#and we can talk to a supervisor to see where it went | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

praisethegabs · 7 months

Text

FREAK

Re2r!Leon x Scientist!Reader

synopsis: Leon is a test subject, a freak. He can't remember the world outside, and he doesn't have any notion of time. All he knows is pain. He doesn't have any hope left. He knows he'll die in there, completely alone, traumatized and scared. Until he meets you, the new leading supervisor.

warnings: angst, mentions of torture, blood, psychological abuse, trust issues, umbrella being umbrella. If you feel uncomfortable with this type of subject, DO NOT read it.

word count: 5106k

a/n: i got inspired by the c.ai bot from driftedlovers and made my own version after weeks chatting with the said bot. dividers are from @cafekitsune ♡

some people survive chaos, and this is how they grow. and some people thrive in chaos because chaos is all they know (unknown author)

Inside the white walls, Leon had no idea how the day was outside, if it was cold, raining, or if it was a sunny day.

He had no windows. All he could see was white every day.

He was there for so long that he barely remembered anything from the outside. His last memory from the world outside was something blue until he woke up inside that padded room.

Now, Leon used to be experimented with almost every day.

He hated when those doctors went inside his room to take him somewhere else. He knew he would feel pain and return to his room with new open wounds, purple marks, and blood. Why? He can't answer.

The only thing he knew was that he was kidnapped by Umbrella. He was their lab rat. A helpless man who was abused and experimented every single day. They didn't care about him at all. He tried to escape a thousand times, but he failed every single one of them.

Today, however, was the worst.

Leon came back from another round of tests and experiments, and he was bleeding a lot. His entire body seemed to be burning with excruciating pain. He was on the verge of tears. He crawled to his bed, his body shaking. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to imagine somewhere peaceful, where he couldn't be hurt or touched by those monsters.

His eyes were about to cry when he heard someone walking inside. He slowly opened his eyes, his heart already beating faster inside his chest with pure fear. He was hoping to be one of the scientists, ready to take him again to the room.

But it wasn't one of the monsters.

"Hey" you said gently at him, your hand holding a first aid kit. "May I?"

You were pointing to his side, he followed your finger to his direction and with those scared eyes, he slightly nodded his head. Leon was taught — in the painful method — he wasn't allowed to talk with the scientists, only to talk when he was spoken to, and he could only say "yes, sir" or "yes, ma'am".

"I'm not gonna hurt you" You smiled very friendly at him, getting closer and kneeling next to his side. "It's okay, you can talk to me. I'm not gonna punish you"

"Who are you?" Leon asked, his voice full of suspicious and fear. You knew he was scared. You actually could tell he was terrified.

"I'm a cool and friendly scientist" You smiled and noticed that his eyes were on your ID, where he could read your name. "I'm the new supervisor. I saw that your ID is Experiment N⁰ One, but I'm not interested in titles and IDs. Can you tell me your name?"

Leon was now shocked. All the time he was in there, no one cared to know his name. To them, he was just a freak, an abomination. A lab rat. But you, you weren't like the others. You were the first person to show him kindness.

"I'm... Leon" he said, and the sound of his own name made him think he almost forgot who he was.

"Nice to meet you, Leon" You smiled again, stretching your hand so he could shake it. You noticed his arm full of scars, new cuts, and blood. "Let's take a look at those injuries, shall we?"

Leon watched you cautiously, his eyes filled with suspicion and fear. He had learned the hard way not to trust anyone in this place. But there was something about your demeanor that made him hesitate. You seemed genuinely concerned for his well-being.

You carefully cleaned and dressed his wounds, your touch surprisingly gentle. As you worked, you noticed the fear in Leon's eyes and spoke in a reassuring tone,

"You don't have to be afraid of me, Leon. I'm here to help, not to hurt." You said gently, using a wet cotton to clean one of his wounds.

You began to clean his wounds with a gentle touch, the antiseptic sting a harsh reminder of his painful existence. Leon winced as you tended to a particularly deep gash on his arm. Then, as if unable to contain his thoughts any longer, he spoke in a soft, broken voice.

"I miss the outside world," he admitted, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I don't understand why they're using us for these cruel and painful experiments. We're humans, not lab rats."

You paused for a moment, your hands still on his injured arm. Your eyes met his, filled with a mixture of empathy and helplessness.

"I know, Leon," you whispered, your voice trembling slightly. "I wish I had answers for you, but I'm just as much a pawn in this as you are. All I can do is try to ease your pain."

Leon went silent again. He had every reason to be suspicious towards you, and you couldn't blame him for this. Although your touch was gentle, and you moved with a quiet assurance that contrasted with the harsh, you could still feel the clinical atmosphere of the facility. Leon couldn't help but be suspicious, a feeling he had grown accustomed to over time.

As you worked, you noticed the fear in Leon's eyes, the deep-rooted mistrust that had taken hold of him after countless experiments and cruel treatment. You paused again for a moment, looking into his eyes with genuine concern.

"Leon," you began softly, "I can see that you're scared, and you have every reason to be. But I want you to know that I'm different. I'm not like the others who have come before me."

Leon regarded you with a mixture of skepticism and curiosity. He had heard similar promises in the past, only to be let down.

"I promise you, Leon, I'll be back to keep you some company. You're not just an experiment here. And I believe in treating you with the respect and kindness you deserve." You continued, yourr voice unwavering.

Leon studied your face, searching for any hint of deception, but he found none. Perhaps it was the sincerity in your eyes, or maybe it was the exhaustion of isolation that made him yearn for human connection once more.

"Okay," Leon whispered, his voice trembling with a mixture of hope and fear. "I'll be here."

"I'll be back, Leon. You're not alone in this anymore." You smiled, a glimmer of warmth in the cold, white, and sterile room.

With that promise, you finished cleaning Leon's wounds and left the room, leaving him with a newfound sense of anticipation and a flicker of hope that had long been extinguished. He was wondering why you were so kind at him because he was betrayed before. He had no reason to trust you.

Leon lay on the bed of his room, the sterile walls bearing silent witness to his torment. The memory of your unexpected kindness lingered in his mind like a flickering candle in the dark. He couldn't help but wonder why you had been different from the others, why you had chosen to treat his wounds with care.

His thoughts churned with suspicion and confusion. The trauma of the countless painful experiments he had endured had left him scarred, both physically and mentally. He had learned to trust no one in this sterile prison, where cruelty was the norm.

As Leon's mind raced, his heart pounded with anxiety. He questioned whether your kindness had been genuine or if it was merely a cruel ploy to manipulate him further. The fear that he had been fooled gnawed at him, twisting his already frayed nerves into tighter knots.

Hours turned into days, and Leon's stress and paranoia grew. He replayed every interaction with you in his mind, dissecting your words and actions for any signs of deceit. But the more he thought, the less he understood. You seemed genuinely different, but how could he be sure?

In the suffocating silence of his padded room, Leon's thoughts became a torment of their own. He longed for answers for a sliver of hope to cling to, but the shadows of doubt and fear loomed large. All he could do was wait, haunted by the uncertainty of your true intentions and the relentless trauma that had brought him to this point.

You were so busy during the weeks that you had no time to see anybody.

You were full with paperwork to do, files to read, and new reports to send to oversight. One file took all of your attention; it was the one from Leon. That said file had every report from the tests he was submitted into and what every supervisor before you did to him. You brought his file to your home. You needed to understand his condition better. All you knew was that he was there for years and he probably couldn't remember his own age. He was taken into the lab at a very young age, and he had no contact with the exterior.

No family, no friends. He was an orphan.

That's why he was the perfect subject for Umbrella. If he died, no one would come crying to collect his body. He had excellent grades at school, and he aspired to be a cop, which was according to his essays; Leon had everything the scientists were looking for, and that's why he was abducted so young. The sad part?

That boy was broken inside and out. His file had pictures of him being tested, naked, and exposed to a lot of painful experiments. They were doing atrocities with him, and now you could understand why he was looking terrified at you.

He was, at one point, drugged and abused. Those scientists under your supervision did a lot of things on him, and the more you read his file, the more disgusted you felt.

As you read through the file, your heart ached for Leon. You had met him only a few days ago, but in that short time, you had seen glimpses of the pain and trauma that haunted him. Now, with this file in your hands, you finally understood the full extent of his suffering.

The decision was clear in your mind.

You had to befriend him and offer him solace and support. In his condition, being manipulated, tortured and abused, hidden from the world, and unable to see the sun, Leon needed someone who wouldn't hurt him, someone who would stand by his side. You knew you had to do something. You needed time.

It was true that you were tired of everything you did for Umbrella Corporation.

Your soul was tainted with the horrors you made in the name of science. At least, you were trying to convince yourself you were doing good, even knowing you were actually drowned in chaos, your mind always remembering you that you were actually hurting others. You hated yourself every day.

You barely could look at your own image in the mirror.

At first, you were happy. After all, you have always been a loyal employee of Umbrella Corporation, working diligently in their research division. It was a prestigious job, one that paid well and provided you with a comfortable life. But it had also demanded your silence and your complicity in the face of questionable experiments and ethically dubious decisions.

But that thought changed after a year.

Suddenly, that beautiful image you had from them twisted into something dark and horrible. You had to face the truth, and it was crushing you.

You felt only shame and guilt. And it was burning you inside, and you couldn't sleep at night. Your conscience was heavy with everything you did for them, and now, you had one small opportunity to make things right. You had a small window, and you needed to act quickly.

After you arrived at the lab, the first thing you did was walk to his room. The security was high, but your ID card let you walk inside without any problem. And he was there. His white clothes had small spots of dried blood, and he seemed to be sleeping. You sighed.

"You came back" you hear him say, his voice surprised, and somehow, he wasn't so scared of you anymore.

"I told you I would come back. I'm sorry if I took long enough" you said, taking small steps towards him, because you don't know if he'll let you get closer.

"Why are you here?" Leon asks, and then you can notice he's fully aware and suspicious towards you. "Why do you care so much about me?"

"Let's just say... I want to make things right" you muttered, more to yourself than to him.

"I don't buy it" Leon looks at you, his eyes full of doubts and fears. Of course, he wouldn't trust you immediately. You needed to earn him first.

"I know, and you have every reason to do so. But I don't mind spending my time trying to convince you I mean no harm" you said, taking another step closer, as your hands lay next to your body to let him know you're telling the truth. "I'm the cool scientist, remember?"

Leon smirked, but it was a sarcastic one.

"All the others told me the same bullshit and look what happened to me!" He almost shouts, his voice sounds angry. "At the end of the day, you are all the same, and I end up bleeding with a new scar"

The tension in the room was palpable, like an electric charge in the air. Leon stood on one side, his arms crossed tightly over his chest, his eyes locked in a steely glare. On the other side of the room, you were facing him with a calm determination that belied the storm raging within you.

"Leon, I need you to understand something," you finally began, your voice steady and resolute. "I said it before, but I won't hurt you. I know you don't trust me, but I promise you, I'm not here to harm you."

Leon's jaw tightened, and he took a step back, his distrust evident in every fiber of his being. He had been through too much in his life to simply trust someone, especially someone like you, who was a relative stranger.

"You're just like the others" Leon muttered, his voice a low growl. "And you're here only to bring me more pain"

"I know you've been let down in the past, Leon. But I want to help you. I believe in you, and I'm committed to seeing you well" You took a deep breath, trying to find the right words to break through Leon's wall of suspicion.

Leon's eyes flickered with a mix of anger and uncertainty. He had heard promises like this before, and they had always led to disappointment. He couldn't afford to be let down again, not when so much was at stake.

"Why should I believe you?" Leon demanded, his voice rising.

You took a step closer, closing the physical gap between the both of you, but realizing that the emotional gap was still vast.

"Because I've been where you are, Leon. I've faced my own demons and fought my own battles. I know what it's like to be in a dark place, and I want to be the light that guides you out of it." You said to him, your voice still showing respect and kindness.

Leon's anger seemed to waver, but he wasn't ready to let his guard down completely.

"Actions speak louder than words," he said, his voice softer now, but still laced with doubt.

"You're absolutely right, Leon. I can make promises all day, but it's my actions that will prove my sincerity. Give me a chance to show you that I mean what I say." You nodded in understanding.

As you extended your hand toward Leon, he hesitated for a moment before reluctantly reaching out to shake it. Your hands met, and in that simple gesture, a fragile bridge of trust began to form. You knew that gaining Leon's trust would be a long and challenging journey, but you were determined to prove to him that you are different, that you were there to help him heal, not hurt him.

Two months had passed by since your first meeting, and that day, you told him you weren't there to hurt him.

And every since that day, Leon still had trouble to trust you, despite all the attempts to befriend him. You were trying, and you knew you were getting in there. Slowly, but effective.

Leon had become all too familiar with the routine of his daily experiments. Each morning, they would escort him down the cold, sterile hallways of the facility, his heart heavy with dread. The scientists, faceless behind their masks and lab coats, were relentless in their pursuit of knowledge, no matter the cost.

Today was different, though. As they strapped him onto the cold metal table, he felt a shiver of apprehension. The restraints were tighter, the needles sharper, and the machines more ominous. Leon's breath quickened as he watched them prepare the apparatus, their voices hushed in clinical conversation.

"Definitely a freak" one of them muttered, and the other laughed. "I mean... look at him. Looks like a walking corpse or whatever he looks like"

Leon was also used to the mean comments they made about him. It was easy for them to mock him. After all, they didn't starve the way Leon did. They weren't underweight as he was, and, of course, they had a place to call home, where they could live a normal life — something that was taken from him.

The first shock sent searing pain coursing through his veins. Leon's body arched in agony, his screams echoing off the sterile walls. He clenched his fists, trying to endure the torment, but his willpower crumbled with each successive jolt.

Hours passed, or maybe it was mere minutes, but to Leon, it felt like an eternity. He lost track of time as they pushed him beyond his limits, subjecting him to doses of needles, shocks, burns, and the ice room. The pain was excruciating, and he wondered how much more his frail body could endure.

Finally, they released him from the restraints, and Leon fell to the cold, hard floor. He was drenched in sweat, his body trembling with the aftermath of the ordeal. His mind was a fog of agony, and he struggled to make sense of his surroundings as they dragged him back to his padded room.

As they locked the heavy door behind him, Leon crumpled to the ground, more hurt than he had ever been before. The pain was unbearable, but there was something else too — an overwhelming sense of despair. He knew that tomorrow would bring another round of experiments, and he was trapped in this never-ending nightmare with no hope of escape.

The harsh, buzzing fluorescent lights above Leon's padded room flickered as the heavy door creaked open. Suddenly, you stepped inside, your footsteps muted by the cushioned floor. You carried a small medical kit and wore a look of sympathy that clashed with your usual clinical demeanor. Something that both of you were used to do, since you were promoted to supervision.

Leon lay on the floor, his body battered and broken from the day's experiments. His breath came in ragged gasps, and his face was contorted with pain. Silently, you knelt beside him, your gloved hands gentle as yoi began to assess his injuries.

The room was cold, the sterile walls offering no comfort. You worked in silence, tending to Leon's wounds with meticulous care that seemed out of place in this cold, heartless facility. You cleaned and dressed his wounds, your touch as tender as it was professional.

As you worked, Leon's eyes filled with tears. He had endured so much, and the pain had become his constant companion. But it was your expected kindness that broke the dam. The tears streamed down his face, and he choked back sobs, unable to contain the flood of emotions that overwhelmed him.

You paused in your ministrations, your eyes meeting Leon's with a mixture of understanding and sorrow. You didn't say a word, but your presence alone offered a glimmer of humanity in this otherwise soulless place.

Leon's sobs became louder, and his body was now jointing. He felt pain, and he was truly scared. He couldn't hold his feelings anymore.

"Please, you have to help me. They... they won't stop. I can't take it anymore." Leon's tears flowed freely now as he looked up at you, his voice choked with pain and desperation.

Gently, you set aside your medical supplies and leaned closer to him, your voice soft and soothing.

"It's going to be okay, Leon," you whispered. "I promise you, I'll find a way to end your suffering. You don't deserve this. I'll do whatever it takes to make sure this ends".

"I... I can't do this anymore..." Leon sobs again, not caring with you seeing his tears. He was desperate. "Please..."

You sighed heavily, your heart aching with the sight of him hurt like that. You needed to help him. You needed to do something.

"I'll see what I can do" you whispered, then you wiped the tears from his eyes. "Now, take some rest"

Leon cried until he fell asleep, curled with his blanket. When you saw him like that, you knew you were done with Umbrella and everything they did. Something was forming inside your mind; a plan? An escape route? Where would you take him? How?

You had a lot of questions and, unfortunately, no answers.

Over the next weeks, you started to prepare your escape. You already had your resignation letter written and a safe location to take Leon. You even took a weekend off just to prepare the place to take him. You had medical supplies, clothes, food, and everything you both would need.

It was risky, but you needed to try.

You had secretly collected a stash of supplies over the months, carefully hidden away in the recesses of your country house. You knew the facility's routines and security measures like the back of your hand. You had observed the guards' shifts and the vulnerabilities in their surveillance. You were more than prepared.

This would be the night.

When you went inside his room, he wasn't there. You checked his schedule and saw he was — again — in the experiment room. You had finally reached your breaking point. You couldn't bear to see Leon's suffering continue any longer.

Leon's condition had deteriorated to the point where he could barely move, let alone stand. You knew you had to act swiftly and decisively. You had already obtained a wheelchair, hidden away in a storage closet for weeks, just waiting for the right moment. You walk inside the building, trying to find the right room. Your mind and heart racing with thousand of thoughts.

Until you hear him.

Strapped to a cold metal table, he braced himself for the pain he knew was coming. The first shock hit him like a lightning bolt, searing through his body and causing his muscles to convulse. Leon clenched his teeth, tears streaming down his face as he struggled to endure. The room echoed with his screams, a symphony of suffering that went unheard beyond these walls.

"Stop this experiment now!" You commanded, your voice cutting through the chaos as you burst into the room.

"But... why?" One of the scientists asks, confused.

"I've made a new schedule. He's not going to be tested today" you replied harshly.

The scientists froze, their instruments suspended mid-air. You hurried to Leon's side, releasing him from his restraints with urgency. You spared no time in scooping him up gently, cradling his trembling body in your arms.

"But what are we supposed to do now?" The same scientist asked again, still confused.

"There's another test subject. You can use them" you said, helping Leon stand up.

Saying that, you carried him out of the experiment room, Leon's vision blurred, and he could barely comprehend what was happening. He clung to the sensation of being held, of being rescued from the torment he was passing through.

You took him back to his padded room, laying him down on the bed. You knelt beside him, your expression a mix of sympathy and anger.

"Rest now, Leon," you said softly, brushing his hair away from his tear-stained face. "I won't let them hurt you like this anymore. This will end today, I promise"

Leon tried to mutter something, but he was so tired that his words were beyond comprehension. You went back to your office, just waiting for the perfect time.

You were nervous, and anyone could tell that you were more aggressive than usual, despite the fact that you were always kind to everyone. This plan needed to work, or both of you would definitely die. Your eyes were glued to the watch in your wall, and the time seemed to freeze.

Your heart ached, and you felt anxious.

When the clock finally turned midnight, you knew what you needed to do. Silently, with a heavy heart, you approached Leon's padded room, your pulse quickening with each step. You had prepared a syringe with a sedative, a necessary measure to keep him asleep and prevent him from experiencing any more pain.

Entering the room, you saw Leon lying on the padded bed, his eyes hollow and empty. His frail body was a mere shell of what it had once been, and you couldn't help but feel a deep sense of sorrow for him. You administered the sedative with a gentle touch, whispering soothing words to him as he slipped into a deep, dreamless slumber.

Carefully, you lifted Leon's limp form and gently placed him in the wheelchair. You secured him with the safety straps, ensuring he wouldn't fall during their escape. Then you wheeled him out of the room, moving with purpose through the corridors, your heart heavy with the weight of your escape plan.

As you both approached your car parked discreetly in the shadows, you couldn't help but glance back at the facility you both were leaving behind — a place of horrors, pain, and despair. You had made a difficult choice, one that would change both of your lives forever, but you were determined to keep Leon safe, even if it meant going to great lengths to do so.

With Leon sedated and safely secured in the wheelchair, you carefully loaded him into your car, your eyes never leaving his peaceful, albeit frail form.

"I've got you" you whispered, covering his weak body with a blanket and then closing the door.

The night was a tapestry of stars above as you drove, your eyes fixed on the darkened road ahead. Hours stretched on, the miles slipping away beneath the tires of your car. In the back seat, Leon lay motionless, a fragile figure in the interior, protected by the cozy blanket and the warm air.

Every so often, you stole a glance at the rearview mirror, your worry etched on your face. You constantly checked on him to make sure he was still asleep and unharmed. His breathing was steady, a reassuring rhythm amidst the uncertainty of your journey.

The countryside passed by in a blur of shadowy trees and moonlit fields. You kept driving, the tension in your shoulders slowly easing as the miles between you two and the lab grew. You couldn't help but think about the risk you had taken, the consequences if you were caught, but the determined look in Leon's eyes when he had awakened for a brief moment had given you the strength to carry on.

Finally, you two arrived at your country house, a remote sanctuary nestled far from prying eyes. You parked the car in the driveway and carefully opened the back door. Leon remained peacefully asleep, his vulnerability tugging at your heartstrings.

Gently, she took him from the car to the wheelchair, your arms trembling with the weight of his frail form. You took him into the cozy house, the scent of pine and wood welcoming them. You placed him in a comfortable bed, covering him with a warm blanket.

You watched over him for a while, relief washing over you as you saw that he was still sleeping peacefully. You knew this new journey was far from over, that you both had many challenges ahead, but in this moment, under the soft moonlight that filtered through the curtains, Leon was safe.

As exhaustion finally caught up with you, you settled into a chair in the room, your eyes never leaving Leon's slumbering figure. You were determined to protect him, to give him a chance at a life free from the horrors of the lab.

The soft morning light filtered through the curtains of the country house, casting a gentle glow on the room. Leon began to stir, his eyelids fluttering open. Confusion washed over him as he realized he was no longer in the familiar confines of the lab.

Panic welled up within him, and he tried to sit up, but his body felt heavy and weak. As he struggled, tears welled up in his eyes, and he cried out in despair.

You had been dozing in a nearby chair, tired that you fell asleep quickly, then you awoke with a start. You rushed to Leon's side, your voice filled with soothing reassurance.

"Leon, it's alright. You're safe now. You're not in the lab anymore." You tell him, your voice calm and kind.

"I... I can't believe it," he stammered, his voice trembling. "Is this real?" Leon's breaths came in ragged sobs as he looked at you, his eyes searching for the truth in your words.

You nodded, your eyes filled with empathy.

"Yes, it's real," you whispered. "You're free now, Leon. No more experiments, no more pain."

Tears streamed down Leon's cheeks as he absorbed the reality of his situation. He had spent so long in that nightmarish place that the idea of escape had seemed impossible. But here, in this tranquil room, with you by his side, hope blossomed within him. You reached out and gently brushed the tears from his face.

"It's okay to cry, Leon," you said softly. "You've been through so much. But now, we're going to build a new life together, away from the lab."

As Leon's sobs gradually subsided, he clung to your words, the promise of a brighter future. In your compassionate presence, he began to believe that perhaps, just perhaps, he could leave the horrors of the lab behind and find a life filled with warmth and kindness.

Leon finally felt the sun touching his skin. Finally, he was allowed to see the sunrise and to see the world again.

He was free.

393 notes · View notes

novasdarling · 1 year

Note

I kinda wanna see what will yan delusional todo would do after makin up scenarios bout fem reader "cheating" on him when she just livin her life

I tried, but I kept rewriting it sooo..... kinda ended up with Todou misunderstanding people need to work and can't just rely on him to live.

Quit

TW: Yandere behaviour, Possessiveness, Forceful Touching, Female Reader, Aged Up.

It had been a long day, work had made you stay late yet again. Pushing you to pick up extra shifts with a moment's notice. They just took and took without checking whether you wanted them or would even agree. All because they decided to book event after event without properly staffing the place. Nevertheless, without that stupid place, you wouldn't be able to pay your bills. It was work and work again, barely any rest. That was life, it had all rotated around work. Any moment you could spare, you gave it to your boyfriend Todou. Though, recently you had barely seen him. Too busy to go on dates, to watch a movie, or even too occupied to sit down and properly have dinner together. It was pathetic, you two acted like awkward roommates rather than partners. It was sad, but in the back of your mind, you hoped things would eventually fall back into place. Yet, as the weeks went by, things didn't slow down. Your work was always keeping you busy, even on your days off. Making you answer calls and texts. It had been rough, but you assumed Todou understood. Sure he was moody and sometimes snippy, but you always presumed he knew it was work. That work was doing this. That you truly had no say. That you needed and wanted this job.

Getting on your coat, you cussed to yourself. Another last-minute call to fill in a no-call, no-show. If they just hired a few backups, you wouldn't need to come in every time someone wasn't able to make it. You called out to Todou who you guessed was still showering. Letting him know you were going.

"You're leaving."

Todou had just gotten out of the shower. The white towel hanging dangerously low. It was unfair, he always looked so good when you needed to leave. He had a habit of it. Teasing you, tempting you to stay. You bit your lip, running your eyes up and down his body.

"Yeah, I'm filling in for someone. But" you walked over to him. Letting your hands linger over the tie of the towel. "When I get back, maybe we can..."

Todou seemed to ignore your teasing. Ignoring how your fingers dipped below the towel. Playing with the skin where he had attempted to tie it around his hips.

"You said today's your day off."

"It was." You could tell he was irritated and so were you. They promised you today off. You weren't even on call. "I'm sorry. I'll see if I can have another talk with my supervisor."

Though you knew he wouldn't care. He would give the usual speech about how everyone needed to pitch in because times were tough. That if you still want your job, you would pitch in the extra hours. You gave him a sympathetic smile before turning back to the door. As you walked to the door. You tried to figure out a way to make it up to him. Perhaps some takeout on your way back. He really liked the steak from the place beside your work.

Before you could open the door to leave, Todou was behind you. Placing his hand on the door above your head. Keeping you from opening it.

"Very funny Todou, but I need to leave."

"Why are you working so much?"

"Because they're assholes and I need the job."

"No, you don't. I make enough for the both of us."

You turned to look at him. Rolling your eyes at his comment. He always said that when you complained about work. Though you never took him seriously, assuming he was just playing with you about it.

"Please don't go. Quit"

"One day I might just." You laughed as you tried to open the door. Your efforts were still being blocked by Todou. "Todou, this isn't funny anymore."

It went back and forth, Todou asking you again and again. You giving the same answer. Each round making you more irritated. Todou had made you late before, but usually from begging you for one more round in bed. Not from holding the door closed and he stared down at you. As he kept a cold look on his face.

The back and forth was beginning to get annoying. He was making you late. Keeping you back when you could have been down the street already in line for a coffee before your hell of a shift.

"Todou I get it, you're mad, but this is pissing me off now."

"No." Todou's tone had dropped. It wasn't his usual voice he took with you. He sounded serious. He didn't sound like him. "Why do you always go when he calls, huh?"

"He's my supervisor. He's threatened my job Todou. I need to go whenever he calls."

"No. Tell me the truth." Todou had managed to relock the door. Closing you in more. Pushing you against him. Forcing you to look up. "Why are you putting this job before us, before me?"

There it was. There was the real reason Todou was acting so off. Sure there were times when he had gotten jealous and possessive, but you had been able to talk him down easily before.

"Oh, my love. I'm sorry, I'll try to find another job or something" That would be tough, the job market had been rough lately. "We can talk about it later."

"Why does he have such a hold on you? Are you seeing him?"

You were floored that he would even ask you this. That he would question your loyalty to him. No words could form as you looked at him. You stared at him in disgust. The man standing before you wasn't the Todou you knew and loved. Sure he could be possessive at times, but nothing like this. He never looked at you with those emotions before. It looked like pure jealousy and rage.

You could tell his eyes were searching your face for something, but it wasn't done out of concern. After all this time together, he really was questioning your loyalty. Questioning your intentions, your love for him. You tried to figure out how you got to this point. How he was able to get from you being overworked and used by your company. To it being about faithfulness. You tried and tried, staring at him to see if he would give you a hint. Tell you what happened, say someone thought they saw you and you could explain the misunderstanding. Yet, it never came. Both of you just stared at one another. Waiting for the other to break first, waiting for the other to give in and speak. Nothing, not a word from you or him. Even when you tried to speak, to plead for him to let you leave. To claim your innocence. Nothing came out, your mouth hanging open, waiting for the words to appear on your tongue. They never did, at least not in time.

Todou mumbled to himself. You couldn't quite catch his words, they didn't sound like anything comprehensive. As if his mind was working faster than his mouth ever could. The one thing you could understand was his movement. His hands were on you, pushing you away from the door. From your exit out of here. He was pushing you further into the apartment. Shoving you to the living room.

"N-No, s-stop To-"

"I don't want to hear it."

Your words had finally found their way to your mouth. Just unable to be completed. All you could do was shove him. Push at his hands, tear at his grip on you. He was still damp from the shower. Your fingers merely just slipped off. Though you knew even if he was dry, there would be no chance of getting him off of you. Todou was strong, he took pride in that. Always claiming he could protect you. You never thought that the same man who swore you'd be safe with him was acting like a lunatic monster.

Your attempts didn't stop, hands still prying at his. Mumbles of begs coming from your lips. Even when he pushed you over the edge of the couch, you still tried to talk him down. Attempting to talk some sense into him as you crawled away. Trying to get to the man you knew and loved. The Todou who you woke up with this morning. Yet, as his hands made their way to your ankle, and he pulled you towards him. Causing you to lay flat. You saw nothing familiar in his eyes. All you could make out was anger in his clouded look.

"You're seeing him aren't you."

Crawling on top of you, his hands moving from your ankle to your face. Elbows and knees holding him up as one hand grabbed your cheeks. Managing to squish both in his palms. Forcing you to look up at him. His wet hair dripped down on your cheeks. He was a site to behold. You had been like this with him before, under him as he held you down. Completely at his mercy, but not under these circumstances.

"I thought you loved me."

"What the Fuck Todou, of course, I do."

"Then why?." Todou leaned down, resting his head between your shoulders and cheek. Nestling his head into your neck. Whispering against your skin. "Why would you do this to me. To us? I told you to quit so many times."

It felt oddly soft, a tender moment in this chaos. Like he was back to his usual self. To the man you loved. You were too afraid to say anything. Too terrified to set him off again. Would it be worth it trying to explain that he was crazy, that you were simply just off to the hellhole you call work for money? You needed this job because you didn't want to rely solely on him.

Your mind raced, trying to find an answer. A way to calm him down, a way to leave. Anything to get this to stop. Your eyes searched the room, but there was no escape route. No way to get away from, out from under him and try to calm him down.

"I'm-I'm sorry."

It was all you could say. All you could manage to push out of your mouth. Your mind went to the only other option. If he wasn't comprehending why you would work at such a shitty job. Then all you could do was plead with him, try to buy into his delusion and work your way from there. If he wasn't buying your clueless attitude. Perhaps he would buy your plea. Fall for your mock apology. You could play into his illusion if that meant him being normal again. If it meant him letting you go.

"I'm so sorry. I-I, uh," You were stuck, playing into his delusion could mean he would be worse. Todou was possessive, you'd seen his tendencies before, just not like this. You debated with yourself for a while before continuing. "I've tried to quit, but he won't let me."

You were putting the blame on someone else. Rinsing your hands of the blame in Todou's eyes.

"You've tried? When?" Todou looked puzzled. Raising his eyebrows at you.

"I wanted to quit, but he threatened to call every place I applied to and tell them I'm horrible at my job."

You had no idea where you were going with this lie. The words were falling with no real direction. Was there a way you could play into this delusion without him being even more upset and possessive? Without him expecting you to actually quit later? Or worse, him challenging your supervisor. Sure he was a prick but didn't deserve Todou's wrath.

Todou looked down at you as you talked. Trying to explain things. His face barely changed. He looked stern, yet shocked. You knew he was going to use this as ammo to get you to leave this job and probably work completely.

"Oh, my dear" His hands were squeezing your cheeks, keeping your eyes locked on him. "I can't believe he did that. Why didn't you tell me?"

"I was scared."

Todou's look changed now to pure rage. You were an idiot for saying that. With a few simple words, you had set him off. His grip on you tightened.

"He scared you? Oh, sweetie." Todou leaned down, placing a delicate kiss on your lips. It was sweet, unfitting for his expression seconds earlier. "My poor dear." He was condescending now. "It's okay, I can help."

"No, No. Todou-"

"Shh, it's okay I'll take care of it. That piece of shit won't bother you again."

"No don't, please." You were beginning to tear up. You weren't sure if it was because of anger or confusion. Perhaps both.

"I wasn't there and that asshole took advantage of that." He was raising his voice now, getting more irate as he went on. He prides himself as your protector, an image you had just messed with.

"No Todou-"

"Yes he did, he used you. Worked you like a dog and had the nerve to threaten you. Don't you see? He saw you were vulnerable. He took advantage of that."

Sure your supervisor had made remarks before about your employment, but not like you had made it out to be. It was mostly yelling and asking you again and again if you really wanted this job or not. Things you were willing to put up with if it meant getting a paycheck at the end of the week.

Todou stood up, letting you free. He was pacing around the couch. Rubbing his cheeks. Ranting how this was all his fault. That him being too busy with his own work, or not forcing you to quit sooner was what caused all of this. You could tell this wasn't just him going on a rant. It seemed like he was searching for a solution to the fake problem. You hoped he would just insist you switch jobs. Something you could do and would appease him.

"I'm sorry, but we can talk about it later." You sat up, watching as he paced. "I can go in and talk to the other supervisors or even look for another job."

Todou stopped pacing. Refusing to look at you. Maybe you shouldn't have mentioned going to work now. He seemed to be lost in thought for a few minutes before heading to the bedroom. You could hear him getting ready. Shuffling things around. Getting up, you made your way after him. Curious and nervous about what he was doing. Before you could open the bedroom door, Todou snapped it open. Fully dressed as he pushed passed you. It felt like he hadn't even seen you. He made his way to the front door. Getting his shoes on.

"Todou where are you going"

"To make sure he doesn't speak to you like that again."

He was talking about your supervisor.

"What do you mean." You had made your way to Todou, now you were the one blocking the door,

"He won't bother you again. I'll make sure of it. Now move"

"No." You couldn't let him go and mess with him over an exaggeration.

"I said move." He was staring at you, jaw clenched. "He needs to know he can't talk to you like that. I couldn't help you before, but now I can. So move."

You didn't, you couldn't move. Couldn't let him do this. Refused to let him go and do something over an exaggeration to pacify him. There was no way you would let him do this. You couldn't. Yet, as he realized you weren't going to move. There was nothing you could do as he picked you up. Moving you by force. Making his way to open the door.

"Don't do this. Please don't. They'll fire me and then I'm fucked."

You hoped he would have pity on you. Listen to your pleas and realize you needed to work no matter how much he wanted you to depend on him and quit.

"Sweetie." He stopped, already halfway out the door. His hand left the handle and found its way to your torso. Pulling you closer to him. Todou leaned down, kissing the tips of your ear before whispering.

"You never liked it anyway." He straightened up, looking down at you. "Don't worry. You have me. I mean you were going to have to stop working eventually. This just showed me I should have pushed you sooner."

Todou gave you one last kiss before closing the door behind him. Stopping before the door latched.

"Don't go anywhere. I expect you to be here when I get back."

You stayed standing there for a few moments. Taking in what had happened and what was to happen. Going over every moment in your head again and again. Trying to figure out how one thing leads to the other. Nothing added up. Nothing made any sense. There was nothing you could do. When Todou was set on something, he rarely let up. All you could do was wait. Wait until he gets back and forces you into his little fantasy.

#yandere todo #yandere todou #yandere jjk #yandere jujutsu kaisen #yandere todo x reader #yandere todou x reader #yandere jjk x reader #yandere jujutsu kaisen x reader #todou #todo #jujustu kaisen #jjk #yandere x reader #yandere #jjk x reader #todo x reader #todou x reader #todou jjk #nova writes

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ithrilyann · 11 months

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Thorin’s BOTFA costume details in 4K.

“For Thorin’s Erebor reclaimed costume I started weaving op strips of leather to create a dark tunic that would be worn over gold. It was almost like a cage, trapping the gold against his chest (lots of symbolism there) and had a certain streetwise quality to it, a roguishness which was something we wanted. The gold was bringing out the mean streak in Thorin so a certain thuggish, biker-gang quality to his coat subtly reinforced this shift in character.

Beneath the leather Thorin wore a velvet tunic to which we attached his chainmaille, something which came about with a lot of input from Peter and produced a staunch, unfussy look. Thorin's great cloak with its fur collar gave him an even bigger presence. It was always intended that this was formerly one of his grandfather Thror’s cloaks and by wearing it we were showing how Thorin was taking on Thror’s mantle both literally and figuratively, and with it, assuming all of Thror’s problems as well. Just as was done for Thror before him, the cloak was designed to add mass to the actor’s shoulders. We put huge folds in the back to give it more breadth”. - Bob Buck, Costume Designer

“Thorin, being such an important character, went through a lot of development. His costume had to reflect the journey he was going through internally.

Peter, Fran and Philippa went back to the lore for a solution, and that is where the raven theme came from. The Dwarves of Erebor have always had a close relationship with the ravens of the Mountain; they were very important to their culture. The Dwarves can talk to them, so it was a nice touch to reference that relationship with the costume, and it was dark. The entire costume was gold and black, a really fitting metaphor for how the gold was changing Thorin.

The other cool thing was the link we could build between Thorin and Thror, who wore almost identical armour. Thorin would look at himself in this armour and see his grandfather. There could be a moment there in which he would recognize the same sickness that corrupted Thror and make the choice not to be the same”. - Matt Appleton, Weta Workshop Costume Supervisor

(from ‘The Hobbit Chronicles: The Art of War’)

#thorin #thorin oakenshield #the hobbit #costumes #reference #armor #ravens of erebor #thror #dragon sickness #weta books #pj's crew talks the hobbit #quote #concept and design

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pengujoon · 9 months

Text

00:56

“Crusty nails? Yep.”

“Skinny fat? Tick that off.”

“Thighs that spread whenever I sit? Sure.”

“Scars from when I was-“

“What are you going on about?” You heard your husband shuffling over to your side of the bed with a worrisome look on his face.

“Oh… it’s nothing much,” you said nonchalantly, “go back to sleep, darling. It’s nothing much for you to be concerned of.” You smiled, but he could easily see though your poorly put-on facade, and you knew that very well.

“Love,” he sat up, hands reached out for yours, his thumbs caressing the back of your hands, “what’s wrong?”

Your voice is a whisper, your breathing heavy as you leaned into him, the warm weighted blanket acting as a shield from the cold wind from the air conditioner.

“You do remember that I went out with my friends yesterday for a meetup, right?” His short hum of recognition prompted you to continue. “When we were out having a good time in a cafe, our topic of conversation suddenly shifted to talking about our accomplishments - no, sorry, their accomplishments.

“One of them is a rising model, and just got signed under a rather renown modeling agency. The other one got promoted to a manager from a supervisor, and the other just started their PhD.

“I just feel like I’m lacking in everything. Beauty? Not me. Brains? Definitely not.” You chuckled emotionlessly. “What am I even remotely good at?”

You sighed, and felt tears well up in your eyes; your voice threatened to break if you continued any longer. You wiped away the stray tear that found it’s way down your cheeks, and glanced upwards to the ceiling, feeling your limbs slowly go weak the longer you stayed in your husband’s warm embrace.

“It’s always them and how they’re doing, how good they’re doing, isn’t it?” His soft voice pierced the silence, his rough hands gently caressing your hair. You felt your tears flow down your cheeks as you nodded, your back of your right hand laying flat against your forehead, your eyes shut close in an attempt to stop the tears.

“It’s always this feeling,” he said, looking into your eyes deeply, “this feeling of not being good enough, isn’t it? This feeling that there are always people who are better than you, no matter how much you tried.”

You remained silent, feeling your muscle relax under his constant touch as he continued.

“Do you ever tell people the bad experiences that you go, or rather, went through?”

Surprised by this sudden and rather unrelated question, you shook your head uncertainly.

“We all have our own battles that we face, love. It’s hard to talk about these things even with people you trust. It’s easy to look at them and think they’ve got everything figured out, like they’re walking on this smooth, glittering path while we’re trudging through mud.”

Sniffling, you whispered back. “But sometimes, it feels like they’re untouched by any of the chaos. It’s not hard to feel inadequate, you know?”

“I do, too well even for my own liking,” he chuckled, “but one thing I do know is that everyone’s battling their own storm. We’re all captains of ships, sailing through unpredictable seas. Just because we can’t see the tempest from the shore doesn’t mean they’re not there.

“We’re all writing stories that are far more intricate than they appear at first glance. It’s all those hidden chapters that truly define our narratives.”

You sighed, then sat up to face your husband. Every time you look at him, you always wonder how it’s possible for someone to hold so much love within the depths of their gaze. His eyes hold a love so deep that as though it’s a sanctuary, a place where you can surrender yourself, your fears, and let his love embrace you fully.

“I wish,” you whispered under your breath, not looking into his eyes for you were afraid that you couldn’t hold your tears in, “I wish I could see myself the way you do.”

“Love,” he said, holding your hands, “look at me.”

You glanced up at him; he bathed in the delicate luminescence of the soft moon glow through the window, assuming an otherworldly presence, as if drawn from the tapestry of dreams.

“I wish I could gift you the mirror of my perception, to reveal the stunning masterpiece that you are. Every facet of your being, every little thing that lights up your eyes, is a marvel to me. All those scars, all those things you’re unsure about, I love them, because they’re part of you.

“Until then, know that my eyes only reflect the truth of your magnificence and beauty, my love.”

Your eyes glimmered, a fragile response to his words, as you managed a shaky whisper, “You always know how to say the right thing.”

He leaned in, drawing you into an embrace, an unspoken promise of his affection woven into the way he held you close. He whispered, “Because every word I speak to you is laced with the truth of my heart. Your laughter, your quirks, they’re melodies that echo in my soul.”

Your fingers clenched the edge of the blanket, knuckles turning white as your gaze flickered downward. A subtle quiver danced through your voice. “But what if I’m not good enough?” The vulnerability of your question hung in the air, the unspoken turmoil evident in the slight tremor of your lips.

He shifted closer on the bed, his movement a silent affirmation of his presence. His fingers found yours, intertwining gently, offering a reassuring squeeze. With a tender gaze that held you and nothing else, he softly replied, “Love, you’re more than enough. I promise you, every doubt you have is overshadowed by the incredible person you are.

“You are not just enough, you are immeasurable in your worth. In my eyes, you’re the sun that rises after the darkest night, casting away shadows and filling the world with warmth. My love, you’re more than enough for me, for us.”

He lifted your hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss against your knuckles.

“When I look at you, I see a universe of stars that shine uniquely. Your journey, your struggles, they’re part of what makes you breathtakingly you.”

As your breaths synchronised in the quiet intimacy of the room, he traced the outline of your hand with his thumb, a slight reassurance of his presence. “In your laughter, I find my joy; in your eyes, my universe unfolds,” he whispered, the air charged with tenderness. “and in the depths of my being, there is a love that’s boundless, a love that defies worlds.

“And, my dearest, I love you beyond measure.”

Your emotions, held back for so long, found release in the embrace of his arms. The weight of your fears, your doubts, spilled forth in silent tears, each droplet a testament to your vulnerability. He held you, offering a sanctuary of warmth and solace, sharing the unspoken language of comfort.

Eventually, as your sobs turned to soft exhausted breaths, a tranquil calm settled over you. Gently, he shifted, his touch as delicate as a whisper as his lips brushed against your forehead.

The night felt as though it had woven its tapestry around you, painting your form with a silvery luminescence. He tenderly whispered, “Goodnight, my love,” his words a final caress before he let your dreams carry your away.

#haikyuu comfort #haikyuu x reader #haikyuu x reader comfort #haikyuu oneshot #haikyuu fluff #penguwrites #jujutsu kaisen comfort #jujutsu kaisen x reader comfort #hq comfort #jjk comfort

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leclerced · 4 months

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plus size reader & landoscar

they’ve face enough controversy in their relationship as it is but once they get past the fact that they are a throuple , now the media feels the need to wrap their head around the fact that the girl they are with isn’t a model or skinny , that she has curves and a tummy and big shoulders. landoscar getting super defensive and mean in an interview liek “sorry are you the one who she screams for and begs to fuck her? no? then i don’t see why it’s any of your business why we are with her or why we are attracted to her.” and oscar who is a little less confrontational than lando saying “has it ever crossed your mind that maybe we LIKE that she’s bigger? that it’s not a burden?”

-🪼🪼🪼

oscar is def less confrontational and nicer about it, at least less vulgar. i can imagine someone asking why they’re w her or something and oscar’s just like “cause i love her? shes beautiful and smart and funny and makes me a better person, i can’t imagine anyone better to spend my life with, other than lando too.” meanwhile lando is like “what do you mean why?” he’s so snappy and it makes them super anxious, they regret asking the question immediately even if they didn’t write it. he starts going off about how he’s sick of people trying to get a reaction out of them, out of their gf, and how shitty they all are that all they can focus on is the size of her waist. says it’s a fucking race weekend; they should be asking about the fucking car, not his relationship. oscar tries to reign him in and be like ok he gets it babe! no need to rip his throat out. but lando insists on getting an answer on why the question is on the list, demands to speak to their supervisor or whatever and oscar’s like, damn okay. i guess he/we have the power to make those demands ???

can def see lando threatening to leak a sex tape to prove how hot his girlfriend is. like theres a howard stern interview where john cena talks about having sex w a plus size woman and hes very respectfully answering stern’s absolutely disgusting questions like if he actually had sex with her and john is like “yeah i had sex w her and it was lovely 🤭she had a beautiful smile and we went home together!” and thats oscar. very polite, and would never say anything uncouth. but lando would be like, “yeah do u wanna see? i watch this one video before bed, every night.” and oscar’s snatching his phone away before he can open his photos app. would never actually leak anything but he would be so angry when ppl try and say she isn’t attractive or something, he’s like listen my dick has never been harder and i have PROOF!!!!

#ask #🪼anon #ln4/op81

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ghostradiodylan · 5 months

Text

Brainrot about the tiny details with me, Hacketteers.

Things I’m currently puzzling over:

How many kids go to this camp?

There are 10 cabins and we only see inside one, with Abi, if she and Emma break in to get their bags. It looks like there are four double bunks in there so each cabin would only sleep eight, subtract one for the supervising counselor and you get up to 70 campers.

But they act like they can all leave in one school bus. The maximum capacity of a school bus is 72 but that’s three small children (2nd grade or younger) to a seat, and I don’t think the kids are THAT young, given Abi’s comment about them having filthy minds.

Also, even if Laura and Max made it to camp, there would still only be 9 counselors for 10 cabins. When I went to summer camp, we definitely had one counselor supervising overnight per cabin. Do we think one cabin wasn’t used? That would be seem wasteful given that the camp is hurting for money.

Maybe they gave Nurse Kelly a cabin—it would make sense for her to stay onsite in case she was needed in the night, especially since it seems to be in a pretty remote location.

Where do they all shower and go to the bathroom?

There are showers and bathrooms in the pool house, and one bathroom in the public portion of the lodge, plus the “rustic” outhouses Emma shows us on the Island (no way those empty into the lake, btw. They almost certainly have like a septic tank type thing buried under them). That doesn’t seem like enough for that many people! My summer camp growing up had a whole building for bathrooms and showers but that is conspicuously absent unless it’s somehow in the same building as the Camp Store, which seems inconvenient.

Where is the Art Cabin?

Abi says the art cabin is out of the way when Nick talks about the kids paying attention to her painting lessons, but there are no cabins away from the main ones on the map, that I’ve noticed. Is one of the sleeping cabins actually used for art? Why doesn’t she just use the classroom in the lodge that we see strewn with craft paper?

Is there no adult staff at this camp other than Mr. H and Nurse Kelly?

Not asking for more characters in this already large cast, god knows, but it seems like there should be some kind of custodian/groundskeeper and kitchen staff, at least. Even if Mr. H does all the groundskeeping, there’s no way Nick can cook for all those people single-handedly and still have time to stalk his crush during her art lessons. But if there are actual adults on the cooking staff, why would they make an 18-20 year old guy their supervisor? Do you think the other counselors have to take turns cooking with him?

Who sleeps in the bunks in the lodge?

When Kaitlyn and Dylan are hiding from Caleb, they enter a room with bunk beds in the lodge. What’s that for? Just overflow? Seems like a good place for the additional staff that we never hear about to sleep. I imagine the counselors all sleeping there during their training/orientation before the kids arrive, though that’s never actually confirmed to happen in the game.

What do y’all think? What are your lingering questions about the locations or how the camp is run?

#the quarry #Hackett’s quarry summer camp #if there’s one thing I’ll miss it’s those loose lumpy springs #brainrot with me #this is definitely not about all the pre-canon flashbacks I’m writing #jk it totally is

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anim-ttrpgs · 7 months

Text

Example of Investigative Gameplay in Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy

Here is the recently rewritten and updated example of investigative gameplay from the Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy rulebook.

Here’s a simple example of an investigative scene featuring Investigation Rolls, Full Successes, Partial Successes, Failures, Investigation Points, and the Eureka! Mechanic. In this example, 1920s detectives Nick Morgan and Hector Law, played by players Addison and Ash respectively, are on the trail of a gang of bank robbers, and have found the office where one suspect works as a dock supervisor. On their way up, they can hear two voices from within the room and some sounds of shuffling. They walk in, but find only the suspect’s secretary, Hugo, standing there awkwardly. The Narrator also describes that the office is a small room without much furnishings. There is an open window facing back towards town. There is a desk with several papers on it, and a marble paperweight, but an overturned wine bottle has soaked them. Wine is dripping off the corner of the desk to the floor.

[off to the side in final formatting] In an actual session, there should always be more description than just the points of interest, but for this example we are cutting flavor and extraneous detail for the sake of being concise and clear. It’s already multiple pages long.

It’s plain to see that the suspect tried to make an escape, but to where, they don’t know. Law’s player, Ash, decides that Law is going to play it cool and just ask where the suspect went. His Charm skill is better than his Threaten anyway.

At the same time, Morgan moves straight to the window, thinking that the suspect might have fled that way, and there might still be time to catch a glimpse of him getting away.

Politely stopping the secretary from intercepting Morgan, Law tells Hugo “Hello, we’re here to talk to [the suspect], and we thought he was in here just now. Can you tell us where to find him?”

Ash rolls the dice, 2D6 + Law’s Charm, which is +1. The first die lands on 2, the second lands on 3, and adding that with the skill modifier makes it a total of 6. (2+3+1=6) Uh oh, not good, a 6 is a Failure. Law isn’t smooth enough to get Hugo to rat out his boss just like that.

The Narrator tells the players that Hugo just kinda sweatily twiddles his thumbs a bit before saying “He, um, is out of the office right now.” That isn’t very helpful, they could already plainly see that. At the very least, from the Failure, Law gains 3 Investigation Points. He already had 10 from all the investigation that led them to this office, so now he has 13/15. He’s very close to a Eureka!

Ash writes down in her notes “Failed roll to ask Hugo where the suspect went.” A Eureka! Point might be able to be used on that later.

Meanwhile, at the window, Morgan looks out and his player, Addison, asks what he sees. The Narrator says that Morgan sees a small lot of fresh mud below the window between the office and the rest of town.

Addison asks if Morgan sees any footprints in that mud.

The Narrator says no, Morgan sees no footprints.

Neither Addison nor Morgan need any sort of roll to figure out that if the suspect had hopped through that window and ran through the field, there should be a fresh trail of footprints there. He can’t have gone this way. So where did he go?

Note that the Narrator did not outright mention the lack of footprints until Addison asked.

Now back to Law. Ash asks if Law can get a look at those papers on the desk. The Narrator tells her that he can, but Hugo is going to try and stop him, saying “No no, that’s confidential customer shipping information.”

Ash decides that Law is going to try his Charm again to talk past Hugo. She rolls the dice as Law says “Relax, I just can’t stand to see wine go to waste like that.” He moves past Hugo to set the bottle back upright.

The 2D6 roll is a 6 and a 5, plus 1 from Charm, but the Narrator interjects. He says that Law isn’t just going to the desk to clean up, he’s trying to get a look at those papers. And plus, earlier in the adventure, Ash said that Law doesn’t drink wine, he prefers whisky, which means he’s outright lying about the wine. That means that this is more a job for the Manipulate skill than the Charm skill.

[off to side in final formatting] The Narrator is not saying this to punish, talk down to, or otherwise antagonize Ash, it is just his job to make sure that all the mechanics are correctly applied to the actions of the story.

“Hm, that’s right, I did say that.” Ash says. “Then we’ll use his Manipulate skill, since he’s definitely lying. He hates wine.”

Law’s Manipulate skill is -1 instead of +1, making the roll 6+5-1=10. Luckily, a 10 is still a Full Success.

Hugo mumbles and doesn’t move any further to get in Law’s way. He can’t see a way to stop Law without looking more suspicious than he already is. Law sets the wine bottle upright.

Also, with a Full Success, Law gains 1 Investigation Point, giving him 14/15.

Ash says “Now that Law’s gotten close to the desk, he’s going to try and look at those papers. That would be Paperwork, right?” The Narrator confirms, it would be a Paperwork roll.

While Ash check’s Law’s character sheet to remind herself what his Paperwork skill is, Addison says that Morgan is going to really study Hugo. Does he look like he’s hiding anything else? Addison makes a Social Cues roll for Morgan, whose Social Cues skill is +2. (4+3+2=9)

A 9 is a Partial Success. Morgan gains 2 Investigation Points for himself, and the Narrator says that Hugo definitely looks supremely nervous, he has his fingers crossed, and his eyes darting around the room, which might mean that he’s hoping beyond hope that the investigators won’t notice something else. Exactly what, though, Morgan can’t guess with only a Partial Success.

Now Ash makes the Paperwork roll for Law. His Paperwork is +1. (3+3+1=7).

A Partial Success. The Narrator says that he’s reading the paper upside-down, so it’s hard to make out exactly what it says, but he can at least see that it appears to be a spreadsheet dividing $10,000 between four people, whose names are listed. Linda, Terry, Marcus, and “Me.” When Law tries to turn the paper around, however, it disintegrates, completely ruined by the wine. Darn.

Ash checks her notes from the previous session. “$10,000 is how much money was stolen from the bank, so Law thinks this must be the names of the other robbers. Oh, also, he just got a Eureka! Point.”

That’s true, the Partial Success on an investigation roll gave Law 2 Investigation Points, taking him from 14 to 15. Ash erases all but one of the check marks on the investigation Point Bar on Law’s character sheet. Normally, she would erase them all, but the extra leftover Investigation Point carries over towards Law’s next Eureka!.

Law could save this Eureka! Point for something later, but Ash thinks it would be most helpful if he had his Eureka! moment right now.

Ash points to her sheet where she wrote “Failed roll to ask Hugo where the suspect went.” and says she wants Law to retroactively succeed at this failed investigation roll, and get the information that he would’ve gotten if he had done a better job questioning Hugo.

The Narrator nods and says that when Law looks back at Hugo, he notices that the secretary’s eyes are fixed on something near Law’s feet for just a moment, before darting away. When Law looks down at the floor, he sees that the wine is pooling weirdly just under the desk, and seems to be disappearing into a small crack there....

The Narrator doesn’t say any more, he doesn’t need to.

Ash says that Law crouches down and starts to push the desk aside. She asks if he needs an Athletics roll for this, and the Narrator says no, the desk isn’t that heavy. Even if the desk was that heavy, an Athletics roll would probably not need to be made, because a Failure would not add anything interesting to the scene. If there were mobsters about to break down the door and Hector was trying to push the desk around to make a barricade, then would be a good time for the Narrator to call for an Athletics roll, because there are stakes, and so a success or failure would result in the something very different happening in the scene.

What the Narrator does confirm, however, is that when Law pushes the desk back, he sees a small trap door, but suddenly Hugo grabs the marble paperweight off the desk and goes to smash Law’s head with it!

What will happen next?! Read the exciting conclusion in [melee combat example].

You can have investigations like this by either downloading the free shareware rulebook from our website or getting the full version for $5 on our Patreon.

Also, behind the scenes, this example of gameplay is based on the actual gameplay of our group using Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy to play the Call of Cthuhlu adventure module "A Mother's Love", written by Seth Skorkowsky.

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chiefduckgarden · 1 year

Text

Last dinner.

Wanda maximoff x Reader

Angst.

A/N: I wrote this a little rushed, I'm sorry if I made some mistakes. Btw, english it's not my first language so please, if you see any mistake let me know, I promise I'll get better :)

_________________________________________

It was 6 pm, and you were alone in your house cooking dinner for you and wife. She was at work and you knew she'll be coming home soon. Earlier in the afternoon you decided you wanted to take some snacks for her to eat at lunch time, so you made a little unanounced visit to her office. She told you she would see you at the house.

The sound of the oven letting you know the food was ready dragged your attention from the soup, leaving the wooden spoon on the counter you went to take out the chicken you cook. Oh, the salad wasn´t ready yet!

Holding your sharpest knife you grabbed the fresh lettuce and began to chop it.

- Wanda it´s not here now honey, she´s at the supervisor's office, maybe you want to wait, she´s been in there for quite a while now, sometimes their meetings can last and hour or so.

- That´s fine, i´ll wait.

- Okay, but don´t say i didn´t warned you...

You smiled politely at the secretary and took a seat at the white bench. You could wait for Wanda.

Wanda´s favorite food was all over the large wooden table. The soup, the salad, the drinks, the paprika, the meat. Everything you knew she loved was there, waiting for her to arrive.

Looking at the clock on the wall you realized you still had some minutes to fix up your make up, so you took your little mirror from your purse and began to apply some lip gloss.

- She´s been there a little too long, isn´t she? - you asked with a little laugh.

-Yes, told you it could be even an hour.

-Yeah... i need to use the bathroom, do you think i could use the one in her office?

- Oh sure, you're the wife after all, i don´t see the problem.

-Thank you... And if she comes back don´t tell her i´m here, it´s a silly little surprise

- Oh sure, don´t worry - the woman told you, simulating the closing of a zipper in her mouth.

The candels and the roses were spread all over the room and the romantic slow music was the perfect tuning for the night.

You walked into your shared room and looked at yourself in the big mirror. Your dress was perfect, and special for the occasion. Your hair, your make up. Everything was fine. And your shiny little ring was the best detail to wear that night.

Before stepping out of the room you looked at the prepared suitcase in the corner. You grabbed it and took it with you to put it at the living room.

Walking down the stairs again you took a seat on the couch waiting for your wife. She would be there at any time.

Washing your hands you were thinking about leaving the snacks you prepared for Wanda and go back home. Maybe she was really busy and you were just interrumpting her day. But the sound of the main door in her office told you your wife was back.

- Those files you sent me were amazing Wanda - you heard the voice of her supervisor, Vision, talking.

- Thank you Vis, i really looked forward for something nice.

You smiled thinking about the hard work of wife. Maybe you´ll do something nice for her to celebrate her amazing work.

- I can´t wait to be there with you, just the two of us - Vision said.

You frowned, confused.

- Me too, i told my wife i´ll be out for two weeks, so we´ll have enough time, the vacation house it´s beautiful, and i can´t wait to be there.

- It could be like this forever Wanda, just us, be with me, be mine -his voice was soothing and full of love, like he wasn´t telling atrocities to a married woman.

- I am yours, i love you and only you, someday will be just the of us, i promise, i just need time.

And then you felt like vomiting.

The sudden sound of keys and the door announced Wanda´s arrival. You smiled and stood up to welcome her.

- Y/N where are you? - she called out for you.

- I´m in the living room honey - you said.

She stepped in quickly, looking tired and rushed.

- Y/N, i can explain everything, what you saw at the office...

- Dinner is ready darling, I have everything prepared - you cut her off and walked into the dining room.

She followed you confused.

- What? I'm telling you I need to explain...

- I made paprikash, and even cooked your favorite meat and cut fresh veggies for our salad.

- What? I... - Wanda rubbed her face with her hand in exasperation trying to understand - What's all of this? And why... - she looked at you from head to toe - Why are you wearing your wedding dress?

- It's a special night, a special dinner Wanda - you said like it was obvious.

- I don't know what is happening but we need to talk... - She said getting closer to you, trying to hold your hands.

But you avoided the contact.

- Oh we're gonna talk, but we're gonna have dinner in the meantime... What do you say darling?

She shook her head shocked.

- What are you doing? I need...

- JUST TAKE A SEAT! - you finally yelled, little tears falling for the corner of your eyes.

She jumped a bit for the sudden reaction and looked at you confused.

- Sorry - you said - I had a shaken day, but I made dinner for us, please let's just eat... At least give me that.

She gulped and nodded.

- Thank you.

You stepped out of the office bathroom just to see your wife and her boss kissing in her desk.

- Wanda...

She froze in her place and turned around.

- Y/N, what are you doing her? - she asked.

- I just came to bring you some snacks for your lunch but... - you looked at Vision trying to fix his tie - I think I better go home.

- Y/N I can explain, Vision and I....

Then someone knocked on the door and the secretary walked in.

- Sorry for the interruption but Mr. Hart wants the report of the week now, he asked for Mr. Vision and Mrs. Maximoff at the conference room now, the investors are waiting for you...

- I'll be there in a minute, thank you - Vision said walking to the door as the secretary left the office - Are you okay Wanda?

- Yes, tell Mr. Hart I'll be there in a minute too I just need...

- Go now Wanda, they need you, I'm leaving - you said without looking at her in the eyes.

- We need to talk Y/N, just wait for me in the house, I'll explain everything.

You nodded numb and left the office as quickly as you could.

You didn't want someone to notice you were crying.

- I'm sorry it's a little cold, but it's still warm at least.

- It's fine, thank you - she said eating awkwardly.

- You know, I tried to recreate the exact dish they served that night, but I don't think i nailed it - you said laughing a little.

She frowned her eyes and looked at you a bit confused.

- You don't know what I'm talking about? - you asked with trembling voice.

- About the food? - she tried.

Tears started to fall silently from your eyes again, this time ruining your make up.

- It's the same food we ate at our wedding... Ten years ago.

Both of your hearts broke a little at the confession.

- Y/N I'm sorry, it's just I'm really distracted, I need to talk and you... - she said, starting to sob.

- And the music... - you cut her off again - It's the song from our first dance... And the one you showed me in our first date.

Wanda looked at you astonished as she listened to the music playing in the background for the first time in the night.

'How sweet it is to be loved by you' was on repeat.

She couldn't help but cry, and so did you. But both for different reasons.

You were crying drowned on so much feelings. The day drained you emotionally and took your life away in a matter of hours.

She was crying because despite the constant reminders of your shared love she couldn't help but feel nothing. She didn't love you anymore.

- Y/N...

- Yes? - you asked smiling through your cry and eating. To be honest, you knew you looked crazy. She probably thought you had lost your mind. But you didn't care.

- Can we talk please? About everything.

You slightly nodded and drank from your wine, looking at anywhere else but her.

- Vision and I - she started and you regretted letting her talk the second she mentioned his name - We are together.

- You're having an affair - you corrected her.

She looked at you hurt.

- What? It's the truth. You are my wife, you are cheating on me with him. Don't call it any other way.

- Y/N...

You reached your breaking point, you couldn't help but cry and be mad, and disappointment.

- For how long? - you said, with a trembling voice.

She gulped and looked at the floor, playing nervously with her hands.

- One year.

Oh that hurt. More than anyone could think.

You let out a breath that you were holding. Your cry was intense, intense and silent.

But you were still eating.

- A year?... That's a lot of time... How?.... Why?

She sniffed.

- I don't know, we spent a lot of time together and it just happened... I felt attracted to him... I just couldn't help it.

- But you were supposed the be attracted to me, you are my wife...

She finally looked at you again, with pity in her eyes.

- I'm not... I don't.... - she tried to find the right words to tell it with touch, but there was no easy way to say it - I don't think i love you anymore... I fell out of love a long time ago... I just don't know why.

That was it. Those words you were so afraid to heard. She broke you.

- Y/N, it's not your fault, I just can't love you anymore, I'm sorry for the damage, but I can't help but feel nothing... But it's all on me, you did nothing wrong, i swear...

But you didn't respond. You just couldn't. You felt numb, like you were dreaming, like your soul had left your body and there was only the shell of you left.

- And Vision, he was there for me all the time, and when we started to spend more time together I fell for him...

You looked at her. Your stare was heavy, it looked tired, disappointed... And blank at the same time.

- Please say something - she asked.

You sighed.

- What's going to happen to us?

She stared at you sadly.

- I think it's better for us to get a divorce Y/N, you deserve someone better, someone who can love you completely...

- Did you never love me completely? - you suddenly asked her.

- I did, for a really long time you were my everything... But now...

- Now it's him.

She gulped, closing her eyes nodding.

- Yeah, now it's him.

You were still in some sort of trance, but you knew it was enough for that night. You needed to rest.

You got up from the chair and started walking toward the stairs. But before leaving the room you stopped to look at her.

- Give time to process this... Situation. I'll let you know whenever I'm ready to fill the divorce papers...

She stand up to look at you.

- I need time Wanda, I know that for you this marriage ended a year ago, but for me... I just lost my wife this evening.

She nodded, whispering sorry again and again.

- The suite cases you prepared for your 'business trip' are in the living room... You can leave whenever you want, it's still your house too anyways.

- Y/N... - she stopped your tracks when you were about to leave - I'm sorry for everything, for the lies, and the affair, and pain... You don't deserve any of this... I'm really sorry.

You smiled bitterly.

- Your apologies mean nothing to me Wanda... You're the most coward and horrible person I ever met - you finally said angrily - You ruined my life... Ten years of marriage ruined by you...

- I know, I know, I'm sorry...

- I don't forgive you, and I will never forgive you... But still, I hope you're happy with him, you two really deserve each other...

You left and locked yourself in your bedroom. And only then, you allowed yourself to cry, to scream, to throw and break things that reminded you of Wanda.

After several minutes of pain and chaos you ended up laying in your bed, curled up in fetal position, embracing yourself crying.

Even after everything you said to Wanda you still loved her. Just that morning you were still thinking you had the perfect marriage and the perfect wife. And you thought at some point she would knocked on your door, begging for your forgiveness, saying how much she loved you and telling that she wanted to be with you.

But that never happened.

After thirty minutes you heard a car parking in the front door. You looked through window and saw Wanda and Vision putting the suit cases in the car and then leaving together.

You went back to bed only to cry again.

It was 10 pm and you were alone in your house.

#wanda maximoff #wanda maximoff x reader #wanda x y/n #wandavision #marvel #wanda fanfic #wanda x you #scarlet witch x reader #scarlet witch #wanda maximoff fanfiction #marvel fanfiction #wanda imagine #elizabeth olsen x reader #lizzie olsen x reader #lizzie olsen #leigh shaw x reader

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silentglassbreak · 3 months

Text

Anonymous

Noah Sebastian x OFC

K listen, I've haven't written any band FF in a LONG LONG LONG time, mkay? But Bad Omens...Noah Sebastian...mmmph. Let's see how far we get here. If you enjoy, let me know. If you want to be tagged in the next part, let me know that too. If you even so much as take the time to read MY SINCEREST GRATITUDES CAUSE WRITING THIS STUFF IS MY ESCAPE. xo

Warnings: Alcohol abuse, overall abuse, mild violence (ie. bar fights), smut, swearing, and altogether just a lot of fuckery.

+It goes without saying. This is a work of fiction. My words are mine. Plagiarism is a crime.

Part 1 - Burning Out

Work had been long today. Longer than most days. The customers screaming at me had only taken it's toll so much, but having a God awful supervisor who was hell bent on making me late for my meeting, knowing full well how important my twice weekly meetings were, had completely wiped my energy and patience in one fell swoop. Needless to say, I was in no mood for excess attitude or traffic today. Which is why I found myself cursing at the jackass in the SUV in front of me, taking at least a year to make a right hand turn into the close to empty parking lot where the meeting was being held. It took the last of my self restraint to not lay on my horn and flip a specific finger at the driver.

Finally reaching the normal parking space in front of the unmarked office building, I silently breathed a sigh of relief. I had made it, only 2 minutes later than I should be. I began scrambling for my energy drink and my bag before shuffling out of my car and pressing the fob to hear the beep of the alarm set. My poor beat up Tahoe was doing her best, so I never took my frustrations out on her.

As I crossed the parking lot, I whipped my head around to gauge the spaces, noticing all of the regulars were already here, meaning I was the last to arrive. Sucks, given I'm the meeting organizer. Something caught my eye. A vehicle I didn't recognize, a black SUV. The same one who apparently can't make a right turn to save their life. Newbie? The rest of the offices were closed for the day, so I can't see why else they'd be here.

The building is always so quiet at 6PM, so the tapping of my chucks on the tile floors is louder than I'd like, drawing attention to my obvious lateness. (To who?). Didn't matter. I felt ashamed. These meetings are the most important facet of my life right now. I needed to be more punctual. Maybe next time, I'll tell Supervisor Sam to fuck right off like he deserves.

"Guys, I am so fucking sorry. Douchebag sup made me late...again." I announced as I backed into the door, opening it, and heading straight to the table to pull the Crumbl cookies out of my bag and setting them next to the water cooler and Keurig machine. I always brought sweets. It kept the cravings away.

"No worries Leena, we've just been chatting with the new guy." I turned around to see Abel, my veteran, who was gesturing to someone I didn't know.

I went around the circle of chairs, counting off my regular faces, some newer than others.

Abel, Rodger, Syd, Seth, Ali, Jackson, Mark, and Jillian.

However, sitting between Abel and Jillian was a newcomer, who currently had his back turned, slumped forward in his chair. Brown hair, longer than the hat he wore, black sweatshirt and dark blue jeans. Black sneakers. Hood up. Guarded, uncomfortable. What little of his hands I could see kneading together, they were completely tattooed. Even at Abel's mention of him, he didn't turn to face me.

"Oh! Well good! Great job guys. We can go ahead and get started." I grabbed my clipboard off the table, and rounded the group and took my normal spot next to Syd. By the way her hair was pulled back and her face looked dry and sullen, I could tell we had some things to talk about today.

"Well, my new folks don't typically like to talk first on their first day, but just know, that you being here is only the beginning. And we are all here to welcome you to our group. Right, guys?" I directed my statement toward the stranger, who I now can see more clearly. His face is pale, with the exception of the dark circles rested comfortably above his cheekbones. If I were to take a guess, those had been there a while.

The rest of my group nodded, with several of them giving a quick 'That's right.' and 'Welcome in.'

"I'm Leena, the group coordinator. I can answer any questions you may have?" The stranger just peered at me with dark eyes and shook his head. "Okay, we can jump right in, then."

I could feel Syd next to me bursting to talk, so I looked to her.

"Syd, do you want to get us started today?" She only nodded, wiping some stray tears forming on her cheeks.

Syd was such a beautiful girl. Only 21 years old, it was amazing that she found the strength to come to us so young, and work on turning her life around. Her neon blue hair was knotted on top of her head, and she was picking feverishly at her sleeve of her sweater. I could feel what was coming. I always could.

"I...I fell off the wagon." I only nodded, knowing. She had missed three meetings, and unless someone forewarned me about vacations or work obligations, it almost always meant they were on a bender of some kind.

"Okay," As her tears began pouring, I reached over and ran a hand up her arm. There was a reason I sat Syd right next to me. She had been one of my newest, and biggest challenges. Overcoming the demons was an every day, every moment, every second battle that she was still very much fighting. "It's alright honey. We're all here to support you. No one is judging."

She went on to explain she had began with a mimosa at brunch with her friends, who didn't know she was in recovery. She didn't want them to know, so she tried to just sip. It didn't work. It never does. The one drink lead to a blackout weekend and three days in jail for public intoxication. She lost the job she had just gotten at the local DMV. Syd was going through it. She would need Seth, her sponsor, more than usual right now. He was on the other side of her, clutching her hand as she cried.

Once Syd had finished her confession, and emotionally put her 30-day coin back in the jar, we moved on to Seth.

One by one, through the circle, we heard everyone's stories of recent achievements and sorrows. Challenges and victories. Their ongoing battles. Once Jillian finished telling us about her recent trip to Vegas with her friends, where she managed not to have a single drink. We applauded her, because we all knew how much restraint that took.

I would steal occasional glances at our guest, whose eyes would also glance back at me once in a while, but mostly followed the speakers, never moving in his chair, stoic as cement. This isn't uncommon for people coming here for the first time. It's not easy to do, and it's wildly uncomfortable at first.

However, the circle was now all looking at him, and a look of almost panic flashed across his face.

"Is it on me?" His voice was deeper than I expected, with a clear rasp to it that told me all I needed to know about his history. He belonged here, and we were glad to have him.

I nodded. "How much you tell us is entirely up to you, but all I ask is you at least tell us your name, and why you're here."

He bit his bottom lip, eyes cast at me from across the room, looking up through long, dark eyelashes. "I have to say it out loud?"

"That's one of the first steps." I kept a soft smile on my face. Being warm, and understanding was my entire job here.

Abel's elbow nudged the stranger, who glanced at him, encouraging him. "No worries man, we've all been here."

A hard sigh left his throat, ending with a sharp cough.

"My name is Noah. And I'm an alcoholic."

****

Once the meeting had ended, I was stacking chairs back against the wall, prepping the room for the next meeting, NA. They had their own setup, and would be in here in about 30 minutes. Most everyone had left, with the exception of Abel, Syd, and Noah. Our newest AA member had been pretty tight-lipped about himself, only admitted to being 27 years old, and in the entertainment industry. He didn't elaborate further. That was just fine. If he kept coming, we would encourage him further, but AA was all about getting you through it at your pace. As long as you didn't drink, I was happy.

I was putting away the leftover cookies, planning to take the last couple with me to work tomorrow for a snack. I happened to catch a glimpse of someone leaving the restroom, and I noticed it was Noah. Everyone else had left only a couple minutes ago.

"Oh, hey!" I waved at him to come over. He paced his tall frame over to me, towering over me easily. He had at least a foot of height on me, which was hilarious, given I was a year older and 3 years sober myself.

"Hey, thanks for having me today. I didn't know if you could just come to these things." I slung my bag over my shoulder, smiling at him.

"C'mon, I wanted to chat with you before you left." We made our way out of the building as Angie, the NA organizer walked in past us, smiling at us both.

We reached the parking lot, my green Tahoe and the same black SUV being some of the only vehicles left. It dawned on me that he drove the SUV. Well, he may need a driving lesson, but he seemed nice enough.

I turned to face him before heading for my car. "Have you talked to anyone about being a sponsor? The only requirements I have is that they have been sober at least 6 months. Almost everyone in our group is, with the exception of Syd and Jackson." I could see him chewing his lip, his fingers fiddling with his keys.

"No, I...I didn't think about it." His eyes were looking everywhere but at me.

"Noah?" I asked, trying to get his attention. "Do you know what a sponsor is?"

This drew a short, burst of a chuckle out of him, his lips curling in a sheepish grin while he shook his head. I saw his frame relax for just a second, his arm reaching to scratch the back of his neck.

"I don't." I nodded, chuckling myself.

"No worries! I didn't when I started either." I waved him over to the bench perched just outside the building. He followed me and we sat. "A sponsor is someone to keep you straight. Someone who will keep your head on when you feel like you might fall off." He was listening, eyes fixed on me. "This is the person you call when you want a drink. They'll talk you down, distract you. Support you." He nodded, understanding crossing his features.

"Do they have to be a member of the group?"

"No, not necessarily, but they do need to be sober. A sponsor is no good if they are drinking and setting bad examples."

"Makes sense. I'll think on it." I stood up then, stretching up on my toes to flex my legs that had been sitting most the day. He stayed sat, now looking up at me.

"I do need you to have a sponsor by the next meeting on Thursday, though. Have to have one by your second session. And if you don't have one by then, we can get someone in the group to sponsor you, no problem."

He raised a brow at me, a smirk on his lips. "Didn't you say you only had one rule?" This threw me off. Smartass? It was innocent, I could tell, but a joker. Hadn't had one of those in a while.

I laughed it off. "Well, I only do for your first day. There are only a few rules to AA, but they're pretty much common sense."

He stood then, towering me once again. "Can you tell me anyway? I don't want to fuck this up." We then began walking back towards the cars. When I walked toward mine, he followed. It was dark already, so I didn't mind. This was LA, after all.

"Well, the first is obvious, no drinking." I popped my driver door open and flung my bag in toward the passenger's side. He nodded at me and leaned against the rear door of my truck.

"Second, no coming in drunk. As obvious as that may seem, you would not believe how many people I've kicked out of the meeting for showing up mid-bender." He raised his eyebrows. "As much as I'd like to keep and eye on them, it's not good for the other members."

"No, for sure." His tone was even.

"And lastly," I then looked straight at him, so he knew how serious I was. "don't ever lie to me." I could see him straighten just a little, feeling the seriousness of what I was saying. "If you fell off, admit it. I'm not judging. I did, so many times. But if you lie, you're out." I then took a step closer, if only to make my point, "Because I always find out."

He kicked off from my truck, his body less than six inches from mine. He looked down at me, the ghost of a smile playing on his lips.

"Yes ma'am." I felt a twinge up the back of my spine. It was a little warm all of a sudden, and my mouth was dry. I stepped back, and was able to regain my brain.

I smiled brightly at him and swung myself up into my truck. Before I slid my legs in, I looked at him, now almost at eye-level.

"Great! I'll see you Thursday, then!"

#noah sebastian fic #noah sebastian #bad omens fanfiction #fanfic

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fuck-customers · 4 months

Note

I figured I'd talk about it anyways since I'm here, hey, it's the person who went on the big long rant with housekeeping and the supervisor drama with D and all that shit. I'm here to talk about the borderline p*do we have on staff that no one is doing jack shit about :)

so first thing, Blondie has been caught staring at people's asses all the time. again, specifically the group of housekeepers who are 18-21. I don't know Blondie's actual age, but he's like. in his 40s via his appearance. not the kind of man who should be staring at recent high school graduates. he does this to a lot of people.

(side note: we have two housekeepers with the same name, so I call one Tiny and one Weekend to keep them straight in my head) (same reason i'm calling him Blondie. also because i need some fake thing to call them here)

so Tiny T was running too. Running, i didn't get into in my other ask, is basically taking those big blue carts, and grabbing trash and linen from the hallways, and taking them where they need to go, either laundry or the dumpster outside. So Tiny T was doing a run of linen, and Blondie was like, oh i'll help, because, as i'm sure you can assume by the nickname i'm calling her, she doesn't look strong, and she really isn't. she BEGRUDGINGLY accepts, because what else are you gonna do, and two incidents come from this.

One, Tiny T heard him using voice-to-text to text someone on the phone. whatever, it happens, weird to do at work, but rolls my eyes gets over it. except, what he said, and she quoted it to me, so i'm quoting it here, was "I'm so happy we're together, but you can't tell your mom."

uhm. if you know anything about grooming, that gives you MAJOR pause, because that's some textbook shit right there. voms in my mouth. shudders. but. it's technically out of work, out of our hands, we don't even know who he was talking to, maybe it is a fully grown woman with a shitty mom, who knows, we don't, major side eye and we move on.

then, when they take the linen down and sort it into the tubs for washing, they find a used condom at the bottom of the blue cart. gross, but not uncommon in hotels. he looks at this, then looks at Tiny T (an adult women with a boyfriend, who he KNOWS) and says 'that's for men to use... did you know that? ... haven't used one in ten years...'

fucking EXCUSE ME ??? EX-FUCKING-CUSE ME ???? i'm so fucking sick thinking about it and it didn't even happen to me, it happened to my work friend, i'm SICK. but the next thing here is Worse in my opinion.

A thing about runners that is important to know is that they don't generally go into the rooms, they just grab what's in the halls. when I ran, I would pop into rooms to ask if they needed help stripping a room, but other than that, I wouldn't. they also don't take those blue carts into any room. there's no reason to, it gets in the way, and just. no.

housekeepers also need to keep their doors open, at the VERY least with the latch to the door (forgot the name, the weird thing at the top, secondary lock thing) keeping the door open.

so my coworker P is like, digging under the couch since she saw some trash under there when she hears a noise. So, she sits up to look over the counter of the kitchen to see what that noise was. And it is Blondie. In her room. with the blue cart. and the door SHUT. all the way shut.

nothing came of this, but imagine if she hadn't heard that click. if her music was any louder. it makes me fucking SICK to think about that.

so what does she do ? she goes to Manager, who is both Housekeeping Manager, and part of HR now. she should help right ??

except nothing has been done. he still works here. he still runs. he still has access to the girls. and NOTHING has been done.

i'm encouraging P to come with me to get her the HELL out of this environment, as she's really the main one who he focuses all his gross attention on, but. you can see why we feel uncomfortable with talking to this manager without J by our side, when she literally hasn't done anything to help with something this serious.

i'm so sick of this job tbh. i'm so sick of it. so glad i'm leaving relatively soon honestly :/

Posted by admin Rodney.

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specialagentlokitty · 1 year

Text

Rossi x Male!reader - get better

Please could I get a Rossi x male reader (romantic relationship) where the reader works for the BAU and is struggling with their mental health and he’s wearing pyjama shorts in his hotel room whilst they’re on a case and Rossi comes to his room to talk about an aspect of the case and notices the fresh wounds on his thighs. Then when they’re back at the Quantico HQ he stages an ‘intervention’ with Hotch who the reader is slightly terrified of being the big bossman (but we all know (including Rossi) that he’s a big softie at heart) Reader’s boyfriend and the super ‘scary’ unit chief make him hand over all his blades etc and maybe a stupid funny moment when they ask ‘is there any more’ and there are loads hidden in the reader’s belongings. - Anon💜

TW: mentions of self harm and depression

You were getting ready to get some sleep when there was a knock on your door.

With a grumble of annoyance you rolled out of bed and walked over, opening the door, peaking your head around it.

“Dave?”

Opening the door you let him come in and you quietly closed it again.

“What brings you by? You know we can’t be involved in cases.” You whispered.

“Everyone else is asleep and I knew you’d be awake so I thought I’d talk to you about something I need a second opinion on.”

Nodding your head, you gestured for him to sit down and stretched, arms above your head as you yawned loudly.

Rossi would be lying if he said he wasn’t checking you out right now.

The tattoos on your bare back, the slight definition of your muscles and he smiled as you sat down on the bed next to him.

“I was doing some reading and something didn’t add up.”

Rossi began to explain what he had found and asked for your opinion on it.

You thought for a moment and Rossi looked down at your hands clasped together and that’s when he saw them.

The faint red lines across your legs, he didn’t say anything about it, but he turned his attention back to you.

“I think I know what it is!”

You quickly grabbed your clothes and got changed before rushing out of the hotel room.

Rossi couldn’t take the image of what he saw on your legs from his head, he didn’t know how to confront the situation.

So he went to the only other person he could think off, his best friend and supervisor.

No one said anything until you all got back after the case and you were getting everything ready to go home with your boyfriend.

Walking up to his office, you lightly knocked on the door and smiled as you peaked your head in.

“Oh sorry Hotch, I was just coming to see if Dave was coming home.”

“Actually we were about to come get you.” Hotch said.

You frowned and pick up your carry back, walking into the room you closed the door.

“Have a seat.” Rossi said softly.

You frowned even more, worried about what this could be and thoughts started to rush through your head.

Was it about the case?

Paperwork?

Had you made a mistake somewhere?

You thought about everything it could be and Rossi saw you getting anxious.

“Hey, hey calm down. It’s nothing about work or anything bad, okay?”

“Yeah. Sorry. Sorry.”

Hotch turned in his chair to look at you.

“We just wanted to make sure everything was alright.” Hotch said.

“Oh yeah, everything’s fine.” You smiled.

Rossi sighed, shaking his head as he got up and walked around, placing his hand on your shoulder as he looked down at you.

“I saw the cuts (Y/N), that’s not fine.”

“I don’t know what you mean…” you mumbled.

You hadn’t any clue how he saw them, you made sure to always cover them up, so how did he see them?

“You do. On your thighs.”

“We know things can stressful, why didn’t you talk to anyone?” Hotch asked.

You sighed and shook you head.

You couldn’t escape this, you knew they weren’t going to let you out of this room until you spoke to them.

So you had no choice.

You explained to them you had been feeling low, finding everything hard and you tried not to do it but you just couldn’t fight the urge any longer.

It was something you struggled with for the longest time, and sometimes you relapsed because you could hold it back anymore.

You didn’t give them too much detail about it, but you gave them a brief outline.

“So you brought the stuff with you?” Rossi asked.

“Yeah…”

“Put everything on the desk.” Hotch said.

There was sternness behind his voice, but compassion and worry as well.

Looking up at your boyfriend, you watched as Rossi nodded his head, giving you a pleading look. Silently begging you to do it.

So you reached through your carry on and pulled out a small tin, giving it a shake you set it on the desk.

“You come talk to one of us next time, no matter the time or place.” Hotch said.

“You’re not alone through this, you know that right?” Rossi asked softly.

“I know… I know… it’s just… it’s hard you know?”

Rossi smiled, gently squeezing your shoulder and Hotch looked at you.

“I have to ask, is there anymore?”

You sighed and nodding, grabbing your carry on, you started to pull more and more out and Hotch and Rossi just stared at you.

“Seriously?” Hotch asked.

“Well I couldn’t leave them at home in case Dave got back before me…”

Rossi rolled his eyes a little and kissed the top of your head.

“We going to get through this.”

The three of you came up with a game plan, a way for you to get better, regular checks, check ins every day, you’d have to have a long chat with one of them every week.

And every month you passed without an incident you could have a weekend dedicated to whatever you wanted to do, fully paid for by Rossi.

You wanted to get better, for Rossi. For your boyfriend, but for yourself as well, you wanted to work through this.

You wanted to get better

#criminal minds #criminal minds x reader #criminal minds x y/n #criminal minds imagine #David rossi #david rossi x reader #David rossi x you #David rossi imagine

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warriorofthought · 1 year

Text

He wants to court you

Summary: Imagine Lindir telling you that he loves you and that he would like to court you.

Lindir X Male Reader

Word count: 1007

Warnings: no one

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

You are an excellent elven warrior and healer. After your mother died, you went in search of the place she always told you about.

Rivendell.

Your mother was right, the place is beautiful and Lord Elrond welcomed you with open arms.

Because you were always teased for your knowledge and love of books in your hometown, nothing held you there after your mother's death.

Here in Buchtal they accept you as you are. Quiet, observant, and happy to keep to yourself, seems to be no fault of the elves here.

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

I head towards the library to read a new book about stars. When I get there, the supervisor greets me and I nod in response. Then I walk to the shelf where I think my next book is. Gently, I let my fingers glide over the books and come to a stop at the appropriate book. Happily I pull it out and walk with it to my chamber.

Out of sheer curiosity, I don't pay attention to my surroundings and I'm already flipping through the book. As I turn the corner, I bump into something and drop the book.

Confused, I look around and see the book being held out to me.

"Mellon, you didn't hurt yourself, did you?" asks Lindir.

"No, I didn't," I whisper, taking the book with a slight smile.

"Thank you."

Lindir gives me another checking look before nodding in understanding.

"Where are you off to in such a hurry?"

"To my chamber, so I can read the book."

"Then be careful." At that, he clears a path for me and lets me through.

I give him a quick nod before continuing on my way.

"Y/N, do you want to take a walk with me in the garden tonight, we can talk about your new knowledge if you like?"

Surprised at the offer, I quickly turned back to Lindir.

"Are you sure you want to go for a walk with me there?"

"Of course y/n, I would be happy if we could meet at the fountains tonight."

"Okay, yeah sure I'd love to, I'll see you tonight then," I stammer, smiling slightly.

"I'm looking forward to it," I added quickly before taking my leave for my chamber.

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

When I see from my balcony that it is slowly getting dark outside. I decided that it's time to meet with Lindir. Therefore I put the book on the desk and went to the fountain.

When I get there, Lindir is already standing there. He looks relaxed as he watches the water from the fountain.

As I approach him, he turns to me and smiles.

"I hope you haven't been waiting for me long, Lindir?"

"No, I've only been here a few moments too, Tingilya (twinkling star)."

"Shall we?"

I nod to him. And together we stroll through the garden.

I tell him what I've read in the book and he listens intently, asking great questions about it.

Which fills my heart with the feelings of happiness.

Lindir leads us to an isolated spot with a sparkling little pond.

I am surprised when I see that there are some snacks and two glasses to drink from and I glance over at Lindir. He takes my hand encouragingly and pulls me to the blanket.

Then we both sit down.

"I hope this is okay and I didn't go too far?" Unsure, Lindir looks at me.

Smiling, I look at him "It's fine, don't worry, I like it Lindir"

"Hmm, but is there a reason why you made so much effort, a simple walk had made me happy too"

"Yes, y/n I wanted to talk to you "

"I enjoy listening to you Lindir, so feel free to tell me whatever is on your mind".

"I... I know this is probably unexpected, especially since we're both men, but I love you, as much as you love the stars and the world of books, my heart has only been beating for you since you came here. I was afraid to tell you about it, but in the last few weeks I've been trying to show you with little gestures that I'm interested in you. This may sound completely crazy now. But I love seeing you close your eyes and hold your face to the wind when we are outside and you disappear into the world of books. It's a beautiful sight and in that moment I feel that I really love you. I love how your smile lights up the world when you feel the magic of adventure. You have shown me that there are so many beautiful and incredible things in this world and I have also been fascinated by your adventures as a warrior, your travels have not always been too dangerous and I can't wait to explore more of your thoughts and the world with you!

Travel

You have taken me on so many incredible journeys and allowed me to experience so many wonderful things and even though we never left Rivendell once. I crave your closeness, I like it when you keep me company while I do my chores for Lord Elrond, the silence between us is never uncomfortable.

So I wanted to tell you that I love you and if you could imagine, well, if we could both courting or if I could court you? "

"Courting me? Are you sure you want to court me, an elven knight who doesn't fit in his homeland?"

Doubting, I look into his eyes, searching for the truth.

Gently, Lindir grabs my hands and pulls me a little closer to him. His hand gently slides to my face, embracing it. His thumb gently runs over my cheek. Before his eyes catch mine.

My breath hitches in my throat when i see how much Lindir's eyes sparkle as he looks at me.

"I'm very sure y/n, if you feel something for me too, will you allow me to court you?"

I nod and lean against his hand.

"I would love to, Lindir. I love you too."

#Lindir x male reader #lotr #lindir #fluff fic #short story #lindir imagine #lindir rivendell #oneshot #lord of the rings

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frogmanfae · 1 year

Text

Quill Kipps X GN! Reader- coffee date

Summary: Quill Kipps asks you on a date, George hates him, and Lockwood is oblivious. You go anyway and talk about pretty much nothing, which is nice when you have the whole world on your shoulders at any given moment

A/n- this feels rushed to me but I still think it's cute

*Reader pov*

"What did he want?"

"Jeez, George let me come in before you start bombarding me with questions." I pushed past him and set my bag on the floor.

"Well? Did he offer you a job at Fittes? He wants to take you, I knew it!"

"I'm not going to Fittes. Calm down. He just wanted to chat. As acquaintances. Normal people. He didn't offer me a job."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. You can't get rid of me so easily. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go out again. I just came back for my wallet."

I grabbed my wallet and ignored George's glare as I walked back out the door. Letting out a sigh, I went to the local shopping center.

The truth is, I had actually been returning home to just stay there, but Kipps stopped me across the street and asked me out for coffee. I'll be honest, I know my friends hate him, but I think he's a nice guy. He seems genuine enough, especially since his gift faded almost completely and he became a supervisor as opposed to a group leader. He's less stuck up anymore.

However, after I had accepted, I realized I had no clothes to wear to a casual date. My wardrobe was almost exclusively athletic clothes for work and about two very fancy outfits for formal events.

I went through a few stores before I eventually just decided to wear a nice long sleeve v-neck and some nice jeans. Nothing fancy, but better than basketball shorts and a stained hoodie.

Once I got back home, George still seemed upset but didn't say anything as I made my way up to my room I shared with Lucy, but she was on a trip to see her ghost locked friend this weekend, so it was just me. I changed into comfier clothes and got into bed.

It was still early morning, but the sleep schedule of an agent is all over the place. We're mostly nocturnal because we work all our cases during the night. George and Lockwood are likely to be getting to sleep pretty soon too.

We didn't work a case last night so it's a bit of a struggle to fall asleep. I usually get so exhausted I'm barely able to make it to bed at all.

I listen to my surroundings. Lockwood and George are arguing about something I can't make out. There's young children laughing outside. There are some birds singing in the trees by my window. And now it doesn't take long for me to fall asleep.

*time skip*

I get up at eight o'clock pm. A bit of an early day for any of us, but honestly I'd rather not be seen leaving anyway. It's to my benefit George and Lockwood are asleep.

I get dressed in the outfit I bought yesterday. Suddenly, it doesn't seem as nice as it did in the shop. I frown and try to fix it but to no avail. I just sigh and go downstairs, writing a note telling the others I've gone to the library. I grab my bag and begin heading out the door when I hear a voice.

"Where are you off to at such an hour?"

I whip around. "Lockwood! You scared me!" I huff. "Just the library."

"Are those jeans?"

"Yes? What about them?"

"I didn't even know you owned a pair. Why so dapper for the library?"

"I just felt like it. Now can I please leave? They close in an hour and I've still got to walk there."

He motions toward the door. "Have at it. I'll see you later." I turn the knob again. "Oh! One more thing! I don't know who it is you're meeting with, but tell them I said hello." He smiled and ducked back into the library, leaving me there with my mouth agape.

I looked at my watch; 8:30. "Shit!" I run out and get a cab to take me to the cafe Kipps agreed to meet me at. I tip the driver before rushing into the building to see Kipps sitting at a booth alone.

"I'm so sorry I'm late! I got a bit held up at the agency." I sit across from him.

"Oh! It's no matter! I was actually running a bit late myself." He smiled. "One of our new recruits is a bit nervous and I had to calm him down so he didn't quit."

"Goodness that's stressful."

"All in a day's work. What's your drink, I'll go get it for you."

"Oh no I couldn't possibly-"

"I asked you to accompany me, so I'll be the one paying, okay? Now, what would you like?"

I smile. "A (f/d) please."

"Coming right up." He goes to the counter to order both of our drinks.

He returns a few minutes later and slides mine in front of me. "One (f/d) just for you."

"Thank you very much, Sir Kipps."

"Oh please, call me Quill." He waves his hand. "I'm not your rival anymore. Well, not directly."

I nod. "Right, you just train our rivals now." I laugh a bit. "It's alright, I can't imagine I've got much longer with my gift."

"It's not that bad after a while. Sure, at first you think your entire world is collapsing, but you get used to it." He shrugs as he takes a sip of his drink. "But let's talk about something else. I want to get to know you outside of work."

I nod. "I'd like that."

"So... What do you like to do? For fun?"

"Hm... I like going to the movies. And the library. And there's this place in my hometown where you can go to just break stuff, lots of fun."

"That sounds awesome!"

"Right? I'll have to take you sometime, it's brilliant!"

"Does that mean you're interested in this being a regular occurrence?"

"I'm not opposed to the idea." I take a drink. "Though, I didn't tell anyone I was meeting with you."

"Ooh, risky~" he flexed his eyebrows.

I scoffed. "As if. I could take you down if need be."

"Honestly, I don't doubt that." He looks at me.

We both just start laughing. It's nice to finally have some new company that I don't live with.

We stay there for about an hour before he has to go to work. Before he leaves, he hesitantly kisses my cheek. "Give me a ring, will you?"

"Uh- Yeah! Yeah, of- of course." I bumble out.

He chuckles. "I'll see you around."

"Be careful tonight!"

"I always am! But I'll be extra careful! Just for you!" He smiles and waves as he walks out the door. I start my way back home, keeping an eye out for any early visitors.

I get back rather quickly, only to find George standing by the stairs. "Where've you been?"

"Out. Didn't you read my note?"

"I don't believe it. You were out with Kipps weren't you?"

"No. Whats it matter anyway?"

"Because I am essentially your brother, I worry about you."

"There's no need. I was alone and back before the curfew bells rang. It's all fine. Now, if you'll excuse me-" I push past him. "I need to get out of these clothes and into some sweatpants."

I go up to my room and change into my athletic clothes. We don't have a case to work tonight, so it's going to just be a chill night in. I go to the library and sit next to Lockwood.

"How was your date?" He asks, not looking up from his magazine.

"It wasn't a date!"

"If you say so..." He turns the page.

"... It went well."

"Well how splendid." He looks at me. "Mind telling me who it is if you're going on a second?"

"You know, I think I'll wait to disclose such details for a while longer."

I smile. It's refreshing to have something to myself. Nobody demanding for me to share. It's just something for me.

Me and Quill is just my little bit of information. Splendid.

#quick read #quill kipps #quill kipps x reader #gender neutral reader #lockwood and co #protective george karim #fluff #first date #essentially no plot just rambling

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quinnydoll · 7 months

Text

last night in Lancer

So, I set up a combat that was initially supposed to be a fairly forgettable combat with unnamed enemies, but I ended up creating a squad name, their entire backstory, and four unique callsigns with their own stories. I talked about this before, saying I'd gotten carried away, but I am now here to report that I've made these new characters extremely likeable to my players, and they're absolutely going to survive the current combat.

First off, I need to do some background explanation about my campaign.

The Havoc Coalition is a death cult type terrorist organization bent on taking out humanity as a whole. While they've had plenty of recruits who share their viewpoint, a number of their operatives in specific system chapters of the organization were sniped by the Coalition posing as an independent mercenary company. If these new recruits don't adapt to the viewpoint of the organization once they're in, they're put into a "cannon fodder" type group titled a Spare Squad, where they're loaded into shoddily constructed frames built out of literally the Coalition's spare parts and expected to die as rank-and-file troops while the "important" operatives are doing their things.

Guard Dog Squad was the first of these Spare Squads in the Hera System(the system this campaign takes place) only on the combat they were deployed in, they managed to not only survive, but accomplish a lot of the objective of the operation at the time. Of course, Havoc saw this and went "well, of course we still don't trust them, but I guess they're pretty useful. Let's load them up into some real mechs and see what they can do."

So, now currently Guard Dog Squad is perceived as the most effective squad in all of the Coalition, as long as they're supervised and compensated. Of course the Coalition doesn't trust them unattended, but if they get results, they're the most valuable combat resource they have.

That brings me to the current mission in my campaign. The Hera Provisional Squad(the Lancers hired to take Havoc out) have been assigned to gather intel about the Coalition on a shell colony serving as a communication hub for Havoc. They've blocked the long-range communication in the immediate area, but there's still a failsafe in place on the station in the form of an optical communications box that sends a periodic back and forth ping with a nearby vessel out of normal short range comms range.

Once the squad was done collecting information, the PA system on the station fired up with the voice of one of the named members of Guard Dog Squad saying "you guys are SO lucky our supervisor's on his sleep shift right now" followed by the station going into lockdown. Proceeding to the hangar, the squad was greeted by the chaff of Guard Dog Squad. These are the fresh ensigns and inexperienced meant to accompany Guard Dog Squad in combat to try to make sure they don't heel turn at the first opportunity.

About 3 rounds into the combat, via breaching pods, MORE chaff from Guard Dog Squad came in through breaching pods placed on either side of the hangar, followed by the 4 named members: Zen, Cypher, IRIS, and Dice. The Hera Provisional Squad was advised by Zen that not only were the recording systems for audio and comms down by courtesy of Cypher, the only reason they're continuing to fight the Lancers is because the camera system is still up, as that wasn't one that Cypher could cut off so easily, it wasn't a matter of running them on a different signal.

In response, Cypher kindly pinged the cameras, and a singular member of my players' squad took out all of them in a single turn, pushing their Everest to its limits. This gave Guard Dog Squad the opportunity they needed, and the named members immediately became allied.

Dice, piloting a Demolisher frame, immediately crushed the grunt next to her, and when another grunt on the other side of the map started attempting to flee, IRIS, a breacher fired her dual shotguns into the ensign's frame. No more grunts. Fun, right?

Of course the unnamed members of the squad are preeeeetty pissed at the new characters, being still loyal to the Coalition, but they won't be making it out of the facility, so it's not a big deal.

Also, I can already hear some people who know a lot about Lancer lore kicking me in replies and reblogs about the naming scheme of Guard Dog Squad, as dogs are technically extinct, and no one knows what a dog is in current year Lancer. I in fact do have an explanation which I just thought was a cool world-building exercise.

In my campaign, while no one knows what a "dog" is, there are terms that have been grandfathered into modern language simply due to their usage for things in other language, and ancient text. For example, the term "nidhogg" and its occasional use in modern English in the real world.

"Guard Dog" is a similar term in that it's lost its association with an actual dog, but is associated with a "protector" of sorts, Guard Dog Squad earned their name from their time reliably protecting the Coalition's communications hub. I hope that clears things up. It was initially just clumsy writing on my part, but I thought my reasoning made sense in the end.

#lancer rpg #lancer #tabletop #ttrpgs #ttrpg community #tabletop games

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snippychicke · 10 months

Text

For the Sake of a Smile (V.2) Chapter Eleven

Title: For the Sake of a Smile (Revised)

Overall Rating: Mature (18+)

Chapter Rating: M for Mature. We've begun the 18+ content

Trigger warnings: Nothing beyond the child abuse hinted in the series, though we do explore the consequences a bit more.

Main Pairing: Balam Shichiro/Reader

Summary: Hell on earth was your motto for your job. Granted, you were pretty sure earth really was hell, considering the shit you had seen in your life. And the fact your coworker was a child.

A child named Suzuki Iruma, in fact. A kid who’s life was decidedly worse than yours, but yet he smiled despite everything. It wasn’t long after meeting him that you decided you’d do a lot for his smile. Including summoning a literal demon and signing your soul away.

But as it turns out, hell (The Netherworld, actually) was a lot better than living on earth. Demons were more humane than a lot of humans you knew.

And Iruma’s smile wasn’t the only one that would change your life.

Masterlist | Ao3| Mairimashitai! Simps Discord

Professor Dantlion looked like an average demon; he was usually cheerful, friendly. Very human like with his plain brown hair and eyes, though you couldn't miss the dark horns either. You felt he was rather approachable, and had helped you out on various occasions including the Harvest Festival.

But there always seemed to be a… dark aura just hanging around him. You had heard through the grapevine he was a trickster and deceiver, and was warned by many to stay on your toes around him.

Which was why you were rather wary when he appeared in the library with the sole purpose to talk to you. Part of you feared that your… incident with the Creeping Sleep (where the demon himself had to take over your duties unexpectedly) had not been so easily forgiven as you had thought.

“I had a meeting with Lord Sullivan,” He started after the formalities of inviting him into your cozy office “And it seems you were never actually initiated as Babyls Faculty."

You blinked, confused. Sullivan hadn’t mentioned anything about being ‘initated’ when he announced he went through your role as Librarian. Granted he didn't explain a lot of things.

What would an 'initiation' even entail? Especially since you were now acquainted with most of the staff and their roles. Hell, you were firmly rooted in your own role now.

Or… or was this some kind of hazing trick? Like an initiation to a fraternity or something. But… demonic.

"Oh, don’t worry!” He tried to reassure, seeing your face pale. “We’re not as archaic as Jackapo’s initiations. No blood rituals or life-or-death fights.”

“Oh, okay,” You squeaked. Your thoughts hadn’t even drifted towards it being that dark or gruesome.

“I know you’re not technically a teacher," He continued with a faint smile. "But Lord Sullivan asked for me to be your supervisor, so we’ll be taking you out to the Brawl Inn tonight for your initiation ceremony.”

“Wait, what?"

--+--

"It’ll be fun, sweetheart,” Sullivan tried to reassure you when you ran to his office after Dali left the library. Usually, you try to stay away as to not draw attention to the nepotism. However; today you felt the overwhelming need to talk to your adopted father face-to-face. "The initiation ceremony is mainly just… a formality. Really, the staff use it as an excuse to party."

You however, were not reassured. You continued to pace the span of his office, heart thrumming in your chest as thoughts and memories clashed in your mind. “Fun? I-I’ve never had fun at any after work gathering in my life." So many work parties that left you full of regrets as you pressured into partying a little too hard. Making reckless decisions thanks to the liquor that had flowed far too plentiful.

It led you to be highly wary of such social interactions. Or, truthfully, it made you want to avoid them like the plague.

"All my coworkers are demons while I am human, or have you forgotten?! Then you add alcohol into the mix which can only spell certain disaster!" You continued, hoping to convince Sullivan to find a way for you to get out of this. This was such a bad, bad idea. "I still can’t remember much from that one drink at Walter Park! And that was one! With just Balam and Kalego! God, what if Raim and Momonoki finally corner me for girl talk?”

“There’s no need for such language,” Sullivan chimed, sounding vaguely disapproving - though you didn’t really hear him, too lost in your panicked thoughts.

“What if my drunk ass admits everything? Can you imagine how bad that could end! And I don't mean just my feelings for Balam, I mean everything, dad! The fact I’m human, or that Iruma’s human! It could not only end with my death, but his too, and–"

Sullivan stopped your frantic pacing with a gentle hand on your shoulder, his dark eyes meeting yours from behind his glasses.

"Nothing is going to happen, my dear. You’ll be safe," He reassured softly. "I not only trust you, but the other staff as well. You’ll see how devoted the teachers are, and the fact that Dali accepted you as one of his own without argument proves that he believes you are worth this honor.”

You took a few deep breaths; hoping, wishing what he said was true. Sullivan knew them best, he knew what was at stake. You could trust him on this at least, right?

But… all the mistakes in the past. Everything that was hanging in the balance…. Could you safely take this risk?

“And I just love it when you call me dad!” Sullivan broke the moment as he quickly pulled you into a hug with a happy squeal. “You really do see me as your father, just like Iruma sees me as his grandfather! Oh, I’m just so happy!"

"Really?” You half-heartedly complained at the sudden change of topic as well as mood, though you didn’t fight the embrace. Sullivan’s open paternal affection would always be something you secretly cherished.

And maybe a change is what you needed.

“Absolutely, my sweet little princess! You two mean so much to me! And I would never, ever, put you in a situation you couldn’t handle."

With a groan, you wrapped your arms around his slender frame and allowed yourself to relax and accept the comfort he offered.

You knew you could trust Sullivan. He would never knowingly put you or Iruma in danger.

Which meant you weren’t getting out of the initiation, no matter how nervous you were. The thought made you press closer to Sullivan, burying your face against his bony shoulder.

If other teachers were going to be there… would Balam be there too? On one hand, the thought comforted you, after all you knew he would protect you.

But you were also worried about… well, everything else that came with being around him now.

--+--

"Kalego!”

“Hmm?" Kalego grunted in acknowledgement as he continued his work. Spending the evening with Balam holed up in the Prep room sounded much more appealing than attending the teachers’ celebration for another successful Harvest Festival.

Calming instrumental music drifted from the radio, and he had found a rather interesting blend of wine to sip on after sharing a decent meal with one of the few people in the Netherworld that didn’t annoy him.

Even if Balam’s interest was focused on you to the point Kalego doubted the other demon realized how much his time was spent either talking to, or about you. But he was such a love-sick hellhound that even Kalego couldn’t be annoyed by his antics. To be honest, it was as adorable as it was pitiful, even to him.

And to be completely fair, he did enjoy seeing his comrade happy. You were rather close to being added to the short list of people Kalego could tolerate.

As soon as he figured out the conundrum that surrounded you and your son. Something about your story didn't seem quite right, and it was more apparent with time that something was distinctly different about you two.

"They're holding her Initiation Ceremony tonight,” Balam explained, furiously typing on the small keyboard of his phone. Kalego didn't need to ask who he was referring to. “At the Brawl Inn! Dali's going to be her supervisor too….”

That caught Kalego’s full attention. Not only did Sullivan relinquish that kind of authority over his precious daughter, but also allowed Dali to oversee your Ceremony? That was surprising…. Kalego had figured the chairdemon would have insisted on having that privilege for himself. But…

“Tonight?” Kalego asked with a frown. “Aren’t the other teachers celebrating the end of the Harvest Festival?"

Balam’s excitement faded, and Kalego could almost see the forlorn expression behind his mask as Balam’s broad shoulders slumped. The larger demon looked up from his phone, his dark eyes pleading. "I know you didn’t want to go, but…”

No, he hadn’t. Kalego hated social events with a passion. And Balam had reluctantly decided to stay with him versus attending the event, mainly because of his own social awkwardness.

But now that Balam knew you would be there, and the fact it would also be your initiation ceremony…

“I suppose we should go then,” He conceded with an aggrieved sigh. “Even if just to protect your future Intended from the rest of the faculty."

The tease caused Balam to blush heavily, far too flustered to even stammer a defense. What Balam saw in you, Kalego couldn’t understand himself. But the fact he was interested in you inherently meant to Kalego you were worth protecting - if even just for Balam’s sake.

Why the demon couldn’t find someone who could protect themself was beyond him. And why you were so weak compared to your father and son, Kalego was determined to figure out.

--+--

Brawl Inn was a small building in the wastelands not far from the town of Babyls. A simple, old-fashioned inn-style building, with even an area for tethering horses.

Or at least, the Netherworld version of horses. You dismounted Podargos, giving the nightmare a loving pat on the muzzle before tying her to the fence where there was fresh water and feed (fresh ground meat and other things you did not wish to think about) already set out by the Inn staff.

Sullivan assured you no matter what state you were in later, Podargos would get you home. And you had to believe him; she always seemed gentle and sure of herself. She was the first you had ridden, and never needed any correction as soon as you told her 'home.'

Still, your nerves twisted your stomach as you stood outside - trying to psych yourself up.

This wasn’t going to be like back in the human realm. Your demonic coworkers were far better than your human ones had been. Oddly enough, they weren’t as vicious or cutthroat, or prone to backstabbing. You vaguely remembered Kalego’s comment that forcing others to drink was against their rules.

You didn’t know if that meant subtle challenges as well or not, but it was still reassuring.

Yet you were unable to open the door and enter. You could hear boisterous talking and laughter coming from inside, reminding you of your past. Being so wrapped up in everything, making bad decisions, feeling so horrible the morning after.

And always the teasing taunts…

Was Balam already here? You had messaged him shortly after leaving Sullivan's office, and had texted him through the remainder of the afternoon and evening. He had offered to escort you, but admitted he was also likely going to have his hands full trying to convince Kalego to attend.

You had reassured him you could manage, sympathizing that he was likely going to have a hard enough time with Kalego. But right now, the thought of him by your side, large hand braced against your back as he reassured you everything would be okay was severely tempting.

The sound of flapping wings pulled you from your thoughts and you looked up in time to see Kalego and Balam arrive. Seeing a demon’s wings was always a shock, considering most of the time they were hidden, and you couldn’t resist a moment to study the two’s own pair. Kalego’s was dark and glossy skin, large yet lithe. They were a pair from a typical legend, whereas Balam's…

Dark green feathers with a span that was nearly as long as he was tall. You knew you had seen them before in the chaos of Walter park, but you hadn’t been able to appreciate them.

Granted, you couldn’t exactly appreciate them now either; because as soon as the two landed, their wings folded back into virtual non-existence.

"You weren’t waiting for us, were you?” Balam asked after greeting you cheerfully by name.

“No, I, um, just got here,” You explained awkwardly. It wasn’t quite a lie, you hoped only a few minutes had passed while you were having a moment.

“Let’s get this over with,” Kalego sighed, pushing past you towards the door. Balam’s arm wrapped around your mid back, providing warmth and safety that you had just been craving. You felt your face flush, but also pressed closer to him, seeking further reassurance.

If he was here, you knew you would be safe.

The chattering you had been hearing suddenly silenced as soon as Kalego had opened the door, making you tense.

The inside of the bar was dark with just a few candles lit to offer a trace amount of light. You pressed closer to Balam’s arm - some instinctual part of you terrified as a robed figure stepped out of the shadows and held out a hand towards you. “Welcome, you who strive to fill the role of the Librarian of Babyls…”

“Must you really be so dramatic?” Kalego growled, interrupting the deep voice. “Seriously, Dali, she’s already worked in the library for a few months."

There was a pout on Dali’s face as he pulled back his hood. "It’s tradition, Kalego. I thought you of all demons would respect that."

"There’s hardly a need for theatrics with this one,” Kalego shot back, gesturing sharply to you. “At this point it’s a mere formality."

"You’re just jealous you didn’t get the role to scare her.” Robin stepped out of the gloom, pointing an accusing finger at Kalego. “Or you would have jumped at the chance!"

Kalego huffed and crossed his arms. "Don’t be ridiculous.”

Someone grumbled about the effect being ruined, and with a snap the lights flared to life. More of the teachers lowered their hoods and chimed their own thoughts of how things should have went.

“Are they always like this?” You whispered as the argument–bickering, really– continued.

“Well, not usually…” Balam admitted quietly. “But typically one is initiated when they first start. You’re a bit of a special case."

"Can we just hurry up and get this over with?” Elder Morax complained rather loudly. “I thought the main event tonight would be celebrating!”

Dali sighed, conceding he had lost. “Very well. Please, step forward, Ms. Suzuki.” He gestured to you, and Balam’s protective touch became a gentle nudge forward. You looked up at him, almost pleading. He smiled reassuringly, silently affirming it would be okay.

You gulped and hesitantly stepped towards Dali. As soon as you did, a crimson circle flared to life beneath your feet, symbols carving themselves into the stone floor. You recognized a few Runes, but the fear had your mind preoccupied too much to try and study it.

That, and magic flowing from it was near palpable, making the hair at the nape of your neck raise as your heart quickened.

“To be a part of Babyls is a highly sought after opportunity,” Dali started, his usual cheerful demeanor shifting into one far more serious. "To guide and guard the treasure of Babyls, its students, is the highest honor next to being among the Thirteen Crowns. Do you pledge your life to protect our treasure above all else? Do you swear that their safety and wellbeing will be of higher importance than your own life?”

You could tell that this wasn’t some meaningless pledge. You could feel the magic waiting for your answer; to bind your pledge deeper than just your word, but to your very core.

It made you hesitate and think - was this really what you wanted to do? Yes, you loved Iruma and his classmates, and were fond of many other students… but did you care for them to the point of agreeing to yet another magical contract?

You reflected on the fact of just how much your life had improved since coming to the Netherworld. How you had quickly come to love this world full of demons and dangers.

And becoming the Librarian of Babyls had been one the best things that had happened to you.

The magic tugged at you, demanding an answer.

Hell, it was better than the fishery. And you had to admit, being a librarian at Babyls? Swearing to protect the children with your life?

There could be worse fates.

“I swear,” You answered, meeting Dali’s eyes firmly, and instantly felt the magic snap into place. The odd sensation took your breath away as the symbols flared a fiery red beneath you.

There was a strange notion that maybe you hadn’t sold your soul to Sullivan after all…

But instead had just signed it over to Babyls.

A thunderous applause broke out from the surrounding teachers as the circle faded into nothing, and before you could blink, Balam had swung you off your feet, lifting you until you were sitting on his shoulders. You clutched to him, stunned by the sudden change as you looked down at everyone.

Smiling. Cheering. Even Kalego had a faint smile on his face.

You knew you had made the right choice.

--+--

Where you had been defensive around your previous coworkers - feeling as if you had to constantly prove yourself and be on guard - here you didn’t.

They easily accepted the fact you didn’t want any alcohol, and in fact had many recommendations on non-alcoholic drinks instead. Despite being new and a bit of an outsider, you didn’t feel excluded.

Actually, quite the opposite. In a blur of events, you had been dragged from Balam’s side to a separate table across the large room, where most of the female teachers had gathered. Not just Raim and Momonoki; but Suzy, Furcus, and Tsumuru too.

Which, the latter confused you, since you thought Tsumuru was male, but decided to just go with it. It wasn't your place to judge, or even question.

“We actually have a full table now!” Tsumuru cheered, being echoed by the others.

“I have to admit, I do love what you’ve done with the library,” Furcus admitted, the older woman smiling softly at you, looking rather tired. “Through the years, no one’s really paid much attention to the organization of it.”

“A lot of the students have enjoyed the new study spaces,” Tsumuru added, making you flush from the attention. “I’ve even seen an increase in grades, which I can’t contribute to anything else but the library’s renovation. I was so excited when Dali said you were being initiated! I can only imagine how you’ll help in the future!"

"Those cubbies also make for good make-out spots,” Raim added with a wink, making you flush even more. “Or have you and Balam found that out already?”

You paled at the insinuation. Especially as everyone's attention turned to you, eager to hear the gossip apparently. A lump filled your throat as you looked downwards, avoiding their looks.

This was what you were avoiding, partly. But…. avoiding was obviously not causing The Rumor to die away, so….

“W-we aren’t courting, despite what the rumors say,” You stated with a bit of a stammer, deciding there was no way to avoid the topic - so you were going to face it head on. With blunt honesty.

“What?!"

It wasn’t just Raim and Momonoki giving you incredulous looks as you had expected - it was all of them. Even perpetually calm Suzy and Furcus looked surprised.

"No, that’s just not possible!” Momonoki protested, her pale face flushed as she clenched her fists. “J-just look at you two! It’s obvious!”

“It’s more obvious than her crush on Kalego,” Suzy chimed, gesturing to the blue-haired teacher who blushed even more, yet nodded in agreement.

“Exactly! How are you two not courting?"

You rubbed your face, willing the burning sensation to fade from your face. "Look, it's… it’s like this. We fell into an easy friendship–camaraderie,” You corrected, seeing their odd looks, “…because of mutual interests. And his skinship is a perfect match for my own…issues. But that isn’t to say we’re romantically interested in each other.”

Raim frowned and leaned on the table, drawing closer to you. “I am a succubus, remember? I can literally taste the attraction between you, so don’t give me that devibullshit."

Wait. Could Succubi do that?

The others were nodding, so you had to assume they could, and that Raim wasn’t lying.

"I mean, I-I am kinda… interested… in him…” You admitted, casting a glance to the table across the room where the other staff were. They were by far louder, so you doubted that anyone else could overhear the infamous Girl Talk you had been dreading.

Yet almost sensing you were looking at him, Balam shifted to look at you - head tilted to express his concern. You blushed deeper but gave a small wave, letting him know you were fine.

Even if you were internally dying of embarrassment.

The corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled and returned your small wave before his attention was caught by Robin invading Kalego’s space once more.

You looked back, and found everyone giving you a look that virtually said: 'See! Totally obvious!'

“Are you telling me that you two are mutually interested in each other,” Raim virtually seethed. “But not even having fun behind closed doors? Have you even said anything?!”

You blinked, startled by the severe expression on her face. You had no idea she - or the others - had been so invested in the relationship between you and Balam.

"It's… it's complicated, okay!" You insisted, fidgeting under their intense looks. "I mean, it's hard to explain, but let me assure you, Balam's…not interested in me like that."

Snorts and giggles echoed from around the table. "Oh, oh Devi--" Tsumuru wheezed. "That's just--!"

"I have known Balam since he was a student," Furcus continued with a smile. "He's never paid a single person this kind of attention, even when he and Kalego were virtually taking on the whole school. The attention he gives you rivals that of his passion for the study of imaginary creatures."

You had to carefully not react to that, and took a long drink from your glass.

Yeah. That… that was exactly your problem. You were an imaginary creature, after all. He didn't see you as a potential romantic partner, just a very precious specimen.

"I say," Raim started, a wicked smile on her face, "You just take him into one of those nooks in the library and show him what your feelings are."

You spluttered before coughing, your drink threatening to go down your windpipe. "What?! I-I can't… I can't do that!"

"Why not?" She huffed. "Believe me, demons like Balam would go crazy for someone taking the lead. Those big buff men are often the softest subs, and driving them crazy is always so much fun…"

It felt like your cheeks were on fire and you were sure your face was redder than Tsumuru's puffy pigtails as you slid down in your seat. Because your gutter mind had happily appeared, summoned by the mere brief thought of that kind of situation, and had grabbed the idea to run with.

Being alone in one of the quiet nooks, away from prying ears and eyes. Balam sitting in one of the reclining chairs, easily dwarfing the furniture meant for students. Then… you… straddling his lap, taking control.

You could easily imagine him whining after the other day, moaning so prettily as you teased him. That blissed, vulnerable look on his face taking on a whole new meaning.

Him smiling up at you, enjoying whatever pleasure you were giving him.

"Awww, look at her!" Raim coo'd. "I think she likes that idea."

You covered your face in shame with a whimper. "Oh my devi. Just kill me now." Not only had your imagination run wild, but everyone had a pretty good idea of what you had been imagining. And with who.

"Not before you get a chance to live out that dream!" Momonoki stated rather cheerfully. "I mean, between us both crushing on the school's most powerful teachers, you actually have a shot of those daydreams becoming true!"

"I don't though!" You whined. "And even if I did… I don't know… I haven’t really done this before." You admitted guiltily, which was a whole nother piece of the problem. Yes, before you had some… one night stands and all, well before Iruma came into your life.

But… romance? What you wanted with Balam? “This is unfamiliar territory for me!”

“But, Iruma is your son,” Furcus added, a frown gracing her face. “You can’t have children without mating."

“T-that, was…” You trailed off, fear flooding through your mind as you worried about being caught in your lie. You had built a backstory, but hadn’t quite explained it to Iruma - and you weren’t sure what he had said about the matter. What if he had said something that would contradict you? What if it planted seeds of doubt in their minds?

Devi, if only adoptions were normal in the Netherworld. But you had seen it yourself at Walter Park; most demons were demonish in that aspect.

“Is the rumor of his father true?” Tsumuru asked as your pause became stagnant. “He’s really not present?"

"It was one of those… unintended things,” You awkwardly excused, not completely sure how deep a hole you were digging yourself. But surely demons had one-night stands? And maybe decided to keep any child conceived afterwards?

“I’ve had plenty of those,” Raim sighed dreamily, destroying any doubt. “Though, you know there are plenty of… remedies for afterwards.”

You shrugged your shoulders, trying to act sheepish, or maybe casual; anything but absolutely relieved. “Yeah, but… Iruma’s one of the best things in my life so I don’t regret anything.”

“While that is adorable,” Momonoki interjected. “Our main concern should be that our dear librarian hasn’t courted before, and we all know Balam hasn’t either. They’re both helpless! We need to help them!”

Suzy hummed a bit too innocently, “You just want a real-life romance novel to play out before your eyes, don’t you?"

The other demon turned a bright shade of pink."That is totally besides the point!”

“You guys,” You whined. “It really isn’t that big of a deal. Balam and I…we’ll figure it out.”

Part of you still doubted the truth in Raim's claim. Or, maybe if Balam was physically attracted to you… he wasn't romantically?

You whined again as you buried your face in your hands. This was all so confusing. Just as you were able to convince yourself you would be okay with a platonic relationship…

Suzy patted your head reassuringly. “I’m sure you will. But if you ever need some advice, feel free to ask. I courted many a demon back in my day before deciding to pledge my life to Babyls."

You looked up, trying to imagine the devibotany teacher… dating. While adorable, in a way, it also seemed rather… wrong.

"I would be happy in giving you a few pointers and tips on seduction," Raim offered with a wink. "Together, we could have that giant of a demon wrapped around your finger.” She smirked while twirling her own hair around her graceful fingers, making you blush deeper.

Furcus snorted, “You say that as if he isn’t already."

Tsumuru nodded, "You don’t have to be a master at psychiatry like myself to know he has it bad."

”And,” Raim continued in a staged whisper, leaning over the table closer to you. "Once he’s wrapped around your finger, you can finally wrap yourself around his–"

You gave a startled yelp and quickly covered her mouth, too embarrassed to hear those words spoken aloud.

--+--

The evening became livelier as the 'Ladies Table' (plus Tsumuru but again, you weren't going to question) joined the others.

To probably no one’s surprise, you ended up once more next to Balam; and all too aware of the 'supportive’ gestures from your female colleagues, ranging from subtle thumbs up and winks to awkward gestures that you had no idea what they meant - but seemed vulgar anyways.

You could only pray Balam hadn’t noticed them or the fact you would suddenly pull his attention elsewhere in an attempt to keep him from noticing. If he had, he kept silent and just rolled with your antics.

Balam was his usual 'touchy' self, his hand usually either brushing mindlessly in your hair, or rubbing your back and shoulder. It was impossible not to relax into him, soaking in his warmth and comfort.

Soon, Robin and Dali pulled out games like Bingo and Charades, along with some Netherworld games you had no name for but inevitably had you laughing until your ribs hurt. Partly just because of the antics of the others as they drank more and more while you stayed sober.

But, you had a feeling you would have ended up having a good time regardless. It truly was nothing like your previous experiences; you were thoroughly enjoying yourself. Especially as Balam helped you somewhat sneakily with the games, surprising you.

He'd just wink slightly, a pink tinge to his pale cheeks.

He was also the only one that could more or less compel Kalego to participate as well, which made you giggle as the other demon grumbled half-heartedly.

And, well, having fun and being happy filled you with a sort of boldness, leading you to tease the dark haired demon. Kalego would take it in stride and subtly return the teasing with light-hearted taunts. Which - judging by Balam’s excited reactions as the two of you bantered back and forth - meant Kalego had officially accepted you into the fold.

"One last game!" Robin announced dramatically, gesturing to the wait staff of the Inn. "The one that no night celebrating is complete without! Truth or dare!"

You couldn't quite believe it. Truth or dare? It seemed like such a childish game to you. But the intoxicated staff cheered as if it sounded like an amazing idea.

Granted… they were also very drunk. There were many tired glassy eyes; Raim and Momonoki leaning against each other to stay in their seats, Orias had lost his hat sometime to Buer at one point, and you had to admit the purple fedora looked odd on the typically serious demon. Suzy was all but laying on the table, her small tail twitching lazily rather like a cats, and her eyes barely open.

And yet a few didn't seem to be as affected by the alcohol. Kalego and Balam both, for instance. Yes, Balam's touch was more firm, slowly pulling you from your seat and virtually into his lap. And Kalego had a small smile on his lips, no longer bothering to continue with the displeased facade. Ifrit and Dali both seemed more relaxed, but likewise unaffected.

The inn staff cleared the table, and placed shot glasses before everyone. You could tell they were going to skip you as they had done before when bringing out rounds (though would return with another kind of drink should you want one).

Maybe it was because you were tired, or you felt relaxed, but you gestured to them to leave you a shot glass. One small shot surely wouldn't affect you that badly.

"Are you sure?" Balam asked softly when he realized your intentions.

"Just one," You reassured. "If I'm too bad, just call dad for me. No need for you to suffer like last time."

His cheeks darkened slightly, his hand squeezing you a little tighter at the memory. "That… that was no trouble."

You were about to argue that being used as a pillow and sleeping upright could not have been very comfortable when Robin clapped his hands to gather everyone's attention.

"Okay! We all know the rules, but since some of us barely remember our names right now …"

"Robin!" Momonoki exclaimed, sounding rather proud until Raim giggled, drawing her closer.

"That's his name, my dear, not yours."

"Oh…"

Robin simply gestured to the pair, as if they proved his point. "So, I'll start, and then whoever I call on goes next. You can answer a truth or a dare, or if you're a cockatriece, you can take a shot."

"No daring illegal… things," Dali added lazily. "No nudity or streaking."

"Damn it," Both Tsumuru and Elder Morax groaned together.

"We still do work together, and I don't want another prank war to start out as vengeance."

"You're the one who started it," Kalego mentioned casually, though there was a mischievous glint in his eyes. Dali narrowed his eyes and leaned closer, pointing at the other demon.

"Listen, just because you're our guard dog and technically higher rank doesn't mean I won't wipe the floor with you, pup."

Kalego huffed, a smirk growing on his lips. "I believe you said that last time, and I recall I won that time as well."

"Okay, Suzy!" Robin interrupted hurriedly. "Truth or Dare."

"Mngh, I don't want to move," She sighed as she nestled her head in her folded arms on the table. "So truth."

"Er, what plant is your favorite?" The green haired demon asked weakly.

"That's easy. My gatling daffodils, of course. They're so pretty and deadly…"

As she called on Elder Morax (who had apparently already taken his shot and needed to be poured another) You turned your attention to Balam and asked quietly: "What happened between Dali and Kalego?"

Balam played with your hair carelessly as he sighed. "Last year when Kalego hosted, Dali had done something to annoy him. I can't remember what, but when we were playing, Kalego dared Dali to dress in a maid outfit for a month. Well, Dali never turns down a challenge." He laughed softly, the sound of his chuckle making your stomach squirm. "I think there are still a few students unable to look him in the eye. But, after the month was up, Dali… decided he wasn't going to allow Kalego to go unpunished for that."

You snorted, and could only imagine considering Dali's reputation.

"Oh little miss librarian~" Raim coo'd, making you freeze.

No. Oh no. You looked over at the Seduction teacher and saw the devious expression in her hooded eyes as she leaned on the table, pointing her shot glass at you.

"Truth. Or. Dare."

This was a childish game, you had just thought that minutes ago. But now the implications were crashing down around you. All the secrets that you held, from embarrassing to life-threatening.

Everyone's eyes were on you, not letting you weigh the pros, cons, and risks. "Truth?" You answered weakly, and felt Balam's hand move to squeeze yours reassuringly.

An even more impish smile crossed Raim's lips. "I dare you to admit your feelings."

Your heart was lodged in your throat, even as Robin coughed. "Raim, she chose truth, not dare."

Raim frowned, her mind working against the fogginess encasing it, but you didn't wait for her to find her words. You grabbed the shot glass and tipped it back quickly, feeling the burn instantly rush down your throat before you slammed the glass on the table.

Startled expressions focused on you as you winced and wheezed from the burn, screwing your face as the odd taste of mint did nothing to make it any more palatable. "God, is this actual mouthwash?"

"Our little librarian has quite a mouth on her," Dali chuckled moments before grins and applause rang out, the teachers apparently impressed and too intoxicated to realize you had dodged Raim's question - especially as you quickly called on Kalego, hoping to keep them from noticing.

Though, judging by the light in his eyes, Kalego had noticed, and was both interested and suspicious. Yet, by the grace of some deity, he did not return the attention back to you after your pitiful question about his interest in Cacti.

(Yes, he had a collection of various cacti. Which was surprising to you, as you assumed it had just been an odd rumor the misfits had created).

And… Well, you were too nervous to look at Balam despite being able to virtually feel the curiosity rolling off him in waves.

Or maybe that was the anxiety and vague paranoia mixing with the shot. It didn't affect you like downing the whole glass back at Walter Park, but still felt like you had more than one normal shot.

Thankfully, the game didn't last long enough for anyone to call on you yet again. In fact, within half an hour, most of the other teachers were passed out either against the table or spread out on the floor.

"Is it really okay to leave Robin with everyone?” You asked as you left with Balam and Kalego.

“He arranged it and allowed Dali to partake as well,” Kalego replied with a snort. “He needs to take responsibility for his actions."

"Considering most of them live in the teachers’ dorms, he won’t have that much difficulty,” Balam assured, his hand rubbing your back thoughtlessly as he looked down at you. “Are you okay with returning home?"

The nightmare in question - still patiently waiting at her post - snorted and pawed a hoof as if insulted by Balam’s implication. You laughed at the Nightmare's antics before smiling up at him. "Podargos will make sure I get home safe and sound. Dad and Opera trained her well."

Yet despite the reassurance, Balam seemed reluctant to let you go. His hand brushed your cheek softly as he held your gaze, making your stomach drop and your heart pick up pace.

The words of Raim and the others echoed in your head as you lost yourself in the darkness of his eyes. Maybe it was their insistence, and the liquid courage flowing through you that made you hope that maybe they were right. That his feeling's weren't entirely platonic...

Yet, even if they were right, and your dreams were closer to reality, you were still so lost on what to do next. Even if he was human, you wouldn't be sure what the next step would be. Romance hadn't been a thing for you.

Was it unfair of you to wait for him to make that next move - to make his intentions known?

Or was he waiting for you?

Devi, he’d probably end up waiting forever if he was. You don’t know if you possessed the boldness to take that next step without his lead.

"Shichiro,” Kalego called dryly, interrupting the moment. “Shall I leave you two alone? I would like to be home before dawn."

"Still feeling that last glass, Kalego?” You couldn’t help but tease despite the warmth spreading across your cheeks, realizing how long you had been caught up appreciating Balam while lost in your thoughts.

Kalego's eyes narrowed slightly, though you hoped it was in good humor. “I applaud the fact you restrained yourself from drinking very much. I hate to see what other rumors the school would be concocting if everyone witnessed you crawling into Shichiro’s lap to sleep."

Your face turned deep red and you were torn between seething and trying to save whatever reputation you had left.

"You two…” Balam sighed, shaking his head though you didn't miss the faint blush on his own cheeks.

Wait… did he… did he know about The Rumour? Was there something you were missing?

You were too tired to even think about tackling that tonight.

“Well,” You sighed as you turned your full attention back to Balam. “Since Kalego apparently needs help finding his way home~”

“I do not–” Kalego hissed.

"-- I should say goodnight as well." Without really thinking, you reached up and patted Balam’s cheek, barely able to reach. The giant demon quickly leaned down so you could reach easier, almost eager to feel your touch.

And - well, the temptation to run your fingers through his hair was too much for you to resist. It was just so soft and silky between your fingers. Just a few small strokes and Balam’s eyes had fluttered shut as he leaned more into your touch.

He looked so happy, so content - so utterly cute. Your heart felt overwhelmed, completely overriding any logical thoughts your mind was trying to send.

You gave into impulse and leaned in closer to press a quick kiss to his cheek. Half on his mask, half on his skin leading to an odd contrast of hot and cool against your lips as you lingered.

There was a faint metallic taste on your tongue as you pulled away after a moment. Your stomach twisted into a tighter knot at the expression in his eyes. His pupil had narrowed, reminding you briefly of the illustrations you had seen about demons entering an evil-cycle.

It was a look of hunger and something else you were admittingly too scared to name. One that sent thrills and a different kind of heat tingling down your spine.

“Goodnight, Shichiro.” You whispered after a moment, body somehow on autopilot as you stepped away, feeling rather like a rabbit stepping away from a hawk.

You mindlessly nodded at Kalego, bidding him goodnight, somehow able to turn your back to Shichiro Balam, yet swearing you could feel his eyes follow you as you walked to Podargos. You managed to undo the knot keeping her tethered with shaky hands before pulling yourself up in the saddle.

You still didn't look back as you urged her home. She didn't need any other command as she took off in a gallop.

--+--

Silence hung over the two demons as they watched the nightmare disappear into the darkness, carrying you with it. Kalego spread his wings, knowing that Shichiro would follow even in his baffled state.

Sure enough, a second later, his companion was in the sky beside him; the ruffle of feathers against the wind near-silent. Silence hung between them as they headed towards the forest that contained their individual homes. The Nabarius heir chosen to guard the school was allotted their own place not far from the school itself, and Balam preferred solitude versus the teacher's dorm for obvious reasons - though he practically lived in his prep room at school.

Kalego knew the blessed silence wouldn’t last for very long. Not after witnessing your bold display. At this rate, he wasn't sure who was going to cave in first, though there had been a brief moment he thought he would have to intervene possibly on Shichiro's behalf, feeling his mana spike as if he was moments away from tackling and claiming you right then and there.

Which, given everything, would have caused a very large headache.

Before they reached the first trees of the forest, Shichiro finally broke the silence with a whisper. "She kissed me…”

Kalego sighed faintly. “I saw.” Truely, Kalego was happy for Shichiro. He hadn't seen him this happy or excited in such a long time.

But why did you have to finally end Shichiro’s doubts tonight? Kalego was already mentally worn out from the long week, plus the hours of forced social interaction. He just wanted to go home, have a long hot shower, and sleep. That is all he wanted at this point.

“And called me Shichiro!” Balam’s awed whisper turned into giddiness, and Kalego could easily imagine his companion blushing furiously despite the sky being so dark, the moons barely providing any light.

There were only two demons (himself and Opera, of course) outside the family that called Shichiro by his given name. Everyone else was too terrified of the gentle giant to take such liberties.

“I was there for that as well,” Unfortunately, Kalego added mentally. He was actually surprised it took you this long, to be honest. After all, you had the whole Misfit class calling you mom now - if rumors proved correct. He had figured you had been using Shichiro in private for weeks now.

Apparently not.

A flap of feathered wings and Balam was gliding next to Kalego, the tips of his wings about brushing his. “Thank you, Kalego," Shichiro stated softly, "for changing your mind."

Part of his aggravation faded away, and Kalego nodded slightly. "It wasn’t too terrible, I suppose.” The finest wine money could buy, all from the Chair demon’s own account. The food was surprisingly decent for a dive bar, and there had been a few amusing moments.

The moment of peace shortly faded as Balam all but giggled. “I can’t believe she actually kissed me!"

Kalego decided he should have taken a bottle of wine home with him after all.

Hell, if he was going to endure this… "So, what are you going to give her as an offering when you ask to court her?"

There was a flutter of wings as Balam faltered mid air with a choked noise, making Kalego smirk.

He might get some amusement out of this yet.

--+-- Su-Ki-Ma--+--

Opera calmly poured Lord Sullivan’s tea, though their mind was full of unrest. You and Iruma had become close, and they acknowledged both of you as members of the Sullivan family, and therefore under their protection.

And as such, they worried about your safety. You weren't just an amusing possession of his Lord's to keep safe until Sullivan grew tired. You were now Opera's Lady to protect with their life.

"Not to question your decision…” Opera started as they set the kettle aside. “But is it wise to have her sworn in as a Babyls faculty?”

After all, a human under the Oath of Babyls? The ceremony and rite was old, ancient magic that bound a teacher to the school and their duties. How would it even react to a human? Would it be the same, or cause you to suffer?

“You said it yourself,” Lord Sullivan stated calmly as he picked up his tea cup. “Evil is stirring, even here at Babyls. Iruma will be well protected between his ring and his classmates, though I plan to ask Barbatos Bachinko to continue to tutor him. However, my dear daughter does not have his power or allies. Even if she becomes Balam’s intended, the Oath will force him to put the students before her. But, if she is sworn in as faculty…”

“Then the others will see her as one of them, even if her identity is revealed,” Opera finished as they realized Sullivan’s true intent. “They will be more inclined to protect her as well."

Sullivan nodded before smiling softly. "Plus, she really is as antisocial as Kalego. She could stand to use a few more– what do they call them? Friends? Humans are social creatures after all…"

Opera nodded before shifting to attend their other duties. They needed to trust their Lord. Despite his eccentric tendencies, he was still a powerful and wise demon, one that was deserving of the title Demon King in Opera's humble opinion.

But yet… a seed of worry continued to fester. What game was Sullivan playing with these two humans?

#mairimashita! iruma kun #welcome to demon school iruma kun #balam shichiro #balam/reader #suzuki iruma #lord sullivan #naberius kalego #opera #balam shichiro x reader

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