#i wigged harder on this than i should have and i hate my life now | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

marktuansvevo · 3 years

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got7 reacts to something theyve never experienced before in a relationship

warning(s); slight cursing, sexual content in bam’s part

mark; being jealous

mark understood why his past partners could be jealous of him in his line of work. as long as it didn’t get out of hand, he thought it was cute. he was never the jealous one in the relationship. he didn’t even know what jealousy felt like....

....until tonight.

you were mark’s entire world. you excited him, you built him up like no other. never before could he see himself spending his life with someone before you came along. you made the world brighter to him.

but now he was only seeing red.

you had been a trainee and never debuted, which you weren’t too upset about, you had a boyfriend you loved and a career with less physical and time demands than being in the entertainment industry. this meant that you knew a lot of other bands, stray kids being one of them. chan was, quite frankly, your best friend during your trainee days, so when you saw him at this afterparty you were attending with mark, you threw yourself into his arms.

mark just watched you from afar.

and his blood boiled.

chan spun you around in his arms, the biggest smile on his stupid, handsome face. “yah!! y/n! mark didn’t say you’d be here.”

you giggled, trying to keep your tears at bay. you put your hands on his face, poking his dimples. mark scoffed at the blush that was forming on his friend’s face. “god, chan i missed you so much.”

“bro, you look constipated,” bam snuck up behind him. “dude, your face is so red right now.”

mark rolled his eyes. “these parties are so annoying.” he didn’t take his eyes off of you as you caught up with chan, who still had his hand around your waist.

bam followed his line of vision. “shit, you’re not constipated, you’re jealous. yugyeom, come look at him!”

mark walked away from his intoxicated friends and up to you. you smiled at him before returning to your conversation with chan.

“y/n, we have to go,” mark said lowly, smiling a sickly fake smile at chan, who immediately dropped his hand from your waist.

“why, baby, we just got here? are you not feeling good?” you asked. he wanted to feel bad, your voice was laced with concern.

“something like that. see you, chan.”

as you got in the car, you smiled at him, poking his cheek. “somebody’s jealous, huh?”

“huh? of chan? i don’t know what you’re talking about,” he clenched his jaw, not making eye contact with you as he steered his car out of the parking lot. you were giggling now.

“you’re cute when you’re jealous. maybe i should make more time for chan.”

“y/n!!!”

jaebeom; wearing disguises in public

jaebeom never thought he would have to dress up in a disguise to go out in public. and jae would never want to put you in such a position. it was draining, and you, as his girlfriend knew that he despised it.

but you wanted to go to a concert with him.

and you wanted to stand in the pit with him and be part of it. don’t get you wrong, you loved when he bought you suite seats or could watch his shows from backstage, but you wanted to sway to ariana grande in th pit with your boyfriend.

“cmon, jae, i think everyone is going to be paying attention to ari. we can skip the opening act?” you suggested.

“y/n, i don’t want to take a chance...im sorry,” he pouted at you. you sighed, trying to figure out what to do.

“what about disguises?” he said. “like, we could wear our halloween costumes?” you were giggling to yourself, but your boyfriend seemed like the idea.

“i could wear my jesus wig and you could paint a beard on me?” he said with serious eyes.

“jae, you hate going out in disguises.”

“true...but, babe, this will be fun. you could wear your sailor mars wig, it’d be cute,”

okay, this was a really cute idea and you were warming up to it...if it made your boyfriend more comfortable to be out in a crowd of so many people, you were down to try it out.

“this really feels like halloween in july,” you giggled as you used mascara to draw a beard on his chin.

“do I look like jesus??” he asked childishly.

“well, you don’t look like im jaebeom of got7, that’s for sure,”

“you look like an egirl,” he laughed at himself. “don’t hate, you know you love it,” you said. “we look so cute, let’s take a mirror selfie and post in later,”

“no, then people will be on to us,” your boyfriend sent a pout in your direction as he looked at his makeshift beard in the mirror. “I look sexy as fuck in a beard,”

“super sexy aegyo please?”

the two of you arrived at the arena, not be noticed by anyone, but jae was still on edge, so you held his hand tight as you made your way into the pit.

“im so excited!!” you shouted over the noise. he shook his head before leaning in to kiss you. the two of you danced the whole night away to arianas crooning, his arms around you as you swayed to her pretty, soothing voice. the two of you let the world fade away while ariana sang honeymoon ave in the background.

jackson; his significant other saying ily first.

it was no secret that jackson was stock full of love and kindness. he had had other partners before you, all with him ending up getting too attached, or scaring them away when he said “I love you” too early.

he did not want to scare you away, and honestly, he had known he loved you two months into dating, but he didn’t want to scare you away, so he never outwardly said those three little words to you.

he wasn’t expecting you to say it, first though.

you had invited him over for dinner and a movie, just wanting a chill night in with your boyfriend. he brought the wine and promised to give you a back massage, so really, what more could you want on this chilly thursday night?

“what’s been going on, honey? you know you can tell me anything,” jackson whispered into your ear as he helped you out of your clothes.

“I feel like I deserve to oversee my department at work. i have the most education of all of them, more experience than them, and generally, I am more optimistic than my superiors….,” you sighed, letting him rub just under your shoulder blades, which had been itching all week.

“mmm?”

“i think they might be scared of powerful women who like to wear hot pink fendi suits to work,” you smiled, knowing he would be offended at your joke. you could almost feel him pouting.

“so the reason you can’t get the job is because your superiors don’t like the suits your boyfriend buys you? wow, what a way to hurt a guy’s pride…,” he followed your lead on the joke, trying to make you laugh because he knew this was really getting to you. “baby, I think you should go to their boss and see if you can get a promotion…tell them everything you told me, okay? i know you’re not only the best woman for the job, but the best person for the job…period,” he said, making you feel so overwhelmed with emotion. none of your previous partners had ever revered you the way jackson had. you felt so incredibly blessed and in love, you couldn’t help yourself.

“god, jackson, I love you so much,” you whispered.

the movement of his soft hands on your back stopped abruptly at your words. ‘oh god, was it too early to say that?’

“j-jackson…im sorry-“

“ive been waiting to say that to you,” he breathed against your lips, closing the distance that was between them.

“jackson wang….you love me?” you could feel the tears building. the man of your dreams was in love with you, too.

“i love you,” he whispered reverently.

“say it again,” you begged. he said it like a mantra.

“i love you, i love you….i love you..”

jinyoung; moving in together

jinyoung thought you were so cute. you were ecstatic to move with jinyoung. you had been living in your shared apartment with your mom your whole life and we’re excited to start a new chapter of your life. jinyoung didn’t think you were taking in the fact that moving is one of the most stressful things a person can go through.

he didn’t want to rain on your parade, though.

the two of you got settled into your new apartment after a long day of unpacking. jinyoung kissed you as you laid onto your new king sized bed. “im gonna grab takeout, you want your usual?” he asked sweetly, squeezing your hand. you just nodded, squeezing his hand back.

you watched as jinyoung walked out of your shared bedroom. that’s when the dam broke. you were so overwhelmed. you didn’t know how to make warm water happen in your shower, you didn’t have your wifi set up, and you forgot your favorite teddy bear at your moms. you missed teddy and your wifi and your mom.

“hey, i ordered you two egg rolls and they gave us three - hey, baby, are you crying?”

“no,” you replied lamely. “I miss teddy,” you wailed miserably.

“teddy...the...stuffed bear?” he asked.

“i slept with him every night for the past 20 something years.”

“baby...we can get your bear in the morning...,”

“we don’t have netflix set up so how am i supposed to sleep tonight?”

“y/n...,” he chuckled. you frowned harder now that he was laughing at you. “moving isn’t as exciting as it looks. tomorrow, we will fix the wifi, okay? and we can visit your mom and rescue teddy.”

“okay...okay. im sorry, im just a bit overwhelmed,” you confessed.

“its gonna be okay, honey. it’s a lot to take in, i know. but you can hold me instead of teddy, and ill sing you to sleep,” he whispered, the takeout now long forgotten. before you could fall asleep, he pulled his iphone out of his back pocket and pulled you into his chest to take a selfie. “there. now we have a picture of us in our bed for the first time.”

“i love you, you sap.”

even though you called him the sap, the next day you went to the pharmacy to get the photo printed and frame it. when jinyoung came home from the market that day, he eyed the frame on your bed stand, smirking at you.

“oh, so im the sap, hmm?”

youngjae; picking up the tab

it was the first date the two of you had been on since youngjae had been on tour. he told you to get dressed up and that the two of you would go out for a fancy dinner and catch up on everything. this is why you loved him, because while you wanted to hear all about his stories of life and tour abroad, he always wanted to hear about everything that was going at home, to see if you were alright.

youngjae looked dazzling in a black checked suit, while you matched him with a little black dress that made him groan when you stepped out of the bathroom. “can we skip dinner?” he’d ask cheekily. you rolled your eyes at him before kissing him on the cheek. “we aren’t skipping dinner, and we definitely won’t be skipping dessert,” you winked before leading him to the car.

the two of you ate dinner together, him holding your hand and looking at you with stars in his eyes as you told him stories that had happened while he was away. you ordered appetizers, drinks, shared an entrée, and youngjae even ordered you a slice of apple pie for the two of you to share.

“baby, I’m going to go use the restroom,” youngjae said before kissing your hand. “’kay, don’t get mugged, please,” you teased him. he shook his head at your playfulness. you watched as he left before frantically waving your arms at your waitress. she ran over to you, checking if you were alright.

“I just wanted to wonder if I can pick up the cheque really quick? I wanted to pick it up for my boyfriend as a surprise,” you spoke in a hushed tone, making the waitress giggle. she nodded her head before handing it to her. you handed her your credit card, thanking her before your boyfriend had any suspicions of what you were up to.

youngjae came out of the bathroom as soon as the waitress set the cheque down. you were applying your lipstick so you couldn’t snatch it in time. you watched as his pretty brown eyes scanned the receipt, looking confused as ever. “is this a joke? what kind of waitress lets the girlfriend pay?”

“jae,” you giggled. “you don’t always have to pay for dinner. I wanted to treat you…I missed you so much,” you confided, watching his expression from anger into warmth.

“oh, thank you honey, you are so sweet and thoughtful, I love you so much,” you let him wrap his suit jacket around your arms before planting a kiss to your forehead. “but that will be the last time you ever do that.”

“shut up, i like doing nice things for you,” you pouted.

“since you paid for dinner tonight, i have to put out, right?”

he ran to the car before you could slap him in the chest.

bam; his s/o borrowing his clothes

remember how joey never shared his food? well that’s how bam was with his wardrobe. he was very particular about his clothing, not letting people borrow them at all. yugyeom used to steal his clothes just to be petty and piss his best friend off. he had never let past partners borrow his clothes, and nothing was going to change, it wasn’t his fault, it was an obsession. if you were sure of one thing, it was to not steal your boyfriends clothes.

but one day, while he was gone from work, you thought you would take pictures of yourself in only one of his blazers to tease him.

you weren’t expecting him to walk through the door while you were trying to take self timer pictures of yourself.

“baby? what are you doing?” bam asked, laughing as you let out a squeal of surprise.

“i..i wanted to surprise you...,” he tsked, pulling away to look at his blazer. “i know you don’t like me wearing your things..,” you stammered as he circled you.

“you have such pretty things, though, bam,”

“you look so sexy in this,” he purred. “you were trying to get me worked up while im trying to work?”

“u...uhhh,” you couldn’t think coherently with you boyfriend acting so domineering. you gasped as he slid his hand up to your cunt, rubbing your clit in little circles. “bam...please...,” you groaned.

“keep the blazer on,” he said as you writhed in his grip.

“its gonna get all sweaty though and then you’ll yell at me,” you teased him as you followed him to the bed.

bam just groaned. “baby, im sorry I haven’t let you borrow my clothes before but you look better in them than me. now, let me fuck you and i promise you can have anything you want in that closet.”

he knew exactly how to shut you up.

yugyeom; his s/o buying him flowers

yugyeom was always so stressed during comeback season. you always scolded him when he forgot to eat, or wasn’t staying hydrated enough, but you were so proud of him. seeing the smile on his face and the way he walked a little taller was so worth it.

he was still busy during comeback season, coming home late after all the videos he had to shoot for publicity.

one night, yugyeom had gotten home around midnight to a bouquet of pink roses and a handwritten note from you. it read; “I am so proud of you, my love. congrats on breath… I can always feel your love,” he blushed and giggled to himself, thinking, “isn’t the guy supposed to buy the girlfriend the flowers?” he wandered into your shared bedroom to see you sprawled into his side, with your book in your hands, a soft snore leaving your lips. he nudged you, not intending to wake you up, he could thank you in the morning. but he did accidentally. “yeom?” you whispered.

“shh, baby go back to sleep,” he shushed, changing into his pjs.

“did you like the flowers?” you asked, suddenly awake now.

“theyre really pretty, baby, but aren’t I supposed to buy you the flowers?”

you narrowed your eyes at him. “not my boyfriend being a sexist,”

“yah! y/n stop it, I didn’t mean it that way!! I love them, you remembered I said I love roses,” he was pouting now, pulling you into his chest to spoon you. his voice got quieter now. “no one’s ever remembered my favorite flowers…much less bought them for me,” he paused, kissing the back of your neck before closing his eyes and falling fast asleep.

he was whipped.

#got7 #got7 scenarios #got7 reactions #got7 preferences #got7 writing #got7 imagines #park jinyoung #mark tuan #choi youngjae #kim yugyeom #bambam #jackson wang #im jaebeom #got7 writings

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artificialqueens · 3 years

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A Call Away (Rosnali) - Athena2

Summary: Sick and stressed about missing the drive n drag tour, Rosé calls Denali and gets a surprise the next day.

A/N: I just really love hurt/comfort, and I just had to write this. Thank you so much to Writ for beta-ing and hyping me up and encouraging me to post this, because I didn't think it was anything special. I hope you enjoy, and please leave feedback if you'd like!

Rosé has been in bed for an hour before he gets restless, and his restless hands quickly start a FaceTime call with Denali. Denali knows he’s been missing shows, but he doesn’t know yet that Rosé is almost certainly out of the rest of the tour, and maybe Rosé wants to add to his misery, because he decides now is as good a time as any to tell him.

“Hi, Rosie.” Denali smiles on screen, and Rosé feels some part of his misery recede just by seeing him.

“Hi, baby.”

“How are you feeling?”

“Like shit,” Rosé says honestly, heart tugging when Denali winces in sympathy. “I don’t know if you know, but I—I’m pretty much out of the tour.” He didn’t want to say it out loud, because that only made it real, but it’s good to have it out in the open, one less thing stressing him out right now.

“I kinda figured,” Denali says quietly. “I know you haven’t been doing well.”

“I don’t even know what’s wrong,” Rosé admits fearfully, blinking back the tears that spring in his eyes. “I’m always so tired and everything just hurts, for weeks now. I’ve been working through it but I went to urgent care this week and they kind of said I can’t anymore.”

Their words had been a lot clearer and firmer than that, and it had landed him out of the tour and back in New York. There’s a small chance that his doctor will let him back on the tour, but Rosé knows she won’t. Management knows too, because they’re already working on replacing him. It hurts, knowing he’s that easily replaceable. He should’ve fought harder to stay, to cling to a tour people would kill for, because who knows if he’ll get this chance again? But deep down he knows the doctors are right, that he really can’t be on stage every night in his condition.

“I’m so sorry, Rosie,” Denali says, the love and sadness in his eyes coming through even on screen. “I know how much you wanted this.”

“Yeah. And now I’m just stuck in bed like a baby for the rest of my life, watching everyone’s videos when I should be there myself.”

He knows he’s being ridiculous and childish, but he can’t help it. He hates it. Hates being powerless and stuck in bed when he should be with the other queens, traveling or getting ready to perform, not struggling to lift his arm and reach for his water bottle. Even if he probably couldn’t get himself out of bed right now, he still hates it. He’s not one for sitting still, always moving around, singing or fixing wigs or working on makeup, and he’s never had to back out of something like this. He’s done shows with colds and even the flu before. He pushed through the finale when he was a total mess. He’s always managed to keep going even when he probably shouldn’t, and now it’s caught up to him, and he can’t push through it anymore.

“Rosie—“

“I’m fine. Just being dramatic.”

Denali still looks at him with love and concern, and Rosé swallows the lump in his throat at Denali loving him even when he’s being ridiculous. “It’s okay if you’re not fine, you know. This is a lot, and I know it sucks. But I also know you’re probably burning yourself out. You need to rest.”

You need to rest. It’s all Rosé has heard, from the other queens, from the physical trainer, from everyone in the urgent care he visited this week. But he doesn’t want to rest. He wants to perform. He wants to be on stage, making people scream night after night, functioning on the bare minimum of terrible airplane sleep in between shows. That’s what everyone else is doing, so why can’t he do it anymore? Why does he feel weak, like an asshole for dropping out of the tour when he’s just a little under the weather? Why is he trapped in bed with a body so achy it’s like a five-ton elephant has parked itself on top of him?

“You’re right,” Rosé says reluctantly. Maybe if he stays in bed all weekend like he’s supposed to, it’ll fix whatever is wrong, and by Monday the doctor will let him back on the tour. He can hope, anyway.

“I’m gonna let you go, okay?” Denali says softly. “You look pretty tired, you should get some sleep.”

“Okay,” Rosé says. His eyes flutter as the exhaustion hits suddenly, like it doesn’t have to hide anymore now that Denali has mentioned it. “Love you,” he says around a yawn.

“Love you too.”

—-

Rosé is in and out for most of the day, and has no idea what day it is when he fully wakes to the door closing. He fumbles for his phone, wincing at the bright screen that tells him it’s Sunday morning. What about the noise, though? Should he get up and see who it is?

“Oh, Rosie.”

Rosé rubs his eyes, finally grasping that he’s not dreaming and Denali really is here, in his doorway. Denali really came here just to see him. Rosé's still trying to figure out how Denali got in when he remembers that he gave him an extra key, just in case. This wasn’t the kind of just in case Rosé had in mind, but maybe it was a good thing, in hindsight.

He tries to sit up, wanting nothing more than to run to Denali and hug him, but Denali’s hands gently ease him back down.

“No, don’t you dare get out of this bed, Rosie. I’m coming to you.”

He slides into the other side of the bed, immediately pulling Rosé close to him, letting him rest his head on his chest. Rosé sighs in content as Denali strokes his back. It’s the most comfortable he’s been all weekend, and he feels some of his stress and nerves settle down, soothed by Denali’s presence.

“I can’t believe you’re here,” he says.

“I knew you were having a rough time. I figured I could make it a little better.”

“You did.”

He feels Denali take a breath. “How are you feeling? Honestly.”

“I—I’m scared, Nali,” he admits. It’s the first time he’s let himself show anyone his fear, instead of his annoyance at missing shows or his determination to get back. But he never has to hide around Denali. “I don’t know what’s wrong, why I’ve felt so awful for weeks now, and it might be something bad, and I’m gonna miss the tour and let so many people down…” The tears are spilling over onto Denali’s shirt and Rosé doesn’t try to stop them. He’s been holding everything back for weeks now, his worry as he just felt worse and worse over time, his fear of something being wrong, his guilt of missing the shows and disappointing everyone, and he lets it all go on Denali’s chest.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay, Rosie,” Denali soothes. “It’s okay. I know you don’t want to let people down, honey. I know. But you have to take care of yourself first. They should understand that, and if they don’t, that’s their problem.”

Rosé sniffles.

“I’m sure you’re gonna be fine. You probably just need to take some time off and really rest, let yourself fully recover from everything.”

“Yeah. You’re probably right.” It’s easier to hear it from Denali, from someone he loves, rather than from a host of doctors and nurses. He knows they mean well, knows he should listen to them, but Denali’s soft voice makes it easier to listen, makes the knowledge less distressing somehow.

“When’s your appointment?” Denali asks.

“Tomorrow morning.” Rosé sighs. “Fuck, I’m so sick of doctors and needles and tests and all the waiting.”

“I’ll come with you,” Denali says.

“What?” Rosé asks in disbelief, hope bursting in him at the thought of waking up tomorrow with Denali still here.

Denali nods. “You said it’s in the morning, and I don’t leave until tomorrow night. I can come with you.”

“Thank you," he whispers, not caring how small he feels for wanting someone to go to the doctor with him.

“Of course. I’ve been to about a million doctors in my day, Rosie. I know how much it can suck. At least I can keep you company.”

Rosé forces his head up in search of a kiss, one Denali leans down to give him. It’s soft and warm and everything Rosé needs, and he whines in protest when Denali pulls away.

“You can have more kisses later, but you need to rest now,” he says.

Rosé pouts, but he settles back down against Denali’s chest, letting the warmth and safety send him off to sleep.

#rpdr fanfiction #s13 #denali foxx #rosé #rosnali #hurt/comfort #fluff #sick fic #athena2 #concrit welcome #submission

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sarriathmg · 4 years

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Omega Jason Todd Week 2020 Day 7: Free day #2 - Historical AU - 1700s What happens if none of the prompts you wanted to do made it? Why, crunch them all on the free day, of course!

Pfft yall have no proof that I'm just looking for excuses to put Jason in various dresses AO3 link ----

“I despise this,” Jason whispered to himself as he ripped the elaborate powdered wig off of his head and threw it aside, “this is atrocious.”

He really didn’t understand the reason why he had to do this. The whole rationale behind having to use his omega charms to approach the Waynes completely evaded him. Not when he had to dress in these ridiculous red satins and side hoops, barely able to move with him tripping over his gown every second step. The tightly laced stays he wore made his torso stiff and the dainty shoes hurt his feet. Jason hated how demeaning the low laced collar was, practically revealing his breasts for all the world to see, evoking interested looks to shoot at him from alphas all around which Jason absolutely detested. He also hated the perfumes that he was made to wear. They were too sweet, too artificial. Too obviously omega.

“I will kill Roman for this,” he said through clenched teeth. And to think the bastard alpha had the audacity to suggest that he also powder his face white and rouge his cheeks. He missed his coat, his red-colored hooded cloak and his simple mask (not like the frilly one he’s forced to wear to the masked ball), and his boots (God, did he miss his boots). But most importantly, Jason missed his guns. He missed his belt and his firearms, and he wished he was anywhere but here, dressed in unisex habits wreaking havoc in the harbor near the Wayne’s ships instead of standing here pretending to be some vulnerable damsel wearing these demeaning pannier and bows and satins that dragged on the ground, trying to use his omega attractiveness against the supposedly unsuspecting Waynes.

Jason huffed out a frustrated sigh before looking around himself. And, after making sure that no one was staring, he quietly and stealthily took off the ruffled red domino mask to reveal his face. Jason wanted a break. He needed one.

The Waynes had three sons and only one of them was alpha, a rich kid who was more into playing around than any official courtship and more into forming his own pack of misfits than staying home and taking over the pack legacy like a responsible alpha son should. Jason had read all the files on Richard Grayson before Roman had made him prepare for the ball, and he wasn’t convinced one bit that this plan was going to work.

‘But wouldn’t it be easier if you used an omega with more finesse who is more experienced with higher society?’ he’d asked.

‘Son,’ Roman had answered, right before he helped lace on Jason’s stays, ‘you’re selling yourself short. Besides, your training made you the best omega for this job.’

Except it’s easier said than done. Trying to disguise himself as a fine omega who’s lived among aristocracy his whole life when he was in actuality but a street urchin found curled up in the gutter was bloody hard. Jason didn’t have a smidge of clue on how to act properly and pretend to be a respectable omega like the rich bastards he was finding himself amongst right now. Only making things harder was him trying to locate the couple of targets he was meant to seduce in a massive ballroom where every single alpha, omega, and even some betas had their faces hidden behind masks. Jason had no clue what either Wayne or Grayson looked like in real life, which meant it was almost impossible to locate them among tens of masked attendants.

And speaking of which, of course, someone just had to decide to speak to Jason the same moment he removed his.

“May I have this dance?”

The voice sounded behind him with a classy but seductive alpha timbre. Jason looked back only so he could yell at the pretentious male to get lost. But that’s not what ended up happening. As soon as he had his eyes set on the young man, Jason immediately forgot what he was going to say.

A young alpha - perhaps only a few years older than Jason and dressed in black and blue - was holding his hand out to him in a polite and gentlemanly way. His hair was raven black, wavy, and down to his shoulders. His coat had golden trims and decorations embroidered among the smooth surface of the bright blue satin, yet they didn’t look overly ornate in any way. If anything, they made the man’s cerulean-blue eyes stand out even more under his simple silken black domino mask.

“You’re not from around here, I presume?” the alpha asked, still holding out his hand, black silken glove with blue strips catching some of the light from the wall lamps surrounding them, “if there had been such a fine omega around Gotham before, I would’ve noticed.”

There’s something...fraudulent in the alpha’s mannerism. The smile on his lips did not reach his eyes, his words were practiced, and Jason was way too familiar with the look in the man’s eyes which showed an alpha’s inquisitive behavior that Jason had known from his days on the streets. The scents he wore were also artificial, smelling eternally of calm sandalwood and lime, not giving away anything about the alpha’s true emotions or intentions.

Jason swallowed. His eyes quickly darted towards his side, catching a glimpse of Roman walking by while sipping a glass of wine, eyes trailing to him unsuspectedly under the black skull mask he wore. And Jason immediately knew this was a dance that he’s not allowed to turn down.

“You have a keen eye,” Jason said instead, couldn’t hold down the almost sarcastic tone in his voice as he placed his own gloved hand onto the alpha’s fancily clad ones, “care to tell me more about this city?”

As he let the alpha lead him down to the dance floor, Jason was beginning to feel anxious. Roman did in fact hire a tutor to train him in the dances of the upper-class, but Jason didn’t know if he’s adequate enough to keep up. He still had his mask in his hand, so Jason restored it back onto his face.

They began an allemande, starting their tip-toed dance to the trendy orchestral music that had gotten quite popular in the past decade before holding hands and twirling around each other, their fake alpha and omega perfumes mixing in a chaotic whirlpool of imitation of courtship pheromones.

“There’s a lot about Gotham that I could talk about,” the young and beautiful alpha finally spoke up, his long hair softly bouncing and whirling around with his movement, a loose strand temporarily stuck to the side of his mask before falling away and joining the others. “I don’t know what could interest a young omega like you. Do you rather talk about the elite or the poor?”

“Anything interesting, I suppose,” Jason answered with barely-concealed boredom, “my interests are broad, despite my designation.”

“In that case,” the alpha held his hand and they twirled around, a wave of dizziness suddenly catching Jason by surprise, “I suppose you might have heard about the mysterious red-hooded rogue who’s been attacking the harbors?”

Jason put on his practiced impassive visage and lied, “No. Care to tell me?”

Another swirl, and this time the alpha caught a hold of his waist and his hand, and they swayed in the music like two bodies in one.

“Well,” the alpha said thoughtfully, “forgive me for mentioning such a dark matter in front of an omega. The man calls himself Red Hood, and seemed to harbor a hate for the rich. He had been sabotaging Wayne's shipments for almost a month. But it’s nothing someone like you should worry about...we town folks are generally safe, despite being the ‘rich’ that the fiend hates so much.”

“Doesn’t seem like a topic one would talk about with an omega they just met at a ball,” Jason deadpanned.

“You’re right,” the alpha said, an amused tone in his voice, “but it’s something that’s been happening to Gotham which a newcomer might find helpful. And, since it appears this is your first ball, I think it’s proper of me to help...break the ice, so to speak.”

“What makes you think that?”

“Oh, many things,” the alpha laughed, “like how your mannerism doesn’t match with someone educated in high society from birth, or how you look like you are struggling to move in those garments.”

He took Jason’s hand and they made a swirl, the orchestral music in the ballroom ringing fancily in the omega’s ears.

“Although,” the alpha then mused, “isn’t it strange, that no one truly knows Red Hood’s designation, even though most just assumed he is alpha, like most rogues? It does seem a rather rare coincidence that a lovely omega like you would show up suddenly at the Wayne’s ball around the same time their shipments are being sabotaged by an elusive red-hooded figure.”

Jason was so shocked that he didn’t know what to say. He was suddenly glad that the perfumes he wore were heavy-scented enough that it could hide his true anxiety. He almost fell by tripping on the side of his gown, but the mysterious young alpha caught his waist just in time.

The alpha supported him until Jason was able to balance himself on his heels again. Then, he held his hand in a gentlemanly fashion as Jason stared at him speechless and dumbfounded.

“Forgive my ill manners,” the alpha said, “I apologize for my intrusive words. It’s not every day one could find a lovely omega to talk to. You seemed to be someone with similar interests as me despite your designation, so I let myself speak more than I should have.”

And then he kissed his hand, soft lips feeling warm even as they were obstructed by silken gloves. The young alpha’s long hair dropped down and tickled him through the fabric, and for a moment Jason had the insane thought that even his fake sandalwood scents smelled pleasant.

“We will meet again, my lovely omega,” the alpha said as he began to step away, still holding Jason’s hand a while longer as their arms stretched a little to accommodate. There’s something in the alpha’s expression and tone that told Jason he wasn’t just speaking to be polite. He actually meant it.

Then, the alpha was gone, leaving Jason to stand and contemplate the situation by himself.

#ojtw2020 #omegajasontoddweek #Jason Todd #dick grayson #dickjay #omega jason todd #bottom jason todd #myart

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towerofgodscreamblogwink · 3 years

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reading last chap of s2 after covering several chapters yesterday, also since it's end of the season, for once I put some bigger serious thoughts at the end

who the FUCK ARE YOU PEOPLE???

OH MY GOD KARAKA IS TSUNDERE

there are OTHER slayers?? (except fucking ex white) if they mentioned it earlier i must’ve forgot

that’s not how to talk to your daddy greatest

-(no i don’t like jahad i’m here to bully karaka because i tend to bully my faves)

*punches table* rabbit boy. get out. i have not sighed so loud in my entire life

oh i see why people were calling them furries.

listen, you either give us catboys or leave.

please don’t say “creatures” if it’s like your furry way of talking

that guy: not to worry he has a permit

gustang: *pulls out paper* “i can get whatever i want”

i’ve read “gremlin” im dONE

you know what maybe i should just go to bed rn

also cat is destroying my door dear lord

ok so it’s the next day now

“ahahaha”

“I can’t read...”

SHIT I HAVEN’T NOTICED RACHEL GOT TELEPORTED

erh i’m dumb on this one, why have they made this parallels?

I don’t want to tell you this but he just reminded me of chara undertale...

wangan: onii-chan!?

wait what

ouch

soooo karaka believes wangan’s story even w/o ring then?

*spits tea* ow goddammit not the feels

anyhoo that’s the end of s2, siu put a note about break but yeah that was years ago, so pretty sure i’ll be starting s3 even now but i won’t be posting it rn

anyhoo well that was suprisingly long season? my usual knowledge of “Seasons” is usually from anime, and these tend to have seasons with usual 2 or 3 arcs but they usually don’t go in so many different directions

personally it feels like half of season 2 is a season on it’s own tbh, and maybe that’s how anime could adapt it, perhaps? although 12 episodes would work best with just setting on saving bam from fug.. either anime would make the seasons in parts like aot did with s3 or have lots and lots of seasons, since probability of anime getting 24 episodes has gotten awfully small those years

As for the opinions on season 2... I see first half and season on it’s own, so let’s start from this - Bam getting rescued, and first time they enter hell train. First of all, Bam as Viole is absolutely nailing this, and I wouldn’t mind having Viole as protagonist to be honest, although it would be indeed sad as Viole is not the happiest person, but damn is he a cutie. Is he a baby.

Wangan - oh dear I dunno if others saw the plot twist coming, but I did not - I have absolutely been viewing him as Bam’s counterpart to his Viole side, just a complete shounen protagonist who’s completely ordinary. Boy was I w ro n g. I only remember vaguely being sus about him when Viole has mentioned his ring, but that was about it, as it was never mentioned again, I forgot about it. And then it appeared Karaka has this ring. Boy was I shooketh.

I don’t think I exactly liked the further progression though until Wangan’s story was revealed - until then he kinda fell into background, and then soon again as said story was revealed. However I do know Siu has big plans with him, and at this point I know Siu’s writing enough, so I don’t have much worries about his further progression

Also sadly there was no Karaka-Wangan brother bonding

Next in mind I have Khun, naturally, as he’s my icy hot favourite. I don’t really know why even, when I saw him in anime I was quite indifferent about him. So if you want me to explain why do I like khun, I can’t really explain. Other than when he was becoming my favourite, I remember being dissappointed in myself and making a post to myself “Goddammit don’t fall for him just because he’s your type” and he’s not even really my type in terms of personality, but at that point I was jsut shrugging it off, maybe it was his childish over-dramatic posture contrasting his cold personality because I just hit that protect button

Also yes I may be basic just slap me already

And before I’ll start talking: girl’s scout outfit, really? I support my son and I can understand his edgy and k-pop fashion... But I’d be lying if I said I understood him for shit at that moment

So now that we’re past back... I was actually recently re-reading first chapters, and damn, the difference of Khun before Bam was rescued - was rather intriguing. He was laughing his ass off at silly things (his team being dressed silly) but oh sweetie did it feel weird.

Next, I keep thinking about him on the train obliberating Rachel - despite popular opinion, his cockiness was actually getting on my nerves, and only thing saving it, was his reasons were Bam - so in other words, at least he wasn’t an asshat for his own sake.

I much liked his personality during second half of the season 2 - as much as there wasn’t much khunbam content - seems like Khun has grown as a person,as his cocky aura much disappeared as he became more understanding towards his own weaknesses. Now his “cockiness” became rather entertaining if you catch my drift, because despite his jerk nature, he *is* well aware of his flaws, and I just like that. Not that he *wasn’t* considerate of that already, but the hidden floor really did wonders on him.

And dear my, his relationship with Bam. I’ll be honest, at some point during reading first half of season 2, I felt like I was reading romance story between him and Bam. It was all the little things, like playing with Rachel just to know Bam’s past, Khun noticing Bam was uncomfortable with Viole wig, Khun being near Bam as he spoke he has no reasons to live, Khun standing up for Bam when strangers tried to use him and Isu asked for his help but skipped the asking part, Khun looking back to Bam telling him he’ll be back when going to catch the fish on train, Khun trying to talk to him when Bam locked himself up in his room on train, constantly checking and finally waiting in his room when he notices Bam is gone, Khun noticing lack of Bam’s presence before going to floor of death right *after* he just said he feels like world is ending if Bam isn’t here, and then beeming when Bam does in fact appears. And that’s just all the stuff I can remember right now, and I mean the *little* things. The big things are the ones we know well - “So that I can always chase” and the famous world one I don’t have to quote.

Second half didn’t have much scenes, but there were few that did stuck to me - Bam’s line to Kiseia how he understands why she hates him, but he’ll do everything he can to stop her if she plans to harm Khun *again*. Because it seemed like Bam kind of moved on from Khun getting stabbed by his sis, but that panel did show that not only it *did* stay with him, it also stayed with him that it was *Kiseia* who hurt him.

Another scene was the one I don’t think I need to talk about much, as we all pretty understand - moment of Khun and Eduan awkward father-son bonding. Khun tries to close himself off, but Bam reaches out, and forces him out of comfort zone

But what mostly stuck out to me, was his behaviour after Khun became kinda dead. It was the way he spoke to endorsi and rest, how *he’s* going to take khun and follow the *harder* path, and anyone who *don’t want to come*, can take the easier one. Basically, he was prepared to go the harder route completely alone because it meant taking Khun with him, and he was just, prepared to go without any help, he only optionally added that others can join if they *want* to.

Another interesting scene, was Hwaryun calling him out, when few of his teammates has been captured, due to them taking the different path from Bam - but if they are meant to escape with Khun, they have to leave them, and when Bam gets steamy about it, Hwaryun goes - “I didn’t choose the teams. You’ve chosen them based on who matters more.” It’s so subtle, so cruel, yet intriguing - one of the most worst way to tell someone he cares for someone else more - she’s only saying Khun mattered to him more, but in this context, it sounds accusing, making Bam’s decision selfish. And that’s something that’s absolutely in my mind - his care for Khun, called out in “accusing” matter - as something that stopped him from commiting other decision - as something he’s willing to priotize others over.

So I can’t stop thinking about that, and truthfully? That last “take care of Khun after me.” line.

But the other line from bam’s monolouge that gets me is “Wait a bit more Khun... I’ll wake you up again.” That “again” gets to me, but I can’t really explain it. Maybe it’s the way he looks at Khun longily.

So this covers their relationship, and I think I’m only gonna mention Bam now real quick and perhaps Eudan and Jahad, because the post’s getting long and I don’t want to make *this* post specifically long.

I don’t have much to say about Bam, as Bam himself doesn’t have much to say about him. He didn’t have much definying features or characteristics besides the time he was Viole, but you have to hand it to him for growing after meeting after she pushed him for the first time - it was still hard to say anything about him though. For several chapters later - as well, except he did manage to develop the traits of self-sacriface, and actual resolve to save everyone - because he talks about *always* and sure fights for his friends, but who doesn’t? Where his personality shines in this regard, is in the moment of Bam saving his enemies with no questions asked, and White by the way definetely helped Bam to develop his personality for sure.

But either way I’m here roasting Bam, while my goal was to say, that it was in the hidden floor where I’ve actually started recognizing him as his own character - it was in the moment of him having final confrontation with Viole, I finally saw what kind of person he was. And I liked it, he became a solid character in that moment, accompanied by proper flashbacks and exploration. And Bam continues to be then written quite consinstely as in one of later flashbacks, he indeed says, what he said to Viole a while ago - he’s afraid of being alone. Not only that, the internal conflict was added - is he a monster? is he not? It’s simple conflict but can do wonders, and it’s not something that Bam even thinks about, it’s more of a really subtle conflict within a character design itself, rather than Bam.

So basically now Bam indeed feels more of an actual character

And before I’ll end it for now, I want to mention the meeting of young Eudan, andyoung Jahad - truth to be told, I don’t have most unique feelings towards them as anyone sees the point - the adventures with pure intentions turned evil, aka how everyone can turn evil. What makes me more interested, is how Siu has used it for storytelling... Main characters having a big meeting with the younger versions of villians? Haven’t seen that one yet, so I’m interested what direction Siu will take with it, since this is my first time seeing it, so I’m really curious how exactly you can utilize such scenes in terms of long planned story, and not only how they affect story as a whole, but how they also affect just aspects of it as well.

So, that’d be it on my commentary and small “opinion” on season 2. It wasn’t like I exactly wanted to put it here, but I wanted the end of season 2 to have more meaning to myself. But not only to have a meaning to myself *just* for my own reasons, but because I didn’t want to leave the whole season with nothing but small comments there and there. I wanted my experience altogether to be something bigger - but not only experience, but my “legacy” as well. So, that’d be about it x2, if you’re still reading, congratulations, I appreciate that, and you get an apple

#tog #tower of git gud #tower of god #nesreads #nes reads

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hobbitsnapes · 4 years

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The Red Hoods Protègè chapter 18

Older Damian Wayne x ofc

(Photo made by my lovely friend @inspeech)

Summary:Red hood has taken a young vigilante under his wing and subsequently changes Damians life forever.

Tags: @comic-nerd-dc @comic-brew @psychovigilantewrites @psych0crybaby

Leaves crunched under her boots the further out she got. The cool air sending shivers up her spine despite the heavy jacket she wore. The faster her steps fit, the harder the leaves rustled against her feet.

Today had been a long day, having been out since before the sun breaked over the sky. She had left at 5:30 to head into the city, going to various shops with Tim. They were hurrying to gather everything they needed for Saturday.

In 2 days time, was the Wayne Halloween gala. Bruce would always host one each year, but with the help, and threats, sandy convinced him to let her decorate.

Usually, there wasn’t much. A punch bowl filled with dark red punch, people wearing black, and the ovation all scary song. But not this year.

Halloween has always been one of her favorite holidays. While her parents didn’t let her leave the house, they would decorate their home with spooky decor, bake Halloween treats for them to enjoy and dress up and have a dance party.

Since her adoption, she kept up the tradition. Last year having baked cookies whilst dressed up with her father. Her dresses up as Dorothy, and Jason as the cowardly lion. It suited him, for his large stature, and as she put it, “nearly as much body hair.” Which caused him to laugh. Halloween has a special place in her heart, it wasn’t just scary costumes and scares. It was about having fun being someone that you aren’t. Well, some did that everyday.

She kept walking outback, further out than she had ever been. Usually she stuck to the large garden, but today she went further.

She stopped in her tracks when she noticed a pond, and beside it was, a small barn? Questions swam in her brain as to what it could be. It didn’t look old, or vacant. Her curiosity got the better of her as she walked up to it.

Reaching for the handle, she braced herself. What could be in here? Is she allowed? She’s far from the manor, barely seeing it from this distance.

A noise from inside startled her, her heart sinking slightly. Somethings in there. She finally turned the knob, a gasp leaving her when she opened the door.

Tims phone rang beside him, startling him awake. Drool collected at the side of his face, wiping it away. He picked it up, answering the call without looking. “Hello?” He asked, his voice strained and groggy with sleep. “Tim, I, um. How do I put this? Help.” His heart picked up as he’s fully awake, panic fills him when he hears the tone in Sandy’s voice. Slightly wavering but calm. “What’s going on, where are you? Are you hurt?” Each question he asked came out more urgent than the last. “First off stop panicking. Second, I um, went for a walk outback and I came across a small barn. And I’m. Idk how to put this so I’m just gonna say it. There’s a cow and it’s currently sucking my hand like it’s a nipple. I’m stuck.” Relief filled him, then questions, then laughter. “So you’ve met batcow.” He chucked. “Huh? I’m, what?” Her response made him laugh even harder. “Damian got her when he was younger. She’s actually the reason he went vegetarian. Why don’t you just pull your hand out her mouth? She’s not mean.” “That’s the problem. Each time I try she cries. I don’t want to offend her.” Laughs boomer out his chest, his head thrown back as he clutched his stomach. “So she’s doing that again, alright. I hate to say this but, I’ve gotta call Damian to go get you. Sometimes she does this and he’s the only person she listens too. Are you okay with that?” “It’s fine, just tell him to hurry up. It’s cold out here.”

Damian sighed when he spotted her, confusion coming even faster when he got up to her. She sat against the barn, with batcow still sucking her hand. He watched as she talked to the cow as if it was a normal person. “So you’re talking to animals now?” He asked, a small smirk on his face. “You’re one to talk.” He raised his eyebrow at her. “You dress up every night, inspired by a bird. That’s totally normal.” Both chuckle slightly at her response. He bends down to both of them, bringing his hand and scratching the top of the cows head. “Alright come on pretty girl. You gotta let go of her hand.” As if he used magic, the cow let go of her hand. She shakes her hand, wiping it off on her pants. They both stand up, putting the cow back inside the barn.

She ran ramped down the hallway, dispersing and running back down for what was the 36 time. Dick and Damian both opened their doors, stepping out. She ran into dicks chest, nearly knocking both of them over. She had a box in her arms, handing it to dick. “There’s more in my room. Both of you, bring it down to the gala room now.” She frantically exclaimed. Running back to her room, running out with 2 more boxes.

Shock filled them when they entered the room. The usually plain grand room filled with decorations. Cobwebs strung on each wall corner. Toy bats hung down from the feeling. Pumpkins filled each window and empty surface along with candles that hadn’t been lit. “How did you-“ “lots of dedication, and a ladder. Now both of you, get everyone to come in here and help me.” Shock filled them further. She looked tired. Her usually wavy hair now curly and wet. She wore high waisted jeans with a tank top tucked into it. Her botfly glistened with a layer of sweat. Her face was flushed, shiny due to her sweating. Both of them looked around again, still in awe of the room. “You’ve done all this, by yourself?” Damian asked. “Yes, I started around 2 this morning.” She replied. Her voice sounding even more tired than before as she rummaged through another box. “Wait, 2? I heard you go to bed at 12. Have you slept?” Duck asked, worry filling him as he watched her. “Couldn’t fall asleep. I gave up at around 1:30 and started getting everything ready for tomorrow.” Worry stuck both of them at her response. “Sandy, go to bed. You need to sleep.” Dick says, his voice harder than usual. “It’s fine. I need to get this done. Besides, Tim does it all the time.” She replies, annoyance laced in her voice. “Yes and he's done this for years. You haven’t. So go to bed.” Damian said, his voice growing slightly irritated. She set the candles down on the floor, looking at him. Her eyes bore holes into him. “Damian, shut the fuck up. You’re the last person who should be talking about my wellbeing. So stay the fuck out of this.” She exclaimed. Anger evident in her voice. Rage and anger filled him at her voice, his arms slightly shaking at his sides. “And I don’t need you to fucking drop and fall because you didn’t sleep last night.” He replied, anger in his voice. “Oh so now you care. You’ve never once gave a damn if I was okay or hurt. So you know what Damian? Go fuck yourself. I tried fixing us, I tried being nice. But you have your panties in a twist. Screw you.” She yelled, tears in her eyes nearing falling. She walked away, her footsteps hard and fast as she left the room. His heart throbbing in his chest in pain.

The commotion could be heard from floors away, everyone who could make it was there for the annual Wayne Halloween gala. But while usually the room was how it usually looked, now decorated from floor to ceiling. The staircases were lined with white taper candles that stretched . Tables covered by black and red table cloths with the same candles in the center. Walls covered with old paintings, some of which were family, others horror. Pumpkins filled the corners of the room. Small fake bats and spiders lined the ceiling along with cobwebs.

She smoothed out her dress for the tenth time in the last few minutes. She added a final hair pin to her hair, smoothing the long tendrils out of her face. She wore a long black wig, styled in a curled updo with a dark rose. The front layers lay curled at the sides of her face. It was strange, seeing the way she dressed for the night. She looked as if she came from early Victorian times. The long black lace dress she wore was beautiful. The intricate lace that covered the entirety was astonishing. The only color to the dress was the dark red corset that showed through the chest piece. Very little make was applied, alert from fake blood that dropped from her mouth down her neck. The fangs she wore in her mouth weren’t as uncomfortable as she thought, having gotten more realistic smaller ones rather than the large ones you’d find at a Halloween shop. And with one final look, she stepped out of her room.

All eyes watched as Damian walked in, the room going slightly quiet. He wore a long dark black coat, along with a dark red vest underneath with gold details. A puffy white button up underneath that only showed in the chest. Black dress pants with shiny black shoes completing the store. His hair covered by a shoulder length black wig, messily tied back by a ribbon. His usual dark emerald green eyes now dark yellow. The only giveaway as to his costume was the fangs in his mouth.

His breath caught in his throat, heart thumping loudly in his chest when he saw her. She looked nothing like herself. Her usual short hair now long in an intricate updo. What would usually be her usual sweater with capris, now a long bold Victorian ball gown. His eyes follow her as she glides around the room.

She watched as countless people cane up to her, her heart beating wildly in her chest. Her stomach tied in knots as they all greeted her. She swallowed the vomit that she was sure would come up and put on a smile. She shook more peoples hands in 10 minutes than she ever had in her life. Her chest closing up the longer she was around them.

This wasn’t her thing. All the people, the dresses, the fear of someone taking photos, everything was growing too much. Tears collected in her eyes that she blinked away. Her throat burning as her heart sped up further.

She let out a gasp when a hand was placed on her shoulder. Her heart sank further. That is until she turned around, a large smile grew on her face. “Tim!” She exclaimed, throwing her arms around him. His breath being knocked out by the force of her hug. He let out a laugh as she latched into him, wrapping his arms around her. “Hey, everything alright?” He chuckled. “No” she mumbled into his chest. He let go of her, looking down at her. His face concerned. “What’s going on?” He asks, his hands on her shoulders. “How do you do all of, this?” She asks, gesturing around the room. “God I feel like I’m gonna puke.” She says, swallowing the lump in her throat again. “Here’s the thing, you don’t. None of us like this, not even Bruce or dick. What you do is you put on a happy smile, shake peoples hands, and barely answer questions. But hey, now you’ve got me with you.” He chuckles, watching as her shoulders relax. “Now come on, I’ve got a few people you should meet.”

“Sandy, this is-“ “commissioner Gordon.” Both men looked at her shockingly. “He was one of the first on the scene the night my parents died.”

Tears streamed down her face like a waterfall that couldn’t stop. The pain in her back was nothing compared to the shocking pain in her heart. It felt like white hot searing pain that wouldn’t leave as she stared at her parents. “M-mom? Dad? Please.” She sobbed. The screams of both of them ringed in her ears as her heart screamed out. She couldn’t move from the floor, the blood now cold against her front as she begged for death. “God, please.” She begged, slipping into what was hopefully death as she welcomed it.

Bright lights blinded her eyes, her coming to and hearing people all around her. Her heart beating out of her chest as she moaned out in pain. Trying to alert anyone that she was alive. “We've got a survivor!” Someone yelled. They sounded so far from her, as if she was underwater and was hearing the yell from above her. A gasp was heard before she opened her eyes, seeing an angel crouching down to her. His hair was a light red, along with his Mustache. He wore thick framed glasses that hid his light blue eyes. “Hey I need you to stay with us, everything is gonna be alright.” She heard the man say, before she fell unconscious again.

Both men look at her again, mouths open in shock, neither one knowing what to say. “How did you remember?” Tim asks. “Because that night I thought he was an angel. You gotta remember, I wasn’t allowed around people. The first person I saw besides my parents was, him. My mom and dad always taught me that before you go to heaven, you are visited by an angel.” She said, the corner of her eye shining momentarily. She watched as Jim’s eyes glossed over before he blinked it away. “You know, I always wondered what happened to you after that night. And when I saw your face in the newspaper, it took me a bit to recognize you. And when Barbara confirmed it, it made me tear up a little.” He said. Tears gathered in her eyes. A smile formed on her face before standing on her toes and hugging him. He froze momentarily before wrapping his arms around her. Tears fell down her cheeks onto his coat. Tears collected in his eyes as he rubbed her back. “It’s so good to see you doing so well. It’s cases like yours that keep me going.”

She walked over to the table with drinks, spotting a man standing there already. He wore a long black jacket with gold embellished. It was tight to his body. Showing his broad shoulders and muscular build. His hair was long and black, pulled back by a ribbon. She took in a deep breath as her stomach shook slightly. She walked over to the table, taking in a final breath before getting beside him. She looked up at him, her heart sinking into her stomach.

He heard someone walking behind him, hearing their large intake of breath before they got beside him. He heard her breath caught in her throat. Looking over at her, his heart reasoned with pain and shock.

“Wh-what are you wearing?” He asks, his tone sharp. “I should be asking you the same thing.” She bit back. Anger evident in her voice. He looked away from her, taking in a deep breath. “You gotta be kidding me.” He whispers. Anger rises in her as she folds her arms together. “What’s that supposed to mean.” She asks. Boring holes into his face. “We’re at a Halloween gala, wearing the same theme. Do you have any idea how much the press are going to write about this? They’ll have a field day with this.” He bites back. Anger in his voice as his body tenses up. “Oh I’m so sorry I couldn’t read your fucking mind. But yeah suure let’s blame me like you always do. Because Damian Wayne is never in the wrong and it’s always me.” She says, pain shooting through her heart. “Oh you’re one to talk. It always starts with you. You just bring it out in me.” He retorts. “Oh yeah like it was my fault you threw that Batarang into my shoulder.” She says, tears collecting in her eyes. He balls his fists tightly, jaw set as he bore his eyes into hers. “It was an accident!” He exclaimed. Voice slightly louder. “Just like you.” She says. She walks away from him, heart throbbing in pain.

Tears collected in her eyes as she sat in a chair, watching everyone dancing. Her heart still panging against her chest as she dabbed her eyes with a napkin.

She felt a warm hand on her shoulder, turning around and letting out a chuckle. Behind her was dick, but it was hard to tell with what he wore. His usually dark hair was covered with a blond wig. He wore a whit shirt with a blue collar poking out. Blue pants and an orange scarf. He rolled his eyes playfully, a smile on his face. “Yeah yeah yeah let it out. This was babs idea.” He chuckled. He got up and sat in the chair beside her, turning it to face her. “Now what’s going on?” He asks, her breath getting caught in her throat. She took in a deep breath. “Damian was just being an ass earlier. All because we happened to be dressed as vampires.” Dicks face slightly falls and turns annoyed as he looks away. Closing his eyes and letting out a sigh. “I’m sorry sands.” He says, eyes caster down. She puts her hand against his shoulder. “It’s fine dick. You can’t control how he is. It just sucks how it puts me in a horrible mood every time.” She says, eyes looking down to her lap. “Well then come on, I know a way to cheer you up.” He says, grabbing her hand and pulling her up.

Both of them walk onto the dance floor to Barbara, who’s talking to her dad and laughing about something. She turns and her eyes light up when she sees dick. Causing him to smile and put his arms around her waist. Kissing her lightly before she lets go from him, both smiling. She turns and sees sandy behind him, breaking from his arms and pulling her into a hug. “Hey sweetie. You look amazing. Now come on, let’s have some fun!” Barbara says, a bright smile on her face.

She can’t help the laugh that bubbles out of her as she seats side to side. Her arms around Barbara’s shoulders and they both sway fast to the music. They twirl in a circle, causing her dress to glide along the floor in a large circle. The song comes to a close as they both laugh. “Okay time to switch!” Barbara laughs, letting go of her and spinning her around. She nearly falls into dicks chest, causing both to let out large laughs. Another song starts playing, a gasp leaving dick as a wide smile takes over his face. She recognizes it as bob seger, her dad playing him when they go out driving together. She laughs as dick stars moving his hits side to side as he raises one arm in the air. “Just take those old records off the shelf!” He sings out loud, causing her to throw her head back and laugh as both dance to the beat. She can’t stop as tears stream down her face as she dances with him, her head thrown back in laughter.

He watches as her head throws back as laughter erupts from her. His heart throbbing in pain that causes him to look away. It hurts, he remembers the times he could get her to laugh just the same way. Tears falling down her face as she clutched her stomach. Sometimes getting her to laugh so hard she would snort. A tear fell down his cheek as he looked down. He couldn’t stop hearing her laughs, even with everyone else in the room. It was as if, it was just her. That’s all that played in his mind.

His feet dragged as he walked down the hallway, his eyes slowly closing the further he got to his room. All the energy he usually had, was drained from him.

His head spin slightly the further he walked, nearly falling due to his Exhaustion. Every bit of him fighting and straining to continue. But relief filled him when his hand grabbed onto the knob.

He opened the door, a smile on his tired face formed when he stepped into the warm room. He took his jacket and shirt off and dropped it to the floor. Not even bothering with his pants. Not noticing the carpet on the floor, or the smell of vanilla in the room. Not even noticing the dress that laid on the floor by his feet. Too tired to notice the completely different bed when he crashed down onto it. Smiling as he snuggled into the silk bedding, the smell almost familiar. But his exhaustion was too high to think about it as sleep overcame him.

A scream startled him awake, his heart nearly falling out from how fast it was going. Jumping as the scream didn’t stop. Only opening his eyes in sheer panic.

“WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING!” She screamed out. Panic filling him as his vision cleared. His heart going ramped when he saw her. Her hair was wet and falling in her face. Small droplets of water cascading down her body. She stood in her doorway of her bathroom that was right in front of her bed. She was bare as the day she was born, no towel or clothing to cover her. She crouched slightly, her legs and arms doing a poor job to shield her body from him. What was once exhaustion that filled him, was now adrenaline pumping through him. His body feeling like a fire burned inside him.

Panic surged through him as he abruptly got up from the bed, eyes still wide at her. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY ROOM!” She screamed. “I-Im sorry, I thought this was my room.” He stuttered out. Panic still high in him along with the burning growing stronger. His breathing raged and fast. “GET OUT!” She screamed, him running out as fast as he could.

He slammed his door shut, his breathing ramped and fast. His heart beating wildly, nearly painful. He fell onto his bed, his body still feeling that burning grow. He was conflicted, he wanted to run away as soon as he saw her. But he was frozen in place. A strong urge to grab onto her, to feel her wet skin on his as his body surged with electricity and want. A feeling deep inside him craving even now to go back, to feel her skin beneath his. To feel her warmth and touch on him. Memories flooding him of that night. The feel of her skin in his hands as he gripped onto her. The paralyzing feeling of her wet lips on his neck. Her warm tongue pressing against his pulsepoint that sent shocks through his body. Energy surged through him in a way that he hasn’t felt since. It was adrenaline or fear. It was akin to his body burning from the inside as his nerves felt sensitive against the sheets. His heart still ramped.

His Breathing slowed down, feeling existed after some minutes. His heart slowing back down as his eyes grew heavy. The feeling inside him growing down the further he grew tired. Finally relaxing as his eyes shut, sleep taking him under once again.

(Warning, heavy petting)

Walking into his room, he noticed the lights were off. The only source of light coming from the windows. Panic slighting growing when he noticed that they we’re open, the curtains blowing in the wind slightly. But what truly shocked him, was the silhouette of a person on the other side of the bed. He watched as they moved around the bed to the foot of it. Their steps light against the floor. It was a woman, panic being replaced with desire as her body came into view. Her face was hidden, the lights from the windows only showing what she wore, well, lack thereof. Dark green lace barely covering her glowing skin. He watched as she walked closer to him, his body burning with energy and want pulling him to her. But he stood froze, watching as she grew closer to him. The lingerie she wore standing out more the closer she got to him. The baralet she wore was see through. Her nipples hard against the thin fabric. He watched as she stood no more than 2 feet from him. A gasp leaving him when he sees her face. Her lips painted red as her hair was curled slightly. Her usually sapphire eyes a dark midnight blue. “What are you-“ he questioned, before she put her finger to his lips. “Shh, it’s okay.” She whispers, before flushing herself against him, pulling his face to hers, their lips crashing together.

A large gasp leaves him as he jolts awake. His breathing ragged as he opens his eyes and sits up. His heart beating wildly against his chest as he shakes. That feeling inside him worse than before as the images played in his head. A groan leaving him as he shuts his eyes, trying anything to fight the sight of her body against his. His body shaking worse as he grips the blanket underneath him. That burning feeling back and worse the longer he sits there.

His cock throbbed inside his pants, the feeling almost painful.

He abruptly got up from his bed, walking into his bathroom. Tuning the light on as he walked over to the shower, turning it on. He stripped from his pants and underwear and got in. A gasp leaving him as the cold water hit his back. Causing his breathing to grow heavy as his body tensed at the freezing temperature. His body no longer feeling hot as he shivered in the stream. Hand against the wall as he lowered his head, heart still ramped as when he woke, the images still playing in his mind.

#damian wayne x reader #damian wayne fanfiction #damian wayne imagine #older!damian wayne #batman #batfam x reader #batfamily #damian wayne #red hood #jason Todd #dick grayson #Tim drake #dc #dc imagine #dceu

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illyrian-lover-flower · 4 years

Text

My little mischivous partner ~ Part 3

Mild Elriel smut ahead (really mild, don’t know if you can still call it smut😅)

Time seemed to have slown down as the shadowsinger shadow walked Elain into his bathroom.

Nothing seemed normal about this evening as his lips continued chasing the seers soft red ones. A taste of cherry bloosoming on the taste cells of his tongue.

The only thing this evening he had a problem with, was how they both looked. It was fun to pull that joke on his brothers, but now as he did not even spared a thought of parting with the seer, he whished to see her.

Her doe eyes that swam in lust as they saw him, her honey curles that would get tangled between his scarred fingers.

And so he groweled, as his own long white hair fell into his view - his contact lenses long forgoten on the floor beneith them, as he only parted with her lips for a brief moment.

Her delicate arms thightly wound around his neck as the Spymaster pressed her back further into the cold tiles of his bathroom wall.

Ringing for air, did they both look at each other with hunger in their eyes. The moment they needed to catch for air too long for the taste of the two of them.

But Elains rosy cheeks were a sight he would find for the rest of eternity more endearing than any priced rose. Not even if the mother demanded it from him would he give away this memory. This picture he had of her.

Rosy cheeks and panting breathes as she looked up at him, with those silver eyes. He wanted to remove them, but he was afraid - that in his haze, his anticapption -he would hurt her.

The sight still endearing and making him fall harder for her with every rise of her chest. Her delicate breasts pressing into his bulky chest as her lungs heaved for air. The cloth between them straining on their feverish skin.

He hated it. He wanted to get rid of his clothes - as well as hers.

But Elains cheery innocent smile was once again intoxicating, as her thightly shut lips almost touched his as she nuzzeled her nose with his. So many emotions laying in the sweet gesture of hers that his heart swelled.

The raging desire of feeling her naked skin on his - of her body colliding with his, cooling down as the innocent whish of his heart, to cuddle her and breath in her flowery scent for the rest of the night, came to the surface.

For his life even.

But his arms did something entirly different than his heart wanted. His heart wanted to cuddle her, but somehow his arms loosened around her.

The thought in the back of his mind seemingly stronger than he expected it to be. The always suffocating thought that he would only pull her down, that if they were to become something more than friends - he would only pull her down in the dark abbys of this world, together with him.

He would only be a brick wall attatched to her ankle. Bruising it and hurting it until she would take a hammer and get him off of her.

And he realized that this would be exactly what she would be in the need to do, if she ever wanted him gone. His skin that fared itself from hers singing with need as he nuzzeled her nose back.

A giggle escaping her, as he too, pressed his smiling lips against hers.

And as he closed his eyes, he would have not been in the need to be a seer - did not whish to be one, as a view unfolded itself behind his closed eyelids he wished to never forget.

The vision of a bright smiling seer, dancing infront of Azriel through a field full of wildflowers. A morning robe everything that hid her naked skin from prying eyes, but next to him - there was no one.

No one that disturbed them as he placed mark for mark on her in the fields.

And she in return.

Shadows, Daisys, red poppys, corn flowers, dandelions, the sun above and the earth below them - the only witnessers to their claiming.

Elains giggle always a repeating tingle in his ears.

Never in his life would he feel that joyes from anything, but her laugh. The warm sound vibraiting through his veins as he kept her steady in his arms, that closed around her once again.

But he wanted to see her. His hazel eyes wanting to find her doe ones, but they were silver. His hands searching for liquid honey but found nothing but cold black coal.

Not able to take it anymore, he ripped the wig off of Elains head. The little black net everything that stood between her hair and his scarred hands, that wanted to get lost in those soft curles of hers.

A sigh, but also a giggle escaping her as he slowly pryed that thing off of her. The preasure of the bond around her head gone in an instant.

And finally did liquid honey ran down the white tiles. Shadows and his hands imideatly weaving black strands of mist in her hair. Messing around with it quiet alot.

Still with their noses nuzzeled together, a chuckle and a giggle escaping both of their lips with a blinding smile.

But Azriel knew that perhaps Elain would not remember this tomrrow, he knew he should probably stopp at this point, but his body was souring. His skin alight where she touched him.

She was like a tornado that had him pulling towards her and yet, he never quiet reached her center as he circeled around in the wind like a leafe. The innerest part of her mind, seeable but, still far away from him. Informations, memorys and more, what he wanted to find there, good and bad ones. And if there was a trauma - he would try to help her the best he could.

But he didn’t reach her deepest dephts . Which was why he had no real clue how well she handeled alcohol. All he knew was, that she had been out drinking with the Inner Circle a couple of times already, but never did she get that tipsy - or drunk, he didn’t know- as that she would turn that mischievous.

But from the plan she had told him - he did not quiet believe that she only planed it this evening, let alone tipsy. Her plan was well organized and it seemed like as if she had been waiting for the right time to ask her friend for help with it - the costumes already organised and the exact go of the plan already predicted.

It was like as if she knew of his help in her wicked plan.

But something had him wondering. And in his tipsy state he was not able to hide the little jealousy in his voice as he asked, his mental walls not even able to hold the question back.

“Would you have went with your plan like this if anyone else, than me, would have helped you?”

At first Elains eyes widened at the silly question. He already draded that she would say yes, but as she pulled her head back, her warm embrace slowly leaving him as she rested herself against the cold wall.

His body missing the lost warmth of her in an instant, but even though she pulled back - it was only for a few inches. Her arms still wound around his neck as their breathes mixed in the air between them.

The seers puzzeled look turning soft, as she saw the anxiety written on his face.

Azriel knew that she could point out which emotion was displayed on his face so clearly. Most would have mistaken his grimmace as disgust maybe even anger, but Elain saw the fear in his eyes.

And their eyes were most often the only way how they communicated.

And so she let one arm around his neck lose. Using the index finger of her hand to plop his nose - the soft smile on her lips never leaving her face, as her warm eyes, even in silver, made his heart warm.

“My sweet Shadowsinger. I thought you were the clever one of our family.”

Azriel did not know how to react to this, but his breathed words, slipped past his plush lips faster than the leash he kept thight on himself, were definetly not his entire first choice.

“Not when it comes to you.”

The seer hadn’t thought of it as possible, but her smile grew.

More and more even, as she closed the distance between them again. An hurting centemeter all that was between their reddened lips meeting again. The honesty in Azriels hazel eyes still written all around in his irisis, as he glanced down on her and their still parted lips.

“Why do you think did I envolve a plan that contained so much help from the shadows?”

And as soon as those sweet words left her mouth, was his on hers again.

A wild chase of lips and togues erupting again.

The heat between them rising as they moved closer with every brush of their tongues. Their lust filled eyes, both, closed as they enjoyed the sensation of the other.

Not daring to show the burning lust to the other one.

The undenying need of being close with the other one was strong. Too strong

Elain didn’t know why she did it, or when or even how exactly - all she knew was that it was easy.

The little embarressment she felt from before, as she grinded against him, all gone. It felt all too natural to rub her throbbing core on his rising length.

A lust filled moan escaping her as his plush lips bruised the right cornor of hers. Moving all too slowly down to the nape of her neck. A wet trail of kisses marking his way there, as he set her skin on fire.

Her legs rising to wrap around his middle imedeatly, as the need to feel him even closer, even more, rose and washed over her like a hot wave.

And Azriel - oh sweet caring Azriel- read her like a book. Like always paying close attention to her needs - to her whishes and pressed her even more into the wall one of his scarred hands grabbing her behind. A growl escaping her as she wished to feel his rough skin on hers. But their clothes was still between them.

A dark chuckle against her skin was all she got from him, as his own prove of lust and desire pressed further into her. A loud gasp escaping her as she threw her head back, his length felt sharp against her. Lust fogging both of their visions as they grinded against each other.

The spymaster only had eyes for the skin of the seer. His eyes roaming around it to find the next part of her flesh he would set on fire with a wet lick of his tongue, while Elain slowly saw stars as she gripped his head and pressed his wicked tongue closer to her skin.

Her hands getting lost in the tangled mass of white hair, the pull on them making the wig slightly slip from his head. Dark curles peaking out from underneith it.

Azriels strong body against her and his warm arms around her were everything that held her together as fire threatened to burst from her skin.

The feeling she had before - as they acted it- paled in comprassion to this.

The feeling of his sharp canine teeth on the soft skin at the nap of her neck, had her pressing herself closer into the wall. Stretching her throat, as to offer him and his wild lips better acces to her flaming skin.

A lust filled scream threatening to burts from her lungs as her pores were full of it - to the point of bursting.

She had to remind herself a dozen times that this was no dream as Azriel continued his wicked play on her skin. This sinful tongue of his liking her flesh like an ice cream, setting her on fire with each strand of his salvia that was left on her skin. Slowly melting her away.

It was no use. Elain was completly lost to his touch and soft minustrations. Her body one hot inferno against his as she feeled like as if the wall on her back was going to flame up any moment.

Everything felt too much as her breathing came in pants, crimson rose color covering her cheeks as she heared her own noises.

Azriel only smiled wickedly against her pale skin as he slowly duged deeper into her skin with his canine teeth. Elains eyes widened, it was still only a light scratch to her skin - but it had her screaming out his name.

Her trembling, lust filled body moved on its own accord. Her own teeth raming into his, still brown, painted skin as she thought of it the only way to muffle her scream.

As much as she wanted to scream her roared lust out loud for him - and let all of Velaris know of the feelings the Shadowsinger had caused her, as much did she wanted to avoid Cassian and Rhys suddenly standing in the middle of something they both sure had enough seen of today.

And she would also rather keep this moment to herself.

This moment were she was wrapped against him, this moment were her hands weaved through the white wig and finally pulled it off - dark fluffy curles underneith a soft cloud, which her fingers found imideatly purchase in. Their lusted heat pooling between them as her tongue tasted the sweet taste of his blood.

The taste of it burning itself trough her entire body and into her brain.

A shiver wrecking both of their bodys as her teeth dug deeper into his flesh. A deep moan escaping him as he let his own teeth graze down to her collar. Burrying his nose deep in the nap of her neck as he took heaving breathes.

An elecrefying feeling cruising through his veins as he tried to keep standing,the heavy wings on his back sinking more and more, with every breath, down on the cold floor.

His legs wanting to give in to the overwhelming feeling of her lips on his skin, of her teeth in his skin, to the smell of her against him - to the arrousel that coated her scent just like his.

Azriel could not contain himself.

Moan after moan escaping him as Elains sweet tongue licked up every drop of blood that escaped from his wound. Her hands pulling and caressing his soft hair.

Mother damn him! This was not how it should have went. He should have stopped while it was possible, but now since his body knew how her teeth felt like in his skin, it was hard to not give in and just bite her in return.

His every instinkt screaming at him to just return her favour.

“Do you even know what you just did, little wicked flower?”

The seer did not know what the shadowsinger ment and could only lean back against the wall as her, still in silver covered, eyes searched his. Uneven pants escaping her as she saw his hazel eyes looking into hers.

Fire burning within them as they brimmed with emotions. The hazel burning like a warm flame as it set the specks of pine green on fire. A forest of pine trees swallowed up by the lick of flames.

A pure wildfire raging in his eyes.

Elain only shook her head at the question of her friend. A dry laugh escaping him as he bend his head down again.

Breathing in her flowery, lust coated scent as he nuzzeled his straight nose into the nap of her neck, rubbing it against her feverishly as he tried to calm himself down.

Which he found out, was not possible while he was like that. Her scent a toxic smell in his nosethrils as he breathed - driving him crazy. His voice already feeling like a rasp in his throat.

His voice not utering a word until he knew it was at least abit steady and strong.

“You marked me.”

His words were a mere whisper against her skin, a whisper that send vibrations through her entire body, lust washing through her, like a wave. One after one hitting the shore. Her pointed ears were not able to make out the few words he whispered.

Elains breathes a wild gasp - of someone who was drowning. Her lust threatening to swallow her up entirly as it grew, pulling her far under the surface of her selfrestrained.

“What?”

She could only breath out the question. Her eyes pressing thightly shut at the warm sensation of his soft nose against her smooth neck.

Brown painted skin meetin her white one.

The picture a stark contrast all in all.

The withe skin on brown one. Pale, cold and yet still lust burning silver eyes hidden behind her eyelids while his warm, burning gaze roamed all around the skin on her throat. Wild pants against his steady breathing.

Her gold curles spilling all over the wall while his black silky mass of hair was tangeled between her fingers.

Azriel almost did not dare to speak as she bared her throat to him. His breath a cloud against the pale skin, his words a vibration through her entire body.

“You marked me.”

“And what does it mean?”

Was all she could breath as his lips closed around her bobbing adams apple - leaving her gaping with a shiver and a burning heat in her core. A smirk sensible against her flesh. His eyes not able to meet hers, afraid of the emotions he could find there if he spilled the truth.

His own throat bobbing at words that were stuck there.

“It means that I belong to you now. It means that from now on, as long as you life, any male and female is going to smell you on me. Is going to see that you have already chosen me.”

Elain could only smile at Azriels words. It made a great wave of pride wash over her as she got the meaning of his words.

No one was going to take him away from her. No one was able to claim him without getting past her.

And it might have been selfish, but she very much loved that.

“I like that.”

At that Azriel drew back from her skin, his entire body still pressed against hers as she felt his tall frame shift. His back strightening as he looked down into her eyes - that were still closed. Lust swimming behind her eyelids, but as she opened them Azriels face was turned to the side.

The soft hue of moonlight illuminating his gods crafted face, but sadness lined his features. His thick furrowed eyebrows as he looked onto the bathroom tiles, were his contact lenses and the black and the white wigs of them layed.

A presure making his shoulders sagg. His mighty wings were put up in defence.

Something was horribly wrong as Elain took him in. This stance of him she knew all too well.

It was the side of him he wanted everyone to believe him to be. But that long didn’t work on her anymore.

For the first week he had this stance, she was frightened. It looked for her like her friend was gone, crushed under some words of a female.

The seer was afraid she had lost her friend to a stranger that was him, but she saw past his exterior. Saw the sadness that lined his eyes whenever he thought no one was looking.

The fact that Lucien had visited her durning the week of his downfall and Feyre practically shoved her every morning towards him - didn’t make it better.

Instead it had all become worse. Mor as well as Azriel not attending their dinners.

Elain dosen’t really remember how she survived this week, with her heart still beating. The time she spend with Lucien was draining not so say tiring. Her body fought against her mind and heart each hour that past. A sore feeling an unwanted company throughout the week.

But it faded. As soon as she saw Azriel again.

Azriel that didn’t quiet seem to be the one she knew. He wasn’t cold to her and if she remembered correctly he did not even wish to see her nor was it intended for her to see him.

Feyre had thrown Lucien and her out in the morning - planning for them to make them stroll through Velaris the entire day, but that tiring feeling had Elains feet moving home just after lunch. Lucien finally having to go back to the mortal lands as well.

She just wanted to go to bed, but as she saw him standing in his fighting leathers in the door frame to the living room - she saw him.

His proud lifted wings and the preasure that put his shoulders down. The cloud of shadows enveloping him in a black blanket.

Just like now. And Elain hated to see him like that.

“What is wrong, my dear?” was all she could ask as her hot hand touched his cold cheek. His jaw thigtened at the sensation and he already wanted to turn away from her, her and her knowing eyes - but the preasure on her hand kept him still.

Elain was rarely stubborn, but if he intended to leave her just like this -she would gladly be stubborn. Knowing that if she would let him go now, nothing would be the same between them anymore the next time they met.

But Azriel did not seem to have the intention of answering her anytime soon.

A sigh escaping her lips as she smiled sheepishly at him, the lust from before now somewhere burried in her thight core.

“Lets get that color off of you. Shall we?”

He only nodded and retreated from her, only able to make three steps away from her as Elain had taken his calloused hand and kissed it, a whisper of her words against the red skin “Don’t hide from me.”

Again, all he could do was nod. It was not what his mind wanted to do. It was what his heart wanted him to do.

He never wished to hide from her, but how could he not? Shadows always hid away from sunlight. How was he not able to hide frome her if she was sunshine incarnate?

But worst of this scenario was the guilt inside of him as he bathed in her radiant sunshine.

Most males - especially Illyrians - were mad at a female that claimed them without permission, but Azriel could have never been happier- if he wouldn’t have been in the shadows again. In the shadow of a radiant male. His whole appearance the opposite of his.

Azriels bulky frame hidden in the shadow of Luciens slightly musceled body, the son of Autumn and day. The fire of the son his mother while his father was the light itself. Everything of him screaming to be the match to Elains beautiful sunshine.

The spymaster knew that his thought of happines - that she claimed him- would only be the high before the fall. He knew it was wrong to think of it as right that she had claimed him - but he loved it.

With every fiber of his being did he love the sound of being called hers.

But that would always be a fantasy of his, just like it was with Mor.

The only way to tune out his raging thoughts was the running water. The burning running water.

A distant, almost cold look on his face, as he watched how the level of the water rose in the large white tube. Centemeter for centemeter. A cloud of steam erupting from the almost cooking water.

There had been a time were he was afraid of such hot water. Of flames in general, that was a time were Elain wasn’t even a whisper in the world -not even her parents.

That would have almost been his death durning the blood rite - if he wouldn’t have found his brothers. The fear of seeing the orange flame licking at the wood reminded him too much of the one that tasted his skin.

It was still sometimes hard to light a fire, but today he would welcome the pain the water would cause.

Already stripping down to nothing, but the white pants, he did ot notice how Elain returned to his bathing chamber. Not even realizing that she was gone.

It felt like as if she was with him the entire time. The marking of her already burning when he looked at her. He didn’t know if it was because it was fresh, or if it already reacted to her presence.

In the fae world it was rare to find a mate - that everyone knew. And for those who never found their mate, they could mark their partner. With a biting scar.

Azriel never really knew how the marking worked, since always hoped for a mating bond - he did not get into the subject of marking that deep. All he knew was what he told Elain and the the biting mark would only stay if the one that bit cleaned it with their salvia. Which Elain had done.

But as he looked at her, still in similar clothes to Amrens clad, he noticed the tug in his shoulder. The sting that dragged him towards her, but he resistet as he looked at her with this cold far distance.

Elain smiled at him, before she realized with shock the fogging clouds of steam. The white fog covering up the black one of his shadows. He could not look Elain in the eyes as she jelped a bit in surprise.

The hand she had held in the water slightly reddened, as she turned the tempreture down.

Azriel barely glanced at her as he fully undressed. Not caring that Elain would see him. Raised and in full naked glory as he sat down in the water.

A soothing warmth enveloping him as he braced his arms on his knees.

Everything in him screamed to drage Elain into the water with him. To pollute it together with her as darkness and sunshine united.

A wild picture running around in his mind as his shadows turned just as wild as his thoughts. Black little snakes weaving through the water as no picture wanted to leave his mind and just kept on replaying.

His body, a mother damned traitor as his member twitched in anticaption - wanting to let those fantasys become reality. Making the water spill over the thick rimm of the tube as he took her. A moan escaping her with every thrust of his, the water a splashing waterfall over the rimm as scream after scream would erupt from her pleasured body.

Her touch tender on his heated skin.

And he would bite her - he would mark her. His name stumbling from her lips as he would do so.

A grunt escaped him as he burried his face in his scarred hands.

He was not allowed to have such fantasys!

She marked him by accident! Who knew, if she even wanted him like that, if it had been the alcohol that made her react like this.

Elain needed to watch with furrowed eyebrows how Azriel fought his inner tumult, not able to help him solve it. If she would touch him now, only a whisper of her skin on his - she knew he would break. He would crumble under thei weight of his feelings, of his thoughts and never return to her.

Azriel always thought of himself as unworthy for everything and everyone. But he wasn’t.

In all her life - fae and mortal- did she never meet someone with a heart as great as his. The love he felt for his family drowning him as he tried his best to make them happy, to protect them.

Elain knew of his unspoken wish. Of the wish for his family to finally be happy. The wounds of the war healed and scarred. She knew that a mental wound could not heal without a little leftover of it. A scar on the heart the result.

But if they simply vanished - they were one day to return.

But with Azriel the only wounds that have ever scarred, were those on his bulky body. His, in black ink covered, chest decorated with dozens of thin markings.

The thin stripes plastered all around on his chest some even going below the surface of the water.

Heat enveloped Elains cheeks as she did not dare to look further into the water. Seeing things below the sureface that would invade his privacy.

With a shake of her head and a crimson blush on her cheeks did she grab the bottle next to her kneeling form. A water Nuala and Cerridwen had gifted her last solestice. It was used to remove make up and just right for her task.

With a steady arm she reached to pour the water over a soft pad and whiped at the brown skin of his arm.

Azriel flinched and looked up into her eyes as she did so. A whirlwind flowing around in them. The dark fire of lust still licking at the specks of green.

His eyes drawing hers into a sirens song.

Her breath hitched at his next whispered words, seemingly just like his.

“I love the color of your eyes.”

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Hey everyone, so to be honest I actually planned to make this a one-shot. Well whoops looks like I am already writing on part 4.

You have hit my creativ vein with your idea @tomtenadia, thank you for that. Hope you and everyone have enjoyed it so far.

I think the next part is really going to be the last one, but we’ll see about that ;)

Thanks for reading💚

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Tag list (please contact me if you want to be added or removed from it):

@heirofthrnightcourt004

#elriel #elainxazriel #azrielxelain #tipsy but not tipsy elriel #light elriel smut #elain #azriel #mentions of rhys #mentions of cass #light angst #part 3 of originally onexD #acotar #elriel fic

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korra-the-red-lion · 3 years

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Supergirl 6x11: Mxy in the Middle.

Hey everyone! Sorry this is a week late. I had a family emergency last week then I had to work two days and two nights, so I just wasn’t really in a great headspace to watch SG. I watched it today though, and I will watch tonight’s episode tomorrow morning! So, what did I think of this episode? Let’s find out and as always, SPOILERS AHEAD.

Mxy explaining Nyxly’s backstory to the tune of I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor was not something I was expecting, but it was fun in a cringe way! Everyone was hating it except for Alex was hilarious.

I do like Nyxly’s vibe. I think she’s an interesting villain. She’s been scorn by so many people in her life, and just when she thought her and Kara were connecting on a deep level, Kara ‘betrays’ her. Now granted, Nyxly brought Kara’s ‘betrayal’ on herself, but it does make sense. She’s not the best villain from the show, but I’m enjoying her quite a bit. And it looks like Peta is having a good time playing her as well!

Nia feeling immense guilt letting her free but not telling anyone why until further into the episode is such a Supergirl mood, haha.

The Brainia content this episode was really good, though. I love that they always support one another, it’s really refreshing to see.

Lena Luthor. Ma’am. That outfit is fantastic. And Andrea letting her borrow a jet and calling to check in on her is a nice reminder of their friendship.

I also am enjoying Lena’s storyline. I know some people felt like the Witch Lena stuff came from out of nowhere, and that’s very valid, but I personally feel like they sort of began teasing it back in s4. Now, s5 was such a dumpster fire in comparison that I think we as a fandom have forgotten a lot of content introduced back then, I know I have. I mean hell, look at how quickly they brought back the adoption storyline.

I am missing Kelly this episode, but I also think it was the right move to have the focus be a little narrower this episode. Plus I know she’s gonna be bombass in episode 12, so I’m not too upset.

Alex and J’onn just deadpanned staring at Mxy as he tries to explain everything was hilarious. I love when these two do stuff like that.

Okay, for some reason I saw a LOT of people complaining about the giant cat. I think that yes, the CGI wasn’t fantastic, but it was fun! Kara using her eye lasers to distract it was really clever and funny. I’m trying to decide if Brainy using a container like that is another Ghostbusters reference or a Danny Phantom reference haha.

All three people in Newfoundland being mean to Lena. Poor girl can’t even catch a break in effing Canada. Shame on my fictional people with mild Irish accents. But seriously though, laughing over the Irish accents of the Newfoundlanders.

The bartender lady roasting Lena for running around with aliens but not believing in magic was great! She also had a great line about the Luthors: “Your family may be used to leaving a trail of bodies behind, but you could have had the decency to leave these ones buried” or something like that. I just thought it was very cool.

Okay, admittedly that wig is pretty bad haha.

Elizabeth and the other witches using magic on some abusive bastard and somehow we’re supposed to believe the women thought they were evil? Yeah right. They went to the bar and celebrated in style after that.

I’m ready for Witch Lena to come back to National City and Kara being wide-eyed about it.

Nia telling Brainy and Kara, the two people most important in her life, was a good moment. She felt really guilty about it, but both of them understood why she did it. It was a really good moment.

This was probably the only thing in the episode I didn’t like, truthfully. They had this whole plan about Nia using some technology to disguise herself as Mxy to get a cuff on Nyxly to block her powers. Okay, then it goes wrong right away because of her magic. Why did J’onn just shapeshift? Wouldn’t that have been safer? Plus he’s got more speed than Nia if something did go wrong. That was the only thing that had me rolling my eyes because it was a simple thing that the writers made harder on purpose.

The dragon looked a lot better than the cat, though it didn’t do much.

Mxy sacrificed himself because he didn’t want Kara to use the PZ device. I do like that Kara understands that while Nxyly is doing something wrong, she’s doing it from a place of pain. Yes, Kara says she’s no longer holding back after this but she does have a soft spot for Nxyly.

Overall, this episode wasn’t the best one. It wasn’t the worst episode of the season. I believe that still belongs to the trial episode. However, I don’t think it was bad as I thought it was going to be based on fan reaction. I do hope for more Kara in upcoming episodes because she does feel a bit like a passive player in her own show at the moment. But tonight’s episode should be good!

#supergirl #supergirl spoilers #supergirl 6x11 #kara danvers #kara zor-el #lena luthor #alex danvers #sentinal #j'onn j'onzz #martian manhunter #nia nal #dreamer #brainy #brainiac 5 #brainia #witch lena

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glitterblazercalum · 4 years

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got a river for a soul, and baby, you’re a boat

or: Oh, fuck. We showed up wearing matching couples’ costumes to this party by accident and now everyone thinks we’re together.” + cashton

hello and happy halloween everyone!! giant thank u to ainslee @ashesonthefloor for putting this event together!! and for forcing me to actually get this fic done, looking it over, and generally being a major source of serotonin in my life. another huge thank u to bella @clumsyclifford for being one of my favorite people and loving frat boys enough that it made me want to write a fic about them to annoy her <3 love you both <3

here is the link to the event masterpost bc I highly recommend checking out all of the other amazing fics:

https://ashesonthefloor.tumblr.com/post/633534107120549888/hello-welcome-to-my-halloween-fic-event

warnings: mentions of alcohol

word count: 2,872

without further ado, please enjoy the fic I wrote mostly all last night while looping drag me down for thirteen hours straight :))

Calum doesn’t know what fuckhead came up with the idea of having a joint Halloween party for Sigma Nu and Sigma Pi this year, but he really wants to fight them. He thinks he’d probably have a lot of people on his side, considering how much Sig Nu and and Sig Pi hate each other, so he tucks the idea of interfraternity war away in his head as a contingency plan in case the party goes to shit, as joint parties with any other frat always seem to. And it’s not like it’s a one night thing, because all three days of the “Halloweekend,” as Michael refuses to stop calling it, are supposedly going to be spent with Sig Nu, one party at their own house, and two at the shithole that he assumes is the Sig Nu house, in some deranged attempt at bonding. He’ll be lucky to make it out alive, probably.

Before college, he really never did anything of his own for Halloween, mainly used to being used as a prop or side character for his sister Mali-Koa’s elaborate costumes, or, after she’d moved out, sticking a pair of fake fangs in his mouth to hand out candy to the few kids who rang the doorbell despite his efforts to keep all the lights in the house off. Last year, as a freshman, he’d gotten roped into a group costume with some of the other Sig Pi pledges, and while his memories are...hazy at best, he vaguely remembers falling asleep in a Teletubbies onesie at the end of the night.

This year, though, no one has tried to tell him what to dress up as, so it’s now a few hours before the first of the three parties, and Calum still has no ideas for what he should dress up as. A quick Google search for “cheap easy costumes” hadn’t really been all that helpful, so he decides to ignore the problem and take a nap until he actually has to leave.

A few hours later, Michael barges into the room to drag him out of bed, and looks around for a few seconds before asking, “You don’t have a costume, do you?”

Calum groans, pulling himself out of bed and wracking his brain for an idea that he can plausibly bullshit in the next few seconds, because he can’t let Michael be right and have something to tease him about, so he blurts, “I’m going to be a salt shaker.”

Michael gapes at him a bit for a few seconds before asking, “What the fuck? What kind of costume is that? What are you even going to wear for that?”

Calum mentally kicks himself in the shin, as hard as possible, because he really hasn’t thought this through. Why couldn’t he have just said cat or cowboy or something even slightly in the realm of normal Halloween costumes?

“Uhhh.. y’know that baseball tee I have? The one with the black sleeves and white middle?”

“I’m pretty sure that’s in my closet, but continue.”

“What the fuck, dude? Give it back!”

“You haven’t noticed that it’s missing for like three weeks, I just assumed it was mine now. Tell me what the rest of the costume is,” Michael demands.

“I’ll just tape a piece of paper with a big ‘S’ on it to the front of my shirt, and then put one of those pots with the holes on my head. Bam! Salt shaker!” Calum says, moderately impressed with his ability to pull stuff out of his ass this quickly.

“What makes you think we even have a colander?” Michael asks, crossing his arms.

Calum gives him a blank stare. “A what?”

“That’s what the pots with the holes are called, you idiot.”

“You think Harry would live anywhere that didn’t have a fully-stocked kitchen? There’s bound to be one in one of the cabinets or something.”

“Fine. I’ll go get the shirt while you look for the colander.” Before Calum can object, suggest that he look through Michael’s closet himself and steal back any of his other clothes that have somehow wound up there, Michael’s already halfway down the hallway.

Sighing, he trudges down the stairs towards the kitchen, where one of the seniors, Niall, is sitting with his head in his hands, dressed as a pirate.

“Hey, dude, nice costume,” Calum offers as a greeting. “You wouldn’t happen to know where I can find a colander, would you? I know Harry—”

“Do not talk to me about Harry right now,” Niall says, and Calum stops his search for a moment to send him a concerned look.

“What happ—”

“That needy-ass motherfucker thinks that just because I didn’t want to do a couples’ costume with him, it means I don’t love him anymore! Never mind the fact that he literally mentioned this idea to me yesterday, well past the point where everyone finalizes their costumes.”

Calum offers him a sympathetic look and offers, “Couples’ costumes are boring and cheesy anyways. Neither of you are missing out on anything, at least in my opinion.”

Niall lifts his head up from where he’d been repeatedly hitting it on the table to smirk at Calum and ask, “Have a lot of experience with couples’ costumes, do you?”

Luckily, Calum has finally found the colander, so he opts to ignore the question and just leave the kitchen entirely.

When he gets back upstairs, Michael’s in his room, unabashedly checking himself out in the mirror that’s on the back of the closet door. “Yeah, yeah, your anime character of the year looks great, now get out and let me get ready.”

Michael scoffs, “Get ready, as if you’re even doing anything,” but moves towards the door anyway.

Michael’s right, the costume is ridiculously easy to throw together, and two minutes later, they’re both out the door, walking across Fraternity Row to get to the Sig Nu house, where the music is already blaring and strobe lights throw red, then green, then blue shadows across everyone’s faces. On his way to the kitchen to grab a drink, he sees Niall and Harry walk into the house, holding hands and laughing together, so he assumes that their fight has blown over as quickly as all of their other fights always seem to.

He sees a few different trays of shots and decides he might as well take one to get the night started off right. After, he realizes that he probably shouldn’t grab a beer now, Mali’s rule about sticking to one color of booze for the night ringing in his head, so he settles for filling up a Solo cup with whatever glow in the dark gin concoction is in all the punch bowls. He wouldn’t put it past the Sig Nus to poison the drink on purpose, but it tastes relatively normal, so he grabs another cup for Michael and attempts to leave the kitchen, steering around the couple sloppily making out in the doorway.

It’s harder to spot Michael than it usually is, considering that at least half the people at the party are wearing some type of wig, but Calum eventually makes his way back over to him. He’s talking to Niall and Harry, and they both offer him a smile before continuing on with the conversation. Once that reaches a lull, Niall leans closer to Calum and says, “Mate, you didn’t need to lie to me about couples’ costumes.”

Calum has no idea what Niall is talking about, so he shakes his head and asks, “What are you talking about?”

Niall cackles, and Harry turns to look at him adoringly before going back to talking to Michael, and Calum is more confused than ever. Niall grabs his shoulder and spins him around and points in the direction of a clump of people. “You’re salt and he’s pepper, right? That’s such an obvious couples’ costume, although you two do seem to have a bit of a disconnect on how much effort you put in. That guy really went all out. And dude, why haven’t you told us that you have a boyfriend? You know we’d want to know about that, give him the Sig Pi seal of approval and all that. Wait. Unless he’s a Sig Nu, in which case, I don’t want to know because I’d probably have to kick you out. That’s a joke, by the way.”

Calum barely has the presence of mind to mumble, “He’s not my boyfriend,” before crossing the room to get to the guy in the hyper-realistic pepper grinder costume.

The guy smiles as Calum approaches, and despite the costume covering most of his body, Calum can tell that he’s cute. “Why so salty?” Pepper Guy greets, the sunshiney smile still on his face.

Calum smirks and replies, “Maybe I just need some more spice in my life.” Pepper Guy laughs, and just like everything else about him, it’s cute, and Calum wants to hear it again. “I’m Calum, by the way.”

“Ashton. Nice to meet you, man.”

Calum leans a little closer so that it’s easier to hold a conversation over the loud music and asks, “What’s the deal with the super realistic pepper grinder costume?”

Ashton makes a strange noise, somewhere between a laugh and a groan, and says, “I got it off some random sketchy website, but it was supposed to be a chess piece. Something clearly went wrong somewhere in production, and my friend Luke said that I might as well sharpie a “P” onto it and just go with it.”

Calum makes a noise of agreement, mind stuck on a dumb idea. Before he can reconsider, he sends Michael a quick text that says if u’ve already taken over as dj, can u play that come grind w me song? and a few seconds later, he hears the opening notes and grins.

“Hey, Ashton?”

“Yeah?” Ashton replies, as realization slips across his face.

Right in time with the singer’s voice, Calum says, “Come grind with me,” and he laughingly pulls Ashton towards the makeshift dance floor. Neither of them can really dance, so it’s a mess of laughter and limbs flopping around, but Calum feels an unmistakable electricity between them too, and once the song is over, they stay for the next few, enraptured by each other. When they finally exhaust themselves with all the laughing and mock-twerking, Ashton asks Calum if he wants a refill, and when Calum nods, he grabs his hand and starts pulling him towards the kitchen.

Once they’re there, Calum goes for another serving of the glow in the dark punch, which is steadily dimming as the glow sticks run out of light. Since that’s really the only light source in the kitchen, Calum doesn’t see Ashton until he’s turning around and Ashton is right in front of him, reaching around him for a cup. Calum’s kind of trapped with his back against the counter, Ashton’s pepper grinder costume tall enough to really block out the view of the rest of the party, and the world narrows, all of it contained in where their eyes connect, and then, after Calum has safely set his drink back on the counter, that narrow point expands just a bit to where their mouths land on each other’s. The colander gets knocked off Calum’s head as he lifts himself up to sit on the counter, wrapping his legs around Ashton’s waist to pull him closer, as close as he can possibly get him.

Ashton’s sucking a mark into Calum’s neck when Calum has his first coherent thought of the past few minutes and pulls back, breathlessly asking “Wait, wait, you’re not a Sig Nu, are you?” fully expecting the answer to be no.

Ashton steps back a little too, and it takes him a second to register the question before he groans, “Of course you’re a fucking Sig Pi, that’s the only explanation that makes sense for me never seeing you anywhere before. You’re too hot for me to not notice otherwise.”

Calum flushes and mentally curses out whatever idiots had started the rivalry between Sig Nu and Sig Pi before he grabs his stupid colander off the ground and gives Ashton an awkward wave goodbye.

Once he’s out of the kitchen, he quickly glances around in search of Michael, and when he can’t immediately find him, he just gives up and leaves entirely. Fuck Sig Nu.

He spends most of the next day bitching about his hangover, and then, a few hours later, bitching about his hangover while helping to set up the house for that night’s party.

He doesn’t really have much more of a costume for tonight, throwing on a gray shirt and sharpie-ing some whiskers on his face. Michael takes pity on him and makes him a headband with an approximation of what they both think mouse ears are, and Calum is mildly entertained by going up to everyone and saying, “I’m a mouse, duh.”

His heart’s really not in the right place to party tonight, which is probably breaking the cardinal rule of being in a frat, so he sticks close to Michael, who has taken over the role of DJ, once again. Zayn from Alpha Sig strolls over after about half an hour, devil horns askew, and quietly says to Calum, “Cat and mouse, huh? Didn’t think you had it in you, Hood, that’s proper cute. Not as cute as me and Lou, mind you, but still, I respect the effort.”

Calum is reluctant to look up and see who he’s accidentally matching with today, because, with his luck, it’s probably another guy from Sig Nu. When he does eventually look up, he immediately makes eye contact with Ashton, who happens to be walking by, dressed in all black and with whiskers sharpie’d onto his face too. Calum wants to bang his head into a wall because the universe clearly hates him if it’s having him match with Ashton again. Even beyond that, Ashton looks so good out of the stupid pepper grinder and in all black that Calum wants to make out with him again.

Ashton is clearly having similar thoughts when he gestures Calum over and leads them towards a little pocket of quiet space in one of the lesser used hallways.

Calum really wants to hook his thumb into one of Ashton’s belt loops, so he does, as Ashton looks him up and down a few times. “Is the mouse costume your way of telling me you want me to chase you?”

Calum murmurs, “Shut up,” before leaning in to kiss him, frat rivalry be damned. It’s just as good as it was the night before, maybe even more so, now that the pepper costume isn’t in their way. At this point, there’s no denying the chemistry. It can’t be blamed on being drunk since Calum’s been nursing the same beer all night, and the part of his brain that’s protesting against being this close to a Sig Nu is getting smaller and smaller as he and Ashton continue to kiss.

They stay in that hallway for the rest of the night, eventually sliding down to sit on the ground, legs pressed together, sharing stupid stories about their respective frats. Calum’s surprised when the music shuts off because it feels like it’s only been an hour at most, that’s how easy it is to talk to Ashton. Ashton heaves himself up and reaches both hands down to help Calum up, too.

“I don’t think there’s any way you can match your costume to mine tomorrow, but I’ll come find you anyways,” Ashton says, as he leaves Calum with a kiss on the cheek.

Calum’s too wired to sleep much, so he opts to help clean up the house instead, and that takes up enough of his day that when nighttime rolls around, he’s stood staring at his closet without a costume idea for the third time in as many days. After ten minutes of consideration, he digs through one of his drawers to pull out the fake vampire fangs that he had somehow remembered to bring with him, and he goes down the hall to ask Jack to put some fake blood on his mouth and neck. Jack always goes all out for Halloween.

Once he’s at the party, he doesn’t have to wait long to find Ashton, who looks incredibly good in his werewolf costume. There’s fake blood on him too, which is really the only way their costumes could be understood to be matching, or so Calum thinks. Tonight, Jack and Alex are the ones to tease him, “You know what, I agree. Jacob and Edward should have ended up together, Bella was boring as shit.”

Calum’s really not bothered by the comments at all, so much so that he’s already thinking of couples’ costumes ideas for next year when he finds his way over to Ashton and whispers, “Let’s get out of here.”

“Are you trying to make a move on me? I’m a respectable Sigma Nu, I don’t know if I can allow that.”

Calum laughs and tugs him out the door, “Told you I wanted some more spice in my life.”

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jeogiyall · 4 years

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𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐅𝐢𝐯𝐞; 𝒎.𝒕𝒍

✪︎︎ᴡᴏʀᴅ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ: 𝟷𝟶.𝟺𝟺𝚔 (𝚜𝚑𝚎’𝚜 𝚊 𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚕𝚘𝚕)

✪ɢᴇɴʀᴇ: 𝖿𝗅𝗎𝖿𝖿, 𝗌𝗅𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍 𝖺𝗇𝗀𝗌𝗍, 𝗆𝗎𝗌𝗂𝖼𝖺𝗅 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝖺𝗍𝗋𝖾! 𝖺𝗎; 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘅 𝗺𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗮𝗲𝗶𝗹 <3

✪︎︎ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢs: 𝗌𝗅𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍 𝖼𝗎𝗌𝗌𝗂𝗇𝗀, 𝗆𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇𝗌 𝖺 𝖽𝖾𝖺𝖽 𝗉𝖺𝗋𝖾𝗇𝗍, 𝗅𝖾𝗌 𝗆𝗂𝗌𝖾𝗋𝖺𝖻𝗅𝖾𝗌 𝗌𝗉𝗈𝗂𝗅𝖾𝗋𝗌 (𝗂𝖿 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖼𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝖺𝖻𝗈𝗎𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍)

✪︎︎ᴀᴅᴅɪᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ: 𝗅𝖾𝗌 𝗆𝗂𝗌! 𝖺𝗎, 𝗌𝗅𝗈𝗐 𝖻𝗎𝗋𝗇 𝗋𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾, 𝖻𝖾𝗌𝗍 𝖿𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗇𝖽𝗌! 𝗁𝖺𝖾𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗇 + 𝗃𝖺𝖾𝗁𝗒𝗎𝗇, 𝖿𝖾𝖺𝗍𝗎𝗋𝖾𝖽 𝗅𝗎𝖼𝖺𝗌, 𝗐𝗂𝗇𝗐𝗂𝗇, 𝗑𝗂𝖺𝗈𝗃𝗎𝗇, 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗁𝖾𝗇𝖽𝖾𝗋𝗒 𝖺𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝖺𝗍𝗋𝖾 𝗄𝗂𝖽𝗌.

✪︎︎ᴀ/ɴ: 𝖺𝗌 𝖺 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝖺𝗍𝗋𝖾 𝗄𝗂𝖽 𝗐𝗁𝗈 𝗂𝗌 𝖽𝖾𝗌𝗉𝖾𝗋𝖺𝗍𝖾𝗅𝗒 𝗆𝗂𝗌𝗌𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗂𝗍, 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝗌𝗈 𝗌𝗈 𝖿𝗎𝗇 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗆𝖾 𝗍𝗈 𝗐𝗋𝗂𝗍𝖾!! 𝗂'𝗏𝖾 𝗂𝗇𝖼𝗅𝗎𝖽𝖾𝖽 𝖺 𝗌𝗆𝖺𝗅𝗅 "𝗀𝗅𝗈𝗌𝗌𝖺𝗋𝗒" 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝖺𝗍𝗋𝖾 𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗆𝗌 𝗎𝗌𝖾𝖽 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋𝗌 𝗐𝗁𝗈 𝖺𝗋𝖾𝗇'𝗍 𝖿𝖺𝗆𝗂𝗅𝗂𝖺𝗋 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗀𝖾. 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖽𝗈𝗇'𝗍 𝗇𝖾𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗈 𝗄𝗇𝗈𝗐 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗉𝗅𝗈𝗍 𝗈𝖿 𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗶𝘀 𝗍𝗈 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌, 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖼𝖺𝗇 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽 𝖺 𝗌𝗁𝗈𝗋𝗍 𝗌𝗒𝗇𝗈𝗉𝗌𝗂𝗌 𝗈𝖿 𝗂𝗍 here, 𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗎𝗀𝗁 𝗂𝗍 𝗂𝗌𝗇'𝗍 𝗇𝖾𝖼𝖾𝗌𝗌𝖺𝗋𝗒. 𝗂 𝗁𝗈𝗉𝖾 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖾𝗇𝗃𝗈𝗒!! -𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐝

Theatre Glossary

Callbacks: Second step of the audition process, almost like a second audition but you focus on a certain character

Blocking: Movement and positioning of actors on stage during a performance

Dance Captain: An actor in the show (typically ensemble) that helps with anything dance related. Can help choreograph some numbers, usually runs dance rehearsals

Stage Manager: A crew member who is in charge of crew as well as everything backstage during a show. Whatever they say is a direct extension of the director

Stage Door: A door where the actors, crew, and staff can enter and exit the theatre

Tech Week: The week leading up to opening where the cast and crew do the full show each day in full costumes and makeup. It is extremely physically and mentally challenging and you can often end up at the theatre for 6+ hours

“Thank You Five”: Whenever the stage manager gives a direction back stage, actors should reply with “Thank you (direction given.)” This is to let the stage manager know that you heard their direction

Mic Check: Before the show each actor that uses a microphone will get the levels and placement on them checked

Notes: After a performance or rehearsal the director will give commentary (critiques or praises) to the actors

—

Ever since you were a little girl, bouncing in the velvet seats of your city’s theater while watching Les Miserables, it was your dream to play Cosette. From the lilting notes of ‘In My Life’ to her character that leapt from the countless pages of the book, the character (and show) took over your brain. It was a genuine miracle that your parents hadn’t hidden your copy of the cast recording, or that your best friend (Lee Donghyuck) didn’t duct tape your mouth when you’d go to his house after voice lessons and force him to listen to you sing ‘Castle on A Cloud’ with countless different interpretations.

After years of being obsessed with the show, you felt that it was a sign when your youth theatre announced the summer musical. An email with Les Miserables in huge red, white, and blue letters. It was challenging to not get your hopes up, even throughout callbacks. Even as the director tested different boys and kept you on to read for Cosette, you forced yourself to swallow the thoughts of ‘It’s me!’. When the cast list was finally posted you had to force your hands to quit shaking... Then made Haechan open it because your will didn’t work.

”Why are you even nervous, you know you got the part.” He grumbled, fishing through his pants pocket and trying not to throw up.

“The same reason you’re nervous, now open the damn list”

“I’m going as fast as I can!” If it weren’t for his panic, you’re sure he would’ve slapped you, “Okay, I have it.”

“Give it to me straight, Doc.” He rolled his eyes and scrolled, undoubtedly skipping past a lengthy message from your director.

“You are such a dork,” It was easy to tell how nervous he was, so you bit the side of your cheek and allowed him to read, “okay. Xiaojun is Valjean, Jaehyun is Javert..” You nod with your jaw clenched, twiddling your hands where they sit in your lap.

“That’s good, they’ll be good in that.” He nodded in agreement, swallowing hard.

“Yea, they will. Lucas is Thenardier, that’ll be funny.” It was becoming increasingly harder to speak, so you hummed an answer and hoped that he understood what you’re trying to say, “Oh no!” he groaned, causing your heartbeat to falter in it’s place.

“What?!”

“The girl who got Cosette! She’s so annoying, but also really talented. As well as hardworking, and she’s wanted to play this role for forever, and-” Realization slowly sunk into the lines of your face as you slapped your best friends arm.

“Shut up!” He started laughing, something huge and sparkly forming in the space between your bodies.

“She’s also my best friend, so...” It was impossible to not hug someone in that moment, so you threw your arms around Hyuck’s shoulders and hoped that he didn’t notice the shake of your shoulders, “Are you crying?”

“No...” You had sobbed into his shoulder while fat tears were fall onto his cotton t-shirt, “A little bit.” He laughed, a sound that’s familiar and comforting and wraps you up like a blanket.

“I’m proud of you.” Hyuck breathed, squeezing your body tightly.

“Thank you, me too.” The smile when you pulled away was beaming, soaring as high as your full heart.

Playing Cosette was everything you’d ever dreamed, except for two tiny things. For starters, there was the wig. Of course you knew that you’d have to wear a wig, almost everyone who plays Cosette has to wear a wig. You just weren’t expecting yours to be so... Ugly.

It was a nearly five pound mop of thick blonde curls, that would spend every single rehearsal tickling the back of your neck. It didn’t help that you were still a little confused on how to put it on, which caused the terrifying object to slip and slide around constantly. Pretty much at any chance it could get. The first time Xiaojun saw it happen he laughed so hard that he cried.

(”Xaiojun!” You had whined, trying desperately to straighten the blonde rat tail on your head.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry I was just trying t-to sing at you a-and your wig-”

Needless to say, the most that came out of that rehearsal were some cursed images of your wig mishaps and one scene being blocked.)

The second, and much more pressing, issue was your love interest. Moon Taeil was a newcomer to your theatre company, but no one was shocked when he got Marius. His voice is technically perfect, you and Xiaojun had analyzed every note of his audition while waiting for the cast list. There was not a single flaw, then when you factored in his emotion... Any director would be lucky to have him in a show.

Based just on his callback, you figured working with him would be a dream. It was for the most part; he came in already memorized every single rehearsal and his voice was just immaculate. His chemistry was stunning... With every one else.

Maybe it’s because you’re spoiled with your lists of love interests, which consists entirely of your closest friends, but you just could not get used to Taeil. It was clear he felt the same way, causing all of your blocked scenes to be stiff as a board.

(”He’s not like that with Donghyuck! Why is Marius more in love with Enjorlas than Cosette?!” You lamented during an after rehearsal Sheetz run. Donghyuck had rolled his eyes while snatching Sichengs milkshake out of his hands.

“Hyuck, I have literally never hated a person more-”

“Stop whining, we’re talking about (y/n)!” He quipped, passing the drink back to your peeved dance captain, “It’s probably because he doesn’t have to kiss me, which is a real shame for him.”

“But he also kisses Emily, and they seem fine.” Jaehyun commented while taking his seat next to you. His addition caused you to groan, head sinking into your hands.

“Why can’t I act with my Marius! It’s so awkward and I can’t even get to know him! He just shows up, does the work, and leaves. Which is fine, whatever, but really? That’s it? No Sheetz afterwards? No McDonald’s? Not even a bag of chips from the vending machine outside the auditorium?! How am I supposed to get to know him when he’s just in and out like a ghost, are we even sure that he’s real?!” You’re breathing has turned heavy while your hands are gripping your wig cap braids almost violently, “Also my wig is so ugly and I don’t know how to put it on!”

“What’s wrong with (y/n)?” Lucas whispered, popping a chip into his mouth and chewing slowly while waiting for someone to answer his question.

“She’s having a mental breakdown for no reason.” Sicheng answered, snatching his milkshake back from Jaehyun. You were so busy ranting that you didn’t even notice the theft.

“It’s not for no reason!” You snapped, chin catching on the straw of your drink.

“(Y/n)?” Donghyuck began, eyes wide and sincere, “Shut up and drink your slushie.”)

The scenes were so flat, in fact, that you and Taeil were called for a characterization meeting. Alone. If you thought you and Taeil were awkward on stage, sitting on the leather couches of the green room while waiting to talk about how awful you were together was much worse. Plastering on a smile when your director entered was physically challenging.

“Okay!” She started, dropping files onto the cofee table in front of you, “For the record, you are both doing great. I mean really, love love love the effort. Taeil, you and Donghyuck are just hilarious, and (y/n) and Xiaojun almost made me cry the other day!”

“Thank you!” You both answer simultaneously, Taeil nodding his head while twiddling his thumbs.

“Of course, that being said there are some issues regarding chemistry.” A shiver runs up your perfectly straightened spine, “I just remember at call backs you two were mind blowing together, like seriously. Those voices were made to sing with each other, and your characters were just what I wanted. A true directors dream, so what happened to that?” Your eyes flick to Taeil, internally begging him to speak first. It almost looks like he’s going to, but the words die on his lips, “I know it’s awkward to talk about, but we need to be open if we’re going to make this work.” You look at your Marius one more time, willing him to speak.

“Personally, I think it’s challenging for me because all of the boys who have previously played my love interests were really close friends. Like Jaehyun, I’ve known him since we were in diapers so it wasn’t... Weird, for either of us.” You turn to Taeil, who’s shifting uncomfortably in his seat, “It’s not that I don’t like you or anything, I do! You’re very talented; I just don’t know you, y’know?” From a force of habit, your eyes flick to your director. She’s nodding, ink pen tapping the tip of her nose.

“Okay, Taeil?” She prods after a silence that takes forever. The boy fidgets, one hand coming up to scratch the nape of his neck. For one brief moment you notice how beautiful he is, with his sharp jawline cutting perfectly against his soft cheeks and high cheekbones. His eyes glisten while he thinks, then they flick to you. It makes everything feel red.

“Um, I agree... You’re really sweet, and funny, I just don’t know you. Or anyone, really.” The warmth on your skin dissipates and is replaced with a heavy swirling in your gut. Is it always going to be this hard to make him talk to you?

“Okay,” Your director starts, dropping her pen to the table, “so it sounds like for (y/n) to be more comfortable you have to get to know each other, and for Taeil to be more comfortable you need to get used to the environment; nod if I’m right.” Taeil looks at you with the same expression of a deer in headlights, but you’re used to this form of communication. He watches as you nod, then follows timidly, “Alright, I have an assignment. I want you two to go on a date.”

Let’s just say, if you thought your ego wasn’t damaged by having to do this meeting it was definitely damaged by Taeil’s incredulous sputtering.

“Excuse me?” He asked, cheeks flushing beet red. You bit off the hangnail on your thumb, stomach churning again.

“I don’t think she means a real date.” You muttered, embarrassment threatening your cheeks.

“You’re right, (y/n), I don’t. I just mean that I need you two to go out somewhere, sit down, and get to know each other. Not as Marius and Cosette, but as Taeil and (y/n), okay?” You nod eagerly despite the redness flushing your face, because you’re a directors pet first. Taeil is a little (read: a lot) more reserved.

“Okay, we can go after next weeks act one vocal run through?” You suggest. He smiles, it’s the same one he uses while acting.

“Yea, I’ll drive.” You want to tell him that he doesn’t have to look so scared about it. It’s not like you bite.

“Perfect!” Your director sighs, clapping her hands while popping up from her chair, “It’s a date.”

You wish her words sounded less like a threat.

There were few things worse than choreography rehearsals. One thing was choreography rehearsals lead by Dong Sicheng. Especially when they happened on Haechan’s (more commonly known as your ride) sick day. Even worse? Having to wear a blonde rat tail on your head.

“I’m really sorry (y/n), I just can’t even-” His words were cut off by the sound of him retching, you prayed that it was into a toilet, “Yea. That.” You chewed anxiously on your thumb nail, eyes tracking to the slowly dwindling parking lot.

“Don’t even worry about it, I’ll bring by some soup tonight.” You could hear his mom ushering him back into his bed, “Okay?”

“Sounds good.” He groans out, making an ‘oomf’ sound as he drops into his bed, “I gotta go before I get something gross on my phone. Love you.”

“Love you too, bye bye!” As you dropped your phone back into the rehearsal bag slung across your shoulder rain started to drizzle outside. It wasn’t a long walk from the theater to your house, and if you ran there was a small chance of actually getting wet (you had learned this with Donghyuck and Jaehyun back in middle school, after many unfortunate weather days.) You could always wait until the stage crew is done and see if one of your friends was on today, but the rain was already turning from drizzle to downpour. Besides, it felt wrong to talk to someone just because you needed a ride; running would be perfectly fine.

“Who were you talking to?” A voice asked. You yelped, whipping around to see black hair and soft cheeks.

“Oh, Taeil!” Your voice comes out so fake that it makes you cringe, “It was just Donghyuck, he’s sick so I’m here. Why are you still here?” He shoves his hands into the pockets of his sweatpants, eyeing the rain where it falls behind you.

“I was talking with Henderey. He’s stage manager, do you know him?” Slight irritation itches the back of your neck.

“Of course.” He swallows roughly, hands briefly coming out of his pockets to brush through his hair.

“Oh, well our dads are friends. So...” Silence settles awkwardly in the room, so thick that you could spread it on toast, “So if Donghyck’s not here how are you getting home? Doesn’t he usually take you?” A sigh escapes your lip as you turn around again, noticing the rain that’s beginning to come down in sheets.

“He does, I think I’m just gonna... Walk?” Taeil’s face twisted, jaw going slack while his eyebrows furrowed.

“Y-you know I can’t let you do that, right?” A small laugh bubbles in your throat as you suddenly understand why he’s the perfect fit for Marius. The only word that can be used to describe Taeil in this moment (other than awkward) would be pretty. His lips are puffy and twisted with concern, soft cheeks pulling downwards with a frown. He’s pure lover boy material, which makes you even more frustrated that you can’t act with him.

“It’s fine, you clearly don’t want to be around me. Or go out with me, and if I run-”

“Hold on,” he interrupts, taking a step closer to you, “who said that?” a blush rises all the up to your ears, you almost move to cover them.

“Well, you didn’t say it but-”

“ME?!” His eyebrows are raised, they’re so perfect that you wonder if he’s ever had them done.

“Yes! Last week, you all but spat on yourself at the idea of going out with me. I mean you don’t have to get married to me or anything, but seriously? Is it that revolting?” His cheeks are the color of the daylilies that bloom in your front yard. Running in the rain doesn’t sound too bad at this point.

“I didn’t mean- it wasn’t like th- I just don’t know you!” For some reason those five words are what make the pot in your brain boil over.

“I don’t know you either! You aren’t the only uncomfortable one!” His expression is softening, it makes you want to scream... Or cry, “I don’t know you, anything about you! I try to joke around backstage, ask about your favorite shows, I even gave you permission to make fun of my wig! I won’t even let Donghyuck do that! You literally just won’t talk to me, so it’s safe to assume you don’t like me very much. Which is whatever, that’s all up to you, but you have to work with me! Which means you have to not, oh I don’t know, spit on yourself when the director says we have to do something together!” The expression of concern on Taeil’s face had twisted into one of sadness. It was unbelievable to you that he was sad, you were the offended one! With a frustrated sigh, you turn to the glass doors and brace yourself for the rain.

“Wait!” He calls out. You turn back around to see that he’s taken a step closer to you, one arm outreached as if he wants to touch you. Something flips in your stomach, “I’m really sorry. And I promise it’s not like that, I do like you.”

“Sure have a funny way of showing it.” You mumble, arms folding across your chest. He froze for a moment, lips forming a straight line on his face.

“I know, I’m sorry. Let me drive you home and make it up to you?” You’re about to say no when thunder booms outside, “I’ll even pull up and get you.”

“Does your car have seat warmers?” A smile starts cracking at the corner of his lips, you can’t tell if it’s endearing or infuriating.

“Yes.”

“Okay, fine. I’m still upset though!” The smile finally spreads, it looks like sun rolling over hills. He nods and moves past you.

“Noted.”

The moment you decided that Taeil was okay (probably more than that) was when you were sitting in his mom van underneath the cover of a Kangaroo gas station while listening to your musical theatre playlist. He was eating sour patch kids and sipping on a mountain dew while laughing at your answers to ‘twenty’ questions (twenty in quotations because in reality the two of you had far surpassed that number. It had been almost an hour of asking questions back and forth while chewing on gummy candy.)

“Okay... What’s the best role you’ve had?” You ask, stomach fluttering at the way his face lights up.

“Other than Marius,” He playfully sticks his tongue out at you, causing a giggle to bubble in your throat, “Tulsa in Gypsy. That was super fun.”

“You can tap?” You ask, shooting up out of your seat. He chuckles, stealing a gummy worm from the bag in your lap.

“Is that your question or...”

“No! Don’t count that; and stop taking my worms!” He laughs again as you protectively cradle the colorful bag.

“What’s your best role? And yes, I can tap.” You mull it over for a second, sucking on the red and blue candy in your mouth.

“Probably Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls, that was really fun. I got to do it with Jaehyun, too, so that was nice. My turn?” He nods while taking a long sip from his green can, “Okay, what’s your favorite musical?”

“Oklahoma.” He answers definitely. It makes you want to gag.

“Why?!” He answers with a ‘tsk’ sound, wagging an index finger towards you.

“It’s not your turn anymore.” He shoves a clump of blue sour patch kids into his mouth before continuing, “What do you think is the best movie musical?”

“Easy, Mama Mia. And swallow before you talk.” He smiles, poking one blue blob in between his teeth, “Why Oklahoma?” He sighs, plopping back into the drivers seat.

“It was my moms favorite.” His voice has taken on a softer tone, it makes you want to turn down the music.

“Permission to pry?” He looks towards you with glassy eyes, then nods, “Was?”

“Yea.” He breathes out, head tilting backwards. The motion exposes the elegant lines of his throat (it takes everything in you to not stare,) “Was, she passed when I was nine. Stomach cancer. I started theatre pretty soon after that.” Your heart softens at his words.

“I’m sorry, I had no idea.” He locks eyes with you and grins.

“Don’t you dare go and forgive me because I have a dead mom!” The strict words make you bust out in laughter,doubling over so quickly that you almost push his drink out of the cup holder. He chuckles too, pushing playfully at your shoulder, “Come on, sit up.”

“That isn’t why I’m forgiving you.” You answer through laughter, placing a hand on his arm, “I’m forgiving you because you’re actually really funny, and kind, and... You’re like a pomegranate person. They seem so ‘meh’ on the outside, then you have to work really really hard to open it up, but once you do it’s worth all of it.”

“Thank you, I think?” He chuckles, putting his free hand on top of yours, “Did you just call me ugly?” The laugh that comes out of you is so aggressive that it could be classified as a snort. It makes your gut clench.

“No!” You gasp, running one hand across your face, “I was saying that... I’m glad you forced me to let you take me home.” He gives you a soft smile, your ears turn pink.

“Yea, I am too.”

Being part of a theatre company in a small town resulted in two things; a lack of crew and strange traditions. The lack of crew was a direct cause of the lack of people auditioning, but after ten years that was proving to be less of a problem. However, the traditions (thankfully) had still yet to die out. There were countless examples, but amongst your favorite was the pajama sing through.

It started in the very first show, ‘The Little Mermaid’ (you were participating at a ripe eight years old, in the groundbreaking role of ‘Clown fish’.) The girl playing Ariel decided that a pajama party would be fun, someone even brought a waffle maker. You remembered sitting next to Donghyuck in matching onesies and sharing a waffle with whipped cream and strawberries, and so the tradition was born.

(He had laughed his butt off when you got into the car that morning.

“You look ridiculous, it’s perfect!” You wanted to slap him, but in a caring way. On one hand, he made you wear a Mike Wazowski onesie. On the other, you wouldn’t want anyone else to be your Sully.

“Shut up and drive! Also, are you feeling better?” He chuckled again, punching your shoulder the way an older brother would.

“Much, it was just food poisoning. Let’s go!”)

Everyone cheered when you and Hyuck entered the green room with a rusty waffle maker and fresh strawberries. It was a heartwarming sight, thirty kids all sitting on the floor of a shabby room with neon green walls dressed in over the top fuzzy pajamas.

“Where’s the waffles?” Jaehyun called out from across the room. He wore a black cotton shirt with fuzzy plaid pants, an outfit that fondly reminded you of your middle school sleepovers.

“Will you get your bag off the counter please?” He stuck his tongue out at you, slinging the leather satchel over his shoulder. You smiled sweetly at him then immediately got to work setting the machine up, “Sicheng should be here soon with the batter.”

“Um, why are we all in pajamas?” A voice asked from the door, one that you quickly recognized to be Taeil. He was in a white t-shirt tucked into a well fitted pair of jean shorts. all tied together with a brown leather belt.

“Did no one tell him?” Jaehyun whispers, the room falling quiet. Everyone’s staring at him, it almost makes you embarrassed.

“Um, we always wear pajamas to sing through’s. I guess no one told you, but don’t worry! I brought extras!” You walk towards the door, grabbing his arm as you pass by, “Did Hendery really not tell you?”

“Guess not, it’s weird to have everyone stare at you for not going out in pajamas.” His face when he makes a joke is so pure, particularly the way he softly laughs to himself. You make a point to laugh as well.

“Yea, it’s a tradition that we started at the first sing through. It’s always fun, kind of like a movie night. We’re parked this way.” You pull him towards the stage door.

“Aren’t we supposed to not use this door?” You scoff and push it open.

“No one follows that rule, also the pj’s are Hyuck’s. They should fit fine, if anything just a little long-”

“Okay you can call me annoying, or rude, or say that I have the personality of a door knob. But if you start calling me short I won’t hesitate to dropkick you.” A laugh escapes your mouth, coming out bubbly and kind. Like something you’d share with a friend.

“Relax! I wasn’t calling you... The s-word. I was just saying, Hyuck is a little bit tall-” He slaps your shoulder as you move towards your friends silver car.

“Not another word!” He punctuates each word with a short slap to your bicep, it makes you giggle.

“Okay, okay! I call mercy!” You laugh out while retrieving the fuzzy pajamas from Hyuck’s car, “Here you are, one pair of pj’s!” When you turn around to hand them off he’s standing just a little bit closer than before, you can almost feel his breath.

“Thank you,” He sighs, taking the fuzzy green pants and white hoodie into his hands, “I guess we’re not going to a restaurant after this?” You laugh again, softly pushing his shoulder.

“Are you trying to say my Mike Wazowski onesie isn’t good enough for the public?” He gasps and clenches his chest, perfect eyebrows furrowing.

“(Y/n)! I would nev-” He’s interrupted by the stage door swinging open, Donghyuck poking his head out ever so slightly.

“(Y/n)! Waffles!” You smile widely, like a little kid on Christmas morning. You slam the car door behind you shut and begin moving towards the door.

“Coming!” You sing in response, turning back to motion at Taeil, “Come on, there’s waffles!” You see him smile, something about it looks reserved.

(What you don’t see is the longing glances he cast to you throughout rehearsal, the clench in his gut as you feed Donghyuck the piece of strawberry that had fallen onto his Sully onesie. You don’t see his eyes cast downwards as you nestle into Donghyuck’s side and stay there for the rest of the sing through.)

It turns out Taeil’s plans consisted of eating Taco Bell in the trunk of his mom van while listening to the Mamma Mia cast album. You passed around questions and laughs while stuffing your faces with burritos and chips that were too greasy.

“You really don’t think I would play Harry?” He asks through a mouthful of burrito.

“No, you’re definitely a Sky. Also, swallow before you speak!” He laughs, threatening to fling a piece of lettuce at you, “Don’t you dare!”

“I won’t. You’d probably be Sophie.” You flash him a bright smile, doing an over exaggerated hair flip.

“I think so too.” He rolls his eyes, the sunlight spilling from his car windows highlight a honey colored undertone in his pupils. A part of you wishes you could bottle up this moment and keep it forever, “Permission to pry?”

“Is it about my mom?” He asks knowingly. You nod meekly as he smiles a gentle smile, “Go ahead.”

“Yesterday, when you said that you started theatre soon after your mom passing, was... I don’t know, was there a reason for that?” The words coming out of our mouth feel heavy, threatening to shatter the bubble. You had never worried about shattering a bubble before, but something about the memory of Taeil’s glassy eyes from yesterday makes your stomach clench.

“She was an actress. A really good one too, there’s tons of pictures and stuff. We actually have one cast recording from when she was off Broadway, but I can’t listen to it anymore.” He takes a deep breath, tilting his head back again. You’re starting to think that’s a habit when he talks about his mom, “I did Suessical right after she passed because I wanted to... I don’t know, feel closer to her? I stayed because of the whole family thing, since my family had actually fallen apart. Like, unraveled. Then I found out I was kind of good at it, so here we are.” It’s tempting to reach out and grab his hand, so you do. Your eyes lock as you offer up a gentle smile.

“That’s sweet, I’m sure she’s really proud of you.” He smiles back and breathes out. One strand of black hair swoops over his eyes, you think that he looks like a love story.

“She was a lot like you, actually.” You cock an eyebrow, eliciting a breathy laugh from the sweet boy, “I’m serious! She was so sweet, and funny, and like... Stubborn, but in a quiet kind of way.” Warmth blossoms in your chest.

“I’m glad you think of me that way, does that have anything to with why you wouldn’t talk to me?” He laughs again, unwinding his hand from yours. The answer is hesitant, you choose to believe it’s because he was laughing.

“Sure.”

You stay in the back of his car until the sun sets, wrapped up in the feeling of being with Taeil like it’s a warm bathrobe and you just stepped out of the shower.

“Where to this week?” You ask while bouncing over to the mom van. Taeil smiles, unlocking the door so you can climb in.

“I’m feeling ice cream, so Dairy Queen?” You smile and nod enthusiastically.

“Dairy Queen, absolutely!” He flashes you a smile while settling into the drivers seat, immediately connecting his phone to the aux and flipping through countless cast recordings.

“What are we feeling today? Maybe some Phantom?” When he looks over he’s greeted with a hazy smile, one that’s exclusively reserved for post rehearsal sappiness, “What?” (You pretend to not notice the goofy grin catching on the plane of his face.)

“I’m just really glad that we’re doing this weekly now. It’s almost like we’re friends.” He laughs, punching your shoulder. You think that it feels different than when Hyuck does it.

“We are friends, now text me your order.”

“Where are we headed, Miss?” Taeil questions, mustering up a rancid British accent. You would’ve laughed less if his hair wasn’t stuck to his forehead with sweat. The entire cast had been hoping Sicheng would lighten up on choreography rehearsals as you got closer to show week, but sadly you were all dead wrong.

“How about Dunkin’? I need the caffeine after that torture session.” He smiles widely, you pretend to not notice the bead of sweat that drips down his nose.

“Sounds great, text me-”

“My order, already on it!” He pinches your cheek before putting the car in reverse; you try to ignore how it makes your skin burn for the rest of the day.

“I can’t believe we’re one week away from tech.” You lament while Taeil sinks his teeth into a Five Guys burger. The idea of inhaling fast food while sitting in the back of this boys car would’ve once been so foreign to you, but now it’s a routine, “It feels like just yesterday we were stuttering our way through every scene together while Hyuck roasted me in our group chat.”

“Would he really?” A laughs spills from your mouth, along with a single shred of lettuce from the bite of cheese burger you had just consumed. Taeil immediately points at the spot where it landed on your thigh, laughing along with you, “Swallow! Swallow before you speak! Laugh? Either!” He’s shaking a finger at you, it reminds you of something your father would do.

“Stop! It’s your fault for making me laugh!” You whine, reaching up to grab his still waggling finger, “I swear we’re gonna have to fight!” His laughter has permeated the air, it makes something flutter in your stomach.

“I can’t believe your manners are so bad! Get it together, (y/n)!” He brings his other hand up, but doesn’t get very far before your hands are wrapped around both of his index fingers.

“Keep this up and Marius is going on with eight fingers.” You manage through a laugh, trying not to notice the pink spreading across his high cheek bones. (The same way you tried to not notice the freckle on the shell of his ear, or how his skin looked like honey against his black sweatshirt,) “I’m not kidding!”

“Forgive me for finding a girl who was wearing a blonde pom pom on her head an hour ago less than threatening.” He teases. You pretend that your heart doesn’t clench at his mischievous smirk.

“You’re so lucky that I like you too much to hurt you.”

When Jung Jaehyun moved in down the street you were six years old. It immediately resulted in countless days of riding your bikes up and down the street and stuffing your face with traditional Korean food at his house. Over the years the activities have changed, but the accessibility was always the same.

Which is how you ended up knocking on his front door at midnight exactly eight hours before tech rehearsals were set to begin. He opened the door wearing an expression of concern, as well as a bright green face mask.

“(Y/n)? It’s kinda late, isn’t-”

“I think I’m in love with Taeil.” You blurt out. His jaw drops open, light cracks forming in the green goop on his face, “I don’t really know how it happened, but we have those weekly dates or whatever, and he makes me laugh, a-and I don’t know! He’s just so kind and gentle, so so gentle, and our stage kiss! That, that used to be something just like... Whatever, you know? Like how I’ve kissed you and Hyuck. Just a stage kiss, but with Taeil it leaves chills all over my body! I literally forget my lines, which I’ve never done before! At least not because of a kiss!” Your eyes are wild (though, the fact that you’re donning fuzzy plaid pajama pants and bed head definitely adds to that.)

“Um... I’m not really in a position to talk right now, why don’t you come inside?” You nod, chewing nervously on your lower lip. He ushers you into the house, immediately seating you on the couch with a warm cup of honey tea, “I’m gonna go wash this off, but I promise I will be right back. We can talk then, yea?” You nod shyly, sipping the hot tea as he exits the living room.

The thoughts of Taeil had been dwelling in your head for weeks, causing your romance scenes to flourish. Receiving adamant praise from your director was nice, but you always left the stage with a hole in your chest. A gaping hole that only closes up in the solace of Taeil’s mom van with his eyes trained on you and everything feeling warm.

Jaehyun reenters the room with a clean face, immediately plopping next to you on the couch. His hair is pulled back from his forehead with an elastic headband, causing it to poke out in every direction. You think he looks like an octopus

“The tea’s good.” You breathe, face taking on a tired expression. You think Jaehyun doesn’t notice until he places his ring finger on the space between your eyebrows.

“Relax, we don’t need tech week wrinkles before tech has even started.” You roll your eyes dramatically, running a hand across your face.

“I’ll never forgive Hyuck for teaching you about skin care.” You groan as he playfully punches your shoulder.

“Whereas I am forever grateful. So, Taeil?” You whine like a peeved child at his comment, head falling onto his shoulder. He let’s out a squeaky laugh while pushing you to sit up, “Come on, tell me everything!”

So you do, mouth letting out words faster than you thought was possible. You tell him about the first day he drove you home, how he ate sour patch kids and sang along to Mean Girls. You tell him about taco bell, about how your weekly outings have become almost sacred. Most importantly, you tell Jaehyun about the moment you started to fall. Sitting in the back of Moon Taeil’s car with a mouthful of burrito; ‘She was a lot like you, actually’. It was so certain, so meaningful.

“I don’t know. He just make me feel so calmed, like... Like when we’re together there’s a pink bubble around us, and nothing can penetrate it.” A soft smile has taken on home on your friends face, one of his hands holding his heart as he pouts. It’s maddening how a moment like this with Jaehyun (or with any of your friends) makes you feels so different compared to a moment like this with Taeil. He’s just a boy like the others, but his hand on your thigh would make your head explode.

“That’s really sweet, (y/n). And it seems like he really likes you too.” You groan again, eliciting a warm laugh from your friend, “What? Why’s that bad?” You drag your hands down your face, pulling dramatically on your cheeks.

“Because! I’ve never liked anyone this much before, let alone someone like Taeil! He’s so hardworking, and sweet to everyone. I just don’t know if...” He leans into you, raising one eyebrow.

“You don’t know what?” A lump forms in your throat, you want to vomit.

“I don’t know if I’m good enough.” The words are breathy due to you uselessly fighting back tears. One slides down your cheek, Jaehyun passes you a tissue, “A-and it’s scary because I’m not used to not knowing that, I’m always good enough! But for him, f-for him? He deserves the entire world, and I can’t give him that! I can’t even drive!” Jaehyun laughs softly, pulling you into a comforting hug while patting your back softly.

“Well the driving thing isn’t your fault, or relevant,” A whimper escapes your lips as you cuddle into your friends chest, “And if you two are meant to be then you will be enough. No matter what you have to give physically, if you two really love each other you will always be enough. Now let’s get you home, can’t have Cosette showing up cranky on the first day of tech.” You laugh; it’s a depressing, watery noise. Sitting up, you wipe the tear tracks from your cheeks and inhale snottily.

“No, I guess we can’t. Would be a shame to have a sleepy Javert, too.” He laughs while standing in one swift motion, offering you a hand.

“Yes it would... (Y/n?)” You stand up, stealing one last hug from your kind friend.

“Yes?” You ask while nestled in his arms.

“I love you so much. You’re like my little sister, and I’m really really proud of you.” A sigh leaves your chest, your whole body feeling like a weight’s been lifted.

“Thank you, big bro.” He smiles brightly, “You’re gonna tell everyone about this, aren’t you?” He laughs again, head tilting back. You think of the way Taeil does that, and then you think of the way his laugh sounds (soft and high, almost like how a fairy would laugh.)

“Sweetie, we already knew. We were just waiting for you to admit it.”

1:27 am

Incoming text from; xiaojun <3

‘(Y/N) AND TAEIL SITTIN IN A TREE’

‘K-I-S-S-I-N-G’

1:49 am

Incoming text from; seecheeng

‘thank u for confessing jae owes me $30′

1:52 am

Incoming text from; luke ass

‘AYEEEEEEEEEE’

6:05 am

Incoming text from; donkey yuck <33

‘if u don’t make a move by the end of tech i’ll eat your toes :)’

There were four dressing rooms in your theater, usually divided between principle and ensemble due to the amount of costumes. While the boys and girls were separated, you would freely go between your dressing room and wherever all of your boys were. You were all so familiar that you could come in wearing nothing but a sweatshirt and your spanx. Which is exactly what you did, business as usual.

“Happy t-” Your voice leaves as soon as you see Taeil sitting in front of a mirror with an eyebrow pencil in his hand. He looks at you, and it’s almost comical how quickly his cheeks turn pink, “I’m gonna go put my pants back on.”

(You can hear Hyuck laughing through the walls.)

“Welcome back!” Lucas calls out as you reenter the dressing room, “Happy to see your pants this time.” You shoot him a sleepy glare and plop into the seat next to Donghyuck.

“Will you do my falsies for me?” You ask the boy, already knowing that he’ll agree.

“Yes, but I’m not tying your corset.” A laugh falls from your lips as you pump primer onto the back of your hand. It’s going pretty well until you notice Taeil watching you, eyes trained on your every move. It makes you blush.

“What?” You ask, remnants of laughter settling in your chest. The room is bustling, people arguing over where to put costume pieces, music blaring from Xiaojun’s speaker, Lucas screaming over... Something; but nonetheless you can feel a bubble form around you and Taeil.

“Oh! Nothing, just... Your makeup looks so good. Mine always looks gross.” His eyes are sparkling, along with the teeth that poke from his small smile. You laugh lightly, pushing a stray piece of hair behind your ear.

“Do you want me to do your makeup?” His eyes immediately go wide, the small smile now spreading cheek to cheek. The way he nods like an energetic kid makes your heart clench, “Okay, just let me finish this really quick.” You pack powder onto your forehead, then slide up onto the counter in front of where he’s sitting, “Where’s your foundation?” He reaches behind you to grab the small glass bottle, hand lightly brushing your hip bone in the process. It would be a joke to say the two of you don’t develop blushes redder than a fire engine.

“Um, here!” He shoves the bottle into your hands, driving a wedge between your bodies.

“Thanks.” You sigh, spreading the liquid goop onto the back of your hand, “How are you feeling about your first tech day so far?” The boy smirks, a giggle playing on his lips.

“It’s fun. My favorite part was when you came in without pants.” From across the room Hyuck cackles, causing both you and Taeil to turn and stare.

“Sorry, I agree!” You roll your eyes and return to the former position. The first thing you notice is how smooth Taeil’s skin is, then the solemn expression that it wears. Your eyebrows crinkle while spreading blending foundation into his cheeks.

“What’s wrong?” You ask while moving onto the boys forehead. He shakes his head dismissively, causing you to promptly slap him, “Don’t move your head... Or lie to me.”

“I’m fine!” The boys sighs, a smile finally verging on the edges of his lips, “And I wouldn’t lie to you.” Something clenches inside of your chest, something that let’s you know he’s still not okay. You’re about to push even harder when Xiaojun calls your name from across the room, shouting that it’s your turn to pick the song.

“Anything from Waitress!” You reply while lightly dabbing blush onto Taeil’s cheeks. The bubble is officially popped, but the weight of Taeil’s face in your hands is too comforting for it to matter.

“Five to places!” Hendery calls into the girls dressing room. You (and three ensemble girls) are currently trying to shove your gut into a corset while not damaging the curly blonde wig on top of your head. Yet still, you drone ‘Thank you five’ in response, as if you’re all actually going to be ready by then.

“I got it!” One girl shouts as she fastens the eye and hook on your back, “Okay, breathe in really hard.” You barely have a chance to breathe period before she fastens the ribbons so tight that you see stars.

“Thank you.” You wheeze as she backs away, moving quickly to put on your first dress. It’s a gorgeous thing, with sleeves that puff like clouds and a huge violet silk skirt. The first time you pulled it over your head it felt like you were the same little girl who bounced and cheered in the seats of the Les Mis national tour, like thousands of wishes on stars had come true. You felt the same way now as you gazed into the mirror.

“Where’s your bonnet?” The girl playing Eponine asked, eliciting a curse from your perfectly painted lips.

“I left it in the boys room.” You drop your hands from where they’re adjusting the gown and head for the door. Rushing into the boys dressing room while wearing a dress shaped like a cupcake and character shoes is probably a sight for sore eyes. You actually know that it is, if Xiaojuns aching laughter is anything to judge by.

“Has anyone seen my bon-” The sight of Taeil standing alone in the center of the room with your bonnet twirling on his fingers makes your voice stop. You smile and walk towards him, reveling in the stars in his eyes, “Thank you, I was looking for that.” You say as you take it off the boys fingers. The room is a heavy kind of silent, one that waits for someone to say something, “So are you-”

“We have to stop this.” He states, turning to face you head on. Something clenches in your chest, causing confusion to rise up on your face.

“Stop what, I’m just getting my bonnet-”

“Please don’t do that,” He groans as sadness settles into the lines of his face, “don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about. It’ll just drag this out.” He moves to turn away, but you grab him by the shoulder and flip him back to you. There’s no way that he’s getting of this that easily.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, so tell me!” You’re begging, but there’s something snapping in your heart telling you to not care. He sighs deeply, running one hand over his face. It’s infuriating how hard his action makes your stomach flutter.

“This! Th-the feelings! The way that we talk a-and touch, it has to stop.” You feel a lump harden in your throat, but you swallow it down and grip him tighter.

“Why?” He groans, trying again to move away, “No, tell me why? If it’s because you don’t feel how I do then I at least deserve to know!” His eyes go sad, a single tear rolling down his cheek. You want to tell him that it’ll ruin his makeup if he cries now. You want to wipe it away.

“It’s not that, I-I do feel the same. But I can’t, and I shouldn’t, so we have to stop this.” Tears are flowing down his cheeks, you want to cry too. It’s actually becoming hard not to.

“Yes, but why?” Your voice sounds like a sob.

“Because! Because I don’t want to hurt anyone, least of all you, so we have to stop this.” Well, that wasn’t any less confusing than this outburst. You’re about to say something when the door swings open.

“Places!” Hendery calls into the room. Your stomach goes cold at the realization that you still have to do the show.

“Thank you places.” Taeil calls back as you drop his shoulder. He wipes the tears from his cheeks, you want to tell him that he’s going to get foundation on his sleeve. Before he leaves he casts you one last glance with watery eyes, it almost looks like he’s going to apologize. He doesn’t, leaving you standing alone in the middle of the room.

The silence settles heavy again, enveloping you entirely. There’s no sound as you sob, no sound as the overhead microphone turns on, no sound as Hyuck and Lucas enter the room to envelope you in a bone crushing. No sound except for the boiling anger that turns your ears red and the erratic thumping of your heart that leaps into your throat.

You do your makeup and put on your wig in the boys dressing room everyday, yet still manage to avoid talking to Taeil until final dress. It was challenging to say the least, but Hyuck’s terrible jokes and watching Lucas try to do his stage makeup was the perfect distraction from the brick that Taeil left in your gut. Unfortunately, neither of them were here now. Just Xiaojun (who was sitting in the cushy chair by the door with earbuds in,) Taeil (who was buttoning the collar of his ruffled shirt,) and you (who’s shoving all of the hair on your head into a wig cap.)

“You were really good yesterday.” He says, mocha brown eyes moving to where you sit. It’s frustrating how quickly you blush, “Not that you’re not always really good, you are! It’s just-”

“Why are you doing this?” You ask, hands dropping from your head and onto the makeup counter, “First you say that you won’t... Whatever for god knows why, and that’s fine! I’m trying to let that be fine, even though I have to kiss you but it’s not like I’m actually kissing you. It’s fine, it’s fine! Until you start trying to make small talk, that’s just cruel.” You can only imagine how non-threatening you look with all of your hair shoved into a lump on your head, yet he still looks like he’s been scolded.

“Oh, um... I’m sorry.” You turn back to the mirror and pull the wig onto your head, securing it with a huge clump of bobby pins.

“I have to go and get my costume on, I’ll see on stage.” You exit quickly, with something angry, sad, and ugly forming in your stomach.

The feeling of opening night is one that eludes a description. It’s like there’s a pit in your stomach, but the pit is lined with glitter and fireworks. Wonderful and happy and relived, but still anxious.

“Happy opening!” You sing while waltzing into the boys room, wearing a pair of sweatpants over your already fastened corset.

“Happy opening!” They chorus in response. The room is already in perfect chaos, with Hyuck and Lucas doing full fledged reenactments of whatever song comes on shuffle while Jaehyun stands between them and struggles to brush on mascara. You laugh at the scene while settling into a makeup chair.

“How are you feeling?” Xiaojun asks from his seat next to yours. A smile spreads on your face at the question, causing your hands to hiccup while they unpack your makeup bag.

“Excited... Nervous. Happy, but also a little bit sad. Everything, I guess.” He laughs in a way that let’s you know he feels the same, and that he also has no idea how to describe an opening night.

“Everything about sums it up.” He responds with a short laugh, turning in his chair to face the mirror, “I’m really proud of us, you know? Like... You make me cry every night, (y/n), we used to not even be able to get through the death scene without cracking up.” The memory of your wig sliding away from your scalp like a fried egg makes you giggle while you cast a soft smile towards your onstage father. The bright feeling in your stomach turns sour as you see Taeil’s reflection, but you swallow it whole.

“I’m proud of us too, dad.” Your friend visibly cringes, a hearty laugh escaping his smiling lips.

“Nope, nope absolutely hated that!” He whines, pushing you back towards the mirror.

“Aw come on-” You stop talking when Hendery pokes his head into the dressing room, already knowing the exact words he’s about to say.

“Mic check in five!” He calls, the words feeling different than they did the day before.

“Thank you five!” Everyone answers.

It had never been a problem that Taeil’s mic check was done right before yours. Sure, you both had to go back to the dressing room at almost the same time, but it usually never mattered. Xiaojun, Lucas, and Jaehyun were always done far before you and you could find them in the dressing room finishing up their makeup and starting to get in costume. It had never been a problem, until today that is.

You enter the dressing room hoping to immediately jump into a Lucas led dance party. Instead the room is empty except for Taeil, who’s quietly singing while patting blush onto his smooth cheeks. His back goes pin straight when he hears you pick up your makeup bag, moving towards you quickly. His hand comes to rest on your shoulder, it’s frustrating how right it feels.

“(y/n), please just-”

“Taeil, I already told you. I can’t do this.” The expression on his face is one of soft determination, small creases forming next to his pretty eyes.

“I know, I know. I just want you to know that... I love you, (y/n), and I have to tell you why. Can I tell you why?” You can feel him looking at you with a gaze that weighs a thousand pounds, so you nod, “I love you because every time I pass a Taco Bell now I think of your sweet laugh in the back of my car. I love you because whenever I drop you off at your house my car still smells like your perfume for hours. I love you because when you blush it goes up to your ears. I love you because every time that we sing together I think of New Years Eve with my mom, when we’d sing around the piano after dinner. And I know, I shouldn’t do this because you have a boyfriend and that’s just... Wrong, but if I didn’t say this-” Your eyebrows furrow hard at his comment, a boyfriend?

“Who’s my boyfriend?” You ask, causing confusion to rise on the boys face, “Taeil, who’s my boyfriend?”

“I-I thought- Donghyuck?” A hodgepodge of emotions bubbles in your chest. It’s like an elation and confusion sundae, topped with disgust sauce and a cherry.

“Taeil, you beautiful, beautiful idiot! Donghyuck’s not my boyfriend, he’s just my friend!” You exclaim as the boys eyes go wide. You grab his face by the cheeks, then remember that he’s wearing a full face and settle for his shoulders.

“He is?!” You nod excitedly as his confused expression is replaced with realization.

“I’d rather eat my own toes than date Hyuck, he’s an asshole!”

“Yea see you’d say stuff like that and I’d get really confused-”

“Taeil, we’re going to kiss now. Okay?” He nods, bringing his hands to curve around your neck.

“Oh, okay. More than okay-”

The first thing you notice is that his breath tastes like cinnamon. He tastes like cinnamon and clover honey, and you think that you could get addicted to it. You think you are addicted to it. The way that his hands hold your face like it’s a diamond, the way that his soft lips engulf yours, the way that the taste of him has you subconsciously following him while he pulls away. You think that kissing Taeil is one of those things that only takes a taste to make someone addicted.

“I love you, so, so much,” He breathes, foreheads resting against one another. You’ve never felt more in a bubble than you do right now, “I don’t know what to say...”

“So don’t.” You sigh while moving forward, securing his lips in a second kiss. His lips are moving with yours within seconds, his tongue briefly slipping into your mouth. It takes every ounce of your self control to not melt in his hands.

He’s moving his hands down to your waist when the door opens. You don’t even notice, too lost in the weight of Taeil’s mouth and the motion of his hands. You two are completely lost in each other, until Lucas let’s out a high pitched scream.

“Damn it! Hyuck, you won!” He shouts, causing you and Taeil to jump away from each other (and for Taeil to hit his tailbone on the makeup counter. You jokingly offered to ‘kiss it better.’)

“Finally!” Hyuck says, entering the dressing room with an arm slung around Xiaojun’s shoulder.

“It’s only been a week!” You cry defensively, settling into Taeil’s side. You take in his warmth and think to yourself, ‘I could get used to this.’

“We’ve been betting on this since the read through.” Jaehyun states blankly while grabbing his costume from the rack.

“Yea, we were starting to think Sicheng was gonna win with ‘after the show.’” Xiaojun jokes, holding his hand out to silently ask Jaehyun to pass him his first costume, “I’ve already lost, act one sing through.” You laugh brightly, slapping Taeil’s chest with one hand. He’s staring at you like you’re made out of a million dollars, for the first time you can notice it.

“I think after you explain this I might have to dig your grave.” He laughs, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. You decide that you like it when his kisses are gentle, too.

“Yea, probably. Now go get your wig on, cutie.” Your friends gag loudly as you give him a short peck and bounce away over to where your wig sits on the other side of the dressing room. You don’t want it to be any other way.

“You know, the wig actually looks kinda pretty with the whole costume.” Taeil says, pushing an artificial ringlet off of your face. You laugh while rolling your eyes and grabbing his hand.

“Just like how you don’t look stupid in that ruffle shirt?” He smiles in a way that makes his eyes crinkle, you add the sight to a list of things you never want to forget.

“Exactly!” You’re going to kiss him again, but sadly you’re interrupted by Hendery poking his head into the dressing room.

“Places in five!” You suddenly remember that it’s opening night, then you think of how easy it’ll be to portray Cosette’s story tonight.

“Thank you five!” You both respond, Taeil bringing a hand to cradle your jaw.

“I’ve never dreaded leaving a dressing room more.” You whine, giving your boyfriend a sad glance. He smiles in a way that makes your whole body feel warm.

“Don’t worry,” Taeil whispers before pressing a quick kiss to your lips, “we’ll have plenty of time to do this after the show. Now go to your dressing room, I’ll see you onstage.”

Later, during notes, your director says that the first glance between Marius and Cosette was the best one yet. You know it’s because the entire time while cooped up in your dressing room you thought of nothing other than Moon Taeil’s lips on yours.

When the cast list for Grease was posted you were checking out at Sheetz with Taeil. Jaehyun, Xiaojun, Lucas, Sicheng, Hendery, and Donghyuck were quietly waiting for you two at a table, speaking anxiously amongst themselves. Well, until everyone’s phones went off at the same time. The only thing you could make out was someone yelling ‘cast list!’ and Xiaojun dropping his phone face first onto the tile. Along with people harassing Hendery for information.

(”Don’t act like you don’t know!” Lucas accused while offering a hand to Xiaojun who was assessing the damage on his phone. While on the floor.

“I’m telling you, I’m just the five guy!”)

“Here’s your receipt, have a great day!” The cashier chirped while handing the receipt to your boyfriend. There was a knot forming in your stomach as you walked over to your friends table with three bagfuls of snacks, but it released as Taeil put a hand on your shoulder.

“Relax, Sandy.” He whispered into your ear. The words made you blush all the way up to your ears.

“We haven’t seen the list yet Danny!” You quip back, hoping desperately that he didn’t notice your red cheeks. (He noticed, your cheeks got a firm kiss along with a boyish giggle.)

“(y/n)!” Haechan squeals while running over and grabbing you by the shoulders, “Look at the list!” A nervous giggle slips past your lips as you move to grab your phone. You stop when you notice that Taeil’s already on it, turning to face him while inhaling deeply.

“Give it to me straight, Doc.” You deadpan, causing him to let out a breathy laugh.

“Cute.” The way he says it makes you want to explode, “Okay, we’re looking.”

As always, you bit your cheek and nodded along while he read out everyone’s roles. For the next three minutes, the only words that your brain could conjure were ‘mhm’, ‘oh, that’s great!’, and ‘that’ll be fun!’ Other words don’t exist until Taeil gasps dramatically.

“What is it? Is it good, is it bad. You know what? If it’s bad I want Jaehyun tell me, because-”

“It’s good!” He interjects, effectively cutting off your rabbit tail, “We are the cool couple at a made up high school in the fifties!”

“Oh,” You say, heart rate slowing, “that’s good. We’re good!”

“We were already good though, right?”

“No, yes! I just meant like... Good at theatre!” The eclectic bubbling in your chest is making it hard to talk, but the way that your sweet boyfriend is smiling makes it okay.

“Oh, yea. I guess we are.” He smiles a goofy smile, and your stomach does back flips. In that moment it doesn’t matter that you’re in a Sheetz dining room while surrounded by all of your screaming friends, you want to kiss Taeil more than you want to breathe. So you do, effectively forming a perfect and pink bubble around you two. You’re about to pull away for air when Hyuck screams.

(“Get a room!” )

You were all now sitting at the table, everyone talking excitedly about the show and their parts. It was a happy conversation, filled with laughter and remembering Les Mis.

“Remember that terrible wig you had?” Donghyuck starts while shoving a potato chip into his mouth, “You looked like a poodle.”

“I think she looked pretty.” Taeil comments quietly, wrapping an arm around you.

“Aww,” You coo, nestling into the boys side, “thank you honey.” You’re about to kiss his cheek, but then Donghyuck gags dramatically.

“Hey, who do you think’s gonna fall in love this time around?” Sicheng teases while budding into the conversation.

You think that sitting there with everyone is the way that life was intended to be lived.

#Moon Taeil #taeil x reader #taeil imagines #taeil fluff #taeil ff #nct #nct fluff #admin reid #yall this took me forever to write bc id periodically have to get up and sing mt songs #i am WEAK #also i love taeil so much he is prettiest boy #im insanely happy to finally post this pls pls enjoy <3 #the writing tag

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stannyramirez · 4 years

Text

𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝, 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐲 𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥

spoilers for the film extremely wicked, shockingly vile and evil, tw: violence, murder

❝Find what you love and let it kill you.❞ ❝This will be my last letter and if anyone deserves to hear it as it was, it’s you.❞ ❝I admit, I’m in a little trouble, but it’s all going to work out.❞ ❝If anything goes wrong, you’ll be reading about me in the papers.❞ ❝Let me stop you right there.❞ ❝I understand you’re afraid, but it’s not the guy.❞ ❝No, he won’t find out.❞ ❝Your love gives me hope. It always has. It always will.❞ ❝Why did you have to drag me to a college bar? I feel invisible here.❞ ❝The best way to get over someone is to get under someone.❞ ❝I think if I hear one more love song I’m going to puke.❞ ❝I haven’t seen you here before.❞ ❝So, what do you do? Work? School? Racecar driver?❞ ❝How are you feeling?❞ ❝What do you say we get outta here?❞ ❝I don’t even know your name.❞ ❝What did you just say?❞ ❝A cowboy never lets a lassie drive drunk.❞ ❝Life is hard, but it’s harder if you’re stupid.❞ ❝I wanna show you something.❞ ❝Someday, when I’m a big-wig ____, I’m gonna buy one of those houses.❞ ❝Guess I better get going.❞ ❝I understand if you want to go.❞ ❝Why on earth would I want to do that?❞ ❝You looked so pretty sleeping.❞ ❝I guess I’m lost.❞ ❝You ran two stop signs, son.❞ ❝What the hell is going on?❞ ❝The good news is there’s no physical evidence and eye witness testimony is precarious at best.❞ ❝Why is this happening?❞ ❝I would never hurt a woman.❞ ❝You don’t actually believe this garbage, do you?❞ ❝I don’t know if I should be offended or rolling on the floor laughing.❞ ❝It’s in all the papers.❞ ❝Come here, stupid.❞ ❝I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to freak out.❞ ❝Honestly, I was embarrassed.❞ ❝It’s all a big misunderstanding.❞ ❝Monkey! I missed you so much!❞ ❝What do you say we get cheeseburgers and root beer floats tonight, and be big fatsoes?❞ ❝It’s just a big misunderstanding. I’ve got it all under control.❞ ❝You can ask me anything you want.❞ ❝Why did she pick you out of the lineup?❞ ❝But that’s not the worst part.❞ ❝Who would do that to you?❞ ❝That was politics. This is personal.❞ ❝See that car over there? It’s been following me since I got back.❞ ❝How did you get so smart?❞ ❝I read a lot.❞ ❝I know how you hate these things, so I won’t be completely torn up if you want to leave.❞ ❝I’ve had yawns more exciting than this.❞ ❝Welcome home, stranger.❞ ❝Everything’s going to be okay, you know.❞ ❝If you need anything – anything at all…❞ ❝Who are you? I know you’re following me. Who sent you?❞ ❝I didn’t want to wake you.❞ ❝I think we should get married.❞ ❝Shouldn’t we have talked about this?❞ ❝I went to school with the sonofabitch.❞ ❝If you don’t stop screaming, I’m going to kill you. I’ll blow your brains out.❞ ❝I was smoking marijuana.❞ ❝I was embarrassed.❞ ❝At the end of the day, a lie is a lie.❞ ❝People respect honesty.❞ ❝The truth is always the way to go.❞ ❝It’s going to turn out fine. I know it. I have a feeling.❞ ❝Are you sure you want to do this now?❞ ❝Why couldn’t I just keep my mouth shut?❞ ❝No matter what happens, promise you won’t leave me.❞ ❝I don’t know what I’d do without you.❞ ❝I would never.❞ ❝I was caught off guard.❞ ❝I was hoping you’d say that.❞ ❝Mind if I join you?❞ ❝Whatcha up to?❞ ❝Ninety percent sounds pretty certain.❞ ❝I think you know what it’s about.❞ ❝I’m sorry. There’s nothing I can do to help you.❞ ❝I told you not to talk to anyone.❞ ❝But I didn’t lie.❞ ❝I didn’t tell him I have, and I didn’t tell him I haven’t. I didn’t tell him anything. He’s putting words in my mouth.❞ ❝When you don’t know the angle, you keep your mouth shut.❞ ❝How bad is it?❞ ❝Bad day?❞ ❝How do you even know that?❞ ❝I think you should leave.❞ ❝No doubt in my mind.❞ ❝Guess where I am.❞ ❝No, really, guess.❞ ❝How the hell should I know?❞ ❝I’m not going to ruin the ending.❞ ❝What’s wrong? You seem distant.❞ ❝Would you still love me if you found out something awful you didn’t know?❞ ❝You’re scaring me. Are you sure you’re okay?❞ ❝We’ll determine that at a later date.❞ ❝Sure, I get angry. I get very, very angry and indignant.❞ ❝You don’t lie awake at night thinking about it?❞ ❝Let’s get some air.❞ ❝Whatever you think you know about him, it’s all a lie.❞ ❝There are things you don’t know, that I can’t tell you right now, that will shock you beyond your worst nightmares.❞ ❝I didn’t bring you anything.❞ ❝Never lose hope.❞ ❝I told you, I’m going to straighten everything out.❞ ❝I can’t do this anymore.❞ ❝Do you not love me anymore?❞ ❝Please, don’t do this, ____!❞ ❝What’s your resolution?❞ ❝Everyone’s got something they want, or wanna get rid of.❞ ❝I’m wrong a lot.❞ ❝There are many things I can live without, but you’re not one of them.❞ ❝I’d prefer to stay right where I am.❞ ❝This is great news!❞ ❝I don’t understand why you’re so teed up?❞ ❝It’s called intimacy, ever heard of it?❞ ❝Ever heard of not going to bed angry?❞ ❝I need a drink.❞ ❝Since when is it a crime to take the edge off every once in a while?❞ ❝I’m a good mother!❞ ❝You’re a great mother.❞ ❝You’re also in denial.❞ ❝When I feel this love, I feel like I’m on top of the world. When I don’t, I don’t feel anything.❞ ❝It’s going to be bad when it breaks. Real bad.❞ ❝You seriously never heard of me?❞ ❝What are you doing to me?❞ ❝I will be heard!❞ ❝Why are you limping? Did they hurt you?❞ ❝I’m glad you came.❞ ❝I’m more popular than Disney World!❞ ❝How did this whole thing start?❞ ❝My God, it really is a witch hunt.❞ ❝I can’t tell if it’s a comedy of errors, or a Kafka novel.❞ ❝You must be lonely, so far from home.❞ ❝There are worse places to be than Florida, I guess.❞ ❝Luckily I make friends easily.❞ ❝That’s a joke, right?❞ ❝If you think there’s any chance in hell I’ll plead to these charges, you’re out of your fucking mind.❞ ❝I could set the facts straight, make sure your side of the story is heard.❞ ❝You would do that for me?❞ ❝I would never ask you to do that.❞ ❝You’re not asking, I’m insisting. You need me.❞ ❝You might hear some pretty ugly things.❞ ❝What do they know?❞ ❝You look nice, partner.❞ ❝You confessed that you did it.❞ ❝Now I’m confused as a cow on astroturf.❞ ❝How do you keep your spirits up?❞ ❝I’m lucky I have things that make me happy. That way I never lose hope.❞ ❝I wish I could make you happy in other ways.❞ ❝Don’t shake your finger at me, young man.❞ ❝I wouldn’t be able to live if I lost you. It would simply break my heart and never be put back together again.❞ ❝Mom, I did not do these things.❞ ❝Is something wrong?❞ ❝Do you still love her?❞ ❝I’m so stupid.❞ ❝I couldn’t find any live volunteers.❞ ❝Lazy prick…❞ ❝You impress me not, sir.❞ ❝The feeling is mutual.❞ ❝Are you shitting me?❞ ❝I just want this all to be over. I wish I could take it all back.❞ ❝The convenient alternative is me.❞ ❝I’m not asking for mercy. I find it absurd to ask for mercy for something I did not do.❞ ❝You’re a bright young man.❞ ❝There is no truth, only controversy.❞ ❝It’s never going to stop, is it?❞ ❝We started with a lie.❞ ❝My love was never a lie.❞ ❝I fell in love the moment I saw you.❞ ❝I can’t live like this anymore.❞ ❝You’ve obviously come with an agenda, and I’m sorry I can’t give you what you want.❞ ❝Absolutely not.❞ ❝Don’t make me say it. I’m not a bad guy.❞ ❝I’m proud of you, Mom.❞

#sentence meme #ask meme #rp meme #inbox meme #extremely wicked shockingly evil and vile #vvitchy #meme #q.

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mischiefandspirits · 4 years

Text

Doppelgänger (5/?)

Previously on Doppelgänger ~ Masterlist ~ Next time on Doppelgänger

Danny, Sam, and Tucker were just 14 when they took a look inside the portal Danny’s parents had built. From there, everything changed. They woke up with white hair, green skin, and powers they could learn to control. They were hybrids, halfas.

They were the hero Doppelgänger.

{Fright Night}

“So a trio of ghosts need to create a haunted house room,” Danny said, smirking at his partners as he dropped down on his bed.

“Think we could just stick Audrey II in there and call it a day?” Tucker asked and sat backwards on the desk chair.

Sam shrugged and sat next to Danny so she could put his head in her lap. “If I stopped pruning her, she should be big enough to give someone a scare by then. I don’t think just one thing will cut it though.”

“We could bring in some more plants for you to move around and have it be a haunted jungle,” Tucker said.

“Oh, so Danny makes a stupid bet and I have to do all the work.”

“Hey, I’m the one who gave Twoey sentience and unless you force her with your powers, she only listens to me. I think that counts for something,” Danny pointed out.

“You know, what is it with you and the non-sapient ghosts and ecto-beings?” Tucker asked. “Twoey, Cujo, those will-o'-wisp blob things that follow you around when we’re in the zone. You’d think Sam would be the one they're attracted to with her nature thing.”

Danny hummed and pressed into Sam’s hand so she’d start carding her fingers through his hair. “Well, like I said, I brought Twoey to life, so maybe she imprinted on me. And Cujo might just be able to sense that you guys hate dogs.”

“We don’t hate dogs. They're just loud and annoying,” Sam said.

“And Cujo is literally as demonic as his namesake,” Tucker added.

“He’s a good boy and this is why he doesn’t like you.”

“He trashed a lab for a toy!” Tucker said.

“And they put him down. Fair's fair.”

“Can’t disagree with you there,” Sam said with narrowed eyes. She’d launched quite the internet scandal when she’d dug up why, exactly, the old kennels she��d found the toy in were abandoned. “Back to the matter at hand though, you still haven’t explained the blobs.”

Danny blushed. “I, uh, might feed them chips sometimes when they show up while I’m cleaning the lab.”

There was a moment of silence before both his partners started snickering.

“Don’t feed the wildlife, Danny,” Sam said mockingly.

“All this time, they’ve been the ghost equivalent of pigeons.”

“Not pigeons! They're actually really sweet. Like… hummingbirds!”

“Sure, dude.”

“Whatever you say, Danny.”

“Can we just get back on topic? Sam, you’re goth, shouldn’t that make you our resident creepy person. What would go good with a living jungle and a literal man-eating plant?”

Sam patted his cheek condescendingly, but leaned back to plot. “I had something else planned, but if you guys insist on the jungle idea…”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“This has to beat whatever Dash has,” Danny said as the trio looked over the room.

Audrey II’s pot had been attached to the ceiling so her stalks could hang down, dripping -- thankfully only harmful to ectoplasm -- acid. Once the haunted house was open, she’d been instructed to snap at anyone who came near. She luckily didn’t like the taste of humans so there wasn’t any worry about her going overboard.

Sam had brought in some crawling vines and tropical plants to cover the walls and floor so she could have them tug at or trip people as they moved through the room and make it harder for people to find their way through.

Danny’s herd of blobs were drifting around the makeshift jungle, making soft lights flicker through the semi-darkness.

Tucker had set up electric field generators to give the room an eerie feeling.

The pièce de résistance, however…

“Did you get it set up?” Sam asked.

“Try it out,” Danny said.

The boys watched as she walked over to an archway on one side of the room. She walked through it, only to come out an archway on the opposite side a second later.

“Yes!” Tucker cheered, high-fiving Danny. “Thank you, Space Fold!”

Sam tested out all the other archways to be sure they had a similar effect then came over to join the boys. “Congratulations, you’ve built a cartoon hallway.”

“You’re just mad you didn’t think of it,” Danny said and she ruffled his hair.

“Well, my work here is done. Now if you’ll excuse me,” Tucker grabbed the empty pumpkin-shaped candy bucket waiting by the door, “I’m a little late to start scamming some free candy.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Danny flinched when Sam pinched him for squirming.

“I’m almost done, you big baby.”

“Sorry if I’m a little creeped out by you sticking sharp things very close to my eyes.”

“Just be glad you don’t need contacts. There, perfect.”

Danny smiled when Sam held up a mirror. His hair was covered by a long, braided black wig that a crown of thorns sat atop. His face had been given a slight green tint while his lips were a deep forest. His smile showed off fangs that were just as long and sharp as their ghost form’s and prosthetic ears gave him the same points. Dark makeup made his eyes look sunken, which highlighted his eyes when he let the red of his ghost form glow through. His hands had been given claw-like fake nails before being dipped into blood-red paint while he’d been dressed in black and dark green princely clothes. It all came together to make him look like a ghastly elfin prince.

He stood up and turned to Sam. “Thanks, Sam. This is great.”

She frowned and shook her head. “No, more brooding.”

“I really don-”

She pointed a finger in his face. “You wanted my help. This is me helping. More brooding. Imagine all the light draining from your soul.”

Danny pushed her hand away. “You’re just using this as an excuse to make me goth for a night.”

“Only for a night, but yeah. It’s a good look on you. Now brood or I’ll leave and you can do without my plants.”

Danny rolled his eyes, then tried to channel his angstiest self.

Christmas Danny.

Sam blinked at his scowl. “Wow, I didn’t think you could even get that dark. You’re usually our resident prep.”

Jingle Bells. Gingerbread. SANTA.

Danny shoved it all down, but the scowl only lessened slightly. “That’s because your family always goes away for the holidays.”

Sam looked confused, but didn’t get a chance to ask before they heard footsteps approaching. She transformed, saying, “Showtime. Maybe lose the anger a little.”

“I’ll try.”

She disappeared and all the plants except Audrey II started to sway and glow slightly. They seemed to thicken, making it impossible to see more than a few feet into the room.

Danny shooed the flytrap’s stalks up towards the roof. “Alright, Twoey, just like we practiced. Remember, be a good girl and you get a nice big bottle of ectoplasm as a treat.”

One of the lobes nuzzled him then they all retreated into the darkness Tucker had carefully maneuvered the lights to create on the ceiling.

“This is why she likes us. We spoil her,” a voice whispered in his ear.

“I don’t… I only spoil her a little.”

Sam chuckled and he felt her drift off.

“Mr. Fenton, it’s time,” William Lancer said as he arrived at the door to the room Daniel had taken. It was painted with toxic green glowing runes and vines as well as the words, The Kingdom of Thorns.

The door creaked open slowly to reveal Daniel standing a few feet away.

Automatic door, nice touch, William noted. The boy was also in a more elaborate costume than Dashiell’s. His contacts were actually a bit disconcerting with how the light made them appear to glow. It wasn’t helped either that the normally cheerful, if downtrodden, boy had on a scowl that looked rather resentful and fell.

The boy gave a graceful bow. In an empty voice, he announced, “Welcome. May your stay be eternal.”

A shiver went up William’s spine. The boy’s voice sounded off. Echoey-perhaps, except it didn’t sound like Daniel’s voice echoing back. More like multiple someones were whispering his words alongside him. Some sort of speaker setup, maybe? But the teacher swore the voices were coming from Daniel.

Pushing down the emotions, William pointed to the door. “I hope that’s not permanent.”

“What?” The eerie expression and voice were gone in a blink. “Oh, yes. I mean no, it’s not permanent. It’s just a little ectoplasm from my parent’s lab. I have the dissolving agent.”

That… was not as comforting as Daniel seemed to think it should be. “Is that safe?”

“Yeah, sure. Pure ectoplasm is harmless to humans in small doses. You could eat the amount on there and still be perfectly fine. It’s the charged stuff that’s dangerous.”

Still not as comforting as the boy’s smile made it out to be. “Right. Shall we begin?”

Daniel gave a toothy -- fangy? -- grin and stepped to the side, gesturing William forward.

The door slammed closed once the teacher started walking, not close enough to hit, but enough that he could feel the breeze of it passing on the back of his neck. He glanced back and was surprised to see vines covering the door. He made note of it.

“You’re free to roam, but I would stick to the path,” Daniel said as William passed him, his show voice back on and just as creepy as the first time. “And I wouldn’t recommend eating anything. Or being eaten.”

William glanced back, only to see the boy was gone. But he had just heard him right behind him.

He shook his head and continued forward.

So far the room itself didn’t look particularly scary. It mostly looked like a poorly lit and abandoned greenhouse without the glass walls and ceiling. Though there was the odd lights flying about, like fireflies the size of softballs. The plants almost seemed to be moving as well, like in the wind though William couldn’t feel anything, and he swore they were glowing a bit. Some sort of paint?

“You didn’t put anything harmful on these plants, right?”

“Of course not,” whispered something in his ear and he jerked away. He looked around, but couldn’t see anything.

“No, they’re Sam’s. She’d kill me if I hurt her plants,” came Daniel’s normal voice from somewhere across the room.

“G-Good.”

“Are you alright, Mr. Lancer? You’re not lost are you?”

“No, Mr. Fenton.” He shook himself. He must have been hearing things. He took a step forward and immediately felt like he’d stepped into something, or through something. He rubbed his arms as goosebumps began to crawl up them. He made a note and quickly moved on.

After a few moments more of the random goosebumps and the feeling of vines or leaves brushing him despite being sure he wasn’t getting close to any of the plants, he reached an archway. The teacher frowned and he pulled aside the curtain to look in. He swore the passage was supposed to lead directly into the next room, but instead he found a short hallway. It appeared to be a pitch-black void littered in stars that went on forever, but directly ahead, perhaps two feet in, was another doorway with a curtain. Some sort of mirror trick?

He made another note and walked carefully through the hall. Perhaps it was the star pattern, but he almost felt weightless as he passed through. He pulled the curtain aside… and found himself in the room he’d started in? But that was impossible! And yet, the windows were on the archway’s left, just as they had been for the arch he’d come from. The chandelier hanging above, original to the house though Daniel had wrapped it in vines, was also the same one that had been in the previous room. He must have curved around, except he was sure he’d gone in a straight line.

“Something wrong, Mr. Lancer?”

The teacher jumped and spun around to find Daniel standing right next to him, staring up at him through half-lidded eyes. His head was tilted almost unnaturally to the side and he was giving his usual smile, though the sharp fangs made it feel like he was baring his teeth instead. Some of the flying lights were perched on his crown, but their shapes were indistinct which made it appear the crown was alight with swirling green flames.

“Just-just taking in your creativity, Mr. Fenton. I wish you would put such effort into your schoolwork.”

His grin grew and his eyes glowed brighter. “What can I say, I guess I have an affinity for all things ghostly and dead.” He turned on his heel and disappeared into the foliage. “I’ll leave you to it.”

If William was shaking as he moved through the room, there was no one around to tell. He kept a careful eye out, but even still it felt like more plants were brushing against him and he was in a constant state of goosebumps. Then, just as he reached the center of the room, a hand grabbed his shoulder.

He shrieked and spun around, dropping his clipboard in the process. There was no one there. He looked all around him, but couldn’t find any sign of a person.

Something creaked above him.

He slowly looked up and saw something moving in the shadows, multiple long necks and wide heads with gaping maws.

“Mr. Lancer?”

“The Iliad and the Odyssey!” William shouted, looking down to see Daniel standing right in front of him, looking worried.

Aside from his glowing crown, none of his showman’s grace was on him anymore. Not even in his voice as he glanced down and said, “Oh, you dropped your stuff.”

William’s eyes widened as he spotted the three long stalks that had lowered down from the ceiling, each carrying the heads of a horror-movie approximation of a venus flytrap. The flat lobes were all around a foot long and would have looked normal, if not huge, except for the toxic green acid dripping from their centers.

At the same time that Daniel leaned down, one of them shot forward to strike like a snake, its jaws closing around the space his head had been not a moment before. They all darted back to the ceiling as Daniel stood up, appearing his normal awkward and helpful self.

He held out William’s pen and clipboard. “Here you go.”

The teacher’s hands were shaking as he took his things from his student.

Daniel rubbed the back of his neck. “Sorry, I guess we might have gone a little overboard. Was it the halls? I can take those out.”

Something grabbed William’s ankle. “No! No, it was wonderful. Leave it as is. I just remembered I have somewhere to be.”

“So… does that mean…”

“Yes, Mr. Fenton. You win. Now how do I get out of here?”

Daniel pointed to the side.

There was a straight path to the door that most definitely had not been there before.

William shook the vine off his leg and walked quickly out of the open door.

Danny threw his hands up and cheered as soon as the door shut behind Lancer. He turned and gave Sam a high-five. “That was great! He didn’t even stay long enough to see Twoey in action.”

“We’re an oblivious idiot,” she said as she turned visible.

“What do you mean?”

She plucked off one of the blob ghosts nuzzling his head and shook her own. “Nevermind. Come on, we’ve got a few new ideas from that test run.”

“Cool.”

“By the way, that line about eating ectoplasm. We haven’t actually done that, right?”

“Well, not on purpose, but you’ve seen my house. Sometimes a bit of ectoplasm ends up in the food.”

“We’re never eating at our house again.”

“Hey, it’s okay. I never let you guys stay for dinner when my parents or I cook and Jazz sterilizes everything so she never gets ectoplasm in anything.”

“Never again.”

“And besides, we’re ghosts now. Ghost food is made of ecto-”

Sam put her hand over his mouth. “Never.”

He nodded. Once she’d removed her hand and floated off, he muttered, “It’s not even bad as long as the food doesn’t come to life. Just kind of citrusy.”

“We’re going to throw up!”

#danny phantom #danny fenton #sam manson #mr lancer #fright night #Doppelgänger au

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artificialqueens · 4 years

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Tree House Kisses, Chapter 17 (Adorney) - Scorpio and Veronica

A/N: Click here for previous chapters. Xoxo!

Chapter Summary: Courtney and Adore try out for the Spring Musical.

Chapter 17: Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee

ADORE: Meet me in the tree house?

PEARL: Now?

ADORE: Are you busy?

PEARL: No, I’m OMW

Adore sat on the old tattered bean bag, picking at its already worn fabric. It had been two days since Pearl’s New Year’s party and all Adore was able to think about was her encounter with Violet that night. Well, not too much the encounter, but what triggered it.

Pearl popped into the tree house, surprising Adore out of her thoughts. She watched the blonde pull the yellow bean bag up next to her red one before plopping down.

“So… what’s up?” Pearl asked, settling in.

“Uh, I need to tell you something,” Adore started, not actually sure where or how to start.

“Cool, what it is?”

Pearl’s nonchalant attitude was usually a welcoming one for Adore. That was one of Adore’s favorite things about Pearl; nothing bothered her, but then again she never involved herself in anything to be bothered. This time, Pearl’s laidback demeanor only sent Adore’s anxiety soaring through the roof.

“Did you want to smoke?” Pearl asked. “Because I don’t have anything on me. I mean, I can, like call up Willam’s guy, but there’s-”

“No, I don’t want to smoke right now. I just need to get this off my chest,” Adore interrupted the blonde as she tried to figure out which words she needed to use to convey the message she wanted to say.

“Oh, shit. Do I need popcorn?” Pearl joked, and Adore shot her a look that made her realize that this was not the moment. “I’m sorry. What did you want to tell me?” Pearl asked, hoping Adore wasn’t going to regret asking her to come over.

“I hooked up with Violet. At your party. In the bathroom. Right when the Darienne, Jamin, Gia drama started. While one of my friends was having her heart broken I was--”

“Woah, woah! Wait…” Pearl held her hand up, finding herself overwhelmed by information being hurled at her.

Adore’s eyes started to water as the girls sat in silence for a second.

Pearl ran a hand through her long blonde hair, before looking up at Adore.

“I’m sorry,” Adore blurted out, afraid that maybe she had just ruined a friendship, all because she couldn’t keep her emotions intact.

Pearl shook her head in disbelief, “Why are you sorry?”

“Because… I know you like Violet.” Adore pulled her legs up to herself, resting her chin on her knee as she fingered at a tear in her jeans.

“I don’t-”

“Pearl, it’s obvious.” Adore looked up at the blonde, her face twisted up in a mix of emotions, “and that’s what makes it more fucked up. The whole thing is fucked up, man,” Adore said, more to herself than to Pearl.

Pearl leaned against the wall of the tree house, closing her eyes to gather her thoughts. Pearl did not like drama; she didn’t have the energy to deal with it.

“Don’t worry bout it,” Pearl finally spoke, reaching over to Adore to nudge her, making her look up from the tear in her jeans. “I mean, yeah, Violet’s hot, but you and her have history. And I’m just glad she doesn’t hate me anymore, honestly. So, there’s nothing to apologize about. I mean if you had… um… a good… uh, if that’s what you like, wanted or whatever. Then you don’t need to worry, dude.” Pearl fumbled to find the words to assure Adore.

“I regret it.”

Hazel eyes met blue eyes and a silence took over them again.

“You wanna know why?” Adore asked, voice breaking.

Pearl was tempted to say no, but she knew that Adore needed someone to talk to.

“They’re always so lovey-dovey and cute and in my fucking face!”

Pearl didn’t need to ask to know who Adore was talking about.

“It’s times like that when I remember that... and Violet was always a distraction. A pretty face to help me think about other things, and at your party it was just too much.”

Pearl stayed quiet, just listening. She never really asked Adore about her relationship with Courtney, but she knew that it was the type where someone could end up with a broken heart. So, it made sense that Adore and Violet would hook up. Pearl didn’t know much about Fame and Violet’s relationship, but she had her guesses that it wasn’t much different.

“Maybe... You should talk to Violet about all this,” Pearl suggested, not really sure what to do.

Adore wiped her eyes, smearing eyeliner and mascara across her face. “I don’t want to. Just wanna act like nothing happened,” she shook her head.

First day back from winter break and Adore was already ready for spring break. She was dreading a lot of things that she would have no choice but to face now that she was back at school. Violet had texted her a few times since she had last seen her at Pearl’s party, but Adore ignored them, not ready to face the brunette.

She tried to ignore Courtney too, but that prove to be much harder and the two ended up hanging out. The entire time Courtney cuddled up to her on the couch, Adore tried to list the reasons she should forget about her feelings and just be happy for her best friend.

As Adore made her way to her locker, she hesitated when she saw Trinity and Violet. Somehow the invitation to let Pearl use her locker had extended to the rest of the group. Not that Adore minded, because Fame’s locker had also turned into the groups’ shared locker so Adore didn’t have to make trips halfway across the school between classes anymore.

“Hey, Adore. Oh shit, you look tired. Didn’t get much sleep last night?” Trinity asked as Adore approached them.

Violet didn’t speak, her doe eyes burning into Adore’s head. Adore could only imagine all the things going through Violet’s head. If there was one thing Adore knew Violet hated more than most things--it was being ignored.

“Yeah, my sleep schedule got fucked over the break,” Adore nodded.

“Girl, you telling me. I was sleeping in till like one. I’m surprised I got up this morning,” Trinity flipped her hair over her shoulder. Adore nodded, shifting awkwardly in place.

When Trinity noticed Violet’s sudden silence and Adore’s awkwardness, her brows frowned in confusion.

“Are y’all okay? You guys aren’t fighting are you?” Trinity asked, looking back and forth between the two.

“No, of course not.” Adore quickly tried to put Trinity’s assumptions to rest, but Violet’s shrugging of her shoulders made Trinity raise an eyebrow.

“Oh, shit. Something did happen,” Trinity smirked.

“No! Nothing happened.” Adore grew defensive and Trinity sidestepped to stand next to Violet.

“Really, nothing happened?” Violet finally spoke up, her tone condescending.

“Vi…”

“Well, Trinity. Adore has spoken, nothing happened,” Violet said.

Adore rolled her eyes, not sure what other reaction she expected from Violet.

“Viol-”

“Uhm, I think we should go get our new schedules.” Violet grabbed Trinity’s wrist and dragged her off.

Adore leaned against the locker, sighing to herself. She knew that she needed to get her emotions together before things got out of control.

“Dory! Dory!” Courtney raced through the hall, nearly knocking over several bewildered freshman before breathlessly catching up with Adore in front of their English class.

“You alright, there?” Adore asked, seeing her friend’s flushed cheeks.

“Yeah, I’m just, I just wanted to tell you about…” Courtney panted, holding her side, clearly suffering from a cramp. She gulped for air, smiling widely. “Mrs. Maguire just announced the Spring musical and it’s GREASE and auditions are Tuesday!” Courtney clapped her hands, jumping up and down.

Adore laughed. “Cool. Was it worth collapsing your lung, though?”

“Adore! Grease! Don’t you remember how we used to watch Grease like, at least twice a week?! We’re gonna kill it!”

Adore slung an arm around Courtney’s shoulders and lead her inside the classroom.

“I love how you think we’re the only kids who danced around our living rooms to that movie, Court. You’re like, the perfect amount of delusional to be a musical theatre star.”

Courtney beamed at her. “Why, thank you, Ms. Delano.”

The truth was, Adore was really looking forward to the musical. For one thing, she desperately needed a break from all the Violet drama. And for another, despite knowing she was gonna have to put up with Courtney and Roy’s irritating PDA, it was an excuse to hang out with her bestie without all the cheerleaders (only Alyssa and Shangie did the plays, and they didn’t bother her nearly as much as the other bitches). But most of all, it was a creative outlet that she didn’t ordinarily have. Pearl had her art, Violet had ballet and orchestra, Fame had fashion design, but music and acting was Adore’s chance to be free. She loved to be onstage, and more than anything, she loved to sing.

Even last year in West Side Story, when she was just a part of the ensemble, had been one of the best experiences of her life. Especially since Courtney had charmed her way into being one of the Shark girls, despite being cast as a Jet. (Something about how she was a quarter Brazilian and so it was really important to her cultural heritage to be on the Puerto Rican side. Which of course Mrs. Maguire knew was bullshit, but she gave in anyway as long as she agreed to wear a black wig and “not do an offensive accent.”)

“So,” Adore said. “I assume you’re going for Sandy. Think I have a chance at Rizzo?”

“Duh!” Courtney said. “You only have the best voice in the whole school, Adore. You should sing ‘There Are Worse Things I Could Do’ for your audition. Everyone will lose their minds.” She hugged Adore around the neck, giggling happily.

“You know,” Alyssa said, as Courtney skipped down the aisle back to her seat, exceedingly pleased with her audition, “That song isn’t even in the play. It was just in the movie.”

Courtney’s face fell. “It’s not?” She turned to Darienne. How could ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’ not be in the musical? “Is that true?”

“Um, maybe, I’m not sure. But it doesn’t matter, Court, you were really good! Don’t worry about it!” Darienne gave her a sunny smile and a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder.

“Thanks.” Courtney sat back down in her seat. She knew it was a long shot, but she had been praying that she had a chance at Sandy. She was confident that she could pull off the innocent sweet act, as well as the bad girl at the end. And Adore was totally killing it onstage. How awesome would it be if they ended up as Sandy and Rizzo?

Roy, who was currently waiting in the wings, waved at her. He was going to get Danny, no question about it. She blew him a kiss and he caught it, winking.

She sighed happily. What would be better than starring in a musical with her boyfriend and her best friend? She started to get butterflies in her stomach thinking about the three of them getting to spend all that time together. Adore finished her performance and Courtney clapped her hands enthusiastically, excited for the amazing semester they were about to have.

“We’re only sophomores, Court. We’re probably not getting lead roles.”

“I know, I know,” the blonde said, bouncing on the balls of her feet.

Adore smiled, unable to stop herself from catching some of Courtney’s infectious enthusiasm. They had a lot of very talented kids in their school, and Adore knew that Mrs. Maguire liked to reward the upperclassmen. She’d seen Darienne’s amazing audition, and figured that the odds of her getting Rizzo were pretty high. Adore also knew that Courtney had her heart set on Sandy, but she herself was really just hoping to be one of the Pink Ladies. She thought Frenchie was a fun part, and that way she’d get to wear fun colored wigs. And the other ones, she couldn’t remember their names, but they both had bigger singing parts, so that was cool.

“There it is!” Courtney’s eyes were round as she spotted the wall outside the theatre where Mrs. Maguire had posted the cast list. She turned to Adore. “Omigod, I’m so nervous.”

Adore took her hand and lead her decisively across the courtyard. “Time to rip off the band-aid!”

Courtney squealed a little under her breath as they stepped up to the bulletin board. She closed her eyes and then opened them. She caught Roy’s name immediately. Danny Zuko. No shock there. She looked to see who was playing Sandy, praying hard. Alyssa Edwards. Her chest deflated a little. Well...okay. She was only a sophomore, as Adore said. They had two more years for lead roles, and this show had tons of other good parts. Darienne was playing Rizzo. (Courtney could hear Darienne behind her, currently bitching about the fact that she finally had a lead and of course her douchebag ex-boyfriend was playing Kenickie, someone shoot her in the face.) She saw Adore’s name high up on the list too, as Marty, one of the Pink Ladies.

She kept looking on the list, her heart sinking a little the more she looked. Where was her name? Was she in the show at all? She finally found her name, at the bottom, under “Ensemble.” So not even one line? Tears stung her eyes, and she felt so stupid for thinking that she had a chance at a starring role. Adore was no longer holding her hand, having been pulled into the group of kids celebrating and chattering excitedly. Courtney took a deep breath.

Alyssa shrieked happily beside her. “Omigod, Dari, I got the part! Can you believe it!?”

No, Courtney thought to herself. Alyssa was not the best singer, and a barely passable actress. Frankly, Courtney didn’t understand this casting at all. Sure, she was an amazing dancer, and yeah, she had pretty good stage presence, but...Courtney told herself not to be bitter.

“Hey, gorgeous…” Roy slipped his arms around her from behind.

Courtney turned around, kissing him and then plastering a sunny smile across her face. “Hi. Congratulations.”

Alyssa sauntered up to them. “Hey Roy, looks like we’re playing romantic leads again. You better not try anything naughty this time.”

Roy rolled his eyes. “I’ll do my best, Edwards.”

Courtney raised an eyebrow. “‘Again’?”

Roy shook his head, pulling her closer. “I think she’s talking about the seventh grade talent show? We did a lip sync to ‘Leader of the Pack.’”

Courtney giggled. “Sounds like an epic romance. Sure you’re gonna be able to resist her charms?”

He groaned. “Why couldn’t you have been Sandy?”

“Rub it in, please.”

“Sorry.”

Courtney kissed him on the cheek. “It’s not your fault.”

They went inside the theatre to get their scripts and CDs with the music, and Courtney’s day got a little brighter. Mrs. Maguire pulled her into the office and asked her if she’d be willing to understudy for Alyssa. “I know it’s not glamorous, but I think you’re very talented, and I need people I can trust to step in if anything happens. Darienne was an understudy last year for Anita and that’s half the reason I know she can handle a lead this year.”

Courtney agreed enthusiastically, anxious to prove herself to Mrs. Maguire.

“And also, there’s a solo part that I didn’t post, because I expected to give it out once we get into rehearsals and hear how everyone’s voices blend, but I think you’d be really great for the Radio Singer in ‘It’s Raining On Prom Night.’ I’d like you to try it at the read-though, and assuming you can sing it without completely overpowering Alyssa, it’ll be yours.”

“Okay, sure!” Courtney felt some relief. Maybe there was hope for her musical theatre career yet.

“Just remember, it’s the 50s, so none of that Mariah stuff.” She winked.

Courtney giggled nervously. “I’ll do my best.”

“Ugh, assigned seats?” Roy grumbled, looking at the set-up for the cast read-through. He gripped her hand. “Don’t go.”

Courtney kissed him and deposited him in the seat next to the other lead cast members, feeling a bit unsympathetic to his plight.

“You’ll survive.” She started to walk towards the section where the other ensemble cast was supposed to sit, but paused to say hi to Adore, leaning over the table to give her bestie a hug. “Hey! I was listening to the songs and I really like yours.”

“I know, right?! It’s pretty funny that I’m playing the boy-crazy one, though,” Adore laughed.

Courtney winked. “Truly type casting.”

“What’s type casting?” asked a husky voice.

Adore turned to see Raja Gemini, the sexy, badass senior who was playing Frenchie, slipping into the seat beside her. A small thrill ran through her, when Raja’s dark, mysterious eyes locked with hers.

They had never exchanged words, like ever, but since freshmen year, Adore has always had a low-key crush on the older girl. “Oh, um...me...playing a character who’s obsessed with boys.”

Raja chuckled. “Oh, yeah, I’ve heard that about you.”

Adore could feel a blush creeping into her cheeks, which was only exacerbated by Raja’s hand suddenly reaching out and caressing her sleeve.

“This jacket is amazing. Is it real leather?” Raja leaned in to get a better look at the jacket, before looking up to meet Adore’s eyes.

“I think so? I got it from that thrift store on 6th Street.”

“Fuck, I love that place. I wanna do something really cool like this for the T-Bird and Pink Lady jackets. I already told Mrs. Maguire that we have to get something fucking rad,” Raja smiled at Adore and Adore swore her heart went into overtime.

Adore gazed into her eyes. “Yeah, sounds...sounds great.”

Courtney cleared her throat. “I’m gonna go find my seat. Do you still wanna hang out later?”

“Hmmm?” Adore tore her eyes from Raja’s and turned to Courtney. “Oh, yeah, sure.”

Courtney smiled tensely and skipped away.

“Bummer,” Raja said. “I was hoping you’d come to Carrows with me, Darienne and Jinkx. Do like a Pink Ladies dinner bonding thing. But I don’t want to fuck up your plans,” Raja tilted her head as stirred her Starbucks with her straw.

Adore gulped. “Oh, well, we were just gonna hang out, so...maybe we can reschedule.”

“Alright, well, let me know. And here’s to our new gang.” She held out her Starbucks cup, toasting Adore’s Red Bull.

“Party.”

Pearl was so excited to be picked to work on the set of Grease. She sat backstage as the cast did their reading, waiting for Thorgy--who was running around somewhere--to tell her what she was going to need to do. She sat on top of last semester's set, swinging her legs, and texted Trinity who was complaining about all the homework they already had.

A sudden noise had Pearl’s head snapping up from her phone, sure that Thorgy was finally ready to tell her what she was working on.

But, she was surprised to spot a dark-skinned girl with full lips in bright multi-colored leggings there instead of Thorgy.

“Hey, sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt you. I was looking for Sasha,” she gave a small smile.

“Oh, uh well, I don’t know her. Is she in the cast, because they’re reading,” Pearl hopped down, stuffing her phone in her pocket. Pearl had never seen the girl in front of her, but she was pretty and Pearl found herself wanting to get know her better.

“No, Sasha’s working on the backdrops and stuff,” she said, looking around the back stage. “I’ve always wanted to see what it looked like behind the curtains.”

“I’m working on the backdrop too! But I’m sorry I can’t help you find her. I’m Pearl.” she introduced herself as she watched the girl make her way around.

“I’m Shea.”

Courtney didn’t have much to do during the read-through, and so she found her eyes wandering around the room, settling quite often on Adore, who was simpering up at Raja with a dopey, lovestruck expression on her face. Every time Raja leaned over to whisper something to her, she would giggle and blush and bat her eyelashes. Watching them made Courtney’s skin itch.

Across the table, Alyssa was doing the absolute most with Roy, flirting shamelessly with him during every scene they had together, shoving her tits in his face. Wasn’t Sandy supposed to be sweet and innocent? Roy kept sending Courtney looks of distress, rolling his eyes and at one point, when Alyssa had grabbed him by the collar, actually mouthing ‘help me!’ at her. Courtney chuckled to herself. Poor baby.

Adore’s solo was great, and Mrs. Maguire didn’t seem to mind that she directed most of it to her fellow Pink Lady, rather than the boys, as the script instructed. Raja, for her part, seemed to encourage it, cheering and even stuffing a dollar bill into Adore’s back pocket at one point, until Mrs. Maguire told her to stop.

When it was time for Courtney to get up and go to the mic for ‘It’s Raining On Prom Night,’ Roy blew her a kiss for good luck, but of course Adore wasn’t even watching. She was too busy gazing at Raja with that same dumb expression she had all afternoon. The good news was, Courtney didn’t seem to have any trouble channeling the distressed misery necessary for the song, and afterwards, Mrs. Maguire told her that the solo was all hers.

She raced over to Adore, thrilled, to tell her, and found her friend still hanging on Raja’s every word with those big soft eyes.

“Ahem.”

Raja slung her messenger bag over her shoulder. “I’m gonna run to the bathroom. Meet me in the parking lot in 5?”

“‘Kay,” Adore nodded, biting her lip.

Courtney narrowed her eyes, watching Raja walk away. “Why are you meeting her in the parking lot?”

“Hmmm?” Adore turned towards Courtney with a dreamy expression.

Snapping her fingers in Adore’s face, Courtney leaned over the table and, irritated, exclaimed, “Adore!”

“What?!”

“Care to fill me in on what the fuck is going on?!” She crossed her arms.

“Oh...well...yeah, Raja wants to do like a Pink Ladies dinner thing with me and Darienne and Jinkx, and I--”

“But you said you were gonna hang out with me.”

Adore took in the wounded look in Courtney’s green eyes, and sighed. “No, I know, I told her that. I...”

Courtney swallowed.

“...I don’t have to go. I told her we had plans.”

After a beat, Courtney shook her head and said, “No, no, it’s fine. You should go. We can hang out some other night this week. If you want.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, of course. I’m not going anywhere.” Courtney shifted her backpack on her shoulders.

Adore grinned and kissed her on the cheek. “You’re the best, Court. I’ll text you tonight, okay?”

“Sure.” Courtney said, watching her leave.

“You could break her leg,” Willam offered.

“That’s what I said!” Roy chuckled.

Courtney rolled her eyes. “You guys, can you please stop? It’s like, not even funny to joke about that! What if something really happens to her?!” They were gathered behind the theatre, watching Pearl paint one of the backdrops

“Well, then perfect, ‘cause I’ll get to kiss you instead of her,” Roy said, shaking his head. “God, she really is the worst.”

“She’s not that bad,” Pearl said.

“Would you fuck Alyssa Edwards, new girl?”

“Maybe,” Pearl mused, giving a sassy tongue pop. “If we’re being really honest, she does give me vibes occasionally.”

Roy laughed, barking, “Great, she’s all yours!” He wrapped his arms tighter around Courtney’s waist.

Adore rounded the corner, a giddy smile on her face, breathing, “Hey guys…”

“Oh, look who remembered her friends all of a sudden,” Willam laughed. “And how’s Raaaajaaaa? Has she eaten your pussy yet?”

“Please,” Adore giggled. “I can’t even believe she’s talking to me.”

Courtney bristled slightly. “She’s only human, Adore.”

“I’m not sure that’s true,” Adore said, giggling again. She peeked through the door. “Omigod, look at her. She is so fucking hot, I can’t breathe.”

“If you say so,” Courtney replied, rolling her eyes and leaning against Roy’s shoulder.

“She’s pretty fierce, but frankly, I’m kind of surprised she likes you. Usually she goes for girls with a much better sense of fashion,” Willam deadpanned.

“Fuck off, Willam!”

“I’m just saying...you should go for it, though, maybe you’ll learn something,” he laughed, tossing some imaginary hair over his shoulder.

Adore smirked. “Maybe I will.”

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bluepenguinstories · 3 years

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Remoras Full Chapter XX: To Cultivate a Fire

We came all that way, hoping to put an end to the carnage those monsters had brought to an end, and the only end we came to instead was an empty and abrupt one. While Sunny kept trying to get Remora to move, I was focused instead on the uneasy feeling I’ve had for a while. Throughout the whole trip, I’ve felt a sense of things not being quite right. Maybe if I paid better attention, I would have known why. There had to be some clues, right?

I turned to Tigershark, as everyone else, even Remora had become a blur. But when I looked next to me, Tigershark wasn’t there. I looked over, and she had ran toward Ray instead.

The little devil. Oh well, at least she probably prefers being next to him.

I couldn’t say I blamed Remora at all for her disappointment, and I wasn’t just saying that because it was her and she had a pretty good track record of being right about everything, but also because I was expecting some grand reveal. Some revelation that would bring closure to this whole mess of a dreary place and instead what we were left with was...nothing.

“I really am glad you all are gathered here,” I caught Remora say at last, and she turned around to signal that she was ready to leave. Sunny seemed relieved. I didn’t really know whether or not to feel relief, however. Especially given that figure I saw after we had defeated the creatures next to Aurora’s train. That same fear I felt that made me faint, not the freezing temperature like most thought, that feeling stayed with me throughout the whole trip and fed into the ill-ease I had. There was little explanation for that silence we felt last night, nor was there any explanation I could think of for the creature disappearing. But something didn’t sit right.

“Rather than leave, I find this to be the perfect spot for an end,” Remora stopped once more and spoke as a smile spread across her lips.

“What do you mean?” Sunny gulped and asked with a profound nervousness. I heard it all so clear, even if my gaze was focused on Remora and her beauty. Hell, that blue wig seemed actually suit her to a degree. I’d say the light shade provided a calming sense to her, like as strange and serious she may be, you could really believe in her. But then, why Sunny grew fearful, I couldn’t say.

“It’s simple, but I know how much you love imagery, Sunny,” her breathy voice teased. “So haven’t you ever heard the phrase ‘two birds, one stone’?”

“Yeah?”

“Well, I’m the stone,” she replied, and drew forth her rifle and pointed it at the rest of us.

What? I stood, confusion taken over.

“What’s the meaning of this, Remora?” Ray demanded. As if he hadn’t had a gun pointed at him before. Really, if it was just me, I’d find it hot, but there were others around and I had them to worry about. More than that, I couldn’t picture Remora as someone who wasn’t on our side.

“Oh enough with that name, old man. There’s no point in pretending.”

“Pretending what?” He pressed.

“I’m Rhea,” she stated before she shot Ray in the upper arm, leaving him little time to react. He yelled out and fell.

“Oops. Looks like you’ll need to get another replacement,” she joked with a playful yet harsh tone.

“Why are you doing this?” He demanded, his voice turned to a bark as he struggled to stand back up.

“I really was ready to put my life behind me, live out my life in solitude. But you, all of you, felt the need to force yourselves into my life. You have no one but yourselves to blame for this.”

“You can’t be her!” I shouted, though my voice shook. “She died, didn’t she?” I felt like I was close to tears, but I had to stand. I had to do something. If not for her, then what? I didn’t just picture myself going against her, but I didn’t want to do nothing, either.

“Oh, come on,” she teased. “Is it really so hard to believe that I faked my own death? If you weren’t so obsessed, you could have seen it yourself. The last name? The fact that I said she was the only one who could have matched me. It was like I spoon fed it to you and still you refused to see it. What did you hope to find? Validation? Admiration? Love?”

“I...I…” I stammered to speak. “I don’t know!”

It wasn’t the words that stung, but the fact that after all this time, I wasn’t sure. It was like I was looking for everything, thinking I would find something in a single person, and I just never figured out what.

She laughed, even though her focus remained on Ray.

“Acting so desperate for attention, devoting your personality to one person who doesn’t even know you, no less, and thinking that was the way to go? You’d be lucky to find anyone who would appreciate that.”

My mouth went dry, and I could feel my heart pound harder.

“I already know that!” I shot back. “I just…”

“Not that any such advice will do you any good, seeing as this will be your last moment here,” she scoffed.

I don’t really want to hurt her, but I can’t let her do any more damage to Ray, either. Say what you want about him, but I really am thankful for those times he’s listened to me ramble about my issues, as the fact that he let me stay there when he could have sent me back home at any moment. More than that, I don’t want to fail to protect yet another life.

So I reached into my pocket and threw one of my knives at her, and just as I thought, she blocked it with her weapon without so much as a flinch.

“You should know better than for that trick to work,” she stated, but while in the few seconds that it took, Ray had moved, even not fully up, and had backed himself against the far wall, near one of the stone formed columns.

Oh, I know better all right.

“Get out of there! Now! Ray!” I shouted and turned to Sunny. “You too, if you know what’s good for you.”

“I can’t just leave my husband behind!” Sunny rejected my proposal and I could sense the worry in her voice. “And what about you?”

Seriously? What about me?

“Both of you go. Protect each other if you have to! I’ll distract her, and if I die...well, I hope I was good for something in the end.”

“You cut that out,” Sunny replied. But I just glared at her, and she nodded, at last getting the message.

However, when I turned my attention back toward Remora, or Rhea, I didn’t even know anymore, she had already moved past the pillars and before Ray could fight back, she came out from behind him and hit him upside the head with her rifle. I stood in shock and I wasn’t even sure if I could bring myself to move.

“Here’s a tip for your next life: don’t make your problems everyone else’s. Most middle-aged men who have a midlife crisis just get a hobby. You should have done the same.”

Something welled up in me and I hated how little my efforts proved, but unsure what else to do, I ran. I rolled over and hid behind a pillar, before where Sunny was.

Damn it, I should be protecting her, not trying to save my own skin.

“I was going to go after Sunny next, but seeing as you want to be the center of attention so bad, I’ll oblige,” her words echoed.

“What do you have against me?” Sunny yelled.

“Nothing,” R...just R, replied. That was fine enough at this point. “I just don’t like your vibes.”

Okay. Think. What can I do? Realistically, I mean. I’m not just gonna leave Sunny to fend for herself, but what can I do? Ugh, not to mention Sunny’s already stronger than me. What about Tigershark? Where did she go? Damn it, did she already take out Tigershark first? Ugh, let me at least do something!

I reached into my pockets. More knives. This whole knife collecting thing sure was getting out of hand.

Yeah, but in order to do any damage with these, I’d have to go up close. No. Scratch that. It’s not about damage. It’s about causing a distraction.

“Hey!” I poked my head out and threw a couple of knives near her feet. “Senpai! Please notice me!” It’s all about accuracy.

She jumped out of the way, falling for the bait, but then she pointed her rifle at the ceiling.

“Quit hiding. Don’t you want to face your crush?” She shot at some stalactites and they fell right over me. I didn’t have much time to react, but I swooped out and just barely missed them, as one scratched the bottom of my leg.

“Your jokes are bad and you should feel bad,” I seethed.

“Tch. Everyone’s a critic,” she scoffed right back.

As I rolled out to get back on the move, I was right in the middle and wide open to be shot. She knew this, too, as she pointed her rifle and shot, but I rolled once more and managed to avoid a strike. I was once again behind a natural formed pillar, but this time, I was closer to where she was, and that made things all the more risky.

Didn’t Ray say something about the bullets Rhea uses being explosive? I didn’t see anything like that. Did he just get his information wrong? Is she holding back?

I ran out from the pillar I was at, and I saw that she had moved. If she was close to behind me, that was bad news, but as long as I was aware, I could take advantage of that. As I ran, though, so did Sunny, her fist clenched as she readied for a punch against R.

I stopped in my tracks. The two were locked against each other, with Sunny’s fist held tight against R’s, and R switched to holding her rifle with one hand.

Again. Birds and stone.

I noticed her grip, tight against the trigger, and I swerved off to the side, then continued to run toward her.

God, I’m gonna hate myself for this.

I slid and reached for the yakutian knife, then slashed it against the back of R’s legs. She knelt only a little, but seeing my opportunity, I positioned myself for a handstand, then kicked the rifle out of her hand. She growled, then with both hands took Sunny and threw her against the stone column where she ran from. Sunny fell over, and I was in a state of shock. With little else in mind, I kicked R’s rifle aside and felt just a little triumphant for what may have had no effect at all.

“Sunny!” I called. “You better still be alive!”

She struggled to raise a hand, but she did so, and gave a thumbs up. I gave a sigh of relief, which was short lived, when I looked back and R rushed over to me and with her elbow out, knocked me to the ground.

I smiled, a rather fake one, but who cared?

“I’ve been waiting for this moment,” I wheezed.

“You really are more trouble than you’re worth,” she grimaced as she picked up her rifle. “But fine. If you want to be intimate, here you go,” then she did the unexpected: her rifle split in two, and in its place were two smaller guns, each slick and narrow.

No fair. I didn’t know about those.

I scowled. “You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you?”

I locked eyes with her. Without a doubt, I felt some kind of rush, but it was hard to enjoy such a moment given the context of it all.

Desperate, I reached up as if I was doing a sit-up (something which I did not enjoy doing) and sprung forth, knife in hand, and slashed it against her wrist. It did just enough damage for her to wince, and she let go of one of the guns in her hand. I picked it up and ran off, back behind one of the columns.

Part of me couldn’t help but stare down at the gun in wonder, the warmth from the previous owner’s grip against the cold steel. I was sure this thing must have packed a punch, but hell if I knew how it functioned.

“Great. Now I’m pissed,” her dull voice didn’t sound like she was, but I didn’t need her to say so to know she meant it.

“Good!” I yelled back. “That makes you hotter!”

“Shut up! I’m cold!” She did not sound impressed with my remark.

I peeked out and she ran toward me, fired one of her guns, and although I ducked back in, the column broke, and I had to roll over to the next one.

I aimed the weapon, while I lunged out of the way, but I was too hesitant to do anything with it. Meanwhile, she continued shooting, and it was by some miracle that each shot missed me.

Once again, she charged forth, and with one of the knives I had thrown at her, she took it and threw it right back at me. All of my attempts to do the same in the past either resulted in the enemy blocking or dodging it, but call it a testament to her aim, or a lack of my reflexes, but it managed to zip past me before I could even attempt to dodge, and sliced through my arm. I bit my lip to keep from yelling and although I dropped the gun, I picked it right back up and went for another pillar.

I huffed and with my hands on my knees, stopped to catch my breath. I was sure she wouldn’t allow me such a luxury, but I just needed some kind of break.

Was it really like this the whole time? Me floundering about saying such ridiculous things and messing up time and again. I thought I had made improvements, but did I really, or did I just keep breaking myself down only to set myself up for such a moment? I couldn’t see myself lasting much longer. What about her? Did none of us mean anything? I already knew how I was, but what about Ray? Or Tigershark? Sunny? That long, and she was just waiting for the right moment to take us all out? It was too hard to believe.

Just a week ago I had embarrassed myself once again. Broken record, but a timeless classic. Ray had just come back home after a long absence at the hospital, but my attention was more focused on “Remora”, or who I thought of as her. Rather than congratulate Ray on a recovery, I was like “I wonder what Remora’s up to” or “what does Remora think about Ray returning?” Or even, “does Remora like me enough now that I can ask her a bit about herself?”

Yeah. Selfish things like that. Look, I wanted something and I knew what I wanted. Or I thought I knew what I wanted. Or I knew that I didn’t know what I wanted but I thought it had something to do with her. That’s what mattered to me.

Since that’s what mattered, or what I thought mattered (want me to go on? No, probably not), I ended up looking for her throughout the diner. Not to worry, there were no customers to attend to, and I was sure Tigershark or Sunny would have told me if there were.

I ended up going to the back, where Ray sat, and he didn’t even look up to notice my entrance. Couldn’t say I blamed him, what with the height thing, and how busy he must’ve been. Off to the side, I noticed Remora in her room with the door wide open. She sat on her bed covered in many blankets and shivered.

Was she outside recently? Did she stay out too long? I didn’t see her go out, but maybe I missed it. It’s really warm in here, and with all those blankets, it should help, right? So why? Does she have a cold? All those thoughts ran through my mind, and I wasn’t sure which was true, but I worried. I wanted to help her, and not just that, I wanted to show that I was someone who could take care of her if she needed me too. What a hopeless delusion, but an enticing one, nonetheless.

Oh, but I knew better than to talk to her. By that point, I knew that place and I wanted to respect her as much as I could. So instead I sat down and tried to ask Ray what was up. He was being his usual self with his non-committal answers, but for some reason or another, I ended up telling him about some things that were rather dumb and embarrassing (so they won’t get repeated here). That said, they were serious things.

When Remora came out of her room, it was like all bets were off on anything serious. I got up out of the chair when I saw her and I couldn’t contain myself.

“Remora! Are you doing okay?! I can get you a warm towel! Or rub your back, if you need me to! Maybe you’ll warm up if we hold hands!” I suggested all those things, and it didn’t stop there. She just looked at me, without uttering a word, and I continued to go off.

“I know I’m not really good at cooking like Tigershark, but I could make you some soup! My mom used to do that all the time when I was sick! We could wrap ourselves in blankets! And hold each other real close! And –!” Before I continued on, which I was sure I could, I started to notice the things I said and her reaction and I just froze. I swear, my desire to help was innocuous enough, but I just got carried away and I stopped myself. Lest things go on and I end up saying something explicit, like “dominate me” which I wasn’t even sure I wanted, even if the fantasy was nice.

I whispered, “sorry,” which I should’ve spoken up so she could hear, but it was like all the life in me drained, and I used what was left to run into my room before I turned the situation worse.

My bed was far from what I’d call comfortable, being a twin-sized, and one of those springy kinds. But damn it, no one else quite knew me like my bed. I sat on the floor buried my face on the edge of the bed and moaned (no, not the sexy kind. Ugh, I should’ve just used the word ‘groaned’).

“Ugh. Why can’t I just act like a normal person instead of some hyperactive child? I’m not this way with anyone else,” I complained to myself. It wasn’t like I was that great at talking with anyone else, though, either. In fact, when it came to most people, I kept my distance. Hell, I’ve even tried doing that with Remora after Sunny suggested I get to know her, and Remora was like “no way”, but to no avail. Every time I backed off, I still wanted to get closer.

There were some voices outside my room. It seemed she was talking about something with Ray, but I couldn’t make out a single word.

Good. Let them talk, my thoughts told me. That could be you if you weren’t so fucking awkward.

Oh, but the next moment I wasn’t prepared for at all. I thought I’d just have a simple night where I’d yell into my pillow and eventually sleep, telling myself I’d try to do better tomorrow. Instead, I heard a tap against my door.

Someone knocking? How unheard of. Usually Tigershark just barges in and everyone else just leaves me alone. Good riddance, too, but seriously, since when did anyone knock?

“Uh. Can it wait until tomorrow?” I called over. My first thought was that it was Ray, there to give me yet another pep talk that in all likelihood would go in one ear and right out the other. Still, if that’s what he wanted, may as well get it over with so I wouldn’t have to worry about it later, right?

“Uh. Never mind. Go ahead and come in,” I continued to groan (with a capital ‘G’).

I glanced over from out of the fort I had made with my scrawny arms. My heart did a backflip when I saw who it was: Remora.

“Uh. Uh. Uh.” Oh hey, now I was the one at a loss for words. Better than saying all the wrong ones at least. “You might have the wrong room?”

She shook her head as she closed the door behind her.

“If you want me to leave, I’ll do so,” her voice took on a gentle turn.

“No, it’s okay. Really,” I tried to speak, and I didn’t have a clue what to expect. As cliché as it was, I considered pinching myself just to make sure I wasn’t all in my head.

I looked up and my eyes followed her as she motioned across the room. Toward the back sat a little desk and a chair, which at times I would do some journaling. That was neither here nor there.

While she sat down in the chair, I crawled up into bed and sat against the wall.

“Look, I really am sorry…” I tried to speak up, though I still wasn’t sure she heard me.

I waited for her response, to which she said nothing. Then, it happened:

“I know you have a crush,” she spoke so plain. Although I thought it was pretty obvious from the start. I mean, when I first traveled to the arctic I blurted out something about getting off. Everyone else seemed to know, too.

“On who?” I wasn’t so much playing dumb as it was just one of those moments where I blanked out on what to say.

She tilted her head. “Um, me?”

OK. Fair.

Sheepish, I nodded, and I looked down at my bed. As great as I saw her, and as close as she was, I didn’t want to look her in the eye. Everything felt like it had caught fire and the burning wouldn’t let up. I just wanted to turn into charcoal.

“I’m not mad,” she assured. “Well, I don’t really understand it much, but now that I know, it does explain some things.”

Wow. It really was the worst. Yeah. It could explain some things, all right. Just a tad. Just a wee bit. I grabbed a pillow and buried my face in it.

“Yeah…” I replied, muffled by the sounds of sweet down feathers all wrapped up in fabric. Bless.

“Are you going to cry?” She wondered. I lowered the pillow from my face in response.

“No…” I closed my eyes as soon as I saw her face. It was just as beautiful as ever, and although she still shivered, she gave off such a composed look. Plus, and it may have been such a strange thing to focus on, but I was a little jealous of her eyelashes, how long they were. She tilted her head, and I closed my eyes. It didn’t help much, as the image was burned into my retinas.

“It’s fine if you do, but you should know that you have nothing to worry about,” again, how reassuring.

“I’m not going to. I don’t even know how to. Sometimes it feels like I’m about to and then it doesn’t happen.”

“Huh. I see,” she noted.

“Say what you came to say,” I muttered. I didn’t mean for it to be so harsh, I was just embarrassed enough as it was. “If you came to tell me off, go ahead. ‘Cause like, I get some of the things I’ve said could be considered sexual harassment and I know it’s bad so I deserve whatever you have to say. Any punishment in mind, dish it out.”

She gave a short nod. “I suppose...it could be, yeah. Not that I really understood any of what you said when you’d do so.”

“Well now you know.”

“Yes, and I don’t really mind.”

I blinked.

“What?”

“I mean, it’s not really like I like all the antics, but...that’s not really what bothers me. Er...it’s not the things you say that bothers me. It’s that I don’t understand why that really gets me.”

“What do you mean?” I was still confused.

“I just don’t see what’s so special about me, and besides, whatever you see, you have the wrong idea,” she explained.

“It’s just!” I spat. “You’re cool!”

“Yes. By design.”

Well, gee. At least she knew it.

“What? You’re saying you were built that way? That’s so unfair!”

“No. I thought you meant cool as in cold…”

Oh. I guess in a roundabout way, that made sense.

“You’re also really confident. And tough. And muscular. You’re beautiful and you’ve got this aura about you like you’re not one to be messed with. And -” I started listing out.

“Wait. Hold up. You think I’m confident?” She stopped me.

“It seems that way. When you stand it’s like nothing gets to you. You say what’s on your mind and you seem like someone who could just command someone around. You just seem so composed, and like you’ve got it all together.”

“That couldn’t be further from the truth,” she denied my statements. “I’m not at all confident. I can’t stand too much noise, social interactions leave me uncomfortable, even if it’s the simple act of ordering a sandwich at a restaurant. I don’t understand people most of the time, so I try to avoid them. I’m sure there’s moments I want to be friendly and I just don’t feel capable of doing so.”

Whether or not I expected to, I could relate.

“Do you remember when I said I didn’t want you to know about me and then you asked whether I really wanted to be here?” She asked. That was something I only recalled all the time.

“Yeah...and I’m sorry every day.”

“Don’t be. The fact of the matter that I wanted to avoid was that I didn’t. I felt manipulated by Ray, even though I knew I was still free to make my own decisions. Yet I think part of the reason why I’ve stayed is just because I end up asking myself ‘what if something for the better changes for me?’ Yet each time I think so, I find that nothing has changed, and I don’t know if anything ever will.”

“For what it’s worth, I like you around,” I told her.

“Yes. I know that now.”

“Err...but I mean, so does Tigershark! I’m sure of that!”

“She can visit me at my own house any time she wants.”

Her words so plain.

“So then...why do you stay?” I asked.

“It’s just like I said: I want to know, or even if I feel like nothing will change, I’m hoping it will. Because part of me does want to be around others, or maybe it’s just something I think I should want. So I keep trying, no matter how much it discomforts me.”

“Well, um...even if you don’t think you’re confident, I mean, there’s battles?” Damn it, I was so bad at being supportive in any capacity.

“Those are the only moments I feel any sense of confidence, and it’s the one time I feel in control of my situations.”

“But that’s part of what I admire about you!” I protested. “I don’t want to be this helpless person. Even if it’s just with that, I want to show that I can handle myself as well!”

She raised her hand and laid it flat in the air, then brought it down slow in a gesture that said ‘bring the volume down’. Needless to say, I did.

“It’s not just the fact that you’re smokin’…” Hot probably wouldn’t work, as she’d take that literally again. “Cute, but also it’s that you hold your own. It makes me want to be like you and I want to make you proud. I admire you, and… I want to be admired, too.”

She shook her head.

“You’re not going to admire me by trying to be like me. Especially when I don’t want others to be like me in general. Being tough, being cold and harsh, those aren’t qualities I admire.”

I gulped. She then added:

“...But it’s just like I’ve said before: I wouldn’t want someone to think they should change themselves to impress me. Nor do I really like pushiness. That said…” she let out a long sigh. “If that’s the kind of person you want to be, I don’t want to stop you. Just know that it won’t have the desired effect.”

I see. I should have known that already, but it wasn’t just for her sake, either. It really was something I was working toward, and even though I didn’t know the purpose, it really was for my own sake.

“I really do want this,” I told her. “And I know it’s hard to hear, because I still want you to be proud of me, but even if it’s only for me, this is what I want. Maybe it’s selfish of me, but I still would like if I showed any improvements, and that those improvements were acknowledged. And if I haven’t improved yet, I don’t want to give up.”

“You have improved,” she told me. “I suppose even if you did it for such a futile purpose...the end result isn’t the same.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re not some kind of cold sniper, like me. Nor do you great deal of physical strength. Rather, the improvisational style, the agility, using weapons like knives and daggers, rather than taking out an enemy from afar, or by surprise...it’s different.”

Heh. I blushed. Not that it was high praise or anything.

“No, if anything, you remind me of someone else I knew.”

My heart sank just a bit.

“Like, an ex?” I asked, rather dumb of me at that.

“Nothing of the sort. Just a former co-worker. She used whatever weapon she could get her hands on, but swords, mainly.”

“I see. Just what kind of job did you have, anyway?” I never thought to ask, though I figured it was one of those violent ones.

She looked down. I didn’t think she appreciated such a question. Damn, now I felt like I put her on the spot, which was probably how she felt as well. Put on the spot.

“I killed people. It was like a hitman,” she stated through grit teeth.

“So an assassin?” I asked, then remembered my encounter with Hera. “Or a janitor?” I added. Her brows furrowed at the word, and she tensed up, but rather than go to a full-on scowl, her face relaxed.

“Yes. That wasn’t really what it was called, but it was a nickname those who knew of the group liked to refer to it as. To be frank, I would also call it things like ‘waste disposal’, as it had to do with cleaning up messes, so to speak. Not everyone was a killer, however.”

“Yeah, Hera told me,” I replied.

“I really don’t know who that is, but I hated being reminded of that group when you told me about your trip.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it. I just don’t see how anyone would want to be like that. Though as you are now, like I said, you remind me of that one person. There’s someone else you remind me of, who I also don’t like being reminded of.”

I gulped. “Who?”

“Rhea.”

That struck me. I didn’t see how, but then again, I only heard bits and pieces, and so I never got much of a sense of her.

“How?”

“Mainly in personality. When you say things like ‘do you really want to be here?’ Piercing things like that, it really comes across. It’s not often, but it’s there. She was the type who could really pinpoint people’s problems. She was also meek and awkward, which really seemed to contrast the whole ‘merciless killer’ thing. But maybe I’m just projecting. I’ve never met her, only heard those things about her.”

“Well, I’ll try to adjust my personality, then. Jeez,” I scoffed.

“...That sounded like something I’d imagine she’d say.”

Gimme a break, I’m trying here!

“Say, did Rhea ever have any siblings?” My impulses got the better of me as I blurted out.

“No, why?”

“It’s just, you have the same last name as her, and I never really considered it before. Unless...you two were married?”

She spat out. “Don’t put such a thought into my head.”

“Okay, then why do you have the same last name as her?”

“I needed a new name, and seeing as she she had died, I decided to use her last name. That’s all.” Well, that was one mystery solved. Then I remembered something. Something I wasn’t sure I wanted to remember.

“If you don’t mind me asking, by the way, I never got a chance to ask, but I feel like it’s important,”

“What? I’m not doing this because I want to, but because I feel it’s important. So if it’s important to you, it’s important for me.”

“Back when I did the mansion request, I encountered this guy who called himself Cronus. Did you ever know someone with that name?” “No.”

“I just ask because he said he wanted revenge on Rhea Flection, said that she killed all these people he worked with. For some reason, he thought she was still alive.”

“I can’t say who she knew, but I’m sure she did plenty of things to warrant someone seeking vengeance.”

“Yeah. Well, when we fought those monsters by Aurora’s train, I saw this image of him, holding a sickle. He looked like he was approaching, and then, I was overcome with fear, and blacked out. When I woke up, I was back at the diner. I felt so bad about it, because I fought that person off, and he must have died, and yet not only did I see him, but I fainted because of it.”

“I remember hearing how you thought you let me down. I didn’t know it was because you saw that.”

“I’m just thinking, like, maybe it was a hallucination, but if there’s any possibility that it was something else, then it must have meant something.”

She nodded.

“I’m trying to figure out that out, myself. Those creatures we faced seem to disappear into shadow. Then there were penguins. Harmless enough, but they weren’t supposed to be here, and it was like they were just images played on a loop.”

“Do you think it’s the work of a cosmic entity?” I recalled her saying such a thing about that monster mansion.

“No. But I don’t know what it is. There are parallels, but these actions are more deliberate. More conscious. Despite appearing like illusions, these things have caused real damage. Many deaths. It shouldn’t continue this way.”

I couldn’t agree more. Especially when I wished I could have prevented two deaths already.

“I’ve noticed how you’ve developed and I am amazed that you’ve done so in what seems like a short amount of time. I have a plan in mind, some suspicion on how to put an end to these deaths. Because of how much you’ve grown, I thought about including you in this plan, but only if you’re up for it.”

My heart skipped a beat. I took it as a sign that I was.

“I am! I know I fainted, but I’ll do my best!”

“I’m sure you will. There’s something that will come up later that I can’t tell you about, but I want you to trust that there’s a purpose behind it.”

I couldn’t wrap my head around that one. I was with her up until that point, and then it just fell apart.

“But how will I trust you if I don’t know?”

“Maybe it’s better not to. You’re perceptive enough, I think it shouldn’t matter, either way.”

“Okay…so are we cool? Like, I don’t know where I’m supposed to go from here, but I’ll try to stop with the comments and crazy antics.”

“It’s fine. You can continue being as you are. I’ll tell you if I don’t want to hear such things.”

“You mean it?”

“I’m blunt, aren’t I?”

Yeah, okay. She got me there.

“I’m sure this didn’t feel good for you, but thank you for talking with me,” I told her. “Just curious, though. What qualities in a person do you find admirable?”

She groaned. Which I took to mean ‘again with the striking questions?’

“I think I like kindness. Genuine kindness. Someone forgiving. Gets along with people. You don’t have to be tough to be any of those things.”

“Well darn,” I joked. “I’m none of those things. I can’t stand people.”

“That’s one thing we both have in common,” she tapped my forehead with her fist, which made me turn red and then we both laughed.

After we settled down, she got up from the chair. Didn’t even bother to put it back away. How rude.

“Good night,” she smiled as her words soothed me. It was like she wanted to sound like the kind of person she said she wanted to see in others.

“Yeah,” I got myself under my blanket and I couldn’t help but smile. “Goodnight.”

Maybe for most, such a talk would have been disappointing to hear. But if anything, I felt relieved. Optimistic, even.

I wished I could just stay in that moment, instead of the one I was in. Even if it turned that much of what she told me was made up, I still would have preferred to stay situated in that one moment in time.

“Do you really want to do this?” I yelled out into the open. “What about protecting Tigershark? What about that time you saved me from those guys?”

That prompted her to respond with something I wasn’t expecting.

“I could’ve sworn I told you – when I first met you, you thought you had been saved, when in reality, I just wanted an excuse to kill some people. You just didn’t seem worth my time.”

She probably meant that last bit to hurt, but instead, I focused on the first half.

“What? That wasn’t the first time you met me!” I came out from hiding, gun pointed at her. “We first met at an aquarium! I even told you that! I was all nervous and you threw money at me!”

Across from me, she stood, also with her gun pointed at me. Upon hearing that, she hesitated.

“I...I don’t know what you’re getting at, but it doesn’t matter!” She stammered and shook, although the gun was still aimed at me.

“Maybe not to you, but at least get your facts straight! Or gay!” I retorted.

“I see what you’re doing! You’re stalling because you don’t know how to use that thing!”

I mean, you’re right, but you shouldn’t say it.

“That might be, but it’s not like I’ve got much of a will to live, and who knows? I might just end up firing first. Then you’d be the one to die.”

“Hun, you’d be doing me a favor,” she hissed.

I stepped back.

“H-hun?”

True enough, she shot, and I ducked, then hid back behind the last remaining pillar. That sure was foolish. But at least I bought myself just a little more time.

“Hey. Sunny’s going to die while you’re hiding out there.”

No. Damn it. Using that against me.

I got back out and stood, arms and legs spread as I tried to block her from hurting Sunny.

“Fine! Kill me if you have to! But Sunny should live! You have no idea what kind of bright, positive person she is, and sure, she’s got a lot of energy, but at least she enjoys things! Things other than killing!”

“Such a useless sacrifice,” she uttered before pulling the trigger. As the bullet flew toward me, I thought to myself, at least there are worse ways to die.

My eyes closed, a sweat covered me, and then I felt something brush past me. Then came a shrill and strained howl. But not from any voice I recognized.

I opened my eyes. Sunny was still behind me, and she was fine. Maybe a little beat up, but all things considered, fine. I was as well, but my eyes were wide, and I shook.

“Demetria, I suggest you move aside,” ordered R.

I did so, over to where Sunny was, but I fell once I moved. Behind the both of us, the wall had disappeared, or faded, and in its place was a row of stalagmites and columns, with an opening leading further in. Out from said opening stepped a man with a chubby face and black, messy hair. His shoulder was all bloodied, arm missing, and the sides of his torso had a large, bloody hole in it. As he walked forward with the blood spilling out, he winced and howled and gave a most furious look. Then he stood upright, as if none of that had bothered him.

So she didn’t use those bullets on any of us, but she did on that guy…

My mind hurt. Head, too, but I was just surprised to still have that.

“So you found out, huh?” He gave off a menacing grin. “Here I thought you really did change your ways and those creatures could keep on killing until they took you, but you still stand, and what’s more, you came to me, having killed all of your companions.”

So that’s what it was? We were just a distraction?

R, as I still wasn’t sure what to call her, rubbed her ear.

“Sorry, who are you?” She asked.

He laughed a barrel full. Even with an arm and shoulder missing and part of his guts spilling out, he seemed like he couldn’t care less.

“You may call me Buddy Fairweather,” he made a gesture with his remaining arm, like he was tipping a hat. Indeed, with his Hawaiian shirt and short shorts, he really did look the part. Though it really didn’t suit the environment.

“That’s a stupid name. Even ‘Ray Sunshine’ is a better name than that,” R remarked.

True, but it might answer the question of “what if Ray, but evil?”

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but you have something to do with those creatures, yes?” She began interrogating him. “And the random blizzards? As well as countless other things, all in an attempt to get to me? Or psyche me out? All of those people killed, and for what?”

“Oh ho ho. You are correct. Yes, I let loose those creatures. Those weather formations were a creation, but nothing I was so capable of. I was just lent a taste of power from my boss. But don’t act like you’re innocent here. What with all the people you’ve killed over the years as well.”

“Don’t try to compare the two,” she snarled. There was a hint of anger, actual anger, even if she wasn’t someone who raised her voice. “When I had a target, it was just that target. I didn’t involve those who weren’t a part of it. You didn’t see me get rid of entire populations just to get rid of one person.”

“Really now? What about the mafia families you’ve taken out? Or those wealthy families?”

“If that’s how you see it,” she shot back. “Those groups were the target. But I didn’t then go outside and shoot a dog or burn down whole cities of people just going on about their lives.”

“But you did kill the rest of your co-workers, did you not? At least that’s what my boss tells me. You’re just lucky one managed to survive and bring with him a vast amount of resources in order to bring you down.”

“What a shitty job that’s been, then. Rather than go for your target, you went for just about everyone else. Researches and scientists, gone. People with homes and families, gone. The parents of a little girl, taken from her. All the while, you, and whoever else you’re working with, spent a vast amount of resources just to take down one mediocre person. See, Rhea wasn’t some great force of nature. She was just a busybody. Not some all-powerful goddess. Not even employee of the month. She just was.”

Again with the laughter. Something wasn’t right. As much as he was in pain, he really didn’t seem like anything was wrong.

“You think that matters? The fact is, you killed everyone else you worked with, including those folks you traveled with just to stand where you are.”

She shook her head, giving a performance of someone hanging their head in shame, or at least disappointed at the news.

“He claims it’s in the name of revenge, when really he just wanted an excuse to kill a bunch of people. How disgusting,” she spoke in a fake whine. Then she looked up. “By the way, the people I traveled with? I didn’t kill any of them.”

What? What about Ray? And Tigershark?

“I saw you!” He shouted, and any sense of humor gone.

“You saw what you wanted to see. But I’m sure the owner of the restaurant I came in with would love to hear that the reason he’s lost so many customers is because some guy decided to waste his resources on such a mediocre person. Too bad he’s already headed back home by now, along with the little girl. Good riddance, too, as I wouldn’t have wanted her to hear that her parents died because of some selfish man without even a stake in all this.”

“What?!” This time Sunny mouthed the word and I didn’t think I could have said things any better. At least I could be relieved that Ray and Tigershark were still alive, but I didn’t know how to feel. I took the fight seriously, I said all of those things. If I just played along, I wouldn’t have had to go through any of that.

“Was this all part of the plan?” I asked Sunny, keeping my voice low.

“Yes. I thought you knew, too.”

Should I have even felt all that bad about it? I couldn’t help myself, but now some things started to click. How Remora...just a force of habit. Whoever she is, told me she needed to keep something from me. I just didn’t think about what she said. And the fact that it didn’t click for me probably worked in her favor, as it made the whole thing more believable.

All the same, I was too swept up in emotions, so instead I forced out a laugh.

“The whole time you were laying there, you probably thought ‘just get on with it, you two,’ huh?”

“Heh. Yeah. But then whoever was behind all this might have heard.”

I leaned my head back against her and laughed some more.

“All of you. Are just. The worst,” I wheezed out the words. Maybe I wasn’t laughing. Maybe I was coughing. Short on breath.

“No matter. You will all die here,” he growled, and then I gasped – tendrils grew out from where his arm had been, as well as the hole in his abdomen. It was like watching little threads repair his flesh together. Next to him, two of those illusion creatures, whatever they may have been, emerged.

One of the creatures ran toward Sunny and I and we had no other choice but to get up.

Sunny still had plenty of fight left in her, as she blocked the creature’s attacks with her elbow pads. I on the other hand was more worn out, what with the whole faux fight to the death.

“Hey Demetria! Can I borrow one of your knives for a bit?” Miss Cold Stone Creamery pleaded as she backed away from the other creature. Not to mention the fact that she had to deal with funky evil guy wearing a Hawaiian shirt.

“No!” I yelled. Damn it, she must’ve been referring to that throwing knife. I wanted that thing back. I couldn’t believe I was so careless not to pick it up.

“How rude! I’m gonna take it anyway!” She called over.

Oh well. At least I still had the Yakutian knife. Such a reliable knife, I was inclined to name her. Maybe Bernadetta would do for a nice name.

That creature swiped one paw up, large claws sprung forth, ready to tear Sunny apart. I slid down and jabbed Bernadetta right in the heel, and the creature screeched. Sunny looked down at me and winked, and I huffed, then gave her a thumbs up. She jabbed the creature to the side of its face so hard that it got knocked to the floor. She looked down at her hand, all bloodied.

“Heh. You know what they say: it ain’t no fun ‘til your knuckles start bleedin’,” Sunny sounded ecstatic.

“Nobody says that,” I shot back.

Our victory was short lived, as the creature got right back to its feet and its legs morphed into pincers. Now it resembled more of a giant praying mantis with a wolf skull for a head rather than any sort of mammalian creature.

It stood on its hind legs, pincers now up in the air and ready to strike down upon us. Not sure what else to do, I ran in underneath it and readied my knife (Bernadetta, in case anyone needed a reminder).

“Get out of there! It’s going to crush you!” Sunny warned. I just scoffed.

“Ha, very funny.”

“What? That’s not a joke!”

As the creature came down, I fell to my knees and raised my knife firm in my grasp. It dug into the creature’s stomach and its horrific screams pierced through the area and echoed throughout. Before I could get flattened underneath its dead weight, Sunny pushed it aside.

“Are you all right?” She asked.

I pulled my knife out.

“Bernadetta needs a wash,” I groaned.

As I looked to my side, R continued to deal with the two creatures, one who posed as a man. At one point, she grabbed him and shoved him into the direction of the creature’s mouth just as it was about to bite down on her. Instead, his head got bitten off, but it soon grew back, and he laughed.

She pulled out the two guns she had broken her rifle into and blasted through both the creature and the man, but only the creature fell. Once again, his head regenerated, and that time, multiple blades grew out from his back.

“How are you managing all this?” She demanded.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” He snarled, and two of the blades on his back dug into her shoulders and she fell back.

Just as soon as she fell, the wig she wore fell off and her dark hair came down. She glanced to the side and realized what just happened.

“Oh. Wig,” she remarked.

Rather than amused, “Buddy” was enraged.

“Who are you?!” He demanded, even though he never answered her question.

“Just someone else who is painfully average,” she replied, then kicked him away and sprung back up.

He screamed, but she shot him and chunks of him exploded. I moved out of the way, so none would land on me, but I was too fixed on the scene to do much else.

“I’m just curious about one thing: you are what’s manifesting all those creatures, aren’t you?”

“Indeed. The guy who hired me implanted me with a worm which attached to my heart and allows me to contort the rest of my body, no, the entire environment around me, so long as my heart remains intact!” He boasted.

“Dude. You just revealed your weak point. Who does that?” She asked with a dull glare.

Before she could fire a shot, he blocked his whole front side with all the blades that had manifested on him and shoved himself into her. Once again, she fell, and this time, he opened his mouth wide, many rows of teeth could be seen, and all I could think of were the Mel twins who I failed to protect. Whatever trance I was in was broken and I ran.

“Get off of her!” I roared, then just like with the previous creature, I plunged my knife into his back, and dug so deep that it pierced his heart.

As I pulled it out, R shoved him aside and he began to bleed out. Whatever he had become while alive, he was dying human. A cruel, monstrous human.

It was hard to imagine how things would be different now that the apparent source of so much hardship was gone. There would be no more of those strange creatures, slaughtering people left and right. No more images of penguins, either. Maybe that last bit would disappoint Tigershark. She could always visit a zoo or something, I dunno. Oh, but there would still be blizzards and harsh climates. But things in general would be more bearable, so that was reason enough to celebrate.

R stood up.

“Good job,” she rasped.

“Thanks, but what am I supposed to call you now?” Considering she wore a wig, it wasn’t like she was really Rhea, but...Remora may not have been right, either.

“My identity doesn’t matter. As I said, I’m just painfully –”

I stopped her.

“What do you want to be called?”

She looked away.

“Remora is fine,” she told me. As much as I would have accepted any other name, it would have been a lie if I said I wasn’t relieved.

“Good. That’s someone I’m familiar with,” I replied, and a weak smile formed on my face.

“Come on, you two! Let’s go! For real this time!” Sunny called for us, as she already began to head out.

“Hey! Wait for me!” I called back.

Before I ran after Sunny, I turned to Remora.

“Coming?” I asked. She nodded, and just as she moved, she hissed out in pain and fell back onto her knees.

“Looks like I took more damage than I thought,” she winced. Blood trickled down from her shoulders.

“Are you okay?!” “Great, now I’m getting lightheaded,” she held her palm up to her forehead, then fell back onto the cave floor.

“This better be another ploy not to leave!” I didn’t want to believe that her life could really be at risk. Something had to be up, right?

“You think I’d joke about this?” She croaked. As I opened my mouth, the cave began to rumble, as the floor shook and cracked, as well as the stalactites on the ceiling. “Look. This place was never meant to exist. It was a creation just like those creatures were. It’s going to collapse soon. You should go.”

“Not without you,” I told her, though I looked toward the way out. Sunny was just the type to wait for us.

“Sunny!” I called out to her, but no answer came. Not even an echo.

Little stalactites and pieces of the ceiling began to fall.

“We’re all going to get out of here. We’re going to live, and we’re going to return to the diner,” I turned back to Remora. But she shook her head.

“No. I’m bleeding out, can barely stand, this cave will collapse, and even then, I’d have to deal with the extreme cold. You had your happy ending: everyone lived, the bad guy was defeated, and the day was saved.”

Damn it. Even if that was the reality, my blood boiled at the thought.

“No! You’re not allowed to die! It’s not a happy ending if you’re going to go out like that, and everyone means everyone!” I shouted. “I don’t care what I have to do, but I won’t allow it!”

She turned her head. “What could you even do? You’re not that strong.”

“I know that already! But I’m going to try! You can’t just go and die any time you think it’s convenient! Not when you don’t have to!”

“Ugh. You remind me of her,” she complained. I figured I knew who she meant already.

“I’m sorry I remind you of someone you don’t like,” I lowered my voice, then crouched down. “Okay. Hold onto me. I’ll try to carry us both out.”

“I never said I didn’t like her, I just said she wasn’t the kind of person you’d want to be friends with,” she grunted.

“Reach up,” I told her. Ha. I could be stubborn too.

To be honest, I didn’t think she would. I thought we’d both die in there as the cave collapsed on us. But instead, I felt her arms wrap around me from behind and I pushed myself up. I didn’t think my nerves could take it. That was the most physical interaction we had and yet it was under those circumstances. I had to keep my cool at all costs.

She leaned her head up to my ear and rasped, “I’m going to strangle you.”

“Good,” I fired right back. “That means you’ll last a few seconds longer than me.”

She remained silent after that, and I trudged forward, out of the cave, all the while, the whole thing collapsed behind us. The whole time, I thought I would slip and fall. I never did squats in my life, and now I regretted never doing so. I had a newfound appreciation for turtles. My knees wobbled and I was close to saying a couple of times, “you know what? There’s worse ways to die,” but I kept my mouth shut. Against whatever odds there were, we both made it out.

III

Sunny was nowhere to be found. Miles of a blanketed white, and we saw no sign of any other person near us. Maybe the flurry of snowy wind didn’t help, what with it obscuring our surroundings. I should have been grateful it wasn’t a full-on blizzard.

“Do you know the way back?” I asked.

“Uh...that way,” she replied, and I didn’t even think she opened her eyes.

“That way it is, then,” as I took a step forward and slipped against the snow. I fell face down into the snowy dirt and she landed on top of me.

“This isn’t how I imagined you on top…” I spoke, though my voice was muffled from the position I was in.

“At this point, if I were you, I’d take what I could get,” she shot back, then pushed herself off and stood up. I got up as well and, rightfully so, freaked out.

“What?! You can stand?!”

“Yeah. But I shouldn’t for very long. It’s still going to hurt. Face it: you could have escaped and survived, but now we’re both going to die out here, all because you wanted to play hero.”

“I guess it can’t be helped, then…” I reached into my pocket and unsheathed Bernadetta. Sorry Bernie, looks like you gotta leave your room for just a bit.

“What are you doing?” Remora asked. I ignored her and tore off my sleeves.

“There, wrap these around your wounds. They should help.”

“You’re an idiot. Now you’re going to freeze to death,” she informed me, even though she did as I instructed.

“Yeah, well we both know I’ve got the strength of a 1-ply sheet of toilet paper, so it’s not like carrying you the whole way back was going to work out! At least this way you should be able to walk without too many problems.”

She began to unzip her jacket and I had no idea what to think. What might have come next. Maybe it was one of those symptoms of hypothermia. That paradoxical undressing thing.

“Wh-What are you doing?!” I stammered.

“Get in,” she commanded. I looked up at her, then back down at the open flap of her jacket.

“Get...in?”

“Can’t have you freezing to death out here because you decided to tear your sleeves off. Like a moron would do.”

“But...but…! How will you walk?”

“I can barely walk as it is, but I can’t just take my jacket off and let you borrow it because I got these fabrics over my shoulders. So just get in.”

At last, I relented. Rather embarrassed, though. I was so close to her and it made no goddamn sense. Also, I couldn’t see, and it was hard to match pace with her, but overall, wonderful experience.

We trudged along. I felt as if any moment one of us could fall again and I didn’t know what would have happened then.

“You know those old cartoons where three kids would go in a trench coat and try to go to the movies? That’s what this reminds me of. Now that I think about it, I wonder if that’s actually happened in real life…” I rambled out of nervousness, something which I was sure annoyed the hell out of her.

“I see you’re keeping yourself entertained,” she commented. Make of that what you will.

After a good while of the slow paced march, she held the jacket flap open and I got out. In front of us was an abandoned building. It may have once been a research station, or some apartment complex. Outside, it gave a pretty empty feeling, with its white exterior and cracked windows. In fact, the whole place was cracked, as if it had begun to crumble over the weight of its own emptiness (I assumed, anyway. Who knows, maybe there were some squatters in there?) without so much as a hope for repair. Adding to that, where a front door should have been, there was none.

“We’ll stay here for now. The weather’s not letting up and I don’t know when we’ll be able to see again,” she explained. I didn’t like the idea one bit, but what other choice did I have?

As we stepped in, I noticed the door, just chillin’ on the floor. Like, “hey guys, don’t mind me.” Neither of us did mind, either, as we had neither the time, nor energy, to try to put that door back on its hinges. There were a few rooms, empty, at that, and the stairs that would have lead to a second floor had all been caved in. Nature sure was something.

It was rather dim throughout, and some of the rooms further in were pitch black, as light must not have reached back there. In the rooms we could see in, papers were scattered about the floor. There were filing cabinets that had been tipped over. Oh, and dry blood on the walls. Real inviting.

No blankets or any such comforts to be found. Maybe all the people slept upstairs, or it was just an office building and everyone had homes elsewhere that they would return to at the end of the day. At least some old food would have been nice, I was starving.

Remora gathered some of the papers into a pile and placed some rocks that had been found around the pile.

“Do you have any more matches?” She turned to me and asked.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out the matchbook. It was empty.

“Fresh out,” I delivered the bad news. Then I dug into my other pocket. “Oh! But I have a lighter!” I knelt down and flicked the lighter. Then flicked the lighter again. And again. I really wasn’t good at using that thing.

“Here, just give it to me,” her frustration carried with her breath. I handed it to her and she flicked it once, then leaned down (winced as she did so) and lit the papers on fire.

What I expected to happen then was that we would sit across from each other, fall asleep, and when we woke up, we’d be all better and head back to the diner. What happened instead was that as I went to lay down by the fire, all tired out, and I stared into it. Much like her a lot of the time, I shook uncontrollably and I thought the shock would have killed me. I could hardly feel my face, my hands, my lips, any part of me, for that matter.

She must have noticed, which I really didn’t want her to (I didn’t want to burden her more than I already had), as she went over and laid down behind me. I didn’t even notice her move, so fixated on the fire and the predicament I was in. That we were in. Next thing I felt was her weight pressed against me and her arms wrapped around. I was so confused, more shocked than I already was.

“What are you doing?” I asked. None of this made sense anymore. I didn’t even know why I couldn’t have gotten Sunny to stick around and do all the lifting. It would have been so much easier with a third person. Here, I was stuck, next to someone I’ve thought about such things happening, but I never imagined it would become a reality. It was nice, warm, even. But why she would do such a thing, when she didn’t even think much of me…

“I’m keeping you warm. You’ll freeze to death otherwise, even with that fire there, it may not be enough.”

As I said, it was warm. Or rather, it must have been producing the intended effects. I felt like I could have stayed in that position for the rest of the day. It just wasn’t fair. That it had to be like this, and under these circumstances.

“This really isn’t fair. You know I –” I began.

“Don’t think anything of it.”

Easier said than done. Way easier. Look, I wasn’t the type to treat CPR as a makeout session, but I think that was a little different. Maybe. Sure, I was reading too much into it, but...I didn’t even know how I was supposed to read into it. Whether the warmth of the fire, or the exhaustion, or the daze from being held, I found myself drifting off to sleep.

“I guess...there are worse ways to die…” I muttered, before everything faded.

In my dream, there was a house, all painted yellow, and I was a kid again. Green grass, cloudy day, birds chirping. My grandmother stepped out onto the front porch and waved at me, then swept away at the porch with a broom. Out in the yard near where I was, a large dog sat in the grass. Said dog didn’t look up, but I thought it to be alive, and excited, I ran up to the dog and reached my arm out.

“Doggy!” I giggled, and ran my hand against its back. Its soft fur was comforting, and I soon felt the world around me dissolve, with just me and that dog in a white room.

“Get out!” Barked a voice. Not a bark from the dog, however. Said voice was human, and I jolted up, awake.

Beside me was a wolf who had curled up by our fire and Remora had her rifle pointed at it. Such a large creature, and to think I actually did pet it, and it wasn’t just part of a dream. Said wolf turned its head and growled at Remora, then ran off.

I turned to her. It wasn’t right to be mad, as someone I looked up to so much. Maybe the whole “not being in the loop” from earlier was still in the back of my mind, or maybe I just didn’t like being woken up.

“What was that for?” I complained.

“That thing could have killed you,” she stated.

“You don’t know that! It was probably just lonely!”

“What? Do you hear yourself right now?”

I sat up and crossed my arms.

“Yes I do. Wolves are social creatures, that’s why they tend to hunt in packs. Poor thing probably didn’t have a pack to stay with.”

“’Poor thing’? That was a wild animal. Those things kill people.”

“Do you know how many wolves actually kill people? Like, annually? None. Still wasn’t a good idea to pet one, but in my defense, I was asleep.”

She got up and moved to the other side of the fire before laying back down. Now we were across from each other, and I felt more fixated on the fire than I did with her.

“Still, to think one would be lonely,” she commented. Maybe this was a legitimate argument we were having, I didn’t know. I drew a deep breath, then tried to explain.

“Yeah, see, there’s that whole ‘lone wolf’ persona, but it couldn’t be further from the truth with actual wolves. If a wolf is alone, that just means they don’t have a pack to go to, and they usually look for one and find one. It’s generally not a good idea to hunt alone, especially in a place like this. As a wolf, you just won’t survive alone for very long.”

“Huh. You’re actually pretty smart,” she remarked. I didn’t understand how she could have drawn that conclusion from what I just said.

“Not really,” I corrected her. “I just learned this ‘cause I had to. I have a Bachelor’s in Zoology, so I learned all sorts of things about animals. Really, I just wanted to learn about fish at the time, as that’s all I was into, but sometimes have to do something else to get to where you want, I guess. To my discredit, most of the stuff I learned I’ve since forgotten. So yeah.”

“Why don’t you go back to school?” She suggested.

“Because I found a different passion. I’m allowed to change my mind, aren’t I?”

“Yeah. Maybe you’ll end up changing your mind again.”

“Maybe…” My voice was dejected, and the very idea of such a thing felt bitter to me.

“Do you think that wolf thought we were other wolves and wanted to form a pack?”

I scoffed and snorted. “Maybe just you. Since you’re so big.”

I could feel her glare pierce through the fire.

“I’m going to throw a rock at you,” she threatened.

I laughed. Sure, I deserved that one.

“You know, I meant every word I said back there,” she changed the subject. At first I didn’t know what she was talking about, but then I figured she meant the cave.

“What? All that trash talk and saying you were Rhea?” I wondered.

“No. Uh. When we were all gathered by the fire camping. I wasn’t lying. I really do want to be part of the group and get along with everyone. But we might not make it back now and even if we live to make it back, there’s no guarantee that they’ll forgive me. I’ve caused them enough trouble.”

I didn’t think such a thing would have mattered to her. If she was being honest, that was. No, I could tell by her tone that she was serious. It wasn’t so much gentle or playful. It just was. It was a certain dryness I was used to from her. Though the question was, if she was worried about such a thing, what did it mean? I didn’t think she’d say she cared about them, but I didn’t see any other conclusion I could draw.

“I’m sure they will,” I replied. “I mean, they’re a pretty forgiving bunch. Sure, they may call us out for being reckless, but it’s not like any of them have any room to talk.”

Out the window, it was still a blackened sky, with only a few bit of stars that poked their way into the frame.

“We should probably try to get back to sleep,” I suggested. “I don’t know how our strength will be in the morning, but at least we should be able to see better then. True that there’s no guarantee that we’ll make it, but I want to at least try.”

Though even if there were some improvements in the morning, no doubt I would be sore. We’d both be sore. Maybe more me than her. It could have still been a long ways out, and there was no telling for sure about the weather.

Although such thoughts kept me up, before long I found sleep once more. Whatever we’d have to face in the morning, it wouldn’t be easy, but even in the worst case scenario, I’d consider it a win. After all, there were worse ways to die.

#writing #fiction #action #scifi #fantasy #horror #drama #slice of life #remoras full #fire #wolf #survival #long chapter

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lo-55 · 3 years

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Shattered Chains of Fate Ch. 9

Crown of Thorns

Before they set off for Seireitei the next morning Ichigo hands a backpack to each of his friends.

‘Backpack’ isn’t the right word. It’s a sling bag that will strap across one shoulder each. Kukaku had been nice enough to provide him with them. They’ve got basic medicines, rations, a small flashlight and a bowie knife, a few other things that came in strangely useful in Ichigo’s experience. Like a roll of tinfoil, and a ball of rubber bands.

“Once we get into the seireitei, we’re gonna make a flashy entrance. People are going to see us and they’re going to report on what we look like. As soon as we land we need to find the laundry, or the barracks, and steal uniforms.”

He holds a hand up to keep Uryu from objecting.

“I know you hate it. Deal with it. Orihime and I will be the most distinct. Chad and Uryu can probably change clothes, maybe hair styles and be fine. She and I will have to change hair color.”

They won’t have time to dye their hair, and even if they did Ichigo knows they were both loath to do so. Orihime prided her hair for Sora, her brother. Ichigo was just plain stubborn.

“There’s wigs in both of our bags,” and in Ichigos, his Chaldeas combat uniform in all its white and black glory. It will cover the rather distinct mark on his chest. He turns to their guide.

“Yoruichi. There’s different squads, what do we need to know about them? Characteristics, duties, positions. Anything.”

The cat has been staring at him this entire time. Ichigo doesn’t quite know what to make of it. She shakes herself out of it.

“You’re right. Each squad has different duties and different specialities. There’s also rivalries between certain squads. Each squad has approximately 200 individuals.”

“That’s not good,” Ichigo grimaces. “200 is small enough to be able to recognize people by face if not name.”

“Yes, but the turnover rate for unseated officers is low enough I don’t think it will pose a problem,” Yoruichi continues. She gives them a run through of symbols and squads associated with them, before moving on, “the first division is made up of those who are able to take charge. They rank highest, besides seated officers. They will be the second worst to masquerade as. The absolute worst will be the second division, who work as covert operations. They handle wetwork.”

“Assassins,” Ichigo understands. “And spies?”

“Sometimes. That also falls to the Third division, which serves as a secondary source of information gathering and is in charge of media, communication, and, for lack of a better word, propaganda. Fourth division is medics and combat medics. The fifth has historically been an emergency response system, and are one of the most combat ready.”

Ichigo nods along. Orihime would be best suited to the forth then. Chad, perhaps the fifth?

“The sixth division runs internal affairs. Even if Rukia had not been their captain's sister, it would have been someone from the sixth sent to retrieve her. Seventh doesn’t have a particular speciality as far as I know, but they are typically sincere people. The eighths division is made up almost entirely of women, and they are the reservists and jacks of all trades. They work closely with the thirteenth. Rukia’s own division.”

“Are they mostly women as well?”

“No. They typically do the most work outside of the soul society, sending people to the living world and protecting people from hollows. Ninth division is also combat oriented. They are entrusted with the defense of the seireitei. They count the paperwork of all high ranking officers as well. The tenth is in charge of inter squad cooperation and joint task forces. The eleventh is full of heavy hitters and combat specialists. They are one of the largest divisions, and also the one with the highest mortality rate. Twelfth is research and development. We should avoid them as well.”

Ichigo taps his fingers along his leg. “Orihime should find something from the fourth. She’s the only one who can heal, and can probably pass her abilities off as a zanpakuto if needed. None of the rest of us could be in the eighth, and the thirteenth seems too close to each other to be fooled. I don’t know enough about science for the twelve.”

“I could probably pass, but I would rather not,” Uryu agrees.

“That’s fine. I think it’s best if I say I’m in the eleventh. I have the sword and the fighting ability too. Chad, I think you’d be best for ninth. And Uryu, sixth. We need to avoid one through three if we can.”

“Ichigo…”

Ichigo looks up at Chad. “Huh?”

“When did you start planning like this?”

Ichigo doesn’t know how to answer that. He learned on the battlefields of france. He learned in the streets of london. He learned on the decks of the Golden Hind, the plains of america, the mountains of the middle east and the deserts of egypt. They had been weaker, they had been lesser. They had heart and desperation, but they had to fight smarter not just harder. It was the only option. He had to learn or he had to die.

“Chaldea, I guess,” he finally says. “We need to be quick and careful. This is a rescue mission, not a war.”

Chad looks at him for a long moment. Finally, he nods.

“Okay.”

They break apart and come back together around the ball that Kukaku hands them. She looks at Ichigo intently.

“This energy needs to be balanced between all of you equally. Your power is insane. You’ll have to put barely any into it.”

“That’ll suck,” Ichigo says bluntly. “I’m not good at holding back.”

He runs his fingers through his hair. “No choice though. Let’s go.”

Before they can start, Ganju grabs his wrist. Ichigo keeps himself from elbowing him in the face.

“What?” Ichigo asks, turning to look at him.

“Why are you going through all of this for one shinigami? Why is she so special?” Ganju asks. For once he looks absolutely serious. Ichigo stands straighter and lifts his stubborn jaw.

“It’s because she saved my life. And my family’s lives. She gave her power to me, and because of that she’s going to die. I owe her,” he said again, “And I will repay that debt.”

Ganju searches his face for something. Whatever he finds must satisfy him. He lets go of Ichigo, but Ichigo grabs his arm before he can get far.

“Why are you coming along? It’s not like you have a stake in this. You’re not one of our friends. You’ve never even met any of us before this, and you clearly hate shinigami.”

Ganju looks ready to say something, but Kukaku shoves her way between them and cuts it off.

“Enough chit chat, let’s go already. You’re wasting daylight, idiot.”

Ichigo can’t argue with that. They circle the sphere and Ichigo lets only the barest of his reiryoku bleed into it.

He’s not oblivious. He knows the difference in his power and theirs is about where he and Mash had been when they’d first began. She was endowed with the power and skills of a great warrior of ages past and he was little more than an amateur mage who fought punks on the side.

Now he’s got his own power, his own sword, and he’s been trained by the best warriors to ever walk the earth. He’d learned at the knees of literal legends. He’d faced down gods and demons and he’d lead armies.

He had the power, he had the experience.

It’s time to go.

They climb into the canon, form the sphere, and the chant begins.

Kido isn’t so different from magic. The only difference is the type of energy that’s being used. Reiryoku and mana are the opposite of two coins, the body and the soul. The living and the dead.

Ichigo figures now he stands somewhere between the two. He doesn’t fully understand. He doesn’t need to.

All he needs to know is how to fight and win, for the sake of his friends.

Ichigo will admit, it’s somewhat terrifying how big this goddamn continent is. They’ve been marching for what feels like forever. He knows that the northern army has been holding the celts back for at least a week. He doesn’t know how much longer they can last, and they themselves are still a good week from the white house.

The stress of the situation was still heavy on Ichigo’s shoulders, but Kyo was a good person to carry part of it. Mash is under just as much stress as he is, but she must be made of stronger stuff than he is.

She presses on with all the faith in the world that they will stand victorious when the dust settles.

Ichigo has less faith, and more bullheaded refusal to accept any other outcome.

Kyo, he can tell, doesn’t understand this.

They stand in a field of death. Celts lay at their feet, blood drips from Ichigo’s sword and stains his cheek. His orange hair is dyed red in places.

These are soldiers who were born only to fight. They were made to die at the behest of a wicked queen and an artificial king. They never knew childhood. They never knew joy or a future. They only knew the present, they only knew what they were made to do.

To fight. To kill. To die.

“This is wrong,” Ichigo says, his hands fisted at his side and his jaw set in stubborn anger. In one hand his sword weeps bloody tears into crushed flowers at his feet. A mansion sets in the background, once grand, and around them stretches the ruins of a garden. A headless cherub gushes brown water into a red basin.

Kyo reaches down and plucks the flower from its place on the ground. Ichigo knows well he has the heart of a poet and the mind of a scholar.

“Orchids,” he says, showing Ichigo where the violet petals stretch through the violent stains.

“I doubt we can get perfume from them.” The stench of rot and death hasn’t set in just yet, but it will. Ichigo would rather not stick around.

“No, but they’re out of place here, don’t you think?” He must see the scowl on Ichigo’s face, for he goes on without prompting. “Orchids are a spring flower. One of the four gentlemen. They’re a rather old concept in art.”

“Old for you must mean ancient for us,” Ichigo tries to turn the subject, but Kyo merely shrugs.

“You humans live short, scared lives. And we, long and terrible ones. It’s the way things are…”

It’s there again. The look in Kyo’s eyes. The one he’d had when he was first telling Ichigo about Rukongai and seireitei, and the empty throne that sits atop the world. There’s a longing for change, Kyo is too stubborn and ambitious not to have it, but there’s something else holding him back.

Ichigo scowls and closes the distance between them in a single stride.

“You just sound defeatist. So it’s hard, so you’ll have to fight. So you just give up? Are you going to give in to the status quo when you return to Soul Society?” Ichigo demands. He grasps Kyo by the front of his shihakusho and drags him so close that their noses almost touch. Brown eyes meet brown, one set wide and the other narrowed. “Half the fight is always mental. If you talk like that, you’ll never win, and nothing will never change!”

Ichigo bites out his hardest truth. “A victor should talk about how the world should be. Not how the world is.”

Kyo opens and closes his mouth, gaping like a fish. Ichigo has never seen the man so wrong footed before. Even when Ichigo had shoved part of his soul into Kyo’s body, there hadn’t been time for him to be so stunned.

Now he gets to see those brown eyes shift. From shock to understanding to a near burning determination that his calm demeanor barely betray’s.

Ichigo is getting good at reading him.

He can see the blossoming dream inside his heart. Soon time will erase everything, but maybe, just maybe, some things will remain. Impressions, hopes. Dreams.

Kyo lifts the orchid up between them, purple and red in equal turns, and incinerates it with only a whispered spell.

* *

They’re forced to split apart upon entry.

It’s not ideal, nothing about the situation is. All the same, Ichigo deals with it.

He finds himself spat out into a street with no name and no distinction with Ganju, who lands in a pile of sand while Ichigo himself land catlike on his feet. Yoruichi still sits on his shoulder, steady and growing familiar. She isn’t Fou, but the presence is welcome all the same.

It takes all of ten minutes for someone to find them.

Typical.

Ichigo glances at Yoruichi on his shoulder. “Are you staying, or do you wanna step to the side?”

Yoruichi considers him with those wide golden eyes of hers. He always feels like she’s looking more than skin deep.

“I’ll be off to the side. Don’t get into too much trouble.”

“Give me some credit,” Ichigo rolls his eyes and bends down enough that Yoruichi can hop to the ground comfortably.

He tilts his head at Ganju. “Hey. I’ll take the stronger one. Do what you want with pretty boy.”

“Oh?” one of the opposing shinigami smiles and flutters his weird feather eyelashes at him. “You really think I’m pretty?”

It wasn’t meant to be a compliment. Ichigo grimaced at him. “You look like you spend twenty minutes in front of a mirror every morning. If you don’t exfoliate, I’m a hollow.”

“Well, Yumichika, looks like this guy has got you pegged!” the other one, a blond man who has his sword propped on a shoulder, grins at Ichigo. There’s red around the corners of his eyes. Make up? Tattoos?

“I’m not pegging anyone, thanks,” Ichigo says dryly.

The three dead people stare at him blankly.

“Huh?” pretty boy, Yumichika, asks.

Ichigo shook his head swiftly. “I’m not explaining that.” At least Yoruichi snorted at him.

“Well, doesn’t matter. All I need to know is that today…” the bald man started bouncing around on his toes with his sword out in front of him. Dancing? “I’m lucky! Lucky, it’s my lucky day!”

“Ichigo!” Ganju hisses, grabbing his shoulder. “I’m not fighting these guys, they’re way too strong! I’m gonna run.”

“What? No. If you run we might get split up! That’s a terrible plan, just hold him off until I finish my fight.”

“Hah?” Ganju scowls at him. “Since when are you the boss?!”

“Since I knocked your ass flat on the ground, that’s when!”

“I don’t care what you say,” Ganju scrambles out of the sand box he made. “I’m outta here!”

Ichigo watches him go sprinting before he looks to Yoruichi. “Oi. Keep an eye on him, would you?”

Yoruichi gives a long suffering sigh. “I suppose I must. He is Kukaku’s brother, after all.”

Without another word the cat trots off at Ganju’s heels, keeping pace easily.

Ichigo is left with the two locals.

“...Did that cat just… talk?” Yumichika points after the runaway, his perfectly trimmed brows furrowed.

“Ee-yup.”

“Yumichika,” the bald one nods to his companion, who grunts in response and takes off after Ganju. Ichigo has no choice but to let him go and trust Ganju to handle himself. He doesn’t know if he can take the both of these guys at once. They’re clearly close. He’s sure they’re a terribly effective tag team too, and he really doesn’t have time for this.

“Your friend. He could tell we’re stronger, and he ran. You would have been smart to do the same,” the bald man says, eying Ichigo speculatively.

Ichigo merely shrugs. It’s not in his nature to back down from a fight. It never has been, and now it is even less.

“I figure, if you are stronger you’ll catch up,” They aren’t, he can see clearly. “I’ll have to fight you either way. Besides, if you’re not then I’ll just kick your ass now and move on.”

He shifts himself, draws his sword and bares his teeth.

The man laughs, sounding far too delighted. This is someone who revels in combat.

“That’s a pretty good reason,” he praises, drawing his sword from his scabbard. Ichigo blocks the blow that comes, and ducks the swipe of his sheath. Ichigo bounces back and comes against him again, a whirl of blade. He twists out of the way of another blow and smashes his elbow above the man's eye, splitting his brow. He barely moves back from the blade that slices through his own. Blood drips into his left eye, a mirror of the damage he’s inflicted. They separate.

It’s the bald man, his opponent, who brings them to a pause. The air isn’t as heavy as he would expect. This man may want him dead, but Ichigo can tell; he’s fighting for the fun of it.

(Ichigo loathes to admit it, but he is too. Rukia is going to die, Ganju is being chased by someone dangerous, and Ichigo is here having fun )

(It makes him sick to realize that the life of one person weighs less heavily than all of human history.

Rukia is his friend, how can he think such a thing?)

“That was good. You’ve got good reflexes. You’re stong. What’s your name?”

Ichigo doesn’t see a reason to pretend to be anyone he’s not.

“Ichigo,” he says easily. “And you are?”

“Ikkaku Madarame. Third seat of squad eleven. Ichigo huh? That’s a good name.”

“You think so?” Ichigo arches a brow, privately waiting for him to say something about strawberries.

“Yeah. They say guys with ‘ichi’ in their names are strong and forthright. So…”

He lifted his sword again, his scabbard in a reverse grip behind him and grins like mad. “What say we be friends, Ichi?”

Ichigo wishes Urahara were here, if only so he could crow an ‘i told you so’.

Ichigo levels his sword and can’t help the curve of his mouth. “Fine. But only if I win. If I lose. I figure I’ll be dead.”

“Deal!”

They come together again.

“You seem young,” says the chatterbox, Ikaku. “But you’ve adapted to my fighting style well.”

Well? What can he say, he’s met a lot of dual wielders. EMIYA, other EMIYA, Diarmuid saber, Diarmuid lancer, Scathach, Jack the Ripper, and more. He’s fought with them, trained under them. His hand still itches to hold a sword that isn’t there.

He settles it on his hilt instead.

“Who taught you to fight?” Ikaku asks. He wipes away the blood on his brow with an ointment. Ichigo makes mental note of it. For now he settles on keeping one eye closed, and waits for Ikaku to try to take advantage of his ‘weakness’.

“Who’s to say? I pick up what I can from everyone I know,” he says truthfully. “Are we gonna talk or fight?”

“Fight, obviously! Now,” he slams his sword and scabbard together. “Extend! Hozukimaru!”

Huh. A duel wielder and a lancer all in one. What an interesting person.

It doesn’t matter. Ichigo crosses the ground between them. He pours his power into his blade, until it shines pale white and blue. Ikkaku brings his halberd up to block, but Ichigo cuts through it like butter.

Zangetsu slices through Hozukimari like it’s not made of wood and steel and soul.

Zangetsu carves through Ikkaku’s chest and stomach. It’s not deep enough to kill, but the blood flows heavily. Ichigo finishes it with a hard elbow to his jaw, and Ikkaku falls to the ground.

Zangetsu returns to his resting place on Ichigo’s back and Ichigo gets to work. He has no intention of killing if he can help it. In this case, he can.

He uses part of Ikkaku’s own balm and his first aid kit, one of the things he’d packed in his bag, to seal the injuries. Ichigo hasn’t got time to wait around for Ikkaku to wake up, but this is a good chance for him to get information.

So he sits and changes his hair color, and watches the clouds roll by while Yoruichi plays cat and mouse with the pretty boy.

* * *

The whitehouse is a twisted vision.

Ichigo has seen pictures of his classmates on vacation in front of it, and pictures online or in books. He knows, at least vaguely, what it’s supposed to look like. It’s not supposed to be a twisted desecration of red thorns eating away at pale stone dragons.

Ichigo eyes one of the macabre statues, wrapped in thick, strangling vines made of the same blood red bane that Gae Bolg is. So many thorns. Scathach had called them unbearable. Ichigo is caught somewhere between pity and anger at the berserker that’s caused so much pain and suffering. He was born for this, created from a wish and twisted by Medb’s black heart.

A pitiful creature to be sure. Ichigo knew Cu Chulainn well. He was a creature of duty and loyalty, of compassion and determination. Once he decided he wanted to protect someone that was the end of it. He would battle an entire army on his own, suffer uncountable pains, and still die with his pride intact. He had.

Ichigo doesn’t miss the way his own Caster eying the thorns, his red eyes dark. If Ichigo remembered right, he had died at the point of his own spear during Medb’s quest for vengeance against him.

Ichigo bumps his shoulder with him and gives him a questioning look.

“ ‘m fine,” he assured, touching Ichigo’s shoulder. “I sworn m’self to you, Master. Have faith in me.”

“Will my loyal dog not use my name?” Ichigo rolls his eyes. He still manages to get a cracked smile from the druid. Caster lifts his staff and settles his shoulders.

“After you.”

Ichigo leads the way inside.

It’s just them again. His core servants, and now Florence Nightingale. For a medic, she’s one of the scariest berserkers he’s ever seen. He’s not sure even heracles would win a fair fight with her when she’s determined to save someone.

Indeed, when they finally step into the interior, where Cu Alter and Medb are waiting for them, she wastes no time explaining that she’s going to cure them.

Although, Ichigo has never heard someone say that the best course of treatment would be suicide .

He privately agreed with the king of savages. Nightingale is crazy.

That doesn’t mean she’s not wrong. Ichigo can see it plainly. Cu Alter, the king that Medb created, really has had his joy sealed away by his duty to destroy. There’s no pleasure in the fight for him, and for a warrior such as he it must be equal agony to the red thorns that pierce his hide.

Ichigo shift, Kyo at his side, while his band steps forwards in formation. Mash and Rama take the front, a strong defense and a strong offense that can switch easily to long range at a dimes turn. Cu Cullainn and Nightingale bring up the rear, supporting them with runes and healing spells, while Medusa stays staunchly at Ichigo’s side.

Her hair floats around her, a hissing halo that rattles with chains. Her scythe has manifested in her hands.

Ichigo lifts his right fist, the command spells burning in his skin. He only has two left, and three spells in his combat uniform. This will be their final fight. They have to win. They have to.

If they lose, they lose the world. Everyone’s suffering and sacrifice will be wasted. Yuzu and Karin, and even his dad will be lost forever. His mother will have never even been born.

“Go!” He shouts, his voice cracking through the air.

Rama aims at Medb while Mash tries to keep Cu Alter at bay. Ichigo’s Caster uses the distraction to start weaving runes into deadly traps, while Nightingale reverses the worse of the damage as she’s able.

It’s going well. They’re this close to overwhelming the duo when Medb does something that Ichigo will never be able to forgive.

She summons 28 demon god pillars to the northern army.

Cu Caster get’s in the final shot.

Gae Bolg still does not kill the wicked Queen of Connacht, but it’s master does deliver the last blow that sends her glittering into dust on the wind.

That one instant of victory, however, is all Alter needs.

Gae Bolg leaves his hands.

Ichigo knows the details of the Noble Phantasm. A spear that affects probably, and turns ‘trusting the spear’ into ‘piercing the heart’. Once it’s active, there is no dodging it. There is no blocking it with anything shy of a realty marble.

It does not pierce Rama again. Nor does is strike down Mash, or Nightingale, or Meduse, or even their own Cu Chulainn.

Ichigo chokes.

He doesn’t feel it, not really. But he sees it. He sees the red jutting out of his chest. The hole that has pierced through his heart. ]

He chokes. Blood drips from his lips, down onto the spear. Brambles crawl beneath his skin, spreading the hole until black gapes within the red. Blood pours down his chest, staining the white of his shirt.

Ichigo chokes. Black bleeds into his vision from all sides and his mouth tastes like blood and chalk and void dust.

White drips down his lips.

Darkness consumes him.

* * * *

“Alright,” Ichigo tugs his wig in place one more time, double checking that there’s no orange hair poking out to give him away. Ganju is next to him, tying the shihakusho in place with a grimace over his face.

“I hate this,” he grumbles. He secures his sword back in place. His armor is barely hidden under the sleeves of his new uniform.

“You didn’t have to come with us,” Ichigo pointed out.

Ganju scowled at him. “Yes I did.”

“Your sister didn’t tell you to-”

“It’s not about my sister!” Ganju snaps. Ichigo shuts his mouth at the look in his eyes. Burning with anger and grief.

“It’s about… my brother,” Ganju’s hands were shaking. “He was killed in cold blood by a shinigami. He was a genius, a lieutenant, and a good man. But he was betrayed and killed by his partner. I was young… So I don’t know everything. But I will never forget that shinigami’s cold eyes, when she dragged my dying brother back to our home. Or the way he thanked her for it. I’ve never understood. But you.”

Ganju grabs him by the front of his shirt. “You’re different from other shinigami. So I followed you here, so I could understand. Why he loved the shinigami until he died. I want to see for myself what shinigami are like!”

Ichigo meets Ganju’s eyes squarely. “I’m not a real shinigami, so I can’t and won’t speak for them. I’ll let you see for yourself, Ganju. Just as long as you watch my back.”

Ganju gives him a short, single nod.

Yoruichi, who has spent the entire time standing in the corner while they ready themselves, flickers her tail and stands.

“We should get going. The longer this takes, the more danger we will be in. Everyone will be on high alert, and while this can help us blend in in the confusion, we still need to stay on our toes.”

Ichigo nods sharply.

They duck out of the barracks they’d stolen into and start down the pathway. Ikkaku had told him Rukia was in a white tower, and they could see it from here. The problem was that none of them knew the way to get to the white tower. They’re just wandering around blindly.

There’s nothing for it.

They walk on.

Ichigo looks around as they go. Some of the walls carry Lily of the Valley on them, stamped in careful black ink.

“Mary’s tears,” Ichigo muses, mostly to himself.

“Huh? No, they’re plants,” Ganju argues, looking at Ichigo like he’s just lost his mind.

Ichigo scowls at him. “I know that. They’re Lily of the Valley, but some people call them Mary’s Tears. There’s an old legend in the west in the living world that they grew from the tears Mary cried when her son was crucified. They’re a sign that their messiah is coming back.”

“That’s very interesting,” comes a smooth (terribly, awfully,) familiar voice from behind them.

Ichigo feels his heart tighten. He turns.

Kyo stands behind them. Brown hair, brown eyes. He’s older now. His face is more angular, the last of his puppy fat has melted off his face, and he’s finally taller than Ichigo. His smile is polite and geniel. Ichigo is almost fooled. He can still see the sharp intellect behind them.

A white haori hangs off his shoulders. Kyo has been made a captain.

It’s all Ichigo can do not to reach for him and hiss out the truth.

But this isn’t the place. He cocks his head and frowns.

“I’m friends with Jeanne d’arc,” he says straight faced. Ganju at his side has gone tense and still. Ichigo elbows him. They’re more than a little suspicious out here like this. Two men and a cat.

Except, Yoruichi is now gone.

Two men and no cat.

“Is that so?” Kyo looks faintly amused, even as he assesses them sharply. It’s barely hidden in his deep eyes. Ichigo knows him well enough to see it, and to see something unexpected. A faint recognition. “It’s rare for someone in the eleventh division to be so knowledgeable.”

“How did you know…?” Ichigo is not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. Kyo does not speak his name, he does not broach any subjects. It stings far worse than Ichigo had ever imagined. Hadn’t Nero felt something familiar about them too? But she hadn’t remembred them, and neither does Kyo.

“You were with third seat Madarame after he lost the fight with the Ryoka, weren’t you? The eleventh rarely tolerate people who aren’t in their own squad.” He had waited at Ikkaku’s side for field medics, with his own choppy work keeping the barely conscious man stable. It shouldn’t be a shock that someone saw them and spread the word. But how did Kyo recognize him from just that?

“Oh, right,” Ichigo says like that makes sense. In his mind he’s screaming.

Kyo, kyo! Don’t you see me? Do you remember? We’re friends, we’re friends! We fought in america, we travelled the continent, look at me goddamn it. I know the name of your sword, I know where you were born. Kyo-

“Excuse us,” Ganju grabs Ichigo by the back of the neck and forces him into a sharp bow. “We need to get going. Invasion and all that.”

“Yes, of course,” Kyo says smoothly. He gestures behind him. “I won’t keep you. We all must do our best to protect Seireitei.”

“Right…” Ichigo barely keeps his hands to himself.

He’d promised. He promised .

His mouth opens to say something, to beg time between only them, to send Ganju away if he must. But down the street comes a pack of blood hungry shinigami, looking for a piece of the invaders, and Ichigo has no choice but to let Ganju drag him away by the collar of his shihakusho.

A woman with a badge on her arm appears at Kyo’s side as they’re being pulled away, her brown eyes wide and curious. Kyo draws her attention away and that’s the last Ichigo sees of him. It drives him insane.

* * * * *

He comes in the dark.

Silver hair and a white haori, he manages to go utterly unseen by all. It’s a skill even Sosuke Aizen has trouble mastering without the aid of his illusions. Gin’s footsteps are light, barely a whisper against the hardwood of the office building. Even the omniskido would be hard pressed to beat his skill with sneaking around.

It’s one of the things that Aizen prizes him for. The other being his unfailing loyalty and his willingness to do whatever he was told, with or without answered questions.

These things include going out to spy on the young would-be Ryoka. Everything is happening exactly as he’s expected. They’ve even brought the Shihoin heiress back to Soul Society with them. How useful.

“Well?” he asks, without further prompting. Most of his attention is still on one of the monitors in front of him that details the boy sitting outside the Shiba house. A camera fly can only get so close with Shihoin around, so he must settle for watching the human stare at stones in his hand like they’ve personally offended him.

The boy must be mad, to come with such a small group, but this is a while different type of crazy. Sosuke is fairly certain he’d seen the human-shinigami- possible -hollow speak to the rocks.

“He’s got good reflexes,” Gin says, peering over Sosuke’s shoulder. His presence is familiar and not unwelcome. Few get so close, even when Sosuke pretends to be gentle and kind. He keeps them all at arms length, the brown nosers and sycophants.

“I saw that much. You know that’s not what I’m asking.”

Gin smiles widely at him and lifts, from out of his pocket, the innocuous looking marble. It swirls with blacks and blue’s and glows faintly it’s own ethereal light. A faint red in the center bleeds purple into the blue. Incomplete as it is, it still reacts to interesting things and people.

Gin drops it in his hand. It’s warm to the touch, nearly burning. He’s never seen the red in the center flicker so bright before, like a tiny ball of fire in the very center. There’s something not quite right about this intruder. Ichigo Kurosaki. Sosuke has known him for many years, even if he’s never gotten close enough to see the boy in person. That would involve getting far to close to Urahara and Shihoin, and if he is honest even Sosuke is not foolish enough to go up against legendary assassins in their own home field.

“It tried to burn a hole in my pocket when I got within fifty feet,” Gin reports succinctly. “What does that mean?”

Sosuke has no idea what that means. But one of his rules of his own behavior is that he never admits to not knowing something. So rather than say as much to Gin, he offers him his own faint smile, the kind that puts other people at ease but sets his most faithful companion on edge.

“You’ll see soon enough,” he says instead. “Now. Are you ready to be the bad guy, Ichimaru?”

Gin’s smile, snakelike and cold, only grows. His eyes curve upwards.

“What other kinda guy would I be for you?”

* * * * * *

#bleach fanfiction #Ichigo Kurosaki #BAMF!Ichigo Kurosaki #Ichigo Kurosaki is Ritsuka Fujimaru #kyo (SCoF)#sosuke aizen #gin ichimaru #yoruichi shihouin #Ikaku madarame

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