#he always jumps to conclusions and isn't great about reaching out for help

[everyryuujisuguro]

#ryuuji suguro #ao no exorcist #blue exorcist #suguro ryuji #ryuji suguro #suguro ryuuji #bon suguro #manga ryuuji #rin okumura #renzou shima #kuro #chapter 18 #kyoto ryuuji #koneko and renzou are the ones calling after him #you just can't see koneko behind ryuuji #i think they're both worried he's taking too much of the responsibility of all this on his own shoulders #and he isn't listening to them right now #he always jumps to conclusions and isn't great about reaching out for help #(which is why it bugs him so much when others don't. we see our own flaws in others. lol)

[crusty-chronicles]

Hands Off!

Synopsis: What happens when someone tries to woo Hiei's very stupid S/O. What happens when they move in to kiss. Absolute madness is what.

An: For you BBY gorl 🫴 @notxxan3

Hiei wouldn't describe himself as a jealous creature. He wouldn't classify himself as someone caring at all. Especially when it came to your human affairs. He didn't bat an eye when you went out and came back with my food. He didn't care when you would leave for hours on end to attend 'school.'

You were perfectly capable of taking care of yourself. Well, strength wise that is. When it came to the most mundane of tasks, you were completely hopeless. You'd almost burnt down your house several times cooking. But that was besides the point.

Your routine and what you did in your free time wasn't his concern. All he cared about was having your attention when he came back from his duties in demon world. To relax on your soft bedding and relish in your affections. Your warmth that rivaled his own. Your nonsensical questions about why tables these days were too easy to break.

You brute... but you were his all the same.

But all that went out the window when he came back and saw another human cozying up to you. Arm partially thrown over your shoulders from behind the couch while you were looking at papers. The look in their eyes was all too familiar to the fondness he had for you in his.

It took everything in him to not reach for his sword. He knew it wasn't your fault. Your tiny brain was never one to jump to conclusions. In fact, you never really understood most social cues. He knew you were completely oblivious to the other human's advances.

At least, he hoped you were completely oblivious.

So in order to keep his growing irritation at bay, he called for you. Using your name when he addressed you. His own way of showing affection.

"Y/n."

He would have found the way your head snapped in his direction endearing had it not been for the person next to you. He would've called you 'fool' at the way your eyes lit up upon seeing him, lecturing you for forgetting he'd always come back. But instead he glared daggers at the human who seemed to glare right back.

"Hiei!" Your smile was pure as you turned to the person next to you. Gesturing at Hiei enthusiastically in a way that made him feel like an idiot for being insecure.

"That's my boyfriend!"

So much affection in your words that he had to turn away. Not wanting you to see the red burning on his cheeks. You'd called him yours. You couldn't have been anymore blunt, but he always did like that about you.

"He's kinda short, no?" The other human commented.

If you weren't sitting right there next to them, Hiei would have torched the couch with his Dragon of the Darkness Flame. If they weren't human, he probably would have killed them for daring to enter your shared space. But they were your guest. Whether he liked it or not, he had to be civil.

That didn't mean he couldn't give out his own remarks in the meantime.

"And you're irksome."

A scowl from the other human before you got up to greet your partner. And Hiei couldn't help but enjoy the upset look on their face as you placed a his on his cheek.

That's right.

You were his.

And you'd always be his.

"This is one of my classmates." You introduced, pointing at the now agitated human.

"You know how I've been failing lately? Well, they're gonna be my tutor. Isn't that great?"

Hiei didn't waste a second giving his response.

"No."

This human obviously had other ulterior motives coming here. Namely flirting with you. Which was unsurprisingly not going in their favor. How could it when you'd always cry for the three eyed demon when he was gone too long?

When you wore his Heriseki stone with pride everyday. When you asked to stay with him in the demon world.

"C'mon don't be mean. They're only here for a couple of more minutes. Please, I don't wanna flunk outta college." You begged.

It was just like you to be unaware of the growing hostility between the two of them. Sometimes he cursed your foolishness. Your inability to tell what other people were thinking.

"Ten minutes. Any longer and I'll escort them out myself." He relented. It was almost worth seeing your smile. Almost.

Why?

Because he just couldn't stand that human insisting on touching what wasn't theirs. Using your hand to write down an answer. Leaning over and resting their head on your shoulder to point something out. Hugging you from behind when you got an answer right.

Now that was almost the straw that broke the camel's back. What saved that human was you leaning away and towards Hiei. Saying 'thanks but I only let my close friends hug me.'

By that time, your entire house was unbearably warm. Hiei's anger manifesting through his spirit energy. Increasing the temperature in a way that made it uncomfortable to the other human, but familiar for you. You had been living together for a while now.

"It's getting kind of hot in here, isn't it?" Your classmate asked nervously.

"Not really. It doesn't feel all that different. Anyways, I'm used to heat." You responded, scribbling down another answer.

That's right. You were used to his heat. His habits and his reactions. Your lives were entangled with each other. And no weakling could ever jeopardize that, he was starting to realize.

Not by a longshot if your reaction to getting their number was anything to go by.

"Make sure to call and tell me how you did on your test. Maybe we could go celebrate?" Hands reaching for yours.

"Sorry. I'm not allowed to have phones. I keep breaking them somehow???? I'll just tell you if I see you at school."

You didn't even consider taking them up on their offer. Hell, you didn't even let them grab your hands. Already opening the door for them to leave.

A smug feeling residing in Hiei's being. Looks like he didn't have to worry about you after all. That didn't mean he couldn't feel irritated about someone trying to take his mate.

He stood behind you as you tried to bid your classmate goodbye.

"So, I guess I'll be seeing you." They said hopefully.

You nodded happily without a thought between your eyes. Not noticing the way they subtly started to lean closer.

"Yeah! And thanks again for helping me!"

But Hiei sure as hell noticed. Blood boiling as they tried to cup your face and press their lips to yours. Before you could even tell what was going on, you were behind Hiei in an instant. His sword drawn with the tip pressed against your classmate's throat.

"How about you kiss my blade instead?"

Their eyes widened in fear. An ear shattering scream before you took Hiei's sword and closed the door.

"Hiei! No killing. You know better," you scolded.

Your roommate already halfway down the street still screaming.

"Do you expect me to stand idly by and watch as someone makes a move on my human?" He argued, stepping closer to you.

"They were flirting with me???" You paused and shook your head, as if to rid the thought before continuing.

"I love you. You don't have to worry about me liking someone else. Besides, you scared off the only person who was willing to tutor me."

Hiei rolled his eyes at your response before moving even closer.

"Then have Kurama help you. I don't want another living creature to even think they have a chance at winning your heart." And with that, he leaned up and kissed you. Proving to himself and you that other human didn't matter.

That you really shouldn't give a damn about them because he was right here.

And that maybe, just maybe he was a jealous creature after all.

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

An: Also in honor of the live action. A fic countdown if you will.

#yu yu hakusho x reader #yyh hiei #hiei yu yu hakusho #hiei x reader #hiei jaganshi #x reader #jealous hiei #airhead s/o

[thesevro]

besties / headcanons

𝖋𝖔𝖗 𝖋𝖚𝖘𝖍𝖎𝖌𝖚𝖗𝖔 𝖙𝖔𝖏𝖎, 𝖌𝖔𝖏𝖔 𝖘𝖆𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖚, 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖓𝖆𝖓𝖆𝖒𝖎 𝖐𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖔

𝖜𝖔𝖗𝖉 𝖈𝖔𝖚𝖓𝖙: 1.4K words

𝖘𝖚𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖗𝖞: how toji, satoru and kento would act as your best friend

GOJO SATORU

- Gojo may not be very loyal as your boyfriend, but he would definitely be one among your most loyal friends.

- Whenever you're sitting down at some place, literally anywhere, be it at a cafe or on some random stone ledge, he'll let you lean back into him.

- Gojo is tall, and he's somehow always so warm, so treating him as a platonic cuddle buddy would be so nice.

- So imagine you're exhausted from a long day and you find this stout little ledge to rest on. Gojo would sit down with you there. 

- You could lean onto him, press your head into his shoulder and Gojo would actually feel very relaxed to have someone he trusts and holds dear next to him. 

- Knowing that one of his closest friends is safe calms him to an impossible degree. He knows he's lost too many already.

- And if the day has been too long, he'll let you sleep on his shoulder. Let you enjoy having a little power nap while ignoring the little line of drool that will wet his uniform.

- Hip to hip, your head to his shoulder, it does not feel as romantically intimate as it could be, but he loves that you're here with him all the same. He's always been scared of losing his friends, no matter how well he hides it.

- So he'll keep you warm as you nap on his shoulder. 

- PARTING FROM OUR ANGSTIER PARTS... Gojo would be the best hype-man. 

- You wearing a dress that barely reaches your knees and flaunts your ass whenever you jump? He'll cheer for you and scream, "THAT'S MY HOT BESTIE!!!"

- You have a crush on some dude? Some gal? He'll get very close with that guy or gal and tell them all the good things about you.

- If you like someone from the school it'll be even worse for you. He would blatantly skip missions just to set your crush up with you as your partner. 

- Gojo would be a great, awesome, amazing BFF and you cannot tell me otherwise.

NANAMI KENTO

- Nanami as your friend would just be. Aw.

- He would be the most attentive friend out there.

- You just come back from a mission, hair and clothes a mess, face streaked with blood? He'll let you use his handkerchief to wipe the mess off. And he'll fetch some bandages for you if you need it.

- If you're bed-ridden, he'll stay by your bedside and talk to you there. Silence with him is also just... so nice. So peaceful. So serene.

- Nanami would even make you coffee, tea, whatever it is you like just so he can help you feel more refreshed after whatever tiring mission you went on, or whatever complicated job it was you had to finish.

- He knows what your favorite drink is. What your favorite food is. He also knows the best place to find both.

- Will eat lunch together with you every day at the school, or at yours or his favorite restaurant.

- He can't really make food for you... so he always buys something for lunches at the school with you.

- Sometimes he'll just stand in front of one of the school vending machines, in undeniably deep thought about what your drink of the day could be.

- Whenever he visits your favorite coffee shop, or whatever place sells your favorite drink, he'll ask the cashier to add the specific extras you like incorporating into your drink. He knows all of them.

- AND OKAY. LISTEN. NANAMI WOULD TOTALLY CALL YOU AT THREE A.M. TO RANT ABOUT WORK.

- Of course he would first say something along the lines of, "I must apologize for bothering you. I promise to buy you (insert fav. drink) and (insert fav. food) and (insert fav. dessert) tomorrow. Promise." Then he finally reveals how stressed he is, "But. Are you aware of how much I want to wring Gojo Satoru's neck and kick him off a cliff?"

- It would turn into some sort of comedy, where Nanami mocks every single person who has stressed him out (Gojo Satoru for once in your life just STFU) in that sonorous, baritone rumble of his.

- Imagine hearing something like that at three in the morning. Sometimes it makes you question why it is no one has asked the guy out yet. (AND WHY YOU HAVEN'T DONE THAT EITHER.)

- Nanami would also be the BEST listener.

- You have a problem with something? With someone? Okay. He'll hear you out. Will not interrupt you while you're speaking. Not once will he do that.

- If it's something serious, and you start sniffling or maybe even crying, okay let's be honest he wouldn't really know what to do...

- SO. Because he doesn't know, he'll do what he sees everyone else do.

- He'll hug you. His arms will be stiff and that deep pit of awkwardness will definitely form in his stomach, but if it helps you, he'll do it all the same.

- If this is your first time crying in front of him, he'll only pull out one of his handkerchiefs and hand it to you. Sorry, but he wouldn't know how else to comfort you.

- He'll also comfort you with words of logic. Nanami has that perspicacious outsider's perspective that lets him see the rational portion of everything.

- BUT HE WOULD ALSO BE SO UNDERSTANDING. If you voice that you think your feelings are stupid, or dumb, he would FIRMLY insist that no, no (Y/N), your feelings are not stupid. Your feelings matter to me. And nothing that matters to me is "stupid."

- And he would proceed to help you find a solution to your problem, or would just hear you out some more. You can be honest with him and he would not judge you for any of your feelings.

- In conclusion, Nanami Kento would be the most caring BFF out there.

FUSHIGURO TOJI

- Okay HEAR ME OUT ON THIS. HEAR ME OUT.

- Toji would be an AWESOME best friend.

- He would be the guy you could punch in the arm with abandon.

- Toji would ALSO be the mean tease of a friend who is able to bed you at least once.

- After getting you in his bed though he'll let you go back to the casual thing you share, if that's what you want. But if you want to be together, well... he would be willing to try, but only because you're his friend.

- It may or may not work out. But he does try to make it work. Whether it does in the end... depends.

- MOVING FORWARD, again, Toji would be the friend you could punch without being hit back for it. He'll just be like yeah, okay short stuff then move on.

- He's just someone you could debate with, have fun with, and tease and test to no end.

- AND TOJI is the type of guy who would be super casual about letting people stay over at his house. You had a tiring day? You want to crash at his house? He'll let you.

- You open his door and he'll look at you like he was expecting you, but maybe that's because you'd just ranted about how someone at work had treated you like shit.

- You know. Through the private messaging app only assassins like him use. But since you're his bestie he let you download it too.

- HE CALLS YOU EVERY SINGLE PET NAME OUT THERE TOO

- And he always greets you with, "Something wrong, short stuff?" when you come through the door

- AND HE WOULD EVEN CALL YOU "PRINCESS" WHEN HE REALLY FEELS LIKE PUSHING IT

- And listen bitch even if you're tall... this asshole is literally as tall as Gojo (I think?????) AND he's a DILF. So shut your mouth, short stuff.

- At his house you can either: 1. Order take-out and eat together on the dingy old table someone's great-grandfather used to eat on; he might pay if you really aren't feeling it but he's also an avaricious, money-hoarding bitch (in other words, broke) soooo don't expect much. Or 2. Just sleep on his couch while he watches TV. His bed smells like shit and really his couch isn't any better buuutt at least it doesn't have... stains.

- And please, don't even think about venting your feelings to this guy. He would either laugh his ass off at you or only nod with a tight smile of discomfort on his face.

- Princess, he won't be tucking you into bed, but he'll definitely have some leftover pizza ready for you in the morning. His love language is lazy as hell, but it's love all the same.

- Though your pizza will most definitely be either burnt or cold as shit.

- But either way, he cares.

- So if you're feeling down because someone looked at you wrong in the streets, expect to see a "Missing Person's Report" on the news in the morning.

#gojo satoru #nanami kento #toji fushiguro #fushiguro toji #gojo #satoru #nanami #kento #fushiguro #nanami x reader #gojo x reader #toji x reader #fushiguro x reader #nanami kento x reader #gojo satoru x reader #fushiguro toji x reader #jujutsu kaisen #jujutsu kaisen x reader #gojo satoru smut #nanami kento smut #fushiguro toji smut #gojo satoru x reader headcanons #nanami kento x reader headcanons #fushiguro toji x reader headcanons #nanami kento headcanons #gojo satoru headcanons #fushiguro toji headcanons #nanami kento as your bestie #gojo satoru as your bestie #fushiguro toji as your bestie

[worriedvision]

So, are you down to write something more nsfw?

If so, how about a Diluc x female reader where they have a one night stand, and the reader tries and fails to reach out to Diluc when she finds out she's pregnant? Maybe modern au? Oh bonus points if you have Razor being the readers child!

I'll let you pick the deets!

Okay so I have an idea for this, reader is female! Tagged as spicy, but the spice is mild. Some parts of this are unrealistic (it's a fic guys), but it has a happy ending I promise!

You and Diluc meet in a bar, where neither of you were partaking in alcohol. The only reason you were both there was because you were accompanying your friends and making sure they were safe. You both seemed to like each other, your friends noted, and they insist they can look after each other no problem. After a soft scolding from your friends, you decide to take the chance to have relations with the man with you.

The walk to the hotel room was as dignified as it could be for a one night stand, and you both begin to make out the moment the door locks behind Diluc. Not thinking too much about the consequences, Diluc makes the decision to simply pull out the moment he feels close. The both of you had stress from work earlier this week, and you needed to fuck it out.

Surprisingly enough, he actually seemed to want you to cum as much as he did, giving your clit the much needed attention you whined for. Starting to stroke each other experimentally, the both of you begin to lightly laugh out nerves before Diluc finally inserts himself, pounding you into the mattress and having no care for the people in the next room who definitely heard the two of you fucking violently.

The next morning, you wake up in a bed by yourself. Looking across, you notice Diluc has left enough money to get yourself home. Sighing out, you begin to pry yourself out of the covers before you waddle out of the room.

Looking down at the positive pregnancy test, you tell yourself it's a false positive. Another pregnancy test later, and it's still positive. Not wanting to jump to conclusions, you go along to a doctor, who reassures you that yes, you are pregnant.

Your heart sinks, thinking back to the night with Diluc. It was foolish to be so willing to have sex with him without the condom, relying on restraint to not let a single drop into your system. You get in touch with your friends, and one of them rallies the rest into helping your pregnancy be the best it possibly could. Finding out the man was a CEO of a business, you decide to turn up to his office building, hoping to inform him about your unborn child.

Unfortunately, all that gets in response is the guards at the door shaking their head before shooing you away. You open your mouth to try and explain you honestly needed to tell him something, only to get a tut before they take your details. Part of you thinks this is a sign that Diluc would get in touch, but you get a fright when you get an official letter warning you to stay away from the man unless you wanted the law to get involved.

The pregnancy was painful, people judging you for being a single mother and getting horrible jokes about you not knowing who the father was. Thankfully, your friends were great with you!

The baby boy is healthy, save for a heart condition. The doctor advises you that he will likely need a transplant, but you hold onto the hope that his heart can simply get by without the need for any major operations.

Razor is a kid that struggles with people, but he likes the dogs that your friends always have with them on walks. He isn't the best with talking, but he's the light in your life. Without fail, he always gets you to have a happy smile on your face when you return from your leave, knowing your son was healthy and happy with your friends babysitting him. In his growth, your son seems healthy - he's been doing althetics, really enjoying sprinting.

Unfortunately, his 15th birthday happens. Before he blows the candles out, he suddenly faints. Your friends begin to call for an ambulance, and you're beginning to fear the very worst.

--

"I'm sorry, Miss _, but I'm afraid we need the funds for the operation." The surgeon states, holding your hand in an effort to keep your emotions controlled as they begin to lay out the situation. "Your son is a priority, however we cannot continue his care unless we recieve the payment. "

Knowing your friends were in the same financial situation as yourself where you couldn't happily splash the mora out. Not knowing where to go, you post a gofundme explaining your situation.

-

"Hello there!

I am a single mother. My son has a heart condition, and the operation to correct this is much too costly. Unfortunately, I cannot afford the operation given my circumstances, and I have little time to gather the required amount.

Please, if you have even a penny you can offer up, I would be forever grateful."

-

Your phone blows up from your friends seeing this, and they do all they can to spread the word. Getting the word to anyone they can, they post the link anywhere they can think of. To your dismay, you get people telling you off in the comments of some posts for deciding to have a child without another parent.

A day later, and Razor is growing nervous. He isn't the best with speaking, but he knew the general idea of what was going to happen, and he overhears the doctors talking about the next best person for the operation. You take note of how solemn he looks, and you have to fight back your tears at the realisation that your son was going to die. All you can do is hold his hand and hug him whenever he reaches out for one.

--

"Hey, this kid has your eyes!" Kaeya cheers, Diluc pinching the bridge of his nose as he looks at the picture of Razor.

"Why are you showing me this?" Diluc huffs out, grasping the phone before beginning to read the post.

"I'm just saying, I think that's your kid." Kaeya states, crossing his arms. "The kids going to-"

"With all due respect, Kaeya, not every kid with red eyes is mine." Diluc grumbles, finishing the post before looking at the pictures attached.

"The mother was that one night stand you had." Kaeya decides to get to the point immediately. "See?"

He scrolls to a picture of a baby Razor in your arms, you smiling happily as you look at the camera. His heart sinks, knowing fine well this was the woman he decided to just not wear a condom for.

"So?" Kaeya hums, beginning to frown down at his brother as he snatches his phone back. "Are you going to let your son die?"

--

You receive the news that you were out of time for getting the funds needed, and you can't help but cry before getting your son, the discharge papers completed in time before you get escorted out of the hospital. The staff couldn't help but give you empathetic looks, wishing you the best before the doors close on you.

A sob leaves you, realising now all you could do now was have your son as comfortable as possible. Your friends thankfully there to usher you into the car, you ask a friend to update the gofundme to include the unfortunate situation. Your friends eyes widen at a message that was sent from a CEO, asking if it was too late. Your friend has to explain that just a few minutes ago, you left the hospital with news the operation was no longer going forward.

The phone gets rung a moment afterwards, and all you hear is one word answers from your friend when talking over the phone.

"Turn the car back!" Your friend calls, everyone turning their heads before your friend thanks the man over the phone before hanging up.

Getting back to the hospital, you see the familiar red haired man waiting eagerly for what appeared to be you. You look at your friend, who ushers you to get out and run to the hospital while you had the chance.

It all feels so surreal, seeing your son get carried into the operating room as you hear people begin the proceedings as you stand with the man that was the father of the child. Neither of you can say a word, too nervous from knowing your son could die on the operating table.

The both of you rush over when you see your son wheeled out of the operating theatre and into the observation room.

"I'm sorry." You jump at Dilucs voice, not expecting the sudden apology. "If I had just used protection like I usually do-"

"Don't be. Razor's been the best thing that's happened to me." You smile, a tear falling down your cheek before looking down to see your son peacefully resting. Seeing Razor open his eyes slowly, you find yourself beginning to feel your cheeks sore from seeing him alive and well, all things considered.

Razor makes eye contact with Diluc, returning the same stoic look he gives to every new person in his life. It's like the both of them were having a conversation with each other, not a word being exchanged but the both of them just looking.

"...Dad." Razor states, receiving a nod from Diluc.

The three of you catch up with each other, and you find out that Diluc has been single throughout his life. He gets on well with Razor, and you observe all the similarities that your son has with his father. Deciding to let them catch up, you leave the room to get coffee for your son and his dad. When you returned, you see your son sleeping, his father waiting by his bedside and holding his hand. He looks up, and he waves you over.

The two of you talk a bit more, and without much convincing needed, the both of you agree to work together as parents, Diluc also entertaining the idea of being in a romantic relationship with you.

#diluc x female reader #spicy #razor #diluc #modern au #kaeya

[sapphire-strikes]

Could your write something about Boris trying to cheer up a FK who just isn't having it. They're in the middle of working on something and keep politely brushing him off when he tries anything despite obviously being very tired and fed up with whatever they're focusing on. (Perhaps with a guest appearance by tickle monster Boris to help them come around?)

Just a whole bunch of fluff.

Kamal: {Hey, bud, you home yet?}

Boris: {Nopey nope! I was just closing up shop! :-D }

Kamal: {Alright, just thought I'd tell you the kid is gonna be there when you get back. Their wi-fi's down so they asked if they could come over and use ours}

Boris: {That is great news thank you, Kamal!}

Kamal: {I'm assuming you don't mean great that their internet's down, lol}

{I'm sure you're happy to have them over but they're there to work on something so try not to distract them too much okay?}

{...}

{Boris?}

{Boris!}

{Well it's not like I didn't try}

Quickly tucking away his phone, Boris made haste to finish his closing duties. You'd mentioned not being able to walk him home from the shop today so whatever you were working on must have been the "business" that you had to take care of. It seemed your friendship really was meant to be because even on the days you didn't plan on seeing each other fate found a way to bring you back to him and Kamal; that's what Boris thought to himself at least as he untied his apron and hung it on the rack by the door.

Busy at work or not, it probably wasn't any fun sitting in their home all alone so he was quick to flip the sign to closed and skip out the door.

By the time home was within view he couldn't contain his excitement anymore and dashed to the front door.

You sat crossed legged on the couch, hunched over the laptop that sat in your lap. The sound of the door smacking against the wall as he burst inside made you jump considerably, almost dropping your computer in the process.

"Hello! Sorry to keep you waiting!"

It took you a moment to register who was standing in the door after their sudden entrance but the scared look on your face disappeared when he took a few steps closer.

"Oh hey, Boris." You readjusted your sitting position into something more comfortable after almost jumping off the couch a second ago. "You're good, I wasn't really waiting after all." You mentioned.

He stepped behind you and rested his hands on the back of the couch, bending over a bit to get a better look at what was on your screen.

"I see you are hard at work, yes?"

"Yeah, and I've...still got a good bit to work on. Kamal said it was alright for me to hang out today so I hope I'm not in your way or anything."

"Of course not, it is no trouble at all! We are always happy to have you!" Something about the excited way he spoke told you he didn't really understand your situation.

"That's great, thanks Boris. Don't mind me then." You turned to give him one final grin before focusing back on your laptop.

There was a noticeable moment of silence from Boris as he seemed to be processing that that was the end of the conversation. Unfortunately, he didn't come to any kind of worth while conclusion because his wide smile returned.

"Alrighty! I'm going to go get changed, be back soon!

As promised, it wasn't long before you heard the sound of heavy footsteps coming back down the stairs. Doing your best to keep your eyes focused on your keyboard you finally looked up when you felt someone leer over you.

"What's up?"

"I'm going to go take care of my lilies out back, would you like to come?"

"I'm sorry, Boris, but I'm still going to be at this for a while yet. I'd work at home but that storm last night took out some of the lines by my house."

"Oh..." His face fell for a second "That's all right! Do come out and find me if you find yourself in need of some fresh air!"

"Sure thing, if I can finish up in time I'll be right out", you agreed.

However, an hour passed and you stayed where you were. Somewhere around the 30 minute mark Boris had come back inside, looking noticeably disappointed when he saw you in the same position he'd left you in. But Instead of interrupting you again he busied himself with finishing little things inside the house, all of which happened to be in the livingroom, and you weren't blind to the way he seemed to be constantly looking up from whatever he was doing to see if you were done.

At one point he even feigned reading beside you. You could only assume he was faking it at least, unless he had a preference for reading books upside down. Admittedly, you did feel the slightest bit bad for "ignoring" him but the both of you knew why you were there in the first place.

It really was almost exactly and hour before he seemed to reach his breaking point and you once again felt someone approach you. The next second you were lifted up from behind as Boris moved to sit where you had been just a moment before, placing you back down in front of him.

"Soooo... what are you working on?" He asked, draping his arms over your shoulders and resting his chin on the top of your head.

Letting out a defeated chuckle, you decided to humor him a bit.

"I'm writing an email right now actually."

"Ooh, email!" He clapped his hands together happily. "Who are we emailing?"

"People..." You joked.

"Are they nice people?"

You shrugged, wiggling your hand in a so-so motion then the sound of typing pulled your attention back down to your keyboard.

Boris had reached forward, typing out a :-) at the end of your last paragraph. When you cocked your head up to look at him he just grinned widely, thankfully not taking too much offence when you moved to erase his playful work.

Without another word you turned your attention away from him and hunched back over your laptop, returning to work as if you weren't sitting in the lap of someone else and hoping said person would get the hint that you had other things to focus on.

But as diligent as your efforts to stay focused were, so was the obliviousness of the attention hungry giant behind you and he followed your movement, once again closing the space between your back and his chest has he hunched over you as well, this time wrapping his arms around your midsection and intertwining his fingers for good measure.

This position wasn't actually that bad, if even a bit cozy and part of you hoped he would be content enough to let you work while he watched tv or something. You were gifted a few more minutes of peace but before you were able to fall back into a comfortable state of work, your attention was once again pulled back to Boris as he began drumming his fingers against your stomach and humming quietly.

As though he was waiting for you to acknowledge him; when you finally moved your eyes off your screen he leaned forward and rested his head on your shoulder.

"You need something, bud?" You asked dryly, turning to look at him.

"Oh, not really..." He answered, letting out an exaggerated sigh of boredom and keeping his eyes staring off to the side. It didn't give the effect he was going for though as his face was still squished snugly beside yours and the act only lasted a moment before he was smiling again. "Do you want to watch tv? :-)"

You had to wonder if the exasperated look on your face was really that hard to recognize.

"....No."

"No?"

"No."

"Okee."

After that Boris finally released you, leaning back and tapping his fingers against the arm of the couch.

Despite your almost salty attitude you had to admit you weren't really annoyed with him. In fact the only thing weighing on your mood right now was all the work you still had ahead of you.

Slowly running your hand over your mouth, you let out a long sigh, the stone face you'd been holding finally sinking to a small frown when you weren't paying attention.

Boris leaned forward once again, this time much more slowly, his signature grin replaced with a look of concern as he cocked himself around your shoulder to get a better look at your face.

"How long have you been working on this?"

"I got here a little after 8 this morning." You groaned, rubbing your eyes.

"Oh, that was shortly after I left!"

"Yeah, and now I see why Kamal advised me to wait until after you'd went to work." You whispered with a tired smile, too quiet for him to hear.

"That was quite a few hours ago...aren't you tired?"

"I'm not not tired... BUT!" You continued "It's kind of my own fault for waiting until the last minute to get all my work done, so I'll be okay."

At a much more startling pace this time he reached around you and pulled you back against his chest in a tight hug.

"I think that's long enough for today, don't you? You should take a break! You don't have to go home though, I can make snacks and we can watch a movie!"

You did your best to collect yourself, your shirt ridding up and your hair getting ruffled as he lifted up your torso and snuggled you from behind. You probably looked akin to a stuffed animal being squeezed by a small child.

"Thanks, but I'd really rather get it done today." You managed to wiggle yourself a bit of slack in his grip but as soon as he felt you start to pull away you were squished back against his chest and he gave you an extra tight squeeze as if to send the message that he wasn't ready to let go yet.

The sudden movement shifted your laptop and you lurched forward to reach for it, your fingers coming up just an inch short as it teetered over the edge of your leg. Thankfully, Boris reached for it right on time, slapping it shut and lifting it from its place in front of you.

"Looking at that screen for so long is no good for you anyway... :-(" He commented with a frown, bringing it closer to his face to examine it. The computer almost looked to be the size of a tablet in his large hand.

"Not really my concern right now." You reached for it but on cue he lifted it up out of your reach and despite only hugging you with one arm now, his grip was still unmovable. "Come on, give it back!"

You thought he may have actually been listening when he lowered his arm, only for him to raise it back up out of your reach when you moved to grab it.

"Ой, так близко!"

The audacity of that little tease actually surprised you coming from him, but if he was going to play dirty then so could you.

"Boris, give it back or I'm going home." Despite the playfulness in your voice his smug smile vanished and he quickly released both you and your laptop.

"Thank you!" You jumped to your feet proudly, making a show to tuck your laptop under your arm as a sign of victory.

"Ты не весел ..." Boris crossed his arms and pouted, slouching down into the couch as you moved to sit on the other side from him.

You felt his gaze linger on you for a while, then felt the couch shift as he moved to sit facing you on his knees. "Может, мы сможем это изменить?"

Still feeling contented with yourself, you refused to look up at him, he was probably making some kind of stupid face in an attempt to make you smile. After a moment he scooted closer and you finally gave in.

"Yes, Boris?"

He didn't respond, staring at you with the biggest grin. It was like he expected you to know what he ...oh.

"Boris, I know what you're thinking but not right now." You quickly pulled your feet up off the ground and held you legs close to yourself. While you knew you'd have a better chance of getting away if you ran now, you knew playing into it right away would erase any chance you had of talking yourself out of your current situation.

Your acknowledgement of the situation only seemed to make him smile wider as he leaned closer to you.

"Boris, I'm serious I have work to do." Your serious composure failed you and you scrambled backwards as he got closer, almost falling off the arm of the couch as you leaped over it. "We can hang out once I'm done, I promise."

"Hmmm.." He rubbed his chin in thought. "Nah, I think..." He leaped over the back of the couch, getting closer each time you moved away. "I think I want to see you smile!"

With that final statement he rushed forward, arms extended and just barely missed you as you jumped to the side.

The two of you ended up running in circles around the couch. Boris held his arms out, staring you down when you came to a momentary stand still on either sides of the couch, ready to move in whatever direction you would and cut you off.

"Boris, stop this right now, I'm not in the mood!" You were doing your best to sound serious but the giggles of anticipation seeped through.

"You will be once I put some butterflies in your tummy! Come now, do not make this harder than it has to be, you'll feel right as rain after a good giggle~" His teasing voice sent chills down your spine and the nervous look on your face seemed to be exactly what he was looking for as his smile turned to a more mischievous one as well. A split second later he caught you off guard, climbing over the couch to meet you head on. "The smile doctor is in and you're his first appointment!

Luckily he stumbled a bit on the cushions, giving you a second to change course and break away from the endless cycle of circling the couch.

"Boris, please, I'm too tired for this!" You whined, running towards the kitchen.

"That works out great then! We can take a nap afterwards, it will be so nice!" He stopped in the door way of the kitchen to clasp his hands by his face and smile. He seemed to return to his usual wholesome self, which you preferred to the mischievous one, but what made it worse was the way he spoke like a man who knew he wasn't going to loose. "Now if you would just stop running away. :-("

Your chase in the kitchen was short lived, at one point you even considered running out the back door only to change your mind when you decided you didn't need half the neighborhood to hear you laughing like a madman if he had managed to catch you outside, so you ended up rushing back out into the living room and towards the hall.

On your way there, you noticed Kamal who had just gotten home.

"Hi, Kamal!" You yelled, almost crashing into him. Thinking quickly, you hid behind him as Boris came clamoring back into the living room after you.

"Oh, Hello, Kamal! Y/n and were just in the middle of something." He spoke calmly attempting to circle around Kamal and grab you.

"Don't let me interrupt." Kamal insisted, letting you spin him around with you as you used him as a shield. "Hey, kid, you gonna be able to stay for dinner tonight?"

"No I can't, I've still got work to do and please, please do interrupt!" You begged.

"Yeah, thought so." Kamal shrugged, ducking in unison with you as Boris attempted to reach over him.

This went on for a minute before he turned back to you and smirked "You're gonna have to finish this on your own, kid, I gotta get cookin'." And with that he stepped out from in front of you and headed for the kitchen, leaving you completely exposed.

"I tried to warn ya, little buddy!" He yelled over his shoulder as Boris chased you down the hall.

You knew you were running out of options as the end of the hall wasn't far ahead of you. If you were going to do something you had to do it now or you were a goner. Taking your only other option you skidded to a halt, throwing open the door to your left and running inside, locking it just in time to hear Boris collide with the other side.

While you didn't open the door back up you pressed your ear to it and spoke, worried he may have actually gotten hurt.

"Oh, crap, Boris are you okay?!"

"To think..." He responded quietly.

"To think you'd hide from me in my own dojo!" His volume returned with a happy vigor as he wiggled the knob of his bedroom door. "You can not stay in there forever you know!"

On one hand you were glad he was okay, on the other hand, a little part of you was sad the impact didn't knock him out as he cooed to you though the door. Still, you felt rather satisfied with yourself, the chase usually never lasts long enough for you to find somewhere to hide like this.

"Watch me!" You fired back with a new sense of confidence.

"If you unlock the door...I will give you a-no, two- no...three hugs!"

"Yeah, I think I'll pass." You commented, finally stepping away from the door to look around his room.

"Fine, four hugs, but you have to hug me back! Final offer!" You heard the door squeak as he pressed all his weight up against it and then a sad whine from the other side when you didn't respond.

Actually ignoring him this time, you sat down on the side of his bed, finally giving yourself a second to rest. As much as you hated to admit it, you were almost grateful that you weren't still glued to your laptop. You were really tired, Boris got that much right at least.

Whipping your head around, a heavy thump on the floor behind you had you right back on guard.

Worried that Boris might have somehow found a way in, you jumped to your feet, looking around and finally catching sight of the stack of books that had toppled off of his dresser.

When you realized the truth of the situation you let out a sigh of relief, sitting back down.

"Hi, Pabit."

And just like that the dead eyes of the puppet that was sitting where the books once were lit up as a smile crossed its face.

"Heeyoo, Y/n!" The little guy finished his journey across the dresser, jumping onto the nightstand and then onto the bed beside you.

"What was with the inanimate act?" You asked, wondering why the puppet hadn't jumped you as soon as you got in.

"I's was waiTin 4 my Q!"

"Ah, of course." You laughed, propping your elbow on your knee and resting your head on your hand.

"What're U doin, Y/n?"

"Hiding from your maker, he thinks I'm in dire need of a good laugh."

"Ooh, R yous twos havin' a tickle fight? Eye wAnt to plaY too!" The puppet exclaimed, bouncing over to hug your side.

"Uh uh, last thing I need is two of you on my back." You cut him off, pulling him off by the scruff of his little jacket and setting him back down beside you.

"You's just like, Karmel; kno fun at alL! EvEn when u jyust kneed a little chyeering up!"

"I don't really need cheering up, I just wanted to get my work done."

"Yes u due, ur sparkle's all fAded..."

"My what?"

"Ur sparkle, dummy!" He jumped up and bonked you on the head, his little felt hand probably not giving the impact he was hoping for.

"Whatever." You rolled your eyes.

"Is that Pabit?" Boris finally spoke up again from outside the door. "Pabit, unlock the door, please!"

"Ah! Don't you dare!" You reached forward catching the puppet before it had successfully jumped off the bed to follow his orders. "Who's side are you on?" You asked, tucking the puppet under your arm to hold it securely.

"Whichever syide gets u 2 smile!" Pabit retorted quickly, pointing to the sides of its face as it demonstrated a big smile.

Just as you were about to chew him out, you saw something black out of the corner of your eye.

The small shadows that were visible from the light shining in under the door stretched into the room without someone to cast them. If you hadn't been used to sights like this by now you might have been terrified as after a moment it formed into a familiar silhouette and picked itself up off the ground.

Unfamiliar though was the scowl he bore as he turned back to normal.

"How did you-"

"That was a nasty little trick to pull, you know, Y/n?" Boris cut you off, taking several long strides towards you.

"I..." You froze, looking down to Pabit for help. He only offered you a sympathetic smile then a sinister looking smirk.

"Yous gonna get it now..."

Quickly dropping him in favor of backing away, you didn't get too far before you backed into the foot of his bed, and before you were given a chance to look for another way out he had already closed the distance between you.

It wasn't too often that you took into consideration just how much bigger Boris was than...well everything. But you were given just enough time to take it in as he stopped right in front of you, still staring down at you with that serious expression and you began to worry that you actually had upset him.

"Boris, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-" He raised a hand to shush you, lifting an eyebrow.

"You're sorry?!" Crap, his voice was intimidating when he used it right. "The only thing you have to be sorry for..."

"Is for being so darn cu-uute!" You squeaked as you were thrown up into the air and then caught under your arms. Boris held you at arms length, lifting you to his eye level and pulling you closer to rub his nose against yours. "You had me really scared back there, I thought you were going to lock yourself in here aalllll night! Now that wouldn't have been any fun would it? Even with Pabit keeping you company. " Adding on to your disorientation, he spun around with you to face the door. "Let's get going then shall we?"

Halfway out the door it finally registered what just happened; you'd been caught.

"Boris, do not!"

"Don't what? I haven't done anything yet?" He tilted his head to the side and smiled at you innocently. You kicked your legs a bit, knowing full well it wouldn't get you anywhere but still did so out of spite.

"Oh? Are you not comfy? How about this?" He tossed you up one last time, throwing you over his shoulder potato sack style after catching you. "Better?"

"Noho!" You did your best to sound mad with no luck.

Boris managed to make even the walk out to the livingroom interesting; spinning around every other step, jumping up and down with you, letting you go for a second then catching you by the knees before you fell off his shoulder.

By the time the two of you actually made it to the livingroom you were just barely keeping your laugher in just because of the absurdity of the situation.

"Put me down!" You yelled, but there was no masking the smile in your voice.

"If you say so!" He pulled you off of his shoulder fast, catching you in a dip before letting you drop gently onto the couch.

As soon as you were released you turned and tried to make a run for it, only to be stopped as he looped one of his arms around your torso and pulled you back again his chest.

"Deja vu, yes?" He joked. "So..." he started only to stop when you both focused on something at the same time. Your laptop still sat on the coffee table and you turned to glare at him, deciding to be challenging one final time.

"So..." he continued, "Do you want to watch some tv? :-)"

"..."

"..."

"No."

~

"Your laugh is so pretty! Why would you make me wait so long to hear it?" He cooed happily, continuing to try to poke through the ball you'd curdled into on his lap like he had been the last few minutes

"You're so mean!" you managed to whine through your suppressed giggles.

"You are the mean one! I'm just trying to help you relax a little. It will be over quicker if you give in and show me that smile~"

He reached his hands forward, giving both your sides a quick squeeze and making a little roar. "The tickle monster is getting hungry and the hungrier he gets the longer he has to tickle you, you know!"

"Let's see...." He thought to himself, looking you over for a week spot and eventually finding one as he shoved both his hands into the crooks of your neck, causing you to shriek and uncurl yourself.

"Ooh, it worked!" He cheered, taking the opportunity to flip you onto you back, holding you down firmly with one hand and sitting on your legs. "Now we can get to work! Are you ready? Cause here comes the tickle monster!"

He raised his hands up for dramatic effect and lowered them down to your torso quickly with a growl. Before he made contact however he stopped, his wide smile slowly fading as he focused on your face.

Your eyes were squeezed shut and you were holding onto yourself tight. When you didn't feel anything you peaked an eye open to see Boris looking down at you curiously.

"Get it over with!" You said, closing your eyes again and reluctantly lifting your arms up.

"Hmm..."

"'Hmm' what do you mean 'Hmm'?"

"Ooone sec, something's not right..."

"I'd say so!" You sneered, making one final effort to try and squirm out from underneath him but to no avail.

"I know!" He snapped his fingers. "I need you to say 'hi' to someone first!" And just like that he pulled Pabit out from behind himself and once again, it was seemingly out of thin air.

"Heeyoo, Y/n!" The puppet greeted you once again.

"You little traitor."

"Can't bee a twaitor if I's was nyever on ur syide!" He spoke proudly, resting his hands on what would have been his hips.

"Anyway, "Boris cut in, "there's something really special you need to know about Pabit; he loves to eat smiles, they're his favorite food!

"..."

":-D and yours is just the kind he's been looking for!" Without further explanation the puppet was thrust in front of you, making exaggerated "nom nom nom" sounds as it pretended to chomp on your face.

Part of you would have insisted it was just the fabric tickling your face but you finally started to laugh, if for any reason just because of how silly he was being.

"Yhohu are suuch a dhorork!" You spat out, reaching up to try to push his arm away but it refused to so much as budge.

"Yep, a smile just like that!" Boris cheered you on, finally using his free hand to scribble at your stomach.

Mostly out of reflex, you managed you reach up and pull the puppet off of Boris's arm, realizing your mistake shortly after as Pabit glared down at you from his place in your hands.

"Shoot, I'm sorry-" before you could finish your apology, Pabit reached forward and gripped your face, pulling himself closer and nuzzling your face on his own.

"Eet's okee!"

You soon realized you'd made a mistake for a different reason as Pabit held tight to your face and kept his snuggling up, taking extra care to nuzzle your neck and nose as Boris was given back use of his hand to further scribble your stomach and sides. Their own excited smiles telling you you weren't getting out of this any time soon.

In the kitchen, Kamal jumped, almost dropping his pan at the sudden flurry of laughter that sounded in the next room.

"Eh, they had it comin'." He huffed to himself fondly.

#smile for me #boris habit #dr. habit #pabit #sfm #reader/flower kid #A story in which Boris loves his friends very much #and has trouble sharing a space with others without having their attention #Kind of into the idea that Boris can actually tell when someone isn't happy #A smile dosen't count unless you're having at least a little bit of fun #Kamal even waited until he knew Boris would be heading home to tell him you were there #Otherwise he would have closed up shop early

[spicycreativity]

Howl- Ch. 3

Chapter: 3/10

Add'l Notes: Fic is posted in full on my AO3, WizardGlick

Chapter content warnings: Depictions of alcohol use

“Nothing,” Remus pronounced. His breath ghosted over Virgil’s ear and he shuddered, pulling away so he could look Remus in the face. Remus was still in his work clothes and he smelled, not wholly unpleasantly, of sweat and dirty water.

“Nothing?” Virgil ran his pointer fingers behind both ears, just barely resisting the urge to dig in with his nails and see for himself, dammit.

“I think you’d know if aliens had stuck a tracking chip in your head,” Remus said, his own fingers dancing across the countertop toward the basket of enamel pins by the register.

Virgil ran his fingertips across his temples, still feeling for something, some marking or scar. “But if it wasn’t aliens...”

“Far be it from me to be the voice of reason,” Remus said, “but are we sure you weren’t just sleepwalking? Or high on peyote?"

Virgil continued to track Remus' fingers as he stuck his hand in the basket. "If you steal anything, it comes out of my paycheck." Not strictly true, but it would make Remus pause.

"I wasn't gonna steal!" Remus exclaimed, holding up his hands. "But now I kinda want to."

"Please don't." Virgil sighed and put his face in his hands. He'd noticed a strange metallic taste in his mouth after waking up properly, and even the desperate mouthfuls of Monster he'd been forcing down his throat couldn't seem to touch it. It hadn't touched his exhaustion much, either. Whatever Virgil had been up to last night had not been a restful activity.

"Oh, c'mon, don't freak out." Remus' hand sat heavy on Virgil's shoulder, warming him through the thin fabric of his Baphomet t-shirt. "You were probably just sleepwalking. It happens all the time. Roman used to sleepwalk all over the place when we were kids. One time we even found him asleep in the yard. Naked, just like you."

Virgil peeked over his fingertips. "Really?" Remus was not the type to lie to make someone feel better, but this story seemed a little far-fetched.

"I swear," Remus said, eyes wide with childish solemnity.

The only customer in the store stepped up to pay, and Remus stepped aside to let Virgil deal with them. He made faces behind their back, contorted himself into absurdly sexual poses and stuck out his tongue and wiggled his hips like Elvis in his prime. Virgil pursed his lips to keep from laughing. It had been a hard decision to ask Remus for help with this, but Virgil was glad he had chosen him.

Patton was a big softie and nearly as prone to panic as Virgil was. If he didn't escalate Virgil's paranoia about aliens then he would probably end up pressuring Virgil to make a police report. A useless endeavor, since no crime had actually occurred as far as Virgil knew. Roman and Janus would just make fun of him for being a tin foil hat-wearing loony. And Logan… Well. He might judge. He might not. But Virgil didn't want to look stupid in front of him. Not to mention that Logan would ask questions, force Virgil to face something he wasn't ready to face.

So Remus it was.

"Thank you," Virgil said when the customer had left and Remus had stopped gyrating his hips. "I know I'm being dumb and it was probably nothing."

"Janus isn't here right now," Remus said, pouring out the basket of enamel pins. They scattered and clicked across the countertop. "But if he was, I think he'd say--" Remus shifted his weight and crossed his arms, "'Now what did we say about negative self talk?'"

Virgil chose not to remind Remus that Bienvenue was only a few blocks away and he could easily go get Janus if he wanted. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever. I know it wasn't aliens."

"But if it was peyote, you do have to share," Remus said, his attention already back on the pins. He poked through them with one dirty fingertip.

Virgil watched for a moment, then joined in, turning the pins to face Remus so he could get a good look at them. Remus seemed particularly fixated on one shaped like a death's head moth. "That one's six dollars."

Remus braced his elbows on the counter and clasped his hands under his chin, lashes aflutter. "You know how you could repay me for checking your skull for alien trackers?"

Virgil nearly reached for his wallet before he realized what Remus was actually getting at. He sighed, biting back his smile all the while, and made a show of turning to inspect the rotating sticker display. "Uh-oh," he said in an exaggerated monotone. "I'd better make sure all the stickers are properly organized. Gee, I sure hope no one shoplifts while I'm doing that."

There was a brief moment of silence. It was broken when Remus, presumably done pocketing the pin, said, "So bowling night?"

"Huh?" said Virgil, trying to find the dirty joke. Maybe something about balls?

Remus pulled his phone out of the pocket of his work pants and shook it at Virgil. "Pastor Patton's little group bonding venture?"

"Don't call him that," Virgil muttered, digging his phone out of his pocket. Sure enough, of the messages he'd been ignoring all morning, one was a new group chat. He read through the messages. "How did Patton get your number?"

"Roman gave it to him."

"How'd he get Janus' number?"

Remus grinned. "I gave it to him. No way am I suffering through some corny adult bonding shit without backup."

"Am I not backup?" Virgil asked, unsure whether he should be offended.

"You can't be backup," Remus said dismissively. "You're the bridge. You forced me 'n' Roman to reunite, you made us all hang out. You're the bridge. You won't be as mean as I need you to be."

"I'm mean!" Virgil said. "I'm so mean!"

"Say something bitchy about Patton right now. Quickly!" Remus began to snap his fingers.

"Um," said Virgil. "Uh. Sometimes-- Well, sometimes he can be kinda… Smother-y?"

"Oh, please." Remus rolled his eyes. "That was almost healthy communication."

"Fine." Virgil crossed his arms over his chest.

Remus let him pretend to be upset for roughly three seconds. "But you are coming, right? Or are you gonna spend the night playing with Data's joystick?"

Virgil's cheeks went hot. "Of course I'm com--" He paused and reconsidered his choice of words. "Of course I'll be there. And Logan will, too."

"Wonder if I can start a betting pool," Remus said thoughtfully.

The bells on the door tinkled and Virgil leaned over to see past Remus. "Hi, welcome in," he said in his best customer service voice, which wasn't very good. "Let me know if I can help you find anything."

"Just browsing."

"Alright."

"Well," said Remus, affixing the moth pin to his hi-vis vest. "See you tonight?"

"Yeah," said Virgil. "Please be nice to Patton."

Remus winked and started to back out. "Sorry! Hazing is mandatory."

He slipped out the door, leaving Virgil to marinate in his anxiety.

--

Although he was exhausted, Virgil went for a short walk after work. He wandered by Bienvenue and stared at the fancy suits in the window and wondered how Janus always had the audacity to dress like he was attending a funeral at a high-end night club. His feet took him forward and he smiled a little. If there was one thing Janus had in abundance, it was audacity.

He stopped again by the reflecting pool at the Plaza and read the plaque. It had very little information and devoted barely half a sentence to the supposed curse. A shiver ran down Virgil's spine. He took a deep breath and carefully did not panic. As Logan would say, he shouldn't jump to conclusions. He needed more data.

Virgil didn't want more data. He would happily chalk his misadventure up to sleepwalking and banish it forcefully to his subconscious, if only it would never, ever happen again. He shivered again despite the balmy weather and muffled a yawn behind his hand. Time to go home and get whatever sleep he could before the inevitable disaster of bowling night.

He managed to get home without hitting any potholes. Whatever stormy weather had threatened Vaillant earlier in the week seemed to have passed, and he was treated to a spectacular view of a great blue heron flying low over the road. He even managed a few hours of sleep before he had to wake up and get ready.

He chose his outfit with care, scrutinizing it through Logan's eyes. What would Logan like? What did Logan like? Virgil had no idea about his preference in men or how he slotted into it.  Was it his height? His body shape? His eyes? What should he play up to make Logan like him? So Logan wouldn't regret choosing to be with him?

He dithered over this until he made himself late, and chose an outfit that he felt good in: long sleeves, long pants, the reassuring weight of his hoodie on his shoulders.

He kept it zipped up to his neck even after he entered the warmth and light of Vaillant's singular bowling alley, Gator Lanes. His friends were already seated. Waiting. For him.

Despite the wash of guilt, Virgil slowed and surveyed the scene. Patton and Logan sat on one of the low, pleather couches with a pair of bowling shoes between them. That left Roman, Remus, and Janus wedged on the other couch. They all looked like they were getting along, which was good. Roman and Remus were speed-eating French fries while the others talked.

Virgil approached from the back, gesturing for Patton and Logan to be quiet. He didn't miss the way Logan's eyes lit up; it sent a pleasant little rush of adrenaline all through his veins. When he was close enough, he leaned over and stole the pineapple off the rim of Janus' hurricane glass. It was dyed red from grenadine and tasted vaguely of rum.

"It's fine," said Janus, casually flipping Virgil the bird. "I wasn't saving that or anything."

"Guess you'll have to get another one," Remus said.

They started bickering about how drunk was too drunk for bowling night, so Virgil came around to Patton and Logan's side of the table. He kissed Logan hello while Patton explained about the shoes: "They were out of your size, so I got a size down instead of up, because I know you wear those really thin socks and I didn't want you to slip."

"Thanks, Pat," Virgil said. His hand found Logan's, somehow, and he smiled. "I wouldn't have put that much thought into it."

"That's why you have me!"

"Can we start now?" Roman asked, wiggling in place.

Patton stood up to fiddle with the control, and Virgil forced himself to nuzzle Logan's jawline with his nose. He wanted to do it, but the idea of being witnessed while he did so made his skin crawl.

Logan turned his head so they were nose-to-nose and smiled before pulling away. "Do you want me to order you a drink? We were going to, but we weren't sure what you'd want."

Roman threw a straw wrapper at them. "We're just about to start!"

"You're up second, too," Patton said cheerfully, flopping back down on the couch. "I put us in alphabetical order."

"I'll go, then," Virgil said. He squeezed Logan's hand and let go of it, stood.

"Don't forget to put your bowling shoes on," Janus said, eying Virgil's ratty leather ankle boots. Janus himself had somehow done the impossible and matched the colors of his suit to the dull red and blue of Gator Lanes' bowling shoes, making his whole outfit look deliberately tacky.

"When I get back."

"I'll go with you!" Roman got to his feet. "I already know I'm gonna lose. What's one more drink?"

"That's the spirit!" Remus said.

"Ha," said Patton, "I get it."

They turned to go, Roman bumping Virgil with his hip to prompt him forward. "So you and Logan, huh?" he said once they were out of earshot. "How's that going?"

"Fine," Virgil said, feeling the blush crawl onto his face. It was a short walk to the bar, but it suddenly seemed like miles and miles.

"You sure keep things close to your chest, don't you? Didn't say a word to me." Roman crossed his arms and looked sideways at him.

"I didn't think I had a chance!" Virgil exclaimed. "Wait. Did he say something to you?"

Roman winked at him, shushed him, and bellied up to the bar so he could order. Virgil hung back, one hand on his wallet, but Roman waved a hand. "Janus has a tab going," he said, turning back to Virgil.

"Does Janus know he has a tab going?" Virgil asked.

"Uh, yeah, it's not like I stole his card."

"It's not you I'm worried about," Virgil said, thinking of Remus and the moth pin.

"Ugh, you worry too much."

"This shouldn't be news to you, Roman, I have 'Worry Too Much' Disorder." Virgil flicked at his zipper pull. "Wait, so did Logan say anything to you?"

Roman smiled, even laughed a little. "Uh, yeah, he practically asked me and Patton for permission to ask you out. He made us promise not to tell you. Honestly, it was kinda cute how nervous he was."

"Nervous?" Virgil repeated. It was obvious now, but it hadn't occurred to him that Logan had lost just as much sleep over Virgil as Virgil had over him.

A harried-looking bartender popped up behind Roman, slid their drinks over, and vanished again practically before Virgil could force out a 'thank you.' Roman passed him his vodka Red Bull. "Let's go."

"Alright." Virgil sighed. It was probably better not to try to wring the details out of Roman, especially since he'd said that Logan had told him not to tell.

They reached their lane and he  scooted in next to Logan, snuggling up a lot closer than was necessary, especially given that Patton was currently up to bowl. "Welcome back," Logan said.

Virgil set his drink on the table and began to change his shoes over. "Having fun yet?" he asked Janus. He was still a little resentful that Remus and Janus didn't think he could be mean anymore. Just because he didn't want to shit-talk Patton behind his back. Sure, Remus had been the one to say it, but Virgil had no doubt the sentiment originated with Janus.

"Sure, I guess there's a sort of primal thrill in hurling a 14-pound ball at a target," Janus said primly.

"10 pounds," Logan said.

Virgil bit down on his lip to hide his smile.

"I'm sorry?" Janus tilted his head.

Logan gestured at the bright yellow ball sitting in the ball return. "10 pounds, not 14." Patton's ball came back, followed shortly thereafter by Patton. "16 pounds," Logan said.

"Pat's strong," Virgil said, elbowing Patton as he sat down. Janus bit down on an ice cube. "By the way," said Virgil, feeling a spark of pure evil manifest inside himself. "Have you guys made cutting boards yet?" To Janus, he said, "It's kind of a tradition."

"I'd heard," Janus said, shooting him a covert dirty look.

Virgil smiled at him and turned to Patton. "Janus would rather die than say so, but I can tell he's excited."

"Oh, good!" Patton said. To Janus, he said "I was actually a little worried you wouldn't want to do it."

Virgil's killing strike was delayed slightly by Remus' reappearance and Roman's subsequent disappearance, and he knew he had to act quickly or Janus would wiggle out of it when Virgil was taking his turn. Remus finally sat and stopped crowing about his spare, which no one had witnessed. Virgil pounced. "Bienvenue is closed on Sundays, isn't it?" he said to Janus, as though the shop hadn't kept the same hours for years. "Maybe you guys could do it then."

"The weather should be clear, too," Logan chimed in. Virgil looked at him, trying to gauge if he had picked up on the game, but his face gave nothing away.

"Works for me!" Patton said. "I'm putting the finishing touches on a coffee table for somebody down south, but I can make time on Sunday."

"Great," said Janus with a plastic smile Virgil knew he usually reserved for difficult customers. The daggers in his eyes promised a thorough bitching-out later, but Virgil didn't even care. So he wasn't mean anymore, hm?

"All you," said Roman, tapping Virgil on the shoulder.

Virgil nodded and took a long swallow of his vodka Red Bull. It was stupid, but walking up to bowl always felt like walking out on stage. He knew full well none of his friends were paying attention and even if they were, their friendly teasing was nothing to worry about. They knew when to stop. But still, his heart quivered as he approached the lane. By sheer luck, he managed not to get a gutter ball, then turned and hovered awkwardly as he waited for his ball to come back.

Logan caught his eye and winked at him, not even pausing in his explanation of the physics of bowling. Virgil smiled back, and suddenly everything seemed that much lighter, that much more bearable. He really had to stop worrying so much.

#ik the aesthetic boards are reminiscent of mid 2000s livejournal fic covers but whatever it's camp and i like doing it #sanders sides #analogical #virgil sanders #spicywrites #spicywrites howl

[kannra21]

This time I watched Fugou Keiji Balance: Unlimited for real, meaning that all this knowledge I gained about that series from the previous time was just facts coming from different posts on Tumblr. And I got to know a lot about it thanks to you. You guys were a big help in figuring out some of the series' most important aspects, I appreciate your input on it.

Now that I’ve watched both episodes. I’m going to comment on some things I haven’t seen people talking much about, I’ll try giving it some highlight so I hope you enjoy.

1) The millionaire detective *or smtng more than that*-

Many expect the main character of the series to present himself in a way that he says his name and what he does for life, to give us an insight into who he is and to give us a better idea of what to expect of the series. But instead, the first episode opens with "I had a father and I had a mother", the series opens with a tragic story and tells us about the rich person's unfortunate life. Why's that? It's very important for Daisuke's character. Because, as we go through the series, the author probably predicted that audience would start judging him according to the way he treats people and work, just like Kato always does. The author tries to warn us not to judge a book by its covers. That's why it is so important that the beginning of the series opens this way.

2) Daisuke's and Kato's teamwork-

Daisuke, being a highly classified detective, knows his rights and what he can and can not do, which he exploits a great deal. He can damage people's vehicles and traffic control but he doesn't care, bc he's a detective and bc the law is on his side. He's using this same knowledge to reach his goal faster without wasting time on things that aren't that important, which means, morally or ethically important. Emotions like insecurity, guilt and regret aren't welcomed in this job. Sensitivity to other people's needs before yours are also irrelevant. Traumatizing a mother and a child from almost getting ran over isn't something that he'd preoccupy his mind with too much. He cares about the sufficiency of the mission and working in the favor of the government, as Ryo himself said.

Kato, on the other hand, is different. People come to him in the first place and the most important thing for him is to bring them peace and security, things that all police officers should actually have in mind. He is everything that Daisuke is not.

And when he told him "You're making quite the show here. How are you going to take responsibility for this?", we can notice that something clicked in Daisuke, that he told himself "ugh I went too far I should do something about it". And then he called HEUSC and told him to send reimbursements for DOUBLE the damage costs he caused for certain people. He also gave the Abura Emirate's seventh prince a billion yen when the car didn't even cost that much. So it’s evident that Daisuke does possess feelings like guilt, he just needs to be reminded of it.

The same goes for that scene when he tried to drop the vehicle into the river, Kato reached for the girl and told her to jump out. Daisuke doesn't care if she's a kid or if she's going to explode together with the van. It is important to him to save the rest + the kids are also considered criminals, he will take it upon himself to judge them as they actually deserved it. Kato, unlike him, can't let himself do that, he just can't. That's why he saved her and let her be with Hiroshi again. I love Kato for that.

Maybe Daisuke is a sufficient detective but Kato is there to remind him that the things he's doing aren't ok. He's giving him a sense of morality and ethics and that's why I think they're put together bc they make a great team. And they truly do, the problem is, Kato can't stand him. 😅

3) This funny moment-

I love how Kamei in the second episode found out ab the tragic death of some woman by going through one of his inappropriate sites and he's like: "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!"

Kato *annoyed bc he's as well judging him for his perverted ways and lack of devotion towards work*: "Shut up Kamei."

Kamei *big sad*: "It says she died from a drug overdose. That centerfold model Akiko Hoshida..."

Kato: "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA??!! SERIOUSLY?"

Which leads me to the conclusion that:

Kato isn't that much different from Kamei.

Kato prefers only a specific type of women while Kamei drolls over every woman who looks even remotely pretty.

Kato has a type because the deceased centerfold model Akiko Hoshida and Suzue look very alike. Kato is also into "innocent" women bc he himself is innocent, as Akira stated. + He knows how to cook, refuses to drink alcoholic beverages during work hours and is actually pretty soft. Kato is more lovable than Daisuke in those aspects.

4) Kato's cluelessness-

Because of being so innocent, Kato doesn't have the ability to criticize others or judge "the way they breathe". He's too good, too considerate, too emphatic. That's why Daisuke's here to break his pretty picture of the world they're living in.

Kato was so easily deceived by the street performers and it was actually funny. Why would they do it otherwise than for money? No one wants to make an idiot out of themselves without a certain price.

He also thought of Suzue as one of them, the drug dealers I mean, acting as liaison. And it made me laugh so much bc he didn't know what's going to hit him. 😂

5) HEUSC-

I love HEUSC so much, this technology stuff is so lit, I wish I had it. It can detect lies, analize time, deduce certain information just from the help of a person's credit card, how much income they have, how much they lost over a couple of days, when and where, what were they buying. It can detect a person, personal information ab where they're from, age and date of birth. It also shows the person's heart rate. It can even work as a magnifier and control the traffic lights, isn't it crazy??

Daisuke's heart rate is always 60 during the whole interrogation. He's so freaking calm.

You also need to understand that Daisuke's session lasted longer than Cho-san's who used weak points such as family members and sense of right and wrong. Daisuke needed some time until their negotiation was done, he gave money to a drug addict in exchange for an information while Cho-san didn't lose anything, he could as well just deceive his suspect and get away with it.

Take into account that Daisuke went through a special training in England so his protocols are different from the normal Japanese ones.

6) Daisuke's jealousy-

Lmao Daisuke is stealing friends. He invited Akira to his own ramen during their Isezaki case.

He said "I can risk my life for Kato" and omg let me tell you, Daisuke became jealous so he made a move and even paid him to get into a costume to lure Kato and the rest of the hooligans to the top.

7) The elevator scene-

Kato standing in the middle of the elevator and Daisuke standing close to the corner as pinned as possible is what made my day. 😂

8) On the rooftop-

Daisuke's heart rate is 72 when shooting from a bazooka in the helicopter. Still too calm but I'd say that he's in a good physical condition considering that he's into boxing.

BTW he accidentally shoot towards Kato bc his target wasn't detected, it only wrote "primary target", he didn't do it on purpose.

But the sole thought of "stank needs to be eliminated" gets me every time. 😂

9) Daisuke joining the MCI-

Daisuke circled around the topic and refused to give the answer about why he decided to become a detective by redirecting the conversation towards Kato.

Let me tell you something, I watched too many crime series to know why he did that.

The reason is very personal.

And at the beginning of the whole anime he introduced himself to us with “I had a father and I had a mother”. I think he's trying to find the culprit for his parent's murder.

10) His lack of sleep-

Although he has lots of money, people like Daisuke tend to afford themselves a nice and cozy sleep. Despite that, Daisuke has as much under eyes as Kato. Which makes me wonder what keeps him awake at night, what's he thinking ab. Is he traumatized in a way? I can't wait for the next episodes to arrive!

Btw while watching the anime I fell in love with Kato even more, such a great character.

#fugou keiji balance unlimited #fugou keiji balance: unlimited #the millionaire detective balance balance: unlimited #the millionaire detective balance: unlimited #daisuke kambe #suzue kambe #haru kato #analysis

[lori-the-dragon-ninja]

Ninjago Angst week - Day 3: Bleeding

@ninjago-angst-week

//blood, gore, death, murder, violence//

Inspired by the song "Bleeding out" by Imagine Dragons

—————

"You are oni, but only in form. In your heart I sense uncertainty and doubt. A part of you longs to understand these pitiful beings; to be one of them. Your hopes weaken you!"

The Omega's powerful hit sent Garmadon flying backwards.

"Father!"

The green ninja jumped between the oni leader and Garmadon. Pathetic, yet expected. That boy was always so emotional! The Omega was wrong, Garmadon had no interest in these children playing dress up, trying to act mature (and often failing at it).

He certainly doesn't wish to be one of them. He is an oni! A powerful being that deserves to rule the realm! Why would he bother showing sympathy for anyone? It was weak!

He wasn't sure who was more pathetic: the humans, his brother or the green ninja.

He watched the leader of the ninja team getting easily thrown around by the Omega. Serves him right! He was foolish to try to take on an oni!

He should be laughing at the boy's poor attempts to... to protect him. No, Garmadon never asked for his protection! Lloyd got himself into that mess. Garmadon had told him so many times that sentimentality was a weakness! The ninja should have listened! Why didn't he listen? He would be okay now if he just-

Why does Garmadon even care about him getting hurt? He should mocking his poor attempts at battle! He shouldn't worry- and he isn't worried!

🎶 when the day has come; that I've lost my way around 🎶

He- he couldn't care less about the boy whimpering in pain!

🎶 and the seasons stop; and hide beneath the ground 🎶

He does have to stop the Omega. If anyone will take over Ninjago, it will be Garmadon! Not some random oni with a large staff! Yes, that's why he needs to attack him!

Garmadon leaped towards the oni leader. Skillfully dodging it's attacks.

The green ninja got up and once again joined in the battle. More oni warriors surrounded them.

The ninja was so occupied with attacking Omega that he didn't even notice the others. He should pay more attention to the battlefield! He could get hurt- which would weaken their forces!

Who cares?! It wasn't Garmadon's problem!

But he would be lying if he said he didn't freeze when he heard Lloyd scream in agony.

🎶 when the sky turns grey; and everything is screaming 🎶

The oni managed to injure him. The boy seemed to have lost consciousness! He needed help, he-

No, this isn't Garmadon's problem! What's gotten into him today?

What's the point of having an entire team if they didn't come and help their leader?

🎶 i will reach inside; just to find my heart is beating 🎶

He should help out. He needs to protect his son! No, no he's not one of them, he doesn't care about him!

Yes, he is the boy's father. And he guessed they were close when the boy was younger. They got even closer when the boy saved him from evil. He didn't need saving! He was oni, destruction and darkness were in his nature! He didn't need saving from it.

To be fair he did look happy in the photograph the boy showed him. The two of them, close together, happy-

Now Garmadon was the foolish one! He let his guard down and the Omega managed to get a hit on him. It wasn't too bad, but enough to draw blood.

He needs to stop being so sentimental!

🎶 oh you tell me to hold on; oh you tell me to hold on 🎶

He shouldn't be holding on to those distant memories. He barely even remembered them. The times he was bonding with his son, his brother and wife, students. His family.

No, those were the memories of another man. A man who is now gone!

But Lloyd-

🎶 but innocence is gone; and what was right is wrong 🎶

That's enough thinking! Now he actually needs to focus on doing something!

He decided to ignore his injury- and the blood slowly dripping out of it- instead he dodged another attack, leaped at the larger oni and pushed him backwards.

This gave him enough time to turn around and run to the green ninja's aid.

🎶 'cus I'm bleeding out 🎶

He needed to help him. He needed to just focuse on getting these demons away from his child.

🎶 so if the last thing that I do is bring you down; I'll bleed out for you 🎶

He fought like he has never fought before. Punching, kicking, clawing at the oni warriors.

🎶 so I bear my skin; and I count my sins; and I close my eyes; and I take it in 🎶

Garmadon has done a lot of things in his life. Most of which are horrible crimes. But, his son grew up to be a great warrior. A great person.

His son. The reason he was in the departed realm in the first place was because he sacrificed himself. And to be honest, he did it to try to give his son a better life.

As the memories of the good times were coming back to him, he wasn't sure whether to smile or cry.

Lloyd loved him. And he... he loved Lloyd.

He promised he would protect him and keep him safe. But he was the one who hurt him.

He was angry- no, furious.

He was furious at himself for hurting his own child, the child he had so much love for. He didn't even know it was possible to love someone so much until he held him for the first time.

And he caused him so much pain. As did the oni.

🎶 I'm bleeding out; I'm bleeding out for you 🎶

His body was getting covered in more and more injuries. Blood was starting to cover him.

It didn't matter.

He used the fury surging through him.

All the anger he was feeling, both against other oni and himself, he used it all.

He attacked the oni with all his might.

He was Lord Garmadon.

Father of Lloyd Montgomery Garmadon, brother of Wu, husband of Misako, teacher of the ninja.

He was the son of the First Spinjitzu Master.

The oni messed with the wrong family. That will be the last mistake they ever make.

Rage was a powerful fuel.

🎶 for you 🎶

-----

Lloyd slowly opened his eyes. He hadn't been unconscious for too long, but it seemed like the battle was over now.

He slowly got up, surveying the battlefield.

There were oni laying down everywhere, none were moving. He easily came to the conclusion that they moved on to the department realm.

And in the middle of the battlefield stood his father. His bloodstained body suddenly surrounded by a black fog.

It quickly faded away, only to reveal an old grey haired man instead of the oni that stood there moments ago.

"Dad? Is it- is it really you? Are... are you back to normal?"

The old man stayed silent as he looked up at his son.

Garmadon was covered in gashing wounds that had blood pouring from them. He must have been in pain.

Yet his eyes still looked so gentle and kind, and a soft smile slowly spread across his face.

"I did it, for you."

With those final words, Garmadon's body collapsed into a pool of his own blood.

#ninjago #ninjago angst week #tw: death #tw: blood #tw: gore #tw: murder #tw: violence #aaaaaaaaaand Lloyd lost his dad #again #that boy really can't catch a break

[literary-spirit]

Chapter 2

Bjorn stared at Bonnie as if a second head had sprouted from her neck. "So what are you implying? That the world is not flat but-,"

"Round!" Her head bobbed in a rapid series of nods. "Yes."

He watched her for a moment longer before snorting, "Impossible...ridiculous even! Surely if I were to sail too far in either direction my ship would eventually fall into oblivion."

"No, you'd just end back up in the same place you-,"

"Land!" A gruff voice growled from the head the ship.

Torn from their back and forth, she looked up and her chin almost smacked the floor of the ship. The sight of Kattegat snatched her breath and knotted her tongue. Television didn't do Ragnar's kingdom any favors compared to what the naked eye perceived in person.

"What you're feeling now is the same feelings I have each time I return. Bonnie," Bjorn whispered next to her ear, before his rough palms closed around her hands. "Swear your allegiance to me. Remain always at my side and I vow to protect you for as long as we both remain on Midgard."

Confusion wrinkled her brows. What the hell had she done to provoke such and oath from one of history's greatest names? "Why offer me this? You hardly know me."

"Because the same emotions I feel when I return to Kattegat is the same sentiment I felt when I looked upon you for the first time," he gave her hands a squeeze, "Something within speaks to me."

"Wha-," her voice went hoarse in the presence of a throat so dry she doubted even high quality h2o could quench her thirst. Taking a deep breath, she swallowed and tried again. "What does it say?"

A smile caressed his mouth as he lifted her hands to press a kiss to the back of them, "To hold you dear. For you're to be treasured."

"Bjorn-,"

"Will you bequeath me your vow, Mystical One?" He demanded as he imprisoned her in his electric stare.

Unable to do anything but give into the iconic Viking who was destined to carve his name across time, she nodded once. "Yes, Bjorn Ironside. You have my allegiance. My sworn word that I will never stand across from you on a battlefield and if left up to me, I vow to remain by your side for as long as we both shall live."

The words were out her mouth before they had a chance to tap dance across her mind. What the hell? Why the hell would she promise such a thing? She had to find Klaus! There was no time for her to become just another name on Bjorn Ironside's hitlist.

"Good, this pleases me," He laughed and released her hands to clap his. "Now we must seal our sacred vow." The laughter faded from his features as his facial muscles stiffened into a mask of sincerity.

Her breathing slowed while she prepared for the fuckery sure to follow. "How? Please don't say by blood."

"No, this way is the right of it," he whispered as he placed a finger under her chin and lifted her face. Slowly, he leaned down to allow his lips to graze hers. Before it fully registered what jumped off he pulled away. "Now it is done."

"Okay, so now that's out of the way," she cut her gaze to the shore as she attempted to even her breathing and calm the flipping in her stomach. "How do you plan to explain me to your wife and the rest of your family?"

Bjorn's face scrunched. "How-," she halted his question with an unflinching gaze. The smirk on her lips hinted at all-knowing. He inclined his head as a concession of sorts, "Allow me to worry over my family. I have given you my sworn oath. There is no other in Midgard who can compel me to break my vow to you."

"Alright, my protector," she glanced over the multitude of people who at present packed the harbor, "I believe you."

Bjorn helped her off the ship onto the dock. When he turned two children raced into his arms followed by a petite woman with crinkled flaxen hair. Torvi. After the kids had released him, she threw herself in his arms and kissed him so hard she damn near sucked his whole head in her mouth. Moments later he untangled himself from her hold.

"How fare your travels, husband? Did the gods smile favorably upon you, was greatness achieved?" Torvi questioned as her gaze drifted to Bonnie and lingered.

"My travels have fared better than even I anticipated. For the gods have bestowed upon me the most wondrous of gifts," Bjorn turned to cast a wide smile at her and an extended hand. Accepting the outstretched palm, she allowed him to pull her to his side, "This is Bonnie Bennett of Mystic Falls and she is under my protection."

"Is she a slave then, Bjorn?" The oldest of the two boys questioned.

"No, Guthrum," Bjorn kneeled before the child to stare him in the eyes, "She is to be a most sacred friend to our family and that is how we shall all regard her."

"But she is dressed as a slave," Guthrum insisted, waving a hand at the burlap sack dress she wore.

Bjorn tsked. "Guthrum, it is not the garments that are donned which confirms the value of one's worthiness. However, worry not. For she shall be cloaked in the finest hides, silks, and furs befitting her station soon enough."

Raw pain etched its way across Torvi's face. "So you have taken a mistress?"

"I'm not his mistress, nor will I ever be," Bjorn head snapped around to peer up at Bonnie and she gave him a look that carried the weight of her words, before her gaze swung back to meet Torvi's flared stare, "on that you have my word."

"She speaks our language," She said, her words ringing more as a statement than a question, "Fluently, it would seem. Did you teach her?"

This gave Bonnie pause. Weren't they all speaking English? There wasn't an ice-water day in hell she spoke old Norse fluently. Not even with Super Head's tongue.

"Bjorn!"

Two tall lean muscled boys just beyond the dawn of manhood with eyes as transfixing as Bjorn's, cut through the crowded dock. Without any need for introductions, she knew who they were before hello crossed either one of their lips, Ubbe and Hvitserk. One after the other, they gathered Bjorn in a spine crushing hug. Each brother concluded their embrace with a pound to the back.

"How went your raid, brother?" Ubbe asked. A longing flicker which couldn't be mistaken for anything other than wanderlust sparked his unblinking azure stare, "Was the plunder worthy of the voyage?"

Hvitserk laughed and his consideration wandered from them to her. His iridescent sapphire blue irises almost leapt from their sockets. "How far south did you raid, brother?" He questioned, while running his gaze up then down her and back again.

Curious, Ubbe tracked his brother's stupefied stare back to her. When his gaze crashed landed on her, he stepped around Bjorn to invade her personal space. Once he towered over her, he rubbed the pad of his thumb over her cheek. He then lifted the digit to his face for inspection.

"I assure you, it doesn't rub off," Bonnie said, before reaching up to do the same to him. When she inspected her thumb, she frowned down at the dirt on the pad of her finger. "But I see that yours does." She lifted her finger for him to see.

Ubbe's scrutiny snapped back to her face and doubled in its intensity.

"Where will you be placing her to serve, Bjorn?" He demanded

"She's not a thrall," Guthrum corrected, "she's a sacred friend to the family."

"What?!" Ubbe and Hvitserk questioned in unison.

"Guthrum speaks the truth," Bjorn cosigned, while inserting himself between them in order to address Ubbe and Hvitserk face to face, "Bonnie is a free woman and has my sworn vow of protection. Fear not, however," He pointedly glanced back at the blonde-haired, blue-eyed slave girl who pleaded to have her thrown in the sea to please the gods. She in turn cast her gaze downward and feigned modesty. "I have secured a wealth of suitable thralls to add to the great hall, stables, and trading block." Ubbe and Hvitserk exchanged smirks. "Now come, let us make our way back to the keep. I'm in need of a meal and rest."

****

Bonnie glanced the one room shack. Like on television there wasn't much to the small space. There was hardly any room for Bjorn and his family. Where in the hell did he expect her to sleep? Her gaze moved to the only bed in the home. A pair of hands grasped her shoulders.

"My uncle Rollo has a keep only a few paces from here. My plans are to restore it so you may reside there," Bjorn whispered next to her ear, answering her unasked question as if he had real time Shade Room updates to her thoughts. "It should be complete before we sail for the Mediterranean."

A smile trembled across her lips. "You want me at your side when you sail for the Mediterranean?"

"Of course," Bjorn crowded her into a corner and lowered his voice, "There is a great truth I am with haste coming to realize."

"And that is?" She questioned, while noticing Torvi side-eying the hell out of them.

"There is not a moment when I do not long to have you at my side," he answered.

"And when did you have time to come to this conclusion in the three days of knowing me?" Bonnie scoffed. "Bjorn, I have yet to leave your side so how can you long for something you never had to miss." She inhaled and dropped her head to exhale. She needed a moment to mentally check herself. The angst gnawing at her chest had nothing to do with Bjorn and everything to do with the 21st century Viking she may or may not have left behind. "Look, this isn't what you think it is, trust me." She placed a hand on his chest. "You're just in the throes of a fleeting infatuation."

"You doubt my words?" He demanded stepping impossibly closer. The press of his hard body, pounding of his heart, and the unyielding steel hanging midway down his thigh spoke major fuckery about his earnestness.

"Never, I'm just skeptical about the longevity of their sincerity," she admitted, "Especially, when physical consummation isn't forthcoming. I meant what I said, Bjorn Lothbrok! I refuse to be your mistress. I won't do that to Torvi."

A knock sounded on the door, cutting off anything further he had to say. Torvi rushed over to answer it. Soon after in walked Sigurd. Aggravation provoked the muscle in Bjorn's jaw to twitch but despite his irritation he turned to greet his brother.

In three strides he crossed the room and embraced Bjorn. Sigurd eyed her over Bjorn's shoulder. "By the gods Hvitserk did speak the truth. You are in possession of a maiden who is cloaked in twilight even in the sunlight. Is she that pigmentation all over, brother?"

"I can assure you, young Sigurd, Ironside wouldn't be able to tell you one way or the other," Bonnie snapped.

Sigurd scoffed. "Young Sigurd? The brazenness of you! I'll wager you've yet to greet your sixteenth summer! You barely have the look of a girl who's one and five."

She tossed her head back and laughed at his flattery which bordered on absurdity. "You're sweet, but I haven't seen sixteen in eleven summers."

"Impossible," Sigurd spat as if he were on the verge of calling her a damn lie.

"Well you know what they say about black," She shrugged as she glanced down. Guthrum and Hali appeared to be hanging onto every syllable of her words. Introducing a set of stereotypes to a race of people who'd yet to form an opinion about her race of people wouldn't be a good look.

"No, what do they say," Sigurd demanded.

Her gaze rose to meet his. "They say nothing, and why're you so pressed to know my age anyway, Viking? Don't you know it's bad form to question a woman about the amount of summers she's seen?"

Torvi released a cough that sounded suspiciously like a chortle.

Bjorn leveled them with a not here for it expression before returning his attention back to Sigurd. "Why are you here, Sigurd?"

"My mother has prepared a great feast in your honor. She requests you bring your family and your..." his gaze moved over Bonnie as a smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, "charge for an eve of merriment." He stepped around Bjorn to loom over her, "Name yourself."

"She is Bonnie Bennett of Mystic Falls," Guthrum answered.

Bjorn turned Sigurd towards the door. "Inform your mother that my family, charge, and I shall attend. Now seek out your leave so we may be rested for whatever Aslaug has planned."

#bonniebennett #fanfiction #vampirediaries #vikings #bjorn ironside #crossover #ivar the boneless #hvitserk #ubbe lothbrok #sigurd #ragnar lothbrok #the originals

[purplepatton]

Virgil notices one of the other sides isn't doing all that great and revives his old hoodie to try bringing them some comfort?

Ahh thanks so much for the prompt! It’s really adorable and I had fun writing it! I hope you like it :)

Tag List: @basilstorm @ghostdorkphil @storytellerofuntoldlegends @romananalogicality @vickyderpface @istolelittleredshoodie @imaunderfail @speechless-angel @carefullyartistic @thefamouszombiebouquet @wolfwalker100 @datonerougecookeh @virgilient

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Something was wrong with Roman.

Virgil wasn’t sure how he came to this conclusion, but it didn’t take a genius to see that something was going on. After all, Roman smiles had become more forced, his laughs less sincere and even his dramatic gestures, while still over the top and rather annoying, seemed half hearted and empty.

In the past, Virgil would have been tempted to ignore the problems of the other sides and just deal with his own issues. But they had been trying so hard to include him and, even if he is loathe to admit it, he really does care about them.

Which is why he’s currently standing outside Roman’s door, trying to find the courage to knock.  

He’s been standing there for a good few minutes wondering if he should actually go through with this or just leave (because what if Roman is busy and he interrupts him and Roman hates him forever?) before realizing that he probably looks like an idiot standing there staring at a closed door.

Virgil takes a deep breath, arranges his face in what he hopes in a nonchalant expression and knocks on Roman’s door.

There is a slight pause before Roman shouts out a muffled, “Be there in a minute!” That is immediately followed by the sound of him tripping over something and loud cursing. Virgil has to hide a small smile behind his hand as the door swung open.

A bedraggled Roman appeared in the doorway, a stark contrast from his usual put together self. He looked a bit surprised to see Virgil standing there. “If it isn’t My Chemical Disaster! What brings you to this part of the mindscape?”

Virgil ignored the question, instead opting to raise his eyebrow at the creative side and ask, “What happened to you? You look like you got hit by a bus or something.”

Roman looked down at himself, almost as if he was just now noticing what he looked like. “Well,” He said, plastering a smile on his face while trying to straighten his sash. “A prince can’t always look his best, can he?” Roman’s smile was an undeniable attempt to show Virgil that everything was fine.

Virgil wasn’t convinced.

“Right.” He drawled. “So are you going to let me in, or are we just going to stand out here all night?”

The look of panic that flashed through Roman’s eyes was unmistakable. “It’s actually quite messy.” He said quickly. “I was just reorganizing my room, actually, so now’s not really the best time. Could you come back at another time?”

It’s such an obvious lie that Virgil almost feels sorry for him. Virgil pushes past Roman and, ignoring Roman’s indignant squawk, stepped into the room.

Virgil had been in Roman’s room a few times before, mostly with the other sides with him, and knows from experience that it has never exactly been clean. Not like Logan’s room, although Logan’s habits of organization and overall cleanliness borderlined on OCD and nobody could really compete with him. But it was a far cry from messy, instead holding just the right amount of disorder.

So it’s appropriate to say that Virgil was shocked when he saw the mess that had tore it’s way through Roman’s room.

Papers that had been torn from various notebooks had been crumpled and thrown to the floor, various pieces of clothing had been rolled up and abandoned in the corners of the room, and the Disney posters that Roman was so proud of had been ripped from the walls and lay face down on the floor. Everywhere Virgil looked there was destruction. Subconsciously, he began to rub his sleeve between his thumb and forefinger. What had happened in here?

Roman closed the door and walked over to where Virgil was standing. “I told you it was a mess. Look, I really need to clean this up, so if you could just-”

“No.” Virgil said, stabbing a finger into Roman’s chest and effectively shutting the other side up. Virgil wasn’t exactly sure where this sudden bout of confidence had come from, but he’s willing to bet it’s got something to do with Roman’s room. “I want to know what’s wrong and I want to know now.”

Roman chuckled uncomfortably. “Wrong? Virgil, what are you talking about? Nothing’s wrong.”

“Cut the crap, Princey.” Virgil snapped. He had shoved his hands in his pockets to hide their tremblings, wanting to appear confident and in control. Roman’s face had taken on a stony quality to it.

“You want to know what’s wrong?” Roman asked, anger leeching into his voice. Virgil, unable to trust his voice not to give out on him, nodded.

“Fine.” Roman spat. “Me. I am what’s wrong.”

Virgil gaped at Roman; this was not exactly what he expected the fanciful side to say. He opened his mouth to interject with - something (because what do you say to that?) but Roman held up his hand to stop him.

“My behavior has been completely and totally unacceptable. Not only have I been acting irrational and causing Thomas more pain then he needs, I have been rather cruel to the rest of you in the past, and nothing I do can ever make up for the pain I have cause you.”

Roman was practically shaking in anger and misery. His eyes were glistening with tears, and as a few traced their way along his jawline he angrily wiped them away. “What kind of prince treats others like that?”

Virgil stood frozen. He didn’t know how to comfort himself when he got like this, so how was he supposed to help Roman?

The idea hit him in that instant, almost knocking him off his feet. He barely had time to stutter out a reassurance that he’d be right back (and he didn’t think Roman heard it) before he rushed out of the room and down the hall into his own room.

He didn’t waste any time, going straight to his closet and digging around until he reached the back. Sitting in a neatly folded pile was his old hoodie. It looked just like he remembered it. He picked it up gently and holding it like the treasured object that it was.

When he made his way back into Roman’s room, he found the creative side on the floor, his head buried in his hands and his shoulders shaking silently. Virgil felt a pang of guilt for his quick departure because who knows what Roman thought when Virgil all but fled the room?

Virgil quietly walked behind Roman and draped his old hoodie of Roman’s shoulders. Roman jumped at the sudden contact and glanced up at Virgil.

“Oh, shit, sorry.” Virgil rushed out, feeling terrible as he took in Roman’s tear streaked face. “I swear I didn’t mean to run out. I-I just thought you could use my old hoodie? It, uh, used to help me out and - I dunno, I thought it might make you feel better?”

Roman, who had maneuvered his arms into the sleeves as Virgil had been talking, looked down at the sleeves that covered his hands before glancing back up at Virgil. Virgil winced. In the hoodie, Roman looked almost identical to the way he used to look (minus the eyeshadow of course). “Sorry, if you don’t want it, I can bring it back.” Virgil said, the apology coming out before he could stop it. “You don’t have to wear it just because I gave it to you-”

Virgil was cut off as Roman launched himself at the darker side, winding his arms around Virgil’s neck in a hug. That was not the reaction Virgil expected, and for a moment he was taken aback. But then he cautiously wrapped his arms around Roman, threading his fingers in Roman’s hair and rubbing Roman’s back softly, whispering quiet reassurances as Roman cried into his shoulder.

#thomas sanders fanfiction #thomas sanders fanfic #virgil sanders #roman sanders #angst #hurt/comfort #sad boys #katwrites