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lady-ashfade · 3 months

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soulmate au with percy and reader. i was thinking like reader is like a complete nobody at camp and the daughter of some not really known god. percy and reader meet by accident and they figure out they are soulmates. percy at first didn’t want anything to do with it because he had feelings for annabeth but comes around.

Percy Jackson x Fem!reader. (Soulmate au)

-£ Pictured a older version of book Percy, but imagine them staying a camp or coming late.

-£ words: 1.5 words

-£ warnings: Angst, rejection, jealousy, I love annabeth, percy being mean? Idk. Anyway kinda short. What can I say, I love a man with dark hair who has sass?🤷‍♀️

“Do you ever wonder who you’re soulmates is?” percy sat on the log near the cliff looking over the sunset. annabeth keeping her eyes on the forest below, smiling softly as the orange sun hit her skin.

“I’m not worried about it, they will come to me when the time is right.” she replied with a calm voice.

percy could help himself from looking down at her hand and slowly inching his hand near hers. the marking was just late. he knew that she was his soulmate. how could she not be after everything they went through? besides no one knew him like she did.

fate is a funny thing.

because the person who was chosen to be his, and his alone wasn’t the girl he sat next to. it was you. you barely had any contact with percy. never even spiking a word to each other and yet the world still twined you together.

looking back on it he wished he reacted in a nicer way then he did. anything other then what he did, even faint.

he was running a pile of arrows to the archery training ground when he ran into you. as soon as your eyes met the world was slow for just a second and colors shined brighter then they did. in that moment you both felt something that was more then the gods. something even the gods can’t touch.

“woah,” you whisper with your hands still held onto the arrows he was trying to give to you. his hands didn’t stop clinching onto the wood, he couldn’t believe it.

you blink at him for him to do something other then stand there and stare with a open mouth. sure this type of thing wasn’t normal but he didn’t even move a inch.

but you wished he had stayed quiet, “Look, I um..” he let go of the things you two shared and took a step back with hasted.

“I have to run.” you watched him run off like there was nothing important to keep him here.

At first you thought that he was just shy, in shock, and didn’t know what to say. but you soon figured out he wanted nothing to do with you. you followed him around and tried to talk to him at every chance you got but he would always slip from your fingers.

cornering him in the woods at night wasn’t the best idea but you had but there was not other choice. it didn’t feel good to have your soulmate avoid you.

“There is a mistake.” his voice echoed through the woods, “I feel nothing for you. I am sure you are amazing, but you are not my soulmate.”

he watched the tears pool into your eyes like the waves he controlled. taking a step back from the news from his lips that crushed your soul. “I am in love with another.”

Licking your lips you roll your eyes to try and stop the tears forming. “it’s annabeth isn’t it?” he couldn’t deny it even if he wanted to. the silence he gave when he opened his mouth but nothing came out told you everything you needed to know.

“I do hope you live a happy life,” you walked closer to him only inches away, “especially when she finds her soulmate.” you walked past him and down the dirt path back to your cabin where you broke down.

fate was twisted and cruel for giving you him.

day and night you thought about him. and day and night you got worse. everyone could see the toll of being rejected but no one new by who. not a soul knew about you and percy and you honestly liked it that way. no pity glances when they hung out together.

soulmate depression was a serious thing and could lead one down to a never reversible illness. your eyes lost their light, no one ever saw you smile, looking as dead like as possible. every positive feeling in your body was drained out.

annabeth looked over at you at diner time as you stared at the plate in front of you, sitting at the edge of the bench. “It’s terrible,” she said and picked at her food with a fork. “I hope they come around.”

the trio stared at you in pity, one of them feeling guilt. “It’s a really bad case, I feel so bad.” Grover looked sad as he almost cried himself. love was supposed to be for real, that’s what soulmates were for! If he had one he would never let them get like that.

Percy found himself studying the girl. Her hair messy, her face grime and eyes blank and darker then the last time he looked in them. And Percy was the cause.

“Yeah,” the black hairy boy turned and poked at his food.

It has been week since then and a weight sunk in his stomach when he thought of you, which was almost every moment now. He thought about how you would smile before and how he wanted to see that again. He really thought he liked annabeth but each day that feeling went away.

Maybe he could think things over. But how could he apologize? Would you still want him?

But as Percy thought over the war in his head you moved on. Or as much as you could. there was a sickness in your body but you tried to fight it and spent time with your friends.

one boy took you in quickly. the two of you now glued at the hip and he was the only one who seemed to make you smile now.

“Dude,” Grover knocked his shoulder with his own, “What did he do to you?”

The son of Poseidon darted his eyes lowly at some boy. The way you smiled ever so sweetly like he has been wishing to see for weeks but this- This guy could cause it easily. And those small laughed he could hear so faintly in his ears.

“Nothing.” Percy stated while still glaring at the guy heavily.

the satyr nodded but lingered his eyes on his friend for a few seconds. clearly not believing him one bit.

“I have to tell you something,” he pulled his eyes away from you and to his friend. Guilt covering his face. “You know how y/n got reflected by her soulmate?” his voice shaky.

“Of course, it was hard to watch.” He answered. It didn’t take long for him to connect the dots when Percy lifted his brows as a sign. Grover gasped loudly.

“You did- Oh my god’s. How could you?” His mouth was then covered by Percy as he shh’d him.

Percy took a big breath as he held his hand over his mouth, “I’m not proud of it. It was just, I didn’t feel like we could be. I thought me and annabeth were soulmates until they came along,” he turned his eyes back to your direction to find you laughing slightly with your friends.

“I was terribly wrong.”

As much as Grover was mad at his friend he could see the guilt and regret on his face. He helped him come up with a plan, and gave him a very long lecture about love. Annabeth found out, and cursed him out. Saying that the marks don’t lie and was overly upset he could do that for her.

it took a week of long work for him to build up the courage to finally talk to you.

lucky he knew exactly where you would be. in the same stop he saw you for the first time as his soulmate. In the training grounds. You had been walking back to your cabin looking as beautiful as always even with your gloomy change.

you had a basket in your hand. you hummed quietly and kept your eyes on the dirt path underneath your feet. you were too out of it to hear him walking from behind you. “Y/n.” He called your name.

turning around startled you are met with him smiling at you. the boy who broke your heart standing there with a warm smile on his face as if he didn’t do anything wrong.

“Percy.” You whisper and step back. “I um…Do you need something?” you were shaking almost.

He got closer slowly as he got more awkward by the second, “can we talk?” you were hesitant to expect his offer but you nodded.

“I want to apologize for rejecting you. I felt horrible watching you- Well, get like this.” He kept getting closer and you didn’t know if you should run away or scream at him.

“I was wrong. You are the girl for me.” He saw the tears flood in the corner of your eyes and your lips tremble

“you think that’s enough?” you didn’t yell but he could sense the harsh tone in your voice. And you have that right.

“No, not really.” his frowns. Knowing he needed to do more.

“But I’m willing to work as hard as I need to. If you will have me?”

His green eyes filled with sorrow. the feeling to leave him here, with nothing like he did to you. But you couldn’t. You felt better in his presence as he looked at you.

“I’ll allow it, but we take this slow.” All he could do was smile again and nod his head in understanding.

even if you didn’t trust him. he healed your heart in the matter of seconds.

#percy jackson x you #Percy Jackson x reader #book percy jackson #book Percy #percy jackson imagine #soulmate au #percy jackson x fem!reader

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casdeans-pie · 10 months

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Combining these and writing fic at 12am *chefs kiss*

Thanks for the added detail that made me write this @dreampencil

---Read on AO3---

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The first time it happened, Cas almost convinced Dean that it hadn’t.

It was a hazard of the job that hunting ghosts inevitably led to grimy, abandoned, pile of crap houses that looked like a vengeful spirit’s wet dream. Full of rotted wood, endless layers of dust, and freaking spiders. Dean had probably seen more spiders than anyone ever should. But it was fine, because he wasn’t scared of them – he didn’t think there was a hunter alive who could do what they do and go where they go if they were – spiders were just a nuisance. A pest of the ghost-hunting variety. Dean thought nothing of wiping them from his hands or clothes or pushing through thick webs that always seemed to get everywhere.

So, when he noticed a particularly leggy spider creeping over the spikes of Cas’s hair during a hunt, of course he was going to brush it away.

Nobody wants a spider in their hair. Angel or not.

It hadn’t even been that much of a touch.

The two of them had been searching through what remained of the rotted kitchen cabinets while Sam looked upstairs, when Dean noticed the spider. In retrospect, maybe he should have said something first, but Cas had been engrossed in the contents of an old wooden drawer and Dean’s hand had simply twitched up to brush away the eldritch creature nesting in Cas’s hair before he’d even registered what he was doing.

Cas jumped violently as soon as Dean’s fingers made contact.

The single bare light bulb in the room hummed loudly as it flared and flickered. An old radio (covered in layers of years of grime and dust) crackled to life, despite being long disconnected from the power, and poured out a steady stream of static.

Then everything stopped.

The light returned to normal, the radio went silent, and Dean’s hand remained hovered awkwardly in the air where it had been since he brushed the spider away.

Cas stared at him with wide eyes.

Dean pointed at Cas’s head. “There was a- spider. In your hair,” he explained. “But uh- don’t worry, I got it.” Dean flashed him a smile, as if he’d performed a great service, and wiped his hand on his jeans. He took a step over to the radio and held up the disconnected cable. “Cas. The power just now-”

“Bad wiring,” Cas rumbled, holding Dean’s gaze. “Or maybe the ghost.”

Dean gave an unconvinced hum as he dropped the cable and rubbed his fingertips together. Cas’s hair had been softer than he’d expected… Not that he’d ever thought about running his hands through it or anything. But before Dean could linger on any of the new thoughts he was having, or ask another question about the mysterious power surge, the air had gone cold, and they were both ducking from a barrage of decorative plates flying around the room.

And Dean forgot all about it.

---Read the rest on AO3---

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The first time it happened, Cas almost convinced Dean that it hadn’t.

The second time it happened was just part of a joke, an accident.

The third time it happened was an experiment.....

The fourth time it happened was on purpose.

#I will never be over this trope #destiel #destiel ficlet #deancas #destiel drabble #pie's projects #my fanfiction #castiel's angel powers #castiel headcanon #destiel headcanon

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yxami · 6 months

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Late Halloween celebration, happy nut or not November day 7

desc: yandere vampire x gn reader, mentions of obsession, stalking, slight manipulation, regular yandere stuff

All you could smell in this busy crowd of people was alcohol and mixes of perfumes and colognes. It was distracting and overstimulating to focus on that let alone the sheer volume of this environment.

But this wasn’t your first time at a party, and you could just dismiss it like always, as long as you had a friend with you.

Speaking of a friend, where is Sol? Didn’t he say he was going to meet up with you here?

You decide to go on your phone in a secluded corner you managed to find, wondering why he hasn’t responded to your messages. You let out a sigh and decide that he’s probably just busy and he’ll be coming soon.

“What are you sighing for?” Soleil pops his head out from above on the stairs, folding his arms to rest on the railing. “Did you miss me that much?” His eyes focus on your phone’s screen, noticing that you awaiting for his text.

“So cute” He said to himself, too quiet for you to pick up on. He liked that you were impatient to find him even when you just arrived at the party.

“Yeah, I guess so, um, who’s house is this anyways?” You say, brushing off his teasing and try to focus on something else. You actually weren’t sure who was hosting this party in the first place.

“No clue, I just got invited and I decided to come, of course, with you” He grins, holding your hand to lead you somewhere. “Why don’t we get away from this lame corner and find something to do” He hums, dragging you to the living room area of this giant two story house.

“Shouldn’t we find the others too?” You look around, wondering where your friends would be since he said they would also be here. “I didn’t really ask them where we should meet up” You go on your phone to text one of them, whichever contact popped up first while Sol was serving himself a cup.

“Nahh, it’s fine, they told me they’d be here soon” He swiftly pocketed your phone into his own, handing you what you assumed was his original cup before he served himself another.

“You sure? I thought they would be here by now” You frowned slightly, wondering why he grabbed your phone and didn’t return it back but you weren’t bothered enough to inquire about it.

“Mhm, they just texted me that they’re a few minutes away, drink some punch and let’s go dance” He checked his phone, pretending to see a notification that would never exist since they were never coming.

Sol only lied saying they would because he knew you would want a few more friends for comfort, but why would you need them when you have him? He’s the only thing you’ll ever need, and he’ll get you to understand that soon enough.

Even if it takes a bit of convincing.

You gulp down some punch, the sweet yet artificially made watermelon flavor went smoothly down your throat, although you could taste a hint of alcohol in it. Whether it was poorly spiked or originally mixed in, it wasn’t strong enough to bug you.

“See, if you went to more of these parties with me you’d be more comfortable” He slings his arm around your waist, even if it seems a little too intimate for a normal friend to do. He’s never followed basic standards of society and look at him! Still popular and booming with all types of crowds that would kill for his attention.

It might also have to do with his inhumanly attractive looks that would allow him to get away with anything but is it really his fault if he gets little greedy from time to time and uses it to his advantage?

Nah, at least he doesn’t think so, he’s always had humans wrapped around his finger since he first gained his vampiric abilities.

Soleil brings you on to the presumed dance floor by all the flashing lights and dancing people, bringing you up close, showing you each movement of his favorite dance. With his chest pressed up against yours to the point where you can’t tell if the quickened heartbeat your feeling is yours or his.

“It’s one three four two one, got it?” He whispers in your ear, making your face flush a new red you’ve never felt so you meekly nod against his shoulder, trying to listen to his directions so he doesn’t look at you.

He feels his fangs pop out from it’s usual retracted place, tempted to bite you from how good you smell, but he controls himself before his fangs could even graze against your skin.

“Then this is where I pick you up!” He puts his hands on your waist, lifting you up a good few inches off the ground, surprising you as you stare at him wide eyed, he looked like he enjoyed your shocked expression judging by his love struck smile before he lowers you back onto the wood floor.

“Fun right?” He giggles, instinctively fixing your hair since he always saw you doing it.

“God, you scared me, I thought you were about to drop me” You’re thankful that your face has cooled down since it would’ve been embarrassing if he caught you with blush poured across your cheeks for what seemed to be no reason.

“I’d never drop someone as beautiful as you” He coos, words coming out like slick honey and a bit too hasty. He wasn’t able to process how affectionate his words would sound until they slipped from his lips, he covered his mouth with the back of his hand, before stupidly realizing he could play it off as a joke like he always did.

“Aaaanyways, how about we get something to eat” He sheepishly laughs, still grabbing your hand as he leads you to the kitchen. He’s left wondering whether there was provided snacks or if he had to whip something up in this shit hole of a house.

If it turned out worse than he expected then he’d just take you to his house or yours and then an unexpected sleepover could happen, but he isn’t sure how much he would able to control himself since he’s seen how entrancing you look in your pajamas through your window.

The way your hair messily sits, your tired expression, the little snores you make when your in deep sleep while having a nice dream, he honestly can’t get en—

“Soleil?”

Shit, you look confused, why are you confused? He wasn’t listening, he was too distracted thinking about you.

“Sorry, I was busy thinkin’, what did you say?” He sets his drink down on the table full of discarded drinks now joined with his, he puts his full attention on you as you lean against the kitchen wall.

“I just said that it would be nice if we ate something from somewhere else, I don’t really wanna eat.. pizza from who knows where” You peered out the kitchen doorframe as you spoke, glancing at how unappetizing the paper plates covered in grease and pieces of soggy pizza looked.

“Yeah.. yeah! Let’s just go get something from McDonald’s, cmon we can take my car, you got dropped off here right?” It’s almost like a lightbulb lights in his head as he rushes you out the door, holding onto you as he did, he was so happy you practically read his mind about leaving.

“Yeah I was but what about our friends? They still have came, I think they’ll be ma—“ You were interrupted with him leaning over you to buckle you in his car and with his words.

“Nah, they’ll be fine, I’ll send them a text Kay? They probably think it’s already too late to go since the party’s dying out” He checks the time on his cars screen, pointing at it to prove his point.

“Besides, we can watch some movies when we get home, maybe you can even sleep over, do you wanna?”

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mirisss · 4 months

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Chapter 9

Stray Kids OT8 x hybrid! afab! reader

Warnings: anxiety, mentionings of a breeding facility, verbal and physical child abuse, neglect, spiked collars, blood, injuries, scars, suicidal thoughts, being apathetic, panic attacks, low self-esteem, I think that's everything,

This chapter involves flashbacks into (Y/n)’s past, so it’s a lot of angst but there are also fluffy moments in the chapter.

Wordcount ≈ 3.2k

Thank you guys for your patience! I hope you like this chapter!

Please reblog!

Taglist: @ayoo-bangtan, @lose-lose07, @kingcarrot-thecarrotking, @starjane312, @reighlee-greaves, @hi-39024, @queenmea604, @septicrebel, @justayoungandwisefangirl, @imasimplol, @k-p0p-4ever, @detectivedoodle, @hehe-24-hehe, @jinnie-ret, let me know if you wanna be added!

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 10,

“He’s here, come on, (Y/n), we can go home and watch a movie and maybe draw some more,” “That -” YAWN “- sounds nice” “Haha, tired I see,” And so we got in the car, I barely sat down before my eyes were closing. The last thing I remember is hearing a low humming from Hyunjin as I rested my head against his shoulder before I fell into a deep sleep.

Hyunjin’s POV

As soon as we sat down in the car, (Y/n) fell asleep with her head resting against my shoulder. I managed to move around to buckle her seatbelt without waking her. I leaned my head against hers as I lowly hummed an unfamiliar tune. Every now and then, (Y/n)’s body would twitch a little, not enough to wake her but enough to keep her from being comfortable. I recognized the twitching, Jisung does it sometimes too. I have done it a couple of times.

Anxiety.

Her anxiety is making her twitch, shiver, flinch even. That explains why she’s tired all the time, the anxiety twitches are keeping her from resting properly. I wish we knew more about what she has been through so that we can help her.

Her ears twitch every once in a while too, though after doing some research on bunny hybrids, that was a normal trait for them. Her breathing was slightly too quick to be relaxed, but the way she nestled into my shoulder made my heart race. She was so cute. I loved her just as I loved the other members. She might not have been with us for that long, but it didn’t matter. Now that she’s in our lives, everything feels complete.

I looked up and out of the car window, seeing that we were only about two minutes away from our apartment. “(Y/n), sweetie, bunny, wake up, we’re home,”

(Y/n)’s POV

“(Y/n), sweetie, bunny, wake up, we’re home,” Home. That is such a nice word. I slowly came back to consciousness as I heard Hyunjin’s sweet voice calling my name. As I opened my eyes, I noticed that I was resting against Jinnie’s shoulder. As I understood what I was doing, old habits took over me and I jerked myself away from him. “Sorry,” “It’s alright, bunny. I don’t mind. It was cozy. Now, come on, let’s go home,” “Home,” Before I could stop myself I repeated the word home, Hyunjin looked down at me, his eyes looked glassy, almost as if they were filled with tears. “Yes, home.”

The car came to a stop and we got out of the car. Hyunjin stretched out his hand and smiled at me, his eyes darting almost nervously between his hand and my eyes. I carefully took his hand, afraid that this was all a dream and if I moved too quickly, it would disappear. We went into the building, the elevator was empty for the first time since I came here. Elevators usually spike my anxiety. Reminding me of my past.

Flashback

When I was nine years old I was still with my first owner. The breeders who had my parents. They weren’t exactly mean, but neither were they nice. They only cared about the hybrids they had of the highest quality. I was not one of those. They fed me enough to keep me healthy, but they gave me no love. They never spoke with me, they never pet me, they barely even looked at me.

I hadn’t seen my parents or siblings since I was three. I felt isolated and lonely. The only friend I had was a desert fox who lived in the cage beside mine. He was also an outcast like me. The breeders said his personality wasn’t good, it didn’t fit his species. I didn’t understand what they meant, he was the nicest person I knew, before I got to know SKZ that is.

One day, one of the breeders came up to me with a scary man. The unfamiliar man stared at me with a weird, creepy look in his eyes. I backed away as far as I could in my cage. My whole body shivering, my instincts screamed at me to run but I was stuck. I couldn’t escape. “I believe this one fits everything you wanted. Quite, small, obedient, ugly.” The breeder and the man laughed loudly, the creepy man agreed, saying he’ll take me. I began crying. Begging the breeder to let me stay. The fox boy in the cage beside me raised his voice trying to stop them from taking me.

“No! Don’t take her, take me. Please, I’ll do anything, just don’t take her. Please, please, let her stay. NOO!” “Please, I want to stay. Please, I don’t want to go, please, help,” “(Y/n)!” That was the last time I saw him. He screamed my name as they dragged me out of the room filled with cages of neglected hybrids.

The creepy man dragged me out of the breeding facility with a spiked collar. The spikes dug into my neck, causing permanent damage to my skin. Silent tears ran down my cheeks as no sound would leave my throat. It was my first car ride, and I didn’t want to ever get in another car, at least not with this man. I was nine years old, and he hit me, laughed at me, called me names, and told me how he would cut me and torture me for his own pleasure.

When we arrived at wherever he was taking me, he once again dragged me along with the spiked collar. There was a tall building in front of us, and we were walking straight toward it. I tried calling for help as I saw many people around us, some of them looked but after seeing the man who was dragging me they all looked away, others didn’t look at all.

When we came inside the building, we went into a strange small room, a loud *ding* could be heard as the doors opened. The tiny room was packed with people. I didn’t want to go, but the man pulled me inside, the spikes had now penetrated my skin completely, and drops of blood ran down my neck. “Nice toy you got there boss,” A few people said the same thing, as they all stared at me. Their voices harsh on my sensitive ears as they all laughed loudly.

“Yes, we all will be able to enjoy this one. I made sure to buy a young one, so it will last long,” They spoke about me as if I were an object and not a living being. “Mm, so many fun things to do with such an ugly toy. I know it’s young but I hope it becomes prettier in the future,” My heart hurt from hearing what they said. It was true. I wasn’t pretty, that’s why the breeders didn’t keep me. It was why I didn’t deserve love.

During the five years, that I lived with that man and his friends, the elevator was a common place for verbal and later on, physical abuse. Whenever someone saw me walking around the building, they would drag me into the elevator, hitting me, kicking me, spitting on me, pulling my ears, my hair, or my tail. They would curse at me, scream at me, and tell me why I didn’t deserve to live. After five years, they kicked me out after I became numb to their advances.

I stopped speaking. I stopped crying, I stopped eating, I didn’t react to anything anymore, no matter what they did, I never reacted. I felt nothing but emptiness. I wanted nothing more than to die. If this was all my life was worth, I didn’t want to continue. When I stopped reacting, I stopped being fun for them so they kicked me out. Hoping I would die on the streets, all alone. Alone. That was all I knew how to be.

Elevators always remind me of the scars around my neck, the scars that littered my body from the abuse it suffered all those years, and most importantly, elevators remind me of how ugly and worthless I am in the eyes of many.

End of flashback

As I was pulled into a flashback, my breathing picked up, I couldn’t breathe, my eyes couldn’t seem to focus on anything, my knees felt weak, I found my own eyes in the mirror, it felt as if I looked into the eyes of my terrified nine-year-old self.

“(Y/n)! (Y/n), bunny, hold on, it’s okay, just breathe, hey, I’m here,” Hyunjin’s voice seemed far away as if he was in another room. I felt his gentle touch on my arms, I knew it was him, I knew I was safe, but my body didn’t understand. The doors to the elevator flew open with a *ding*, I used my full strength and pushed myself out of the elevator, landing on the floor outside. My arm hurt from landing on it awkwardly, but all I focused on was getting as far away from the elevator as possible.

“(Y/n), please breathe, please,” My eyes slowly stopped darting around, they focused on Hyunjin’s eyes which were filled with tears as he looked down at me. Worry was written all over his handsome face. I didn’t want him to cry, especially not because of me.

Third Person POV

(Y/n) looked up at Hyunjin as he leaned over her. The hybrid was lying on the floor, shaking, struggling to breathe, teardrops running down her cheeks. The dancer leaned over the scared hybrid, trying to calm her down, his own eyes and cheeks stained with tears, his heart hurt from seeing (Y/n) like this.

One of (Y/n)’s arms reached up and gently caressed Hyunjin’s cheek. Her hand was cold against his warm cheek. She still trembled as she tried to catch her breath. Before she knew what she was doing, she leaned her head up, her hand gently guiding Hyunjin’s head down. Their lips barely met, the kiss so gentle it almost didn’t happen, but it did. Hyunjin’s heart raced a thousand times quicker as he realized what they were doing. He was kissing (Y/n). (Y/n) was kissing him.

Hyunjin broke away from the kiss, a surprised look on his face as he looked down at the bunny. (Y/n) too looked surprised. She hadn’t realized what she had done, it seemed to be pure instinct. “I’m sorry,” (Y/n) whispered as she looked away, her hand falling from his cheek. “It’s okay. I liked it. Um, how about we get off the floor and go inside the apartment, to talk about what happened,” (Y/n) nodded in response, too embarrassed to speak.

They went inside the apartment, first going into separate rooms to change clothes. (Y/n) got dressed in the fuzzy pajamas that Jeongin reminded her they had bought, it was warm and cozy. It smelled of Jeongin and Felix. (Y/n) inhaled their scents, it calmed her down. She still felt embarrassed over kissing Hyunjin, she had never done something like that before. Her first kiss. Her first kiss.

Hyunjin was changing into some comfortable clothes too. His mind completely focused on what happened only minutes prior. (Y/n)’s soft lips against his own. Her cute eyes opened wide as she realized what she had done. Her small hand against his cheek. The way she pulled him in. It was intoxicating. He wanted more, but he had to hold himself back. (Y/n) probably didn’t mean to kiss him, she wasn’t ready, he thought. Especially after what happened in the elevator.

Hyunjin walked into the living room and found (Y/n) sitting on the couch. One of her legs bounced anxiously on the floor. “Hey, do you want some water or tea, or maybe some hot chocolate?” “Water please,” “Alright, I’ll be right back with it,” (Y/n) was nervous, and anxious, thinking that she had truly ruined this now. She kissed Hyunjin without his permission, he was probably going to call the others and tell them that she couldn’t stay. That was what (Y/n) thought.

“Here you go, bunny,” (Y/n) carefully took the cold water bottle from his hand, opened it, and took a sip. The cold water calmed her burning throat from the panic attack she had just a few minutes ago. “Would you be okay with telling me what happened in the elevator?” “It sparked some old memories,” “Could you tell me more about these memories? You don’t have to but I want to be able to help you, we all do, if you don’t feel ready to talk about it now, that’s okay, but please don’t be afraid to open up about what you’ve been through,”

He spoke with so much sincerity in his voice and so much love in his gaze as he looked into the hybrid’s eyes. (Y/n) took a deep breath before she told him of the flashback she had. New tears clouded her eyes, Hyunjin embraced her in a calming hug as she cried and told him of all the horrible things the man had put her through.

“Oh bunny, I’m so sorry, no one should ever have to go through such things,” Hyunjin held (Y/n) tighter as he did his best to calm her down. They stayed like that for a good 20 minutes until the door opened. Minho, Felix, and Jeongin stepped inside. Once they came into the living room they found Hyunjin and (Y/n) curled up on the couch together. The hybrid was still slightly shaking from crying and going through all of those memories twice.

“What happened?” Felix said as soon as he realized that (Y/n) had been crying. “It’s a long story and I don’t think (Y/n) has it in her to tell it again or be present for it to be told,” Hyunjin answered, Minho noticed that the tall boy’s eyes were glossy, he too had been crying. “Alright, we’ll talk later. Now, do you want to watch a movie, eat something, sleep, or something else?” (Y/n) sniffled a little before she leaned away from Hyunjin’s warm embrace. “I’d like to take a bath if that is fine,” “Of course, come on, I’ll set it up for you,” Jeongin said as he gave her the wide smile she loved.

Jeongin tried to cheer (Y/n) up by joking around and smiling. His presence did make her feel a bit better. Once again, he reminded her of that fox from the breeding facility. Warm, safe, familiar. His eyes were kind, with so much love and adoration in them. His touch was warm and gentle. Jeongin was happiness to her. “Do you want some bath salts in the bath?” “What’s that?” “Oh, they’re like tiny crystals that make the bath smell nice,” “Do you like those?” Jeongin smiled even wider at the question. “Yeah, they’re nice, we have a couple of different scents, this one’s my favorite!” He held out a little bottle with blue crystals, opened the lid, and let (Y/n) take in the scent. The hybrid inhaled the scent, it instantly reminded her of Jeongin.

“Do you like it?” “Yeah, it, um, it smells like you,” “I’ll put some in the bath then,” Jeongin poured a few of the crystals into the warm water filling the tub. “There we go! Your towel is here, the same spot as always, and you have your clothes here, and I think that’s all,” Jeongin was about to walk over to the door and leave (Y/n) in the bathroom. “Wait,” (Y/n) took a hold of his hand.

“Hmm, what’s wrong?” “Can you just stay with me for a little while longer, I don’t want to be alone just yet,” “Alright, I’ll stay with you as long as you want me to,” They sat down on the floor, (Y/n) still held onto his hand. Jeongin kept an eye on the water in the tub, making sure it didn’t fill too much. “Can you hug me?” “Of course,” Jeongin turned off the water before he opened his arms and (Y/n) scooted closer into his embrace.

“(Y/n), remember what we talked about earlier?” “About all of us facing challenges in the past?” “Yeah, you don’t ever have to be ashamed of what you’ve been through, none of it was your fault. We won’t ever hurt you, nor will we let anyone hurt you,” (Y/n) held onto Jeongin just a little tighter. “Can I tell you something about what happened today?” “Of course, if you want to tell me, then I’ll gladly listen,” “I’m embarrassed and worried about it,” “It’s okay, whatever it is, it will be fine,” “I kissed Hyunjin,” Jeongin looked down at (Y/n), not believing his ears.

“What?” His voice was shocked, yet his eyes still held nothing but love and adoration. Making (Y/n) feel a little less worried. “I kissed Hyunjin. I didn’t even notice, I didn’t know what I was doing, it just happened,” “Okay, do you regret it?” “Um, I don’t know. I liked it, I think. I’ve never done anything like it before. I’m just scared that he’s angry with me,” “I promise you, that he is not angry. I’m certain he’s over the moon with joy. We all love you, and kissing is a sign of love, so none of us would be angry with you for kissing us, we just want you to do it when you want to, we don’t want to pressure you into anything,”

(Y/n) listened intently as Jeongin spoke, his voice brought the bunny comfort. Her eyes explored his face. From his warm eyes to his nose, to his sharp jawline, and stopping at his lips. Something within her, yearning to feel his lips against hers. Even though the kiss with Hyunjin had barely happened, she yearned for more. She yearned to feel love in its purest form.

“Can I… Can you, kiss me?” Jeongin smiled widely, his eyes seemed to sparkle as he leaned a little closer. “Are you sure?” (Y/n)’s eyes once again darted between his eyes and his lips. She felt safe. She felt loved. “Yes, I’m sure,” Jeongin leaned even closer, his heart racing. He was nervous and excited. The bunny felt the same as she leaned a little closer. Their lips were only mere millimeters apart. (Y/n) closed her eyes, fully trusting Jeongin, just as she would with any of the eight boys she now called her home. Jeonging couldn’t help but smile as he too closed his eyes.

~ To be continued ~

Thank you for reading! Please reblog!

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batrogers · 1 month

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Mangled Wild

Because I am prolific, and because the last like four things I wrote are too mild and I wanted to indulge.

Don't worry about it, @recalled11 knows what I did.

CW for graphic violence/injury and abuse of healing factor. Also on AO3, word count ~1500

IIII

“It’s not that we heal better than others,” Captain said. “We’re simply more likely to be equipped to handle it.”

Sky responded in a tired tone. “I didn’t say I thought we healed better by a large margin, but there’s a lot more injuries we have survived as a group than the average person.”

“I think judging us against a normal person is going to be biased, because we’re also significantly more likely to be injured than them.”

Link fought down a laugh and turned to walk backwards, curious what on earth had gotten the two of them arguing. They weren’t upset; he could see them both scanning the dim area around them, alert and focused on the distance as if for danger... but there had, so far, been nothing in the depths today. They were in a wide open area beneath the Gerudo desert, so far unchanged since he’d been here last months ago.

(Was it months? He could check; he had journal entries to read, notes he’d taken but he didn’t wish to do so right now even as the information came up just because he’d thought of it. Months, yes, although close to a year...)

“We’re also more likely to have multiple injuries in a row.” Sky squinted at something behind them and nodded his head. “Wild, what’s that mound? Do you know?”

Link turned quickly and looked, seeing only mounded darkness at first. It wasn’t red, or shining; it was dark and slow and ragged spikes of zonaite – gleaming in the light, but their internal light was paler and familiary – jutted from its skin.

Because it was skim. It was a sleeping frox. Link held up one hand and waved the other two back, hoping they didn’t (hadn’t) woken it, not yet.

“Wild—” Sky objected again. Captain hissed; Link heard the sound of hand on skin and staggered footsteps.

Heard the Frox huff, and it’s eye snap open.

He’d forgotten how fast they could be.

They’d been thirty, forty feet away: more than its body length. The frox went from sleep to lunging so quickly, he could only get his arms up before—

It didn’t slam into him; it engulfed him, mouth wide open. He splayed out hands and feet immediately, but its bony tongue slammed him against the roof of its mouth and knocked the wind out of him. He gagged on fetid air and slumped.

He slumped into the side of its mouth, and when it’s teeth came down he felt his thigh crush. He gagged on a scream and kicked out with his good leg, trying to drag himself free. The frox shifted, opened its mouth and its tongue swept from one side to the other, throwing him against the far side of its mouth instead. He threw out his hands and pushed back, narrowly escaping another bite. One forearm wedged between teeth, stuck and bruised.

At least it wasn’t his ribs this time. He exhaled, fighting down panic. It had to spit him out. It had to get annoyed, right?

It got annoyed, certainly: suddenly it thrashed its head and Link was thrown from its mouth. He hit the ground, hard, skull slamming into the dirt hard enough to daze him. He struggled towards his feet, hearing screams (Sky and Captain, he thought, screaming his name) and as he half-rose the frox reached out and slammed one massive paw onto his broken body.

Link screamed. His vision burst with colour; his lungs burned. Something wet was in his throat and on his face, and he thought it was about to grab him again while he still couldn’t move, and could barely think.

He wasn’t dying; he’d have had a fairy out if he was dying, but in Hylia’s name he felt like he should be.

At least death didn’t hurt this much.

Something boomed, nearby. The frox swung around violently, hard enough its tail slammed into his side and sent him skidding across the ground. His neck burned; there was blood in his eyes, his vision turning colours even when his eyes were open but the sudden adrenaline cleared enough of his head to focus: he could fix this.

Neck first. He had enough material to fix it. The process was easy, internal. He didn’t need help but it made this easier. It made it so he didn’t have to think about each piece.

It meant he wasn’t quite as aware of his bones as they snapped back into place. Losing swelling felt like ice in his veins, it was so sudden.

Ribs next. Stabbing pain became nothing; dull, aching throbs turned to something more like breathing in mist. He cracked his neck, like a reflex, as if it could distract him from each broke rib as it went back into place, but no. No, he was fine. He’d be fine.

Leg next. He wasn’t haemorraging, not externally. Apparently not internally either, but as he shifted focus he nearly blacked out. Oh, that wasn’t a simple break. He could feel the pieces of bone like knives in his muscle, cutting him even as they sought to fix themselves: shards wedged in muscle and other tissue coming free to reassemble into one, cohesive whole.

It was almost too much. He didn’t realize he was sobbing or screaming at all until suddenly someone was touching his face. He hissed, although the sound was more guttural than that and tried to push their hands away. He didn’t realize he’d put his weight on his bruised arm until it collapsed under him. He dropped, gagging and shaking, and he couldn’t tell what hurt more: his leg or his arm or—

Sky was talking. Sky was saying something, but he didn’t touch him again and Link just put up his good arm to ward him off as he tried to focus again.

It took longer than it should have. It still hurt so badly. He didn’t think there were other breaks; he shifted to his leg, his mangled leg and that slowly faded. His arm followed and as each sorted itself out, he tried to push himself back up.

“Shit, Wild,” Sky begged. He sounded hoarse; like he’d been crying or screaming too. “Don’t move, please don’t move!”

He tried to wave him off and flexed each arm, then twisted his neck again: no pain. He flexed his feet and legs, and it was almost... almost right. Something was still off. He shifted his focus to his chest and back and tried to turn over.

Something – something grated in place, like a knife through the stomach and he collapsed gagging to the ground. He wanted to throw up; he nearly did. Maybe he did. He wasn’t sure; he was sure he was in too much pain to think until he could force it to stop – stop – stop—

Slowly, the ache faded again. He slowly came to again, to Sky and Captain talking.

Well. Sky talking. Captain was breathing hard.

“...nothing’s broken. You’re sure you’re okay? It threw you a long way.”

“Fine,” Captain repeated. “I had a potion. How’s he?”

“I think he’s... I hope he’s gotten it all but he won’t respond to anything I try to say. He tried to move and collapsed once he started turning over, so either his back’s hurt or his pelvis...”

Link grunted affirmative to that and pushed himself over onto his back again. He did know better. He was fine; he would be fine. He exhaled slowly and shifted again, trying to check more thoroughly this time. A healing potion would likely be more effective: it addressed things without him having to think about them but as Captain just proved, they needed them more.

He could handle things himself just fine.

“Are you awake now?” Captain called.

Link raised one hand and closed it into a fist and spread it, checking first before he threw him a thumb’s up.

“Will you let one of us check if anything else is broken before you try and stand up aga...”

He didn’t finish, because Link pushed himself to sitting, quicker perhaps than wise but he was quite sure he was fine. He shifted in place again and stretched out each leg. The memory of pain from his hips lingered, but he didn’t want them to worry. He glanced around, to see the shattered and bleeding back of the frox nearby, and pulled an apple out into his hand to start eating.

“You killed it yourself?” he signed to Captain. “Good job.”

Captain and Sky exchanged dark looks, and Link deliberately took another bite, holding it in his mouth for another moment more.

“I’ll get the valuable parts out of the corpse for later use in a minute.”

#Zelda fanfic #Recalled AU #Recalled Wild #cw graphic violence #cw graphic injury #eaten by a frox #or nearly eaten #just chewed on a little #healing factor #abuse of healing factor #totk #my writing #my friend's boys

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george228732 · 6 months

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Fylass Through the Looking Glass - Chapter Nine - Sheep’s Clothing

Fylass woke up with a light headache, as their eyes slowly opened, revealing a gray roof above their head. "...Eh…? Is this Underland?"

The Wolpertinger realized they were on a bed, as they took a peek at their surroundings, noticing a lot of paper cranes as decoration around, hanging from threads, as if this were a children’s room; looking more at everything, though, they noticed that this resembled more of a hospital from the 30’s than anything, making Fylass confused and quite scared.

That’s when they remembered the last moments they had on Underland, the last time, being shattered at the scenes with that man seemingly living at that Grandfather’s Clock, putting two and two together, thinking that he might’ve been the one that shattered them.

The kid saw the jewel on their palm, looking the same as before it shattered, still giving off that white glow, with that golden frame. Fylass sighed at the scene and tried to get up from the bed they were in, before a spike of pain crossed through their chest, and by pure instinct, they lifted their own shirt, realizing a crack crossing down them, as if it was made of glass.

"...Ouch… What is this…?" They didn’t know what was currently happening, but that concern was replaced with surprise, when noticing that the nearby gray door was opening, and Lucid was right at the other side.

"Oh, kid! I am so glad you are alright!" He went towards Fylass to check if they are alright, noticing the great crack on them, and changing their expression from relief to more concern. Fylass could only see their eyes changing from one expression to another.

"A-Are you okay?!"

"...I think? What happened to me, though?"

"We were going towards the White Castle as we waited for something to happen, and on the way, we found you unconscious on that land of fog, which seemingly wasn’t dangerous now, but we thought that you had passed away! I am glad you are well, though… Ignoring that weird crack, of course…"

"...Wow… Where are we, though?"

"We are at a nearby town closer to the White Castle than the one we’ve visited in the first place; a place called Origami Town, but if you want to be more specific, we are at a hospital at the center of it. We had some… trouble by getting you in, because they apparently "don’t allow traitors", but we somehow managed to win the argument."

"...Oh." Fylass was quite lost on their thoughts, from their life outside of this dream world, to the main adventure they have at the moment. Everything felt so odd, yet so normal, but it wasn’t time to argue about this."

"Do you need help getting up?" Lucid offered help to the kid.

"N-No, I am fine, don’t worry-" Fylass was about to get up again, with that crack on them not helping at all though, making them flinch in pain.

"Fylass!" Lucid was panicking, seeing how this kid was suffering, and so, they had no choice but to get some bandages that were on the nearest drawer to cover that crack, and carrying Fylass with their arms the best he could.

"Here, this should be it for now; I swear, that crack wasn’t there when we got you in… I would call a doctor to aid you, but these people aren’t going to help a Wonderlander, so I’ll take care of you in the meantime."

"..." Fylass was silent, but they seemed to agree, appreciating their company, even though it was clear that they didn’t want him to worry about them this much, and it was kind of embarrassing to see Lucid taking care of them as if he was his own caretaker. Either way, they didn’t have much choice than to let him do his thing.

"Let’s get you out of here; those people surely don’t want you around, and you’ll be safer with me and the rest, anyways…" Lucid said as he crouched towards the exit door with the kid still in his hands. Fylass and Lucid felt as if a lot of eyes were on them, with a lot of people of white and black clothing giving them death stares; everything felt exactly like that, though, everything was black or white in these people’s eyes.

Fylass didn’t like the feeling of hospitals, and it showed.

The entrance door made itself clear, much to Lucid and Fylass’ relief, and the outside was right on them, with the rest of the group waiting outside, all of them receiving weird looks from all of the Underlanders that came down their way, and when seeing these two, they were at least glad that they didn’t have to stick around this place for long.

"Phew! You two are here, please, let’s get going already…" Mikuto said as he tried to drag Kurabe with them as discreetly as possible to set their feet towards the Looking Glass again.

"...I wonder what you tampered with, Fylass… I don’t see any changes regarding that time travel more than you being in that… odd position." Unicorn said with curiosity and concern.

"I… I am sure that I wasn’t able to change anything. I had the Chronosphere in hand, and that one man we found at the Grandfather’s Clock seemingly hunted me down. Maybe that’s how I ended there, somehow…" Fylass spoke up, still with Lucid. "I still don’t know how I got this… scar?"

"Oh, that sometimes happens when a Wonderlander gets wounded in quite specific situations. It shouldn’t be a problem for long, though, just wait a couple of hours and you’ll look like new." Kurabe said. "It’s not that common, but there’s nothing you should worry about."

"Well… That’s relieving…"

"You shouldn’t force yourself with things like walking and such, though, for the wound might get worse. We might need to get you to Wonderland, just for it to be healed in a… well adjusted environment." Banshee was quite annoyed by hearing that, which wouldn’t be much of an issue, but he was looking even more annoyed than before.

"Seriously?! This just causes us more problems than before! At this point, I just want to go home, but everything keeps delaying us to that goal! I might as well leave you to find the exit by myself!"

"You are the person that put us both here in the first place! If nothing, this is your own fault, and you have to live with those consequences until these kind people help us find the way out."

"You just keep lecturing me about the obvious! Yes, I know this is my fault, but if you were the one that caused this, I am SURE that you wouldn’t admit it from the get-go! Let me be on the right THIS time, at least!"

"...Uh… Should we leave, or…"

"Please do, I need to talk with Banshee on our own, anyways…" When Unicorn said that, everyone silently agreed and left both knights with their discussions.

Now, everything seemed to not make sense, and left everyone clueless onto what to do next; Fylass would like to get the Chronosphere again and to right those past wrongs, but they were wounded enough to not be able to do that just yet, until a couple of hours pass, if Kurabe’s words are correct.

"...Let me get you guys home… I’ll deal with these problems on my own." Lucid said.

"W-What?! No, I can’t let you do that!"

"You already sent me towards my home, so there’s no need for you to worry that much, kid… I’ll be fine."

"..." Fylass was silent again; this wasn’t the ending Fylass was expecting, for everything seemed to go down at the scenes. First, Banshee and Unicorn are arguing with each other, they now have a great crack on their body, and now Lucid isn't going to get the thing he has lost… This was an ultimate failure, and the kid realized that as their eyes started to cover in tears, for even this world, nothing seemed to go as Fylass intended.

Not even in this land, they could be happy.

The mood was as down as it could be, as Lucid was thinking about his new homelife he is now supposed to have in Underland; would he even be able to readjust himself into Underland’s society, even with the King’s disdain towards him?

That’s when they found out about something; everything felt oddly silent, noticing all of the villagers of Underland were leaving towards the White Castle. Eventually, everything was so quiet that Fylass could hear their own heartbeat… but not the sound of their pocket watch.

"Wait…" Fylass checked their bag, and the same items were still there, but the pocket watch specifically, had its hands frozen in time, rendering it useless. "...Did the watch break?"

Everyone suddenly realized that the clocks outside and inside the houses were also frozen in time; it was hard to see, due to the windows being blacked out, but the sight was more than obvious, and the group couldn’t help but feel that something was wrong… or missing.

"...Lucid, could you go to the White Castle? I need to check on something, please…"

"...Are you sure?"

"Yes, please…"

Lucid seemed hesitant, but at the end, they agreed with that, and quickly detoured towards the White Castle, with Fylass still wounded, but doing their best to be the leader of the group. Wonderland didn’t seem that appealing to get to just now, and there was business going on somewhere else…

The silence was starting to fade away, as the sound of complaints from a crowd were heard across the castle, leaving the group quite confused, and yet, their curiosity peaked when they came closer, much to Lucid’s hesitation on even approaching the King. The Castle was in distress, as everyone was wondering what was the deal.

"We need an explanation!" A voice of the crowd spoke up to the King.

"Time has stopped, we need an explanation!" Another voice spoke up.

"Is this the end? We need an explanation!" Yet another voice spoke up.

Fylass could only be more confused than they were before, but at least a question was answered, but that train of thought was interrupted with the voice of the King.

"Do not worry, my people. Time has gone missing, along with the Chronosphere, yes, but we’ll figure out its location soon. For now, though, I would recommend you to stay at your house just in case something happens." The King said.

The Queen on the other hand, seemed more troubled with the situation than the King could ever be. "I-It’s no issue. We will take care of everything regarding this topic, and that’s something this Queen can promise."

The crowd was displeased, but they had no choice than to leave with that newfound disdain, leaving the group on their own, until someone tripped along the way thanks to not seeing their surroundings.

Fylass took a peek to the person that tripped and was now on the floor, trying to stand on their nonexistent feet; they had clothing filled with gray, but surprisingly being more flashy than the rest of the now gone crowd, and on their face, there was a scar, across a clearly blind eye due to how glassy it looked.

"...M-Maforanti?" Fylass spoke up with fear, for they had known this person before, and he wasn’t the best person to be around with, at all… The others were quite confused to see him, but Fylass seemingly wasn’t the only one that disliked him.

"You, again?!" The King spoke up in anger. "How dare you enter this castle?! You have no shame! Even with that scar across your fragile face, you still have the audacity to come here?!"

Celeernyx was quiet, but she seemingly was holding a certain disdain towards him, and Maforanti decided to leave as soon as possible out of the King’s point of view, crossing the main entrance to not be seen.

The king, however, now was angry towards the people that came here a second time.

"And it seems that he isn’t the only one that has no shame in entering this sacred place. Didn’t you learn your lesson?! I don’t care if you are the new Bishop, I don’t want to see your face!"

"We just came here to help get the Chronosphere! We… we just want to make amends with you, people!" Fylass already had implied that Wonderland and Underland were displeased with each other, due to the Jabberwocky, or something similar. "Both realms have done horrible things to each other, but we can maybe leave this all behind! The fact you don’t recognize the mistakes of your people, makes all of that hatred unjustified!" Fylass, deep down, wasn’t aware if Underland had done bad deeds towards Wonderland, but they know that in any war, both sides of the coin have their own dirt; besides, they know how to manipulate.

They seemingly got their words right, for Buddy and Celeernyx were silent; the former actually reflecting, and the latter seemingly having her thoughts to herself. Soon enough, Buddy spoke up again, in a calmer voice, but still holding off that anger and bitterness that was characteristic of him.

"If you are really willing to help Underland again, help us with this one deed, but if you plan on betraying us, I’ll make sure that there are no "Suits" anymore. Our realms will never be reunited again, but you’ll repay Underland’s Society for your misdeeds. You’ll help our people, and we’ll consider trading with your people, if even slightly, but after that, you’ll never hear from us again, and vice versa."

Fylass got a chance to get the Chronosphere back and fix all this mess, and they weren’t going to waste it.

"There is no worry about that, for we’ll get the Chronosphere and fix Underland’s problems. Think about this as-"

"HOWEVER… Me and the Queen will accompany you on this adventure, to make sure that you won’t even THINK about doing something that is not convenient for our people."

"...That’s… alright…" The rest of the group was having mixed feelings towards the situation that Fylass put them in, especially Lucid, for he wanted anything but to be near this King that hated him. He doesn’t seem to have any other choice than to follow this plan, for he knew what Fylass wanted.

"We’ve already checked every nook and cranny of the White Kingdom, and Time’s Castle was empty, so… that leaves… the Red Kingdom." Lucid was surprised and scared when hearing that; The Red Kingdom had a very bad reputation, and it certainly didn’t make it better with the recent news that the Red King was murdered recently, only leaving the Red Dame to rule over it. It’s rumored that the Kingdom isn’t even real, and only a delusion from someone that wanted power.

"...A-Are you sure that there’s no other choice than the Red Kingdom? Nobody wants to go there, and I know that…" Lucid said.

"There’s no time to be cowards, and at the end of the day, we need that Chronosphere as fast as possible." The king said; Fylass couldn’t help but to think that Buddy’s motivations slightly differed from the "intended ones". It wasn’t until someone else talked at the scene that things were even more confusing.

"Man, surely it is a shame that your wedding day has to be delayed because you want to play as the hero of your own story, heehee." Another voice spoke up, and Fylass just realized that the voice’s source came from the crown the King was using.

"...Did… Did your crown just talk? Crowny?" Fylass seemingly was the only one, besides the King and, probably Lucid, that actually heard the crown’s voice.

"Wait, you can hear me? Goodness gracious, finally someone else can! And no, my name is not Crowny, although it sounds better than my own name, to be honest." The Crown kept talking. "The name is Rooky, yes, it’s a dumb name, I know. Glad to meet you, I guess."

"...The name is Fylass."

"Uh… Kid, who are you talking to?" Mikuto spoke up.

"...Are you able to hear my crown, too?" Buddy seemingly wasn’t angry, but confused that someone else could hear her voice.

"Apparently you are not the only special one, Buddy!"

"...It seems. Either way, meet Rooky, the one you could consider the Rook of this realm."

"...Huh. Okay… Let’s keep going, though… For we need things to do."

Everyone stepped out of the Castle, really confused about the situation they were in, but there was nothing else they could do at the moment, but to keep going.

"I still wonder, though… How can we get to the Red Kingdom? The… The Dame doesn’t allow people of the White Kingdom to even get to it, so that leaves us in a complicated situation." The Queen said.

"...Let me get to my room, we might need something from there if we want more chances of achieving our goal." The King said as he pulled out a key that was of his belonging, with the top of it resembling the figure of the King Piece of Chess.

Buddy and the Queen left the area to go to the White Castle to retrieve that something, leaving the group alone.

"...Oh well, I guess we need to wait… I still wonder how we could enter the Red Kingdom exactly, if what they are saying is true…"

"...I could help you, but I am not sure if I would want to do so." Yet another voice talked again, being Maforanti’s, who seemed snarky in his tone, and was hiding near the Outskirts of the Castle.

"...What are you doing here?"

"Oh, I just wanted to have a conversation with the King and Queen, but apparently that won’t do. Now, I am certain that even with the trinkets that the King has, you won’t be able to even put a dent on the Red "Castle". Such a shame, really." He laughed softly. "Game Over for you, it seems."

Everyone was annoyed by his snarky appearance, but Fylass seemed more than annoyed by his mere presence.

"...Help us."

"I am sorry, kid, but that foul king surely has lost the chance-"

"HELP US." Fylass ignored the crack on his chest, and quickly pulled out their cleaver off the bag, and stood up from Lucid’s arms, pointing that same cleaver towards Maforanti’s other eye..

"I already helped get rid of you once, I have no problem doing the same towards scum like you." Fylass seemed like a completely different person when talking to Maforanti, and he seemed quite uneasy now.

"What do you mean, "again"? I don’t even know-... you…"

Maforanti seemingly remembered something, or many things at the same time, as he was starting to get lightheaded; that day, the day of the Silver Solstice, something the true Maforanti remembered vividly, and seemingly, this version of him remembered too.

"...You…" The first word of concern came out of his mouth, and quickly flinched in terror.

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

@lostsoulau-ask

@galakianexplosion (CREATOR OF THE DRAWING)

@heiressofdoodles

@moon-mage

@kachikirby

#fylass in wonderland #fylass through the looking glass

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iapetusneume · 11 months

Text

Wing Tier List - Primarch Version

So, because my partners encouraged me to write this and there seems to be a few mutuals who are interested, I’ve compiled my Wing Tier List for the Primarchs. This is inspired by this post about an exchange between Jaghatai Khan and Mortarion shortly after Mortarion ascended to be a Daemon Primarch. I am in no way an expert in 40k tabletop rules or lore - these rulings were made mostly off of Vibes with a dash of the lore that I know - or of wings on fictional characters. I’m just someone who has spent way too much time thinking about this.

I should also mention that, while it is impossible for me to be Normal about liking Sanguinius, this did not influence the actual rankings.

(I’m going to try to use official art as best I can.)

So, let’s get to it!

Contender: Sanguinius of the Blood Angels

Because to start off with anyone else would be heresy. His wings are so well-known that he carries the nickname “the Angel” among his brothers as well as the other Legions. Jokingly and lovingly called Hawk-Boy by fandom. Commonly-known in canon as one of the two most prettiest primarchs. Wings so significant that when I went to google “which primarchs have wings” to make sure I wasn’t missing someone Obvious, I got this:

Yeah, I didn’t even say Sanguinius in my search, but Google just Knew. (And also, thank you so much to @plagueplanethq for helping me fact-check how many Primarchs actually have wings.)

Anyways. Sanguinius is first to be evaluated because he’s the OG winged-primarch. He’s also happens to be the only Loyalist on this list.

Analysis: When setting out to do the look for Sanguinius, the original artists leaned in super hard to the “Angel” keyword and not so much the “vampire” part. If you showed me a picture of Sanguinius before I was into 40k and asked me what he is, I would have never guessed “vampire.” I have seen these sorts of wings hundreds of times. Are they nicely done? Oh definitely. Does he make it look good? Absolutely. How unique is it? ...not really? He’s an angel, and has white wings. The artists understood the assignment and did a great job, but this isn’t exactly new:

7 / 10

Contender: Angron of the World Eaters

Analysis: When a dude has a nickname like “the Red Angel,” well, of course he’ll eventually get wings. I was a little worried at first that this was going to be too much “traditional demon or devil” wings, but I do like some of the detail on the model! Doing skin and/or scales for the wings also feels more practical for someone pledged to Khorne, because it feels like a chance of less maintenance than if feathers get all messy. (IRL birds will go take baths and such when they need it, but is Angron going to bother? That’s up for debate.) The spikes are very nice, and the few holes in the wings add some personality. It’s also a good reminder that they’re flying because magic and because the Warp laughs in the face of science. Consider me pleasantly surprised:

7 / 10

Contender: Magnus the Red of the Thousand Sons

Analysis: Feathers make sense for the guy pledged to a god who has birb motifs going on. I really appreciate the fact that these feathers are distinct, and have a bit of character. Also, honorable mention to hexygoblin‘s paint job here, which is stunning. He’s definitely got the best feathers on wings. I also feel like Tzeentch would appreciate a bit of style:

8 / 10

Contender: Fulgrim of the Emperor’s Children

Analysis: It is truly a shame that we don’t have a more current model for Daemon Primarch Fulgrim. I am forced to go off of the vibe of the model and that first image of him screaming to try to make a wing assessment. This looks fairly standard for what one might think of demons or devils, and I gotta say, I’m not impressed? The second drawing suggests feathers, which would make sense for the Phoenix. Mostly, I would expect the primarch who pledged themself to the Lord of Excess to be more... excessive? I’ve seen some cool fanart for different wing interpretations for Fulgrim, but I’m trying to go off of ‘canon’ as much as I can here:

5 / 10

(I will have to reassess one day when he gets a new Daemon Primarch model. Maybe we don'thave one yet because it isn't perfect.)

Contender: Mortarion of the Death Guard

Analysis: I’m definitely getting moth vibes from the way the wings are done on the model. This model was also designed a bit more naturally to look like he’s flying. Artist took the prompt of “decay, so probably flies” and gave him flies on the model, which means bonus wings. But this isn’t a “how many wings” contest, this is for “coolest wings.” (Mortarion would win for sheer quantity of wings because of all of the flies.) There’s no way he’s flying with those wings without Warp Shenanigans. I feel like these are the most unique out of all of them. The paint job and also how the wings looks like they’re trying to be tatters also suggests the futile fight against entropy, which is the Lord of Decay’s bag:

9 / 10

Honorable mention (since he’s not a primarch) is Vashtorr, because I wanted a 10 / 10 on this list:

Coolest wings, for sure. Should they be able to fly? Absolutely not. But Chaos Gods don’t care what you think is logical.

10 / 10

*drumroll* WINNER OF THE [PRIMARCH] TIER LIST IS...........

MORTARION!

#sanguinius #angron #magnus the red #fulgrim #mortarion #primarch #40k shitposting #please do not take this seriously #also Daemon Primarch Fulgrim model WHEN???#i saw so many kitbashes when trying to google primarchs with wings

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lovelyokkotsu · 3 months

Text

jjk boyfriend hcs !!3!::!

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

first up is… megumi fushiguro :d!

such a silly lil guy :3

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

first meeting megumi 𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪:

: ̗̀➛ if you’re a sorcerer, you’ve probably met him on a mission, or has been assigned to a mission with him.

: ̗̀➛ however if you aren’t a sorcerer, then he definitely has saved you from a curse spirit, or at calm places that megumi is fond of and visits often.

: ̗̀➛ if he’s really attracted to you, then at first he’s a little shy, not knowing if he should make the first move to talk to you, or just wait for you to notice him to spark up a conversation.

: ̗̀➛ some dialogue to help you imagine it <3:

- (you): “hello megumi..?? megumi fushiguro right? i’ve heard a lot about you from kugisaki and yuji. i never knew you loved going to these sort of places..? hm, how about we walk along that bridge over there? the setting looks so amazing with the sun setting..”

- (megumi): “oh…hi (you), i think i’ve ran into you before, but you probably don’t remember that since only i saw you, but you didn’t see me and i…….yes, we should get to know each other whilst walking, that seems pretty calming.”

: ̗̀➛ poor bookie is scared you’d find him weird if he rants to somebody he’s just met 😭

confessing <333! 𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪

: ̗̀➛ after practicing in the mirror a thousand times, megumi knew that today was the right time to spill out his feelings for you, without you feeling like you have to force them back out of pity. if you don’t return the same feelings, that’s completely fine, he’d never force you to <3

: ̗̀➛ once he’d texted you to meet up, the pressure is ON. mf would be sweating once you two meet 😭, but let him take his time !!

: ̗̀➛ “i..like you a lot. ever since my eyes landed on yours, my heart felt at ease yet it was beating so fast, thumping, and it all felt so amazing to me. nobody has ever made me feel this way except you..you, just you. i know this may be corny, but i may not live without you. i wanna know how your embrace feels like, your kisses, and espeically that gorgeous smile of yours. however, if you don’t like me the same way, that’s completely fine, i could never force it on a person like you. so..?”

: ̗̀➛ of course you say yes otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this 😒 and you don’t regret this decision!!

dates with megumi 𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪:

: ̗̀➛ all of the dates you go on with him is the absolute best! you two take turns on picking where to go, but most of the time, he pretends that he already had his turn, just so you can have the choice of choosing where to go next <3!

: ̗̀➛ whether you’re more of a home date person, adventuring, or minimalist, whatever, he WILL AGREE.

: ̗̀➛ you’re not paying. simple. no argument.

: ̗̀➛ here’s some dates you’d go on!:

- theme parks!!

- restuarants!!

- paintball!!

- movie marathons!!

- laser tag!! (he got out immediately cause of his long ahh spikes peeking out of where he was hiding 😭

- picnics!!

- sightseeing!! (though it mostly gets interrupted, because gojo spies on you two.)

: ̗̀➛ in the end of your dates, he’d cuddle you to sleep if you guys went on a more adventurous date than most, and if not, and just stayed at home or had dinner outside, then he’d stay over to keep your lonely ahh company <3

megumi’s interests/hobbies 𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪:

: ̗̀➛ he actually likes swimming, and goes underwater to relax, if he had a long day.

: ̗̀➛ as much as sweet foods are okay for him, he will always pick savoury.

: ̗̀➛ big meals that fill him up are better than anything else, so if you don’t know how to cook, well you better learn!!

: ̗̀➛ he’s a huge music enthusiast, listening to artists, such as chase atlantic, the weeknd, autumn!

: ̗̀➛ he also secretly listens to serani poji 🤫

: ̗̀➛ let’s be real, he’s a kpop stan.

: ̗̀➛ his fav groups would be twice, loona, enhypen, ateez, and txt!!

: ̗̀➛ when it comes to anime/manga, he normally doesn’t talk about it that much, or even so mention it especially in front of others, cough, cough, GOJO SATORU (we all know that gojo watches jjba for the poses and flashiness!)

: ̗̀➛ manga reader, and if you don’t shut down the conversation, he will slip out the manga plot 💀

: ̗̀➛ sometimes, he likes reading romance manhwas, knowing damn well he’ll never try the shit that the main lead/second lead does 😭

: ̗̀➛ a major insomniac!!

pet names 𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪:

: ̗̀➛ tbh he wouldn’t really call you specific names, since your name is so dear to him.

: ̗̀➛ but occasionally, he’d call you baby, cutie, sweetheart.

: ̗̀➛ his favourite would have to be “my girl/boy/person.”

: ̗̀➛ because you’re obvi his duh!

cuddling positions 𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪:

: ̗̀➛ he’s definitely big spoon, 100%!! that’s one of his favourite positions to cuddle, as he loves snuggling you from behind, wrapping his arms around your waist, so you cannot escape at all..

: ̗̀➛ his ultimate favourite would have to be face to face embrace, because he gets such a clear view of your adorable sleeping face, or awake face, staring right back at him lovingly.

: ̗̀➛ he loves being close to you, so it’s a definite that he loves the burrito, as you two are literally wrapped together with the blankets :3!!

i think that’s it! lmk who’s next!! ੈ✩‧₊˚

#megumi fushiguro #jjk #jjk megumi #jujitsu kaisen #bf headcanons #jjk series

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dumbass-tumbler-cryptid · 8 months

Note

I'm totally looking forward to the new chapters. Can you give us some snippet? (I feel like a beggar asking this 💀)

Lol don't feel like a beggar. I'm getting super eager to share the story already even though I'm not close to being done. I think that's why I posted two snippets completely unprompted this week.

I'll do you one better. I'll give you two snippets. In scenario one I actually have a lot of build up before the Quaritch family vacation even takes place detailing Spiders attempts to escape through the years. I tell the whole attempt from Spiders perspective and then go back and retell that whole event from Quaritch's perspective (and I'm low key worried that'll get tedious to read but I spent to much time writing it to edit it down)

So here's a taste of that

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

Miles jolted awake, the happiness he’d felt in his dream, instantly being replaced by sinking dread. The nightmares had started shortly after his two year anniversary in the cabin, increasing in frequency as the days went by. He only classified these dreams as nightmares because of the anxiety they spiked in his waking life. If Pa knew that he was reminiscing about the old days…..

Things had been so good between them too. Miles could almost pretend like they were a regular father and son, spending their summer on a camping trip, hunting in the woods, fishing, having bonfires, and sleeping under the stars when the weather allowed for it. It had all been so normal. So easy. Of course his treacherous brain would have to mess that all up.

The following morning Miles attempted to eat breakfast, his chin propped on his elbow, holding up his head as he struggled to stay awake. Pa’s calased hand reached out from behind him, carding through his hair, giving him affectionate scratches behind his ear. “You haven’t been sleeping well lately have you?” Miles simply nodded his head. “Something on your mind?” The question made his heart skip a beat but he forced it down, shaking his head no. “Is your room too stuffy then? We can sleep outside tonight if you want. You always like that.”

“I’m fine Pa.” his voice came out low, heavy with fatigue.

“Mmhm.” The man didn’t buy it, but didn’t continue pushing the subject. “Take a nap after you eat. Your school work and chores aren’t goin’ anywhere.” Neither am I, he thought bitterly. “Thanks Pa. I’ll do that.”

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

It was peak autumn when Miles Sr first noticed the vivid dreams his son would have. The boy talked in his sleep, smiling from ear to ear, mumbling their names. The names of that damn Sully family. He couldn’t understand why his boy seemed so hung up on them. From everything he had seen, from all the memories he heard play out in Junior’s sleep, the Sully’s hadn’t been that special. His boy had had fun, sure. The Sully’s hadn’t been very strict with him, allowing Junior to do almost anything he wanted. Any teenager would enjoy that. That wasn’t love though. Love is protecting the ones you care for, keeping them safe, taking care of them. He did that. So how could his son still miss them so much?

During waking hours Miles Sr watched his son like a hawk. Miles Jr looked so tired and sad, growing more despondent by the day. The father noted how his boy was eating less. How he was tired all day no matter how early his father sent him to bed. Junior wouldn’t even skateboard, or draw. He just seemed so weighted by his own misery. Miles Sr needed to help him snap out of it.

It was another lethargic morning after another sleepless night. Junior sat at the table, fork in one hand, his head held up by the other, falling asleep into his bacon and eggs. The father couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight. A thin line of drool was escaping his boy’s mouth. His hair was starting to get on the long side again, wildly sticking out around his head like the soft hide of a lamb. His boy would have cringed to know how cute he looked in that moment, but Miles Sr couldn’t help but appreciate his own work.

He reached out his hand and began to pet Junior’s hair, feeling his curls slip and twist around his fingers. The sleepy boy leaned into the touch, getting comforting scratches behind the ear in response. Junior deeply sighed out his nose, seemingly content. “You haven’t been sleeping well lately have you?” Miles Sr asked. Junior simply nodded. “Something on your mind?” He knew the answer was yes and hoped his boy would just admit it. Instead Junior slightly hesitated before shaking his head no. So disappointing. “Is your room too stuffy then? We can sleep outside tonight if you want. You always like that.”

“I’m fine Pa.” Liar.

Junior looked so incredibly tired that if he didn’t get some sleep soon he might just collapse from exhaustion. Hopefully with some rest, his son would start thinking clearly and just admit he had a problem. “Take a nap after you eat. Your school work and chores aren’t goin’ anywhere.” His son sighed again, seeming so defeated.“Thanks Pa. I’ll do that.”

#cabin in the woods #miles spider socorro #spider socorro #miles quaritch #colonel miles quaritch

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spnae · 2 years

Text

Chapter 21 Our Expert

The two vampires made their way down to the front entry hall. Spike bounced on the balls of his feet while Angel leaned against the wall with his arms across his chest. Angel eyed Spike with annoyance, “So I see you found her alright. Did she even really need your help?”

“I managed to get to her in Paris before it did. We took down the nasty together. Sort of solidified the bond between us.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“Thing’s blood had certain mystical properties, we both got completely drenched in it.”

“That sucks.”

“Not as much as you might think. Turns out that back in old times they used to use this thing’s blood for marriage rituals as a test of true love. Couples that shared real true love got over a weeks worth of seriously incredible sex and the couples that had anything less than the real thing just went completely mouth-foaming, bug-shagging mad. Normally ended up with the unhappy couple killing each other before morning according to Little Red. These folks would do it on purpose as a test of love and fidelity. It just sort of happened to us. We didn’t find out about the strings attached until well into the next day when Wil called to tell us about it.”

“And since neither one of you is dead or insane…”

“Course, Buffy and I hadn’t noticed anything out of the ordinary. We just thought things were amplified because we’d been apart for so long. Couldn’t keep our hands off of each other, you see. Didn’t really leave the room much that week… or the next. Nothing quite like Paris in spring,” he smiled serenely, gloating.

“Are you done? You got that out. Played your little mind game and had your fun?”

Spike grinned, “Not just messing round, Angel-cakes. Every word is true. Best. Sex. Ever. And I do mean, ever. Not to mention it seems to have left this sort of connection between us. Like a psycho-sexual thing, hard to make out sometimes if we’re not actually touching or in the act, but it’s coming along, getting stronger. Growing. That one wasn’t in the books, we’ve been figuring it out on our own since it happened.”

“Bet you’re loving this.”

“Damn right I am.”

“You’re twisted.”

“Yeah, a bit. At least I know how to have a good time.”

Buffy came jogging down the stairs dressed for fall in jeans, a sweater and running shoes. Her hair was pulled back into a severe braid. When she got there she pulled a messenger bag down from a hook by the door and slung it around her neck.

“Ready boys?”

Spike smiled at her fondly while Angel looked like he might be sick. She shifted her gaze between the two, “You told him about Paris, didn’t you?”

“You know I couldn’t resist.”

“I thought we agreed we were going to wait to tell him about that.”

Angel looked at the two of them, “Seriously?”

Buffy sighed and opened the door leading the way in across the lawn towards the duplex, “Nope, it’s all a figment of your imagination and you’re going to wake up soon. What the hell do you think we are doing here anyway?”

“Each other apparently…” he grumbled as he followed them across the lawn, “I don’t know, I assumed training Slayers. But you two seem more like honeymooners than teachers. So you tell me.”

“We wanted to take a trip together but thought we should come up here first. Do a little actual work and take things from there—“

“Then Giles broke his leg, and we decided to stay on a bit longer. Had planned on a little sightseeing tour of Edinburgh this weekend, and now we’re entertaining out of town guests,” Spike interjected.

Buffy shot Spike a quick nod, “Right now we’re just sort of rolling with it.”

“You always did like rambling didn’t you, Spike?”

“Figured the lady deserved a bit of fun for once; before we decide to settle down for good,” Spike rested a hand on her shoulder as Buffy stopped to unlock the front door. The three of them stepped inside without any resistance. For now the two vampires still didn’t need an invitation.

“So what is this place anyway? Looks like you’re starting renovations in here,” Angel said as he looked around the living and dining rooms and followed Buffy through the kitchen and into the basement.

“Yup. We just got the place cleaned out, renovations will be starting soon.”

“Are you going to start keeping the girls in here?”

“Not exactly,” Buffy said, dismissively as she pulled out a map, “look this is where Wendy said she and her girls found the baby.”

“Don’t you think maybe we should’ve brought her with us, Love? The redemption bit?”

Buffy frowned a little, “Honestly at this point, I don’t know if that would be a good idea. She’s been seriously off since it happened. Obviously it’s important for her to have a role in fixing this, but maybe just not tonight.”

“Fair enough, I just work here.”

“I’m not your boss, we’re partners.”

“Can we move this along?” Angel asked impatiently.

Buffy folded the map up and handed it over to Spike for safekeeping, “Ready to see something cool?” She asked Angel as she made her way down into the basement, stake at the ready. Once again the basement was empty. She went over to open the tunnel door and it swung open.

“Nice,” Angel grinned approvingly.

“I know right?” Spike agreed as he pushed past him into the tunnel, “Dead convenient.”

It didn’t take them long to find the tunnels Wendy had noted on the map. Angel led the way until they came to a large curved room with a small altar in the middle. There was a single older looking demon standing near the altar. He had blue skin a little darker than the baby’s and was wearing green robes with black trim. He had been lighting a series of candles on the altar. He was mostly bald, which made the three small horns on each side of his head seem larger than the ones on the stocky male demon they had seen in the tunnel before with the mother. The old demon in front of Angel had several eyebrow piercings and a large ring through his nose and a thick white beard.

Angel held up a hand signaling for Spike and Buffy to hang back while he took several more steps into the room. He waited a moment then cleared his throat before speaking in the odd language Buffy had heard the parents of the child speaking. The conversation seemed to be going well until the older looking demon suddenly tilted his head looking confused.

Angel fumbled for a second, “Spike? Help me out here.”

Spike cleared his throat, “Ah well, I think you just told him you know the location of the missing cabbage.”

Angel grimaced, nodded once, “Always get those words mixed up…” he said under his breath before he continued on.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I present our expert,” Spike murmured low into Buffy’s ear.

Buffy glared at him and turned her attention back to Angel trying not to smile. Angel continued his conversation with the old looking demon. After a moment he bowed his head. Angel imitated him then turned around to Buffy and Spike. “This is Elric, he’s one of the elders. He is willing to arrange a meeting with the other elders tomorrow night. The girls involved will have to be present.”

Buffy stepped forward, “Do we trust this guy? How do we know they won’t hurt them?”

“It’s not part of the process. They wouldn’t do anything until they talk to them first.”

“Ah hum, ok… do we bring the baby?”

Angel turned back to Elric, asked Buffy’s question and turned back to her, “The elders will need to see the baby, but they can not accept him at that time. If things go well tomorrow, then we can bring him back the next night when the girls will have to present the parents with gifts. If they accept their gifts then we can give them back their son.”

“Ok. And if they don’t?”

“Oh the usual.”

“Great, I love the usual,” Spike quipped.

“Speak for yourself,” Buffy intoned flatly.

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

They had no more than got back into the kitchen at the duplex when Angel’s phone started ringing. He checked the phone and held up a finger. “I’m going to have to take this,” he excused himself walking away from them and into the empty living room area.

“Hey, is something wrong?” he asked quietly into the phone, “No, of course not. I don’t mind.”

Angel listened intently for several minutes before answering, “I’m in Scotland on business right now…” another pause, “It might be a few days but I can meet up with you if—“ Angel stopped talking abruptly, “Yeah alright, sure. I’ll be in touch. Hey, thanks for calling. It was really nice hearing from you. I’ll see you soon.”

He flipped the phone shut and looked up to find Spike and Buffy both watching him. “That the werewolf?” Spike drawled.

Angel looked at the phone and back up at them, “Wh— oh no, that was just— it’s not important,” he slipped the phone back into his pocket then rubbed his hands together. “Ready to get out of here?”

Buffy eyed him, “Sure, sun up isn’t really that far off, probably a good idea.”

As they made their way across the lawn Angel spoke up again, “By the way, where’s Dawn? I’m surprised she’s not here with you.”

“Taking summer classes in Rome.”

“And you’re here, with him?”

“And she’s almost eighteen, living with a super powerful witch and a Slayer; not some random guy. I have met most of her friends and she hangs out with at least one Slayer nearly all the time. Plus there’s this thing called a telephone that’s super handy for two people to communicate with.”

“Hard to believe she’s that old already.”

“Yup…”

“Wait; Did you say Rome?”

“They’re still in the same flat,” Spike interjected.

“What school is she at?”

Buffy told him and then raised an eyebrow at him when he stopped dead in his tracks. “What’s the matter with you?” She asked.

He shook his head, “Ah nothing, I just know someone else who is taking summer classes there,” he hitched a thumb behind his shoulder gesturing towards the duplex, “Kind of a crazy coincidence… the phone call I got in there… just letting me know he’s—“

“You gotta be kidding,” Spike and Buffy said in unison as they both stared at him.

“I—“

“No seriously, you gotta be kidding me,” Buffy repeated, “If you tell me your kid is at the same school as my little sister… that’s some coincidence.”

“What?”

“Oh right, so how many college-age kids do you know?”

“You expect us to believe that your kid just happens to be taking a summer semester at the same school her little sister is?” Spike asked.

“First of all, I don’t have much contact with him. He calls every once in a while to give me updates. I knew he was planning on taking a summer trip somewhere in Europe. I didn’t know he’d be in Rome. Or there. It’s a big school, they might not even meet.”

“They’re taking summer classes at the same school, roughly the same age, both speak English, come from LA, and both exist because of some major cosmic rewriting. No, they won’t stumble into each other at all.”

“Probably shagging already,” Spike said nonchalantly.

Buffy and Angel both glared at Spike, “What? Like you’re not thinking it too? I know you are, Pet. Probably what Dawn has been so squirrely about.”

Buffy turned to Angel, “How long has he been there?”

“Humm, I’m not sure, maybe a month? He had some trouble with housing, he was just letting me know that it finally got sorted out and he was settling in.”

“Be funny if he’s just crashing with Dawn. He knows Willow right? It’s not that far of a leap, is it? Friend of dad’s, bonus cute girl… just saying,” Spike said.

Buffy rolled her eyes towards the sky, “William, Honey, please shut up…”

“Slayer, I’m just elaborating on what you already said. You know as well as I do, how this stuff works. I can’t be the only one who’s noticed how the Powers That Be, love to screw with anyone in the know. Sounds just like their brand of screwy. Your mystical sister getting it on with his mystical son. Both of whom shouldn't actually exist. You see what I’m getting at don’t you?”

“That’s just what we need…”

“I’m sure it’s nothing. Connor is a good kid… now… Look, I was already thinking about heading down that way when I’m done here. That’s what we were talking about. I can check in on Dawn at the apartment too if you want.”

Buffy shot Spike a quick glance, “Yeah, I think I’d really appreciate that. As much as I don’t want to think about it, Spike is right.”

“Only if Dawn has started wearing leather and slaying,” Angel mumbled under his breath.

Buffy caught it and looked at him strangely, “What's that supposed to mean?”

“Just that he, ehh… has a type… wears leather, can fight… and he may or may not have a thing for Slayers…” he trailed off.

Spike opened the castle door and let them all in, “Must be hereditary… but Dawn’s not a Slayer,” he pointed out.

“No, but I have taught her to fight and she does have full access to my closet…” she said grumpily as she hung up the messenger bag she had taken with them.

Spike smirked as he shrugged off his long leather jacket, “No telling what sweet delights are hiding in there.”

“I’m going to see if Willow or Dawn emailed me back yet. Maybe they’ll tell me something that cancels out this whole stupid conversation,” She paused abruptly and shook her head, “You know what, no, I’m done worrying for tonight. Now we have a game plan for getting the kid back. I feel a little better, like I can breathe.”

Spike and Angel exchanged glances.

“You have something planned for tonight, Pet? Letting go of worry and all…”

Buffy thought for a moment looking between the two handsome vampires. She had a brief daydream of the two of them standing in front of her shirtless on some tropical beach at sunset. Buffy cleared her throat, “Humm, not really. Maybe a glass of wine and a movie, then I can check my email.”

“Switch wine for whiskey and I’m in,” Spike shrugged. He brushed her hair behind her shoulder and ran his hand down her arm taking her hand in his.

Buffy smiled, “Movie night?”

Spike swung her hand once and smiled at her, “Alright, but not another chick flick.”

“I was thinking of a comedy. I need a laugh. Get my mind off Dawn and all this baby stuff for the night,” Still holding his hand, Buffy turned to Angel, “What do you think Angel, join us for movie night?”

“Yeah, what do you say, Mate? Bury the hatchet and try doing the old-friends bit. At least for tonight. Try it on for size,” Spike said in a tone that dared Angel to refuse the olive branch.

Angel glared at him then glanced at Buffy. She was still holding Spike’s hand. All she was asking for was a little civility and an escape. “It’s been a while since I’ve watched a movie.”

“I’ll get the popcorn!” Buffy withdrew from Spike and shot off towards the kitchen.

Spike watched her for a second then turned towards Angel, “Come on then, let’s find something to make the girl laugh.”

Angel hesitated but followed Spike into the large living room. Spike immediately started rummaging through the extensive movie collection, pulling out a couple of Buffy’s favorites along with some random ones she might be interested in and laying them down on the coffee table to give her the final say.

Angel eyed the movies, “I’ve never even heard of half of these,” he said skeptically as he eyed the small stack of movies including, ‘Death Becomes Her’, ‘Scooby-Doo’, ‘Men In Black’, ‘Dazed and Confused’, ‘The Burbs’, ‘Saving Grace’, and ‘Bedazzled’.

“Not surprising. You really got to get out more.”

“When did they make a ‘Scooby-Doo’ live action movie?”

“It’s pretty new. Haven’t watched it yet. But look at the front. Daphne’s never looked better, she’s seriously hot.”

Angel eyed the movie case, “Looks like Buffy with red hair.”

“Like I said, seriously hot.”

Angel looked at it again and set it back down. Buffy came in a minute later with a big bowl of popcorn and she set it down, “If you two want blood you can help yourself.”

Spike raised a hand absentmindedly as he continued looking through the movies, “Just whisky for me, for now.”

“That’s what I forgot,” she said as she went to retrieve her wine, and the whiskey and glasses for the guys.

She came back in, set down the glasses, a bottle each of wine and whiskey. Angel watched with interest as she stripped off the sweater she had worn out. Now they were inside, she was getting warm again. Buffy didn’t notice his gaze and picked up the stack of movies. She threw one back down and handed the rest back to Spike to put away. He shifted through them before putting them back in the bin, noting which movie was missing from the stack and grinned.

“Go on, Pet. Let’s see what happens when cartoons come alive.”

Buffy got the movie started and went over to stand by the couch, “I’m honestly just hoping for a good laugh.”

“Freddy looks like a real winner,” Angel scoffed as he sat down.

Buffy looked almost offended, “Maybe not the hair, but I thought the actor was pretty damn cute.” Both vampires looked at her, “What? I’m allowed to look,” she said indignantly.

Spike stood up, suddenly wrapping his arms around her and pulled them both down onto the couch. Buffy let out a squeal as she landed on top of him awkwardly and laughed. She swatted him playfully and Spike loosened his grip, letting her up. He sat up a little with her. Their eyes locked as he pushed a lock of hair behind her ear, “As long as you know where home is.”

“You know I do,” she said low in his ear. Spike leaned down to her for a kiss. It was sweet and passionate and left them both wanting more.

Angel fought the urge to vomit. Instead he just reached for the remote and hit play on the movie, “Could you please not do that? Movie night was your idea, if you two need to go upstairs then go,” his tone was grim and he said it without looking at them.

Spike smirked at Buffy, “What say you, Pet? Do we need some alone time?”

“Shhh, the movie is starting,” she said in her most innocent tone. She pulled the popcorn towards herself and settled into the crook of Spike‘s arm leaning up against him comfortably.

The movie had barely started when Faith came into the living room carrying a glass of ice and stopped dead in her tracks at the sight before her. Spike and Buffy cuddled on one couch and Angel sitting alone, sullenly on the other.

“What the hell is going on in here? What happened tonight; did you meet with the elders?” Faith asked indignity.

“Movie night. We will go back tomorrow and the next night with Wendy’s group and the baby,” Buffy answered without turning towards her.

Faith sat down with a huff on the opposite side of the same couch Angel was on and grabbed the popcorn off of Buffy, “Nice of you to see if I wanted to join. Where’s the love, B?”

“Got wine and whiskey, get yourself a glass,” Spike added.

“Already got one. Felt like having one on the rocks so I came down for some ice. Guess that explains why I couldn’t find the bottle in the kitchen. Sounds like my kind of movie night. What are we watching anyway? Is that— is this Scooby-Doo? Are they getting stoned in ‘The Mystery Machine’, what the?”

“Everyone knows Shaggy’s a stoner. Now shut it, watch the movie. Drink,” Spike said simply.

Faith leaned forward to grab the whiskey off the coffee table. She poured herself a glass and glanced over at Angel. She caught him stealing a quick glance at Buffy and Spike, and filled his empty glass. Angel grunted a thanks and sat back looking dejected. Faith stretched her legs out on the couch, her feet not quite touching Angel’s thigh. He didn’t seem to notice. In fact he just sat there staring at the television rather than actually watching the movie. Faith rolled her eyes and directed her attention back to the movie where Scooby and Shaggy were doing something goofy.

Spike and Buffy both laughed at the antics on the screen. He murmured something into Buffy’s ear that Faith couldn’t hear and Buffy laughed again. Angel furrowed his brow and downed half of his glass of whiskey. He held the glass to his forehead as he glanced at them again.

Faith kicked him with one sock covered foot, “Let it go,” she mouthed to him.

Angel let out a sigh and relaxed a little before finishing off the contents of his glass and poured another drink. He continued drinking, sipping slowly rather than pounding shots, throughout the rest of the film. Casting a glance at the happy couple nearly every time Buffy giggled.

The moment the movie ended, both Buffy and Spike practically shot off the couch. Buffy muttered something vaguely apologetic about going to bed early and she and Spike made their way up to their bedroom.

Faith got up, “How about another movie?” She asked Angel.

He turned his head back around to look at Faith, “As long as it’s not based on a cartoon.”

Faith rummaged through the movie bin and pulled out ‘Lethal Weapon 3’ without asking what he wanted to watch. As Faith sat back down with a fresh glass of whiskey in her hand. The movie started and Angel patted the top of her foot, “I know what you’re trying to do…”

“Is it working?”

“I’ll let you know.”

Faith eyed him before taking a sip of whiskey and turning back to the TV, “You got to lighten up dude. I’m not saying get your happy on, just ease up a bit.”

“Not sure that would help the situation.”

“A little levity helps in like 80% of all situations. Maybe you should give it a shot.”

“I can be funny. I make people laugh all the time,” he said with a pout.

“Ah huhh, sure, whatever you say,” she added as she rolled her eyes.

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

Upstairs in their bedroom, Spike pulled Buffy to him. She placed a hand on his chest, “Thanks for tonight. I think Angel is finally starting to come around,” she said softly.

“No he’s not. Just because he’s playing nice doesn’t mean he’s on board with you and me shagging every chance we get. Might not be such a bad thing if he never does.”

“Now that’s just evil.”

“I don’t mean it like that,” she gave him an angry look, “No honestly,” he said defensively, “Think about it like putting an extra lock on Angelus’s prison. Even if he does get back with his werewolf chippie or finds someone new, he can be happy without being TOO happy.”

“So you’re saying flaunting our happiness in front of him is for the greater good?”

“Basically, yeah. It’s also a hell of a lot of fun. Throwing all that nonsense of his, back at him.”

“Yeah I’m not sure how I feel about that. I get that he’s put you through some shit but I refuse to be a pawn or worse, some ridiculous prize, in some kind of sick game between you two idiots.”

“You know that’s not how I think of you, don’t you? You are so much more to me than some stupid prize, Buffy. I love you, all of you.”

“I know. I just can’t stand the stupidity of it all when you two get together.”

“Not really much I can do about that, Pet.”

She glared cooly at him. Spike sighed, “I’ll do what I can. But only because it’s you, Slayer.”

Buffy let out a huff and dipped her head before looking back up to him, “I’ll take the nice act for now.”

“That right?” His tone was seductive as he let his hands roam over her body.

“What do you say to trying a little meditation?”

“Not exactly what I was hoping you’d say,” he arched an eyebrow at her.

“Oh I think we could make it interesting if we try,” she smiled wickedly.

“Alright, where do you want me?”

Buffy threw a couple of throw pillows on the floor and got out some candles. Once the candles were lit she sat down on one of the pillows. Spike kicked off his boots and mirrored her. They sat cross legged across from one other. Buffy held out her hands for Spike. His fingers glided over her palms. A subtle electric current passed through them both as their fingers intertwined. Buffy let out a small sigh.

“Ready for this?” She asked.

“Ready if you are.”

She nodded, “Close your eyes and clear your mind. Focus on me. I’ll do the same. We’ll try sensing each other and sending thoughts back and forth.”

“Sexy thoughts?”

“Let’s try small and work our way up,” she winked, “Although I wouldn’t complain to a little sexy.”

Spike cracked his neck and settled down. Closing his eyes he started picturing himself kissing Buffy dressed just as they had been. The kiss was slow and tender. Buffy pulled back from him a little.

So far so good, can you hear me okay? She thought.

Loud and clear, he responded.

A moment later the mind-scape shifted slightly. The kiss resumed and they were floating through space.

Spike? What just happened?

Just roll with it, Love. In his mind's eye he tangled his fingers into her golden hair and pulled her head back kissing along her neck and down to her exposed breast. They were both naked. Interwoven and floating. He imagined taking one of her breasts in his mouth, nipping at the tip with a little more force than he normally would. He heard Buffy gasp and realized it must have worked. Buffy’s eyes suddenly flared with desire.

Two can play that game, she thought. She ran her mouth along his neck and throat. Down towards his collarbone and back up to his ear as she ran her hands through his hair. She wrapped her legs around him, then ran a leg down the back of his thigh and hooked her ankle around the back of his knee. She ground down on him, rubbing herself against his hard member.

You’re in for it now, Pet. Spike growled and his eyes flashed yellow as he reached a hand down working his fingers over her. Slowly he worked his way in. Buffy moved to take him into her warmth.

He had barely worked himself in all the way before Buffy pulled back and opened her eyes, breaking the connection. They were both still sitting in the middle of their bedroom on the throw pillows. Buffy was panting. Spike looked at her with a combination of lust and confusion on his face, “Why’d you break it? It was just getting good.”

She rocked up onto her knees pitching herself into his arms, “Because as awesome as that was, I need you. The real you. I need to feel you inside me.”

He smiled, “Bloody hell yes!” he pushed himself up to his knees to meet her lips. Buffy stripped his shirt from him and ran her tongue along the well defined line bisecting his amazingly chiseled torso. She bit at his hip. Spike’s eyes flashed open turning from blue to yellow and back again.

He gripped his fingers into her hair pulling her up to kiss him again, “I love you, Buffy,” his growl came out from deep within his chest.

She knew his demon self was hovering just below the surface and didn’t care. She kissed him as she reached for the hem of her own shirt. Spike ran his hands up her smooth taught stomach and up over her bra. He pulled back to look at her as she pulled the shirt off revealing a pale purple bra.

“This a new one?”

“I held back a few surprises from our shopping trip.”

“Keeping thing’s interesting are we?”

“Always,” she said as she shimmied out of her jeans.

They kissed again as Buffy pushed Spike back onto the bed. She unfastened his pants and slid them down. Spike sat up to remove his shirt, and she straddled him. Buffy took out the hair tie still holding her hair back in a tight braid and shook out her hair, letting it fall around her shoulders.

“God you’re beautiful,” Spike exclaimed softly. He ran his fingers lightly along her hips stopping when he felt little bows of ribbon on the sides of the little matching panties.

He looked down and grinned, “I like this set,” he said as he pulled a ribbon on each side before pulling them off completely. She shivered as the fabric passed over the sensitive skin. Then he reached up until he found the clasp of her bra and undid it with a practiced hand. Buffy arched her back, letting the bra slip down exposing herself fully to him. Spike gazed at her atop him, feeling like the luckiest man in the world.

Buffy grinned at him, “What's that look for?”

“Just appreciating the view” he lifted a hand, trailing his fingers from her collarbone downward. She shivered in anticipation when he passed down over her breast. He brushed the soft toned skin of her abdomen and continued down her body, moving slowly and deliberately.

Buffy moved her hips, slowly rocking herself over his fingers as he rubbed her gently. Buffy was starting to feel desperate now. Her need for him growing. She raked her nails lightly down his chest as she went in for another passion laced kiss. Spike deepened the kiss as he adjusted himself and pulled Buffy down onto him in one fluid motion. Buffy let out a little gasp as he pushed his hardness into her completely. Giving her exactly what she wanted so badly. The connection between them intensified as they sensed each other’s needs and deepest desires. Spike nearly lost control for a moment, feeling his fangs descend. Buffy watched. Then leaning down she grabbed his hands and using her strength she pushed his hands up over his head pinning them there. In retaliation Spike took one of her breasts in his mouth, teasing her with his tongue. Buffy gasped when he bit lightly. It sent a shock of pleasure and pain through her that had her right on the edge of release. After several minutes she let his hands go. However, he held them in place, reaching up to hold onto the headboard.

He watched her with hungry eyes as she pulled back, sitting up and rolling her hips sensually as she felt him gliding inside of her. They were both lost in a sea of sensation as they moved their bodies together in writhing synchronized motions. Suddenly it was as though they were connected in both the physical world and their shared mind-scape. The feelings were intense as they explored each other both inside and out. The mind Spike was the one in his vampire form, the demon inside him joining in the fun. She opened her eyes to look at the real Spike pressed into her, realizing his face hadn’t actually changed at all. She kissed him and they kissed in the mind-scape too, in spite of his fangs. With a thrill Buffy realized she didn’t mind either way and deepened both kisses.

When she opened her eyes again Spike really had let his face shift, “Are you sure this is what you want?” He rasped quietly.

“I want you, all of you. The monster and the man, inside and out.”

Spike growled as she brought her mouth back down onto his, carefully keeping himself from hurting her with his fangs. She moved back over to his neck and ear, sucking and flicking with her tounge. Can you be gentle with those things? She asked inside her head without ever lifting her mouth from his ear.

“What did you have in mind?” He gasped aloud when she bit his ear with blunt teeth.

Buffy sat up a little, offering her other breast to him. He took it gleefully. As he rolled his tongue along the tip the way she liked. He gave a little nip with his teeth. She gasped. Little pinpricks of blood met his tongue making him shudder involuntarily. Did I hurt you? He thought to her.

“A little. Don’t stop,” she gasped again as he continued to tease. The sensation over took them both. He ran his tongue around soothingly, tasting the little hints of blood on her skin. He loved that taste but never wanted to really hurt her. He thrust up into her as hard as he could and Buffy shuttered as the first orgasm hit.

Spike let go of the headboard. He grabbed Buffy’s hips, suddenly lifting her up and pulling her forward towards him. He let his face melt back into his human form before grinning up at her. “Wouldn’t want to damage your sweet spot, Pet,” he growled low, “I want you.”

Buffy grabbed hold of the headboard and pressed herself against it as he dipped his mouth under her. Tasting her. He teased her with his tongue relentlessly and dug his fingertips into her hips and thighs as she pressed herself to his mouth asking for more.

Buffy screamed as he continued to pleasure her. His hands wandered over her lower back and up to her breasts. She released her grip on the headboard and grabbed his hands signaling him to let go. She ran her fingers through his hair roughly. Spike let out a low sexy growl. Arching her back, Buffy reached behind herself rubbing her hand against him. He was still slick and wet from being inside her. Electricity shot through them both as Buffy screamed again, “William!”

Buffy moaned again, and gripped a handful of his hair, thus spurring him on harder. A scream escaped her lips again before lifting herself up. She swung her leg around so she could move to the side, going down on all fours. Communicating her needs through their link.

Without saying a word Spike got up, and positioned himself behind her. She pushed back into him and he glided into her deeply once more, feeling her clamp down around him. Buffy straightened up, pressing her back against his chest as they continued moving in rhythm with each other. Spike growled and kissed her neck, tasting her salty skin. She moaned in appreciation and reached one hand to grab his hand on her hip, moving it down between her legs. Then she turned as she grabbed the back of his head and pulled him to her for a kiss. He bent towards her, accepting it like a living man might accept an oxygen mask.

As their lips and tongues kneaded each other, Buffy felt herself building towards another release. The kiss deepened. Spike moaned into her open mouth as he continued to drive into her steadily. She let out another little cry of delight as he moved his other hand over her breast pinching gently. Buffy released her hands and moved slightly as she pressed them against the headboard for leverage. Spike increased his pace, sending them both over the edge.

He held her in place with his hands on her hips as Buffy steadied herself. She reached her arm back again pulling him into another kiss, this one slow and tender. They turned to face each other and resumed the kiss as they laid down on the bed. Buffy struggled to catch her breath as they lay there intertwined in postcoital bliss.

Spike rested his head against hers and smirked, “That was incredible.”

“Yeah it was,” She panted as she pulled herself a little closer to him.

“That’s a mind game I don’t mind playing.”

“Think we’ll ever get the hang of that without the sexcapades?”, she teased.

“I’m not complaining.”

Buffy laughed, “Yeah, I didn’t think you would,” she passed the moment relishing in the feel of his arms around her, “I love you.”

“Still getting used to hearing that,” he said softly.

“I love you,” she repeated earnestly.

“I love you too.”

Buffy wiggled a little in his arms as she readjusted herself on the bed with him, “I know I don’t say it enough… to anyone… I just really want you to know how much I really do, love you— you know, with Angel in town and all… I just want—“

“I’m gonna stop you. You don’t have to prove anything, Love.”

She took a deep breath, “Liar,” she laughed, “You say that, but I know you. You wouldn’t be so damn insecure around Angel if—“

Spike huffed, “You have no idea how much of that bloody nonsense isn’t even about you, Pet. You’re right about one thing, I’m still working through it a bit. Did a lot of that in LA but it’s still there; a bit.”

“You’re sure that’s all?”

“I’m sure. Think of it like serious daddy issues— except not— and way more twisted than the average.”

“Yeah, I can’t think of you two like that—“

“Like what? A freaking twisted family? That’s sort of what we are, Pet. A little like the family you’ve built for yourself around here. Except way more buggered.”

“I so don’t need to hear this. Why not go with something less— icky than daddy issues?”

Spike chuckled, “Dru always called Angelus ‘daddy’,” he shrugged, “Then he wouldn’t think twice about shagging her just to annoy me,” he cleared his throat, “I see your point.”

“Yup. That and it sounds like you’re still hung up on Dru.”

“Pfft, not bloody likely,” he paused a moment turning his face towards hers with a wicked grin, “So what do you think, Love, round two? Or would that be three with the whole mind thing?”

“Oh yeah, color me totally reassured,” she snorted delicately and grinned.

Still grinning, she tilted her head for another kiss and let herself melt into him. He pulled her hard against his naked body. Letting out a gruff moan, he kissed and gently nipped her neck. She ran her fingers in his hair and gripped hard. Setting up the mind-scape once more they dove in. The physical and the mental intertwining until they lost themselves in the other. There in that bramble of mind and body they found themselves and each other over and over again.

They moved against each other. Feeling, touching, and tasting every inch of one and other in slow sensual movements that consumed them both in sheer ecstasy. They let their minds wander in and out of each other, heightening the experience exponentially. The sun had risen long before they finally fell asleep, still intertwined in a tangle of limbs as they slept.

#fanfic #buffy the vampire slayer #bound #buffy fanfic #buffy x spike #spuffy #spike x buffy

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heyjustalittleguy · 1 year

Text

CommonGround Ch.6

Gosh it’s been a minute huh? Okay, this has a quick Ryker tangent before diving into Barry and Ben shenanigans. This is a ramp up to some action and drama so stay tuned!

Ryker couldn’t fucking believe this.

It was bad enough having to wander this shithole all day without his brother, but now he was publicly humiliated by a tiny. Something his entire race has been embarrassed about as far as he could remember was that they hadn’t been able to lord over tines the way they did weaker giants. Tinies apparently had so much pride that they used their technology to actually threaten us back. GIANTS. And apparently that didn’t just apply to the eggheads back in tiny town or whatever. That runt is gonna pay. And SPIKE is gonna regret choosing the wrong side.

Ryker was almost to the wall when he stopped and collected himself. His brother wasn’t to blame here, he’s just confused. He’s young and trying new things. He just needed a little…motivation to come home. To get back to what he’s supposed to be doing.

Maybe he knew exactly how.

Ben had been in the hole for…a while. Things were not looking good. He’d run out of rations days ago and had been scavenging what he could find in cabinets and the like, but apparently the giant enjoyed never preparing any meals and eating only processed food delivered to him. It’d been two days since he’d last eaten and he knew it was going to get desperate soon.

The giant seemed to think that he had left. The first few days of hiding the giant tried to find him, looking in every room several times and even cleaning up a bit as if looking for Ben in the trash, which he didn’t appreciate. But of course Ben never answered or even left the hole during that time, so the giant gave up, and Ben began watching his routine and abusing it to grab food whenever he could.

The giant would wake up almost at sunrise every morning, which would be admirable if it was to do literally anything. You see, the rest of the day would consist of the giant watching something on a humongous television for several hours at a time before taking a break to order food or go to the bathroom. Sometimes he’d play with his phone and other times he’d read a book by the window but the giant never left the apartment or even went to another room during these days. It mostly made sense, seeing as this was in effect a jail cell, but it was still a little pathetic watching this on repeat.

Until…

Ding dong!

Ben awoke a little later than normal today. Usually he was woken up by the giant entering the kitchen and making its white soup but as he poked his head out he realized the giant wasn’t there, in fact he was shuffling through the hall wearing nicer clothes than he’d ever seen him in as he went for the door.

Was that a doorbell before?

Without thinking he began climbing out of the hole and launched himself into the air. Was this his chance to escape? Yes it had to be. Even with another giant in the way he promised himself that he’d just keep going. He needed to get out of here.

The giant took a breath to prepare himself and Ben did the same, he was almost out.

The giant lifted his phone to his ear and opened the door and just before Ben started moving he saw- a human?

A human woman stalked inside like she owned the place while another two giants stood guard at the door. Ben folded immediately. The human had given him too much pause and upon seeing the giants practically barricading the door he silently sulked. There was no way to leave this hellish apartment.

“Looks a little better than last time Barry.” the woman exclaimed, looking around the apartment with a huff. “You do some cleaning?”

“A little more than usual, yeah. I dropped something and couldn’t find it.”

The human woman laughed and shook her head, “If that’s all it takes you should pretend to drop things to give yourself a little motivation.”

The giant, Barry, only nodded and the woman went about some kind of inspection. She tsked a lot at the giant for the state of the place and slowly made their way to the hall. Ben could only hear Barry’s responses now but even then it wasn’t much. The human must be doing most of the talking.

It was slow going as the human commented on apparently every little thing and Barry slowly shuffled behind. Ben thought about booking it a few times but the giants at the door didn’t move an inch. Eventually, they made their way back to the front room and the human stopped just short of the door.

“Well I am happy that your living arrangements are a little less crowded, but you really need to work harder if you want to be considered for some kind of parole Mr. Johnson.”

This caught Ben’s attention, as far as he knew most giants had crude last names that were usually on the nose, but this was a common HUMAN last name. And the giant responded! “Yes I know but…even then with the investigation going on I don’t think I’ll be given that opportunity any time soon.”

The human cocked her head and her voice sounded sad, “Sure but at the end of the day that’s an excuse Barry, you shouldn’t do it for these inspections, you should do it for yourself.”

Barry’s expression was unreadable, “I’ll keep that in mind.”

The human shook her head and turned towards the door, “See you next month.”

“Yeah, see you.”

She left and the giants vacated the doorway, Barry slowly shut the door and leaned his head against it. What on Earth did Ben just witness?

Before he could really comprehend it Barry lifted his head from the door after a moment and began walking into the kitchen. Ben didn’t have the time to stand and run from his prone position before the giant’s sad gaze locked onto him on top of the fridge and his expression became a lot less sad.

“What the hell?! You were here the whole time?!”

Ben’s instinct was to run but he couldn’t help his curiosity. Standing up to at least try and match eye level he spat, “Why do you have a human last name?”

The amount of emotions that flashed through Barry’s face as he tried to comprehend what was going on was too many to count. Barry took a step back, which Ben appreciated, and took a deep breath, which sounded like howling wind from this close.

“First of all, why are you still here? Dude it’s been weeks.”

Ben didn’t want to admit he was so powerless as to not be able to leave, “You haven’t told me what I want to know. I can’t leave until I get an answer.”

Barry seemed dumbfounded by this answer which solidified how poor the excuse was in Ben’s mind. Still, he couldn’t fold now.

“Okay? So you’ve been squatting in my place. What have you been eating and drinking all this time?”

Ben was confused with the direction this had taken, “What does it matter?” He eyed the hole behind the fridge. He wanted to run but the giant would surely discover his spot if he just went for it now.

“A dead guy in my apartment wouldn’t really help my case? Can you just answer if you’ve been eating?”

“Can you just answer my questions already?” Ben huffed now more frustrated than afraid.

“I don’t know where Seth lives now, I don’t even know what you want with him so even if I did, why would I tell a creepy home invader like you?”

Offended more than frustrated now Ben took a step forward in anger, “I wouldn’t spend a MILLISECOND in this dump if it wasn’t for your tight lipped bullshit! Give me SOMETHING and let me out so I can do what I came here to!”

Barry leaned against the island counter with his arms crossed, his face scrunching up tightly, “Are you…related to Seth?”

Ben felt as if the ground below him had completely disappeared, he tried not to react but could tell as his anger peaked and he couldn’t help it. A GIANT should NOT be able to peg him like this. What the hell was going on?!

“Okay so I was right.” He pulled out his phone and started pulling something up.

“You’re not going to call him are you?” Ben couldn’t help but ask. The mission was going to be completely compromised if Seth was warned about him.

“I’m not allowed to contact tinies but I can give you his number for you to talk to him.” He gently held his phone out for Ben to see and he quickly read the number over and over to memorize it. Not that he could use it…

“Done? That should be enough. And since this is family business I definitely don’t want to get involved. You have everything I can give you.”

Ben narrowed his eyes, what was he supposed to do now. “That’s false. You can still give me the answer to the human last name.”

Barry’s eye twitched, “That’s really none of your business and I’m starting to think you just want free food because you refuse to leave.”

A part of Ben wanted to say, make me, but unfortunately another part spoke before that, his stomach growling completely involuntarily at the mentioning of food. And, unfortunately, the giant was close enough to hear it.

“Wait…”

“Nevermind! Just tell me where Seth lives and let a breeze in here it stinks!” Ben tried to deflect what had just happened and come up with a clever way to get out but the giant had a look on his face Ben had never seen before, and if he was honest with himself, it was scary.

“Stay there for a second.” Barry simply said before moving through the kitchen with purpose. He started pulling pots and pans from drawers. What was he doing? Ben briefly remembered the folk tales of giants eating humans in the dark ages, why did that get passed around when they were kids? Why are kids so morbid?

He watched Barry pull dry, and inedible, food from various cabinets and seemed to work through a strange process to cook everything. Ben admitted that the culinary inventions were always too complicated and tiresome to actually attempt himself, but the giant did it all with ease. It seemed like a strange hybrid of the giant's food with human cooking techniques. Fusion…human last name. That was going to bother him.

After barely five minutes, whatever it was was ready, and Barry cut an appropriate portion out for Ben.

“Sorry I only have paper plates.” he apologized before putting the portion on a plate bigger than him. He then turned and looked at Ben’s awkward position on top of the fridge. “Do you want to come down-?”

“No!” Ben was quick to say. “The last thing I want is to climb on the plate for you.”

Barry’s face twisted into one of disgust before rolling his eyes. “Then how are you going to eat this?”

“Who said I’m going to eat that? I don’t even know what that is!” Ben refuted, though the smell was getting to him, he could feel himself salivating but refused to indulge himself…yet.

“It’s grits and eggs,” he said simply. These words meant nothing to Ben, and Barry could tell. “What have you been eating while you’ve been here?”

“None of your business…” Ben could feel his will breaking. He didn’t want to talk anymore, he just wanted to eat. Fuck. “I’ll-I’ll just back up and you can put it up here. And then you can leave the room.”

Barry didn’t seem amused but relinquished. When Ben had moved as far as he could the giant placed the plate in front of him. Ben could barely restrain himself as Barry was walking away. “I’ll be back in five or so minutes, if you want anything else.”

As soon as he was out of sight Ben climbed onto the plate, the texture changed to the slightly foamy and he would’ve taken at least a moment to consider how uncomfortable that is but primal instincts were clearly overpowering him. Without even any cutlery Ben began eating with his hands, shoving some yellow substance into his mouth and-

Oh my god.

Once the first mouthful hit his taste buds all thought and awareness left him as the next few minutes were dedicated to filling his stomach with one of the most delicious things he had ever had. Of course, that was only because he was starving.

Before he knew it, he’d cleaned the plate, he considered licking it but started to regain his humanity just in time. He panted, now wishing he had something to drink after his first actual meal in weeks.

“I guess you liked it?”

Ben jumped as he heard the voice and forced himself onto his feet. Barry was back, he was wearing different clothes, more akin to what he usually wore, which is to say rags. He was approaching the kitchen and Ben slammed the trigger on his spear and rocketed into the air away from the plate. Barry raised an eyebrow as he arrived right in front of the fridge.

“You’re done then?”

“Yes.”

“No thank you?”

Ben didn’t really know how to answer that, he couldn’t think of a retort so he simply stared. Barry shrugged it off and grabbed the plate from the fridge. “If you don’t want anymore I’m going to use this.”

With that, Barry went back to the stove top and started filling the plate with tremendous amounts of the same food. He cleared the pots completely and retrieved a fork from a drawer nearby. He then froze with some kind of realization and turned back to him. “Oh, I didn’t give you silverware.”

Ben now found something to say, “Yeah thanks a lot.” he landed back onto the fridge now holding his hands out in front of him as if he couldn’t bare to look at them.

“Oh please, do you want a napkin or-”

Ben quickly thought of something much more appealing, “Or a shower?”

Barry grimaced, “So you heard everything? Do you have nothing better to do?”

Ben almost said no but held it back, “I haven’t been able to get a shower, and it’s not like you’re using it.”

“What would I use it for?” Barry asked with a surprising amount of humor in his voice.

“Well it’s in your apartment.” Ben threw back, “Besides I haven’t had a shower in a while.”

“Sure I don’t care.” he began eating

Ben was surprised there weren't any more retorts but took advantage of the permission and zipped across the ceiling and out of the kitchen since the first time he’d arrived. He could tell Barry was watching him but tried to ignore the gaze. He flew into the empty room that he now knew once held his brother. Perhaps there was some kind of clue for him to find among the trash, but first.

Not wanting to strip within full view of the giant, Ben took out what he place marked The Grabber and used it to shut the enormous door. From there he needed to hide his tech so if the giant tried to grab it while he was vulnerable he wouldn’t find it. Thankfully there was a crack near the floor that he easily slipped everything into. And now…

With a deep breath and more than a little hesitation, Ben got in the shower. Ben, as much as he acted like it, wasn’t a military man. He’d picked up a certain line of thinking from them, sure, but he was far from prepared for every scenario. This was one of the more outlandish ones sure, but he needed to be alert in case anything happened.

He tried to hurry, there wasn’t soap or anything left in there but the water was hot and that’s all he wanted. It fogged up the small shower quickly and Ben could feel his breathing get heavier. He was so vulnerable right now. He could see flashes of moments from his life, similar times, none of them happy. He couldn’t imagine what Seth was going through right now, after all he was the most vulnerable person Ben had ever met.

When he finished he wrenched the door open only to see the room door, still shut. The giant had not come in. Relief flooded Ben almost to the point where he needed to hold the wall for balance. Calm down, get dressed and find out where he really is.

Ben re-equipped himself and started searching the room. After looking through every piece of trash and even the numerous cracks in the wall he concluded that Seth must’ve taken everything useful with him. Ben cursed his brother's attention to detail. Now he was back to square one, back to the giant.

Slowly he crept to the shared wall between this room and the living area. He heard the television, the giant must be out there, most likely sitting, relaxing, waiting for him to come back out. He huffed, but knew he had to think logically. Conversing with the giant had gotten him fresh food and hot water. Though he probably could’ve done the water thing himself. The giant doesn’t know he’s defenseless yet, and sooner or later he’ll open the door again. This was just a waiting game now, if he played along and tried to get on the giants good side he’d be out in no time.

Ben nodded to himself and took a breath. Seth could wait a bit longer, and if Seth’s been dealing with giants this whole time, he could deal with one.

Barry didn’t know if he was repenting for something or if he was in hell but the tiny certainly made him think so. After he got out of the shower Barry’s day was filled with nonstop questions and bratty behavior the likes of which his parents would’ve never put up with had this been him. The tiny asked for a lot in rapid succession, as if trying to get him to lower his guard and actually answer a question. Barry couldn’t help but feel like he was being interrogated, and it didn’t feel good. It never did.

“How well did you know Seth?”

“Well I knew him for a year so-”

“So not that well then.”

“I guess not.”

“But you say he was here willingly?”

“That’s how roommates work.”

“Sure sure, how often would you let him out?”

“I didn’t dictate anything about Seth’s life, I was mostly gone when he was here.”

“So you don’t even know what he was doing half the time?”

“Most of the time.”

The tiny was short tempered, even more than Seth used to be, if Barry slipped up and said something about tinies or referred to himself as human he would completely flip. It would be funny if it wasn’t so annoying.

The day was usually long by himself, but with someone to talk to it actually dragged on much longer.

After hours of constant questioning Barry went to take a shower himself and thankfully the tiny didn’t seem interested in following, even at a distance. He finally had a moment to himself for the first time all day and, it…

Barry took a shower in record time, and when he opened the door he almost smiled when he saw the tiny hanging from the ceiling there.

“What are you planning for dinner?”

“Why?”

“I have allergies.”

Almost.

#g/t writing #g/t ocs #g/t #giant/tiny

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meowmeowmeowhi · 1 year

Text

So now that I’m home relaxing I just want to share my birth experience because it was actually pretty traumatizing for me.

I had my first baby boy at 38 weeks & 4 days. I went in for my normal weekly appointment and I was getting a growth scan this time. She kept measuring his heart rate and it was low, around 83 BPM. She made some excuse to go talk to the doctor and she came back pretty fast and told me I needed to go down to labor and delivery for a stress test. (My ob office is at the hospital and my boyfriend was with me)

Once we got to L&D they maybe had the stress test bands on me for like a minute and all of the sudden tons of doctors were surrounding me and stripping me and my OB was right by me telling me he’s sorry and this is going to go by really fast but I needed to have an emergency c section. I had maybe two seconds to tell my boyfriend I loved him as he was just as confused as me. Probably within 10 minutes of me going down to L&D I was in the OR, terrified and just having more and more doctors surround me. They draped me and I could feel them start to clean my stomach and I was so scared they were about to cut while I was still awake but then I was out.

When I woke up we were in a different room and they let me hold him right away. He looked amazing and he was crying and was beautiful. My boyfriend was able to cut his cord and I guess he had the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck which is part of the reason his HR was so low. But then his heart rate was too high. It kept spiking from 100 to over 200. He didn’t have to go to the NICU but he had to stay in the nursery. I only got to see him after surgery then I had to wait until I was stable enough to switch beds, so not until mid afternoon. My boyfriend and mom were able to see him freely.

They couldn’t figure out what was going on so that night around 10PM a bigger hospital around an hour away had to come and transport him there. I told my boyfriend to go with him so he’s not alone even though he wanted to stay with me. But then I was alone, and I felt so alone. I was not expecting my baby to been born like that, I had such a healthy pregnancy. Literally no issues at all and then all of the sudden I was laying in a recovery room by myself with my newborn an hour away. My adrenaline kicked in and I was just fighting to be discharged. I wasn’t feeling pain, I was getting up walking around doing whatever it took to get back with my family, which I did.

I was able to have been discharged a little over 24 hours. I finally got back to my baby and boyfriend and it turns out his upper heart chamber is beating faster than his bottom. He’s getting some meds now to even it out and they think it’s something he will grow out of. He is such a sweet, healthy funny baby otherwise. And he’s HUGE. He was born 9 pounds 1 oz. I’m so blessed that he is okay and otherwise healthy. I love him so much.

He’s still at the hospital which is an amazing one and we were able to go home and get some rest. We are about to get me in the shower so we can go back down and be with him. But man, once I got back with my family my body relaxed and I am feeling every inch of this c section. I’m in a lot of pain, especially since I pushed my body so much.

My appointment was at 8 am and he was born at 8:36 am. His name is Isaac and he’s beautiful.

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crossroadsdimension · 1 year

Text

Cross got to the staging point ahead of the others, which wasn’t a surprise -- she passed Thanced a couple extra servings of Lassi before they teleported out, which he gave her a grateful look for.

(”It should help settle at least some stomachs before Estinien can spend all his coin again,” Cross said.

“Should, aye. Whether or not it will is another matter.”)

As soon as everyone else arrived with mostly settled stomachs, they split into their respective teams and began their climb up the tower. If it looked disgusting on the outside, and terrifying on the inside with what little Cross saw, it got even more horrifying on the way up.

(”Is this flesh?” Alphinaud quickly moved onto one of the metal bands of the pipes, rather than staying on the pinkish portions.

“I’m trying not to think about that,” Cross said, feeling a little sick to her stomach now. She didn’t want to know what Fandaniel had built this place out of, but her mind kept trying to tempt her with horrifying images.)

Of course it turned more into an animal’s insides as they continued making their way up. Cross kept moving, trying to find something solid to stand on rather than the fleshy floor, but even then the harder portions felt like metallized bone.

And this said nothing of what remained of the tempered Imperials.

(”What kind of monsters are they becoming?” Cross quickly moved away as the remains of a man fell back and hit the floor. The purple tendrils and spikes that replaced the man’s head and arms were horrifying to look at. It reminded her too much of living coral, much like how the Serpent Reavers had been turned into jellyfish-headed monstrosities. “Oh, gods...if the empire is made incarnate, just what manner of primal would they be intent on summoning?”

“I really don’t want to think about that right now,” Alisaie replied, making a face.)

And then, of course, there were the Magus sisters themselves, and the fight that occurred at the top of the tower when all three of them were involved.

Cross and Alisaie both scolded Estinien for bringing all three of them to the top of the tower.

(”If there’s one thing I know about fighting primals, it’s that YOU DON’T JINX IT!” Cross danced out of the way of thundering lightning, trying to find a quiet moment to cast a fire spell or two to weaken the primal monsters. “Fighting Ifrit and Garuda at the same time on the First was bad enough, and when they merged together to fight as one it was even worse! So DON’T JINX IT!”

“All right, all right!” Estinien huffed. “But it is faster to kill all three of them at once. Better that than to face them one at a time.”

Alisaie looked like she wanted to VerFlare Estinien for that. Cross didn’t blame her.)

Of course the thing powering the tower had to be equally horrifying -- why was a man’s limb embedded in the core at the top?! -- but it came crashing down into aether and vanished. G’raha almost killed himself saving everyone, which left Cross as concerned for his health as he was for the former prisoners, who all needed treatment and help returning to their normal selves.

But it was worth it. A few hours rest, and then they were back in the capital city, speaking with Vytra and being promised a bounty of warding scales.

The dragon’s words to Cross alone were...cryptic, and a little foreboding. It made Cross want to be everywhere at once to make sure none of them died when her back was turned. She’d lost a number of friends and allies already, she didn’t want to lose anyone else.

She made sure to corner Thancred before he went off to Bozja and Dalmasca and told him as much.

(”Just...be careful. Please. We don’t know where else these towers could spring up, or what other horrors they might spring on us.”

Thancred blinked in surprise at the open concern. His expression softened. “I’ll be all right, Cross. I swear to you, I will take the utmost care.” He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, no more than a peck. “I will see you in Sharlayan.”

“I’m holding you to that,” Cross told him seriously.)

#cross' rambling #cross sylvan #miqo'te warrior of light #miqo'te oc #miqo'te wol oc #warrior of light oc #wol oc #endwalker spoilers

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bitsandbobsofwriting · 3 years

Text

A new servant desperately struggles to understand what exactly Merlin is:

A cryptid? Arthur's boyfriend? Simply a dude? The court jester? Something else entirely? Who knows, certainly not the new guy.

The first time the new kitchen-hand, Tristan, saw The King’s dark-haired servant sprinting down the corridor, he couldn’t tell if the man was laughing or crying.

He was fast, faster than Tristan thought possible for someone whose arms were so full of laundry, but he politely steps out of the way, coming to the conclusion that he must’ve been late for something. At least... he did think that, until he turns the next corner to see three of The king’s most trusted knights peering out of windows and into random doors. Tristan freezes in the corridor, he’d heard that servants were treated extremely well here, but he’d only been employed for a few days and he didn’t want to risk anything by pushing past or addressing his betters.

One of the knights, Sir Leon, his brain helpfully supplies, spots him stood there, and his annoyed frown quickly morphs into a friendly smile:

“Pardon me, sorry, I don’t suppose you’ve seen Merlin around anywhere, have you?”

Tristan’s eyes go wide and the grip he has on his tray tightens, but he forces himself to take a breath and answer, trying his best to keep his voice even:

“Merlin is... The King’s manservant? Tall, with dark hair?”

Another knight pushes forward, he looks to be the oldest, with dark hair falling in an almost deliberately tousled way around his bearded jawline. His charming grin seems just a little too wide to be genuine, but Tristan isn’t quite sure if that’s because he’s about to take pleasure in punishing someone, or if he’s just being polite to a stranger:

“Yeah, yeah that’s him, seen him? Arsehole turned our shirts pink in the wash, and something tells me it was deliberate.”

Tristan gulps at the accusation and he takes a shaky step back, but before he can even think of defending the stranger that he now thinks must’ve been crying, the last of the three knights, a giant, if Tristan believed in such things, steps forward:

“Don’t worry, we won’t beat him too much.”

He says it with a grin and a quirk of his eyebrows, but once again the kitchen-hand can’t tell if it was cruel or genuine, if he was being sarcastic or not.

“Uh... yeah, he turned left at the end of this corridor, but I didn’t see where he went after that, I apologise.”

Sir Leon waves away his apology with a smile, looking to the long-haired knight with a raised eyebrow:

“The stables?”

The man grins widely, nodding his agreement as he turns his grin to the giant. Sir Leon offers Tristan another soft smile, murmuring his thanks before moving past him, elbowing the other two to prompt them in to thanking him as well. The three of them march down the corridor with almost vindictive smiles on their faces, and Tristan prepares himself to see a vacancy note, or possibly a funeral invite, posted on the notice board by the next morning.

When he passes a window that evening to see the King’s manservant being carried on the giant’s shoulders as five other knights pelt them with gloves, a grin on every face, he decides that... well... it’s probably best to just not to ask.

The next time he sees Merlin, a few days later, The King is also there.

This is the first time Tristan has been in Arthur Pendragon’s presence, and though the other servant’s all rave on about how awkwardly kind he is, he’s a bundle of nerves. Not even Cook’s stories about how often she whacks The King’s knuckles with a wooden spoon when she catches him about to pilfer something stops Tristan’s heart from racing.

The King was overseeing a few of the servants decorate the main hall for a feast, and whilst Tristan is certain that that’s not something The King normally does, he doesn’t question it, just thinks that maybe the other servants had been telling the truth, and he was a genuinely nice, but normal man.

Merlin stands at his side, and though Tristan can’t hear their conversation, the two of them are clearly bickering over something. The servant can’t help his curiosity, wanting desperately to move closer to find out what sort of things The King allows his servant to bicker with him about; luckily, the table right next to them has yet to be laid, so he moves towards it quickly. He doesn’t even glance at them, terrified of being caught out, but perhaps Merlin surviving the knights non-wrath the other day is encouraging him, and his steps don’t falter. Their words come in to focus, and he has to stop the confused, and slightly horrified, frown from spreading across his face:

“Arthur, I swear to the Gods, if you make me wear that hat again, I’ll piss in your wine and serve it to you in front of a crowd.”

The King scoffs just as Tristan shakily begins laying down the cutlery:

“That’s treason, Merlin.”

“Do I look like I care? Not only will I piss in your wine, I will not hesitate to push you over a balcony at the first opportunity. This hall is high up and it’s a long way down to the gardens. He drank toxic wine and turned loopy and tipped himself off a balcony and went splat! That’s what people will say. I’m not wearing the Godamn hat.”

Tristan has to focus extra carefully to stop himself from gasping; Merlin just threatened to kill The King... that’s got to be a death sentence. Pissing off some knights that he’s obviously friendly with is one thing, but threatening to kill The-

“Ha ha. Very funny. If you can’t tell, Merlin, I’m being sarcastic, I know you struggle with complex concepts like that.”

Merlin just rolls his eyes, crossing his arms as he says with no hesitation:

“My mind is more than capable of coping, My Lord, it’s your belt I worry about being able to cope nowadays.”

Tristan bites his tongue to stop himself from yelping and turns away so neither of them can see his horrified face. The King just makes an outraged noise in the back of his throat, and Tristan can hear Merlin snort in laughter at whatever expression Arthur was wearing to match such a noise:

“Go to the stocks. I want you there for three hours.”

Tristan lets out a confused breath; Merlin threatens to kill The King, and gets playful sarcasm, but he implies The King might be a tad overweight, and gets sent to the stocks for three hours? How is that-

“Yeah... no. Not happening. The feast starts in less than two hours and I still have to help Guinevere organise some stuff in the courtyard, do Gaius’ rounds for him, then put an extra hole in your belt and help you get dressed because, despite being a grown man, you’re still an idiot who’s incapable of putting clothes on in any sort of decent manner.”

Tristan finds himself relaxing a little. This seems to be the norm for them, but surely... surely The King had a line somewhere, and a servant just flat out refusing to be disciplined must be where it lies?

Arthur just scoffs, and Tristan angles his head in such a way that he can see him roll his eyes:

“Fuck off.”

Merlin grins, seeming to cast a suspicious gaze over the room to make sure no one was watching and somehow completely missing Tristan stood just there, before saying quietly:

“You love me really, you prat.”

With that, Merlin reaches up to yank at a lock of The King’s hair before hurrying off in the direction of the courtyard before Arthur can react. The King jumps slightly, clearly caught by surprise as an annoyed flush rises on his face, but Tristan just frowns in confusion when his shock gives way to a softly amused smile.

Huh.

The next few times Tristan saw Merlin made him fear for the servant’s safety. He was being taken on hunts by The King and his knights, that’s meant to be for squires, to learn the ropes and gain experience in tracking and riding.

He supposes it isn’t entirely unheard of for a servant to follow their master on a hunt, but with the way Merlin complains without pause, and The King in turn complains about his complaining, he thinks it would better for everyone if Merlin just... didn’t go. When he brings it up to another servant, a lovely woman named Guinevere who had helped him get unlost at least three times in his first week, she just laughs and smiles at him pityingly:

“I wouldn’t worry, those two have been like that forever, they’re practically inseparable.”

Tristan responds with a rather intelligent sounding:

“...What?”

Gwen laughs softly again, shaking her head and patting his shoulder consolingly:

“You’ll get used to it, they’re just... like that.”

She gives him one more smile before turning to wave the boys out of the gates and walking back to the castle as if this were the most normal thing in the world. Tristan supposes that it probably is.

The next time Tristan sees Merlin leave the city gates with the knights, Sir Elyan, Sir Mordred, and Sir Lancelot this time, it’s distinctly worse. Because he’d caught sight of the patrol rota last time he ran food down to the training ground, and he was certain that those three had a city patrol right about now.

Before he even has time to gape in shock, he hears Merlin’s pleading voice as he trails Sir Elyan like a lost puppy:

“Please, El, I promise to stay out of the way, I will do anything, but I swear to the Gods if I have to spend one more minute around that prat, I’ll hurl myself from the battlements.”

Swearing to the Gods and threating to hurl various people, including himself, from significant heights seems to be some sort of theme for The King’s manservant. Before Tristan can consider the implications of that, Sir Elyan turns to Merlin with a wide, teasing grin on his face:

“You know, I would’ve let you tag along for free, Merlin, but now that you’ve promised me something I feel the need to take advantage.”

Tristan tenses at that, a shot of ice spiking down his spine. He has keen eyes and sharp ears, he knows that Sir Elyan is the lovely Gwen’s brother, Sir Mordred seems to have an... odd worship for the servant, and he’s definitely picked up on the close bond between Merlin and Sir Lancelot, but is this where Camelot’s image comes crashing down in Tristan’s head? He knew that it was better here for servant’s than other Kingdoms, but there are always people who’ll take advantage of their position, no matter where you are. Merlin’s shoulders just drop and he asks in a sulking voice:

“What do you want?”

Tristan grits his teeth, moving his gaze so no one would catch him glaring at the knight as he tries to figure out a way to help, a way to get this virtual stranger out of being... abused, in such a manner. If he’d carried on glaring, he would’ve noticed Elyan’s soft smile and amused raised eyebrow:

“Next time you gather herbs for Gaius, bring back some more of those flowers that you got for Gwen. She said they added vibrancy to the house, whatever that means, but they make her happy, so...-”

Merlin just giggles and nods and Tristan relaxes, looking back to them with a confused smile on his face. That was... actually kind of sweet, he can definitely see the resemblance between the knight and his sister:

“-AND I want whatever Arthur’s having for dinner tonight, his food always looks way nicer than ours.”

Merlin lets out a faux annoyed groan, but then rolls his eyes and grins, nodding:

“Consider it done. Can we go now? I really don’t want to risk him seeing me and giving me some stupid chore to do.”

Elyan laughs and nods, and the four of them begin making their way out of the courtyard and into the city. Sir Lancelot finally joins the conversation, clearly amused as he says:

“You know it’s literally your job to do chores, right?”

Merlin turns to glare at him as Sir Mordred and Sir Elyan laugh, and Tristan only just hears his reply as the castle gates shut behind them:

“Fuck off.”

Tristan decides it would be pointless to bring this up to anyone again, he figures he’ll probably just get the same answer as last time.

The next confusing incident happens only a few days later. But Tristan supposes that at this point... it really shouldn’t be confusing. Gwen was right, he did just... get used to it.

He heard the steps pounding down the corridor before he saw him, but they were coming fast and hard, so he presses himself against the wall, holding the tray to his side to protect it as best he could as Merlin comes skidding round the corner.

He stops just long enough for Tristan to calm himself by spying the wide grin on his face, but he’s quickly sprinting down the hall again, laughing as he waves whatever it is he’s got clutched in his hands. The second set of loud, rapid footsteps stops Tristan from stepping away from the wall quite yet. Just a moment later, Sir Gwaine follows Merlin’s skidded path around the corner, though the heavier man overshoots slightly and he runs into the wall opposite Tristan with a crash and a deep groan.

The rebellious knight gives a wide-eyed Tristan an awkward nod before pushing himself off the wall and following Merlin’s blazing trail, screaming down the corridor:

“I warned you Merlin!! Don’t come between a man and his ale, now give that back you bastard!”

Tristan hears Merlin’s laughter grow louder, even from the two corridors away that the other servant had managed to race to.

He shrugs to himself, waiting for a moment to see if anyone else was going to come barrelling around the corner before sighing, and continuing his journey up to the visiting Lord’s chambers.

It was unusual, he thought, how quickly he’d come to terms with the fact that a servant was sassing The King and pranking the knights and inviting himself on various hunts and patrols that he really had no business on. Unusual indeed.

He’d learnt to ignore it. Or at least brush it off.

In the two weeks since Merlin had (presumably) stolen Sir Gwaine’s skin of ale, he’d seen the servant call The King a long list of imaginative insults (what the hell is a dollop head?), walk around with Sir Leon’s cloak on because he was a little chilly, accuse someone of treason (and somehow been right about it), and threaten to kill at least seven people; including, but not limited to: The King himself, The King’s already dead father, some stuck up Noble (though that was under his breath, Tristan just happened to be stood next to him), and Sir Percival.

And Gwen was... absolutely right. He's just... like that. He's Merlin, and that’s what Merlin does.

So when he turns a corner in a rarely used to corridor to see him pressing The King against a wall, snogging the life out of him, Tristan simply turns around and walks back the other way. Both of them look fairly happy with the arrangement, and they’d probably chosen this corridor for the exact same reason Tristan had: it was out of everyone’s way, and was unlikely to be inhabited.

He thinks it’s odd, how... un-odd he finds it. He absent-mindedly thinks that, with the way they acted around each other, he really should’ve seen this coming. A sudden thought occurs to him, and he ducks into a storage cupboard, laying his tray down carefully as he rummages through the boxes. He lets out a quiet “Yay” when he finds what he’s looking for, carefully picking up his tray with only one hand and nudging the door open again with his hip.

He walks back towards the corner he had just turned (and turned again) making a conscious effort to keep his steps quiet; he places the danger sign, usually used where walls had collapsed or windows had been smashed, in the middle of the corridor, a clear indication of “Do Not Enter”.

He nods smugly at his quick thinking and easy handy work before mentally planning the quickest route to the kitchens and following it hurriedly.

He casually wonders if he has time to circle around to the other end of the corridor so he could put another sign down before Cook gets angry at him for being late. Probably not. At least, not before they... finish up and move on. Hmm. He suddenly panics about the thought of them seeing the sign and knowing that someone had spotted them but... well. Hopefully they would just appreciate it and move on.

Yet again, he decides not to bring this up to anyone. He may or may not have overheard a few of the knights making some sort of bet, and he may or may not want to watch on with amusement as they fail to realise that all of them have already lost.

Tristan smiles to himself; working here had turned out to be rather entertaining, in the end.

THE END

I know it’s short, but I really didn’t know what else to add without it sounding like I was just repeating myself over and over😅

I hope y’all enjoyed it!!

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primofate · 3 years

Text

Genshin [Volleyball Team AU - Inspired by Haikyuu!] What it’s like to be their manager Headcanons

Note: I think a lot of people misunderstand the role of the manager XD It’s not that the whole team is dating you. It’s that the whole team treats you like their family/sister. So you’d better bet that all of them are gunna be hella protective of you XD

Scenario: What do you do for the team and what do they do for you? :D

Warnings: not proofread, fluffy, might have some swear words, platonic relationships

Characters: Zhongli, Diluc, Kaeya, Albedo, Tartaglia, Kazuha, Xiao, Tohma, reader as the team manager

Other works in the Volleyball Team AU Series: Click Here

Genshin Volleyball Team manager

It’s just fuckin’ chaos

On your first day you’re already bombarded with questions by Tartaglia and Kaeya

“So which class are you?” “What’s your height?” “Are you single?”

Captain Zhongli just cannot be bothered to reign them in anymore.

So Vice Captain Diluc does it and grabs their collars. “You idiots, you’re scaring her off!”

Possibly Kazuha and Tohma are the ones you really try to rely on, on your first few weeks.

So how do you gain the trust of your team? Let’s start with each player shall we?

#1 Zhongli (Captain/Wing Spiker/Ace)

Zhongli is just handsome and mature. He’s strict and needs to be the pillar of the team.

You’re intimidated by him the first few weeks and he just seems...a little far. He’s always so focused that you can’t seem to catch a moment to just chat with him.

There’s a day where you notice that his form is a little off, you suspect that he hurt his wrist a little.

You fidget uncomfortably in the gym as they practice, but finally turn to the coach “U-Umm... The captain is... I mean! I’m not sure, but... I think he needs to take a rest,”

The coach calls for someone to substitute Zhongli and suddenly asks you to check on him.

“Huh?! Me?!” the coach pushes you towards him, and Zhongli is just looking at you quizzically, you can practically see the question mark on his face.

“C-Captain, d-do you need some bandages on your wrist?”

Zhongli is taken aback, but silently puts his right wrist out for you to wrap.

Only when you’re done tending to it does he look you in the eye and ask.

“How did you know?”

“...Because I always watch, and all I can do is watch. If I can’t even spot that out then I’m not a very good manager am I?”

Zhongli has a newfound respect for you. He thought you were just a meek and shy thing sitting around and passing them balls but he feels his heart swell that someone like you is seriously watching over them.

#2 Diluc (Vice Captain/Wing Spiker/Defense Specialist)

Diluc is probably the second hardest to get along with or break the ice with.

But he gradually warms up to you when he notices that he’s always the first one you pass a towel and water bottle to.

You’re not doing that on purpose, it’s just him who always comes up first.

After a few days he deliberately goes to you faster cause he always wants to be the one to receive a water bottle and towel from you first. Secretly a puppy.

The moment he realized that you were reliable was when you stayed behind to help him practice when everyone else went home already.

You didn’t let up in your constant praise of “nice receive”, “great spike!” and “that’s so cool!”

He thinks he saw stars in your eyes at some point.

“Hey, Diluc, it’s getting late, let’s leave some energy for tomorrow, yeah?” he could tell from your mannerisms that you were tired too, but you tried not to let it show on your face and still cleaned up with him.

“I’ll see you tomorrow then!” you wave but you’re stopped by a quick. “No,” from him. You tilt your head in wonder and he just looks at you as if it’s the most normal thing in the world.

“It’s late, I’ll walk you home,”

#3 Kaeya (Middle Blocker)

You don’t have to impress this guy, anyone of the female gender impresses him.

lol jk

safe to say it’s not difficult to befriend Kaeya, just bring him a cheering squad and some food.

all jokes aside the way to this guy’s heart is through his stomach.

He’s not a particularly hungry person but there’s this one time he forgot to bring lunch. He was running late, or something of that sort, honestly not something new for him.

He ALSO didn’t bring money so he couldn’t eat food from the cafeteria.

Ask his friends for money you say? Tartaglia would go, “Haha no way!” Albedo would go, “Let this be a lesson for you,” his brother would go “Serves you right,”

By club time he’s famished and dramatic. “Guys, go on without me, this is as far as I go,” as he sprawls on the gym floor.

You ask if he’s okay and he doesn’t answer so Diluc is the one that answers for him. “He forgot his lunch, as always,”

You make a sound of understanding and the next thing you know you’re taking out a lunch box and Kaeya has lifted his head up, sensing food.

“I packed onigiri for everyone today, actually... In case someone was hungry. It’s not much but--”

Kaeya comes alive from the dead and clutches your hands to his chest. “Manager you really are an angel,”

Diluc jump kicks him away from you.

#4 Albedo (Setter)

You also don’t know how to approach this guy

He always looks mad or stoic or something. Like he’s always thinking about something.

He low key actually is always thinking about play strategies and how to set the ball better for his teammates.

You really do think he works so hard while the game is going on, so you decide to help him out a little bit.

You watch a few more of their games and somehow come up with a list of what kinds of sets are better for each different spiker in the team.

There’s surprise in his eyes when you pass the document to him and modestly exclaim “...but, it might not be accurate, since I’m not that experienced,”

He still nods and says “...It’s the thought that counts,”

When he does read your report and try the techniques out he notices that it does hold some merit in it

Is amazed like how Zhongli is amazed. He thought you were just there to hand them bottles and cheer for them but he had never been so wrong as to what a manager’s role is.

Will trust you enough to ask you about his set performance.

Will sometimes slam Kaeya with an insult. “Kaeya, your spike sense is horrid, Y/N can read the moves better than you,”

#5 Tartaglia (Middle Blocker/Wing Spiker)

It’s not that he has a hard time trusting people but let’s just say he has the tendency to make you feel like he likes you but then he actually does that to everyone.

For example: He’ll throw compliments like “Oh that’s amazing Y/N!” but then back in the classroom you’ll hear him say “Oh that’s amazing!” to, like, every other person.

That kinda disappoints you cause then the comment doesn’t really hold that much meaning to it if he keeps on saying it to others too.

He encounters a crisis mid year because this guy is just... he struggles with his grades.

Captain Zhongli has told him he can’t play volleyball if he fails even one subject.

This boy is panicking and has semi-accepted this is the end of his volleyball career.

So you offer to study with him and he’s legit stoked.

Intensive and strict study sessions commence. Note taking, pop quizzes, surprise questions and even sudden random calls from you wherein you ask him a question and he has to answer within 5 seconds.

You’ve pulled all the study techniques you know here, this man better pass everything.

Welp, he still fails History....but since he worked so hard Captain Zhongli excuses it.

He’s so happy that he can’t hold back the stupidly wide smile on his face. He turns to you and for the very very first time in months, he bows and THANKS you.

You realize that he’s never thanked you before. Not even when you pass him water bottles or towels.

You consider it a win, getting rare and sincere appreciation from him.

#6 Kazuha (Decoy/Middle Blocker/Wing Spiker)

One of the easiest to get along with but at the same time, he’s so mature that you feel like you’re not even in the same age range as him.

Definitely someone you can count on though, so you ask him many questions on the first week.

Still, it’s one of those things where you can kind of talk to him but there’s still a wall between you two.

One day while walking around in school there were these boys who were commenting about his height, and questioning his abilities as a volleyball team member.

You didn’t really think much about it when you speak up, “But he’s a really good middle blocker and spiker,”

Those boys look at you weirdly and you realize that you’ve unconsciously spoken up. So you hurriedly walk away.

Little did you know that Kazuha was in some secret corner and heard the whole thing.

Just like that, the next day, it seems as if the wall between you two was gone, and you’re able to talk freely.

That, and he seemed to like asking you to help him practice his spikes and throw balls for him now.

#7 Xiao (Libero)

is deceivingly easy to get along with. Just has a rough exterior but is actually a softie if you squint.

You know this because there are subtle things he does.

He doesn’t speak to you much but then he would be the one picking up the balls with you, or sometimes there’s magically a new set of clean towels on the bench that you don’t remember taking out from the storage room.

This guy is passionate for the game, so he really beats himself up when he isn’t able to receive a ball during actual games.

You worry about his mentality sometimes. I mean, it’s a team game, it’s not like he alone can save the whole game

So you talk to him about it the other day

“You’re already a really good libero Xiao, I mean... I’m not saying you should stop practicing but you don’t have to feel so bad...” you pause because this doesn’t feel like the message you want to convey

“Sorry, what I mean is... You CAN feel bad, but share the burden with your team, you know?”

He knows what you’re saying and contemplates it for a while. He knows that his team has his back, but sometimes just needs reminder about it.

He looks at you and asks, “...Can I share the burden with you too?”

You blink “Huh?”

“You said I can share the burden with my team, but can I share it with you too?”

There is a blush on his cheeks at this point.

“Oh, yea! Of course! I don’t play but I’m still part of the team you know!”

Ever since then, during games, if he feels a little frustrated he’d glance at you on the bench and you’d give him a thumbs up for a job well done.

#8 Tohma (Pinch Server/Middle Blocker)

You’re like bffs the moment you see each other

lol jk

You’re still awkward with him the first few days cause that’s just how first meetings are.

But he is very easy to talk to and always makes you feel at ease

Will always be the one to ask how you are if you need any help or if class was okay in general

Seems like the type of person to care more about others than himself

So he’s surprised when you come into the gym and you beat him to asking his usual questions.

“Tohma, how are you today? Did you have a proper lunch?”

“Tohma, are you getting tired? Want some water?”

“Tohma, how was class today?”

All the other members of the team turn to look at the two of you, thinking ‘Why does Tohma get extra attention?’

Tohma certainly doesn’t get extra attention you just TALK to him more. The other members deadass are also getting cared for by you, just in different ways.

This boy has some insecurities though, when it comes to playing the game. He hasn’t been in it for long so he’s the least experienced and that gets to him sometimes.

“Oh, really? But you play really well! I couldn’t tell that you’re new”

His serves are really amazing though.

“Also! You always score points for us with the serves. Sometimes, your serves are my favourite part of the game!”

Has practiced extra hard so as not to let you down.

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