#the relief he felt to just have a FRIEND not complicated just caring and fun reminding him of what he loves to do

[ofstarsandvibranium]

Holy shit, Always on the Sidelines had to be one of my favorite fics. As a person with chronic pain I always feel like I’m pushed to the side and like I’ll never find someone who will love and care for me like that.

If you wrote more I would def be happy

(ok. im fangirling a lil bit because i absolutely LOVE your jamie tartt fics and i cant believe my fic has become one of your faves! anyway, here's a lil snippet after the events of Always On the Sidelines!)

Here On Out

Summary: You're out with Jamie and your friends, but then your leg decides to act up and you have a bit of a breakdown.

A/N: hurt comfort! also, i headcanon that Jamie is a 1D fan.

You're really fucking bummed out. You were having so much fun hanging out with Jamie and the boys, your friends, because, yes, his friends are now your friends and they all adore you and you them.

Anyway, you'd gone to a club with them that was having a One Direction night. Drinks were flowing and you were having so much fun dancing with Jamie, then singing at the top of your lungs with Keeley, taking shots with the guys. It was all so much fun...but then your knee started acting up.

You excuse yourself from the dancefloor and Jamie follows you with concern. But you brush him off, not wanting to ruin his fun.

"I'm just gonna rest for a bit. Go have fun." He hesitates and you practically push him back towards the dancefloor, "Go! I'll be fine!"

"Alright. But you tell me if it gets worse and we'll go, okay?"

"Okay," you shoo him away and as soon as he turned his back, you hobble your way to the bathrooms so you can cry.

As soon as you enter the women's room, you lean against the counter and let out a sob. You curse your knee for causing you so many issues. You can't play football, you can't be on your feet for long, you can't even last having fun with your fit as fuck footballer boyfriend! You felt so...broken.

Two women, a brunette and a red head, enter the bathroom laughing but then stop when they see you teary eyed. They immediately rush over to you, "Oh my God. Are you okay?" The red head asks.

"Do we need to kick someone in the dick?" the brunette asks.

You chuckle, "No. I'm fine...kinda."

"What's goin' on, babe?" the brunette asks, looking genuinely concerned for you.

You shake your head, "I had a knee injury a while back and it starts to hurt if I'm not my feet for too long or doing extensive movements."

"Do we need to get you someone?" the red head asks, wiping away some of your tears.

You shake your head again, "No. It'll go away eventually it's just," you let out a deep breath, "It just makes things complicated for me. Like, I came here with my hot boyfriend and we were having the best time and now my knee started hurting and I had to step away-"

"Why isn't your boyfriend with you?" the brunette asks.

"I told him not to worry about me. Didn't wanna ruin his fun."

The door opens again and Keeley lets out a sigh of relief, "Fucking finally! Jamie's looking all over for you! You're not answerin' your phone!" She suddenly takes note of your teary eyes, "Oh shit. I'm getting, Jamie."

"Wait, no-Keeley!" but your cries fall deaf on her ears as she rushes out in search of your boyfriend.

Red head looks back at you, "Wait, was that Keeley Jones?"

You nod, "Yeah."

Moments later, Jamie comes in, hand over his eyes, "Is everyone decent? No one with their undies down, right?"

You can't help but snort, "You're fine, Jams."

Jamie drops his hand and zeroes in on you, "What's going on?"

"Holy shit," brunette starts to freak out, "You're Jamie Tartt! You're-"

Keeley steps in, pushing red head and brunette out the door, "Right! Let's go dance, ladies!"

"But I still need to wee!" brunette exclaims.

"Hold it in!" Keeley replies aggressively.

It's now just you and Jamie left in the room. Jamie slowly approaches you, hands on your hips to steady you, "What's wrong?"

You let out a sob as you tuck your face into his neck, "I feel so broken!"

"Love, you're not broken."

"But I am! I can't keep up with you and I fucking hate it! I hate hurting all the time. I hate making you cut your time short when we're out with friends. I hate that you can't fully enjoy yourself when we're together. I-"

"Hey, hey. Look at me," he pulls back, gently holding your face in his hands, "You're. Not. Broken. Your injury doesn't define you. I mean, look at grandad! Sure, he had to retire 'cause of his leg, but he's still out there coaching us, giving us a hard time, still doing the things he likes to do. He doesn't let his injury stop him.

"And you shouldn't either. I don't care that if we have to leave parties or gatherings early because your leg hurts. All I care about is you and how you feel. I don't like you being in pain. That's why I always check in on you. I don't want ya sufferin'." He wipes the tears the slide down your cheeks.

"What if you get tired of me? Get tired of taking care of me?"

Jamie shakes his head, "Never. I experienced life without you and I was fucking miserable. Besides, like how cuddly you get when I take care of ya. Makes me feel loved and shit."

"Jamie Tartt, you're such a softie," you playfully say, nudging his shoulder.

"Only for you, love," he murmurs before kissing your forehead. You two stand there, just cherishing each other's presence for a bit.

Keeley then pops her head in and says, "You two coming out soon? 'Cause a line is forming and these girls really gotta go."

Jamie steps back and asks, "Can you walk?"

"I can limp," you reply.

He shakes his head, "Piggy back then," he turns his back to you, crouching down a bit.

You do your best to hop onto his back and he lifts you with ease. Keeley opens the door wider for you both, "Thanks, Keeley," Jamie says and his looks at the line of waiting women, "Sorry, ladies! Me girl wasn't feelin' well!"

Keeley follows the both of you to the booth where everyone was sitting and taking a break from dancing.

"Are you okay, Y/N?" Dani asks.

"My leg again," you sheepishly reply and the boys nod their heads in understanding.

"Feel better," Isaac says.

Colin chimes in, "Do you need help to the car?"

"Nah, mate, I've got it!" Jamie replies and pulls out a few hundred notes, passing them to Isaac, "Hope that covers our drinks and some of you lot!" the guys raise their glasses in cheers to Jamie and wave good-bye to the both of you.

Keeley and Roy follow you two out just in case.

"Can this count as some of me trainin', grandad?" Jamie asks.

"No," Roy rasps out and you giggle.

"Prick," Jamie mumbles with a smile.

When you get to Jamie's car, he helps you in and then gives Roy and Keeley a d hug good-bye. Roy nods at you and Keeley blows a kiss your way. You wave at them until Jamie drives away.

_____________

When you get back to Jamie's, he carries you to the bedroom you share. You undress while he runs a warm bubble bath for you.

Once it's ready you get in and he quickly undresses, sitting behind you. You sigh in relief as you lean back against his chest and he starts to softly massage your knee.

"See? Cuddly," Jamie murmurs against your neck and presses a kiss.

"I love you," you whisper as you close your eyes and let the water warm your body up.

Jamie's smiling wide. This isn't the first time you've said it to him, but it still makes him all bubbly inside when you say it.

"I love you too. Always will. From here on out."

#jamie tartt x reader #jamie tartt #jamie tartt imagine

[cherryrainn]

Do you think you could do onceler x male (ftm) reader? Maybe where y/n starts catching feelings for onceler but he's not sure if he'll like him because he's trans?

im sorry if i didnt represent this right, i tried and asked some of my friends about that are trans if this is good and they said it is so... hope it's alright! thank you for asking, have a great day/night <3

☽ ༚  ༵ ۰ ✧ ۰  ༵ ༚ ༵ ۰ ✧ ۰ 

— love beyond labels

onceler x male (ftm) reader

you stepped into the small apartment you now called home, carrying a box of your belongings. it was your first day as onceler's new roommate. you had been friends for a while, but circumstances had brought you closer together, and now you were sharing a living space.

as you unpacked your belongings, you couldn't help but steal glances at onceler, who was busy organizing his own things. his vibrant blue eyes sparkled with a mixture of curiosity and excitement. the more time you spent together, the more your feelings grew, and you found yourself hoping that he felt the same way.

days turned into weeks, and you and onceler settled into a comfortable routine as roommates and friends. late-night conversations and shared meals became the norm, filling your lives with laughter and warmth.

one evening, as you sat together on the couch, a movie playing in the background, you mustered the courage to express your feelings. the words danced on the tip of your tongue, but fear gripped your heart. you worried that your trans identity might complicate things.

taking a deep breath, you turned to face onceler, the nervousness evident in your voice. "onceler, can i talk to you about something important?"

he looked at you attentively, concern etched on his face. "sure. what's up?"

you fumbled with your words, trying to find the right way to convey your feelings. "i've been feeling something more than friendship for you. and i wanted to tell you, but i'm scared... i'm scared me being trans might change things between us."

onceler's gaze softened, and he reached out to take your hand. "y/n, you're incredible, and who you are doesn't change that. i've seen your strength and kindness, and those are the things that matter to me."

he paused, giving you a reassuring smile. "i won't deny that it might take some time to process my own emotions, but i want you to know that i care about you... a whole lot."

tears welled up in your eyes, a mixture of relief and gratitude.

"thank you," you whispered, your voice filled with emotion.

over time, your connection deepened. onceler's unwavering support and understanding allowed you to blossom, embracing your true self with confidence. as you both continued to navigate your evolving feelings, your bond grew stronger.

days turned into months, and eventually, the line between friendship and something more blurred. one evening, as the two of you sat under a starlit sky, onceler turned to you, a shy smile playing on his lips.

"y/n, i've spent a lot of time thinking about us, and i can't deny how i feel," he confessed. "being your roommate showed me just how much i love being around you. and i kinda wanna explore the possibility of being more than friends, if you're open to it."

a surge of happiness coursed through your veins, and you reached out to take his hand, intertwining your fingers. "i would love that," you replied, a genuine smile spreading across your face.

one lazy sunday morning, you woke up to the sound of onceler trying to perfect his pancake-flipping skills in the kitchen. you chuckled as you padded your way over, wrapping your arms around his waist from behind.

"looks like you're having fun doing that." you teased, nuzzling his neck playfully.

he turned around, flour dusting his cheeks, but his eyes were shining with amusement. "it's pancake flipping 101, y/n. wanna give it a try?"

challenge accepted. you donned an imaginary superhero cape, took the spatula, and attempted your most daring pancake flip. however, your pancake superhero didn't quite manage to soar like you had hoped. instead, it ended up on the floor.

onceler burst into laughter, and you just rolled your eyes. "whatever, you win." you conceded, pretending to pout as he continued to giggle.

#onceler #y/n #reader insert #x reader #the lorax #onceler x reader #fluff #ask #male reader #x male reader #trans reader #ftm reader #mlm

[isdalinarhot]

i need to like. write down what opinions each of the War Crimes 6 had about each other that we know canonically. its 4 am i dont have anything better to do. note that this is strictly canonical which means all shipping except canon pairings gets left at the door sorry. we all know sadeas and dalinar want to fuck each other nasty but this isnt what this post is about

gavilar's opinion on:

dalinar: this is my brother. he is useful to me. he is very stupid and easily manipulated. keep the wool over his eyes and keep him pointed at anything and anyone i want dead. he is a tool of mine above all else

sadeas: he is my buddy :)

navani: bitch wife

ialai: [missing data]

evi: [missing data]

dalinar's opinion on:

gavilar: this is my brother. he is the most important person in my life. with parents that were absent at best and abusive at worst he is the one who raised me. i care for him extremely deeply. i would do anything for him. when i played a part in causing his death i turned my entire life around, as he surely would have wanted. he was everything to me.

sadeas: once he was my best friend in the world. i always found him a little silly, a little too intellectual for my meathead self, but i also cared deeply for him. he was extremely important to me, perhaps less so than gavilar, but still an incredibly large part of my life. a trusted ally and close friend. when gavilar died our friendship fell apart as we both blamed each other for gavilar's death and in addition he began treating me coldly when i started following the codes. he betrayed me time and time again until i lost all fondness for him. when he died i felt regret that we could never return to the way things once were, but also a sense of relief, due to his negative presence in my life near the end

navani: i n eed to fuck ehr

ialai: we were buddies back in the blackthorn days! we used to banter sometimes. we were never particularly close but i enjoyed spending time with her. nowadays i don't really talk to her due to the whole complicated situation i have with her husband but she was fun :)

evi: in the blackthorn days i tried so hard to love her but could not muster attraction to her. my heart lay... elsewhere, and her personality and life ethos was not compatible with mine. our marriage was miserable, i hated her at times, but her death wrecked me, less because i was devastated to lose her as a person but more because of what the death represented. spent 6 years forgetting everything about her, got my memories of her back, felt weird about it, had a fun character arc about it, but nowadays when i think about her she is more of a symbol than a flesh and blood woman i had flesh and blood woman feelings for

sadeas's opinion on:

gavilar: most important person in my life. no question. he took me under his wing when i was not even a full adult yet. he built this kingdom. he is the most powerful man i know and because of that i am latched to him like a little wood tick. i "loved" him, whatever the fuck love means when youre sadeas

dalinar: used to be lots of fun but then he got sober and boring and now he has to DIE!!!!!!!!!!! but i did "love" him once, whatever the fuck love means when youre sadeas

navani: [missing data]

ialai: she may be ugly but she is DANGEROUS! which is hot. 10/10 only woman i respect. she gets torol privileges

evi: [missing data]

navani's opinion on:

gavilar: fuck this dude. when i was very young i was attracted to him, but that faded very fast

dalinar: i n eed to fuck h;im

sadeas: oh i never liked this guy. i trust him provisionally but his personality is absolutely rancid.

ialai: we were friends during the blackthorn era :) we are no longer friends after gavilar's death however. missing data on if im sad about this or not

evi: god i tried to hate her. i tried to hate her because she was fucking my man. but shes so stupid and so nice that you just cant hate her. and she was in a miserable marriage and i relate even though if *i* was in her place *i* would be having the time of my life #skillissue. so we did form a semi-close friendship

ialai's opinion on:

gavilar: [missing data]

dalinar: LMAOOOOOO THIS BITCH IS HILARIOUS. hes so dumb and because of that i like teasing him when we get the opportunity to talk. of course once torol wants him dead its like well i am going to help to kill him immediately

sadeas: my husband my bestie my confidant the guy who scratches my back the guy who i can sit on his lap and eat his shrimp poppers my partner in war crime LOVE YOU TOROL!!!!!!!!! MWAH

navani: we were friends during the blackthorn era <3 we schemed together. we are NOT friends now though #FuckDalinarLives

evi: SLUT from rira

evi's opinion on:

gavilar: [missing data]

dalinar: oh dalinar. you are so wonderful and honorable but you kill so much and i wish you would not be brutal and war criminalish. am i attracted to you? honestly speaking not really. you just were politically important to me. but i will bear our horrible marriage where you break my heart once a week because it is my duty as a woman or something idk

sadeas: [missing data]

navani and ialai (they go together because the opinion is pretty much identical): i wish i could be as smart as them, or as cunning as them, but i am a sweet little flower who cannot cook up a single scheme and because of that i feel alienated from them :( we are friends i suppose but its not really equal

#long post #this post took like half an hour to write. and its gonna get 2 notes cuz im posting it at 4:30 am #luke.txt

[nyanyachan]

Rekindled Ties - Byakuya Togami x Reader

Chapter 3: Dilemma

Warnings: a bit NSFW

„Mwah!“, Leon said while laughing. He was sitting with Mondo, Taka and Chihiro at the table in the cafeteria.

Makoto stood confused there with his lunch in his hands.

„Kiss me, you fool!“, Mondo said in a theatrical way. The whole group was laughing except for Taka and Chihiro and Makoto obviously.

Makoto looked at the group with a confused expression, not sure if he wanted to know what they were laughing about. "What's going on?" he asked tentatively.

Leon looked up at Makoto, a smirk on his face. "Nothing much, just having a little fun," he said with a chuckle.

Mondo and Taka were still not amused, while Chihiro looked uncomfortable. Makoto decided it was best to ignore them and went to sit at another table, feeling a sense of relief as he left the group behind.

He was always the one in the group, who was kind off.. there to be laughed at. It’s not like they didn’t like him or something, but he often felt like he didn't quite fit in. He wished that he could be more like the others, more confident and carefree. But he knew that he was who he was, and he couldn't change that.

Makoto sat down at an empty table in the cafeteria. He took a deep breath and tried to shake off the feeling of isolation. He knew that he had friends, but sometimes it felt like they were more interested in partying and having fun than actually connecting with him.

„Can I sit here?“, Mukuro asked with a shy smile on her face.

Makoto looked up at Mukuro and smiled. "Sure, go ahead," he said, gesturing for her to sit down.

Mukuro sat down across from Makoto, looking at him with a sense of curiosity. „Have you been home, Makoto?“, she asked.

„Not really.“, Makoto answered. „I went home, changed my clothes and went straight to school.“

„Oh, I see.“, Mukuro said and nodded.

„Well, I had actually planned to leave the party with Togami, but I couldn't find him. As a result, I ended up staying longer than I had originally intended.“, he chuckled.

„You love Togami.“, Mukuro suddenly said with a small smile on her face.

„Sorry?“

„I said, you love Togami. You always talk about him“, she repeated herself.

„Do I?“, Makoto asked confused. Byakuya and him were friends since middle school.

Mukuro nodded. "Yeah, you do. It's kind of cute," she said with a small smile. „That you have someone to look up to.“

„Don’t you have someone you look up to?“, Makoto asked her. „Like your sister Junko?“

Mukuro's expression darkened at the mention of her sister. "Junko is...complicated," she said finally. "We have a complicated relationship."

Makoto nodded, sensing that there was more to the story than Mukuro was willing to say. "I'm sorry," he said softly. "I didn't mean to bring up anything uncomfortable."

Mukuro shook her head. "It's fine," she said, trying to sound casual. "I'm used to it and.. it’s not exactly like anyone cares so..“

Makoto looked at Mukuro sympathetically. He knew what it was like to feel alone and misunderstood, to have people judge you without knowing your story.

"I care," he said softly, reaching across the table to place his hand on top of hers. "I care about you, Mukuro."

Mukuro looked at Makoto, her eyes softening at his words. "Thank you," she said quietly.

Makoto and Mukuro continued to talk for a few more minutes, sharing stories and getting to know each other better. But their conversation was interrupted when Byakuya walked over to their table and sat down next to Makoto, completely ignoring Mukuro.

He put down his lunch tray and started to complain about it. „I can’t believe we pay monthly for this so called ‚food‘. It’s like.. microwaved or something.“, he said.

Makoto looked at Byakuya with a smile. "Well, you could always bring your own lunch," he said, trying to lighten the mood.

Byakuya snorted. "I'm not going to lower myself to that level," he said, sounding irritated.

Makoto nodded, sensing that Byakuya was in a bad mood. „I was just chatting to Mukuro.“, he said and pointed at her. „So..“

„Oh, hey, Mukuro.“, he said coldly. „How’s the relationship to Junko?“, Byakuya then asked in a mocking-tone with a condescending smile.

Mukuro didn’t say anything and just looked at Byakuya in silence.

„She said that it’s still complicated between them.“, Makoto answered for her. Trying to get rid of the awkward atmosphere.

„Oh, well.“, Byakuya said and looked at Makoto. He then brushed away Makotos bangs. „God, haven’t you been home since the party?“, he asked as he wiped over his forehead, a bit of lipstick getting on his hand.

Makoto looked at Byakuya’s hands. „That’s like.. lipstick?“, he said.

„Yes, the essence of women.“, Byakuya said. „Or one at least. Who’s the lucky lady?“

Makoto looked down, staring at the lipstick stain on his hand. „Someone kissed me..“, he mumbled.

Mukuro wanted to say something, her cheeks are a light pink, since she was the one who gave Makoto a kiss on the forehead, when was drunk and passed out.

„I can’t believe that you haven’t washed yourself, since yesterday!“, Byakuya said in a disgusting tone.

„I didn’t have time. I only had time to change into fresh clothes.“, Makoto explained.

„Time? I was home, I showered, I did some sport and i subtly undermined my father“, Byakuya said.

Makoto looked at Byakuya, feeling a sense of envy. He wished that he could be like him, confident and self-assured, always in control of his life.

"I wish I could be like you," Makoto said softly, looking down at his hands.

Byakuya smirked at what Makoto just said. „Well everybody wants to be like me.“, he said proudly.

Mukuro looked at Byakuya with a sense of disgust. She couldn't stand the way he treated Makoto, always belittling him and making him feel inferior. She wanted to say something, to stand up for her friend, but she knew that it would only make things worse.

Instead, she decided to shove his lunch tray with her elbow, making his drink spill right on his pants.

Byakuya glared at Mukuro, his expression darkening. "What the hell?" he said, looking down at his now-stained pants.

Mukuro shrugged. „Wow, Togami. Looks like you pissed yourself.“, she said.

Byakuya looked at her annoyed. „This was not supposed to happened.“ he muttered, wiping his pants.

Makoto looked at Byakuya, feeling a sense of satisfaction at seeing him humbled for once. He knew that it was petty, but he couldn't help feeling a sense of glee at seeing the usually untouchable Togami brought down a peg.

Mukuro leaned into Makoto and whispered to him. „I‘m a bad person.“, she laughed.

Makoto chuckled, feeling a sense of relief at the light-hearted moment. "No, you're not," he said, smiling at her. "You're just human."

Mukuro grinned at him, feeling a sense of warmth in her chest at his words. "Thanks, Makoto," she said softly.

Byakuya walked to the door of the cafeteria. „Come on.“, he said to Makoto as he walked by their table.

„I‘ve got to go, Mukuro.“, Makoto said and grabbed his stuff.

„Sure you have.“, she sighed and looked at the table.

---

Byakuya was standing in the shower room, trying to dry his pants with the drier in there, not noticing that Y/N was in there too. She stepped out the shower and started to dry herself with a towel. As she closes her locker, which made a loud noise.

Byakuya turned to see Y/N standing there, completely naked. He stopped for a few seconds, the room completely silent. Y/N could feel his stare, so she turned around, completely forgetting that she was unclothed.

„Togami! This is the female shower room, what are you doing here?“, she asked irritated.

A blush crept upon his face, he tried to not obviously stare at her bare chest, but he couldn’t help himself. He was a normal teenage boy after all. „The drier in the male room is broken. So I obviously came here since this one isn’t broken.“, he explained.

Y/N grabbed a towel and wrapped it around her body, feeling a sense of irritation at Byakuya's intrusion. "Well, can't you see that I'm trying to shower?" she said, her tone sharp.

Byakuya shrugged his shoulders. „You just got out the shower. So you’re done.“, he simply said.

Y/N just rolled her eyes.

„I‘ve seen you naked a ton of times, when we were younger.“, Byakuya then said. „It‘s not like it‘s something new“

"That was when we were kids, Togami. We're not kids anymore," Y/N said as she grabbed her clothes and started to get dressed.

„Well..“, he sighed. „Who the hell decides to shower in the school anyway?“, he asked, starting to get irritated by her.

"I do," Y/N said, looking up at him with a sense of defiance. "And it's none of your business."

Byakuya rolled his eyes, feeling a sense of irritation at Y/N's stubbornness. "Fine, do what you want," he said, going back to dry his trousers.

Y/N looked stopped dressing herself for a few seconds just staring at him. „I think that’s the part where you should leave, Togami.“, she said.

Byakuya continued to dry his trousers, ignoring Y/N's request for him to leave. He knew that he was being stubborn, but he couldn't help feeling a sense of frustration at her attitude.

"I don't see what the big deal is," he said finally, looking up at her. "It's not like I'm doing anything wrong."

Y/N looked at him with a sense of disbelief. "You're in the female shower room, Togami. That's not exactly appropriate," she said sharply.

Byakuya shrugged his shoulders. "I'm just trying to dry my trousers. It's not like I'm trying to spy on you or anything," he said, sounding annoyed.

Y/N rolled her eyes, feeling a sense of irritation at Byakuya's lack of understanding. "Just go back to the male shower room, Togami. It's not that hard," she said, her tone sharp.

Byakuya sighed. „Like I said, the driers in there are broken.“, he repeated himself.

„Get out. Now.“, Y/N said firmly.

He looked up at her, then returned back to drying his trousers.

Growing frustrated at Byakuya, she yelled: „Get the fuck out of here or I‘m calling Miss Yukizome! Miss Yukizome!“

---

„I know that you weren’t trying to perv on her or something, Togami. But even if you‘ve known her all your life, you shouldn’t just barge into the female shower room.“, Miss Yukizome said in a calm tone.

Byakuya sighed annoyed. Not caring about the ‚lecture‘ Miss Yukizome was giving him. „I know. I know. It was a crisis.“, he simply said.

„Well, I think Y/N was just a bit embarrassed, since she doesn’t have the girl body she used to have. She is growing into a young woman, you know.“, she explained to him in a way someone would to a child.

„No, I‘m having a crisis.“, Byakuya said.

„Oh.“, Miss Yukizome mumbled. „Well, sometimes an adult body can be a bit overwhelming.“, she tried to explain to Byakuya, but got cut off by him.

„I don‘t care about her.. chest or something.“, Byakuya said in an annoyed tone.

„Oh.“, she said again and sat down next to him. „Sp what crisis are you having.. exactly?“, she asked.

Byakuya took a deep breath, feeling a sense of frustration at his inability to control the situation. "It's just...everything," he said finally. "I feel like I'm constantly under pressure, like I can never let my guard down. And now, with this whole situation with my father, it's like I'm suffocating."

„What situation with you father?“, Miss Yukizome asked.

„I subtly undermined my father.“, he told her with a proud smirk. „He has me grounded, for ‚partying too hard‘ last night, since it could lead to scandals.“, Byakuya then explained with a light laughter.

„Well that sounds like something you’re used to.“, she said. „So tell me. How exactly did you.. uh.. subtly undermined your father?“, she then asked, knowing Byakuya would enjoy explaining it to her.

Byakuya let out another laughter at the memory.

"I hacked into his email and sent a few anonymous tips to the media," he said with a smirk. "It's nothing that he can prove, but it's enough to make him sweat a little."

Miss Yukizome shook her head, feeling a mix of amusement and concern at Byakuya's antics. "You never cease to amaze me, Togami," she said with a chuckle.

Byakuya grinned at her, feeling a sense of satisfaction at having impressed her. But deep down, he knew that his actions were only a temporary distraction from the problems that he was facing. He needed to find a way to deal with his father and the pressure that came with his family name, or else risk being consumed by it.

Then there was a bit of awkward silence between them.

„And your mother? You never told me about your mother, Togami.“, she asked him.

Byakuya smiled at the mention of his mother. "My mother is...different from my father," he said finally. "She's not as focused on the family name or the legacy that my father is so obsessed with. She's more...normal, I guess you could say."

Miss Yukizome nodded, sensing that there was more to the story than Byakuya was willing to say. "And how is your relationship with her?" she asked.

Byakuya's expression softened at the question. "I love my mother," he said simply. "She's always been there for me, even when my father wasn't. She's the one who taught me how to be kind and compassionate, how to see beyond the family name and the power that comes with it."

Miss Yukizome smiled at him, feeling a sense of pride at seeing this side of Byakuya. She knew that he had a reputation for being cold and distant, but she could see that there was more to him than met the eye.

"Well, it sounds like you have a good relationship with her," she said finally. "I'm glad that you have someone in your life who supports you, no matter what."

Byakuya nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards his mother. He knew that he couldn't have made it this far without her, and he was determined to make her proud.

„Well, thank you, Miss Yukizome. I feel a lot better now.“, he said and stood up.

---

„Wait, so Togami has just seen you naked?“, Miu asked in disbelief as she stood by the lockers with Y/N.

"Yeah," Y/N said, feeling a sense of embarrassment at the memory. "He just barged into the female shower room like it was no big deal."

Miu shook her head, looking at Y/N sympathetically. "I can't believe he did that," she said. "He's such an entitled jerk."

Y/N sighed, feeling a sense of frustration at Byakuya's behavior. "I know," she said softly. "But what can I do? He's always been like that."

Miu made a confused face. „Always? What do you mean?“, she asked her.

"He's always acted like he's better than everyone else," Y/N explained. "It's like he thinks that the world revolves around him and that everyone else is just there to serve his needs."

Miu nodded, understanding Y/N's frustration. "Well, he's not going to get away with treating you like that," she said firmly. "If he tries anything like that again, just let me know. I'll take care of him."

Y/N smiled at Miu, feeling a sense of appreciation for her support. "Thanks, Miu," she said softly. "I really appreciate it."

#byakuya togami #byakuya x reader #togami x reader #danganronpa au #Fanfiction #danganronpa #fanfics

[bookaddict24-7]

REVIEWS OF THE WEEK!

Books I’ve read so far in 2022!

Friend me on Goodreads here to follow my more up to date reading journey for the year!

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235. Answers in the Pages by David Levithan--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I was intrigued by this book because of that first page--especially since we live in a society where so many books are being challenged by parents. The fact that a parent took a paragraph so incredibly out of context and made it the martyr for her fight against what is "safe for children to read" is the perfect example of someone put their opinions on something that could be innocent in nature. I also liked how Levithan wrote a warning at the beginning of the book because he knew that that text would be twisted into the cookie cutter version of "problematic" that the MC's mother wanted it to be. I will say, however, that the constantly shifting POVs were a little bit of an overkill. I understand why they existed, but at times it felt like it was a little too much and took me a bit out of the story. In the end, I understand why it was necessary. I just found it to kind of ruin the flow of the story a little (and I know these chapters also serve as a way of making the already thin book a little bit thicker.) I do recommend this book to kids who are thinking of coming out to parents, who are struggling with their own identities, or have simply witnessed an adult trying to censor a book they are reading and/or have read. I think it's important to have these conversations because it can open the world to a bunch of "why's" that some kinds might truly need.

___

236. I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Listen, before you read this book, I would heavily suggest looking at trigger warnings if you have specific triggers you try to avoid. This book was a ROUGH read. It was fantastic, but it was rough. Jennette McCurdy is someone that I knew of in passing because the tv shows she was in weren't really on my radar since I was already older when they were coming out. But after reading this book, I'm left wondering if I would have looked at her during her busiest parts of her acting career and wondered what her life was like. One of the saddest things about this book, other than the obvious, is how this story is not 100% unique to her experience--there are so many kids who live with abusive parents who profit off their acting abilities. So many adults in Hollywood were raised with parents like hers and knowing this, some of them breaking down makes a lot more sense. What happens when your complicated relationship with your mother leaves you numb to the abuse, but also fearful of not making her happy? The candid way that McCurdy writes makes this question jump off the pages as she continuously tells us each horrible thing her mother did to her, but also every moment where she just wanted to please her. I was listening to the audiobook and there is a moment where McCurdy (who is the voice of her audiobook) starts to fight back tears. It was such a jarring experience because she read the majority of her book in a kind of monotone way--like a person who is distancing herself from the experiences she wishes to not associate with anymore, or experiences that one is trying to heal from. With all of that being said, trust me when I say that the title is extremely justified. I can't even imagine the mixture of grief and relief she felt after her mother passed away. I highly recommend this one, but again, please handle with care. This is EXTREMELY triggering.

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237. The Haunted Bridge by Carolyn Keene & Mildred Benson (Ghostwriter)--⭐️⭐️⭐️

I haven't read a Nancy Drew book in a very long time, but the books I own in the series have been giving me the stink eye for a while, so I finally picked one up. (Thank you to those who helped pick this one over on my Instagram). This was a fun mystery! I do love how Nancy never lets the spooky fully scare her off a mystery--especially when one or both of her best friends try to remind her that the situation is, in fact, terrifying. There were some points that were a little bit unbelievable and convoluted, but it was a fun ride nonetheless. Also, props to Nancy for having such a great moral compass. I can see why she would be such a great role model for so many young readers!

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238. Love On the Brain by Ali Hazelwood--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Unpopular opinion (maybe?), but I enjoyed this a hell of a lot more than THE LOVE HYPOTHESIS. It was so much fun and full of so many cute, funny, and sexy moments. Also, hello, the feminism? Bad ass. The STEM? Awesome. I loved the relationship between the MC and her twin sister. I loved how her voice would change when faced with a cat. I loved the love interest and his awkward way of getting all flustered around her. I also low-key loved the misunderstanding between them when they see each other again. They just worked so well together (even though she was one of those women who don't know how beautiful they truly are. The end surprised me, but I should have figured it out but I was too distracted by the blossoming love between the characters. This is a standalone, by the way, so I highly encourage you to enjoy this book even if you haven't read The Love Hypothesis or any of the STEM novellas!

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239. The Pool Boy by Nikki Sloane--⭐️⭐️

I won't lie--the age gap got me when I first came across this book. I was intrigued by it and thought it would be the perfect summer read. But I took it with me to Cuba for my two week vacation and...didn't even finish it then (I finished it a month later and by listening to an audiobook.) This book, while it had some very spicy moments, was...boring. I was bored at times and I think that's why I never found myself fully invested? The storyline was kind of meh and there were instances where other storylines could have been introduced but in the end, those moments felt kind of pointless? This was just meh and I'm kind of disappointed because I expected more. I do want to read the first book in this series some day, but now I'm a LITTLE wary.

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240. Hello Forever by Sarina Bowen--⭐️⭐️⭐️

While I enjoyed book one more (it’s one of my favourite romances), this was still enjoyable in that “I need to pass the time with some spice.” I think, much like the first book, this dealt with some pretty intense homophobia and I’ll say that you should check for trigger warnings before you read this. This was a quick read and it being a bit quicker than the last book made it so that the build up of the relationship was a little less powerful than the first book. I would have liked it to be a little longer so it didn’t feel as rushed. I’d definitely recommend this duology—especially book one!

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Have you read any of these? Would you recommend them?

___

Happy reading!

#books #bookish #booklr #bookworm #bookaholic #bibliophile #book blog #book blogger #book reviews #book review #review #reviews #reviews of the week #my writing #my opinion #long text post #book list #Features

[rottingspunk]

Love Buzz [Ch. 6]

July 31st, 1988

You awoke with a heaviness on your chest. It was a weight like no other, a heavy with a lightness to it. It was a light-hearted heavy. You felt something was wrong and weighing on your conscious. The sudden shift of your bed proved that something indeed was weighing on you. “How’d you sleep?”, you always loved Jerry’s voice. He turned to face you. You replied by gently cupping his face and kissing him, careful to not let the sheet fall from your chest. When you pulled away you left Jerry with a smile, “I guess that’s a yes.” You chuckled and carefully sat up, clutching your white sheet to your chest. Jerry’s fingers danced down your spine. You had a lot on your mind, what happened last night was nothing more than a burden and nothing less than a relief. You were very touch-starved despite what you wanted to believe. 

Jerry continued to touch you as you just stared at the wall. He loved you. He loved every part of you and it upset him that you guys lost touch. It also upset you but you figured then (and know now) that it happened for a reason. Last night was fun for you, it was like reliving a very explicit but pleasant memory. At first, when Jerry approached you, you weren’t that into it but then you warmed up to the idea of seeing Jerry again, not in a serious way of course. 

Before you could break the silence, Jerry sat up and tried to beat you to it.

“Y/n?”

“What was last night to you?” You cut Jerry off sharply, your words were fast. Jerry had a guilty look on his face. He so desperately wanted to sugarcoat his answer but knew better, when you were younger you established the rule that he should never lie or sugarcoat anything to you.

“Y/n, I loved every second of last night but… I think I just really needed to-”

“Get something off your mind.”

“Yeah.”

You and Jerry were always good at reading each other’s minds. 

“So who’s the guy?”

Jerry’s question made your eyes widen. Your heart stopped as you turned to look at him.

“There’s no guy.” Your voice was far too shaky for Jerry to believe that for a second. Jerry quirked an eyebrow and smirked slightly. “I’ll tell you who my guy is if you tell me yours.”

 You gave him a look of confusion and he laughed, “I also like guys now.” You smiled. “I’m happy for you, and his name is Kurt.”

“No way, Kurt Cobain?”

“Yeah? Where do you know him from?”

Jerry gave you a look like you were stupid and stopped touching your back. “Have you never heard of “Ted Ed Fred”?” 

For the next hour, Jerry gave you a music lesson and you listened, you were a little desperate to hear anything that involved your newfound obsession.

–

The short-lived euphoria you experienced last night that carried into the morning had been crushed by your thoughts. 

“Does he even like me?”

“Is he just pitying me?”

 You were currently envious of Jerry and the guy he had been crushing on. He told you his name was Layne and that they were actually in a band together. You were jealous of the way that everything with them seemed so uncomplicated. Granted, things with Kurt weren’t complicated but you felt like something was missing. 

The loud ringing of the phone wrecked your thoughts and you jumped to answer it. 

“Y/n?”

You recognized his voice instantly, joy took over your mind, and love filled your heart. You adored him.

“H-hey Kurt”

“Hey, um, I was wondering if I uh- could come over. My friend has his girlfriend over and I don’t really want to hear them. If you know what I mean.”

You giggled at his shyness to just say that he didn't want to hear them have sex. The thought of Kurt coming over intimidated you a tiny bit but you knew you liked him too much to let him suffer. Especially since you’ve been in that situation before with Shannon and his ex, it scarred you, to say the least.

You told Kurt that it was more than okay for him to come over and gave him your address. He told you that since you lived close he’d be over in 10. You were hoping you’d have more prep time but you decided that it’s probably for the best that you didn’t have too much time to kill any existing happiness in you before someone came to your apartment. You waited for him anxiously, your palms sweated and you tried your hardest to not let your eyes start watering. You felt the overload of emotions and you sensed your mind about to combust. 

—

When he got there he thanked you for “saving” him and you awkwardly laughed while panicking on the inside. You both decided you should watch a movie to pass the time considering Kurt didn't know when his friend and his girlfriend would be done. Once again when he mentioned it he shyly beat around the bush and it made you like him even more. The confidence he had was a confidence like no other. It was complete, something firmly established in a special way. The way that his confidence mixed with a subtle shyness made up a beautiful personality.

When you sat down to watch the movie you kind of avoided Kurt. He noticed but didn’t want to make you uncomfortable and slowly avoided you back. Around halfway through the movie You got up to get both of you water, when you returned you sat a great deal closer to Kurt, comfortable tension laced the room. It grew heavy when Kurt subconsciously put his arm around your shoulders and (consciously) pulled you closer, noticing your newfound solace. As if it was second nature you titled your head to lay on his shoulder to which he smiled and rubbed your arm slightly. 

As the credits rolled you became aware of everything that had just happened. You were cuddling with your crush on your couch. You were having physical contact with an angel on your couch. It amazed you. You never would’ve thought you’d get here. 

“Y/n?”

“Yeah?”

“What are we? I like being your friend but I feel like being your friend isn’t enough.”

Now was your chance but you feared your self destructive nature would ruin this perfect chance at happiness. Alas, you mustered up all your courage.

“I don’t want to be your friend.”

#kurt cobain x reader #kurt cobain #grunge #90s #80s #kurt cobain fanfiction #kurt x reader #nirvana

[late-to-the-magnus-archives]

This Dark Thing That Sleeps In Me - a Magnus Archives AU, Chapter Ten

This is a DARK AU; it is not a kid-fic, though Jon is young. Bittersweet ending ahead.

Spoilers for the whole show, though this is very much an alternate universe.

“You like my people, do you not? Martin. Tim. Sasha,” said Jonah.

“Yes, very much.” No lies needed here.

“I’m glad. I’ve gone to quite some trouble to ensure they were here for you.”

Again, his past self was silent. Jon looked—and was—confused. “For me?”

AO3

Incredible fanart by @iiiumihottie!

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

They went back up the stairs, and they climbed and climbed and climbed. They passed the Web’s floor, and now, everything got fancy. Red wallpaper, rich dark carpet, fancy sconces with ornate brass molding. The red carpet was thick, swallowing every footstep, giving way under Jon’s feet so softly that he wanted to feel it bare-footed. Jon gawked.

“See, here’s how it’s going to work,” said Martin. “He loves the frippery of all of this? So we’re supposed to change clothes at least once a day.”

It is not supposed to be this way said that deep, repeated anger. “That’s so wasteful,” Jon said.

Martin snorted. “It is, but don’t let him hear you say that. Anyway. Here.” And it was an entire floor of what could only be called frippery. Every inch was gilded or feathered or embroidered with fancy, shiny thread. Even the high-up windows had been framed in gold, thick and ornate and gleaming with jewels that caught the fading sunlight. The carpet was even thicker, and the air itself so scented, that Jon felt immediately grubby.

“You can use anything up here,” said Martin. “At least we’re not expected to provide our own clothes. That’d be crazy.”

There were rooms of clothing. Rooms of clothing. So much clothing. Suits and dresses and hats and boots, huge things that had to be costumes with feathers and swords. One room filled with decidedly slinky things, lacy items that wouldn’t cover much.

“Not that one,” said Martin, and closed that door in a rush.

Clothes and clothes and clothes, and Jon couldn’t help but think of how hard it was on the street to find clothes, of how he’d had to be careful even when trading not to take from people who didn’t have much, and that tiny inside-part of him grew angrier. “I… I don’t know what to wear,” he said.

“Mmm,” said Martin. “This should work.” He snatched something green off a rack. “Let’s go. Time to get this fitted.”

“Fitted?”

“That’s half the fun. Jonah hates ill-fitting clothes.” Fitted meant up another floor, this time to a room with weavers. They were Web, all of them, and literally spinning, seated at looms. 

Jon had never imagined so many machines for making clothes. He’d also never imagined being stripped and redressed in moments by several people with six arms. He yipped.

Martin had already disappeared in a flock of them, hidden by enormous bustled dresses and tutting spider-armed people.

They were delighted to meet Annabelle Two.

“She’s my friend,” Jon informed them. “But I’m afraid she’s going to get squashed.”

That was the right thing to say, apparently. They laughed. They reassured him (keeping him distracted while they stripped him down, which helped). One of them produced a tiny cage. It was shaped like a birdcage and painted gold, but it wasn’t gold. It fit in Jon’s palm, and when he experimentally squeezed, it proved solid. The “bars” were just far enough apart that Annabelle Two could get through them without even hesitating, and she zipped right inside with clear relief.

“Oh, wow,” said Jon. And now, he got to wear her. He was given a complicated little gold sheath that hung over his ear and dangled the cage like some fancy earring. 

“Oh, that’s really cool,” said Martin, who had been done up in reds and pinks and puffed sleeves.

“I’ve never been cool before,” said Jon. Ever, confirmed his past self with some humor.

It was entirely a shocking experience, but the end was good. Jon had a suit that fit him in lush, velvety green. He had a fancy little cage the size of his thumb carrying his new friend. They’d tied his hair back, too, and he thought he looked older than he ever had. The tiny cage under his ear was practically weightless. It looked stylized and exotic. It made him look like a different person. He stared in the mirror.

“So what do you think?” said Martin with a spin. 

They’d given him a little cape that flared, and he grinned. Jon grinned back. “I suppose I can see the appeal.”

“Some days, it’s fun,” Martin admitted. “Having to do it every day is a fucking chore, but—sorry. A chore.”

“You can just speak in front of me, you know,” said Jon. “I’ve heard all the swears.”

Martin laughed softly. “Have you, now?”

“Can you even imagine the things people say in their homes when they think no one’s listening?” said Jon without a hint of guile.

Martin shook his head. “Somewhere, right now, Tim is whispering ‘dibs’ at the ceiling.”

“Why does he do that?" said Jon.

“Um. You’re fun? Come on, let’s get upstairs, shall we?”

“What’s above us?”

“Jon, everything from here on up belongs to Jonah.”

Jon did a quick calculation. “That’s nearly half this whole tower!”

“Yep,” said Martin.

Not how it was supposed to be.

Maybe not, Jon thought, but this wasn’t the time to get into it. He had to please the Heart of the End; he had to give absolutely no indication that he would be trouble. He had to give Jonah no reason to suspect him any more than he obviously did. Jon was silent the rest of the way up the stairs.

#

Dinner happened in the third highest floor in the place.

It was so high. In this room, the windows were floor to ceiling, giving an incredible view; the breeze was cool, sharp, free of the mess of ocean and city and death. It was black stone in here—polished and slippery, and Jon walked with care. On the walls were portraits of Jonah (or at least, Jonah’s face) posing throughout the ages in various uniforms: he was a knight in one, slaying a dragon, and some sort of saint in one, with a robe and blocks of stone with writing chiseled into them, and—

“Welcome!” Jonah called.

Most of the room was taken up with a table and chairs, also black, all of them lacquered and shiny. Gold tipped the pointed, decorative backs of each chair, as if they’d all be sitting under tiny crowns.

Jonah was dressed like a god. It was a suit, sure, with a jacket and vest and pants, but all of it glittered, a vibrant purple cloth with medals and jewels sewn all over, so that he glinted like broken glass. He was standing by the head of the table, holding out a chair on the side. And he gestured.

“Oh, boy,” Martin muttered. “Let’s get it over with.”

“How rude,” said Jonah, but he didn’t stop smiling.

Jon didn’t have to fake his fear. He was shaking like a skinned skeleton as he approached the chair.

Jonah’s eyes gleamed. He looked like a lion, about to pounce, as he slid Jon's chair in. “Relax, Jon. We will make this official.”

“Make what official, sir?” Jon managed. He kept his face turned toward Jonah, eyes glued.

“Good boy,” Jonah murmured. “You remembered.”

“I’m afraid of you,” Jon said.

“A wise response,” Jonah said. “What is this?” He touched the little cage.

“I trained spiders. Back in… before I left my Uncertain home,” Jon said. “This one’s mine, and the weavers gave me a way to keep her safe.”

“Such strange hobbies, the youth of today have,” said Jonah, dismissing this (and Jon knew he shouldn’t, knew there was some great influence being extended here to encourage that, but it worked, and that was all that mattered), and sat down.

Then Jonah just kept staring at him.

Jon shifted. Sank a little in his seat. Hugged himself.

Jonah laughed. “I’m not going to eat you.”

“I’m not used to being looked at. Sir,” said Jon.

“Mm, you wouldn’t be, would you?” said Jonah. “That makes sense—you’re so hard to see. How did your caretakers even manage you?”

“Food and money kept coming for the number of people in the house,” said Jon. “Though not after I left.”

“How would you know that?”

“It fell down. Amherst tore it apart.”

Jonah tilted his head. “Why would he do such a thing?”

“He didn’t want to turn thirty.”

“How foolish,” said Jonah lightly as people began filing in. “He would be reborn.”

“Of course,” said Jon. “I saw a lot of people afraid, though, even with that.” He perked up a little. “I was looking forward to it all when I turned ten.”

“Were you? Why?” said Jonah, chin on his hands, watching as though Jon were absolutely fascinating even though multitudes of people were wandering in, dressed to the nines.

Jon’s past self said nothing. He had no clue how to proceed, so… he simply talked. “Because I don’t know what it’s like. I want to know.”

“You want to know everything, isn’t that right?” said Jonah as the table was populated.

“Yes.” Jon almost looked down, but remembered not to.

“I will feed that,” said Jonah.

What a weird thing to say. “I wasn’t allowed on the Eye floor, though,” said  Jon.

“You weren’t? Well. We’ll fix that right away,” said Jonah. “Gertrude? Come sit up here, would you? Yes. By Jon. Thank you.”

Gertrude looked quietly afraid. Jon didn’t like her afraid. He had a feeling it didn’t happen often. 

“Hi,” he said.

She startled. “What—is that a spider on your ear?”

Sure, she could see that. “I train them.”

“Why?” she said.

“I didn’t have anyone else to talk to,” Jon said, which was a lie and not at the same time, and limited to the precise moment he’d felt most alone after Annabelle’s death.

Numerous things crossed her face. Something deep in Jon—very deep—was amused that he may have engendered actual compassion from this woman, though Jon was not sure why.

“Gertrude,” said Jonah, evenly, so calmly. “Did you forbid him access to your area today?”

The low murmurs of conversation stopped. So many people, quiet and watching. After what happened to Annabelle, everyone was afraid.

“Yes,” said Gertrude, because whatever flaws she had, she was very brave.

“I see. Why?”

“I don’t understand him, sir.”

“That is fair. Will you forbid him from here on out?”

“Do you want me to give him access, sir?” said Gertrude, bold as brass.

Jon liked her.

“Yes. In fact, that is an excellent cue. Everyone,” said Jonah, as if they weren’t already listening. “This is Jonathan Sims. He is mine. He belongs to me.”

Sims?

(The name echoed like a half-remembered dream.)

Sims? Had that been his mother’s name?

(The name felt right, settling on him as easily as his fitted suit.)

The looks cast his way were not friendly. They were hard, jealous, suspicious. Martin’s look was pitying. The spider reached through the little bars and patted Jon’s neck. It was tickly, but reassuring.

Jonah wasn’t done. “You will allow him to see whatever he wants. He has questions. And you will not hold back your answers.”

Jon swallowed, salivating, and looked around. He knew some of these people, but most, he did not. And yet how could he know any? He didn’t. And now that he knew he hadn’t been reborn before, and anyone in the cycle was from after, he couldn’t understand why he knew them.

“Let us feast!” said Jonah, apparently thrilled with how things were going, and clapped his hands. Servants entered (none, Jon noted, of the Corruption), bearing trays and trays and trays of food, the richness of which he had definitely never seen in London.

That tiny, quiet rage tried to rise again, but he pushed it down, piling food on top of it as fast as he could eat, daring not let Jonah see.

#

It wasn’t until the end of the meal that Jonah revealed what he’d been after this whole time.

Jon was so very full. Stuffed. He’d never eaten this much, and he had absolutely no regrets. Jonah watched him. He’d watched him most of dinner, ignoring conversation, even ignoring some direct questions. Finally, softly, he spoke. “Do you like it here, Jon?”

“You’re terrifying,” said Jon.

Jonah laughed softly. “Yes… but that isn’t what I asked.”

“I think so. I do. If I really will get answers, then yes, absolutely.”

“Mm. Good! Good. I’ve tried to make it a place where answers can be found. As well as… well. Walk with me.”

Thus bidden, Jon rose and followed him.

They didn’t go far; just to one of the windows, overlooking the endless sea. The sun was setting, painting it red; it was beautiful, frightening, vast.

“You like my people, do you not? Martin. Tim. Sasha,” said Jonah.

“Yes, very much.” No lies needed here.

“I’m glad. I’ve gone to quite some trouble to ensure they were here for you.”

Again, his past self was silent. Jon looked—and was—confused. “For me?”

“It’s very simple, Jon,” said Jonah, standing too close, looking down. “And really, I believe in laying out the stakes for a good game so all can enjoy it properly.”

“Game?” said Jon.

“If I die, they die,” he said.

Jon stared. All the conversation in the room seemed to reduce to buzzing, or maybe that was just inside his head. “What?” he whispered.

“I see I need to repeat it,” said Jonah. “If I die,” and he pointed at Martin, then pointed at Sasha and Tim and Mike at the far end of the table, then at himself. “They die.”

“I… why would…” Jon shook again.

“Because Annabelle was up to something,” Jonah said. “I don’t know what. I should have taken the time to root it out of her, but… well. Sometimes temper rules over good sense, don’t you know.”

Jon didn’t know what to say. How could he? “But you can’t die,” he finally blurted. “You’re the Heart of the End. Everybody knows that.”

“You’re almost endearing like this,” said Jonah. “Enjoy your answers. Friends! I retire. Behave, my lovely living ones.” And with that, he just swept away, cape fluttering, catching the light like a shattered mirror. 

Abandoned, backlit in front of the window, as seen as he’d ever been in his life, Jon stood and shook hard.

Did Jonah know? No. Or he would have killed Jon. He was just covering his bases. And he certainly had. Oh, he had.

If Jon did this, he would kill Martin, Tim, and Sasha.

But Jon would save the world.

But Jon would kill Martin, Tim, and Sasha, and they wouldn’t be reborn. No one would, ever again.

He couldn’t do this. How could he be expected to do this? He couldn’t do this!

“Hey, you okay?” said Martin, approaching slowly, like Jon was a wild dog.

Jon stared at him. He wanted to run away. He wanted to leave this behind, go back to the street, let them live. But they wouldn’t live. Martin might, at least until Jonah grew too angry with him, but… the others would not.

And they wouldn’t be reborn, either, the way things were going. But to kill them?

Jon didn’t know what to do.

“Long day, huh, buddy?” said Martin gently, coming alongside. “Come on. I think you need to sleep. A real bed this time. You’d like that, right?”

“Yes,” whispered Jon, and let Martin lead him away, out of the already-drifting gaze of the others, out of this horrible place with its frippery and fanciness, and back down the stairs. Away from it all, to quieter parts, where Jon found himself grateful that it was brown and black and not too fancy, where Jonah had wanted people to contemplate death and accidentally made it peaceful. He said nothing as Martin took him to his own area—sort of an apartment with multiple rooms—and assigned him a bedroom and bath of his very own.

“You going to be okay? What did he say to you over there?” said Martin.

“Nothing good,” said Jon. And then, since he’d been asked: “Maybe. I… I’ll try.”

“Do you want to be alone?”

“Yes, please.”

“You need anything, just call, or knock on the wall, or something. All right?”

“Thank you, Martin.” Jon wiped his eyes, and was left alone with his spider and his thoughts.

Then Annabelle Two left her cage, patted his hand, and climbed up to the ceiling to make webs in the corners.

And now, Jon was truly alone. His mind spun, and stalled over and over again.

How could he do this?

Somehow, by a miracle (and perhaps a very fully belly), he finally fell asleep.

chapter eleven

#rusty quill big bang #rusty quill big bang 2023 #rqbb2023 #tma #tma fic #the magnus archives #magpod #magnuspod #tma au #the magnus archives au #tma spoilers #jonathan sims #martin blackwood #sasha james #jonah magnus #annabelle cane #tim stoker #this dark thing that sleeps in me

[taylorcline]

52 shows. two albums announcements. one album release party. march to august. it was the summer of her life. however, it was also the summer of everyone walking on eggshells around her. she knew it was coming the second her relationship news broke. oh, poor thing. is she gonna be okay? are you okay, taylor? yes, maybe it was touching that so many people cared about her, but it was exhausting being treated as if she would collapse at any second. she was fine. maybe because she spent so much time mourning their relationship before it ended that when it actually did end, there was a sigh of relief. a giant weight lifted off her chest. years ago she was sure splitting from him would've killed her. but no, she was just annoyed how he and team portrayed her as satan herself. how she broke his poor little heart. as if he hadn't called her a pathological people pleaser who would just die if she didn't get attention from people and was so mad she wouldn't settle down and have a white picket fence with him. their relationship was private for a reason, but if he wanted to throw it all out there? fine. then here's a song so everyone so can hear just much she wanted him to care. all gloves were off. there was no one in the world who was allowed to talk to her like that. especially the so called love of her life, the man who supposed to be her end all. it wasn't enough for him just to love taylor cline the person, maybe at point it was, but now? no way. she was a performer. to her core. there was no if, ands, or buts about it. there was something so cathartic about seventy something thousand people singing your lyrics to back to you, twirling around in pretty dresses night after night, healing. the summer was healing her. she needed this more than she knew. maybe one day she'd find someone who loved her as a person and a performer and not one or the other, but if not, that was cool too. no one needed to save taylor cline. at the end of the day, she's okay. one thing's for sure though, her soulmate is not someone else's future husband. ugh, taylor fucking abbott.

it was never supposed to be this complicated. the whole point of re-recording was not only taking back her art, but taking the pain she felt at a specific time in her life and turning it into something fun. your thirty year old boyfriend not showing up to your twenty first birthday? put it in a short film with a ten minute song about him and the relationship that boderlined traumatized you, then release a song poking fun at his outrageous nepotism lifestyle. now it was time to yet again open pandora's box. speak now edition. there was no speak now era without taylor abbott, or the infamous vmas incident that apparently would follow her for the rest of her career. those two went hand in hand. suddenly, she was nineteen and twenty again. she was nineteen crying in her dressing room after being embarrassed on national tv while her boyfriend held her. then she was twenty in new york, on new years eve, standing in front of her boyfriend, breaking his heart just as the clock struck midnight because he deserved better. she was twenty writing the first apology song she's ever written, not even knowing if he'd ever listen to it, but putting it out that october anyways because it was full of words he deserved to hear. september 13, 2009 changed the trajectory of her life. it didn't help that it's all people wanted to talk about a long time or speculated that's why their relationship ended. why didn't he defend her? he just let her get embarrassed! some boyfriend. no wonder she dumped him. everyone had a say in their relationship. she never blamed him. not for a second. she hoped he knew that. turning her pain into fun: spy heist music video. and who else to bust her out out of the vault than the actor himself? it was all so clean cut. something that wasn't so clean cut? her apparent feelings for him.

she never saw it coming. how could she? they were friends. any romantic feelings she had for him were thrown out the window years ago. they weren't just meant to be. she made her peace with it a long time ago. it happened so slowly. the electric shock that shot through her heart when she saw him again for the first time in years? whatever, not a big deal. surely that happens all the time when seeing old friends, right? little did she know that little spark would light her and her entire world on fire in the coming months. had his eyes always been that green? with gold in them? as breathtaking as the aurora borealis itself? had he always looked like he was sculpted from the greek gods themselves? there was just so much... warmth she felt around him. he was the sun, that's what she always associated him with. pure light. someone you couldn't help but be drawn to. soon the actor dominated her every waking thought, much to her dismay, fighting against tooth and nail against it. because? he was already spoken for. by another taylor, because well, of course her name was taylor. the only accurate way cline felt like she could describe taylor cohen goldsmith was that she was a real life disney princess. sweet, wonderful, kind. his perfect match. so all she could do repress, repress, and ignore the growing aching in her chest for how much she wanted him. and no, the go have a hot girl summer advice from her friends, did not help. not that they knew anything about what she's been going through, she's quite literally taking this shit to the grave. but she tried. she tried and he was still on her mind. taylor cline didn't need a boyfriend, she needed a freaking lobotomy. it wasn't real. it couldn't be real. she refused to let it be. but as she stood on the stage in kansas city, on the night of the re-release of her third album, and listened to all the wonderful words he had for her, it hit her like an oncoming train. just how in love she was with him. the final nail in the coffin. her heart broke on that stage. the ache in her chest that occurred whenever she looked at him or thought about him, turning into full blown physical pain. taylor cline's life wasn't a fairytale, nor was it an excellent rom com where despite all the trails and tribulations, everything turned out okay in the end. he wasn't going to leave his perfectly sweet fiancée for her. no, he was going to marry cohen goldsmith and live happily ever after and taylor wasn't going to get in the way of that. she wouldn't. he was going to marry her, she was going to be the most beautiful bride and cline was going to be just fine. oh, realizations in freaking missouri of all damn places.

fourteen years. she had known taylor abbott for fourteen years. and through all the mess of growing up and growing into their own as adults, one thing had never changed. how she thought of him. the entire world. maybe they weren't right for each other, god knows they've tried twice, but she thought the world of him. his friendship meant everything to her. because... he's always known her. in a world that wasn't always so kind to her, he was one of the few she trusted. a genuine, kind, person to his core. losing his friendship is unfathomable. nevertheless, she just couldn't deal. so if that means cutting the ties and putting a world's worth of space between her and the future mr. and mrs. abbott then so be it. it's for the better. it's for the better, but that doesn't mean it hurts any less. sometimes she wishes she was in a rom com. timing, timing was everything. it was also something they could never quite get right.

current mood: hungover in an airport, running on advil and pedialyte, maybe a little sleepy also. full blame on the little after party and crashing at her best friend's house. she loves LA, loves it, but new york is her home and all she wants to do right now is go home. go home and try to recover from an absolute insane summer. apparently spending a summer where you're healing, but also driving yourself insane at the same time is very taxing. but as about thirty seconds ago, she's stuck, as the pilot informed her. the sky was simply not clear enough to fly. of course the one time she doesn't fly out of a city the very same night, a storm comes in over night. in august, in los angeles. out of all places. her luck is truly astonishing. so naturally she's already on the phone with her mother, who left last night and was in nashville because one thing about kate cline? if she wants to leave, that woman's gonna leave. honey, be safe, okay? i love you. i will, i love you, i'll call you later. ending the phone call, that's when she hears it.

hi taylor. the voice and the name turn her blood cold. she thinks she imagined it. she must've, right? something in her tells her to turn around. her heart dropping right into her stomach as blue eyes settled on a pair of green ones. green eyes that she often found herself dreaming of. there's that aching in her chest again. they don't call each other taylor. every time they did over the course of fourteen years, there's always something wrong and once again, taylor fears the worst. cline. abbott. abbott. cline. the way to distinguish them, the way they've always referred to each other. poker face, cline, poker face. ignore the pain in your chest and the fact that your favorite eagles crewneck feels increasingly suffocating right now. "hi, tay tay," the blonde spoke, a small smile etching on her lips, before turning her head slightly as if to look over him, study him. "hm? you feeling okay?"

#i saw flecks of what could've been lights but it just might have been you.

[indecisivepsyche]

Murray Mysteries Thoughts

Alright, I made a post noting that I don't really like Murray Mysteries, so I thought I should expand on that. I'll go ahead and note that if you've just learnt of the podcast, don't let this discourage you from giving it a try. There are quite a few good moments in the podcast, and it's cool seeing how they've adapted Stoker's plot to modern times. From here, there's going to be a few spoilers for the podcast.

For me, it really came down to the fact that there were many times where I had the thought that I'd rather be reading Dracula or listening to Cryptic Canticles' adaptation instead. The innovations in Murray Mysteries with the format and characters weren't enough to prevent me from yearning to hear the lines they were adapting, not the modernized and simplified versions of them. I missed Stoker's prose.

I did have some fun listening to it! The podcast was at its best for me in the first season, when the characters were intentionally working together to create a podcast rather than leaving the recorder on for events and uploading them as a record of occurrences. Mina and Lucy's interactions were great, and it was enjoyable to learn how their backstories differed from their book counterparts. Diversifying the team by introducing Jane Seward and Lucy's nonbinary partner Art made sense for a modern adaptation. Later on, the Christmas Special and the developing relationship between Art and Jane (scenes without precedents in Stoker's work) were great listens.

I also have to commend the start of Jonathan Harker's travel segment! His love for Mina is evident, and his enthusiasm really filled me with the "my good friend Jonathan Harker!" joy. Drac was also so funny. I'm not 100% on board with what they did to him. He ends up lacking menace, which is very evident in #32 - they didn't even try to adapt what Dracula said to Mina when he attacked her on October 3rd. Still, there are many delightful moments from him, like his justifications for the off-the-grid nature of Castle Dracula and the mocking message he sent to the party to make it clear he was listening to their podcast.

Ah, the podcast. There are moments where the conceit of the show works against it for me. This is most egregious for me in all of Jane's segments discussing R's case. Jane, despite the fact that you're censoring the dude's name and I'm not sure if you're violating any privacy laws, this rubs me the wrong way. And what's up with them killing him off with a phone call after he received medical care in the hospital? Seemed unnecessary.

One last thing: their writing for Quincey rubbed me the wrong way. In Dracula, Quincey demonstrates with his courting of Lucy that he's quite willing to play the fool for his friends. It's clear he has depth beyond that, however, like with his comparison of Lucy's situation to vampire bats as well as Jack and Arthur looking to him for a plan of action. In Murray Mysteries, however, it really felt like his main purpose was comedic relief. Also, what's up with Van Helsing mentioning sacred bullets in Episode 28 and that never coming into play? The stake bullets don't count.

I could speak more and go into my complicated feelings over their Van Helsing, but I honestly need to get to sleep. Here's my current ranking of Dracula adaptations:

#1. Dracula (1931)

#2. Murray Mysteries

#3. Horror of Dracula (1958) (apologies to Van Helsing's amazing fur coat)

I have around 30 minutes of Nosferatu left, and I think it might claim #1.

#murray mysteries #dracula #spoilers

[lunarxdaydream]

“Fly on the wall” Rex

( ‘fly on the wall’ )

"Unbearably hot." Calling this place 'tropical' hardly seemed suitable. What was it supposed to be, 85 degrees? 90? "Imagine my surprise when I found out the water was already warming up this morning at the beach." But maybe part of the appeal to this place? No one had to wait for the ocean to reach a comfortable temperature to dive right in.

"And yet you're still out there."

"You can't expect me to pass up a chance for a decent tan." Lips curled as the bartender finally arrived with her drink. Chill glass already beginning to dew but thank heavens it was still cold. Grasp switches on her phone to set fingers against the back of her neck, a relieved sigh falling free. "Besides, it wasn't like Rex was going to stay cooped indoors." In fact, his tolerance for this heat is ... well, unlike anything she had ever seen. Even wearing a two piece bathing suit hardly felt enough to spare her of the unforgiving sun, not to mention the humidity. Had she not tied her hair back, who knows how much longer she could have lasted out here.

"Oh right, I almost forgot you're out there with some guy."

"Yeah well, I'm not sure for how much longer."

"What do you mean? -- Are you planning to leave?"

"Not really. It's more like ..." The words trail off as her glimpsed over her shoulder to ensure he was still laying a distance away. Music continues to spill from the speakers of the tiki bar, men and women still waiting for their orders. Fans situated on each corner offer relief but for this conversation, Aurelia must bid them goodbye. With a drink in hand at least as she moved around, feeling the warm sand already beginning to slip between her feet and sandals. "... I don't know if he wants me to stick around."

"Did he say something?"

"That's the thing, he hasn't. Or maybe he doesn't remember." Lime and ice soon soothe her thirst with a mere sip. The presence of tequila weak but it was better than nothing. A part of Aurelia still could not believe how she practically threw herself at him. How she enjoyed the taste of him on her lips, how his mouth traveled and nipped along her neck and collarbone. Or the way his hands gripped at her skin, hungrily pressing into her. Fervent. Wanting. Unrestrained.

"If it's bothering you, why not ask him?"

Bless sweet and innocent Charlotte. Had she not known her to have little to no experience in intimacy, Aurelia might have told her a few things. "Horrible idea. I mean, what if he really doesn't remember? If I told him that I kissed him and -- ugh, maybe it's better to just pretend like nothing happened. You know, fake it 'till you make it." But what if he just didn't want to bring it up out of discomfort? Maybe he didn't know how to broach the subject or just wanted to bury it under the rug.

"I don't think that’s what it means, Aurelia."

"I know." Sighing, the rouge sits on the concrete wall separating the beach and sidewalk. Little effort is made to prop herself up, legs free to dangle with shade offering a temporary shelter. Truth be told, it wasn't as though the entire situation bothered her. She certainly had her fill of flings here and there on occasion. 'But never with a friend.'

Boundaries are there for a reason. It helped ease any complications. Made life a little more predictable. Malleable to what she wanted in an outcome. Or at least in her personal life, she preferred to maintain control. Everything else, Aurelia could care less for ... but it wasn't everyday she managed to make a friend. A real friend to trust in, albeit limited, but someone she could connect with. To have as company for fun. For traveling. Laughing. Or when there are trouble, Rex is someone she knew to depend on for some escape.

"Are you worried about ruining the friendship?"

Is that what bothered her? Ruining their friendship? Is that the reason why she felt so restless when he was close by? Why she found herself annoyed with the passing weeks, wondering if he even knew what happened? 'It has to be the reason ...' And yet, the longer her mind turned the question over, the less convinced she felt. But to admit otherwise ... -- she couldn't do it.

"More like I don't want him thinking I'm going to assault him every time I get drunk." A short burst of laughter is forced out, humored injected to diver the question. "A shame too. I thought it was a pretty damn good kiss." Maybe it's better this way. Leave things as they are. Pretend nothing happened and continue on their debauchery until he chose to go his own way.

"By the way, whatever happened with that neighbor of yours?"

-- Best to seize the moment and switch the topic of conversation.

|| @cxrsedsouls ||

#( Aurelia || answered ) #( Charlotte || answered ) #( Aurelia & Rex ) #cxrsedsouls #( q: with the pups )

[moonlightfilly]

Donna was one of the best companions specifically because she didn't have any sexual tension or romantic attraction to the Doctor. Like yes we all love Rose and we're always going to love Rose, but Donna was with the Doctor out of genuine platonic affection for him. Not because she was hoping for anything from him, but because she enjoyed his world.

Yes!! Donna just being besties with The Doctor is one of the top reasons why I enjoyed her the most tbh (besides the fact that she's absolutely badass). Rose is amazing obviously, DoctorRose forever, but it was so refreshing to have a companion that wasn't dating The Doctor or spending the whole season WISHING The Doctor loved them (sorry Martha). Donna and Ten were genuinely just having a grand old time together as best friends doing epic things together while bringing out the best in each other and I love that for both of them so much! Especially at the point they both were at in their lives, they both needed a best friend like that so badly.

#i just love how they were best friends just having fun #and i think that was a relief to Ten too bc he was still hung up on Rose and felt so guilty about Martha #because he couldn't return her feelings and that was a reason she left for her own good #the relief he felt to just have a FRIEND not complicated just caring and fun reminding him of what he loves to do #and what's important ('Just save someone') #and she knows about Rose. she knows what she means to him and he doesn't have to feel guilty about that #Donna Noble #The Doctor #Ten #Doctor Who #ask #octopisunsets

[muyuuoffline]

Hello! I dont think I saw anything against multiple requests in a single ask in your introduction so hopefully this is alright. Could you do 2 and 29 of the relationship/court list for Rui please?

[2] & [29] with Kamishiro Rui

2. ♥ When they have a crush on someone, how do they let them know?

Rui is bold when it comes to things he likes. back when he was alone, he would always be looked-down critically by his fellow peers. but he was never bothered by this, and continued to express his somewhat 'obsession' in inventing. but when it comes to someone he romantically has feelings for? well..

It would be complicated, to say the least. first, he nedded to calm himself down, and collect his thoughts. were you really the one? what if you never see him the same way he saw you? what if you thought that he was just the crazy weirdo asking for random strangers to be his test dummies? what if you disliked him, despised him, and you were just too kind to tell this to his face? all and all, it was stressful. there was this one time in school where he was thinking about you too much during in the middle of class; he nearly made a mistake on one of his experiments (it was science class at the time), and nearly exploded the whole science room. nearly. luckily, he came to his senses when you came over and asked him something about the lesson's contents. the way your presence alone captured all of his attention somewhat.. scared him. but it was very fascinating. back then, he never really understood how a certain individual would be so delirious to their loved one, but now? he was feeling the butterflies swirling inside his stomach, and he knew, that day that time, he was head over heels for you, madly. the way you get so red and flustered at his teasing manners, the way you shrug and defend him from condemning glares, the way you seem so giddy to talk with him, it was all too much. too good to be true.

He couldn't control himself. while the two of you were casually hanging out at a park eating a snack, you plainly told him something heart-felting, and stated that spending time with him was very fun and enjoying. the urge to hug you that second and tell everyone around you all that you were his was too countering. he forcefully excused himself to a nearby restroom and calm himself down. god, this was too difficult. he nedded help, fast. luckily, his knowing, relying friends noticed his little trouble (mostly Tsukasa and Emu, who dragged a worn out Nene along the way). The three encouraged him to ask you out on a date, (Emu did the talking since she was very convincing), and it ended up with you saying yes, Rui tried to hid his agape with a smile of relief, trying to layer his joy with teasing you that your answer was far too fast and eager. he didn't fail to reward himself with your agitated, tomato expression.

So I would imagine him being a bit anxious and worried about how he felt, but with the help of the other three, he was able to step in and forget his fret, and the result was meticulous, and he would try his best to express more of his feelings from now on.

29. ♥ How do they express their love to their partner?

Rui's a simple man. he would take things physically and mentally. of course, he would ask for your permission, first.

Your hands are cold? he'd warm them up with pleasure while walking to school. your whole face dropping into embarrassment, flushed was the best thing ever, especially when your friends and classmates are watching the public-private scenario unfold. he couldn't care less about them, his eyes looking down on you with fondness and warmth. your tired because of exams and studies? he'd toss them all aside for you and invite you to cuddle with him. if you were feeling needy, he'd be there to fulfill them all. the thing is, he pledged to himself that he would both protect and take care of you. he might be a bit overprotective at times, but all he wants is what's best for you. all he asks for you is to stay close to him, and that was enough.

There was this one time you said you had this schedule to hang out with some friends to the movies, and Rui was a bit busy and couldn't come to stay by your side. which means, he couldn't come and protect you from 'bad guys'; instead, he suggested having Nenerobo to come with (he has Nene's authorization, surprisingly). you didn't want to worry him, so you said yes. there weren't any rules or regulations insisting that mechanics such as robots weren't allowed in the theatres, soo..

#project sekai colorful stage #project sekai #kamishiro rui #rui kamishiro #wonderlands x showtime #pjsekai #kamishiro rui x reader #rui kamishiro x reader #imagines #headcanons #xreader #readerinsert #court list #court meme

[honeypiehotchner]

Bye Bye, Baby (Hotch x Fem!Reader) -- one shot

May or may not have just written this in an hour. Also may or may not be based off the new Taylor Swift song. Based on this ask!

Also lmk if y’all want a part two because this does have an unhappy(?) ending, so...

Warnings: angst, mentions of being pregnant, mentions of puking

Word count: a lil over 1k

HOTCH MASTERLIST || Don’t You (Part Two)

It wasn’t like in the movies.

You were foolish, you’ll admit, to think that getting your heart broken like this would be like the movies. Where he’d run after you, kiss you to make it better, confess his undying love, and beg for your forgiveness.

No, Aaron did none of that.

You knew dating a coworker -- your boss, rather -- would be a slippery slope, but you didn’t care. You thought he didn’t, either.

Until he called you into his office and broke up with you.

You wish there was something more to it. A big argument, an email from Strauss or even the director, a massive clash in lifestyles. But there was none of that. No one, not even the team, knew about your relationship with Hotch. There was no thinly veiled warning email from Strauss. Your lifestyles didn’t clash, they fit together perfectly.

But you guess “perfect” is never really as perfect as it seems.

‘Cause I still love you, but I can’t

You had thought it was because you were looking to transfer. You love the BAU, but you wanted to do something more. And to be frank, you were getting tired of seeing Aaron all day but having to pretend. You wanted to see him at home without the relief from pretending all day. You wanted to be able to tell people.

But when you brought up transferring to him, it didn’t cause an argument. He was supportive. You were foolish enough to assume this meant he wanted what you wanted, too. You didn’t know he would end things.

Luckily, having the transfer as an excuse for your departure made it easier. Everyone knew it was coming, your going away party was already planned by Garcia. Hotch conveniently left after half an hour because of an urgent phone call.

Bye bye, to everything I thought was on my side/Bye bye, baby

You transferred just two weeks after the breakup, and soon you were in a new apartment, at a new job, with a new life. You kept up with Garcia and Morgan, but only occasionally. Surprisingly, neither of them ever asked you about Hotch.

Despite it being a secret, you were almost positive they knew and would say something after you left, but it never came.

Months later, you went out for drinks with your new coworkers, but the night was cut short. You were one shot in when you threw up the first time.

You went back to your apartment, promising your coworker, Dannie, that you’d call her if you needed anything. Your promise was an automatic, autopilot response because your heart was hammering in your chest.

Your cycle has always been sporadic. When you realized you were a week late yesterday, you thought nothing of it. But now, you were panicking.

You wanted to go get a pregnancy test yourself, but the room was spinning and with every move you felt like you might puke again. So, keeping your promise, you texted Dannie.

She was at your doorstep in ten minutes, box of pregnancy tests in hand.

“Want me to stay with you?” She had asked.

You felt weird, having only known her for a short time, but you said yes. You didn’t want to be alone if the test was positive.

Letting Dannie stay was a good call.

All three tests were positive.

“Do you know who the father might be?” She asked, meaning well.

You nodded slowly. “Unfortunately.”

“Oh no,” she frowned. “Is he a jackass?”

You wanted to agree. You wanted to say yes, actually, he’s a giant jackass. But the truth is that Aaron isn’t and never was. He was nothing but good to you.

“It’s complicated,” you settled on. “Thanks for staying.”

“No problem,” she said. “If you’re good, I’ve gotta head out to feed Onyx.”

Her cat. “Yeah, go ahead. I’m okay. Thank you again.”

“It’s no problem,” she assured you with a smile.

Nine months later, you gave birth to a baby girl, Juliet, at six in the morning, and Dannie was there.

You asked her to be your daughter’s Godmother that night, and she said yes without hesitation.

+++

Four years later

Grocery shopping with a toddler is never fun, but damn does Juliet make it entertaining.

Currently, she’s trying very hard to convince you that she absolutely, without a doubt, needs these specific chocolate chip cookies.

“We have some at home already, munchkin.”

“I know,” she swings her legs, the zipper on her shoes clinking against the metal of the shopping cart she’s sitting in, “but these are...better.”

“Better, hm?” You raise your eyebrows, glancing up at the shelf to see if they have your favorite cereal. “How so?”

This single question keeps her occupied for another few minutes while you grab a couple of things from the surrounding shelves.

“Tell you what,” you start pushing the cart down the aisle. “If you promise to eat all your veggies tonight, then we can get the cookies.”

“Deal!”

“Alright,” you chuckle, tapping her nose lightly with your finger. “Let’s go get some veggies.”

That’s the plan, at least, until your cart rams right into someone else’s, and when you see who it belongs to, you nearly faint.

“Y/N?” Aaron asks, backing his cart up slowly.

“Hi,” you breathe.

Juliet turns around in her seat, scrunching her nose at Aaron. “Who’re you?”

“He’s my old boss, munchkin,” you explain quietly. “He’s not a stranger.”

Aaron’s heart twists painfully when you say old boss instead of an old friend or even ex-boyfriend. You’ve reduced him to an old coworker in your mind, but in his, you’ve always remained the greatest love he ever had.

“Hi Aaron,” Juliet says, then turns back to you. “Mommy, can we please get veggies? I’ll even eat broccoli.”

“Broccoli?” You gasp, Aaron completely forgotten for a moment.

Juliet nods firmly. “Anything for cookies.”

“Alright,” you reply with just as much enthusiasm. “Let’s go get some broccoli, then.”

You look back up to find Aaron watching you both with a smile, but a sad smile, the kind that you can’t quite place or read.

Truthfully, he’s at a loss for words. Here you are, after so many years, with a daughter who looks exactly like him.

“It was nice seeing you,” you say to Aaron, smiling brightly, smiling right through the pain.

“You too,” Aaron says quietly, letting you go for the second time.

There’s so much that I can’t touch/You’re all I want but it’s not enough this time

#aaron hotchner #aaron hotchner x fem!reader #aaron hotchner x reader #aaron hotchner x you #aaron hotchner x y/n #aaron hotchner one shot #hotch #hotch x fem!reader #hotch x reader #hotch x you #hotch x y/n #angst #aaron hotchner angst #hotch angst #criminal minds

[moonhoures]

Hi hi could I request number 23 with beomgyu? Ty ty 💓

beomgyu + 23. “my date stood me up, can you come pick me up?” + angst + fluff + fem. reader insert

a/n: i got carried away w this one a bit and didn’t proofread so sorry in advance ✌🏻

It was a chilly Friday night in the middle of November when you got a text message from Beomgyu. The two of you met in your homeroom freshman year of high school, and now as seniors, he was one of your closest friends. And though the two of you texted often, you weren’t exactly expecting a text from him at ten p.m on this random Friday night.

gyu 🐻: hey are you still awake?

you: yeah, what’s up?

Instead of getting a text back, your phone started ringing. A picture of Beomgyu that you had taken during one of your many hang outs filled your screen. You took a second to appreciate his goofy smile in his contact photo before swiping the answer button.

“Hey, Gyu, everything okay?”

Your friend scoffed on the other end, “Of course. I just wanted to call and ask what you were up to.”

Immediately, you grew suspicious. You closed your laptop that you were using to get some work done, putting it aside, “Is that so? Well, I’m just working on some stuff right now. Nothing special.”

“That’s nice,” he replied, an awkward pause settling between the line before he added, “So, you wouldn’t mind going on a drive right now?”

“Right now? Beomgyu, I was about to go to sleep in a bit,” you pulled your phone from your ear to check the time. The screen confirmed it was ten-twenty-two p.m, and you had work at seven in the morning. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah,” he sighed, “It’s just . . . My date stood me up, and I was wondering if you could come pick me up? The next train doesn’t come until after midnight, and I don’t want to take a cab.”

Your heart sank, partly because you could picture his sad figure waiting wherever he was, feeling rejected and lonesome. Another part of you was feeling hurt because he never mentioned that he was going on a date. You wondered who the girl was. As far as you were aware, he didn’t have any crushes.

“Of course, where are you?”

After he texted you his location, you immediately got up to grab your car keys. Within minutes you were on the road, not caring to change out of your pajamas since it was only Beomgyu who would see you. The roads weren’t as busy as you thought they would be for a Friday night, so you thanked the universe for that. When you pulled up to the bus stop in front of the closed aquarium, Beomgyu stood up and got in your car without a word. It felt weird seeing your usually bright and fun friend sulking.

“Do you want to talk about it?” you asked, glancing at him to see him give a small huff of laughter that was void of any humor.

“No, not really. Can you just drop me off at my house?”

“You don’t want me to bring you to Taehyun’s?”

Beomgyu was always staying over at Taehyun’s house, so much so that it was practically his second home. You recounted the many times he asked you to drive him to and from there, often bribing you with your favorite food or the option to choose the movies for your movie nights.

He shook his head wordlessly, and you took that as a sign to shut up and drive, not wanting to press him any further. Beomgyu wasn’t a particularly emotional guy to begin with, so you didn’t want to make him uncomfortable. The ride to his house was less than ten minutes but it felt like forever with the silence between you only being accompanied by the quiet voices of the hosts on the radio. A feeling of complicated relief washed over you when you finally spotted his house and your car pulled up in front of it. You turned off the headlights and waited for Beomgyu to speak, to move, to do literally anything. But all he did was stay in his seat, staring ahead of him.

“Gyu, you’re starting to worry me. Are you sure you’re alright?”

That seemed to pull him from his thoughts, because he nodded, donning a fake smile towards you as he unlocked his seatbelt. The voice in your head told you to stop him from leaving so soon, but before you could even form a sentence, Beomgyu stopped with his hand on the door handle. Your brows furrowed as you watched him slump back against the seat with a frustrated sigh.

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Y-yeah.”

“Why do people agree to go on dates if they know they won’t show up?” it felt more like a rhetorical question, so it took you a moment to think of an appropriate response. Your friend looked up at you through his dark fringe, his king eyelashes casting shadows across his cheekbones.

“I . . . I honestly don’t know. It takes a specifically cruel person to do something like that,” you thought out loud, pausing before asking, “Can I ask who the mystery girl was?”

A frown pressed down the corners of his lips, “Jiyoung.”

Wow. Really? Yoon Jiyoung was a girl who bullied you in grade school, and Beomgyu was aware of this. However, some time between grade school and high school, she seemed to rebrand herself from a bully to a class president, head-of-the-dance-team, teacher’s pet type. She also had gotten a fortunate hand during puberty, becoming one of the most beautiful girls of your grade. Though the two of you hadn’t spoken since you were pre-teens, your wounded inner child still harbored negative feelings towards her. Now, those feelings only felt more valid after she blew off Beomgyu.

“I know what you’re thinking, so don’t say it.”

You looked up to your friend with confusion, making him laugh genuinely for the first time since you’ve picked him up.

“‘I told you she was no good’,” he mocked your voice, making you roll your eyes as you smiled.

“Well, I was right,” you insisted, “She is a specifically cruel person. You deserve better.”

“Is that so?” he mocked your tone from earlier again, before returning to his normal tone, “Like who?”

For the first time you were stunned, not really sure how to answer. Beomgyu’s gaze settled on your face, and the feeling of it made your cheeks warm up. You cleared your throat, looking up at the empty street to see a neighborhood cat walking in the neighbor’s yard. You hoped the sight would distract him from his question as well, but his inquisitive hum only served to make you nervous again.

“I don’t know. I guess, someone who likes you for how you are. Someone who likes to spend time with you. Someone who shares your interests. Someone who cares about you.”

You moved your gaze back to your hands that occupied your lap, twirling the drawstrings of your sweatpants between your fingers. Beomgyu felt his heart racing in his chest as he watched your expression change from worry to nervousness before his eyes.

Truth be told, he always had a crush on you, but you always made it clear that the two of you were friends. Yes, he did like Jiyoung for a while, and he did try to convince himself that she had changed for the better. Though, now he realized he did that to keep his love for you from being acknowledged and potentially rejected. Because the last thing he wanted was for your friendship to be ruined.

“Can I ask you another question?” he asked you, finally forcing you to make eye contact with him again. “You care about me, don’t you?”

You nodded hesitantly in response, almost afraid to respond.

“You wouldn’t stand me up on a date, would you?”

Your heart felt like it was suddenly running a marathon under your ribcage as you understood where he was going, “Never.”

A charming grin spread across his lips, and for the first time you witnessed the smug and arrogant Choi Beomgyu become shy. He looked away from you with the smile stuck on his lips, the back of his head against your passenger seat’s head rest.

“So, is this your way of asking me on a date?” you asked, tilting your head in curiosity.

Your friend tilted his own head to face you, that familiar smug look back on his features, “Depends. Does dinner and a movie sound good tomorrow?”

You mirrored his expression, “So your idea of a date with Jiyoung would’ve been the aquarium, but for me it’s dinner and movie? A.K.A what we always do when we hang out anyways?”

“You’re right, my apologies,” he feigned a disappointed look, shaking his head at his own words, “Where would you like to go on our date, your majesty?”

“How about a picnic?”

“Sounds like a plan,” he grinned, studying your face for a moment before getting the courage to lean forward and press a gentle, chaste kiss to your cheek. It took you by surprise, but you welcomed it. Neither of you could keep the smiles off your faces no matter how hard you tried after that.

Beomgyu finally got out of the car, telling you to drive safe before closing the door behind him. You watched him walk into his house, returning the wave he sent you from his front door. The entire drive home was spent with butterflies erupting in your stomach, making you feel like a giddy school girl. You couldn’t believe how much this one random night drastically changed your life. Beomgyu liked you, and you liked him back. You were going on a date with him tomorrow. You still couldn’t believe it even as you settled into bed that night, until you got a text message.

gyu 🐻: did you make it home safe?

you: i did, thanks

gyu 🐻: okay, get some sleep. you’ll need some energy for our date tomorrow 😉

you: ☺️ goodnight gyu

gyu 🐻: goodnight ______ 🌙💛

#choi beomgyu #beomgyu fluff #tomorrow x together #txt fluff #txt angst #beomgyu angst #txt imagines #txt scenarios #txt reactions #txt x reader #beomgyu imagines #beomgyu scenarios #beomgyu x reader #txt soft hours #txt drabble

[gladerwolfstarkimagines]

Imagine being Sokka and Katara’s cousin and having a complicated romantic relationship with Zuko.

Your cousin Sokka had initially set you up with Zuko because he figured the firelord needed some fun and you were exactly that. You weren’t interested in titles or riches you were just an infectious whirlwind of carefree energy. He figured Zuko could learn something from you and so arranged the date.

He could tell by how light Zuko walked into the room the next day that his plan had worked and he liked seeing the positive effect you were having on Zuko. The pressures of the throne had really been weighing down on him and you helped him to get some much-needed freedom and connect with his non-Firelord side....however it always had a way of coming back.

Zuko loved dating you but he’d gotten pressure from every single fire nation noblemen on the council to break up with you. They disliked you because you were from the water tribe so many viewed you as an outsider trying to influence the fire nation. Zuko’s reign was still so new and with rebellions breaking out more frequently Zuko agreed. He had to put his country first even if that meant losing you. One thing Zuko hadn’t realised however was you had a very different view of your relationship...for one thing you didn’t even realise you were in one with the Firelord.

Your POV

Zuko was always pretty tense but you noticed tonight he was even more stressed and quiet. You tried to make conversation but he was sombre throughout dinner and when you’d finished he put his cutlery down and looked across at you. “Y/n I need to speak to you”. You nodded folding your arm “sure, what’s wrong?”. Zuko sighed "Y/n i’ve really enjoyed our time together but i...have to break up with you, I can’t see you anymore". You blinked surprised, one at Zuko’s honesty and two at the news you had apparently been dating the Firelord. You and Zuko weren’t dating or even close to dating, in your mind you’d just been having fun and sure you were definitely not just friends but you also didn’t think you were boyfriend/girlfriend. Regardless of what the label was you quickly realised what Zuko was telling you and it made a heavy weight settle in your stomach. Whatever this between you was...it made you sad to think it would be ending.  "You do?" you asked remaining composed and Zuko nodded. "It’s nothing to do with you it’s me, being firelord i don’t have the time for dating or fun, i don’t think it’s fair to keep this going when I can’t guarantee i’ll always be able to give you my attention". You nodded your head "that sounds fair, thank you for thinking of that". "No problem" Zuko said smiling sadly and you nodded awkwardly. “I’ll be going then” and you went to walk away when he spoke again "but i really enjoyed our time together y/n, i really did". You smiled "me too, you’re pretty fun for a royal" and bowed "see you around firelord” and you walked away.

Zuko’s POV

You walked out of the room and Zuko sighed. He felt a mix between relief and sadness. That had gone a lot easier than he thought it would and that should be a good thing but it didn’t feel that way. A part of Zuko had wanted you to argue with him or to dig to find the real reason he was breaking it off. He knew if you’d have challenged him in even the slightest way he’d have told you the truth and taken back what he’d said but you had just agreed and let it go without a fight. Zuko couldn’t help feeling disappointed and a little hurt. You remained on his mind the rest of the day and Zuko couldn’t stop wondering about your reaction. He was sat with your cousin Sokka when he decided to bring you up. "Just so you know I’ve ended things with y/n" Zuko explained and Sokka blinked "i’m sorry what?". "I know i should’ve warned you seeing as she’s your cousin...i’m sorry". Sokka shook his head "no i’m confused how do you think you were dating her". Zuko blinked "what do you mean? You literally set us up". "I introduced you because i thought y/n could make you loosen up a bit but Zuko y/n doesn’t date". Zuko blinked "but we hung our several times and...kissed and stuff". Sokka sighed "oh god as gross as this is to have to explain about my cousin...Zuko that doesn’t mean you were dating". "It doesn’t?”. Sokka sighed "okay here’s what you need to know about my cousin, she grew up in a town that was heavily sexist and married girls off at young ages, so as times started to change she leapt at the new opportunities. She refused to ever date anyone, it’s too much commitment and so instead she has fun with people, typically for short periods of time and then she flutters away, usually leaving a broken heart or two". Zuko blinked "but we were dating!". "Did you ever agree to make it exclusive?" Sokka asked. Zuko shook his head "well not in words". "Did you ever ask her to be your girlfriend?". "No but i thought it was implied". "Did you ever call her your girlfriend then?". "No i...it was new i didn’t want to come on too strong" Zuko sighed. Sokka patted his back "and there’s the broken heart". "I’m not heartbroken just confused! Why did she let me break up with her if we weren’t even dating?". "Well breakups are awkward, imagine having to explain to someone in the middle of one, that you're not even dating, i bet she did it just to spare your feelings". As soon as those words left his mouth Sokka regretted it. "No i didn’t mean that...i meant". Zuko stood up angrily "it appears i need to find your cousin".

Zuko was furious. He felt like he’d been living two different lives this whole time and that had caused so much stress. One half of him was the teenager who wanted fun, the freedom to go on dates and just be careless. Then the other half of him was the Firelord who knew he had to be responsible. He knew all the elder nobles thought he was too irresponsible and all his friends thought him too boring and conventional. He liked you because you opened him up to new things and made him feel normal. Not too young or too formal, just right, you made him feel valid.

But he’d sacrificed all that for the “greater good” and now not only was he regretting his decision he was also furious because apparently he wasn’t anything to you anyway. The thing he’d struggled so much with, you weren’t even aware of.

Zuko walked into the large living room the gang had taken to lounging in and saw you sat with Haru. He felt his temper rise as Sokka’s words filled his mind. How you broke hearts and moved on instantly. You laughed at something Haru said and Zuko’s eyes narrowed. He really meant nothing to you. Zuko stalked across the room and came to stand in front of you both. Haru jumped "Firelord Zuko" but you took your time glancing at him. You eventually raised your eyes to his and nodded "Firelord Zuko". Zuko tensed "y/n we need to talk". "Is it urgent because....". "It is, now...please" Zuko said and he walked away.

Your POV

You blinked as Zuko stormed away and apologised to Haru before following him. You had no idea why Zuko wanted to speak to you, surely everything was wrapped up now you were done but he seemed so angry. You’d heard about this famous fire nation temper but you’d never seen it on Zuko and part of you was a little impressed. You liked fire benders for that reason precisely, their inner fire and passion but Zuko had been completely composed and calm the whole time you’d know him. Not now though.

You followed Zuko into a room and he shut the door. "Zuko what’s wrong?" you asked and he spun to face you rapidly. "What’s wrong?" he cried "why did you let me break up with you and say all that rubbish if I meant nothing to you?". You paused "who says you mean nothing to me?". "Sokka!" Zuko cried "he explained how you flit from person to person, never dating them just having fun and how you move onto your next person when you get bored. We were never dating, why didn’t you correct me?". You shrugged "i... I didn't want to be rude, but Zuko I wasn’t just waiting to flit from you to someone else". "Ow yeah, Haru’s just a coincidence?". "You broke up with me! Why are you angry even if something was going on with Haru?". "Because i didn’t want to break up with you y/n" Zuko explained "i did it because i had to and it was a really tough decision for me to make. It felt like a big sacrifice to me and then to find out you didn’t even think twice about me" Zuko said rapidly before staring at the floor almost deflated. "Zuko i do think about you" you said softly "whatever Sokka said isn’t completely true. Yes i don’t like putting labels on things but that doesn’t mean i don’t care or feel the same things anyone does at the start of something. I think the reason i move on or flit around so quickly as you said is because i move on as soon as I start feeling things, i don’t like being vulnerable so me not thinking of you as my boyfriend wasn’t because I didn’t care about you, it was more to protect me from the opposite". "So you do like me?" Zuko asked and you took a breath. "I do...a lot". Zuko rushed forwards hastily and kissed you. You kissed him back wrapping your arms around his neck before you paused "but wait...i thought you said you literally weren’t allowed to do this". Zuko nodded but didn’t remove his hands from your waist "i did, as Firelord i’m expected to behave dignified and composed all the time, i’m not supposed to get emotional or act irresponsibly for example by dating an unconventional water tribe girl" Zuko smiled "but i don’t care! I don’t care if they disapprove! I don’t care if we’re boyfriend and girlfriend or it’s just casual, all i know is i really like you and really really want to kiss you". You smiled and rehooked your arm around his neck "then kiss me".

Zuko was obedient and kissed you passionately before moving onto your neck. You were both surprised and pleasantly fascinated at Zuko’s confidence. Usually he was shy and kissed you quickly before moving away but now....now he was confident and purposeful with each touch. It was very attractive and you suddenly saw why the fire nation had such a strong reputation. Zuko caught the look in your eye and smiled "if you want we can....go to my room?". You smiled "lead the way”. Zuko stepped towards the door so quickly he knocked a table over but he just tugged you past it "leave it, it can stay that way for all i care right now" he muttered and you laughed at how spontaneous he was being. It was nice to see him let his hair down and you grinned as he pulled you through the fire nation halls hastily. He yanked his door open before pulling you inside and slamming the door. Trapping you on the other side. "Hmm i don’t think running through the hall is dignified Firelord Zuko". Zuko shrugged "neither is this" and began to kiss you again.

***

You laid side by side and Zuko seemed very relaxed but you were wondering about something. "Should I be going...am i even allowed to stay here in your room overnight? Doesn’t it break some century old fire nation tradition?" you asked. You’d never been in Zuko’s room before and only now did it really hit you he was the Firelord with a whole country on his shoulders and hundreds of advisors all monitoring his every move. If they’d gotten so angry at you for spending time together surely the nobles would be furious at you spending the night in his quarters? Zuko however did not care. "Of course you can” he said immediately “no servants will bother us and my guards will know to leave so we can be alone...of course that’s if you want to? If you don’t want to stay the night...". “Are you kidding me? And miss sleeping in these silk masterpieces?" you asked wriggling against the royal bedding. Zuko laughed watching you before he looked more serious. "I meant what i said" Zuko said softly "you don’t have to be my anything...i like you, i don’t need any labels or anything". "But do you want them?" you asked. You’d been more honest with Zuko than you’d ever been with anyone and now a part of you....wasn’t terrified by the idea of making him something more. But Zuko had also listened to you too and didn’t want to scare you off. "All i want is you" he smiled coming closer "if you don’t want labels then they won’t come anywhere near us". You smiled at the effort Zuko was making and leant into him. Zuko wrapped his arms around you and you buried your head in his chest. Ignoring the feeling in your stomach that you should have been more honest.

1 week later

Zuko definitely took what you’d said into account. He was a lot more confident with you both in private and publically. Apparently almost losing you made him more determined to make the most of his time with you. He invited you to royal events and was attentive to you throughout them. When nobles questioned him about you he would tell them it was none of their concern and refuse to answer any further prying. You liked seeing Zuko stand up for himself using his dominant abrupt side but also kind of missed his soft sweet side. Sure having a temper and attitude were hot in the moment but after a while they lost their depth and you got the feeling it was an act Zuko was putting on for you. As if  Zuko thought by acting tough and in control with his court you’d be more attracted to him when in reality you loved how caring and considerate he was.

Zuko was also struggling. As well as maintaining the imposing Firelord who didn’t care what others thought of him, Zuko was also pretending he was okay with being casual. Zuko was not a casual person in any meaning of the word. He was a dramatic over-thinker, he had never been carefree and although in the moment with you he did enjoy it, afterwards his mind fretted over everything he’d done. He also worried about your open relationship. He knew freedom was important for you but he couldn’t help but wonder if when you looked at another person you’d start seeing them as well. Zuko liked you a lot and was sure he never wanted to see you with another person. He wondered if it was selfish but he wanted you all to himself and wanted an exclusive relationship....but he’d promised you he would be fine with this and that meant more to him.

So you and Zuko continued the charade to please the other, no idea that the other person actually felt the exact same way.

Your POV

You and Zuko had just had a pleasant evening with his friends and were retiring to his room for the night. On the way you passed a guard who looked at the two of you and then frowned. Zuko immediately tensed and went into Firelord mode. “Something you want to say?” Zuko called and the guard lowered his eyes “no Firelord Zuko”. “I thought not” Zuko agreed and took your hand. Zuko led you into his room and shut the door with a loud snap. You watched Zuko and all the things you’d been feeling this week came up. You needed to say something and now was just as good a time as any.  

You prepared for the night and sat down on the edge of the bed watching Zuko warily, wondering how he’d take what you were about to say.

"Zuko i’ve been thinking about something and I think we need to talk” you said suddenly and Zuko jumped standing up taller. "Are you okay?" he asked immediately coming to sit next to you. "I am and i want to thank you for all the effort you’ve gone to but i think we need to reassess the situation”. Zuko immediately panicked, you’d realised he wasn’t a cool collected leader and that he was faking it....you weren’t attracted to him anymore. "Y/n i think i know what you’re going to say" he frowned when you carried on "i miss how it was before". Zuko blinked "what?". "I know you’re trying to be more dominant in your rule and to be more protective of us but that doesn’t mean you have to act all unfeeling and unbothered for my benefit. You’re a kind sweet person Zuko and I like when you show that, so i guess i’m asking have you been trying to change for me?". Zuko looked down "i have....you just reacted so intensely to me being more confident and so i thought you’d want that more". "I do love it when your confident" you smiled "but you don’t have to keep that in every aspect of our lives, maybe just when we’re alone?". Zuko felt a blush rise to his cheeks but he nodded "okay". You smiled "and sorry one more thing....i know i said i don’t like labels but i think i’d maybe like to try them?". Overcome with the realisation you felt everything he did Zuko just kissed you passionately. You kissed him back before laughing as you separated "what was that for?”. "For weeks i’ve been playing this character and restraining myself from asking you to be exclusive with me and i thought if i felt this way how can we be compatible but all along you felt it too". You blushed and nodded "yes i....i’ve felt that too”. Zuko grinned and kissed you again before pulling away "wait let me make sure i understand this correctly, you’d like us to start dating? Properly and officially?". "And exclusively" you smiled and Zuko grinned "i’m going to do this officially then, y/n will you be my girlfriend". "I thought you’d never ask!" you cried and kissed him again.

#zuko #zuko imagine #zuko x reader #avatar #avatar the last airbender imagine #avatar the last airbender #avatar the last airbender zuko #atla zuko #avatar zuko #fire nation #fire lord zuko #fire nation royalty #fire nation royal family #sokka #katara #haru #avatar sokka #atla sokka #avatar haru #atla haru

[robininthelabyrinth]

Mo Xuanyu is banished from Koi Tower, but manages to take Wen Ning (or maybe a captured Nie Mingjue, your choice) with him. Now he has to figure out what to do with a well known fierce corpse. [🎶🎶 anon]

Crybabies - ao3

“Okay,” Xue Yang said, looking up at the ceiling with an expression that suggested he wanted to kill something and probably would, very soon. “What are you crying about now?”

“I don’t have any friends,” Mo Xuanyu explained. Xue Yang wasn’t allowed to kill him – Jin Guangyao said it would be politically inconvenient – so he felt moderately safe around the other man.

“What am I?” Xue Yang said. “Dirt?”

“Way too scary to be friends with someone like me.”

“…good point,” Xue Yang said. “You are kind of pathetic. A real crybaby.”

Mo Xuanyu was pretty used to statements like this.

“Actually,” Xue Yang said, and smiled. “That gives me an idea.”

-

Mo Xuanyu did not like Xue Yang’s idea.

“I don’t want these types of friends!” he wailed at the door, then, sniffling, turned around. “No offense meant.”

The two fierce corpses stared back at him.

“I’m sure you’re very nice,” Mo Xuanyu said, voice wavering. “Just very, uh…dead.”

Xue Yang cackled from outside the door. “I even took out their controls, just for you!” he sang out. “All the crybabies together in a single room. Have fun!”

And then his footsteps went away.

Shaking, sniffling, Mo Xuanyu turned to look at the two fierce corpses. It turned out they were chained to the wall, which was a bit of a relief.

“…are you the other crybabies?” he asked, curiosity temporarily overwhelming him. There was no one else in the room but them, but it seemed implausible.

Implausible, but apparently correct: tears started dripping down the face of one of the corpses.

“I want to go home,” he said, sounding genuinely miserable.

Mo Xuanyu looked at the other corpse.

“I want to go to his home,” he said, ducking his head and stuttering a little. He didn’t cry, but his eyes wrinkled up, like he wanted to but couldn’t. “It sounds nice.”

Mo Xuanyu had never heard of a home that sounded nice before.

“What’s it like?” he asked.

-

Mo Xuanyu really hated disappointing people.

It sometimes felt like he’d never done anything else: disappointed his mother when his father lost interest in him and stopped visiting, disappointed his aunt and her family by existing, disappointed his father after he turned out to be useless after he’d gone to all the effort of bringing him back to Lanling City, disappointed his teachers, disappointed his half-brother Jin Guangyao, disappointed – everyone, really.

So when he heard that he was probably going to get kicked out of Lanling, it wasn’t really a surprise. He’d long outworn his welcome, after all.

But then he also heard that they planned to send him back to Mo Manor and just – no.

He couldn’t.

He’d just have to disappoint everyone one more time.

“I’m pretty sure you’re not allowed to do this,” Wen Ning said, rubbing his wrists as if it would help return the circulation he didn’t have. “Friends or no friends.”

“They said I was going to have to go home,” Mo Xuanyu said, shivering from terror at the mere thought. “I don’t want to go back to my home. I want to go to his home.”

A-Jue wiped his eyes with his sleeve and sniffed. He was the biggest crybaby of the lot of them, but it wasn’t his fault; according to Wen Ning, he’d lost a big part of his memory and higher order thinking skills when he’d become a fierce corpse and spent any time that he wasn’t murdering people in a crazy frenzy of rage on Jin Guangyao’s orders at the mental age of about seven or eight.

It also didn’t help that, out of the three of them, he was Jin Guangyao’s favorite.

It was not a good thing, being Jin Guangyao’s favorite.  

“We’re going home?” he asked, looking between them, watery eyes and all. “Will Sangsang be there?”

“Maybe?” Mo Xuanyu said, and looked at Wen Ning, who shrugged helplessly. Neither of them had any younger siblings, and Wen Ning hadn’t known anything about politics long before he’d died; he’d been in the dark rather deliberately. “Hopefully.”

“We should try to avoid being seen,” Wen Ning said wisely. “I have an idea.”

-

“This cart stinks,” A-Jue mumbled, knees pulled to his chest. Even folded up, he was nearly as big as Mo Xuanyu was stretched out. “I hate radishes.”

“I hate radishes too,” Wen Ning said. He looked like he wished he could cry, looking at them, but then again he looked like that a lot; he’d been the first one brought back, so he hadn’t kept the ability to actually shed tears, which was awful and unfair and something they’d have to fix as soon as they had some time and weren’t being chased.

“This was your idea,” Mo Xuanyu pointed out.

“I said it’d work, I didn’t say we’d enjoy it,” Wen Ning said, and Mo Xuanyu had to admit he had a point. No one would look for two fierce corpses and one runaway teenager in the back of a radish cart, and the farmer driving them in the general direction of Qinghe had been more than happy to accept some gold in exchange for not saying a word about them.

(“How d’you know I won’t take your money and sell you out anyway?” he’d asked before they set out.

“Because if you did, we’d prioritize ripping your throat out before we got captured?” Wen Ning suggested. Mo Xuanyu elbowed A-Jue, who obligingly stretched out his hand to demonstrate the length of his reach, the strength of his arm, and the length of his sharp nails.

“…good reason.”)

The ride only got them a day or so of travel north before the farmer had to make a turn that led him further away from Qinghe rather than towards, but they were in the countryside, not a city, and that was already something.

“We can make the rest by foot,” Wen Ning decided, and A-Jue put Mo Xuanyu on his back so that he wouldn’t slow them down. It was surprisingly comfortable. “I hope you’re right about your sect, A-Jue.”

“I am,” A-Jue said. “Sangsang will be there. He’ll know what to do.”

“Isn’t he only two years old?” Mo Xuanyu asked suspiciously.

“If I’m big, he’s big,” A-Jue pointed out. “And if I’m dead, he’s sect leader. It’ll be fine.”

-

Mo Xuanyu was nominated to be the one to go in and try to get an audience with the sect leader of Qinghe on account of him being the only one not dead.

It was a very compelling argument.

He got into the main city without a problem, gate or no gate, and then walked up to one of the guards outside the main clan complex. “Uh,” he said, fidgeting. “How do I get to see the sect leader?”

The guards looked at him in pity.

“Tell us what you want him for and we can direct you to the appropriate person to help you,” one of them said, not without kindness.

“I’m pretty sure the sect leader is the appropriate person, though…”

“Maybe you haven’t heard,” the other said. “But Sect Leader Nie isn’t actually good at anything.”

“I’m supposed to find him,” Mo Xuanyu said stubbornly. “Just him.”

“Kid. Listen. It’s not happening.”

Mo Xuanyu knew he’d screw this up. “Can you at least pass on a message?” he said hopelessly. “Tell Sangsang that I have something he’d be interested in –”

“Hold up,” the first guard said. “Sangsang?”

“…isn’t that his name?”

The two guards looked at each other. “Maybe you should go in,” the second one said.

“In fact,” the first one said. “We’re going to insist on it.”

-

“Please stop crying,” the young man with the fan and the frills said. “There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

“I’m under arrest!” Mo Xuanyu howled, tears and snot streaming down his face. “I’ve never been under arrest before!”

“I’m pretty sure that was just an overreaction,” the young man said soothingly. “They didn’t really arrest you, they were just being mean and exaggerating. Weren’t they?”

He looked at the two guards by the door, and Mo Xuanyu followed his gaze.

They both nodded.

“Sorry,” one of them said.

“Didn’t mean it,” the other said.

“Big mistake.”

“Won’t happen again.”

“Do you accept their apology?” the young man said, and Mo Xuanyu nodded. “Good, good. Now go – no, not you, them. You stay where you are.”

Mo Xuanyu sheepishly sat back down.

“Now,” the young man said, putting his elbows on the table. “You look familiar. Do I know you from somewhere?”

“Uh, maybe?” Mo Xuanyu said. “I was at the Jin sect for a while, but they kicked me out.”

The young man blinked, then his eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “Oh,” he said. “I see. No wonder you’re scared of getting arrested.”

Mo Xuanyu wasn’t sure he understood the connection. Wasn’t being arrested scary everywhere?

“Different question,” the young man said. He was playing with his fan in his hands and not really looking at Mo Xuanyu directly, which was a relief; it made him feel like the other man didn’t really care that much about the answer. “The Nie sect leader…who told you he was called Sangsang?”

“Uh,” Mo Xuanyu said. “It’s a bit complicated. You see, he doesn’t remember things very well, but A-Jue said –”

The fan snapped in two in the young man’s suddenly clenched hands.

-

It turned out that Nie Huaisang – that was the sect leader’s actual name – was just as much of a crybaby as the rest of them, which he really should have made clear from the beginning. Mo Xuanyu wouldn’t have been nearly as afraid of him if he’d known that.

As it was, he was still hugging a somewhat confused A-Jue (mostly marveling at how large his Sangsang had gotten) and crying his heart out while blubbering a whole lot of incoherent things, so Wen Ning patted the ground next to him and Mo Xuanyu went to sit.

“Is this a good sign?” he checked, and Wen Ning nodded.

“The Nie sect is pretty strong,” he said. “They’ll be able to protect us. Well, the two of you, anyway, I don’t know about me –”

“I don’t think surnames are really the most important thing right now,” Nie Huaisang said, finally pulling away and wiping his red eyes. “You helped bring my da-ge back home; you can stay as long as you like.”

“It really is a nice home,” Mo Xuanyu whispered to Wen Ning, who looked a little impressed.

“I told you,” A-Jue said proudly. He still had an arm wrapped around Nie Huaisang and wasn’t letting go – they’d offered to help Nie Huaisang out of his grip earlier, but he’d politely refused – and he seemed to be settling in very well to his older brother role. It was a bit strange to adjust to, but he was still A-Jue in the end. “I have the best home.”

“It’s nice enough,” Nie Huaisang said, still a bit teary-eyed. “Right. Enough feelings. I need you to tell me everything you remember about your time in Lanling.”

“…everything?” Mo Xuanyu said.

“Everything relevant,” Nie Huaisang clarified.

“You’re not going to like it,” Wen Ning said.

“Probably not, no. Tell me anyway.”

-

Mo Xuanyu patted Nie Huaisang on the back as he started trying to throw up again – it was all bile and dry heaves by now. It was a human failing that they shared, and the fierce corpses didn’t, although they were sympathetic enough.

“It’s not that bad,” Wen Ning offered. “We’re not really – awake, during much of it. The worst parts.”

That didn’t seem to help.

“He mostly only got mad at me,” A-Jue said, hovering anxiously. “He didn’t like that I didn’t remember him. Said it was no fun. So he didn’t spend that much time with me.”

“I hate him,” Nie Huaisang said. His voice was raspy, his eyes red, and he looked a little bit scary. “I’m going to destroy him.”

“Okay,” A-Jue said at once, because he was a big old softie as well as a crybaby. “We can destroy him. No problem. Just don’t be sad, Sangsang.”

Nie Huaisang’s lip trembled, which rather destroyed the scary effect. “Okay, da-ge,” he said. “I won’t be sad. You’re going to stay here at home with me, and then we’ll focus on making you better, okay?”

“Uh,” Wen Ning said.

“Not the corpse thing,” Nie Huaisang clarified. “The – memory thing.”

“You can fix that?” Mo Xuanyu said, surprised. “How? Senior Jin and Senior Xue both tried really hard and couldn’t manage it.”

“Yes, well,” Nie Huaisang said, and rubbed his eyes. “They don’t know that da-ge was a little kid the first time he picked up Baxia. I think that dying cut off his connection to her, and that she kept everything that was – you know – after. So maybe reconnecting them…”

“That means you’ll be grown up again!” Mo Xuanyu said to A-Jue, who seemed pleased. “That’s great.”

“I’m going to need your help, though,” Nie Huaisang said. He was mostly looking at Wen Ning. “No matter what da-ge says, you helped do – a lot of things, and if we’re going to bring down Jin Guangyao…I’m going to need help.”

“We’ll help you,” Mo Xuanyu said, and Wen Ning nodded. “I mean, we’re not – really helpful. We’re kind of all a bunch of crybabies. But whatever we can do, we will!”

“I appreciate that,” Nie Huaisang said. “Also, don’t underestimate crybabies.”

He smiled.

“We’re a lot more dangerous than you might think.”

#mdzs #mo xuanyu #xue yang #nie mingjue #wen ning #nie huaisang #my fic #my fics #crybabies #Anonymous