lump in his throat grows as he sees the Warden's reaction, but he stays strong, his stomach flutters at the gentle kiss against him and he bundles him up in a little squirm. They couldn't be closer but he still wants him to feel cuddled.* You're safe, Edmund, it's just you and me, and nothing can hurt you when I'm with you. *His voice is low and soft and he kisses his head again.* I love you. *He pulls back just enough to look at him and cup his face, he smiles softly, wiping a tear from his cheek with his thumb.* And in a moment I'm going to wrap us up in that soft blanket, lie us down in the pillows, and we're going to cuddle up together all night. Now that doesn't sound much like punishment, huh?

Warden: *The fear leaves him in layers, each one peeling away or falling to dust, one-by-one as Oncie handles him so tenderly. The existential dread leaves him first, as Oncie promises him that he's not in trouble and reminds him that even if he's uncomfortable, he's not going to be harmed by anyone so long as he's here. Beneath that is an animal tension, ready to spring and try to run or try to defend himself, or cry for help as his instincts prepare for a wolf attack. He's so vulnerable, and he knows it, that he's been flooding himself with adrenaline that's been battling the sedatives in his bloodstream for what must be hours. As he's cuddled up and as Oncie gives him a warm place to curl, as he kisses him and cups his face and says he'll always protect him, that slowly falls away as well.*

*Soon he's left only with the fear at the very bottom of it all, that will probably not go away until they get out of this place. That fear is manageable - it's just an undercurrent of knowledge that he hasn't got his shield and that life is scary and that he's not in Superjail anymore, and that can be carried so long as he's not left by himself. As long as Oncie is handling everything else, he can handle that.*

*It takes him a second for Oncie's words to sink through the fog, but then he nods with a weary, relieved smile, even a little chuckle in his voice.* Mmhmm~ *The smile pushes a final tear down his cheek and over Oncie's thumb, and he blushes ever-so-slightly pink when he's told that he loves him. Soft blankets and a warm bed sound very good right about now.*

Once-ler: *Lets out a soft, loving hum of laughter that's only just audible. His own chest doesn't feel quite as panicked anymore even though he still wants to get Edmund out of here as fast as possible. He's accepted what he can't change and is focusing in what he can control, and now that he can tell his boyfriend's heart rate is calming down, his own is relaxing too and becomes a calm thud against Edmund's front. A hand slides into his hair and he pulls him gently down under his chin and rests his lips against his head as he softly draws his fingertips through his hair in rhythmic circles. He loves him, more than anything in the world, he loves him, so even if Edmund couldn't be released in some ridiculous universe where the Once-ler doesn't get what he wants, he'd stay here in this room with him for an eternity. He whispers.* We'll stay here a moment and then I'll sort the bed out, okay? *He kisses his head, and just so soothe him a little more, he starts to slowly hum a little jingle he once made up about Thneeds and how everybody needs one.*

Warden: *His eyes close as Oncie's hand slides into his hair, his senses still trying to be alert for danger but failing as a sense of comfort, of utter relief, overwhelms him. He curls up under his partner's chin as he's guided, and a few more tears fall down his face - healing tears after a long day fraught with terror, rather than the cry for help they were before. He makes a soft sound that he understands, when Oncie tells him he'll move in a moment to get things sorted, and the softest, most musical little laugh escapes him when he hears that jingle. If he's playing, they really must be okay.*

*The fear fades as his world becomes encapsulated in the Once-ler's arms, and the emotions rush in slowly but surely, like an avalanche of honey. He adores this man. He needs him more than he has ever needed anything else, because he's saving him - not just protecting him like his glasses or his prison. His lips quiver with just how intensely and just how truly those emotions hit, and after a moment he pushes his face into Oncie's neck to whisper words that would normally be so terrifying but right now feel like the only things that matter.* I-I... *His voice is so quiet, not wanting the universe to hear his confession of guilt and weakness, because these words were always treated like that's what they were. But if Oncie has the power to make even mercy exist, then maybe he’s right, maybe his Father was also wrong about those three words. He said them already, in a fit of desperation that he only half-understands, but he says them now like it's a secret he's privileged to keep.* …*He takes a soft, deep breath and pushes himself harder into his arms.* I-I love you...

Once-ler: *He's happily curled around his boyfriend, loving the way he nestles into his neck and starts to calm down. When he starts to speak, he thinks he's about to try and ask or say something else; it's only when he actually says the words that it surprises him.*

*He wasn't expecting to hear the response, but he realises that Edmund finally feels safe enough to say it, because he's here with him. His chest clutches, time slows down again and he feels a lump in his throat that makes emotional, incredulous tears appear in his eyes again. He sniffs and lets out a quiet breath of laughter, grinning from ear to ear. His heart can be felt racing, hammering in his chest with a rush of joy and excitement despite the terrible circumstances they're in. This could be the most happiest he's felt in a long time, despite them both being in the most awful nightmare, all because he adores this man more than life itself and the man has the courage to tell him the same, finally. He sniffs and leans in, nuzzling his nose just under his cheek to gently tilt his face like a kind, larger animal shifting a smaller one.* I love you too, Bunny.

*He meets his lips and they press together, his own parting slightly and softly to linger against his with a few nuzzling smooches, as his arms squeeze around him with the same strength of push that Edmund presses into him. He doesn't overwhelm him, but he does consume his meekness with affection and adoration, surrounding him with his arms and capturing his lips like a flurry of flowers blooming against his skin. He tilts his head into it and lets out a soft sigh as a tear rolls down his cheek. As he pulls away he gazes into the Warden's eyes, the pair of them both tear-filled over their love for each other and he smiles. He grins and whispers* I love you too.

Warden: *It takes a moment, but when Oncie kisses him his lips respond in kind, his heart beating like a fluttering bird in the cage of his ribs, and his cheeks blooming with more colour. They part just a little bit and brush against him, as slow and earnest as a leaf bending for the sun. He bends with the gentle, primal nudge of his face, and dares to crack open his eyes to gaze up at him. The corners of his mouth weakly pull into a broad smile, all the more quavering but all the happier when they're said to him again.*

*He's so happy to hear those words returned, because even though he's certain of their love, he isn't certain about those words, and there's always a chance that they could magically make everything terrible if he's heard to say them out loud. Oncie's voice, however, is bigger than his is, and it's like he drowns out all the threats and dangers that start to clamour for his mind the moment he says the same thing.*

The Once-ler: *The Once-ler closes his eyes and pulls Edmund under his chin again, he begins pressing repeated kisses into his head and around his face, slowly and softly so he's not overwhelmed, but showering him in love still, and holding him like he's the most valuable thing the Once-ler has ever worked so hard to earn. And then, he rests his cheek on his head, safely tucked under his chin, within the warm comfort of his makeshift covers. They rest in the moment, they can face the world again together tomorrow, right now, all that matters is that they’re back together and nothing will pull the Once-ler’s greatest treasure from his greedy, loving hands.*

Warden: *He closes his eyes as he's tucked under Oncie's chin, his whole body melting against him, relying on him entirely to bear his weight. That is, until Oncie starts to push those gentle kisses into his head and face, his drugged senses reading that movement as he would a flurry of kisses if he were at his best. His feet give a very weak and heavy kick of delight as a breathy, lyrical laugh falls from him, delighted at so much fuss and adoration. The Once-ler came back for him, and that’s the only thing that matters. He's loved, and he loves, and even though everything seems to have gone wrong, and even though the whole world seems to hate him right now, and even though the loud, angry, scary voice in his head would disagree, that love is the only thing that matters.*

#the-once-ler-in-superjail #superjail #the once-ler #the warden #the lorax #wardler #wardenler #comic #asylum #chapter 36 #comic update #part 2 #thneedville

[oatbugs]

update on gf situation btw . for those who r curious or sent asks etc

#v soon after i asked for advice i talked to her and asked her why she doesnt draw anymore n abt other stuff etc etc #she basically said she doesnt feel at all content rn but she will start again once she feels better . which is so understandable #and im also glad to hear she still does love what she loved etc...just several factors in her life are making her . discontent atm #one of them (i think a big one maybe) is me being gone for like a month . we stayed w each other a lot b4 this #so the wait has been Agonising for both of us and i just didnt realise how much she missed me . which is like . idk . shes so sweet i love #her so much and while im sad my absence is contributing to her current situation im like. woah...there is someone who misses me so much.wow #i also need to like tripple clarify bc my post asking for advice was vague and i feel like it was misinterpreted a lot : #my gf is not confused abt what she wants to do + i am not using romantic relationships as a career progression device + i do in fact have #friends and a life outside academia and am aware that i too could just as easily become disconent w my work #life etc or even lose all my passion for whatever reason + i do not in fact . only love my gf for her art. i love her for everything she is #which includes smn who is very passionate abt art which is why i was concerned etc etc . anyway #we talked abt it and i now understand things more and also will hold her through it until she feels more content again #and then ill keep holding her through everything good and bad for as long as i can :) i love her sosososososo much #and also i miss her so much and if i dont see her soon ill Perish and Die . anyway

[itsthewritergal]

don't tell Bucky - B.Barnes x reader

Summary: Reader is broke and refuses to tell mob!bucky the extend of it

TW: fluff, happy ending, little swears, mention of money, getting fired, (think that's everything)

ENJOY!!

:)

Y/N was used to the biting cold in her apartment, it had been a long few months with her hours being cut down and bills piling up she was in debt. Badly. She had started cutting costs where possible, heating was the first to go, she had opted for  not turning the heating on despite the freezing temperatures outside, food was the second thing to go, she had starting making meals stretch and eating less and slowly things seemed a little more manageable. The bills continued to pile up, yet things seemed a little easier. Every single penny was put to the side to clear her debt. She had been seeing Bucky as much as possible but she couldn’t talk to him about it, he would just offer to pay her debt off and then she’d owe him for almost the rest of her life. She couldn’t ask him. She wouldn’t. Bucky had picked her up from work, it was a surprise, and something Y/N was grateful for as she wouldn’t have to pay for the bus home. 

“Do you want to stay at mine tonight?” Bucky asked gently pressing a kiss to her cheek as they finished their heavy make-out session in the car 

“I’ve got work in the morning,” She said softly, breath slipping through her lips 

“Call in sick” Bucky said between kisses “You can go without one shift can’t you?” Bucky asked 

“We’re short staffed Buck, I need to be there” She lied easily, 

“Let me come in? I just want to hold you tonight” He said softly pressing another kiss to her lips. Y/N nodded in agreement, how could she ever say no to an offer like that? 

Bucky followed Y/N up the stairs to her apartment, she unlocked the door and was met by an icy breeze. Bucky shuddered. 

“Why is it so cold baby? Your heating broken?” He asked 

“Hmm?” Y/N asked turning around to face him 

“Your apartment Y/N, it’s cold” 

“Oh, sorry Buck I turned the heating off” 

“For good?” Bucky asked closing the door behind him “Or is it broken?” He asked

“Oh, no I just turned it off whilst I was at work” Y/N said softly, 

“Why would you do that?” Bucky asked again pulling Y/N into an embrace 

“It was just while I went to work Buck”

“That’s not safe doll, you should keep the heating on so you don’t get ill, even when you’re not home. You need to come into a warm house” Bucky said, Y/N resisted the urge to cry. 

“I usually do Bucky, it was just a one off” she said. 

Bucky didn’t mention the heating again that night. Y/N was grateful for that small mercy. What he did mention was the mountain of blankets that sat on her bed. 

“Doll?” He called from her bedroom 

“Yeah?” She replied coming into the bedroom, her eyes falling on Bucky’s metal hand clasping three blankets, 

“You coming down with something?” He asked “I can call Banner to come and check on you if you want?” 

“Oh Buck, no I’m ok. Just get cold when you’re not here” She said, it wasn’t a complete lie, just a small one. It made her feel a little better. 

“You know you could just move in with me?” Bucky offered 

“Don’t be silly Bucky, we’ve spoken about this” She said and Bucky stopped himself from starting an argument by pressing his lips to hers. 

— — — 

The next few weeks were tricky. Y/N had started picking up more shifts than she could count which lessened her time to do anything; most of all see Bucky. 

When one fateful day put Y/N’s life into a tailspin, 

“Y/N could you come into my office when you get a moment please?” Her boss’s voice cut through the noise, and Y/N felt a panic run through her body, 

“I’ll come now” She said quickly, hurrying behind the shorter lady, “is everything ok?” 

“Take a seat Y/N” She said, Y/N knew this wasn’t good, she never asked her to take a seat before, this had got to be bad news. 

“Have I done something wrong?” 

“No, Y/N you’re one of the best workers we have here” She said taking a deep breath “but we can’t afford to keep you on, with prices and wages going up we’re cutting down to less staff members and well it’s only fair that we let you go first. You’ve got enough experience to get another job quickly whereas the others don’t” 

“You mean the others are cheaper because they are younger?” Y/N said noticing the true meaning behind her words. 

“That isn’t what we are doing Y/N” her boss spoke halfheartedly 

“When do I leave?” Y/N asked dejectedly, knowing it was a loosing battle 

“Today’s your last shift, you are let go without holiday pay or leave notice” She said passing Y/N an envelope “All the necessary documents are in here, please hand your keys in at the end of the shift” 

“No need to wait” Y/N said, pulling her work keys out her bag and putting them on the desk. Picking up the envelope, Y/N walked out. 

The walk home was a cold one, not only because of the biting wind but Y/N felt empty, numb, like she’d just been caught in the rain. She wanted to call Bucky, but after her neglect of him she knew that he was probably mad at her and calling him to cry would not be the best way to go. However, her ringtone cut Y/N’s moping thoughts short, 

“Hello?” 

“Doll, oh thank god. Steve just told me he passed you on the street, he’s turning around to pick you up so don’t go anywhere. What’s happened?” Bucky asked 

“Nothing Buck, I’ll talk to you later, tell Steve not to worry” 

“No, he’s picking you up and you can come here or go home then come here, or just head home if that’s what you want but I’d rather Steve did it than you walk yourself doll okay?” He said 

“It’s going to happened whatever I say right?” Y/N chuckled halfheartedly, the lack of reply on Bucky’s end confirmed it “I’ll wait for Steve” 

“Good girl, I’ll see you soon” He said ending the call quickly. 

As if on cue Steve’s car pulled into view, 

“Hey Y/N, Buck’s waiting for you” He said opening the door for her, 

“Thanks Steve” 

After a few quiet minutes Y/N answered the question which was burning in Steve's mind, 

“I got fired” She said quietly, 

“They did what? Oh Buck won’t be happy, how dare they” Steve said forcefully, 

“They can’t afford me apparently” Y/N chuckled sadly 

“Bullshit” 

“Promise you won’t tell Bucky?” She asked 

“I won’t lie to him if he asks” Steve said “But I’ll divert attention so he doesn’t ask” Steve agreed quietly 

— — — — — 

Y/N had avoided Bucky for another two weeks, she hadn’t meant to. But she had been sending CV’s, babysitting, dog walking and selling small handmade bits online. Anything possible to make some money, she was yet to receive an interview or even any interest. It seemed that everyone was full of employees or was hiring younger staff, there was no place for Y/N. 

She had been dodging her landlord phone calls, and the electricity company and even a few others who she knew were angry that she hadn’t paid. Stretching her legs out wide on the floor she took a minute away from her laptop screen and picked up her phone. 

“I’m on my way, be there in 15” Bucky had texted around 15 minutes ago, Y/N let out a panicked sigh and started picking up the mess around her to try and make herself look presentable for Bucky, she had to keep up appearances. 

“Doll?” Bucky called through her apartment, 

“In here” She replied quickly shoving some dirty clothes at the bottom of her wardrobe, 

“Hey doll” He said softly pulling her in for a kiss, not seeming to notice her dishevelled state. 

“Hey Bucky” she pressed a kiss to his lips, something she had missed dearly. 

“I need to talk to you” Bucky said pulling her down to sit on the bed, she sat down with his hands gripped in hers as if he was about to disappear. 

“I know I’ve been awful Buck, I haven’t spoken to you and I’ve avoided you, please don’t be mad, I’ve just been so stressed and—”

Bucky quickly cut her off “I’m not breaking up with you Y/N” 

“You’re not?” 

“No, doll I’m not” 

“Oh” 

“I know what’s going on Y/N” he said sincerely 

“Nothing’s going on” 

“Doll I know” 

“Bucky nothing is going on”

“You got fired, you’ve been trying to find another job, you’ve been dog walking, which I’m not happy with because that’s dangerous when you don’t know the dog or the owner, and you’ve been selling your adorably little crochet animals online” Bucky said 

“You got someone to follow me” 

“You started shutting me out” Bucky justified 

“Fair enough” 

“Did I miss anything?” Bucky asked 

“No” Y/N said her eyes welling up with tears, she let go on Bucky’s hand to hide her face in them, 

“Oh doll, come here” Bucky said wrapping his arms around her, letting her cry all her stresses and troubles away onto his shirt, he knew once she had cried they would be able to talk through options properly. 

“I’m sorry” Y/N said with a sniffle 

“Can I finish what I was saying earlier?” Bucky asked, Y/N nodded silently “I’ve paid off all your debts, I did the landlord, electricity, water and that loan you took out, you can pay me back if you want to if you have the money, if not it’s my birthday present to you I know you won’t accept it any other way” He said 

“Bucky please”

“It’s already done” 

“I should be able to do this better,I  should be able to pay my fucking bills” 

“No” Bucky said calmly 

“No?” 

“No you’re not doing that. You are doing as best as you can. And I refuse to listen to that shit. Now put on a nice dress, we’re going out to eat” 

— — — — 

That night when Bucky and Y/N were laying in bed cuddled up to each other, Y/N decided to be brave 

“Bucky?” 

“Yes doll?” 

“Do you think I could move in with you?” She asked pressing a kiss to his chest “I don’t think I want to do this alone anymore” 

“Doll, I’d be delighted” 

#bucky barnes #bucky #bucky barnes x y/n #bucky x reader #bucky angst #itsthewritergal #mob bucky #mob!bucky fluff #mob!buck #mob!bucky x reader #mob!bucky

[theskit]

Stickers AU

Important!!!

Direct linking gets rid of the readmore cuts!

If you came here via direct link, or wish to use the direct links to another part of the story, and DO NOT want to spoil the surprise stickers, please click on my blog name to go to the actual post after using the link.

Part 7

《Prev Next》

Sitting on the hotel roof as he tried to calm down from the high-speed flight away from Batman, Danny looked over his ill-gotten gains.

Ooh, candy! Why did Batman have candy? Did he have a problem with his blood sugar? Shrugging, Danny popped a sucker into his mouth. What else did he get?

Fiddling with one piece of a thin stack of black metal, he managed to click a concealed switch that caused the sides to expand from an unobtrusive oval to razor-sharp, wing shaped edges. Ow!

Shaking the sting from his left hand, Danny inspected the thin, shallow slice on his finger before holding it to the edge of his hoodie to keep his blood off things until he got back to the room for a band-aid.

Getting the now obviously a batarang to collapse back down, Danny beamed. Score! He'd gotten four of the things, one each for himself, Ellie, Sam, and Tucker. He didn't think Jazz would mind not getting a vigilante throwing weapon as a souvenir. She usually used the Fenton Anti-Creep Stick or the Boo-Staff, having been mostly banned from long-range weaponry on account of her inheriting Dad's aim...

Shuddering, Danny banished the memories accompanied by that thought in favor of the last item. Looking it over, it seemed like an airpod? Did he grab one half of Batman's headpho-... Oh, Ancients that was a communicator! Could they track it? Who was he kidding, of *course* they could track it!

Freaking out juuuust a little, Danny stuffed everything else into his pockets, grabbed the comm unit, and high tailed it, phasing through walls and floors in his hurry to get back to the room.

Once there he dove for his luggage, pulling out the Thermos he'd brought along just in case, and dumped the ear piece in before locking it down.

There. Heaving a sigh of relief, Danny slumped down against the side of the bed he'd claimed when they first checked in. The ecto-shielding on the Thermos should block any incoming or outgoing signals until he could get Tucker to look at it and make sure no one could trace the comm back to him.

Wincing against the light as the bedside lamp on the other side of the room flared to life, he saw Jazz squinting at him fuzzily, one hand on the Anti-Creep Stick propped up on wall beside the bed. "Danny? Izzat you?"

"Yeah, Jazz, it's just me. I just got back, sorry for waking you. I'm gunna wash up and head to bed. You can go back to sleep." Danny felt bad that he'd woken Jazz up after she'd had a long day helping set up the Fenton convention booth and gently riding herd on their parents' over enthusiastic responses to the other 'ghost hunters'.

"Okay Danny, glad you're back safe. Night," Jazz mumbled as she turned out the light and laid back down. Danny smiled at her softly before turning to gather his things. It had been a good night, if more eventful than he had planned when he first went out exploring.

Batman had traced the comm unit's signal to one of the larger, more popular hotels in the area before the strangely fluctuating signal had cut out entirely.

Inspecting the roof, he caught sight of a dim glow. Kneeling down, he collected what looked to be a few drops of fresh blood with a swab kit. It appeared that whoever had taken his gear had rested here for a bit before leaving again, possibly to check what all they had taken, then finding and disabling the comm unit. He hoped they hadn't injured themselves too badly, probably on the batarangs, if it was indeed their blood he'd found.

The dimly glowing sticker, still on its backing paper with a drop of blood on the corner, caught half under an air conditioning unit, pointed to it being the same person. Picking it up, Batman inspected it for a moment before dropping it into a separate evidence bag. He'd put both samples through analysis back at the cave.

@mygood-bitch99 @stargazer-luna @easily-broken-by-emotion @dolfay @britcision @cyber-geist @is-this-even-relatable @alcorbearson @fisticuffsatapplebees @thegatorsgoose @my-mom-calls-me-rat @some-rotten-nest @crystalqueertea @meira-3919 @wandererofthestars @seraphinedemort @bjurnberg @blep-23 @stargirl1331 @bianca-hooks123 @addie-lover-of-stories @pickleking8 @iconicanemone @sarina-elais @mur-ururu @sailor-goddess @dragonfirefeather @nutcase8691 @ravenpainter

#dpxdc #theskit writes #Stickers AU #danny makes his own stickers :3 #and now danny is running around gotham like a gremlin #with a pocket full of homemade stickers #whatever will he do with them? 😈

[jwirecs]

RECOMMENDED BTS FICS OF SEPTEMBER 2023💖

hello, hello! here are my bts recs of september! hopefully these beautiful stories get more recognition as well as the writers 💝

** anything in parentheses and bolded are my thoughts that can be disregarded if needed **

🔞smut || 💔angst || 💕fluff || ✅completed || 🔄ongoing || 💯favorite

Head Over Skates || @mercurygguk🔞💔🔄

↳ in which jeon jungkook is the captain of the hockey team and one of the biggest fuckboys on campus. you hate his guts and he knows it – that's why he's more than determined to make the most of three weeks of project work. you're convinced it's going to be the end of you.

My Heart Did || @aseaofyoongi🔞💔✅

↳ as soon as senior years comes to an end a lot of teens shed who we were and strive to be flourish into a more polished version of themselves. although, broken hearts aren’t so quick to heal what happens when thoughts reveal all we need to know?

Bad Idea || @back2bluesidex🔞💕✅

↳ Accepting Jungkook's invitation to watch him train topless was such a bad idea.

Don't Tell Me That... You Forgot || @sweetiestokkie💕✅

↳ (short summary that i have come up with since there wasnt one, but oc plans a secret birthday for jk. so we have a lil ol angy jjk.)

Just The Tip? || @joon4eva🔞💕✅

↳ you and namjoon are left alone together for a little too long. or: in your childhood home, you learn just how much is really "just the tip" with namjoon.

My Flower || @i-am-baechu💕✅💯

↳ Men don’t get enough flowers. That’s why whenever it’s Namjoon’s birthday, Y/N always sends flowers (someone please get me a boo so that i can give them flowers.)

Socks || @hisunshiine💕✅

↳ (theres no summary but if we talking about socks, his god dam toe socks lives in my mind rent free and i need it to start paying rent.)

Take Care Of You || @kookslastbutton🔞💕💔✅💯💯

↳ To keep your fiance from burning out you suggest a weekend getaway to Gapyeong, a charming town about an hour outside Seoul. You've specifically asked him to leave his work equipment at home but like a deep rooted habit, he still brings it with him. You're left with no choice but to find a way to get his attention back.

When I Say Forever || @kookslastbutton🔞💕✅💯

↳ Today’s your wedding day and the slightly shy yet handsome, doe-eyed stranger who chased after you when you dropped your wallet on the street three years ago just happens to be the man standing before you today.

7 Hybrids Moved In With Me || @lillsisamarshmallow💕💔🔄

↳ When the dog hybrid who visits her bakery starts taking extra food Y/N follows it through the alleys to find out why, but what happens when she stumbles upon an empty alley only to find 6 more hybrids and some very familiar pastries?

Entangled || @caelesjjk🔞✅💯

↳ Jeon Jungkook is Spider-Man.

Hold Me Together || @casuallyimagining💕🔄💯

↳ a collection of drabbles and headcanons featuring seokjin, yoongi, and namjoon and their significant others.... all of whom have chronic illnesses. each piece can be read on its own or as part of a series.

Leaked || @btsficsandsuch💕💔✅

↳ Req by OP's Followers: Hi ,I love your writing so much . Can I request a ot7 × platonic fem reader where they became friends accidentally and she is also their fan but something happens like a misunderstanding of sorts and she is blamed or something then when the truth comes out they ask for her forgiveness but don't make her forgive them easily also include an accident in between story if you can. Sorry if it's too confusing .have a good day

Stars Around My Scars || @vanteggukie💕💔🔄

↳ people are not always what they seem. you learned that the hard way, when you caught your boyfriend cheating, the night that was supposed to be one of the best ones you ever experienced. but on the same night you also learned that in everything bad, there’s always a little bit of good.

Rainy Days || @rklve🔞💕💔✅💯💯

↳ your life choices left not only yours, but jungkook's heart broken in peaces. now you're back in town, and just like pluto, even if it's cold and dark, he tends to orbit around his sun forever.

Taste Of His Own Medicine || @btsficsandsuch💔✅💯

↳ You suddenly have to leave to go back to your home country for a few months. Yoongi decides to ignore you so you decide to show him how it feels when he realizes you’re gone.

The Back Up Plan || @btsgotjams27💕✅💯

↳ one drunken night leads to an agreement that if you and jungkook are still single by 30, you'd marry each other. the only thing is jungkook has been doing everything he can to keep you single.

Aphrodite In War || @jungblue🔞💕💔🔄

↳ Everyone knew about the war that had been brewing on the edge of campus for the past two years. Sorority versus Fraternity; a showdown for the ages. However, when the escalating antics between them yields the consequence of possible suspensions for both chapters, the presidents of each house must come together to try and figure out how to end this battle… Which is kind of hard, considering they were the ones responsible for it in the first place.

Basic Needs || @gggukniverse🔞✅💯

↳ missing sex while being stuck in your apartment with your two roommates during quarantine is being the worst nightmare you could've imagined. fortunately, you're not the only one who's touch starved.

Safety Net || @pradaksj🔞💕💔✅

↳ on new year’s eve, you and jungkook reflect on each other’s entire year together. 

Heart-On || @junghelioseok🔞✅💯💯

↳ your one-night stand definitely isn’t relationship material, but maybe—just maybe—your manager’s son is. (this is part of their serendipity series, make note that its not connected. do check out their jjk fic thats part of this series!!)

Territorial || @bonny-kookoo🔞💕🔄

↳ Who would've known that the big bad wolf isn't actually all that bad?

Do check out all of the other BTS Fics that i have reblogged as well!!

** if there is any fics that you guys would like to recommend, please do! i am slowly running out of fics to read **

#bts scenarios #bts fluff #bts angst #bts smut #bts strangers to lovers au #bts hybrid au #bts friends to lovers au #bts roommates au #bts enemies to lovers au #bts established relationship au #bts fic recs #bts recs

[eternalsams]

I gotta a request for you

TW: mentions of being sick (like a cold)

Ya girl is ill and in desperate need of fluff with Jake "Hangman" Seresin, Robert "Bob" Floyd (if your writing him rn), Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw and Mickey "Fanboy" Garcia like how they would be when your sick

Feel free to ignore this is you want

This is so cute! I have yet to write for Bob, it's on my 2024 plans don't worry. I'm ma just write some headcanons and not full stuffs cause I don't really have the time but I really wanted to do this now (it's getting late where I live)

TW: mentions of throwing up

Jake "Hangman" Seresin

first, he's clueless, he doesn't really know what to do. Is he supposed to cook for you? to help you blowing your nose?

if you get really sick to the point you empty your stomach at everything you eat, he tries to be as supportive as he can. holding your hair if it gets in your face? he can do that. rubbing your back when you feel like dying with your head on the toilet seat? he even kisses the back of your head and whispers sweet things to you

he desperately tries to cook you things you can keep; rice, chicken, whatever you need, he makes just so you feel better (spoiler alert, he's not really a great cook)

he even asks you if he needs to take a day or two off so he can take care of you but you promise him he doesn't need to (he respects your decision, he wouldn't have liked you missing work for him either)

he's a southern boy, he practically never gets sick so he takes that as an advantage to cuddle with you in bed and cover your face with sweet kisses

unfortunately, he does get sick and it's your turn to baby him all week

Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw

he knows what to do. he's been raised by the one and only Carole Bradshaw so he knows exactly what kind of food you need to get better asap

he surprises you with his cooking skills. he usually rarely cooks because he's not great either in front of a stove. but when you're not feeling good? that man turns into Gordon Ramsay for you

he even kept his mom's recipes from when he was not older than 15 when she used to cook him nice meals when he was sick

he's a cuddler, he doesn't care if he gets sick, he just wanna keep you safe and warm in his arms.

if you're feeling really bad, he even calls in sick with Mav to take care of you until you get better

Mickey "Fanboy" Garcia

that poor man goes full panic mode, he asks you if you're cold, if you're feeling nauseous, the whole interrogation

then he calls his mom, and you swear you hear him beg his mother for her secret recipes

I'm convinced this man is the definition of golden retriever energy, he just cannot stop running around. one moment he's wrapping you in his favorite star wars blanky, and the next one, he passing the front door, on his way to get some herbal tea

when you're all cosy on your couch, with Luke and Leia Skywalker wrapped around your shoulders, and the hot cup of tea in your hands, Mickey finally allows himself to calm down

even more when you ask him to pick a movie to watch together

Robert "Bob" Floyd

he's actually the one who notices you getting sick. when you start blowing your nose more often or clearing your throat with a grimace on your face

he looks up on the internet for some natural tips to dissipate a cold and it usually works without you noticing anything

but if you get really sick, he's a bit lost. just like Mickey, he'd call his parents for advice and his mom would help him cook you some food you can keep.

he doesn't care if you wake him up in the middle of the night when you flush the toilet or when you stumble on the bathroom floor to empty your stomach, as long as he's by your side through it, he's really doesn't care

maybe hell get sick with all the kisses he steals from you but he just can't get enough of the red flush of your cheeks and especially the tip of your nose

#jake seresin #hangman #top gun #top gun maverick #jake seresin x reader #hangman x reader #top gun x reader #Bradley Bradshaw #rooster #rooster x reader #Bradley Bradshaw x reader #fanboy #mickey garcia #fanboy x reader #mickey Garcia x reader #Bob floyd #Bob Floyd x reader #glen powell #miles teller #Danny ramirez #Lewis pullman #jake hangman seresin #Bradley rooster bradshaw #mickey fanboy garcia #Robert Bob floyd #top gun imagine #eternalsams asks #sams rambles

[stcverogers]

TOP GUN FIC RECS 6!

top gun fics that i’ve been reading and obsessing with over recently

this is extremely important and i take this very seriously out of respect for the community. please do remember to read the rules for the respective blogs before interacting with or reading them.

F: fluff A: angst S: smut

𖥻 - series /multi part

masterlist

JAKE 'HANGMAN' SERESIN

F + A: jake seresin and the unfortunate hat situation by @sehnsuchts-trunken it's your first time in texas and you don't understand what the big fuss about hats is about.

F: never grow up by @andorskenobi you've fallen ill and the seresin boys play doctor.

F + A: signed away by @seresinhangmanjake at 19 years old, the last thing you want is to marry someone you don't love. however, a contract is a contract and you must see it through.

F: 7 years by @flaming-tgmcu jake's known you since he was 7 and he's loved you ever since.

F + S: birds away by @wombtotombx 𖥻 everyone who knew you and jake growing up were convinced that you'd end up together. you were perfect for one another. yet life and the navy had other plans.

F: tiktok troubles by @ultralightpoe jake misses date night and to get back at him, you pull tiktok pranks when he least suspects it.

F: sweet as candy by @halsteadsbradshaw with a callsign like haribo, it's no wonder you have a sweet tooth. jake knows this and this is the 4 times he brings you candy.

F + A: you again by @ereardon you're back in jake's life and he's determined not to let you go again.

F + A: bad habit by @seasonsbloom 𖥻 hangman was cocky. a complete asshole. you hated him, that was for sure.

F + A: glue song + part 2 + part 3 by @waklman the coffee you make isn't why jake is friends with you, though it is a good plus.

A: move on by @starlightstories jake left you hurt years ago and you've long moved on. it was time that he did too.

F + A: rule number one + rule number two by @ultralightpoe when you first met jake, he made the rule to not fall in love with him. you break it and he breaks you heart in the process.

F + A: nothing else matters by @sunnysidevans despite not being her biological father, jake had helped you raise evelyn ever since you found out you were pregnant with her.

F: dad jake blurb by @stargazing15

F + A: left at the alter by @tip-top-cloud-surfer 𖥻 you get left at the alter by your jerk of a fiance. luckily, jake is there for you, just like when you were younger.

F: the beanery by @callsign-peach when jake keeps coming into work with fancy thermos coffee every morning, his colleagues get jealous and want in on the nice roast too.

F + A: tell them by @sarahsmi13s 𖥻 jake's nearly loses his eldest son to a car accident and decides it is finally time to share his family with his work one.

F + A: i had to let go of you just to get a hold of myself by @gennyanydots 𖥻 jake thought that leaving everything behind would make it easier. instead he feels alone, his life consisting of nothing but his job that consumes him.

F: a little bit easier by @sunlitsunflowers jake is there to comfort you when you start to feel overwhelmed at the hard deck

F: marry that girl by @books-are-escapes jake always knew that you were the one he would marry and he finally made it happen

BRADLEY 'ROOSTER' BRADSHAW

F: baby, i'm yours by @almightyellie you're completely blind to bradley's very obious affections for you.

F: to the moon and back by @katsu28 a very special valentine's day for you and bradley

F + A: i will always love you by @amysteryspot with his parents gone and the closest thing he knew to love away, bradley wasn't expecting anyone to tap him out.

F + A: fawn by @sappy-seresin you've garnered rooster's interest working at the hard deck. your skittish behaviour leaves him worried and curious.

F: wedding day by @tip-top-cloud-surfer it's bradley's wedding day and he's brought to tears from seeing his bride

S: (christmas) baby please come home by @gretagerwigsmuse if bradley broke your agreement of only one gift each, surely he wouldn't mind if you broke it too.

F + S: the keeper + part 2 by @tulipsbymybed rooster is infatuated with the owner of the local bookshop.

F + A: homemade dynamite by @mothdruid you and rooster hadn't ended on good terms, now, you're both back at top gun.

F + A: endings and beginnings + part 2 by @tip-top-cloud-surfer rooster finally gets his chance at a family

F: just roommates by @risriswrites you and bradley were roommates, that's all.

F + A: terms of endearment by @ohtobeleah 𖥻 jake seresin was an instigator. as your brother-figure in life, he just wants you to be happy. this includes pushing you and rooster together.

F + A: something special by @helloheyhihowdyheya rooster cares for you more than he lets on, he just has a terrible way of showing it

F + A: what a look on you by @thewulf you secretly harbour feelings for bradley. when a friend from college comes visit and rooster seems far more enamored by her than you, you're hurt.

F: 5 times the Bronco was a third wheel by @thesewordsareallihavetogive there isn't many things bradley loves more than his bronco. you, maybe, but that's about it.

F + S: what's in a name? by @sometimesanalice bradley's favourite thing about you was the way you said his name

F + A: superstar + part 2 by @maggiedanikka bradley bradshaw was the poster boy for the americna navy. he was everything you weren't. why would he ever fall for the likes of someone like you?

F: daddy's little princess by @startrekfangirl2233-writes you come home to bradley playing dinosaurs and barbies with your two children

F: milk and toast and honey by @amysteryspot despite your bad experience with naval aviators, you have an affinity for one bradley bradshaw

F: romeo, romeo by @welcome-to-my-multiverse rooster is completely enamored by you and the dagger squad definitely shouldn't have left a drunk him alone with you.

ROBERT 'BOB' FLOYD

F: losing something and the other picks it up and calls after them by @callsignsaturn

F: afternoon bedrest by @jungle-angel bob returns home with an upset stomach. lucky for him, you're there to comfort him

F: he's all that by @withahappyrefrain bob's too nervous to approach the cute girl at the hard deck. his team mates decide that a makeover is just the confidence boost he needs

F: rodeo by @sarahsmi13s though you could perfectly hold your own, bob would always stand up for you.

F: surprise by @topgun-imagines bob proposed to his girl and no one the dagger squad had known

F: blind date gone...wrong? by @intricatechaosofyou you get stood up on a blind date. thankfully, bob is there to save you the embarrassment.

F: wanna buy you a drink by @anonymooseforever007 you surprise bob at the hard deck, but not without a little teasing first.

S: untouchable + part 2 by @idkwhylou as the only daughter of the captain, you were placed on a pedestal, deemed untouchable. bob was the only exception.

TOM 'ICEMAN' KAZANSKY

F: little reward by @dragon-kazansky to entice tom away from his computer, you promise him hugs and strawberries

BEAU 'CYCLONE' SIMPSON

F: super trouper + part 2 by @callsignmayhem you're sick and beau is ready to help you feel better, with the help of soup and mamma mia.

#claire’s fic recs #jake seresin x reader #bob floyd x reader #hangman x reader #top gun imagine #top gun fluff #top gun x reader #cyclone x you #beau simpson #bradley bradshaw x reader #rooster bradshaw fic #bradley rooster bradshaw #rooster smut #rooster x wife!reader #rooster x you #rooster angst #hangman au #top gun headcanons #top gun fanfiction #coyote machado #javy machado imagine #javy machado fic

[sunflower73498]

I literally can’t stop thinking about Young Royals S3

I have always been fascinated by Wille’s relationship with his parents, or lack thereof. Specifically his mother, because until this season, his father was little more than a cardboard cutout. In S1 I strongly disliked Kristina. In S2 she seemed to be trying a little more, though her efforts were specifically aimed at achieving her own goals for Wilhelm, not his. In S3, I once again dislike her, but I feel bad for disliking her.

Because truly, her grief, the extreme psychological and physical manifestations of losing a child that she is experiencing, is all completely valid, and within the spectrum of what is expected of a parent who has lost a child. I feel sympathy for the physical and mental health problems she is experiencing, and I think it’s OK for her to be experiencing it, to take a step back to deal with it. 

What I don’t think is OK, however, is expecting her 16 year old son, a first year HS student with his own history of mental illness, who is also deeply grieving, to take over all of her responsibilities. Yeah, they don’t really mean for him to take over everything, because he’s a kid and still in school, but they’ve also really stepped up the pressure on him without offering much additional support (Farima offers some, she’s the most present adult in his life this season, and really the one who seems to know him and care about him most of the adults on the show). They ask him to start a foundation and support a cause, but neither of his parents show up to support him in doing that, even knowing that he has sometimes extreme anxiety regarding public speaking/public appearances. They don’t walk him through the process or offer guidance, just constantly remind him that he’s expected to step up, and may have to fully take over within a year or two, and send Farima to deal with him (which in my opinion is much better that Jan Olof, because Farima actually seems patient with Wilhelm and to know how to handle his emotions with sensitivity). 

While I’m mad at Kristina, despite her legitimate grief, I’m more mad at Ludvig, I think. Yes, he also lost a child and is grieving, but he’s holding it together enough to support his wife, so why isn’t he offering any of that support to his son, even when said son starts reaching out more, and clearly wants to talk? 

I also think this is all complicated by the fact that Wilhelm didn’t have a good, close relationship with his parents to begin with. Kristina was harsh and dismissive of him even before Erik died in season 1. If Kristina had only started neglecting Wilhelm, putting excessive pressure on him and comparing him to Erik after Erik had passed, I would be a lot more forgiving. But I get the impression that Wilhelm has always been compared to Erik, has always been made to feel that he isn’t good enough in comparison and needs to be more like Erik, and his parents have never made much effort to understand him. I think he often only got attention when he was in trouble, and toddlers and teenagers are similar in the fact that if their negative behaviors are what get the attention the desire, they will keep doing that as long as it is reinforced that negative behavior leads to attention. His outburst at them in episode 5 had been building a lot longer than the few months since Erik died. 

I think his parents both desperately needed to hear what he was shouting out them. I think that shouting and getting angry and destroying things wasn’t the best way to go about getting them to listen, but as discussed above, I think it’s the only way he really knows how to get their attention. And yeah, the timing isn’t great, when his mother is suffering so much, but Wille is suffering, too, and he has reached his limit. It seems like a relatively little thing, to get mad that his parents talked too much about Erik on a day that’s supposed to be about Wilhelm and that his mom didn’t feel up to sticking around for cake, but that was really just the final straw on a long history of trauma, turmoil, and emotional neglect, the last Jenga block being pulled out before the tower toppled. 

(Admittedly, this is young royals, it’s a show about Wilhelm, and we viewers have come to love him over the 3 seasons, it’s his struggle that is being portrayed, so of course I’m on his side and want better for him rather than siding with his mother even though I do feel some sympathy for her.)

Anyway, I will probably keep reflecting on this aspect of the show for a lot longer. Maybe I’ll even feel some inspiration to write fan fiction in response. We’ll see where it goes. 

I also have a lot more thoughts about August, and about Farima of all people to share at some point.

#young royals season 3 #young royals #young royals spoilers #young royals analysis #yr s3 spoilers #wilhelm yr #I love a complicated and sometimes problematic character

[silent-raven13]

You were everything, Sunflower!

Warning: Angst!

Hobie walks down the hallway seeing nurses passing by him, his heavy boots thud against the tile floor. His accessories would jingle or clink whenever he took a step. Hearing the sounds of beeps, the smell of medicine, chemicals and old office tickled his nose. One hand dangled in his leather pocket while the other hand carries a bouquet of Sunflowers.

The closer he got to his distention, the more anxious he felt. His heart pounding against his chest, he suck in his lip piercing playing it- a bad habit of his when he's nervous. He heard his friends' voices talking, "Miles, you have to try it. It's so good." Gwen's being first.

"Yeah, I would love to." Miles' voice rings Hobie's ear.

"Yeah, they got so many flavors!" Pavtri happily said, "Next time we'll go!" His laughter dies down.

Miles softly said, "Yeah..."

When Hobie enters the room, he found his Sunflower on sitting up on the hospital bed. It's been two years since Miles been in and out of the hospital, he gotten extremely ill. Turns out he had develop an unknown cancer that is greatly affecting his whole body. He went through chemo, tries many treatments- none were working. In the end, Miles refuse to take it all and rather live the life he wanted.

Now, the cancer has taking its toll. One mission, Miles passed out from the lost on energy, taking him to med-bay in HQ. Miguel had worked on finding a cure. The treatment with Miguel's new drug were working for a bit until the cancer came twice as strong. Miles was dying and he knows it. They all know their friend is slowly leaving them.

Day by day they saw him losing weight, so much weight. His once golden brown skinned turning dull, skinny limbs and hollow cheeks. Bags under his eyes grew from the lack of sleep. Weak and fragile to the point he needs help to be taken to the bathroom.

Peter and May would come by to cheer him up. It didn't stop Peter from crying in another room watching his student, his son withering away. Miguel worked long harsh hours to do whatever he can to help Miles' to get better, failing at this one last chance.

Miles refused anymore treatments, now ready for death. He's planning to go home to spend his last time with his family. Hobie saw how Rio and Jeff put on a brave face for their son, and it's the worst sight to see. They couldn't do nothing to save their son.

Parents who love and protect their child with their lives, are unable to save their son. Rio develop a habit of taking pills from time to time with a glass of wine. Jeff working long hours, drinking more often. They were on thin ice with many cracks, soon they will fall. The destruction of child lost is so close.

Hobie saw how Gwen and Pavtri were sadly looking down at Miles. They were there from the beginning trying to do anything to keep the illness off their minds. It's ignorant bliss, but it works. Until they saw Miles coughing up blood, and refusing to eat anything. His thin fragile body ready to shut down. It's the worst.

Miles's lit up the same way Hobie's did. When they saw each other, it felt like they can live a life of peace. "Hey Hobie." Miles finally said even with his head shaved having a beanie on to hide it, his fragile thin bones and chapped lips- He's still the most beautiful man in Hobie ever seen. Just breathless.

"Hey, Sunflower. I got you something." Hobie holds a bouquet of flower out.

Miles' eyes lit up with joy, "They're beautiful." He reaches his hand out to hold them. The bouquet of Sunflower felt heavy but he slowly hugs them, then sniffs them. "Mmm, they smell so fresh."

"Hey, man. Nice seeing you." Pavtri gave the punker a side hug.

Gwen weakly smile at him, "Yeah. Good to see you." Then she saw Miles then saw Hobie giving her a look. Right. "Hey, Miles. How about I get a vase to put them in."

"Yeah! They would look nice on the drawer over there." Miles nodded handing them to Gwen.

Gwen took Pavtri's hand, "Come on, Pav. let's go find a vase."

Pavtri saw Hobie nodding at him. "Okay! Um will be back Miles."

"Okay." Miles chuckles then he coughs a couple of times with his weak thing hand over his mouth, "Sorry."

"Nah it's all good." Gwen softly said before the two left leaving the punker and artist all alone.

Hobie stood with both hands in his pocket as he saw the eighteen year old, looking at him. "Oi, Sunflower, lookin' good with that shabby beanie?" He ruffles the beanie making Miles giggles.

"Thanks, would you be surprised that Pav made it for me." He fixes his beanie, it's a bright colors beanie similar to Pav's Spider-man design.

"Nah, I couldn't tell." Hobie pulls up a seat to relax and get comfortable, having to joke.

"Hahaha, yeah. it's so not Pav's colors." Miles teased back. "So, how was band practice?"

There wasn't a day Hobie missed to be with Miles, every single day he comes by even if Miles is sleeping or having one of his moments. Hobie will forever be there. No matter what.

"Yeah it was alright. Had to steal new guitar strings for this lass, right here." Hobie shows off his guitar having new strings.

Miles nodded, "Aye, pretty sweet. I like the gold colors."

"Yeah, it was the expensive kind." Hobie let Miles hold his guitar. "Feel them. it got a nice crisp to it."

"Hehe, crisp?" Miles's dainty thing finger tips slowly pull one string giving a beautiful note. "Ahh, I get it."

"Right. Right!" Hobie chuckles.

Miles coughs again, "Oh, sorry man." He coughs harshly this time grabbing a napkin to cough up the blood.

Hobie quickly took the guitar away, he handed Miles some glass of water, "Easy. Easy." He saw the napkin with splotches of blood, it made him sick to his stomach.

Miles noticed the way Hobie looked at it so he quickly hide it. He sips a bit of his water with a straw, "Mm, I'm good. It's been happening a lot lately." His sunken eyes exhaustedly on Hobie, "Ohh is it fine if I just lay a bit. I'm pretty tired from that."

"Have you eaten?"

"I don't hungry much."

"You should try to eat." Hobie softly said.

"I ate Jello." Miles turns to him having to admire the punker. "So?"

"So?" Hobie gave a warm smile.

"So, have you met anyone? You lookin' good. Smelling good, too."

"Nah, I'm always like this, Sunflower." Hobie never some anyone to be with in a serious sense, not since he first laid eyes on him. He only care about his appearance to catch Miles' eyes on him, to see those doe eyes admiring him.

"You're right." Miles snickers, "But you should try. Didn't you use to go out with someone?" Miles always find Hobie so cool, so well experienced. Everything Hobie did always amazed him.

Shame the two never told their feelings for each other. Miles knew at one point he has to tell him before it's too late. He worries to be rejected but it should be okay. Hobie had always be there for him.

"Nah," Hobie shook his head, "I met a friend but she was only a friend." There was a point when Hobie was in depression, he and Miles fought about the treatment. When he heard about his Sunflower stopping the treatment, it sent him in a fits of anger. He went to the club to get drunk and sleep with someone, but his heart aches- He cries to Gwen and Pav about his fear of losing Miles.

At least, Gwen knock some sense into him. She had to tell him that if he doesn't be there for Miles, then he will regret for the rest of his life. Which is true, because that's the day he saw Miles' broken down.

Miles' crying into his hands, "I hate feeling like this! I can't do it again, Miguel! I need to feel good. I hate the fucking drugs. It's making me feel like shit!"

"Miles, por favor. At least, wait for till I create another treatment. I swear, I'm so close. This is only one error, but I promise I will fix this. I will find the cure!" Miguel placed one hand on Miles' small back, his voice calm yet afraid of giving up. He knows he can find the cure if he had more time.

"No. I can't! I'm tired, Miguel. i'm so tired. I hate how everyone is giving these looks- My mom and dad aren't talking to each other. I'm being a burden! Even I had to argue with my friends about my decision! I'm tired, I'm so exhausted. I can't do this anymore. It's better this way. I know, I'm dying. There's no hiding that. Please, let me have this."

Miguel sighs in defeat, "Alright. Fine. But I promise you, I will find it. At least hold out." He left feeling upset with himself. Miguel couldn't save another child, leaving him in a deep depression. He was determined to find a cure for Miles. Was it for forgiveness from their past? Perhaps, but he couldn't see this Spider-man go out like that.

As for Miles, he weeps in tears. His trembling hands hugging himself being alone in the room. Hobie watched from the door. Hearing his Sunflower crying to himself, broke him. He didn't want to leave him all alone, he couldn't.

When Miles weeps himself, he felt a heavy jacket around him, "Huh?"

"I'm sorry, Sunflower. I'm selfish to think about you getting better instead of thinking what you want." Hobie weeps with him, his hand caress Miles' cheek wiping off the tears from his eyes. "Don't cry no more, luv. Please. I'm here." The two hug in silence they stayed like that the next day.

They were talking for a bit. Mostly Hobie about his day, while Miles listens. Lately he normally listens being so tired. "You know, I've been wanting to tell you something for a while, luv." Hobie clears his throat. He finally has the strength to tell him. The courage had came up to him, he wants to be Miles' partner, even if it's a short while.

Why he never confessed to his Sunflower? He doesn't know- Maybe the fear of rejection or the fear of finally having him! To be with him and love him to only see him buried. Hobie knows he's not good with abandonment, but he knows he will regret it if he doesn't confessed.

So with a deep breath he continues, "You know, we been friends for a while." He clears his throat.

"You need water, man?" Miles force himself to sit up being concerned, "Here, drink some of mine."

"Thanks, luv. I'm fine. Don't fret too much over me. Just rest. Here, tuck yer'self in." Hobie went to over to let Miles lay back down with a quilt by Miss Morales give for her son to keep warm. "Look, luv. I've... I've-" Miles caress his cheek, "Shh, Hobie. Shh." He used the last bit of energy to kiss Hobie's lips.

Hobie froze feeling chapped lips being so gentle, so cold like he kissed a ghost. It took a moment for him to realized, Miles pulled away from him looking at him being worried. "Hobie? I'm so-" Hobie quickly kisses Miles again and again. He carefully leans over to deepen the kiss. They both felt like they were on air, their love showing. When they pull away, Miles let out a boyish giggle, "You like me." He sang at his punker.

"What can I say? I'm enchanted by your beauty, luv." Hobie lowly said.

"I'm always been this beautiful." Miles jokes, "lay with me."

Hobie slowly got on the bed letting Miles have more space on the bed, "You are." He smiles at him.

"How long you were you into me?" Miles finally asked.

"For the longest, Sunflower." The punker rest his arm on Miles' thin waist, "You don't know how long I've been wanting to kiss you."

"Me too." Miles' eyes lit for the moment then a tear shedding down his cheek, "We could've been together already if..."Hobie quickly wipe his tears off his face, "Shh. Shhh, luv. We're here."

"But what if," Miles weeps, "You hate me or you leave when..." His hand holds onto Hobie's hand, the one touching his cheek, "When I get too sick? Or you'll hate seeing me-" Hobie hushes him, "No, I promise to you I never leave by your side, Sunflower. I love you! I love more than anything in these bloody multi-worlds." His eyes watered, "No matter what. You are my soulmate."

Miles' lips quiver feeling so touched yet upset, "I don't want to leave you." His hand grips on to his punker's large rough hands feeling the callous on the finger tips. "I just got you and- I don't want to die." He finally broken down.

"Shh, Shh. I'm here. I know, luv. I know." Hobie pulls him into his chest, his nose buried into Miles' beanie. It smells like a mix of spices and Miles' citrus scent. A tear drips from Hobie's eyes, "I know."

"I'm just so tired, Hobie. So fucking tired. I hate feeling this way." Miles cries, "I can't do it anymore but I don't want to leave you, Gwen, Pav... Peter and May- MY mami and dad! Everyone- Fuck, even I'll miss Miguel."

"Shh, luv. I know. I know. I don't want you to go, but it's okay too." Hobie whispers, "I see how exhausted you are. It'll be selfish of me to want you to be here in this fucking terrible room with the these machines."

Miles sniffs finally staring at Hobie, "And it's not fair that we couldn't be together longer."

"I know, luv. I know." Hobie kisses Miles, "Let's be together as much as possible. No more wasting the time we have left."

Miles pulls away calming down, his arms wrapping around his Hobie's body. "You were a wonderful experience, Hobie Brown." He finally said in a calm tone, his eyes on his punker already making his final moments.

"You were everything, Sunflower." Hobie sniffs, as he leans over to kiss him again. He left Miles rest in his arms, having the saddest worries- his heart aches knowing this will be one of their final moments to talk about it.

"I love you." Miles rested his head onto Hobie's chest feeling relieved, knowing he had everything he ever wanted in his arms. His eyes closed softly feeling his energy slipping away.

"I love you, too, Sunflower." Hobie softly said.

Just like that Miles let out his final breath feeling so cold, his face looked so angelic. Hobie weeps into his lifeless body, never wanting to let him go. He cries so much that day, a sorrowful cry like never before. His beautiful Sunflower can finally rest in peace.

#punkflower #miles morales #hobie brown #spiderman #across the spider verse #spider verse #fanfic #flowerpunk #spiderverse #across the spiderverse

[strqyr]

i've been debating for a while now whether to write this or not. it's a bit... a lot more personal than i'm used to, but with V9: Beyond being nearer and nearer, i'm finding myself to be lacking the spark and excitement for new RWBY content that i'm used to have. for that reason, i've been doing some thinking, trying to nail down where the difference lies, and i think i finally figured it out:

the ending of V9, specifically how they handled ruby's arc.

[tw: suicide, if you decide to continue reading]

before i get any further, i want to lay down some "backstory": about two weeks before V9 started airing, i lost my beloved dog to an illness after fighting for her life for two weeks. those two weeks were a roller coaster straight out of hell, thinking the medicine given were working, only for things to get worse; and through it all, all i could think of was that if she didn't make it through the year, neither would i.

but then, afterwards, in some weird twist of fate, when every part of me wanted to stay in bed and never get up, it was her, my dog, that kept me going, simply because through the last couple of years of her life, she had slept the mornings in my bed, with me, with 1pm being the time she'd force me out of bed if i ever stayed in that late... and that following morning—or more like day lol—after her death, i happened to look at my phone, see the clock be around 1pm, knowing i had a choice to make.

and i got up. have every single day, way before 1pm, to keep part of her alive and with me.

so, perhaps needless to say, but ruby's arc in V9 hit close. i had enough time in-between to not be in middle of the worst of it, but i suppose not as enough as i thought, as not only did i lose some of the spark i had for this show, but i'm also still crying now while writing this.

for the duration of the show, the burden on ruby had been growing stronger and stronger. from being called special due to her silver eyes, to all her friends placing their trust in her leadership, believing that somehow, she always knew what the right thing to do was, to never quite feeling she could be open about her own doubts as a leader, having no one to talk to... V9 started out great. i was excited, for the first time in a long while, for the direction they were taking ruby in.

and everything seemed to be going great. all the issues, trauma, et al that ruby was holding in were slowly seeping over, until it all burst open, explosively, and she ran away; and with all of this and more thrown against her by neo, ruby drank the tea, not wanting to be herself anymore.

...then came the aftermath of her ascension, and it's here, where the writers lost me.

"you're broken! you break everything you touch! i call humans... weak! confused! incomplete!" the cat says, and it's hard to say they're entirely wrong; ruby has been broken, she has had her weak moments, she has been confused, and that's okay.

but her teammates, her friends, her sister, don't seem to think so.

the cat is wrong. ruby has never been any of those things, and that's exactly why they follow her.

like it was more important to prove the antagonist of the volume wrong, rather than offer genuine support to ruby by saying that it is okay to be broken and confused, and for her to have her weak moments because that's why they're there; to support her in good and bad. to make it clear to ruby that she can come to them and air her doubts and concerns without a fear of being shutdown, that they, too, will work on themselves to be better friends in that regard.

but that's not what happened, and even without properly registering it at the time, it felt like a punch to the gut.

during the roundtable discussion of this episode, the writers talked about ruby's arc being about impostor syndrome and i just... can't see it. not with the way they build it up. it's like a switch was flicked, and when before the problem was the burden that was solely placed on ruby's shoulder and how it was too much for her to handle on her own, now ruby ever doubting herself in the first place was the problem, and all she needed to hear was that she was perfect just the way she was; "retrospective" is not a known word here.

and for the first time, even if i do have some critiques over handling of certain storylines, i felt like what was delivered was not what was ordered. at all. and with the vague content warnings in front of episodes, it started to feel like suicide was used for the "shock value" it could provide, to get people talking on social media, rather than because the writers wanted to treat it with the seriousness it deserves.

maybe that's unfair to say; i certainly don't know their intentions. frankly i don't know the people who work on this show at all, and i've stayed far from forming any parasocial relationships to pretend otherwise. all i have is my own feelings about this, ones that i've gone over multiple times, going through episodes, seeing if there's something that i've missed that would make it make sense... i've done my due diligence, and this is the result.

this is not the end: i still love RWBY, the characters, the world and its lore... but some of the trust i had for the writers has definitely gone, as has of the spark that ensured the excitement i had for new episodes and content to the point that i'd be right here, on my seat, ready the moment a new episode dropped.

now if the birbs show up—

#tw suicide #also: if you can't handle even the smallest of critiques of the show #uhhhh #probably don't read lol #kthxbye #it's a longish post but. eh.

[rabbitenn]

TEARS OVER.

@highcollargirl requested: can you write sogo x fem reader where mc falls ill and sogo takes care of her and they kiss at the end.

ft. Osaka Sogo x fem! reader.

cw/genre: comfort/fluff.

Thank you for requesting, this is a very soft and sweet idea ! I hope it’s to your liking <3 I’m deeply sorry it took me so long to post it…

Everything seems blurry.

With weakening steps, you try to make it to the kitchen, perhaps you’re just dehydrated.

But no, this is wrong.

Why is it so hot? And what’s this coat of cold sweat drenching your clothes?

Just a little more…

Leaning against the wall, you finally make it to the kitchen, parched lips finally tasting the insipid sweetness of cool water.

And yet, the awful sensation doesn’t dissipate.

Your breathing grows heavier, it might be best to go back to bed.

Was the room always spinning, though?

This is bad, your legs can’t hold you anymore.

The last thing you remember before blackness engulfs you is the hard wooden floor hitting your knees and a subtle lavender fragrance, wrapping itself around you in balmy waves of softness.

—

You come to in a warm lit room.

Your room.

You remember exiting it this morning, but the way back to it… it’s all blurry.

Perhaps you dreamt it in your feverish state; however, you think you remember someone holding your body, a steady heartbeat lulling you into the peaceful sleep you hadn’t known for days.

Your lashes flutter open, the purple skies outside sending in dusk light into the space.

“You are finally awake, dear.” A soothing voice greets you.

Then, you register the pleasing sensation of someone caressing your hair, their movements soothing the heat and sweat.

And when you turn towards the voice you always loved to hear sing, your gaze meets one that matches the violet clouds of the crepuscular skies.

“So…” You call him, voice still hoarse from sleep and fever.

He brushes a few unruly strands away from your eyes, his touch so delicate; a barely there brush of butterfly wings against your flushed skin.

“How are you feeling?” Your lover asks, already knowing the answer can’t really be all that good, just by seeing your lidded eyes.

You stretch a little, sitting up in bed.

“Not great, honestly.” You mumble, bringing a hand to your forehead. Your thoughts are still fuzzy, a sharp pain piercing through them in chaotic disarray.

“I expected that much.” Sogo says, a concerned smile reaching his lips.

And it must be your jumbled mind, but you think a kiss from him would make all your pain disappear.

Before you can tell your boyfriend that, though, he adds:

“You should probably lie down for now, dearest. I’ll bring you some snacks, okay?”

Truth is, the prospect of eating your favorite treats sounds very tempting right now, but you don’t want Sogo to leave.

And you are aware you’re probably being childish and whiny, but you don’t care about that right now.

Before he can get up from the bed, the idol feels a slight tug on his sweater’s sleeve.

“Stay here…” You ask, as you look up at him.

And something in the way you ask, something about your tired tone, and your eyes that you’re struggling to keep focused, tugs at your partner’s heartstrings.

He could never say no to you, after all, could he?

Lashes of moonlit hyacinth brush against his cheekbones as he graces you with one of his tender expressions.

Under warm ironed covers, he joins you, the softness of his embrace a thousand times more comforting than any blanket. To be with him is to stand beneath demure lilac skies, a spring breeze gently touching every blossom, their fragrance wafting around and towards aster hued clouds.

You nuzzle against Sogo’s chest, as his lips tenderly place a kiss to your temples.

From between fluffy blankets, you look up at him.

His lips are too tempting for your dry lips.

You need him.

But at the same time, you don’t want him getting sick too… He has important work, both for IDOLiSH7 and MEZZO.

If he couldn’t perform because of you…

Your line of thought shatters at the call of your name, his voice barely above a whisper.

So’s face is millimeters away from yours, warm breaths mingling together.

And against yours, and his, better judgment, you both lean in.

Starlight and an horizon lined in shades of amethyst collide when his lips touch yours, a starry nebula, opening the gateway into a shared parenthesis in time, dyed in morning glories.

—

The next time you open your eyes, you are in a dim lit room.

You know this room.

Its walls have witnessed the affection shared between you and the man holding you close to his chest right now, after all.

“Good morning, So.” You whisper, planting a delicate kiss to his jawline. “I love you.” Are your words, before you cuddle against him, for a few more minutes of sweet dreamy indulgence.

Your boyfriend’s kisses were certainly the best medicine.

#idolish7 #idolish7 x reader #idolish7 imagines #ainana #ainana x reader #i7 #osaka sogo #osaka sogo x reader #sogo osaka #idolish7 hadcanons #idolish7 scenarios #idolish7 fluff #idolish7 x you #idolish7 x y/n #idolish seven #anime x reader #anime imagines #anime fluff

[little-peril-stories]

The Queen of Lies: Faith and Freedom

Story Intro | Contents [Warnings] | Mood Board | Vibey Song Lyrics | Ao3

Contents: blood, injury, illness, guy whump [all just leftover stuff from the last few chapters :) no new bad stuff]

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Word count: 3650 || Approx reading time: 15 mins

Faith and Freedom

Teaser: “Just give me a minute,” he said, grunting and coughing as he sat up. After a moment, he drew up his knees and rested his forehead there. “Feels like I’m dying.”

The world beyond the prison walls was cloaked in shadow, with thick cloud cover blocking out the stars, leaving only the yellow gas street lamps to illuminate a city that had mostly gone to sleep. Two frantic figures, a boy and a girl—a thief, a prisoner who had been set free, and his rescuer, who had spent four long year being Baden Hatchett’s wife and who no longer knew what she was—stumbled through the streets. He did not speak, nor did she; rather, they fled in silence, letting their ceaseless, hurried footfalls break the peace of the autumn midnight. It was not long, however, before the boy’s strength waned, his steps growing unsteady and his breathing more laboured.

The hand that was still clutched in the girl’s went slack.

And the thief fell.

Fear spread through her, so strong it sent numbness to her toes and fingertips, as the boy hit the ground. “No!” Dropping to her knees, shaking his shoulder as gently and urgently as she could, she breathed, “Please, please, no, no, no, wake up, wake up—”

He groaned, blinking open eyes that in the gloom appeared a much darker hue than the gold-and-green colour she knew them to be. “What?”

She almost collapsed to the cobblestone, too, but not with exhaustion; rather, it was with relief that she’d been able to rouse him. “You…you scared me.”

He glanced around, seeming to perceive that he was on the ground and woozy. With a soft groan, he took a deep breath and let his head fall back against the stone. “Fuck. Just…”

The girl swallowed. “I’m scared you’re…” She wanted to say, too weak to keep going, but how would he react to those words? If she’d ever said such a thing to Baden, he would have slapped her hard enough to leave a bruise for a week.

“Just give me a minute,” he said, grunting and coughing as he sat up. After a moment, he drew up his knees and rested his forehead there. “Feels like I’m dying.”

“You’re not dying.” He couldn’t be; she wouldn’t allow it, not after everything she’d gone through to get him out of that awful prison cell. She glanced around, wishing it weren’t so dark. It had been a blessing as they crept from the prison grounds, but now it served only to make the towering houses and unlit storefronts seem dingy and menacing. “We need to get somewhere safe. It’s only going to get colder, and you need to eat. And drink. And rest.”

“What?” he said, half-heartedly mocking. “Can’t I stay at your house?”

She clenched her jaw and refused to take the bait. It was too cold, and she was kneeling in a puddle, and the wind was picking up into a sinister sort of howl, and she was too frightened to chase down whether the teasing was good-natured or not. “I’ve got an inn room booked, but we need to make it there.”

The secret note for Alice, hidden in the returned copy of The Scarlet Letter—tucked into the last marked page and written in the tiniest hand she could form: As I am unwell and cannot make the arrangements myself, could you please visit the Whitemoor Inn and book a room for my cousin, Lucy Cooper, for one night? I’ve enclosed enough funds to cover her stay.

One night for a young woman named Lucy Cooper to fleetingly exist, and come morning, she would dissolve into the ether, gone forever—as would the girl and the boy who’d occupied her room.

“A room booked?” he repeated, holding his head now. “You—you actually got some kind of plan? Seriously?” His eyes were still hazy with pain, but he was alert, and his gaze had gone wide. “You got money?”

“Yes,” she said, “I do.” She’d had one chance, one, between Baden letting her out of her room and him taking her to the prison to beg for forgiveness—one fleeting blissful moment when no one’s eyes had been on her. She’d taken as much money as she could from the safe in his study, the one he thought she didn’t know about.

That wasn’t all, though. In her coat pocket, sewn into the lining, there hid as much jewelry as she’d dared to take from the box on her dresser—enough to pawn for extra funds, not so much that it would weigh down her clothes or jingle as she walked.

Finally, there was the second half of her entreaty to Alice: if her friend had come through for her and done as she asked, a parcel waited for “Lucy Cooper” at the inn, containing a necklace and a ring, all she could reasonably and surreptitiously fit into Alice’s book. They would fetch a good price somewhere. Of course, the girl had no way of knowing if Alice had acquiesced, but she’d picked that friend over the other for a reason. Marguerite would never have gotten involved, but Alice was sensible and kind, and she knew—she knew. So surely, surely, she’d made the arrangements.

As long as that was true, and as long as the innkeeper didn’t turn them away at the sight of her companion, they would have somewhere warm and safe to sleep for the night.

If only the thief didn’t look like he had just stumbled out of a street brawl.

“Do you think you can keep going?” Her voice slipped out high-pitched and breathy. Too many worries, too few answers to soothe them.

He fixed her with a look of pained, miserable resignation. “Gonna have to.”

She pressed a hand to his face again. Despite the chill of the night, it was still hot. “I’m scared...” She couldn’t finish her thought.

The thief groaned again as he got cautiously to his feet—not pulling away when she held his good arm to steady him—and said, “Scared? Don’t worry. I’ll protect you.”

For a moment, she didn’t even know what to say. Her eyes roamed from his blood-flecked shirt to his black-and-blue skin to the entirely useless arm in Mrs. Bristow’s apron-sling.

They landed on his lips, which were ever so slightly quirked upwards.

“Well, good,” she finally managed. “If—if we are set upon by an army of kittens, I’m very glad you’ll be here to defend me.”

He choked out a laugh, coughed, and took a few wary steps, letting her cling to his arm; he wobbled slightly, but he stayed upright. “Lead the way, princess.”

She was going to have to do something about the name problem.

As they moved through the winding streets, she stuck close to him, partially because she feared he would pass out again, but also because she had never wandered the city at night before, by herself or with anyone else, and the warm presence of his body—beaten and worn-out though it was—gave her a peculiar sense of security. She knew it was probably false.

Still, she clung to it anyway.

“What am I to call you?” she dared to ask after a while. Although she was, indeed, desperate for an answer, she also worried that if she remained too quiet, he’d slip back into unconsciousness. “Am I allowed to know now?”

“Don’t get all uppity about that,” he mumbled. “Can you blame me for being suspicious?”

No, she thought, but she didn’t say it. She merely pointed the way down a nearby street. Almost there. They had to be almost there. “That’s not an answer.”

It was a long while, it seemed, of something happening behind his eyes that she could not decipher, some tug-of-war between giving a real answer and not until he at last told her, “I don’t have a name.”

Another lie, of course; he had a name, but he didn’t trust her with it. What a surprise. Why should he? All she had done was give up her entire life and risk everything to break him out of prison. “Please.”

He bit his lip and again took a long time to answer. “I…I can’t.” His gaze flitted around, as if he expected someone to burst out of the dark and streak towards them. As if he feared they were being followed.

Why should her chest feel so tight? He came from a life of crime—of course he was perpetually suspicious. Surely, he had to be. It had been foolish to hope for he might give a straight answer. “Something. Anything.”

After a moment, after a third agonizingly long pause, he said, “Fox.”

“Fox?”

“Mmm-hmm.”

A phrase she’d heard the day Baden found her in his cell drifted back to mind. “Fox-thief…”

He stiffened. Yanked his hand from her grasp. “Don’t—don’t. Don’t call me that. Please.”

“All right,” she said, horrified. “I won’t.”

When silence fell again, she didn’t chase it away.

He stumbled once more, dropping to his knees but staying conscious, and when she pulled him up, her tears blurred her vision enough that it obscured the strain in his features and the violent shaking of his limbs.

Finally, when the inn loomed before them, she pointed at its dimly lit door. “This one.”

“This one,” he repeated. Voice weaker now, words slightly slurred. He was failing by the second, she realized, perhaps having depleted the frenetic, urgency-fuelled strength that had helped him run once Mrs. Bristow got them beyond the prison gate.

“Let me go in first,” she said. “I’ll settle up if I need to and come get you.” That, she supposed, was the best course of action. The innkeeper might not notice her bruises—but Fox? A superstitious person might take one glance and conclude that he had risen from the very pits of hell.

“Okay,” he said, bracing his good arm against the wall, and she turned on her heel and hurried inside.

The woman who presumably ran the inn was dozing, and no wonder; it was the middle of the night. Her eyes snapped open, however, at the sound of approaching footsteps.

“My name is Lucy Cooper,” said the girl whose name was not Lucy Cooper. “One Mrs. Wright made arrangements for my room a few days ago, I believe?” Too late, she remembered she was wearing trousers. “I—um—please excuse my appearance. I’ve been...um...I’ve been travelling.”

The woman peered down at a piece of paper in front of her, appearing merely drowsy and rather bored. “Just one night?”

Relieved that the woman either hadn’t noticed or did not care what she was wearing, the girl said firmly, “Yes. Only one.” Once Baden learned that she was missing, he would search for her, and at some point, he would speak to Alice, and Alice, not knowing what else to do, would lead him here.

He would find neither Breanna Hatchett nor Lucy Cooper in this inn.

Instead, the boy called Fox and the girl who was called—well, who was called something—would be long gone.

“You’re already settled up for the room.” The woman tapped a list of meals and their fees and turned it towards the girl. “You want to pay for food, too?”

“Yes. I would.” The answer rushed out. “Whatever you have now, if you please, and some breakfast, too, before we depart.”

The woman raised her eyebrows and glanced toward the grandfather clock behind her, which displayed an hour not typically associated with taking a meal. “Now?”

“Yes,” repeated the girl firmly.

The woman frowned. “We might have some broth still,” she said. “It won’t be hot anymore.”

“That’s all right.” She paused. One more inquiry before she paid. “Did Mrs. Wright leave a parcel for me, by any chance?”

With a sigh, the woman turned away to rummage somewhere behind her. After a few moments, she returned with a wrapped box, slightly crumpled but intact. “There you are, Miss Cooper.”

“Thank you.” The girl took it gratefully, promising silently that she would one day find a way to repay Alice for her kindness.

As the innkeeper took the money and filled out the rest of the paperwork, the girl tried to steady her breath, bracing herself against the new fears that rushed in. Never mind the fact that she was renting a room for herself and a strange, half-clothed, terribly battered man who bore only a false name and who was not her husband. Now she had to contend with bringing him inside without drawing attention. What if the woman took one look at his bloody skin and the tattoo on his arm, and threw them out?

“All finished up, Miss Cooper.” The woman handed her a key. It lay cold and heavy in her palm.

At first, she couldn’t find the man in question at all. It took a few moments to realize he had sat down on the ground, back against the wall, slumped and half-conscious.

“Fox,” she whispered, tapping his uninjured shoulder, eliciting a moan. “Wake up.”

His eyelids fluttered open. “Hmm?”

“We can go in now.” He groaned, and she tried again to rouse him. “Do you want to sleep out here in the cold?”

“Not really,” he mumbled, letting her help him to his feet. “I’m so fucking tired. Everything…everything hurts.”

“I know,” she said, her heart cracking open in her chest. “We’ve got our room. Let’s find it.”

In the narrow, lamplit corridor where she located their room, he leaned against the wall, waiting for her to finish struggling with the key in the lock. With his head resting on his good arm, as he breathed heavily from the climb up the stairs, he watched her, or seemed to, although his eyes kept drifting closed.

“Bed. Now,” she said, pointing toward it when they made it inside. His exhausted gaze swept the room, obviously counting.

“Just one. It’s for you,” he mumbled.

“Don’t be absurd.” She pulled him toward the lumpy-looking mattress with its yellowed sheets and woollen quilt. “You’re hurt and sick. Lie down.”

“You gonna sleep on…what? The floor?”

He really thought she would be able to sleep? After everything? “Never mind about me. Get yourself in that bed, now, before I throw you into it.” She resisted the urge to clap a hand to her mouth and backtrack as she realized she had practically shouted at him. “Uh—” Fox was staring at her with a wide-eyed expression she could not read. “I mean…please.”

He laughed. It was weak and riddled with coughs, but it was genuine, and relief swept over her like a warm wind, because…

Because if she’d ever ordered Baden around like that…and threatened him like that…no matter how empty the threat was…

“There should be a meal waiting downstairs,” she said. “I’ll go get it. You can rest, but you must at least drink. If you fall asleep, I’m going to wake you.”

Fox sat heavily on the bed. “You’re the boss, princess.”

By the door, she paused. Princess. The name was silly, and she got the feeling he wasn’t using it to be cruel, but her thoughts on the matter of her name had been boiling over since she gave the innkeeper her false one. The girl closed her eyes, imagining who she would have to be once the light of dawn broke. Someone courageous and clever, someone who faced her fears instead of burying them or running scared. Someone who was bold enough to grasp the life she wanted with both hands.

Hopes and memories flashed in her mind, bringing with them disembodied faces and disjointed pictures—flames, ink, books, blood, and a heavy sunrise filled with promise.

She let her eyes fly open, the answer to the question Who am I? coming to her in a sudden burst.

“You can keep calling me Bree,” she told him, and he raised his eyebrows. “I decided I like it after all. So that’s—that’s my name now. Bree. Bree Scarlett.”

Fox nodded slowly, his eyes on hers, repeating the name to himself, at first under his breath, then a touch louder, as strong as his weak and tattered voice would go. “Bree Scarlett. I…I like it, too.”

Cheeks suddenly blazing hot enough to be unintentionally—and newly—eponymous, Bree Scarlett hurried away, closing the door behind her. As she bounded down the stairs, tempted to take them two at a time like a giddy schoolgirl, she repeated her name to herself, and she found that the very taste of it on her tongue filled her soul with glee.

***

Defying her own prediction, Bree did fall asleep, the siren’s song of slumber suddenly irresistible the moment she let herself rest, and she awoke curled against the wall, which was where she settled after determining that the room’s wooden chair was even less comfortable than the floor. She startled awake with a gasp, trapped for a moment in the dizzying space between the waking and sleeping worlds, wondering where on earth she was and how she had gotten there.

She took one look around, and reality came crashing down: she had run away from her husband, set his prison on fire, and sprung a thief from jail.

Bree waited for the panic to set in, for the bone-breaking terror that, at any moment, Baden would burst through the door and tear her to shreds for her betrayal and her crimes.

It did not come.

Instead, she felt strangely calm, detached from the chaos she had wrought in her pursuit of freedom. Her eyes wandered over the room, with its wood-panelled walls, slightly uneven floors, and inarguably paltry sleeping spaces, trailing her gaze over the door and the window that by some miracle remained silent and unassailed by constables pounding and breaking through. It was a veritable marvel, how unafraid she felt.

As she looked around, her inspection paused upon the boy who called himself Fox.

He was still asleep, lying on his side, looking for all the world serene despite the blood still crusting his skin. Her throat tightened, horror creeping through the short-lived peace she’d just been enjoying as she took in the sorry sight of him again.

How many of those wicked bruises had been dealt by Baden himself?

She forced away the thought. There was little she could do right now about the guilt that stole through her and would not retreat; however, she had a new problem to contend with that she could solve. Fox had fallen asleep so quickly after she brought him water and the inn’s lukewarm broth that he hadn’t even gone under the wool quilt, and now he shivered in the chill of the night air.

Bree searched for something to keep him warm. Ah—there—her jacket, abandoned in a crumpled heap near the door.

How furious, she thought, her fatigue doubling as her husband invaded her thoughts again, Baden would be if he could see how carelessly and messily she’d flung aside her clothes. And how furious he would be if he knew how much she wished she could simply escape the thought of him for even a few minutes.

How furious he would be to see her pausing at the bedside of his foe, gently laying her own clothing over his body and tucking in the sides to keep him warm.

For a moment, it seemed as if her mission to blanket Fox’s shivering form without waking him had been a success, but as she turned away, his fingers curled around her wrist, the unexpected touch sending a jolt through every limb.

“Why?” His voice was rough, thick with sleep and whatever sickness ailed him. But the word was intelligible.

“You’re cold,” she said. “I could see you shivering.”

“No.” When she turned slowly back to him, his eyes were open. Bleary, yes, but he knew her. And he remembered what she had done for him. “Why. Are you. Doing this. Hel… Helping me?”

Good god, what was she supposed to say to that? What explanation was there?

“Because,” she said, failing to banish from her mind the image of him chained and on his knees, horrified at the sight of her for fear that it would bring him more agonizing pain, “you didn’t deserve what he did to you.”

He watched her, still shivering. “I…am. You know.”

“You are, what?”

“A criminal. A thief. In. In…IA.”

The cough that had been so quiet while he slept returned. Bree bit her lip, wondering what to say to quell his anxieties and allow him to rest. “Sleep more,” she said, deciding to ignore what he had mumbled—what he’d told her like she didn’t already know. “I’ll be here.”

“Bree.” He winced, overtaken by some phantom pain whose source she could not discern. “Bree. Don’t…”

He didn’t finish, and for a moment she thought he had fallen asleep mid-sentence. But his eyes were still on her when she looked back down. “I won’t leave.”

“No.” He closed his eyes. “Don’t fuck me over. Please.”

Even now, he feared she would betray him. Bree blinked back tears.

“You won’t, right?”

“I promise I won’t,” she whispered. Gently, she tried to pull her arm away, yet his fingers didn’t let go.

“Thank you,” he mumbled. So quiet, so indistinct, it was difficult to make out. “For saving me.”

Unable to bring herself to speak, and uncertainly unable to give the reply that came to mind, Bree swiped at her face with her free hand, her treacherous tears spilling over despite her efforts to hold them back.

She did not move until his fingers loosened and fell away—until the boy called Fox was asleep once more, perfectly still save for the rise and fall of his bruised, battered chest.

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Taglist (please let me know if you’d like to be added/removed!)

@starlit-hopes-and-dreams

@clairelsonao3

@gala1981

@pleasestaywithmedarling

✨

#lps the queen of lies #whump #whump story #whump writing #original writing #original story #original content #lady whump #guy whump #romance #angst #blood #injury #illness

[elkkiel]

fuck it I know I said yesterday I'm gonna hold on and wait but I just need to get some thoughts out of my head.

Content covered: love and empathy to Caiti, why he's taking so long to get his statement out, and frustrations with balancing personal mental health vs understanding that this isn't about *you*

1) Love to Caiti

I can't even imagine what she's going through right now. Regardless of if George had innocent or malicious intentions, it's obvious that this situation was incredibly traumatic for her. And I'm so glad that she has friends that are publicly willing to support her. I talked about it when Shelby spoke up so I won't bring it up again, but I get what she's going through and how much it fucking sucks. Hopefully, no matter the outcome, she can find peace and healing moving forward.

----------

2) Why he's taking so long

*I'll make statements empathizing with how difficult the self-defence process must be, but it in no way condones or excuses his potential behaviours or actions involved in this situation. He is a grown man and can deal with the consequences as such

The rush to get a statement and potentially closure to move on is understandable but still super stressful all the same. Given the severity of how this will impact his entire life moving forward, I wouldn't be surprised if he's seeking legal counsel or other advice before proceeding with a statement. Additionally, this is likely a situation where there may be little to no evidence that proves he didn't do anything, so whatever he presents has to be circumstantially rock solid with little room for doubt.

This isn't twitter drama where you can link a few screenshots and a twitlonger, or hop on stream quick to spout out your perspective. He stands to lose absolutely everything in his life today and it all depends on what he has to say and how he manages to say it. I know if I was in a situation like that (in the case that he legitimately believes he hasn't intentionally done anything wrong) I would be preparing in every way possible, short of a lawyer speaking for me, to clear my name to the best of my ability.

It makes sense that he's taking so long. He's probably not trying to ignore it and move on, but the lack of clarity on timelines certainly doesn't help him either. I wish he'll say something now too, but there's nothing wrong with taking longer than anticipated to detail out (probably with some fairly intimate detail that may be uncomfortable for anyone to share at such a scale) the most important stream of his life.

----------

3) Autism and grieving a special interest

There are (or were) a lot of neurodivergent people in this community. Like, a LOT. Some of us are able to drop hyperfixations or special interests and move on to something new with relative ease. Others struggle a hell of a lot more. You're not a bad person if you mourn the loss of a special interest in your life, it's just important that you keep the right perspective about it.

It's not as strong now as it was years ago, but the dream team have been a special interest for me since like July 2020. Emotionally, it honest to goodness feels like a loved one has died and I'm having a really hard time coping with it. Fuck, like I called in sick to work today because I the mental toll is so extreme I'm feeling physically ill.

Things will be okay and I'm so grateful to have Sleep Token right now, otherwise I don't know if I would be in a very safe place at the moment. It's really fucking hard and your pain is valid, despite what neurotypicals or neurodivergents with different experiences may say. The important thing to keep in mind is that your pain does not outweigh the pain of those genuinely hurt in this situation (Caiti in this case)

----------

4) Moving forward

I guess it all hinges on what's to come later today. Regardless of the outcome, things will never be the same here and I would be very surprised if any of the dream team carry on with their careers in the same capacity. I'm glad that people seem to be self-blaming less this time compared to the drituation. It still hurts to see this once-vibrant community crumble in such a short period of time.

I don't know what I'll do from here but I don't think the last 4 years were a waste. The dream team was a huge source of happiness during some of the darkest times of my life, and I don't think those memories could ever be tainted.

----------

Much love to everyone, whether you're still hanging around or not. I hope everyone finds happiness wherever they end up and that the truth will prevail in the end

#tw: sa mention #fandom discourse #elkk.txt

[petra608]

I noticed that my Robocar Poli content has been the most popular on Tumblr so I wanted to share my own as human/origin au. I wrote this quite a bit ago on Wattpad and just reposted it on ao3 so forgive me for any bad writing or mistakes. Thank You!

~Trigger Warning~

~Death, suicide, illness, sensitive topics-

January 26

New York

General Hospital

In the Children's Ward of General Hospital there was a 6 year old boy named Danny. He was lying in his bed with a nasogastric tube in his nose. Danny has been in and out of the hospital for about 4 months suffering from a cancerous brain tumor.  Even after the surgery, even after traveling across the country to get the proper help, even after the radiation therapy, even after they had to shave his long hair off, he still seemed like the happiest kid in the world or at least he pretends to be to make everyone feel better.

His mother, Valerie Cooper, was reading him stories and entertaining him.  His father, David Cooper, has just gotten back from getting him ice chips.  As broken-hearted as they were, they were still determined to make everyday a good day for Danny since they didn't know which one would be his last. But before all hope was lost, the doctor came in with the biggest smile.

"Good news Danny! We got your blood results,  the cancer is officially gone.  You can go home!" The doctor said with glee. 

A wave of relief has washed over Val and David.  He's going to be okay.  There baby boy, is going to be ok!  He can go back to school, and hang out with his friends again, he can live his life the way he deserved to.  They could barely hold back their happy tears.  Danny was happy about being able to go home he couldn't contain the excitement. 

"So, when can we take him home?" Valerie asked

"That's the thing, you can take him home today!" The doctor answered

And that's what they did.  They quickly got there stuff together and Danny got to ring the bell saying he completed his treatment.  The hospital staff all clapped for him and on their way out one staff member gave Danny a high five. 

On their drive home, they were so happy that all of this was behind them and they can look forward to the future.  Danny was bouncing and being a little goofball in the back.  His mother was in the front seat and playing with him and the dad, the dad just looked at him through the rear view mirror.  He was just so relieved that everything was going to be ok.  That he wasn't going to lose his son.  He just thought about how Danny was going to be able to live a full, long, life.  He didn't need to worry about not waking up the next morning.  He was going to be ok. 

Everything was going to be ok. 

...or so he thought. 

That's when the truck came.  It all happened so fast, nobody had time to react.  The truck hit their car on the side where Danny and David were.  Both cars stopped moving shortly after the collision but it was still really bad, and messy.  Nobody in the car was moving, the driver of the truck called the police and help arrived 5 minutes later. 

The ambulance rushed to the hospital.  The same hospital Danny was just discharged from.  As the family was rushed inside the staff saw them and were just, heartbroken.  It's truly heartbreaking seeing an innocent kid, that was just discharged, back in the hospital, the same day! 

All the Doctors and Nurses did everything they could to save them, to keep them alive.  But it was all for nothing.  Danny didn't make it.  Neither did David.  But Valerie did, however she still lost her husband and her own son.  And she'd have to live with that. 

——————————————————

One Week Later

BroomsTown

"Come on sweetie, would you please come out?"

Valerie's father, Mr Musty, had come to visit her after the accident,  with Valerie so distraught, she couldn't take care of her daughter, Who was with her grandfather the day of the accident. 

Maggie was her name, but everyone called her Mini.  She was barely 5 and just lost her father and her only brother.  She, surprisingly, took it a lot better than Valerie did, but she's probably still to young to fully understand what has happened.

"Can you at least let me in" Musty has been trying to talk to Valerie for over an hour. It's been days since she last stepped foot outside of the master bedroom

Valerie hasn't said a thing. Normally, Musty would just let her be since she is still grieving but something didn't feel right. He decided to open the door himself and check on her. He checked the bedroom but she was nowhere to be seen. So he went to check the master bathroom. As he got closer to the bathroom he could see the door was slightly open. When he pushed it open he saw his daughter. On the floor. With an empty pill bottle next to her.

With panic in his eyes, he knelt down to check her pulse. He needed to call for help. He also needed to keep Mini from seeing this. Mini already lost so much she didn't need to lose anyone else.

So, help arrived and rushed her to the hospital. Musty had to stay behind to take care of Mini. He didn't know how he was going to tell what was happening. And if they aren't able to save Val, how is he going to tell Mini she has lost her mother too? Even if she does make it, she is probably gonna have to go to a Mental Hospital to get better so this doesn't happen again. Either way, Mini is going to suffer from this.

Thankfully, she was ok. Bad news is she does have to go to a Mental Hospital. And the closes one is a few towns over.

That means Mr. Musty has been left with Mini. Besides her mom, she has no other family that's able to take care of her. Musty lives in the city, that's where his business is, that's where Mini would be safest because the city he's from has a far better first-responders than BroomsTown does. But if he moves Mini, then she would be losing her friends and have to start a new school and all of this is just to much for her after everything that has happened. So, he ignored all his doubts, and decided to move to BroomsTown with Mini. That seems like the bast decision.

——————————————————

2 Months Later

BroomsTown

Mr. Musty has been Taking care of Mini ever since the incident with Valerie and it has been getting difficult. In BroomsTown it is very common for kids to be running around town without adults. Mini is always run around with her friends and Musty has some trouble keeping an eye on her. He couldn't always keep up with her since he has to use a cane whenever he has to walk any long distances.  This has caused Musty to worry about her safety a little to often. 

As a distraction, Mr. Musty went out to lunch, he is currently waiting at the park for some old friends of his. 

"Hey, Old Guy!" Mr. Musty had heard from someone behind him.  When Musty turned to see who it was, he saw his friend, Hudson. Hudson and Mr. Musty had been friends since freshman year of college and were currently business partners for an insurance company back in the city.

"Hudson!  How have you been old friend?" Musty say as he goes to shake Hudson's hand.

"Why I'm doing well friend," Hudson replied

M "That's good to hear, and the business?"

H "The business is fine. Don't you trust me?"

M "of course I do, I didn't mean anything by it-"

H "Relax Musty, I was only kidding...are you alright?"

M "Yes, it's just that a lot has happened this past year and it's just hard to process.."

A moment of silence between the two before another man had broke said silence.

"Sorry I'm late you two, their was a problem at the store."

M "Mr. Wheeler! It's no problem, it's just good to see you."

W "..and it's good to see you out and about, how are you and Mini holding up?"

M "I'm fine and Mini is taking everything a lot better than I thought."

H "where is the little pipsqueak anyway?"

M "oh Mini is running around town with her friends... which, Mr. Wheeler I must ask, is it safe for kids to be running around town unsupervised like that?"

W "oh of course! It happens all the time.  I kids are almost always safe running around town by themselves."

M "almost?"

W "Well.. Due to the recent budget cuts to the towns first responders, accidents are becoming more..frequent."

With that there was another pause washed over the group as worry had start to overcome Musty once again.

"I'm sure Mini is fine." Hudson says in a reassuring tone

M "I know, I need to get my mind of this. Hudson, how is your granddaughter doing?"

H "Jin? She's doing well, she has gotten a new job in the city."

W "A job? I swear it was just yesterday that Jin had you running around town playing 'rescue',"

M "rescue?"

H "do you not remember?  Jin and I would make some sort of rescue team and 'save people'. I think she got you involved as a 'medic' one time."

W "kids grow up so fast don't they?"

Hudson and Wheeler had continued their small talk while Musty had gotten lost in thought. 'A Rescue Team?'

——————————————————

A Couple Days Later

Its been a couple days since the three men had lunch. Musty had went MIA and Hudson thought it would be best to check up on him.  That's how he found himself knocking on Mr. Musty's  door.  When nobody answered the door, Hudson had tried opening the door and was successful. 

"Musty?" Hudson yells out as he walks into the house.  "I find it funny how you complain about Mini's safety but still left your door unlocked."

"Hudson!" Mini yells out as she runs up and hugs the old man. 

H "It's good to see you munchkin.  How have you been?"

Mi "I've been great! I've made a new friend!  And I saw a grasshopper!  It had lost it legs.  My friend stepped on it.  Then a cat came and ate it- speaking of which,  why don't you come over anymore?"

H "Oh my god.  Your right.  I have betrayed you by not coming over more.  Please forgive me your majesty..".

Mi "....your a drama Queen."

H "I'm a drama Queen!?  Your one to talk little lady."

Mi "well I get away with it because I'm cute!"

H "...Touché"

H "where is your grandpa anyway?"

Mi "he's in his office,  he has been in his office a lot recently."

H "Has he been ignoring you?"

"no, he comes out when he needs to.  Besides I get to eat all the cookies I want when he's busy."  Mini say as she runs off to Musty's office.

"That's my girl." Hudson say with a chuckle as he follows her. 

——————————————————

A couple seconds later Hudson is walking into Musty's office, looking for the old man.  The office has a warm and cozy feeling when you enter.  A fireplace sits on the back wall with bookshelves on either side of it.  The Office also has a big desk, the top covered in papers. Musty is currently sat at the behind the desk looking down at the papers.  "Musty?", he calls out, closing the door behind him. 

The sound of his name caused Musty to look up for his current work and stand.  "Hudson? What are you doing here?" Musty had said as he made us way around the desk and towards Hudson. 

"I haven't heard from you, I just wanted to make sure you were ok."

"Oh.  I'm sorry I've been busy."  Musty says as he walks back to the desk and starts gathering some papers. 

"What are you doing?" Hudson asked taking a few steps towards him. 

"..When we were at lunch the other day you mentioned that game you and Jin use to play, and it gave me an idea.  I thought of a way for the town to get the first responders it needs, but in a more affordable way."  Musty says grabbing some folders and starts walking back towards Hudson again.  "I have already thought of a few that are perfect for the job."

"Roy Williams,  he is a firefighter in a nearby town.  I'm friends with his family, I've seen how he works and I'd say he is the best at that station." Musty says handing Hudson a folder with 'Roy Williams' on the tab. 

The Musty hands Hudson the other file he is holding and starts to speak again.  "Amber Smith, she is a doctor in New York.  She helped treat my grandson before he passed.  She's great at her job and kids love her."

"And with you consent, I'd like to get Jin involved with this too."  Musty says walking back to his desk. "Her skills with tech could really help this team." 

"I still need to find a few more people but I have everything planned out." Musty takes a pause "..so what do you think?"

Hudson glances at the folders he was handed and takes a second to process what was just said.  "Are you sure about this? I mean, what if one of these people aren't good enough for the job? Or what if this whole project blows up in your face and you have wasted your money and time?  I'm not saying it's a bad idea I'm just asking if your sure about this?" 

Musty takes a second to answer, looking over the papers on his desk.  "I'm confident that this will work." 

Hudson let's put a sigh.  "...your a crazy old man.  But I support you."

——————————————————

Next Day

Mayor's Office

Mayor Renolds was the Mayor of BroomsTown.  He was currently in his office checking over records.  The office was basic and cold, no personality could be seen in this office.  As he was was going through the records he heard a knock on his offices door.

"Come in"

Mr. Musty had walked into the office and was now walking to the desk the mayor was sitting at. Causing Mayor Renolds to look up.

"Musty. Back so soon. Should've known you'd be back to complain about something." Mayor Renolds says coldly, putting his work away. "What can I do for you this time?"

"I heard you cut back on the town first responders, is that true?"

"Yes. Mr. Musty it is true. The town's funds are getting low and we couldn't afford it."

"Are you sure that was wise? The town needs their first responders."

"What do you expect me to do? Unless you have a better idea, this visit was pointless."

"That's why I'm here, I have a proposition for you."

"What are you going on about Musty?"

"I came up with a way for the town to get the first responders and the protection it need, but more affordable for a town of our size."

Mayor Renolds lays out a sigh and adjusts his glasses. "Alright. I'll humor you"

"what was this idea of yours?"

#robocar poli #robocarpoli #fanfic #robocar poli au #human au #sensitive topics #robocar poli fanfic #rcp

[skyland2703]

Everyone’s making OC kiddos for their characters so imma do it too— this is so CRINGE omfg PLEASE don’t @ me

Full blame to @lordkingsmith and a lil bit to @augment-techs and @azurezfiction

Amelia and Javi’s kids:

Adelyn Garcia

(Yes that’s Emma Roberts from scream4—)

Addy was an accident— neither of them knew what to do— yes they were together, but they weren’t sure they were ready. They had decided almost for an abortion, but Amelia changed mind last minute, when she saw the way Javi smiled at her, when he told her that no matter what her choice, he was going to support her anyway— she knew she wanted him forever. She knew she wanted kids with him.

At twenty years old, Adelyn can be a little hot headed, can also be a little very irresponsible, but has a good heart. Following in Javi’s steps, to become a musician, Javi and Adelyn often do duets together. A lot of her personality comes from Javi— especially her love for marshmallows and anything sweet. When she was a kid, she and Javi would sneak into the kitchen at midnight and drain all the snacks, and Amelia would throw a tantrum in the morning with a “WHICH ONE OF YOU WAS IT—“

As she grows up… Adelyn starts becoming… not too fond of her mom. For reasons. At sixteen, she dropped Jones from her last name. I still need to fish this out a bit more, but she and Amelia used to be close, but something happened, after which they just grew distant, and she moved out. Amelia still cries about this every night. Javi doesn’t know how to fix it.

Amelia’s Rafkonian powers get split between the kids, so Adeline gets the antlers, physically, she looks like Amelia, but personality vise, she’s a mini Javi— only a little more emo XD She’s quirky, usually happy, but the second you infuriate her, she WILL destroy you. Sharp tongue and all. Eight piercings and two tattoos, she’s sexy, smart, and everyone wants to be her, or be with her. Possibly a red ranger…?

Next up we have:

Hazel Garcia-Jones

Three years younger to Adelyn, this boy is chaos. He’s gay, he’s emo, he’s rebellious, and he listens to everything his mama says. He’s got the mind reading powers, he can hold someone’s hand, and know all secrets— and it’s even better than the other rafkonians, because no antlers pop up every time he tries to read someone~ He hates his eyebrows. Nobody can sleep secrets from him. He got them from his dad. Only pierced ears, scared of getting tattoos, but loves his twink form. Keeps his hair long and curly, most of the time.

He’s not a musical prodigy…. Which was much to Javi’s disappointment— but Javi didn’t wanna be a repeat of his relationship with his dad, so he was all supportive and sweet when he told him Hazel wanted to be an artist. Has ADHD as bad as his dad’s, and can hyperfixate on a painting he likes for several hours, without food or water. Amelia is usually there to point out that he needs to eat, and stuff— just the way she does, with Javi. She loves her boys, more than anything in the universe.

He likes reading books. You can find him curled up in a corner in the public library devouring books after books after books. He’s horrible at maths, but his language and depth in perception is beyond

Not a ranger, per se. He was given an offer, but he turned it down on account of ill health.

More pics of the sibs:

And a few dark!headcanons:

Hazel is not too physically fit, and has a weak body. Sure he’s pretty, but the internals are a mess. He frequently collapses, coughing out blood, and has an immunity of a rabbit. When he was born, he was kept in an incubation chamber for almost three months, and the doctors weren’t sure he’d be able to make it. He does though. He’s a gamer and an artist, spends most of his time locked in— still coughs up blood sometimes, still has to undergo minor surgeries to keep himself alive, but he’s making it through.

Adelyn tries to commit suicide three times between the ages of twenty two to twenty five. I’m still a little at blanks with this part of the story, but it’s gotta do with something along the “I hate my mom” storyline. Hazel found her on the bathroom floor, once, panicked, and called every single ambulance he knew of, along with mom and dad. Once, she was found by her partner— Ollie and Aiyon’s kid (still need to fish out their personality)— and the third time, she was just lucky some neighbours saw her jumping off the building. She’ll never tell Javi why she did it, of course. Amelia knows deep down it’s because of her.

Damn wtf is wrong with me WHY DO I THINK OF THIS KINDA STUFF—

Anyway thank you for reading!!!

#hazel’s fc is Ander Marrius btw #I’m writing this rn because I can’t fucking stay up till midnight if I don’t think of Javelia or smth— #gosh exams should never fall on birthdays #power rangers #power rangers dino fury #amelia jones #javi garcia #javi x Amelia #Javelia #power rangers cosmic fury

[echantedtoon]

Demon Bride Ch57 Demon's Are Strange P3

(WARNINGS!!: Douma IS his own warning. Possibly some innuendos. Mentioning of him being poisoned. Mentions of Douma's backstory and what he went through as a result. Mentioning of murder and self-murder of Douma's parents. Douma gets a really bad fever and nearly gets worse from it.

To answer a few questions about the Tokito twins relationship with Kokushibo, in this particular au/timeline, most of the Twins backstory IS cannon but a few details are moved around. Their mother still passed away from her illness but instead of getting sick when they were 10, she got sick and passed away by the time the twins were both 5 yrs old. Their father still cannonically died as he did in cannon, by attempting to get his wife the herbs she needed.

In this timeline, Kokushibo kept track of his and Yorichii's family tree. However as Yorichii's child died unmarried and without any children, he mainly kept tabs on his own bloodline which ended (for now) with both twins. Kokushibo found out through a few humans about the death of the twins' parents but as they weren't in Muzan's Territories he needed special permission to interact with them.  By the age of 6 both twins were essentially adopted by Great Something Grandpa Kokushibo as he saw potential in them, and by age seven he started training them in the ways of sword fighting as he had done with Kaigaku before them in between his other duties to Muzan. When both Twins were 9 Kokushibo thought it was best for him to retrieve the twins and bring them both back to live with him instead of going back and forth constantly.

That's when he met Y/n on his way to retrieve the twins, two years before the events of chapter one. Kokushibo only just recently brought them to live in the Dwell to be looked after along with the other Kizuki's family. Kokushibo absolutely remembers his past interactions with Y/n and part of his intentions of bringing the twins is to have them imprint of Y/n and vise versa for the sole purpose of giving the twins some sense of a family unit.)

"I'm so happy that you agreed to spend time with me again! "

"As long as you don't start calling me your wife again. How are you feeling? It's been a few days since you were..."

"Poisoned? It's alright. You can say it. Won't change anything. But it's nice you asked! My body is already feeling better! My coughing fits have already stopped sometime last night."

You sat across from Douma and nodded at him. You had visited him again and brought him a few new books to replace the few you'd given him to read. Apparently he was a very fast reader when left alone with nothing to do and you weren't there to be his entertainment. Surprisingly he chattered a lot though. 

"That's good." You nodded at him. "Have you been eating and drinking enough water? Getting enough sleep?"

He nodded to everything you said. "Yes! I've eaten everything you've given me. You're a very good friend!"

This is how 'courting' with Douma has been. Not only were you playing sitter with him whenever the boys weren't around  but Akaza would often be heard either just outside the doorway or hovering down the hallway which often lead to Douma calling out to him which would then lead into an argument until you put your foot down and FIRMLY told Akaza he couldn't be bothering you or him while you helped or was court by Douma. Akaza seemed hurt but you would make it up by promising he could court you right after you were finished with Douma. Which was usually just you both lazing about in between you helping Douma or after he brought the children home. Which usually included small gifts of flowers or kind gestures of hugs or holding your hands....After he asked permission to hold said hands. It was complicated going back and forth between two constantly courting demons,  taking care of Douma, now THREE children, and keeping Akaza and Douma from fighting.

The children were  a whole different deal all together. There was obviously the fact that Muichiro seemed to be thrilled at the idea of you being a potential mother, Yuichiro didn't say much honestly and seemed more annoyed by everything than anything else, and Rui was going back and forth between excitement that Akaza was finally spending so much time with him and the prospect of having the two twins as brothers. Sharing his toys and constantly trying to get Yuichiro to take what toys he shoved into his stubborn hands to play with. Which led to a few small fights either you or Akaza had to stop. Children. Sigh. You even stumbled into the twins huddled around Rui who...had your courting gifts??

"What are you boys doing with those?" All three looked at you. "Those were given to me by my courters. You can't just take them without permission.''

"Oh it's ok, Mother," Rui said waving a hand at you. "We're helping you choose which ones will be our dads!"

You blanked staring at the three. ".... Excuse me?"

Rui pointed at the three groups of objects on the ground, the objects that your 'fiances' had gifted you to start courting you. "This is the pile of dads we want." Rui pointed at a small group of Akaza's anklet, Kokushibo's white sash belt, and Gyutaro's cloth. "Scary Dad can get us lots of stuff by just yelling. AND HE COMES WITH AUNT DAKI THAT SPOILS US! And of course Father and Father 2 are here. Father is the best Father and Father two is powerful and gives me brothers."

"What about Mr. Douma?," Muichiro said curiously holding up a Golden fan. "He always seems really nice."

"Are you mad?" Yuichiro frowned at him and harshly yanked the fan from his twins' hand. "He's a no good womanizer! And he gives me a bad feeling every time I see him! He's going in the definite no pile!" He then threw the fan in a second pile that had an empty bottle of medicine Enmu left you, Karaku's fan, and Urogi's feather. "I'll never have him as a father!"

You just stared as the three discussed father's before pointing out a third pile in the middle made up of two objects. Sekido's golden hoop and Aizetsu's blue rope. "And...that pile?"

"That's the 'maybe' pile!," Rui explained as he pointed at them. "They're both annoying and I still hate them for attacking me...But one gave me a puppy and blue eyed one is tolerable. If you marry one of them then we would also get a grandfather and uncle. We just haven't decided yet." You then watched as Rui picked up two items. Kyogai's drum and Kaigaku's necklace. He placed them in the 'definitely' pile. "The drum man is a good father too, and Kaigaku has proven to be a good provider and protector. So I'll allow them to also join as my fathers."

"You mean Kaigaku?" Yuichiro scoffed again and crossed his arms. "His egos almost as big as his fat head! His attitude is spoiled and stubborn too!!....But Kyogai is fine. He always likes to tell stories."

"I like Mr. Kyogai too! Don't think of Kaigaku like that. He can just teach us how to be samurai when Sensai Kokushibo isn't around!"

"....Boys. Just...Put those back on the shelf. Now."

But enough about that. Now in the present you were just sitting there with Douma and just watching as he babbled senselessly and hold up a book. 

"Oh how sweet art thine eyes compared iddly to the morning summer morning dew drops as they traverse across the softest of green grasses only to drip and kiss the earth with thy gently drizzle droplets.~" he sighed and pressed a hand onto his chest. "Such poetry is made to be shared with the most beautiful of company.~" He then gave you a wolfish grin eyes half lidded and winked. 

You rolled your eyes. "Psh. What a cheap flirt. It'll take more than that to get me to fall for you. Although I'm glad we're talking normally. It's a nice change of pace."

"Oh? Well then I'll be sure to keep that in mind when we meet again for lunch tomorrow."

"Can't." He hummed and tilted his head. "I'm spending time with Akaza tomorrow. We're taking the boys and Zohakuten to spend a day outside. It'll be good for them to get outside and get some fresh air."

"Oh...Fresh air will be good for me too! Nakime can just teleport me outside and back in!"

"No. That wouldn't be fair to Akaza. He needs some of his own space to court me away from you. Don't worry about it. I already arranged something with Kokushibo so you're taken cared of while I'm gone." With one hand you reached out to pat his cheek... before pausing gazing at his face...before pressing your palm fully against his cheek.

"Oh darling.~" He cooed before reaching a hand up and grabbing your hand. "You do not have to pretend to be so formal-"

"I'm not being affectionate." You pulled your hand away before plopping it back onto his forehead and furrowing your brows. "You're warm...Are you running a fever?"

"Oh I'm fiiiiinne. It's sweet you care though." 

You frowned looking at him.. before sighing and removing your hand away from him. "Well I thought we agreed to not lie to each other again. You have bags under your eyes,so you might be telling the truth about eating and sleeping enough but you haven't been sleeping well. Have you been staying up reading these books?"

"Reading yes! Books? No." He held up a hand. "I've been doing my duties from here and answering my fateful worshippers letters!"

You blinked looking at him. "What?" 

"Of course! I've sent word to my compound to send me any worries to me by letter. I will guide them to paradise by writing and in spirit if I cannot in person."

You just stared at him. ".... Exactly how many letter do you get?!"

He hummed in thought. "...I cannot remember the exact amount. They're usually delivered very late in the day when you leave because it takes so long for them to get here. I make sure to answer them swiftly to deliver the best results."

You slowly nodded. "Yes...I can understand that. Tell me more about that poetry you were reading."

You made it a point that night to speak to Akaza and convince him to stop anymore mail from being handed over to Douma and be held from him until he recovered. You would deal with Douma's whiny aftermath when you get back from spending time with Akaza and the children. Finally have a peaceful, normal day-

"I don't see how you were able to think of such a disgraceful idea!" 

You gave Zohakuten a deadpanned look as Akaza just packed up a giant basket of food to take along. It was his idea to turn the entire trip into a picnic for the children, but he turned around and gave the moody teenager a frown as he kept complaining.

"I got your father's permission to have a picnic there. As long as we don't destroy any of the cherry blossoms and clean up after ourselves there's no problem. And you all need a chance to get some real sunlight and a break from studying and training. You children need a time to play as children. I've already told Kokushibo I'm taking all of you whether he likes it or not."

Zohakuten looked at you wide eyed. "...You are really pushing your luck with him. I'm surprised that he hasn't loped your head off for disobedience yet. And that grove is a sacred place to my family!"

"Well tough. And if Kokushibo wants me to take care of them then I'll do it the same way I care for Rui. If he has a problem with it then he should speak up."

Zohakuten only still stared in disbelief as Akaza chuckled and picked up the basket. "Well I for one agree. If he has any complaints then he'll make it known to her later, and the reason we're going to that place in particular is because we know it's safe. Right now SAFETY is the number one priority not technicalities." Akaza then pointed at him. "If I were you, I'd be a little more grateful to her considering she stuck her neck out to give you another chance to be a Kizuki. So start shaping up that attitude like Kokushibo said or else you'll lose it again." Zohakuten looked at him for a moment before looking away quickly. "An apology would be a good start, Young man."

"Apologies are weak. Vulnerability leads to weakness and weakness leads to your power being taken from you."

"There's strength in feelings. Whether they be rage or something more gentle. I've learnt that thanks to a very special person. Now apologize before I force it out of you."

Zohakuten snapped to Akaza..and quickly remembered his place when Upper Moon Three turned the same look he's given Sekido and Karaku he attacked them at him...and he quickly turned his head back to you. "Apologies. I'll....control my tongue better around my company.'' He said through gritted fangs and looking like he'd love to punch Akaza in the face. 

"It's alright. Just try to do better from now on. Are you doing better in your studies?"

"I have to. Father is making me study whenever I'm not elsewhere."

"Well that's all Kokushibo wants. He wants you to improve yourself and do better. That's why he gave your brothers a second chance." You patted him on the shoulder with a smile that made him blink at you. "Study hard, work on yourself a little more, and you'll be alright. Just remember to take a break for yourself too every while."

He continued to stare until he turned his head away with a huff. "Fine. I suppose I should honor your brave act but don't think I'll be soft."

"I don't expect you to."

"Now that's all settled, let's go get going. That sun isn't going to stay out all day and I'd rather go and get back before sundown."

Akaza outstretched his arm to you before picking up said basket and of course you obliged. What a gentleman. You accepted his arm much to his happiness and soon three little children toddled up instantly to you both and the grumpy teenager. Akaza had already arranged things with Nakime so you were already expecting it when a blue tipped hand reached out, grabbed the door, and pulled it open. Three little pairs of eyes widened as the sunlight filtered in and a gentle breeze blew a flurry of pink petals over their body. The sight of cherry blossoms and a beautiful small creek filled their eyes before they looked at one another....

"Last one to the stream has to eat their vegetables!!" Rui was first to run out making the twins blink.

"HEY!!" "That's not fair! We weren't ready!"

Both twins raced after Rui and Zohakuten grumbled stomping out after them. "YOU BETTER NOT HARM ANYTHING HERE YOU HEAR ME?!" 

Akaza sighed and you patted his arm as if to say 'welcome to parenthood' and together you both crossed the threshold. Breathing in fresh air and the sweet aromas of the flowers, and feeling real sunlight on your skin. This would be a long overdue experience for everyone here. 

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

"What's going on here?!"

It had been a whole day since you last saw Douma. One whole day and night. Twenty four hours. And yet when you woke up it was to Rui complaining about so many people coming inside the Dwell and the background noise of people talking. You just opened the door and found a MASSIVE line of demons standing there starting from Douma's room and disappearing around the corner, and these people weren't servants. You also found Akaza standing there also looking very puzzled at the sight and had looked at you when you spoke up.

"I have no idea. I've never seen these people before."

You looked at him before at the many pairs of eyes staring at you. "Alright. Then I'll go to the source." You frowned before pushing past Akaza and the people closest to the door and grabbed the door leading inside Douma's room. Throwing it open and looking inside. ".....What the HELL are you doing?!"

You had walked in on Douma sitting there in the same comfy set up, only there was a demon couple there sitting on their knees in front of him but all of them had looked up when you just threw the door open. 

"Oh hello, Darling!" Douma smiled and waved at you. "You just walked in on my daily visits. This young couple was just telling me about their wishes for a son! I suppose after seven daughters you'd want one of those.''

You... slowly blinked. "That still doesn't explain what the hell you're doing!!"

"Oh. Daily sermons from myself to the gods! I told you people come to me constantly seeking my guidance. For some reason my letters stopped so I agreed to in person visits. It does get rather lonely by myself."

".....ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! YOU'RE HAVING CULT VISITS AT FOUR IM THE MORNKNG!? I JUST...UGH!!!" You threw up your arms before you pointed at the two demons. "You two! Out! Now!" You then pointed at the door.

"What?! But what about our son-"

"O U T!!," a loud snarl escaped your mouth with a snap of fangs that Akaza would've been proud of.  eventually the  two left with you stomping your feet close behind them as the woman pulled her husband out by the arm. "OOOOOUUUUUTTT!!! OUT OUT OUT!! GET OUT!! AND STAY OUT!!" You poked your head out the doorway and glared at everyone muttering and staring at you. "FROM THIS POINT ONWARDS THERE'S NOT GOING TO BE ANYMORE VISITS!! AKAZA GET ALL THESE PEOPLE OUT OF HERE!! AND THAT'S FINAL!!"

SLAM!! 

There was a murdering uproar from the annoyed group outside but you just slammed the door in their faces and stayed there for a moment hearing Akaza yell out above the crowd and telling them all to get going. You have a long sigh just standing there and mumbling curses.

"That wasn't very nice. I still had to help them you know."

"Are you kidding me?" You turned tired eyes on Douma as he sat there. "It's four a.m. in the morning, people are sleeping, and you decided to have a side business inviting people in here!" You fully turned to him as the sounds of the crowd started to shift down the hall muffled by the walls. "What were you thinking?!"

"Oh. Well I wanted to continue my duties-"

"NOT WHEN YOU'RE SICK!!" You threw your arms at him looking him over. "Look at you! You look worse than you did when I last sat you! You're not getting sleep, you're pale with eye bags the size of apples, and you keep making stupid decisions like this! Are you trying to make my life difficult at this point?!"

"Oh no. I'm trying to help IMPROVE everyone's lives in fact! If you want I can also improve yours!"

You ended up dragging your hands down your face ... before just stomping towards him. Douma blinked as two hands firmly grabbed his shoulders. "YOU!!" You harshly shoved him back down in the pile of comfy pillows. "Go to bed! NOW!! I'm going back to sleep, and in the morning I'm having a healer come look at you." A hand poked his chest as he rose his brows in amusement. "And absolutely, positively NO more working! No more visitors! No more mail! No nothing! You need rest! And sleep!  Do. I. Make. Myself. Clear?!"

"Clearly!" He nodded happily. "But I do have one question?"

"What?"

"Do I get a good night kiss?~"

"Ugh!" You pulled away from him and sat down on the floor rubbing your temples. "Why do you always do that?"

"I've done it since I was a young child." You looked at Douma deadpanned. He's always been this annoying as a child? Doubtful. But then again this WAS Douma you were talking about. "I've heard people's problems and troubling thoughts, and helped them out as best as I could."

You rolled your eyes at first...but the longer what he said lingered the more it really sunk in what he just actually said to you. Making you slowly look back at him. "Wait...What did you just say?"

"I've always helped people in need since I was a young boy. You see I've always had such a talent for it. My parents noticed it the moment I was born with such divine features. I was born to be a leader." He pressed a hand to his chest and smiled widely at you. "Oh yes. Many a human and demon alike gathered around to ask for the gods blessings through me, even if I don't personally believe such things I make it my duty to guide others."

You stared at him for a long, long moment. "...And..your parents don't see a problem with you just doing that? What do they say when you disregard your health like this just to tend to other people's useless desires?! That man wanted a son out of you, but you couldn't possibly make his wife bare a son!"

"I have no idea what they were saying now." He shrugged. "Unfortunately my father wasn't a very  moral man, quite the many affairs he had. Perhaps that's what drove my mother to take both of their lives." You continued to stare numbly as he hummed again at the memory. "The mess they left behind was so terrible. It took my poor servants hours to clean everything up and air out the room. I cried for them as I should've."

"You.... didn't..." You continued to stare at him. His expression even as he looked at you and smiled did not change. Not when he spoke of death. Not when he spoke of hope. Emptiness glossed over my clever masks and pretty faces.

"I didn't what, Dear?"

You didn't feel.

You didn't answer. Standing up abruptly to leave as a new spike of fear came over you. Reminded of that fact as those empty orbs followed you with a tilt of his head. Douma was a dangerous man. You should keep that in mind going forward. But at the same time...He never really put you in any outright danger. Just the opposite. He went out of his way to try and get you out of harm's way by messing with your letter to Sakura and personally visiting her, even almost killing her at one point. You saw the clear shifts in his body language when speaking to her. 

But was he doing that for you or for Daki whom it seemed he almost had some kind of fatherly or brotherly bond with?

You noticed that whenever you got him to speak of either siblings he would actually spark a tiny bit of interest in his eyes but it wasn't happiness. It was more of a fondness like how someone would have a fondness for a book or a song. But that was it. There wasn't really much else despite how much of how we'll be pretended on the outside.

"Nothing. I just don't have enough sleep. Go to sleep now. No more visitors and no more mail until you get better. I'm going back to bed."

He blinked as you silently left but smiled and waved anyways. "Alright then. Good night, Darling."

You did sleep well for the rest of that night. And as a result you were grumpy all day yesterday as you sent for a healer to come to check over Douma. By now it had been two weeks since he last gotten poisoned and he was a bit better. The purple veins on his body had already shrunk in size and he was able to feel again in his legs and even move them, but the other symptoms like the lightheadedness and feeling weak were still very much present. You couldn't get a healer to come see Douma until three days after you sent for one. I'm the meantime you made sure he ate and drank enough but he was still having trouble sleeping. You couldn't understand why other than he said he felt hot, but every time you felt his forehead he didn't feel very warm. You needed that healer and finally you got one. It wasn't Enmu, but an older man decked out in gloves and a mask. Thank the gods. Douma made no objections to the doctor's examination and the results should've relieved you.

"He has a normal temperature and other than his lack of sleep, you have nothing to worry about. I would recommend he tries to sleep in a different position and keep up his regular eating habits until the wysteria fully leaves his system."

Like said, that should've relieved you but it didn't. Douma seemed to be getting worse and worse by the day despite his body getting better and better. He stopped waking you up by yelling out. He seemed more groggy and his mind seemed to have a hard time focusing. You tried talking to Akaza about it whenever you two had some time together but of course the link haired demon shrugged it off.

"Douma acts up when he wants attention. If the healer says he's fine then he's fine. He's probably just bored out of his empty head and faking it to make everyone fawn over him as usual. Don't worry about him. Let's focus on having a peaceful time between us for once."

You wanted to believe both of them but...then there was a too big of a bad feeling in the back of your mind. And your worries were confirmed when you opened the door one day to Douma's room. The tray of food fell from your hands. Food and water spilt all over the floor at your feet. Douma peered up weakly at you from his Shaking sitting up position holding his wheezing chest as he forced a smile.

"L-Little Lotus.."

"SOMEONE GET A HEALER!! SOMEONE GET A HEALER RIGHT NOW!!"

It was almost a blur as you found yourself clinging to Douma as he struggled to breath which what it certainly sounded like. He had a coughing fit so massive it wracked his body and shook him to the core. You hadn't seen a cough this bad since Rui had that fever on the train. Eventually Douma was able to stabilize himself and you managed to push him back into the pillows as he heaved but seemed to breath easier now.

"Easy! EASY!" You grabbed his cheeks as he continued to breath out of sinc and patted his cheeks making his eyes open at you. "Breath slowly. Steady your breath. In through your nose, and out of your mouth. Like this. Do what I do. Ok " You weren't sure why he chose too, but you were glad when he actually listened to you and copied your movements. "There you go. Relax. You're doing good." You gave him an approving pat to his cheek as he huffed a chuckle.

Where was that stupid healer?! Not surprisingly the same healer as the one from before was the one who came back and reexamined Douma... before just getting up and leaving without another word. It stunned you enough to follow him out and catch the man just as he was exiting the Dwell. 

"Hey, hey, hey!!" You ran out the door and grabbed him by the arm, forcibly turning him to face you. "What the hell is wrong with you?! Why didn't you say anything?!"

He sighed annoyed. "Because clearly there's nothing to say. He's clearly fine."

"Fine?! Uh...No he's not! He's not sleeping well and he just had a massive coughing fit. It's getting hard for him to function!"

"Your paranoia is getting to him obviously."

"Excuse me?!"

He sighed as you glared in anger and reached a hand up to rub his head. "Lady Y/n. There's absolutely nothing wrong with him other than his lack of sleep. I can recommend a sedative for him to take before bed but otherwise he's fine. He's diets perfect. His body is getting better. And he's not running any fevers. He's the same temperature as you or me or any other average man his age. There's literally nothing else wrong with him but a case of common insomnia."

Your body froze, eyes widening, and slowly you looked back to him. "...Say that again."

"Hm? I said that it's a good idea to get him some fresh air-"

"NO!! What you said before that!" The healer flinched as you grabbed him by the shoulders and snarled giving him a shake. "What did you say!?"

"I-I said he wasn't running a fever!," he quickly sputtered out holding up his hands, "He's as warm as the next healthy man!!"

You paused breathing heavily and looked off at nothing in thought.. before a moment of horror passed over. ".....Yes he is."

The healer blinked. 'W-What?" Your voice was so small barely over a whisper that he didn't hear you.

"That's it." The horror sunk in as you looked up slowly. "He is running a fever...A very, very high fever."

"Wha- Madam Y/n." His arms reached over to pat yours. "I assure you as a doctor that he is in fact is not running a fever. His temperature isn't even high."

"Yes. It is. For him it is." Your face pale and panicked looked at the doctor. "Douma's going to die."

The healer yelped as hands threw him to the side and a form quickly ran across the docks back towards the Dwell. Footsteps hard and quick flew across the wood and carried the worried form away. Heart pounding away in your chest and panic spiking down your back as a terrible realization of reality hit you harder than if Akaza punched you.

Douma WAS running a fever!!

Every other time you touched his skin, he was always as cold as death. But now he was as warm as an average man. He was running a fever all along and no one even suspected it! How could you be so stupid to not notice!? Douma was sick and nothing was done about it!! He could die if nothing was done. It could already be too late!! Servants left and right all scrambled out of your way as you went running down the hallways at an insane speed. Heart pounding, body pumping in adrenaline and body twisting in ways that you couldn't have done back when you were human. Hallway. Hallway. Room after room. One door in particular being targeted out and one door found.

SLAM!!

"Douma?" You found him there half leaning to the side and lightly sweating. Sweat dropped off his head and down his face as he forced a smile your way. "DOUMA?!" You feet moved before your brain could react. Running up to him and grabbing his face. "it's ok! You- you're gonna be ok!'

Your brain panicked as you looked around. Cold. Cold. Douma had to get colder fast! There wasn't any snow or anything that you could use to get his temperature down. There had to be something!! Purple eyes landed on the open entrance to Douma's bathroom and the giant tub, and the solution was clear. 

"C'mon! We need to get you to the tub!" Without thinking about anything else, you threw one of his arms over your shoulders and wrapped your arms around his torso pulling him up into a sitting position. Gods he was heavy and this was barely half his body.

He breathlessly Chuckled. "N-Now you want to b-bathe with me?"

"NOT ANOTHER WORD OR ILL KILL YOU MYSELF!!" You continued to pull up on him and in the direction of the tub. "C'mon Douma! Move please!"

A shaking hand did move, reaching down to pull away the thick layered blankets to expose his lower half, legs, and tail. Before he hummed. "I'm ..... not very certain if I can be able to walk. My body is still very weak."

"Then we'll make do by crawling and dragging you over there." It felt like trying to move a giant boulder. "Douma please! Do it for Daki and Gyutaro!"

Douma moved. You almost tripped over as he did. Raising shakily up to his knees and the arm around your shoulders clutched onto you. "Very well! I know they would be devastated if I were to die. We can try walking me on my knees."

You blinked at his dumb smile...but ignored it in favor of tugging him along. Whatever made him move. The tub was only a few feet away and while this was annoying it would work. Slowly but surely you half dragged half walked half crawled Douma's shaking from all the way painfully slowly into the connecting bathroom and eased him to the edge of the tub before briefly setting him down to start the cold water. Pulling the lever for cold and stopping up the drainage pipe quickly before turning and yelping as Douma dangerously leaned to the right and went crashing down into the quickly filling tub of water with a giant splash sending water spraying everywhere.

"OH FOR FUCKS SAKE!!" 

it was a huge tub as big as the one you hid from him in. He could drown. So without thinking you dove right in the water rippling. A moment later you both emerged you now completely soaked again and your hair clinging to you as you dragged Douma up by his shirt towards a small flight of stairs leading up out of the pool and dragging him up enough to sit down on some of the emerged steps and pull Douma's head to lay on your legs. The idiot had the gull to smile at you from his new position as he laid on your lap.

"Well...N-Now what exactly I had in mind for us two, but I'll take what I can get."

You shivered from the cold water already as you scowled at him. "You're lucky I don't want you to die. You idiot."

He cooed eyes half lidded as he smirked at you. Your hand reached into a side pocket on your kimono and pulled out a bottle. "What are those?"

"Rui's fever medicine. I had Enmu give me more when he was here." You shook the bottle of small pills. "They work amazingly and get rid of his fevers so well it's like he's never been sick. I want you to take one." You then opened the bottle.

"Is that right?" ...His eyes shifted and he smirked wider. "Well..If I can have this kind of view then I wouldn't mind being sick MO- ERK!!"

You shut him up by shoving one of the pills into his open mouth. "SHUT UP OR I'LL DROWN YOU MYSELF!!"

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