#oneshots by weird
Note
Oneshot of Britain's creation/birth.
because I must. >:)
Wales POV
"You're a monster." I said, shocked at the news England had just given me.
"Oh please Wales, out of the two of us, you are the monster. I mean, have you seen yourself? You are so inhuman."
"You are a li-" England cut me off.
"The lion is a noble creature. You are just some mindless beast now. That little failed rebellion really did you no good." I snarled at him, and England smiled, "It's that attitude that has led to me having to put you down, beast."
I scowled, and followed England as he dragged me along towards the room he promised to kill me in. I would fight back, but regardless, I was still going to die. I knew death was painful, and I didn't want to cause myself more pain. Besides, Aunt Cornwall had survived when her country was destroyed, and I was hopeful I could do the same.
I nearly laughed at that. Hope. I hadn't done that in a while.
It was too hard.
England pushed me into the room, where there was a sheet of paper. I gulped, trying to keep my ears and tail from reflecting my nervousness. I failed, as I could still feel them moving, and England's cruel face smiling.
"I see the beast is scared. Of course, you always have seemed to fear me." He said.
Only because of what you've done to me and Draig and Llywelyn. I thought, trying to keep myself from showing anything else. But it was hard, my nonhuman limbs seeming to have a mind of their own. I settled to scowling, and crossing my arms, and England smirked.
I hated him. I wanted to claw that stupid mouth off of his face, mangle his flag till he was a bloodied mess.
I wanted to take the rest of his fingers, his hand, his arm. I wanted revenge for the dehumanization and abuse. That bloodlust surged through me day and night, and I could feel it heightening now.
I pushed it down. This room was a bad place to snap. Too central. Too many obstacles to escape.
Suppose that's why he picked it.
England picked up the pen, and ran his hand along the feather. He looked so pleased with himself, so happy. I hated him.
"Well then. It was...unpleasant knowing you beast." England said before signing the act. I waited for pain, but nothing came. I was fine. There was also a strange weight in my chest, something that was telling me to look down, because there was something of mine there.
I obeyed it, and saw a small boy sitting on the ground.
"Is that a child?" England asked, shock in his voice
"One my god. Your stupid act failed in the worst way possible. You didn't kill me! You made us have a child!" I exclaimed. The small, probably five year old, child blinked.
"Papa?" He said, looking to me.
"No! I'm not this....thing's father! It's not mine!" I said, pushing the child away with my tail, hitting it when it tried to grab onto my tail.
"You don't want it?" England asked. I laughed.
"Well, do you want it?”
"Of course I don't want it! I'll get some guards to drown it or give it to some noblewomen and hopefully it'll die pretty quick after that." England said with a small smirk, before turning to me.
"And I'll have to find another way to put you down now, beast." England said as he patted my cheek, before walking off. I shot one more glance at the child, with my eyes and England's flag and scowled.
"Why do you even exist?" I growled out, glaring at it. It looked sad, and like it was going to cry. I turned and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind me.
#countryhumans#weird’s wattpad stories#oneshots by weird#countryhumans wales#countryhumans england#countryhumans britain
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Deathworlders everywhere but in Space
This is sitting in my brain because I haven't seen anyone else do this, but take a second to think about this: There are other deathworlders in space, terrifying ones, huge monster orc things. They are massive and nightmarish and impossibly strong.
So thats why humans stand out.
Thats how we survive.
Human's are terrifying because we aren't built for one biome, one climate or even one planet. We aren't necessarily the strongest or fastest or scariest looking, but we're built to survive fucking everything.
What if other deathworlder's are almost always only made to survive in one climate? (similar to some of the most deadly predators on earth currently)
All the other deathworlders are terrifying, yes, but the second they step off their planet they're weak. Massive aliens of hulking muscle but their planet's gravity is a lot lower than the standard, so they barely meet the average strength bar whenever they go outside their gravity zone. Aliens that have venomous spikes all over their body and look gnarly as shit but their venom has practically no effect on 99% of discovered intergalactic species. Deathworlders whose planet is the nether from minecraft IRl, but they can't survive in any other temperature for any amount of time because their body just can't handle the cold and regulate their temperate (or, vice versa for tundra species). Aquatic species that are kraken-like nightmares, giant sirens and deadly squid-like beings. But they can't leave their home at all, because theres a very specific chemical makeup of their water that isn't currently found within their life-span distance travel. Deathworlders that genuinely can barely survive off planet and are frail compared to even the most docile prey species whenever they have to travel.
Their called deathworlders because going to their planet is certain death, but if they leave they'll be meeting death just as quickly.
And then along come humans, and everyones like, oh, another deathworlder, nothing to worry abou- wait. These guys dont seem to loose any of their natural strength off planet... and their fast and strong... and- AND THEY CAN SURVIVE IN PRACTICALLY ANY CLIMATE IN THE KNOWN UNIVERSE??? HELLO? Oh and of course their predators. Of course most of their planet is completely uninhabitable for most of us. Mhm, yep. thats fair. Totally
Basically, deathworlders are a thing, the more common 'terrifying alien monster' type, but their harmless because they can't survive like everyone else. They can't thrive like humans can. It scares the shit out of everyone for a wholeeeeee while, after all, no one ever expected a deathworlder that doesn't die.
#humans are space orcs#in your orbit#humans are terrifying#humans are deathworlders#humans are amazing#humans are space fae#humans are weird#humans are space australians#humans are space oddities#humans#weirdos#deathworld#earth is a deathworld#lol but not for us#writing#writing thoughts#possible future sbi oneshot?#maybe?#i have no clue if i worded any of this right
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Eddie led a weird life.
This was something he welcomed, given half the things people thought were “weird” was just his fashion sense or preference for table top games.
Small potatoes to the larger things in life, really.
Of course, this was before he found out there was an evil version of Hawkins underneath him.
Now Eddie did things that would previously sent his old self into a fucking coma.
His friendship with Steve Harrington for example.
Dude saved his life and bridal-style carried him out of literal hell.
It’d have been rude not to be friendly with the guy after that, even if they weren’t both members of a very exclusive and bloody club, with trauma and secrets that really only a select few people would ever understand.
Sleeping over at Harrington’s half the week also made perfect sense, and Eddie will argue that to his very grave.
It turns out nightmares suck, and waking up screaming all the time sucks even more.
Something everyone involved in this entire escapade (and all the ones prior) knew.
Because more bodies means more eyes to look out for you, and feeling safe means you might actually sleep for an hour, they all got used to showing up at each other's houses at odd hours of the night.
Pulled one another out of nightmares and got comfortable with the fact that they slept better, together.
Steve’s house in particular is typically void of both adults and annoying freshmen, which meant it's the most comfortable place for a lot of people to crash together.
(Sometimes the annoying freshmen do show up and maybe Eddie is also a little weirdly overprotective of the whole Party now, and alright fine, he enjoys all their company, even Erica's--but who's keeping track?
He isn’t.
He’s busy arguing all this is perfectly normal.)
Sleeping in Steve’s bed is where things get a little tricky.
See, when it was more than just Robin and Eddie crashing at Casa De Harrington, they all sleep in the living room.
Steve drags out some fancy blow up mattress (an air mattress what the fuck) and changes the couches around and long story short his fucking living room is more comfortable than Eddie’s own bed has ever been.
But when it's just Eddie and Robin, they retire to Steve’s stupid huge bed, so large the damn thing takes up most of his equally massive room.
(“This isn’t weird right?” He’d asked Robin once, hanging his head over the edge of the bed while Steve did--whatever it was he was doing to his hair in the bathroom.
Robin, who was busy rifling through Steve’s drawers for a shirt to steal, stopped and looked at him, one eyebrow raised.
“Not unless you make it weird, Munson.” She’d told him, and well, that was all the permission he needed.
They slept together in tight groups, where it was easiest to defend each other in case of Upside Down fucking monster attack.
Case closed.)
Sleeping in Steve Harrington’s bed, without the buffer that was Robin Buckley, is where the lies started.
Because it was weird.
It was incredibly weird, and did guys even do this solo?
Eddie hadn’t. If one of Hellfire or the band stayed over, it was a strictly floor/bed/couch situation unless there were more than three of them, and that was within Eddie’s small ass trailer.
Sure they piled up if they had to, but it wasn't like it was with Steve. All tangled limbs and being right up in each others space, no pillow or blanket or anything as a buffer.
Hell, Eddie had woken up getting spooned or doing the spooning more than once, and no one said shit.
How Steve made it sound so genuinely normal was beyond him.
Not that Eddie argued about it.
Not the first time of the fifth or the twenty-fifth, and not even after Robin pointed out he was rooming with Harrington more than she was.
Because he just slept better, next to Steve.
(Steve apparently, felt the same.
Or must have given it kept happening.)
It wasn’t like Steve didn’t crash at Eddie’s trailer either--his parents had come right home upon hearing about the earthquake, and had been a bit more present after running into the joint forces of Jim Hopper and Joyce Byers in the hospital lobby.
Add in Wayne’s own Disapproving Stare (TM) and the town being up each other’s ass to try and keep it together, and suddenly Mr. and Mrs. Harrington were hanging out in Hawkins that much more.
(Steve seemed to think it was more to save face rather than because they actually gave a shit, which Eddie felt was obvious but he wasn’t gonna say it.
“They’re trying I think. They just--they’ve never encountered anything like this.” He’d said, a little frown line pinching his eyebrows together.
“Stevie, no one has faced anything like what we have. Your parents, on the other hand, are only dealing with what they think is the aftermath of an earthquake and plenty of people have seen those.”
Steve had sighed. Stared a little helplessly, like he knew he was making excuses but couldn’t help himself.
“I know, Eds. I know.”)
Them being home more meant Steve was at Eddie’s more--on grounds that Robin’s parents were fine with him hanging out but drew some kind of weird not--very--hippy line at him sleeping over.
Which was fine.
Great even, the Eddie and Steve had never slept better! Sucks to be Robin, who had to call up Nancy Wheeler if she wanted to share.
All this was, was trauma buddies being guy pals who were very comfortable with each other due to said fucking trauma.
Steve used to help Eddie take a piss for fucks sake, and according to literally everyone else involved in the Vecna related mess, this was their fourth go round with supernatural shit.
Chances of it all happening a fifth time seemed kinda high, even if the gate was supposedly closed and the psychotic meat puppet madman six feet underground.
Sharing was caring, and caring was not letting your new buddy you saved fight off monsters alone if they popped back up.
Plus he and Steve spent a huge amount of time together, almost as much time as Steve did with Robin.They were all in each other’s back pockets to the point that Eddie’s band was used to it, with Gareth even starting to make secret lover jokes about it all.
(The dick.)
They were just really good friends dealing with the shit life had dealt them. That was it, that was the whole ass story.
Eddie’s growing gay crisis aside.
So no. It wasn't all the time with Harrington that sent Eddie over the edge. Nor was it the bed sharing, rapidly dropping boundaries, or even the fact that Steve knew where Eddie kept his condoms (An accident Eddie wouldn't ever live down, holy shit.)
No, what sent him into an absolute, hair tearin' meltdown, was the day Steve woke up, rolled over, kissed Eddie right on the lips and then went to make breakfast.
No good morning, no how ya doin.
Steve just left Eddie there, clutching onto the sheets for dear life and mildly terrified he’d just hallucinated the entire encounter.
(Hell, maybe the whole thing was hallucinated.
Maybe he died in the Upside Down and this was some sort of sick version of the afterlife.
Eddie pinched himself, and when that wasn’t enough, bit his own knuckle. Both hurt, which was unfortunate, because death seemed preferable to dealing with life right then.)
Unfortunately for him, Steve did not run back into the room with a myriad of excuses, which meant Eddie had to experience the horrifying ordeal of getting out of bed, putting his clothes on and going into the trailer’s kitchen--because Steve hadn’t even had the decency to wreck Eddie’s life at his own house.
‘What the fuck, what the fuck, what the fuck--’
Heart galloping, Eddie put on his big boy pants--metaphorically and physically--before stepping out into the kitchen and confront his friend.
Who was cooking shirtless, without a care in the world.
It still took him a full thirty seconds to get his mouth to work.
“Hey Stevie? Do you want to tell me what that was about?”
"Hmm?” Steve replied. His eyes were hooded, hair mussed in a way Eddie knew only a few select people had ever seen it.
He looked half asleep, and proved it a second later when he reached twice for the one of the two mugs on the counter and missed entirely.
Eddie swung in, grabbing one and offering it out for Steve to pour coffee into, before swapping it out for the other mug once Steve was done.
Stayed in Steve’s space even as the former jock fussed with adding in milk and sugar and whatever else he was feeling, working up the courage to say something.
Anything.
“Uh, the--just now?” Eddie squeaked. He coughed to clear his voice, trying desperately to act normal.
Look normal.
Like he hadn't just been kissed by the guy he had absolute worst crush on.
Steve, bless him, didn’t tease him. Just shoved one of the mugs into Eddie’s hands and kept the other for himself.
Took a nice, slow sip, adam's apple bobbing and Eddie quickly averted his gaze, staring firmly into his coffee.
“What happened?” Steve asked a second later, sounding a touch more clear, and not at all like he was experiencing deep regret, or dodging the question, or even aware of what had happened.
Eddie had two seconds to realize that hell, maybe Steve really didn’t know, before his mouth once betrayed him.
“When you kissed me?” And motherfucker, for once, Eddie wished he would think before he fucking spoke.
(Wayne had always told him he'd come to regret it. He just hadn't thought it'd be like this!)
“Oh.” Steve said, very anticlimatically. “I didn’t realize I did that, sorry.”
Eddie's entire body twitched.
One long shudder, like it was rejecting the very words coming out of Steve's mouth.
“You didn’t,” He tried, voice dry and cracking. He realized his hands were shaking and promptly put his mug down before he dropped it. “You just--what, did that on instinct?”
“...Kinda, yeah.” Steve said and why the hell did he sound entirely unphased!?
Was this some kind of weird jock thing? Did the basketball team all wake up together and kiss each other on the mouth?! Did they think it was some sort of straight--guy haha joke, or fucking--Eddie didn’t even know what, because Eddie was too busy spiraling.
“Steve I’m gay.” He blurted out, mouth now firmly ahead of his brain.
He instantly wanted to take it back.
Grab the words with his hands, and cram it into his mouth.
Maybe Steve was only cool with it if he thought Eddie was straight.
Hell, maybe he fucking did it while sleep walking or something and Eddie was the one being weird about it, or he--fuck, really did imagine it and, and--!
“I know.” Steve told him, interrupting Eddie’s catastrophizing entirely.
“You know?” Eddie stared at him, feeling like the world had fallen out from underneath his feet. “How do you know!?”
He actually had a pretty good idea of how Steve knew, considering they were both friends with Robin, but while Robin was comfortably out to both of them, Eddie was not.
Had not in fact, even confirmed that he was queer to Robin herself, though he’d hinted at it plenty and shared more than one inside joke.
Didn’t think Robin had outed him or anything, but more that, well…
Steve was smarter than the kids made him sound, that’s for damn sure.
“Honestly dude? You’re not subtle.” Steve told him and at least he finally sounded serious.
Like this was a much needed conversation and not some weird tangent Eddie was on.
“The handkerchief, that triangle pin that you and Robin both have, the fact that you once jumped in my pool to get away from Dustin asking about you're dating life."
He rolled one hand in an etc. all gesture, before adding; “Also there was that time you and Robin got absolutely smashed on my dad’s whiskey and argued about who the hottest Rocky Horror actor was.”
Eddie’s mouth sprang open to defend himself, but absolutely nothing came out.
When had they even watched Rocky Horror together!?
“You kept insisting the guy who played Brad was hotter than the one who played Rocky, remember? I thought Robin was going to strangle you because she like, adores Susan Sarandon.” Steve continued, like they were having one of their playful little spats and not--not discussing Steve kissing him!
“You guys asked me to tie-break,” He added slowly, like he was trying to jog Eddie’s memory. “and I told you guys I thought both were hot.”
Which--oh.
Oh.
“Okay so you’re…?”
Not going to kill me is what Eddie intended to say, but Steve took it as another question entirely, and answered with a nod and a hum.
Which--okay.
Steve Harrington was bisexual, and also already thought he’d come out to Eddie.
He could roll with that.
That was not the problem, at all.
The problem was; “That doesn’t explain the kiss though?!”
Steve finally put his coffee down, huffing out exasperatedly. “I wasn’t lying when I said I didn’t realize I did it, man. We share a bed a lot and I guess I wasn’t--I must have--”
And now, finally, Steve was getting embarrassed. A red flush spread across his cheeks and down his neck, vivid even on his tan skin.
He ran a hand through his hair, and Eddie knew purely from the sheer amount of time they spent together that it was a self-soothing action.
“I guess I’m sorry?”
It came out less as a question and more as an accusation-- which Steve himself seemed to hear because he immediately corrected it with a far less sassy and much more sincere; “No I am--I’m sorry.”
None of which answered why Steve had kissed him.
“You didn’t think I was Nance, did you?” Eddie asked, because apparently he just couldn't stop while he was ahead.
Maybe he should have died. It'd be better for both of them, considering he was doing about as good as kicking Steve while he was down.
Steve, the guy who had saved Eddie's life and was now one of his best friends and here Eddie was, dragging this out of him like a moron.
“No.” Steve said immediately. Reflexively, almost, firm and sure. “I am very aware you’re not Nancy.”
‘Let it go Eddie. Don’t make it weird Eddie. Just laugh it off and say okay--’
“Then who did you think it was? I mean you said it was instincts and like, I'm not stupid. I know I can be confused for Nance in the low light, it's happened before but--"
Stupid, stupid, stupid!
“I didn’t think. I knew it was you." Steve interrupted. "I knew I was kissing you, Eddie."
Oh god, just kill him now.
Hell he'd even take a Vecna death! With all the gross gore and the shitty villain monologue!
"This morning I was tired, and I was sleepy, and I apparently skipped the part in my head were I asked you out and we were dating.” Steve deadpanned at him.
Eddie gaped, mind shattered and rapidly reforming.
It was like the universe was recreating itself, only this time all the stars had aligned and his wish had come true and some Disney director had taken control of his life--
“But I get it if I’m not your type." Steve was saying, because Steve was perfect.
And Kind.
And wanted to date Eddie.
"I’m sorry if I made things uncomf-mmphhh!”
‘Mmmph’ because Eddie had flung himself at Steve, face first, the second "I asked you out and we were dating" had finished processing.
(Which was alarming fast, considering he'd been struggling all morning.)
‘D--ff--ing?”
Steve laughed in his mouth as Eddie tried to talk while kissing, pulling away slightly and holding his chest back with a hand when Eddie tried to chase him anyway.
“Yes, dating. As in, would you, Eddie Munson, like to go on a date with me, Steve Harrington?”
“Yes.” Eddie’s mouth said.
At least this time it and his brain were on the same wavelength.
“Yes I very much would.” He put some weight into his lean, making it harder for Steve to hold him back. “I think you can tell, by the way I'm trying to kiss you. Which you are not doing."
He pouted, and refused to be embarrassed about his behavior.
Steve laughed, and he might have said something like “God you changed up fast” except he had given in and let Eddie close again, and his words were now being swallowed down.
Eddie's life was weird alright, and now it was weird even by his own standards, but he wouldn't have it any other way.
#this is VERY unedited#steddie#ANOTHER STEDDIE#IM ON A ROLL#this is a warmup that got out of hand#oneshot#ANOTHER ONESHOT#damn Im killin it#*knocks frantically on wood*#now if only I could kill ANY OF THE FOUR FICS IM WORKING ON#steven harrington#eddie munson#robin buckley#look it was early#Steve had a nice dream#forgot he wasnt dating eddie IRL it happens lol#“Im gay” “I know” trope lol#Eddie Munsons Very Weird Life#0o0 fanfics#stranger things#gareth emerson
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James Potter x Reader where reader is in a different house (Hufflepuff if you don’t mind) and she ends up on the receiving end of one of their pranks which makes her angry so she avoids James and the other marauders, forcing him to grovel/beg for forgiveness? Thank you so much xoxo
Hi, thanks for your request! This got a bit long haha, but I enjoyed writing it and hope you enjoy reading :)
cw: mentions of blood
James Potter x Hufflepuff!reader ♡ 1.8k words
Though no one tells him it’s happening, Remus sees the prank coming from a mile away.
Primarily, this is because James and Sirius appear to be playing an entirely ordinary game of frisbee. Just tossing it back and forth, no hexes or nifflers or anything. A simple pastime between two boys on a lovely warm afternoon.
Secondly, they haven’t asked Remus to join them. While they know from experience he’s content to read his book in the grass, they always make a point to ask just to be sure Remus doesn’t feel excluded. The fact that they haven’t suggests that they’re well aware that whatever they’re up to, Remus will want no part in it.
Lastly and most importantly, James Potter has the worst poker face Remus has ever known.
When the curly-haired boy slyly drops the frisbee they’ve been using into his bag, trading it for another, he can hardly keep the giddiness from his face. Which is probably why, when he tosses it well away from his companion and towards a crowd of gathered students, Sirius is the one who has to say, with theatrical volume and distress, “Merlin, can somebody grab that?”
Remus watches warily as several students turn to track the progress of the disk as it sails overhead, and after a moment one breaks away, chasing after it. Remus feels a pang of sympathy for you, your yellow and black scarf flying behind you as you run, needing no further evidence than the eager look in James’ eyes to know that you’ve fallen for a trap.
You jump up to grab it out of the air, beaming in triumph for a moment before a yelp escapes you. You flings your catch to the ground, cradling your hand as the fanged frisbee twitches and snarls at your feet.
“Shit,” he hears Sirius breathe, and the excitement is gone from his and James’ expressions as they jog over to you, Remus standing to follow them.
You pick your head up as they approach, eyes wet but fierce.
“What the hell?” you snarl, and Remus realizes with a stab of concern that there’s a small puddle of blood forming in your palm. “You’ve begun targeting your stupid pranks at anyone who’s dumb enough to help you now? How’s that funny?”
Remus looks at his friends in bewilderment, aggrieved on your behalf but unable to believe they’d do something so cruel. The fanged frisbee—a cheap trick, which really should be banned in Remus’ opinion—twitches closer to your ankle, and Sirius flicks his wand at it, its teeth retracting as it goes silent and motionless.
“We…I charmed it so its teeth would be dull and harmless.” James scrubs a hand through his hair, at a loss. “It was only supposed to scare you, not hurt you.”
You shake your head at him disbelievingly and bite your lip, face reddening as the pain sets in. James steps closer to you, blocking you from view of the small crowd of gawking students, none of whom, Remus notes with some bitterness, have come to help you or see if you’re okay.
“I’m really sorry,” James says softly. “Let me help.” But when he reaches for your hand, you step back, holding it close to your chest.
“Just leave me out of your fun in the future, yeah?” you hiss, stalking inside.
James looks pained as he watches you go, and though Remus doesn’t begrudge you your justified anger, he feels for his good-natured friend. It had been an honest mistake, though the cost turned out to be far higher than either of his friends had expected. But knowing James, he’ll find some way to make it right.
“Sorry, mate. They can’t all be winners.” Sirius claps him on the back, and Remus knows his light tone is more to make James feel better than it is true carelessness. Sirius is loyal that way; he’d probably lock you in a broom closet rather than have you upset James again.
“It wasn’t meant to hurt anyone,” James says quietly.
Sirius’ smile is unfaltering, though Remus spies the worry in his eyes. “She’ll get over it. C’mon, there’s still time to go into Hogsmeade if we hurry.”
And though Remus hopes you’ll feel better soon, he knows it will take James a long time to get over it himself.
James shuffles from foot to foot, feeling silly and anxious as he waits for someone to leave the Hufflepuff dorms so he can go inside. He’s fairly sure you’re supposed to have potions together, but you hadn’t shown up to class, and though James had kept an eye out all day in the hallways, he’d never spotted you. He’d thought he’d caught a glimpse of you in the great hall during lunch, but you’d darted out of sight before he could be sure, and then there’d been no sign of you at dinner. Luckily, it had only taken a quick consultation of the map he shared with his friends to find out that you’d holed up in the Hufflepuff common room, so here he was, draped in his invisibility cloak and fidgeting like a nervous date at your front door.
The door creaks open, and James slips in before it can shut, the exiting Hufflepuff shivering slightly at the breeze he makes whisking by them. It’s not difficult to spot you where you’re sitting painting your nails, lips pursed just slightly in concentration. The common room is mostly empty as other students enjoy the nice weather outside, and James is grateful for the privacy as he takes off the cloak and goes to sit beside your feet where they’re stretched out on the couch.
You look up at the intrusion and startle to find James, pulling your feet closer to you reflexively. He hopes it’s an instinct to make room for him and not to protect yourself from him, though given recent events he could hardly blame you for the latter.
“What’re you—how did you get in here?” you ask, eyes darting between James and the door in bafflement.
Never mind that. “You weren’t at dinner,” James says, holding out his small stolen dish of chicken curry, “so I thought you might be hungry. Sorry, it’s barely warm now.”
You take it from him suspiciously, careful of your wet nails, and James feels a stab of guilt at the sight of your bandaged hand.
“I’m really sorry about yesterday,” he goes on, throat burning with shame. “I know I’ve already said it, but it was supposed to be harmless. I wasn’t careful enough.”
You don’t look at him, not rejecting his apology but not quite accepting it either. “Pomphrey fixed it good as new anyways, so we can just say it never happened.”
James appreciates the attempt to ease his conscience, but your kindness only makes him feel that much more villainous. This would be so simple if you were one of those pureblood gits, or even just a bit ruder, but you’re you, and that’s so much worse.
“Can I see it?” he asks softly, and you hesitate only a moment before scooting a bit closer and extending your hand to him, palm up.
James unwraps the bandage with care, keeping one eye on your face to ensure he’s not hurting you, and so he notices the faint blush that colors your cheeks as he cradles your hand in his. The last layer of your dressing falls away, revealing three tiny white scars. Though they’re healed over, he hisses in sympathy, drawing your hand further towards him protectively but forgetting you’re attached to it.
Your inhale is soft as you lean forward awkwardly, and James huffs a laugh at his enduring idiocy. “Sorry, love,” he says, letting you lean back. He doesn’t let go of your hand, though. “Were they deep?”
You give a one-shouldered shrug, as though it’s nothing to you. James worries you’re putting on a performance of exaggerated blasé for his benefit. “They bled a lot, but a charm sealed them up quickly enough.”
James nods, remembering with sickening clarity the blood that had pooled in your palm and dripped from between your fingers.
“I’m glad,” James says, and it doesn’t feel like enough. Nothing feels like enough. But he can’t stop himself, even if it’s all inadequate. “I’m really sorry.”
You sigh, and James knows enough about you to guess that being upset is exhausting you. It isn’t in your nature; you’re someone who always has a kind word for everyone, who he’s seen lend your quill to a student that forgot theirs and offer them an understanding smile when they broke it, who would rather spend all day avoiding James than let him feel the wrath of your grudge.
Your very warranted grudge, by the way.
It’s terrible luck that someone as sweet as you was on the receiving end of his mistake. But, as you’d pointed out, that was how the prank was designed, wasn’t it? Though James and Sirius hadn’t thought that part through at the time, the victim was always going to be whoever stepped forward to help. Normally it might not matter, but they’d gotten so caught up in the excitement of trying out their new toy that James had somehow gotten the spell wrong. And as a result, you’d been forced to pay a price for your kindness and his incompetence.
“It’s okay,” you say.
“It’s not,” James insists. “And I can’t fix it, but let me do something else. I can do your potions’ homework for the rest of the year, I can give you my dessert every night, I can…I can sneak into Hogsmeade and bring you whatever you want, anytime you ask, I can…what?”
You’re smiling at him, and it’s familiarly lovely but, James can’t help but think, entirely undeserved.
“I don’t need any favors from you, James,” you say, and he realizes it’s the first time you’ve said his name. It’s not a long name, but somehow your voice gives it a cadence he quite likes. “Just be more careful, okay? I ended up fine, but next time someone might not.”
“There won’t be a next time,” he promises swiftly, and means it. “But sweetheart—” if he notices how you soften at the endearment, he doesn’t mention it “—you’ve gotta let me make it up to you somehow.”
You sigh again, though it’s lighter this time, seemingly both exasperated and amused by his persistence. After a moment spent within your own head, you ask, “Could you help me study for the potions exam next week?”
“Yes!” James grins eagerly. “Of course. That’s a start. How’s tomorrow after class? I’ll bring study snacks as well, and we can make it a regular thing, if you like.”
He’d like to make it a regular thing, debt or not.
You smile. “Tomorrow is perfect. And can I call in another favor right now?”
If James weren’t sitting, he’d buckle at the knees in relief. “Yes. I’m at your service.”
“Can you tell me how you got into the Hufflepuff common room?”
“That,” he says smoothly, “is just one in my arsenal of skills now at your disposal.”
#is the pov switch awkward?#idk for some reason remus' pov just felt right for that part but i hope it's not weird#james potter#james potter x reader#james potter x y/n#james potter x you#james potter fanfiction#james potter fanfic#james potter fic#james potter oneshot#james potter drabble#james potter imagine#james potter scenario#james potter hurt/comfort#hurt/comfort#james potter angst#marauders fanfiction#marauders fanfic#marauders fic#marauders era#marauders#the marauders#remus lupin#sirius black#hufflepuff!reader#marauders hurt/comfort
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deer (in a head light)
Alastor/reader (gnc)
platonic-romantic. (almost everyone thinks you two are in love or is extremely baffled by the fact, a bit more romantic for me but can be seen as anything actually i just like writing people being sort of stupid)
word count: 5.6k.
or, collectively, everyone's reaction to the fact. Nifty is there👍. no real warning this is a normal fic
part two to this.
Husk have never gone through this level of raw mental torture, while Angel thinks it’s absolutely hilarious how hard is it for Husker to accept that one of the most feared Overlord of all Pride Ring is vying for a cute lil fella like you. What started out as a small remark over the rim of a particularly strong cup of gin about how Alastor have been seemingly hovering around you, making small talks that you try to keep up with confused enthusiasm - soon turn into listing off every growing instances of odd affections that no one ever thought he’s capable of, but it’s yours in abundance.
You’re standing up with the intention of going outside? Unless he’s actively in a conversation (and several time, even during one) Alastor will find a convenient excuses to walk with you. You’re cold? Everyone else better be cold too, either that or hope to God he have anything to give you to wear. Hungry? Thirsty? Almost like a caretaker, he’s always making sure you have little bites of food and drink here or there, reminding you like clockwork. Staying in your room for the day? Your room is close to Angel, and the first time he come out of his room, fresh from a hangover, only to catch the tail end of a red coat and a greeting disappearing behind your door, it takes everything in him to try and rationalizing not breaking the door down.
(Husk thinks he was being overprotective. Angel brushed it off with a nervous chuckle. It’s a good thing, he remarks, if only Angel kept that attitude.)
The idea of Alastor actually taken interest in anyone, even positively, send shivers down his spine. Husk have been one of the older soul that fell into the hand of the sadistic Overlord, one that did just enough to keep his earn and do what he want when Alastor would’ve gotten busy with a new project or two. He knows he’s useful enough to Alastor, even with the occasional slipped up, learning quickly where to tread and where to back down. The Radio demon is insane, but he is surprisingly much more lenient with people than he often let on, but not as much as he is with you.
Which quickly became a thorn that Angel uses to dug into his side. Old battle-worn Husk cannot wrap his head around the fact that you, of all people in Hell, somehow get back on Alastor good side and stays there for longer than anyone thought you could.
You are more than bearable, don’t get him wrong. Good at reading and picking up on certain cues to pleased people (more particularly, the fact Husk likes to be alone most of the time), and in spite of being just a tad bit too stubborn at times, is generally a polite and entertaining thing to have around. It would’ve made sense for Alastor to wants to keep you for fun, if not for how you two started out.
Having missing out on your first introduction, all he have to go off of is your debrief of it on the one day you want to try whiskey. You’d damn near spat it out, opting to just sit with some soda instead (he didn’t try to poke too much, you’re almost like a pop-up pirate at time). Husk figured you would earn the ire of the most egotistical man he’d ever known, considering how you loudly asked Charlie for Alastor's resume as a way to try and barred him from working here.
Of course, that didn’t work, both you and Vaggie are long-time victims of Charlie convincing puppy gaze, and Alastor secured him and Nifty a spot at the hotel. But Husk was extremely adamant it would put you on a black book with Alastor, still remembering how Alastor grip on his cane would tighten just a bit whenever you spoke up on the first day. And yet, you get to laugh about it.
-
“Yer just bein superstitious kitten. At this point ‘m pretty sure dude just got the hots for them, nothing big.” Angel fiddles with his phone on one set of hand, the other propping himself on the bar counter, holding a popsicle to his mouth. He wants to tell the spider that’s absolutely not how the word superstitious should be use, but he digressed. “We’ve been at this for days, if he gonna do something, we would’ve known.”
Husk scoffed, throwing the piece of cloth he’s been using to furiously wiping down a stain someone left on the counter over his shoulder.
“Yeah right, as if you can get your head out of your ass enough to see that.” He ignores Angel smirk, already knew where this can go if he let it, almost like a whisper, he spat. “I’m just saying, he ain’t the Radio demon for show. You lots know nothing about whatever he got planned in his shitty fucked up head.”
Forced contractor be damn, this bar is his pride and joy, or whatever’s left of it anyway.
At that, Angel sends his attitude right back, hand(s) flickering, “And I’m saying he’s head over heels. What? Ya wanna explain the fucker just- casually waltz up to them and kissin' their fucking hand as a morning greeting? Cus’ I’m calling bullshit. Nobody even doing that fucking thing anymore, and he’s doin’ it every chance he gets! Like, have you even seen them?!” Almost like a comedy setup, they both look over to the chattering at the top of the stairs.
Over the railing, you’re rushing off from Alastor’s side to catch up to Nifty, who’s desperately nagging you to come and help her with a spot she can’t dust off with a ladder, having long depleting the fun of falling off from it. And almost like instinct, he took your hand and planted a gentle peck, along with a well wish for your day.
You, with your other hand occupied and being dragged away too fast after the fact for you to formulate a real respond, simply perks up and laugh, waving at him before you fully give into the little bug-like demon and let her rushed the both of you to the other side of the hotel – Alastor stands and watch you fully disappearing behind a corner before turning his head and look directly at the pair. His mic sounding nothing except for a low drones of static.
Husk expertise kicking in, he looks straight ahead instead, wiping down the counter again just to be safe. Angel’s years of acting led him to immediately start talking about the latest project he’s involved in, popsicles stick held from his face. Husk can’t be too bothered by it this time, at least he’s reading the room. But even with their combined effort, it still doesn’t stop Alastor from manifested himself right by the bar, smiles almost pull taut, a too jolly “How is it going gentlemen?” and a request for a cup of moonshine, with a tune contorting just to sound much too whimsical for anyone else except him echoes from his microphone, and he’s off again.
“…y’know, you can just say you’re sorry for being wrong Whiskers~”
“Go fuck yourself.”
-----
Vaggie knows that no matter how much she tries to warn Charlie about the cannibal murderer in their own cozy hotel, her partner can and have constantly willed it away with loving words and cute beady eyes that she can’t fight against. Her loving and trusting nature always been the tried-and-true counter to Vaggie’s much more doubtful and skeptical side. Recalling the way you refer to it (two people working in harmony, balancing out each other’s nature, like a tango, a secret rhythm unknown to anyone but them), she smiles.
It dropped the moment she remembers the matter at hand, specifically, you, a friend that have grown dear to her heart, and the cannibal murderer she very much hated guts - growing close to yours. She’s not sure whether this qualifies for a tango when she’s dragging her feet and Charlie’s tap dancing.
Vaggie would’ve been glad you have virtually zero comment on the fact Alastor is getting close to you, and with her luck, purposefully ignoring it (what’s with you and dive bombing out of the conversation the moment the topic came up), if not for the fact Charlie is very insistent on letting you know all about it (=> conversation you have to dive out of). You and Vaggie traded favors all the time, exclusively about Charlie, who always try to bite off a bit more than she can chew.
Usually, you did a much better job on keeping Charlie from trouble than Vaggie actually can, having the heart she lacks to guilt her partner into keeping still or stop her from running into red light traffic. Yet a pattern emerges soon after this deal started that you three all pick up on, much to Charlie’s delight.
Somehow, some way, Charlie aged old puppy dog eyes are much, much more effective when the both of you are right next to each other. Alone, while Vaggie can’t turn her down, you can and have consistently do so. But together, you both would turn to each other, and you either would give into Charlie first, or wash your hand completely from the whole situation altogether, both decisions are equally awful, and often left Vaggie alone on the line of defense.
Like that time you asked for the Radio demon resume, being extremely firm on his demeanor being horrible for customer service and how unfit it would be for a hotel to house someone who clearly doesn’t want to help or be help. Vaggie remember the chills running up her spine as you stand firmly in the face of the greatest mystery to Hell even after all this time and not even batting an eye to his straining words or the implications of it. Even going so far as to point out that he’s a liability and can’t keep himself straight for anything worth the hotel’s effort.
Only for Charlie to held onto your (and Vaggie’s) hand and tell you both she can do this. She remembers it took you not even 5 second to turn towards her with a wistful gaze, a smile pulls on your lips, and put a hand on her shoulder.
Aside from her first real injuries, it was the biggest betrayal she’d ever gone through.
Vaggie like to think it doesn’t sting so badly that her partner and her friend are now growing more used to the giant red flag stalking their halls. If not also for the fact she have to be in on your effort of stopping Charlie from bringing up a weird line of conversation while you still - albeit not fully of your own volition - feeding into her girlfriend delusion of being a matchmaker. It wouldn’t be so hard if you just, try to at least calm Charlie down yourself, but your tendencies to avoid particularly specific conversation makes her boomerang from appreciation to pure exasperation.
Especially when she would be fighting her love for Charlie to keep your dignity intact.
“But Vaggiee…!” clinging onto her left arm, Charlie tries her best to bring her girlfriend’s eyes back to her. “Just look at them! They’ve never looked at anyone like that!”
She would love to argued otherwise, you have a habit of looking at everyone like that, something with making people feel more welcome to talk to you. But all thought vanished from her head when she turns to try and make an argument, and for a brief moment she forgot what they were talking about. Charlie’s good at distracting her, but she steeled herself and stop Charlie from jumping off into this and making it so much harder on you than it already is.
(God, the things Vaggie’d do for love.)
“I know you really want to, hun, but - I’m just, not sure about this. It’s Alastor we’re talking about. I get them being into him or whatever, but you’d really set them up with the Radio demon? You know…”
Charlie was slowly wilting a bit, but picks herself up at the hesitation, thinking it’s her chance, she races over her words. “A thoughtful, charming and-“
But still can’t finish fast enough, and Vaggie have to advert her eyes, she can’t handle a sad Charlie that well. “and a horrible cannibalistic freak, Charlie. He’s not a good person.” At that, her girlfriend really clings onto her.
“Vaggie…this is a hotel for redemption! We've got to believe that people can change…” Charlie’s not addressing her point, there’s no real way to denying the fact Alastor is really just who he is. A rotten, rancid piece of meat. Redemption be dammed when he doesn’t even believe in it. “And! I have proof that Alastor likes them~” Pulling out little drawn post-it-notes from her front pocket, Charlie nearly doubled over while trying to put all of them onto the table in front of Vaggie, and you.
“I’m going to go back to my room.” You abruptly stand up, nervously grinning while shuffling out of their office. Having sat completely stilled while hoping that you can somehow divert the topic ever since the start of the conversation, you gave up. Completely disregarding Charlie’s attempt at making you stay. “It’s late, and I should’ve been in bed some hours ago…”
“Wait! I swear that this time I-“ Charlie tries to reach for you again, but Vaggie held strong. Nodding towards the exit, you mouthed her a quick thank you as you walked out, wishing them both good night while gently pushing the doors close. “I have the proof…”
“C’mon babe…” visibly deflating, Charlie sat herself back into Vaggie’s arms with a pout. She doesn’t have the heart to press this too deeply, so she pushed back her hair and give her a small peck on her eyelid, she always did have pretty eyes. “You know they’re not going to listen to you if you keep ambushing them like this.”
“I know, but I just- really love them both…” Vaggie raised an eyebrow at that. “And they seem so, nice together. Alastor always makes sure to greet them every day, they always wished him goodnight-“ she scoffed.
“They do that for everyone hun, and I’m pretty sure that bastard just do it because…well, who knows? He’s weird, who knows what he’s thinking…maybe he’s just trying to- toot his own horns playing nice. He does that a lot.”
When Charlie stays still, Vaggie really thought she could end this tonight, for both your sake and her’s. But then, as if was given water from the spring of life, with her back straight, she sat right up and held firmly onto Vaggie shoulders.
“But he’s trying so hard for them! Don’t you see how he’s spending so much time just hanging around them? Oh, and don’t forget that he asked them, specifically them, what they think of his radio show! He doesn’t do that for anyone else Vaggie! He brings them food when they forgot to eat. They told him about stuff they would’ve ever tell us without prompting! And you have to see the way he looks at them when they’re just, sit together and, and-“
“Woah. Slow down Char. Through your nose.” Even like this, she’s endearing. She held Charlie’s arm and bring her closer.
“You have to see Vaggie, he looks at them like…how you look at me!” Vaggie pauses. Charlie is getting to her, she have to stop her from talking or she’ll give in. She thinks about how miserable you would be sitting through an actual talk about this, it doesn’t help.
“And, you’re one of the most wonderful things that happens to me, Vaggie. I love everyone in the hotel, and I would give my everything for them,” knowing her, she would “but you.” She breathes, and Vaggie feels her breath stuck in her throat. “You are my everything. We’re perfect together. And I really love them, and I just thought…”
Charlie looked at her with such a soft and gentle look, her eyebrows slightly drawn together, lips jutting out just a little bit. “I thought he’s perfect for them, that they’ll be perfect together too. I know he’s not the best person, and you don’t trust him. You don't have to. But I think he’s doing his best for them, and they’re doing so much for him too...” their hands, held tightly together “So please, trust me. I genuinely think this can work out. They deserve to be love like I did too.”
Vaggie tries so hard to held strong, opting to stay silent instead of replying and stoking the growing flame, but Charlie looks at her with her big shiny eyes, and she caved.
“…Alright… I guess he haven’t really…done anything to them yet…” before Charlie could jump up in joy, Vaggie tries to get her focus back “But if he touches a single hair on them- woah!”
Wrapped in her arms, Vaggie barely able to get out the full sentence as Charlie rambles on. “Oooh, thank you thank you thankyouthankyou I knew you’d understand! Oh there is so much I want to do too-“
“Charlie, bit too tight…”
“Oops! Sorry!”
Coming down from her high, she stares into her lover’s eye with the brightest grin possible. It takes everything in Vaggie to think about how disappointed you’ll be, so she closed her eye and takes a breath. “We have to let them sort it out themselves, though. No matchmaker.”
“But-”
“You know how closed off they can be. Give them time Charlie. They can find their own way home.” Like that, Charlie smiles a smile so bright and gentle, reserve only for Vaggie. “Like you and me?”
And all she can think is that this might not be that bad after all.
“Like you and me.”
----
“So...thissss is what the youth are…into?”
“Arguably, it’s somewhat better than what I have as a kid.”
Pentious squinted at the device in his hand, clawed hands carefully swipe through your ‘carefully curated feed’, whatever that means. You sat next to him on your balcony, various knick knacks on the side table he insisted you need, hands considerably less clawed holding a book you’ve never managed to get through past the 10th page, as you only ever try to read it when the moon is blue and you always ended up forgetting the previous pages, something he learned while he was helping with cleanups.
He’s flustered when you laugh at a joke without needing to look at the captions in the video, wanting to pretend he completely understood what just happened. It takes you a bit to calm down and explain to him what was so funny, it only serves to confused him further. You grin and handed your book over to Frank without putting a bookmark in first (who then immediately turns the page and started narrating half-way through to the other eggs), reaching for the phone.
“I’ll put on something a bit easier to get used to, is that ok with you?”
“But, aren’t we learning how to be ‘hip’?” you cackle, he tries not to shrink into himself.
“We can leave that for some other day i think, you don’t need to be hip or anything right now. And besides,” handing him your phone, he minded his claws, “I think you’re cool on your own.” You hum and turn to an open sketchbook on the table, picking up a pencil, you start to sketch one of the egg boiz running about your room.
Pentious nearly burst into tears, he should’ve known his friends (or, you) would’ve never made fun of him. Turning to your device again, his attention is immediately captured by a cat video.
You two stayed like that for what must’ve been an hour or two, occasionally checking up on what the other’s is doing. (he would show you the cutest video, you showed him your barely intelligible sketch. He feels like you’re sketching his nightmare he said, you’re flattered). With almost all of his eggies already tiring themselves out some time ago and gathered around both of your feet (and his tail), bundled up in your duvet and pillows. Except for egg boiz number 3, who’s in his lap as both are captured by a video of a dog getting a haircut (a mini-American shepherd, you chimed in happily that it’s one of your favorite video).
Then, the calm afternoon was broken by a singular knock to your door. You and your still cognizant companion(s) look up from your respective entertainment at hand and stare at each other. You glance over to him, head nodding towards the door, he shrugs, growing restless, you pat his shoulder as you stand up and walk away.
Pentious really did try to turn back and focus on the groomers narrating a particularly endearing moment in the nine minutes long video, but he can’t help but be on edge when a familiar voice sing a greeting too loud for him to ignore, and he realized just who is at the door, your door, his new best friend's door (verdict still out on whether you consider him as one).
Taking a peek, assuring to himself it’s to keep you safe, he locks eyes with red and half of his soul descend into the ring below, the other half turns him right back to your phone when the red starts to raise his eyebrows at him. He can keep you safe from a safe distance surely, but when he tries to hug the egg in his lap to comfort himself and feels nothing, he freezes. Horror-struck, he turns and look at you, specifically your back, the other half of his soul joins the first.
Without him realizing, number 3 already slipped out of his grasp and is now climbing on your shoulder and interjecting your conversation with the gentleman, who is now full-on glaring at him whenever your head slightly turn away. He gulped, but he still put your phone back onto the table and stand up, forget to mind his still sleeping minions at his tail. Thank Lucifer they decided to stay silent for once.
“I was just going to stay in tomorrow too… maybe- oh, Sir Pentious? What’s up?” You stare at him, easy-going as always. Almost like you’re unaware of the way Alastor is smiling at him. Pentious can only thank whoever is in charge of fate for the fact you slotted yourself right between them, and cursed them all the same for the fact you can’t covered up the demon’s face.
Clearing his throat, he tries to steered his nerves and curb his stuttering. “I see that someone have rudely interrupt our study session. May I have your permission to…”
At the sounds of radio static grows, his words in turns wilted as he stares into bright, glowing red and yellow growing in volume. Luckily, you manage to pick this up and covered for him. “Oh no don’t worry, Al was just asking when I’m free to hang out with.” As you turn to that same terrifying shade of red, it immediately transformed into a charming smile.
“Why, hangout is such a casual term dear. I prefer to call it a trip! Much more exciting that way.” With his usual theatrics delivery and a backing of voices coming from the microphone staff he uses to give you a gentle knock on the head, clashing with your much more casual tone brushing him off, Pentious wishes he can see this as endearing.
“Oh you’re trying to goat me into going back there again.” That wasn’t a question on your end. Alastor smiles in amusement, but it strained when number 3 chimes in and tries to asked you where is back there. He’s extremely grateful the demon chooses to ignore it, letting you entertain the egg instead.
“I do not know what you’re referring to at all.” Closing his eyes and leaning a bit to the side, the demon bounces a bit on the tip of his shoes and sings. “Otherwise, it seems my presence is making our welcomed guest uncomfortable.” Pentious tries to stand tall for you and number 3, but Alastor preference for getting up close and personal is mincing his confidence to bits. “I guess I will settle for an extra visit by tonight to talk a bit more about your hectic schedule, if that’s alright with you Ma chère?”
You laugh a bit and agrees with him, saying a quick sorry while he brushed it off with a smile, adjusting his coat’s flawless lapel with one hand, the other reaching for yours. Lifted up to his lips, he planted there a kiss with a look that can passed off as soft. Pentious looks away the moment their eyes lock again, whistling like he hasn’t been blanching at the two of you.
As you turn to close the door, he could’ve sworn red dials were looking at him in the seconds you look back to him, completely in contrast with the life-threatening aura now stand outside the door.
“Haha, sorry about that. I didn’t have time earlier and he was busy, so…” you trailed off, explanation offering him nothing but more questions. “I’ll try to be a bit more mindful about this next time, yeah? Didn’t know he still held something against you.”
You want to keep doing study sessions with him? He perks up a bit at the implication, while choosing to ignore the second part, until his egg started speaking.
“Uh, boss number two, why does Alastor kiss your hand so much?” Number 3 raises his hand, still sitting snugly in your arms. Pentious makes a note to make him sleep on the edge of the bed tonight. It doesn’t help that you’re leading them back to the others, who also started to chime in with their own questions. He can tell this time you’re getting a bit miffed, smiles growing a bit taut and looking off somewhere, unable to let them somehow ruin your goodwill towards him, he cracked. “SILENCE! Cease with your silly questions right now!”
You look at him, and he would’ve shrink into himself if not for how you seem more surprised than angry, as your brows relax and you smile a bit, he let himself breathe. “It’s alright, they’re cute, they can get away with a little questioning I think. And hm…” you bounce on your feet in a slightly familiar manner, he sweats a bit. “-I mean, it’s normal for friends to be close, so I don’t see any problem with it.”
“Oh…friends can kiss each other on the hand?” number 1 jump up. You laugh.
“Of course they can. Alastor loves getting into people’s space too, so I wouldn’t put it past him.”
He would’ve tried to say something and help you out with the questioning, but it hit him that at least in his time, the specific to the gesture was more of a formal greeting. But he takes into account the fact it's Alastor, and how whenever he sees you two together, the Radio demon always seemingly follows after your heels like a shadow tie too tightly, and he shivers. Anxiety fills his heart as he tries to navigate this thought.
“I do have to say, why is it that he tends to get so…closssse…to you?” You visibly stiffen at this, but as he takes your hand in his, trying his best to be tactful, still minding the claws, you stare. “Could it be…he’s trying to threaten you, dear friend?” he tries to recall how you comforts him in time of distress, and did his best to echoes the same sentiment to you.
“Whatever it is, you can share it to me! I will, uh- “
“You’ll duel him, right boss?”
his eggs chimes in where he falters, he follows their lead.
“Duel! Yesss! A duel to the death! That Radio bastard will regrets the day he-“ You squeeze his hand, and he drop his false bravado and let you seated him back on the balcony, letting number 3 dropped from his spot in your arms to the duvet covering the floor.
(with much less grace compared to you, but all the heart. he takes the fact you’re still around that he’s doing great.)
“We don’t need any of that silly. He’s my friend, I think.”
You fall back onto your seat, number 1 climb up to your lap with a question. “You two are friends? Like with boss?” sitting up, you sing an enthusiastic agreement while reaching for your notebook again. Pentious swore the sketch is looking more and more familiar by the line.
“Yeah, like with Sir Pentious! Al’s intimidating but he’s fun to hang around.” Hunching over while minding number 1 watching in your lap, your grin drops to something a bit kinder. He feels like he’s overstepping, despite the fact the room is void of anyone else. “He nice to talk with, I’ve never seen him shutting up on anyone else’s terms. That’s a good thing.” He wanted to say that’s a bit too barebone, even for himself, but then, turning to him with a smirk, you added. “Don’t tell him i said this, but he’s ssssuch a bitch sometimes. It’s fun though.”
Nodding with a much more serious look, Pentious takes your word as a command. “Not a word to my grave!”
“Hehe, that’s why you’re my favorite.”
Refocused on your sketch, you trust Pentious to be able to work your phone a bit better than before. He thinks he would’ve work it better if not for the tears gathering in his eyes, he takes the tissue paper you handed him without looking and wiped it away, only to panic about the long scratch he left on your screen. You laugh and assured him it’s fine, you can change the screen.
(verdict be dammed, you’re HIS best friend.)
(he took a peek at your sketch before you turn the page, and it hit him why it looks so off-putting. Antlers sprouting from two end on a figured too lanky to make out the physique of, but familiar enough all the same. He’d much prefer you go back to sketching his eggies, he said, you happily complied and he leave your room after with 5 torn note full of egg sketches and another schedule study session he pray you'll relay to Mister Alastor.)
---
“There you are darling! I was looking everywhere for you.” Calling out with joy, then stopping to take in the sight. He steadied you with one hand while you stop to catch your breath, nearly doubled into him. “I can see that you’re quite busy, seems like Nifty is giving you quite the run for your money huh!”
“Please…shut up…” you don’t need to look at him to know he’s enjoying this way more than you do, laughing at your utterly exhausted state. “I didn’t know there’s this much bugs in here… How can she even keep tracks of them??”
“Don’t feel too bad now, that one mind and health both are simply wonders to behold! Even I can’t keep up with her at times.” Trying to dust off your shoulders, he looked offended when you just swatted his hands away, waiting for an explanation.
“We’re not done yet, she’s just in the kitchen for a bit.” You pulled out your phone to check the time, Alastor squinting his eyes besides you, leaning over to keep watch and raising an eyebrow at the long scratch on the glass. “One hour before I’m free…”
“Thinking of giving up then~?”
“Yeah.”
Laughing at your tone, he takes your hand and twirl you, but not too much! Just enough daze you a bit. “Well darling, I would love to whisk you off with me for a trip downtown! I’m running low on good meat, and simply can’t afford to stained my coat while the tailor’s out of commission. But knowing you…” he’d look down-right sad if you let him. He can tell you try to keep your expression neutral, but your smile is growing to match his.
“No Al, an hour is-“
“An hour is an hour. Yes I know dear but it’s dreadfully boring without you.” Holding on still, he brings his face close to you, taking delight in the growing red on your face and you acting like nothing is out of the sort.
“You’ll survive Alastor. Nifty however…” As the sound of tiny footstep calling your name quickly approaching, he can’t help but letting a long, drawn-out sigh, backing off from you. A lost for him. You smile.
“Over here Nifty!” calling out to the little woman, you step away from Alastor to meet her half way, her stopping just before she hit your leg.
“You! I’ve been looking for you where have you been! I saw SOOOO many of them but they’re on the ceiling and I can’t reach them at all you've got to come help me – oh hiii Alastor!”
Nifty stops pulling you down the hall again just to give him a violent wave, dancing from one foot to the other and giving him time to catch up to you two, fully aware of your tradition from the moment it first started. Alastor smiles border on self-pleasing, gracious of Nifty’s effort to not drag you away just yet, less so the fact she would stares with such a wide grin. Nevertheless, he takes your hand again and bring it up, speaking all the while.
“Nifty, dearie, won’t you work our dear friend here a little less? I need them to-“ he pauses as you suddenly grip his hand and bring it up to your lips, too quick for him to stop you. And before he knew it, you both disappeared behind the corner yet again. Nifty voices and your cackle echoing down the empty hall way.
When he came back, aware of how the light flickering above his head now finally stabilizing itself, he laughs. Steadying himself, Alastor brushed off his coat and fix his monocle. Humming along with a love song slowly trickling from the microphone while walking the same way you and Nifty ran off to before. He have time to spare while waiting for you.
#alastor x reader#hazbin alastor x reader#hazbin x reader#hazbin hotel x reader#x reader#hazbin hotel#hazbin hotel oneshot#hazbin hotel imagine#hazbin alastor#me writing this: i can do this in 2k#i wrote 4k in an afternoon and night and the rest is just me going back and forth like replaying in my head dialogue to checks how it sound#i need to draw more of him i need him carnally (he will splattered my guts on the floor)#that title could've actually been for a horror angst fic actually#one of these days i'll commit to writing an actual horror/yan fic im good at weird writing. maybe
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smitten: jungkook's date is tonight but y/n's more stressed about it than he is
➺ pairing; jeon jungkook x reader
➺ genre; smitten!miniseries!! bff!kook & smitten!y/n!! university!au!! honk honk humour!! the boo hoo angsty wattpad-energy fic of your dreams!! unrequited love!! so much pining!! it hurts so bad but that's what makes it so good!! yoongi should really mind his own business!!
➺ wordcount; 6.5k
➺ summary; jungkook's dream date with ji-eun is tonight and y/n's going to do everything in her power to make sure everything goes perfectly.
➺ what to expect; "we've been planning and preparing for this date for the past week, jungkook. i'm going to do everything in my power to make sure that things go according to plan. your date is going to be perfect.”
➺ currently spinning on the record player; i wish [one direction]
➺ smitten: part one [the almost confession]; part two [the incriminating note]
»»————- ♥ ————-««
“pepperoni to garlic knot- pepperoni to garlic knot- come in- are you there?"
the sound of the walkie talkie crackling to life makes you perk up and you reach behind to pull it out from your back pocket, pressing down on the side button with your thumb before bringing it up to your mouth
“garlic knot to pepperoni- i'm here." you bite back a grin at the silly nicknames jungkook insisted on using before speaking up again, "the last of the fairy lights have been strung up, by the way! over."
“oh, sick!" jungkook gasps lightly, "okay, i need you to come down and help me because i've been trying to tie this tie for the last, like, half an hour and at this point i’m just going to have to wave a white flag and surrender. over.”
"roger that. i'm coming down." you tuck the walkie talkie into your pocket again before letting out a sigh and looking around the rooftop setup with your hands on your hips
you must admit it looks really good (as it should, because you've literally been setting everything up since this morning and it's about 5:30pm now)
the bubble tent's been blown up and you made it all comfy and cozy inside with fluffed up pillows and soft throw blankets
you strung the fairy lights up on the clotheslines and you made sure to use fresh batteries for them so that they'll last all night
and the little round table that jungkook and ji-eun will be eating dinner at was a little wobbly but that problem was easily fixed with some blu-tak
the happy smile on your face twitches slightly when the realization that you spent the entire day setting up a date that you're not even a part of hits you
"…oh, you silly girl.” you can't help but snort as you shake your head and turn around to head towards the rooftop door so you can go to jungkook’s apartment, "you silly, silly girl-"
all of this time
all of this effort
all of this everything for a boy you like who you know for sure doesn't like you back because if he liked you back he wouldn’t have asked someone else out
what exactly do you think the end result is here?
what exactly do you think you're gaining out of this?
literally nothing!!!!
so why are you doing all of this??
"because i'm a big ol' simp with no backbone, apparently-" you mutter under your breath as you open the door to jungkook's apartment, forcing the frown off your face and replacing it with an easygoing smile
you may be a simp with no backbone but…
well, no
that’s it. there’s nothing else to say.
"y/n? that you?"
"yeah! sorry, probably should’ve knocked or something- also, not to toot my own horn or anything, but i did a fantastic job with the decorations! i could be a party planner or something if this whole school thing doesn’t work out-” you kick the door shut behind you before looking around for jungkook, "where are you?"
"gimme a sec! i'm, like- i'm almost done, just wait-"
you plop down on the couch and tilt your head back to look up at the ceiling before letting out another quiet sigh
this is why you need to be constantly busy doing things, because if you get even a moment of peace, you start to think and think and think and you hate being alone with your thoughts because your brain starts to mock you and berate you and say things like hey, y/n? you have a paper due at midnight tonight that you're only halfway done with but instead you're prioritizing being a wingwoman to a boy who's head over heels in love with someone else-
"okay, hi!" you jolt in surprise at the sound of jungkook's voice from behind you and you're about to turn around when suddenly he speaks up again, "hold on! close your eyes until i tell you to open them."
"what? why?" you frown as you settle back against the couch again and shut your eyes, crossing your arms over your chest, “i already know what you’re going to wear, i’m the one that picked the outfit for you anyway-”
"i know, but surprises are fun-" you hear the shuffling of material and you resist the urge to turn around immediately as your impatience grows, "okay, i think that looks fine. turn around!"
"i really don't know why you had to prepare me to see you in-" you twist your upper half around so you can finally look at jungkook and almost immediately you feel your heart skip a beat at the sight
the crisp white button-up tucked into a pair of slacks are a stark contrast to the outfits you're so used to seeing jungkook in because most of the time he's drowning in a sweatshirt that's ten sizes too big for him and some slouchy cargo pants and a pair of chunky black stompers
but this? this is…
oh, wow.
"so?" jungkook's being uncharacteristically shy with you as he averts his gaze and reaches down to fiddle with one of the buttons on his shirt, "how… do i look?"
"-handsome." you blurt out, shaking yourself out of your slight daze as you get up from the couch so you can go over to him, "you look- you look very handsome, jungkook. you- yeah, you look very handsome.” you press your lips together, unsure if you should say anything else because you’re not sure where the line is between being a supportive friend or just ogling your friend like he’s a piece of meat
it's when you find yourself looking down at your own outfit (jeans and a t-shirt and socks with a hole on the right heel) that the little voice in the back of your head reminds you of the reality of the situation: that he's looking very handsome not for you, but for ji-eun, and in this moment you wish there was a way to just shut your brain off to cease all cruel thoughts
jungkook looks very nice. just focus on one thing at a time.
“oh my god-“ jungkook's nose immediately scrunches up before he lets out a little laugh, "you're totally hitting on me right now, you weirdo- you look very handsome, jungkook-” he mocks you in a higher voice and you can’t help but feel a little dejected that this is how he reacts to a genuine compliment from you
if anything, it’s more confirmation you didn’t need that jungkook most definitely doesn’t feel the same way about you
"well, i-" you stop yourself from walking any closer to him as you feel your entire face flush bright red, "i- well, i’m trying to be supportive here… you look nice, i’m not gonna be an asshole and say you look bad for this date-” you force out a nervous laugh as you reach up to rub the back of your neck, "whatever, you look fine-"
“thank you, i just- i’m not used to compliments but anyway-” jungkook interrupts you (thankfully, otherwise you definitely would’ve continued to babble and babble and babble) to hold up a black tie, "you need to help me with this."
"you know, i… i actually don't think you need the tie?" you tilt your head a little as you look over jungkook's outfit, "i think you'll look better without it on, and a tie seems a little too formal for the date- can i-" you shuffle forwards slightly before undoing a couple of buttons on jungkook's shirt and spreading the collar open a little, jungkook raising his head a bit so you can work your magic
"you really think this looks better?” he asks quietly, and your eyes flicker up to meet his for a brief second before you quickly look back down at your fumbling fingers
"yea,” you respond, pressing your lips together as you smooth out the collar before taking the tie from his hand, tossing it over your shoulder and stepping back to look at your work, "yeah. that's much better. okay, put the suit jacket on, lemme see the whole look-"
"dude, i've been, like- so nervous all day." jungkook lets out a breath as he pulls the suit jacket up off the back of the couch, "like- okay, obviously ji-eun and i get along really well in real life, but this is the first time we'll be in, like, a romantic setting, you know? like romantic on purpose.“
"it'll be fine. i mean, you already got through the hardest bit which was asking her out-" you shrug as you lean against the back of the couch and cross an ankle over the other, "and she said yes, so… obviously you're doing something right. you’re gonna be fine, you just have first date jitters! everyone gets the first date jitters.”
"i know, but-" he smooths the sleeves of the suit jacket out before looking back over at you, "ah, i don't know. i just feel like i'm gonna screw up somehow, you know?"
"you won’t,” you shake your head before offering him a smile, "just be yourself! don't put too much pressure on, like- on acting like how you think she wants you to act, you know what i mean? just be yourself. she likes you, jungkook. you're a total catch, so-" you cut yourself off before you wander into the ‘you’re a total catch which is actually the reason why i’m in love with you' portion of your pep-talk as you get up off the couch, "yeah! just- just relax. everything's going to go perfectly tonight. and like i was saying when i first walked in here, not to toot my own horn or anything but the rooftop looks immaculate.”
“i’m sure it does! i can’t wait to see it-“ jungkook pauses all of a sudden, his eyes widening in realization, "oh, shit!"
you don't even get the chance to ask him what's wrong before he starts to spiral and you blink rapidly at the sudden change in behaviour
"oh my god.” jungkook slaps his hand against his forehead, “i- fuck, i forgot to pick up the flowers and the- oh my god, i knew i forgot to do something today!" he gawks, pulling his phone out of his back pocket, "shit! shit, shit- damnit, i was gonna pick them up this morning and then i went to the gym and i forgot-"
“i-" you’re slightly startled at how stressed he is over some flowers and you can’t help but chuckle, “there’s even a little sticky note on the fridge to remind you-”
"i know!” jungkook whines, “i know, i don't know, i guess it just slipped my mind because i've literally been thinking about this date all week-“ he sucks some air in through his teeth before shaking his head, “okay, i guess i can just head over there right now and then come back-”
"woah, woah-" you skid over and press a hand to jungkook's chest to keep him from bolting out the door, “what are you talking about? you can't leave now! it's- it's 5:45- and not to mention, it's literally rush hour so the highways are probably all clogged up right now and- ji-eun's going to be here in half an hour so you'll never make it back in time and your suit's going to get all wrinkled because you'll be all cramped up on the bus-"
"y/n, the flowers and the teddy bear are two essential parts of the date,” jungkook looks at you with wide eyes, clearly desperate to leave the apartment, “i’m not gonna have anything to give her when she arrives, she can’t show up only for me to be empty handed-”
"hey, relax!” you snap, softening your tone when jungkook’s shoulders droop slightly, “listen, you are not going to leave the apartment because ji-eun is coming and i’m sure she’ll be disappointed if she finds me on the rooftop instead of you. this is what’s going to happen: you’re going to sit here and wait for ji-eun, i’m going to go and pick up the flowers and the teddy bear, and then you can give them to her after the date. it’s going to be fine, you are literally being so dramatic right now-”
"but-"
"look, i'm sure ji-eun isn't going to throw a tantrum if you don't present her with a bouquet of flowers at the beginning of the date- if she did, that’d be kind of odd but that’s not the point- the point is, it'll be fine. you go on your date, i’ll pick them up."
"yeah, but-!"
"kook, i've got it, alright?" you back away from him slowly but you keep your arm extended to make sure he doesn't move, "i'll take care of everything, you know i can handle it- just- i'm gonna go now and then- i'll leave behind the rooftop door as soon as i get them, okay? and i'll text you so that you'll know they're there-"
"y/n…" jungkook chews on the inside of his cheek anxiously, guilt swirling around in his eyes, "you've already done so much for me, i can't ask you to-"
"we've been planning and preparing for this date for the past week, jungkook. i'm going to do everything in my power to make sure that things go according to plan. your date is going to be perfect.”
“are you sure? i feel bad, i feel like you did so much and-”
“i’m sure, jungkook-" you interrupt him again before turning to grab your jacket off coat rack, “the only thing you have to think about tonight is how you’re going to charm ji-eun — and to be honest, you don’t even need to think about it because all you have to do is be yourself! now sit down and try to relax. and try not to wrinkle your shirt, i spent way too long ironing it earlier."
»»————- ♥ ————-««
your nose crinkles slightly as you look up at the sky, your brows knitting together in concern at the light grey clouds hanging in the air
the forecast did say it would be cloudy today (and it has been cool and cloudy all day) but you’re hoping it doesn’t rain because if it rains that’ll completely ruin the date and jungkook will probably be electrocuted by the fairy lights if he touched them
of course, jungkook and ji-eun can take cover in that bubble tent if it starts to rain, but hopefully it doesn’t… (why are you so hellbent on making sure this date is going to go smoothly?! you might as well plan their wedding for them as well at this rate.)
you perk up when you see the bus you’re supposed to take rounding the corner and you fumble in your purse for your bus card, stepping up to the stop eagerly
your phone buzzes in your pocket and you pull it out once you plop yourself down in a seat in the back
from: jungkook (5:58pm) — Holy shit I’m acc so nervous
from: jungkook (5:58pm) — What if this goes horribly
you can’t help but roll your eyes at how panicky jungkook is being because he really has no reason to be nervous
all he had to do was dress himself and make himself presentable because you were the one who did all the hard work of setting up (to be fair, you insisted on setting up alone because you like things done a certain way and jungkook seemed too jittery to focus)
to: jungkook (5:58pm) — you’re literally going to be fine
to: jungkook (5:58pm) — it’s going to be fine
to: jungkook (5:58pm) — you already know she likes you
to: jungkook (5:59pm)— just think of this as another one of your hangouts but you guys are dressed more fancy and you’re on a rooftop for some reason LOL
from: jungkook (5:59pm) — Okay
from: jungkook (5:59pm) — She says she’s almost here
from: jungkook (5:59pm) — Do you think I should’ve picked her up instead of her meeting me here
to: jungkook (5:59pm) — …you rented out a rooftop for her i think she’ll survive
you pause, setting your phone face down on your lap before letting out a yawn and leaning your head against the window
you got up far too early this morning and the gentle rumbling of the bus down the highway is very soothing
google maps said the journey to your stop was about 38 minutes which means you have approximately 35 minutes to take a quick nap and the remaining 3 minutes to wake yourself up so you won’t be too groggy after hopping off the bus
you’ve worked hard today, so you deserve a little snooze!
your right eye peels open when your phone buzzes again
from: jungkook (6:04pm) — Omg she’s here early
from: jungkook (6:04pm) — Okay
from: jungkook (6:04pm) — Wish me luck and also thank you for everything you are the best
a smile twitches at the corner of your mouth and you can’t help but think to yourself that yes, i am kind of the best, aren’t i?
to: jungkook (6:04pm) — yes yes
to: jungkook (6:04pm) — good luck!
to: jungkook (6:04pm)— :-)
another yawn slips past your lips and you tuck your phone into your purse before leaning your head against the window again and shutting your eyes
an additional benefit to getting some sleep on the bus is so that your brain won’t start to flood with reminders that jungkook doesn’t like you like that and that you are currently sitting on a bus going to get flowers for him to give to another girl-
okay, that’s enough of that, your teeth grit together slightly and you clear your throat, crossing one leg over the other as you get settled into the stiff, itchy seats, a quick power nap and then the overthinking can begin again.
»»————- ♥ ————-««
“excuse me-”
your eyes open immediately at the feeling of someone shaking your shoulder and you sit up straight, clutching your purse tighter to your body as you look up to see the bus driver smiling down at you in mild concern
“morning!” he jokes, raising an eyebrow before clicking his tongue and nodding towards the opened doors, “end of the line, miss. gonna have to ask you hop off.”
what?
in your half-asleep state you can’t help but wonder what you’re doing on a bus and where you were meant to be going in the first place… is the date over? are you heading home?
“end of the-“ your heart plummets to your stomach at the realization that you took more than just a little snooze because you are, in fact, at the end of the line when you were supposed to be at the flower shop and heading back to jungkook’s apartment now, “wait, end of the line?!”
“i’m guessing you missed your stop? happens a lot when people fall asleep on the bus.”
“i- yes-“ you pull your phone out to check the time (and your heart nearly stops beating when you see that it’s 7:13), “i was supposed to get off at crown street, how far are we from crown street?”
“not too far-“ the bus driver hums, “about fifteen-“
“minutes?” you get up from the seat, starting to make your way towards the door but still looking at the driver
“blocks.” he sucks some air in through his teeth, “fifteen blocks away. if you walk from here, it’ll probably take you about… twenty-ish minutes or so to get to the crown street stop-”
“twenty-ish minutes, twenty minutes is nothing, i can make it in ten if i sprint-“ you mutter to yourself, pulling your purse up over your shoulder and turning to smile at the bus driver before hopping off, “thank you, sir, enjoy the rest of your night-!”
it’s only a second later that you find yourself sprinting down the sidewalk, your runners smacking loudly against the concrete as you keep your purse tucked tightly underneath your armpit
unbelievable! something just had to go wrong tonight, didn’t it?
and it certainly doesn’t help that it’s drizzling right now — you don’t even have an umbrella with you!
“so stupid, shouldn’t have fallen asleep-“ you look up briefly when you hear a rumble of thunder, stopping at the crosswalk and slapping the button multiple times as if it’s going to make the walk sign appear faster, “c’mon, c’mon…”
you jolt when a flash of lightning lights up the sky before suddenly-
“oh, come ON!” rain suddenly starts to pour down from the sky and you resist the urge to just fall to the ground and completely give up because it seems like the universe is actively trying to tell you that what you’re doing is clownish behaviour and you need to stand up
of course, because one of your more prominent traits is your innate stubbornness, you pull your purse off your shoulder and raise it above your head as if it’s going to stop you from getting completely soaked
rainwater starts to flood into your shoes as you jog across the street and the feeling of your socks increasingly getting wet sends a shiver up your spine
you pull your purse back onto your shoulder and keep it tightly held under your armpit once your arms start to get sore — you’re already completely soaked so using your purse as an umbrella seems pretty redundant at this point
“don’t know why i didn’t bring a stupid umbrella with me either!” you huff to yourself, wiping your hair away from your face as you cross another street after looking both ways (safety first), “fall asleep on the bus, gets caught in the rain- stupid, stupid-“ you grumble, reaching up to wipe under your eyes and pressing your lips together in frustration at the wet mascara ink staining your fingertips
wonderful
just wonderful
and now you probably look demonic as well
you pick up in pace when you recognize the street the flower shop is on, speeding up even more when you notice someone standing in front of the doors with a set of keys in their hand looking very ready to close up shop for the night
“woah, woah, wait! wait, please!” you call out and the person immediately stops, looking over at you and then taking a few steps back in what seems to be mild fear, “so sorry, i just need to pick a bouquet up, i know you’re closing but i really need this bouquet- and-“
“did you run here?” he asks, looking you up and down as he adjusts his grip on his umbrella, “…you do know it’s raining, right?”
“yeah, i- woo, give me a second to catch my breath-“ you pant, bending over and putting both hands on your knees, wincing to yourself as your lungs constrict in your chest, “i don’t remember the last time i ran like this, jesus christ- i think i’m going to puke-“ you force yourself to stand up straight again, placing a hand on your hip as you continue to suck in puffs of air, “i need to pick up an order.”
“oh, wait! you’re the girl who’s in love with her friend, now i remember who you are-“ his eyes light up briefly before the deadpan expression returns to his face, “sorry, champ. we close at 7:30.”
“it’s 7:29,” you choose to ignore his first comment before holding your phone up to his face and he immediately deflates, “come on, yoongi- it’s yoongi, right? please. give me a break.”
“i’m just tryna go home-“
“please, my friend’s date is tonight and he was supposed to pick up his flowers this morning but then he went to the gym so he forgot even though there was a sticky note on the fridge reminding him to-”
“wait, you’re picking up his flowers for him?!” yoongi asks, eyes widening again before he throws his head back in a laugh, “hah! oh my god, you- you’re actually kidding me, this has to be a joke-“
“i will give you five glowing stars on google reviews if you let me in-“ you pant, wiping strands of wet hair away from your forehead again, squinting slightly because the rainwater has now fully fucked up your vision and yoongi is starting to look like a dark blob, “even though your customer service skills suck because you’re clearly laughing at me and i really thought you’d have the decency to share your umbrella considering the fact that it’s pouring-“
“my customer service skills are fantastic, you should see the way i flirt with all the older ladies who come in-” yoongi jingles his keys in his hands before checking the time on his watch, “they always leave with $15 silk ribbons on their bouquets and a boost in their self-esteem-“
“we’re wasting time here, i’m supposed to be back at my friend’s place like, now-“
“alright, fine.” yoongi sighs, shoving the keys back into the lock before clicking his tongue, “but i’m only doing this because i feel like saying no to you is equivalent to, like, leaving a puppy out in the cold or something. or stealing candy from a baby and then shoving the baby off of its high chair. or, like, taking a chainsaw and destroying a nice old lady’s rosebush in front of her for no reason while she’s standing there with a pitcher of iced tea for you-”
“alright, i get it, you pity me, just let me into the store and give me my damn order.”
“did you really run all the way here?” he asks, opening the door to let you in as he closes his umbrella and shakes the excess water off before shoving it into the holder
“i took the bus but i fell asleep and missed my stop. ended up at the end of the line and i thought running fifteen blocks would be faster than waiting for the next bus.” you breathe out, your shoes squeaking obnoxiously against the marble floors as you step into the shop and leave a generous trail of rainwater behind you
yoongi deflates slightly at the mess you’re leaving behind you and he quickly reaches out to grab onto your elbow, “do not take another step. i literally mopped up before closing and you’re leaving a trail everywhere.”
“sorry, sorry…” you apologize sheepishly, taking a step back closer to the front door and looking down at the puddle growing around your feet
you reach up to squeeze some water out of your air, freezing when you realize you’re just squeezing more water onto the ground for yoongi to mop up
yoongi gives you an unimpressed, blank stare before shaking his head and flicking the lights on, “there is nobody in the world i would ever run in the rain for. hell, there’s nobody i would even ever run for in general.”
“well, i’m sorry your heart is made out of literal ice and you don’t have the ability to feel love for another human being.” you respond sarcastically, yoongi turning around with raised eyebrows
“hey, for someone with an icy cold heart, i didn’t have to let you in, i could very well kick you out right now because i already clocked out for the night-”
“okay, sorry, i’m sorry- just- if i could just pick up the order, i’ll get out of your hair, i’m sorry-“
“why are you doing this in the first place?” yoongi asks as he gets settled behind the front desk, switching the monitor back on, “also, i promise i’m not stalling because i also want to get out of here as soon as possible, i just need to check what your order number is-“
“because jungkook forgot to pick the order up this morning.” you respond as if it’s the most obvious answer in the entire world (because to you, it kind of is)
“well, i get that, but you still didn’t answer the question.” yoongi hums, tapping on the keyboard and hitting the enter key obnoxiously
“sure, i did.” you frown, “i answered your question. i’m here because jungkook forgot to pick up the order this morning. he’s on his date right now and i told him i could pick it up for him. he’s on a date.”
“with another girl.” yoongi murmurs, propping his chin up on his palm, “you are picking up flowers for jungkook to give to another girl because…”
“because i’m his friend.” you feel your eye twitch slightly out of a mixture of growing frustration and impatience, “you have that order number yet? i’m on a time crunch here.”
“…okay, i think all the rainwater must’ve flushed the logic out of your head…” yoongi purses his lips as he gets up from the seat, offering you an overly polite customer service smile, “please wait here while i get your order from the back. i would offer you a glass of cucumber water and an apple rose whatever cinnamon pastry thing but we are technically closed, so you’re just going to have to stand here and wait.”
“funny.” you raise an eyebrow, about to squeeze some water out of your top before stopping yourself (you’ll wait until yoongi disappears to the back and then you’ll do it)
you’re picking up flowers for jungkook because you’re his friend
and on top of that, not only are you his friend, you’re a very good friend of his!
he would do the same for you if the roles were reversed (well, if the roles were reversed, you would’ve never forgotten to pick up the flowers so jungkook would never have to run in the rain to pick them up for you)
what does yoongi mean by why are you doing this?
isn’t it obvious??
if anything, he’s the one with no logic in his head if he can’t grasp the simple answer to his simple question
you’re doing this because you’re jungkook’s friend, and this is what friends do when they care about each other
“okay, one more time- what are you doing right now?” yoongi pops out from the back with a beautifully wrapped bouquet and an adorable little white teddy bear with a pink heart as its nose and you can’t help but pout sweetly at it
you know you said the teddy bear would be a little much but looking at it now… you want one too!
“picking up a bouquet and a teddy bear.” you point out, holding your hands out to take them from yoongi
“picking up a bouquet and a teddy bear for…”
“for my friend…” you trail off, making grabby hands at him only for him to pull back slightly
“for your friend jungkook because…”
“why do you care so much about this? you don’t know me and what i do is none of your business, your job right now is to hand me a bouquet and that teddy bear and you’re not doing a super good job if i’m being honest-”
“you’re right, i don’t know you, but i’m nosy as hell and you seem nice even though you’re oblivious as hell- you’re so close to the answer, too! what are you doing right now and why are you doing what you’re doing?”
“what are you doing right now? and why are you doing what you’re doing right now??” you snap, looking at the little clock sitting on the desk, “i’m running very late, just give me the damn flowers, man-“
“alright, fine.” yoongi deflates, handing you the bouquet and the little bear before shaking his head and turning around to grab the mop from the back, “guess you’ll figure out the answer on your own. by the way, let your friend know that if he wants to order another bouquet for you to pick up that we now have an online ordering form so he doesn’t even have to come in store anymore- by the way, i can lend you an umbrella if you didn’t wanna run in the rain again because like i said, our customer service is-” yoongi spins around and immediately clams up when the only indication that you were even here at all are the two dirty shoe marks staining the white marble floor and the puddle of water around them
he shrugs to himself and clicks his tongue
oh well
…you still better give the store a five star review.
»»————- ♥ ————-««
the journey back to jungkook’s apartment is a little less chaotic than the journey leaving his place, thankfully
you managed to get to the bus stop right as the bus came, and if anything, you took that as a sign that the universe was now on your side
it was rewarding you for being such a good friend!
of course, you still got caught in the thunderstorm jogging back to jungkook’s building from the bus stop (according to the forecast, it’s supposed to rain all night long) and the bouquet is a little soggy and the little bear’s fur is kind of matted now, but you tried your best to keep them dry under your sopping wet jacket, “alright, kook, don’t worry, i’m coming-“ you mutter, going up the stairs two at a time and ignoring the fact that you’re leaving a wet trail behind you
you can’t help but shiver at the feeling of cold, wet clothes clinging uncomfortably to your body, pausing when you accidentally use the bear as a makeshift towel to dry your face
“shit, whoops-“ you pull the bear away instantly, relieved to see that you didn’t leave any streaks of makeup on it
your legs slow down as you reach the steps leading up towards the door to the rooftop, and you pause at the top of the steps when you hear a melodic giggle from outside amongst the rhythmic pitter patter of chubby raindrops splashing against the cement
sucking your bottom lip in between your teeth as you slow your movements as to not make too much noise and ruin the moment, you press yourself against the side of the stairwell and crouch down on your hands and knees, placing the bouquet on the ground by the door and the little bear right next to it
the only thing to do now is turn back and head home before you catch a cold from staying in your sopping wet clothes, but the sound of jungkook’s laugh makes your ears perk up and soon enough, you find yourself crawling up the additional three steps up so you can peek through the crack between the door and the frame and-
kissing
almost instantly, your mouth goes dry and you feel a sharp pinch in your chest at the sight of jungkook and ji-eun kissing, their lips seeming to slot together perfectly as ji-eun curls up closer to jungkook and he reaches up to cup the side of her face, the two of them looking nice and warm (and dry) in the bubble tent as raindrops continue to bounce off the top of it
your eyelids flutter slightly as your brain catches up to what you’re looking at, and just like that, everything hits you like a ton of bricks
what the fuck am i doing?
you are crouched down in the stairwell like a creep, sopping wet from the heavy rain, still exhausted from sprinting fifteen blocks to get to the stupid flower shop before it closed, staring at the boy you love kissing someone else on a rooftop that you spent all day decorating and setting up
you look down towards the bouquet and bear, swallowing the lump in your throat as your eyes begin to glaze over because oh my god, what are you doing?
the bouquet of flowers is not for you
the cute little bear is not for you
the bubble tent and the fairy lights and the porcelain plates and fancy cutlery — all of it isn’t for you, it’s for someone else, it’s for ji-eun
ji-eun is the one that’s kissing jungkook right now, not you
in fact, it’ll never be you because jungkook doesn’t like you
you turn around so you can sit on the steps properly, folding your arms over the tops of your knees and propping your chin up on top of them
jungkook does not like you back
you helped him plan this date and you helped him set up the rooftop for his romantic date with ji-eun and you ironed his shirt and you ran in the rain to get the bouquet and the bear not just because you’re a good friend — you did all of this because you are hopelessly, hopelessly in love with jungkook and you would pluck all the stars in the sky for him and put them in a jar if he’d asked
“oh my god, y/n.” you breathe out, pinching the bridge of your nose as you shake your head in dejection, “what the fuck are you doing?”
you feel that all too familiar prickle in your nose as you get up onto your feet and head down the steps one by one, your heart heavy in your chest as you adjust the strap of your purse over your shoulder
(and as you stare up at the ceiling when you’re in bed later that night after taking a nice, hot shower and shoving your cold, wet clothes into the hamper, you can’t help but wonder if perhaps you’ll be pining after jungkook for the rest of your life.)
»»————- ♥ ————-««
from: jungkook (1:08am) — Thanks for getting the flowers and the bear for me you’re a lifesaver
from: jungkook (1:08am) — Like actually the best
from: jungkook (1:08am) — So grateful to have a friend as good as you
from: jungkook (1:09am) —The date went really well btw
from: jungkook (1:09am) — Hope you’re sleeping well :) Will text you tomorrow
🎙️ tell yoongi to mind his own business or console y/n (talk to my characters!)
📚 why not explore the rest of the library while you're here? (full fics!)
💫 or perhaps you want something shorter to read? (drabbles and mini series like smitten!)
🌟 or something even shorter? (teeny tidbits!)
#sorry about the weird spacing#there's a weird character limit now on tumblr??#bff!kook#bff!kook drabbles#mini series: smitten#jungkook fics#jungkook fic recs#jungkook au#jungkook university au#jeon jungkook#jeon jungkook au#jungkook drabble recs#jungkook fluff#jungkook angst#jungkook angst recs#jungkook one shots#jungkook one shot recs#jungkook oneshots#bts#bts fic recs#bts jungkook#bts author#bts author recs#bts writer#bts writer recs
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More random WIP snippets, feat: weird kid!Bruce (he's been deaged to 14 and this is now everyone's problem)
#mads posts#mads writes#listen hes. hes so fucking weird im obsessed always.#i really want to post this doc in my untethered oneshots series but i don't have an ending yet. yet.#containment maintained
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I know this is not what all of you followed me for but deal with it
Ragequit head bonk
#my art#rainworld shipping#rw shipping#rw ragequit#nsh x fp#I know I write em as angry at each other in btts but in btts EVERYONE HAS ISSUES SO#let me vibe#rainworld#rain world#I have three moods which are#write funni fixit#what if everything went wrong in fixit au#and ragequit brainrot#every (Good and not weird) ragequit shipper is my friend now I don't make the rules#(it does not apply for people who are bad people or hc them WEIRDLY etc etc just don't be garbage is what am saying)#those two make me throw things their dynamic is the best to write no matter the au#whenever btts chapter is delayed am probably writing oneshots that will never see the light of day#I wonder if ppl will unfollow me after this smh they didn't come here for shipping content
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It wasn’t easy finding a quiet spot in Kamikou, especially during lunch period.
You didn’t expect your usual place in the garden to be occupied, but there were two upperclassmen (and what looked like… A robot?) already there by the time you arrived. You immediately turned around and left before they could see you, their loud voices echoing from behind as you went searching for another spot.
Eventually, you managed to find a little area behind one of the buildings to settle in. There weren't any chairs or tables, but you sat on the ground anyway and leaned against the wall. You took a deep breath and sighed. Finding this went on longer than you thought it would – there were only about 15 minutes left before the next class started.
‘Just enough time to figure out this chorus.’ You think, opening the notebook you carried to where you had slipped in a pencil as a page marker. Tapping the pencil on the paper, you hum a few simple melodies out loud, occasionally scribbling notes on the pages. With any luck, you can make something coherent enough for your friend to use in the next song.
You’re so focused with what you're doing that you didn’t notice the window above your head sliding open, a surprised sound leaving you as you suddenly heard someone call out.
“Excuse me, is someone there?” You turned and looked up to see another student glancing around before finally noticing you. His two-toned hair immediately caught your attention, one side much lighter than the other. He looked kind of familiar – someone from your year maybe?
You cleared your throat as he continued to stare at you expectantly. “Um, hi?” You began, not really knowing what to say in this situation. His face remained passively blank, a small tilt of his head to the side the only thing showing his confusion. Honestly, you felt just about the same the longer you two stared at each other in awkward silence.
Finally, he seemed to have something else to say. “Were you the one humming just now?”
You blinked. That… Wasn’t really what you were expecting him to mention first. Was your humming really that loud? You hesitated for a moment before deciding to answer honestly.
“Yeah, that was me.” It’s only when you glanced into the room behind him that you realized how he might have heard you. Right, you forgot that the library was in this building. “Sorry, I didn’t realize I was being too loud.”
“It’s alright, you weren’t.” He replied, his tone even and his expression unchanging. He paused for a few seconds before continuing, “I don’t usually see anyone hanging around back here.” You saw his eyes look around the area, empty aside from a few unkempt bushes and trees.
You shrugged, turning fully and adjusting your legs into a more comfortable sitting position. “I like how peaceful it is. It's difficult to find a nice, quiet place like this when everyone's out of class.” You’d argue that you did have another nice, quiet place in mind, but it wasn’t exactly peaceful there at the moment.
He nodded, seemingly understanding your point. “Well, if you need somewhere like that again, the library is usually quiet at this time.” He made a small gesture with his hand towards the room behind him. Your mouth quirks up in a half-smile. “Isn’t the library supposed to always be quiet anyways?” You can’t help but ask.
“Ah. You’re not wrong.” He seemed to realize, a slight furrow forming on his brow. “Thanks, I appreciate it.” You quickly added, smiling more genuinely to show your gratitude. He gave a small smile back.
Before either of you could say anything else, you heard the school bell ring in the distance. He looked in the direction of the sound as you stood up and dusted off your clothes, tucking your notebook under your arm.
“Looks like lunch is over. Well, I’m heading off.” He turned back towards you as you spoke, nodding. “Likewise. It was nice meeting you..?” He trailed off, and you realized that neither of you had introduced yourselves yet.
You gave him another amused half-smile and told him your name.
“Aoyagi Toya.” He replied. Toya raised his arm for a little wave as he began sliding the window shut. “Until next time.” He said before fully closing it, the small smile from earlier visible on his face even as he turned away.
You headed back as well. It’s not until halfway through class that you remembered you never did finish writing that chorus. ‘Whoops. Looks like the song will have to wait.’
You softly tapped your pen on the desk, lost in thought. It’s not often you get distracted enough to not finish a task like that. You try not to beat yourself up too hard over it though.
Besides, it’s not like you’ll make a habit of running into Toya like that again.
First full fic I've written in years, and it's another x reader--
Anyways, I hope you guys like this! I know it's a bit different from what I usually post, but I've been working on my writing a lot and I'm hoping to post more of it every now and then!
Don't worry though, more art (project sekai or otherwise) hopefully coming soon
#project sekai x reader#project sekai#aoyagi toya x reader#toya aoyagi x reader#aoyagi toya#toya aoyagi#pjsk x reader#pjsk#proseka x reader#x reader#reader insert#fic#fanfic#myart#myfic#if i had a coin for every time i posted an x reader oneshot to tumblr id have two coins#which isnt a lot but its weird that it happened twice#im so sorry this is so self indulgent but i gotta feed my hyperfixations somehow#also im still figuring out how to write toya so apologies if he seems ooc at any point!
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Oneshot-United States of Ameridad
Requested by an Anon, I deleted the ask by mistake. They wanted a oneshot that was like United States of Idiots but with America being a dad. I had so much fun writing this and I hope you enjoy it!
Also. 16,986 words
Alabama
I walked into the living room, looking for Palau, as I needed to speak with her about something. When I walked in I saw Alabama lying down on the floor.
"Al?" I questioned, wondering what he was doing. There was no response. I frowned, and crouched down to look at Alabama. I laughed as I realized he was asleep.
I began to move to pick Alabama up, careful not to wake him. I walked out of the room, heading for Alabama's bedroom.
I then heard Alabama groan, and he shifted in my arms. I pulled him a bit closer and paused, waiting for him to still again.
"You can sleep Al. Just go back to sleep. I have you." I whispered before pressing a kiss on his forehead. A small smile spread across his face, and Alabama stilled again.
"Mmm...okay Pa..." Alabama slurred out tiredly. I pressed another kiss to his forehead. Alabama gigged.
"Paaa...." He slurred out through his giggles.
"Yes Bama?" I asked, leaning down to kiss him again. Alabama tried to push my face away.
"You....you're so embarrassing." Alabama said, yawning. I began walking again, trying to suppress my own yawns that came from seeing Alabama's.
"No, I'm just full of so much love!" I said, going to press another kiss to his face, smiling widely.
"Paaa...." Alabama said again, his eyes slipping closed again. My smile widened. My children were so cute when they slept. I brushed some hair off of Alabama's forehead before opening the door to his room.
I walked over, and placed him on the bed, before pressing another kiss to his forehead. Alabama protested quietly, but was almost completely asleep again.
"Goodnight Bama." I said before leaving the room, hoping my son would sleep well.
Alaska
"Adax̂?" I heard Alaska say. I blinked sleepily, and looked up from my paperwork, and turned to face him. Alaska was standing in the doorway and shifting his feet nervously.
"Lasky? What's wrong?" I asked, pulling down my pen. Alaska muttered something under his breath, too quiet for me to hear.
"Sdax̂?" I asked, using the nickname Aleut has given me permission to use for him. Alaska flinched. So he had another nightmare about Russian Empire. I held out my arms, and Alaska slowly walked over, before hugging me.
I squeezed him tightly, and Alaska squeezed back.
"He would hate me." Alaska eventually said.
"He should. You are your own person. You aren't his servant or carbon copy or whatever he tried to make you. You are Alaska, your own person who is allowed to make his own decisions." I said, gently lifting up my son's face to look at me. Alaska nodded, but I could see in his eyes he didn't believe it, not completely at least.
Oh Alaska. My poor son. Russian Empire had sunk his claws deep into Alaska. Alaska was constantly haunted by him, but it was these nights where it was the worst.
"Do you want to lie down?" I asked. Alaska nodded quickly, before burying his face in my chest. I stood up and moved us to the bed. I sat Alaska on my lap, and began preening his wings to calm him.
"You always mess them up when you have nightmares." I pointed out once again, wondering if I would get an answer this time. Alaska remained silent, and I placed my chin on his shoulder, pausing the preening briefly.
"I love you, you know that?" I said. Alaska nodded, "Good. I'm very proud of you son. You are so strong."
Alaska began crying, and turned around to pull me into a hug again, one of his wings jammed between us.
"Qaĝaasakung!" (Thank you!) He cried in his mothers tongue. "Qaĝaasakung! Qaĝaasakung! Txin yaxtakuq."
"Txin yaxtakuq." (I love you.) I responded.
I will always love you Alaska.
Arizona
"Papí? Do you have any water?" Arizona asked as she walked over to me. Her face looked pale and she seemed shaky.
"I do, but Ari, are you alright? You don't look very good." I said, walking over and pulling my hand on her forehead.
"I'm fine." He said, but her voice sounded strained.
"Sunset you look like you are about to pass out." I said. She shook her head.
"I'm fine Papí." She said. I put my hand on her shoulder and guided her to a chair. Arizona practically collapsed into it.
"Xico! Can you get me some water?" I called over to the Land of Enchantment, who had just entered the room. She nodded and rushed off.
"Sunset. You don't look very good. Please tell me if you think you are going to pass out." I said, looking at her in concern. She sighed.
"The AC in my house broke...and so did the water. It...it got really hot. And..." Arizona's voice trailed off as her head dipped forwards. She was breathing heavily and she looked exhausted and sick.
"After Xico gets you that water, I'm going to take you to your room, okay?" I said. Arizona nodded.
"'Kay Papí." She said. I sat down next to her and let her lean on me, rubbing her back in an attempt to help her feel better.
"I love you Sunny. Tell me if you need anything to help you feel better." I said, pulling her into a side hug.
"Thank you for the offer, I love you too." She answered, leaning into the hug.
"I hope you feel better soon." I said. Arizona nodded.
"Me too. I hate being dehydrated. Makes me feel awful ."
Arkansas
"Hey Pa." I heard Arkansas say from behind me. I turned and smiled at him, although my face changed to one of concern as I saw that he was covering his ears.
"Arkie, are your ears okay?" I asked. Arkansas frowned, but slowly nodded. I let out a sigh of relief.
"That's good, but why are you hiding them?" I asked.
"Promise you won't get mad?" He asked quietly. I nodded. Arkansas slowly lowered his hands, revealing that he had diamond earrings in. He bit his lip and looked down.
"Arkie, you look great. When did you get them pierced?" I asked. He looked up, surprise on his face.
"You aren't mad?" He questioned.
"I did promise I wouldn't get mad." I pointed out. Arkansas looked away.
"Do you really like them though? I know earrings are supposed to be girls thing but-"
"Arkansas I had long hair, down to just past my shoulder for my entire life as a colony, and up until 1815. And did you know that dresses used to be what little boys wore back when I was a child? Things change. And things are changing now. You getting your ears pierced is different, but not bad." I said.
Arkansas turned back to face me, and nodded.
"Okay." He said, sounding like he wanted to cry, "Okay...thanks Dad. But...do you think the others will like it? What if they hate me now? What if-"
"What if they love it? Just like I do." I said, cutting into his sentence before he made himself more worried than he needed to be.
"But what about Bama or Tex or...or everyone else in my region? What if they hate me for it? What if they kick me out like they did with Delly?" Arkansas asked.
"I'll talk to them about it. Besides, you aren't the only southern states to pierce his ears recently." I asked. Arkansas looked surprised.
"Someone else did?"
"Florida."
"You know what that makes a lot of sense. Well, I guess Florida and I will be in this together. Thanks again Pa."
"No problem Diamond. And remember, anyone makes fun of you, let me know." Arkansas smiled.
"I will Dad."
California
I struggled to open the door to my bedroom, the papers in my hand making it difficult to grab the doorknob.
"Come on you damned thing." I muttered, regretting my choice to grab the papers from my office. Maybe I should have just left them there.
When I finally got the door open, I noticed someone on my bed. Dropping the papers off on my desk, I walked over to see who it was. It was California, who was curled up in my bed. They look half asleep, their eyes slowly slipping shut.
"Hello Cali." I said. She slowly lifted their head up and blinked.
"Oh. Hello Papa. I'm sleeping here, okay?" They asked. I nodded.
"You can sleep here." I answered, smiling. California gave a sleepy smile and returned her head to my bed, nuzzling into my pillow. I sat down next to them and began running my hand through their hair, pausing now and again to pet the fur on her ears.
California moved her head from my pillow, and began nuzzling my hand, eyes still closed. I smiled and moved myself so I was in a good position to be their pillow.
"Sleep well Cali." I said.
"Sleep with me." California muttered tiredly, cracking open one of her eyes.
"Maybe in a little bit." I said. They pouted, looking adorable as they did so. My resolve crumbled. "Fine. I'll sleep."
California's face brightened and she closed her eyes. I repeated her example, unsure of whether or not I would actually be able to fall asleep.
But I was willing to try. For them.
Colorado
"Your land is beautiful." I commented as I looked out over the mountains and galleries that made up Colorado.
"Thanks Dad." Colorado said from his seat on the rock, as he opened a bag of trail mix.
"Wait, you have food? Share!" I said, walking over with plans of taking every single M&M.
"You're just going to steal all of the M&M's. Like you always do. Bring your own food when we go on a hike!" Colorado insisted, holding the bag close to his chest. I gasped and put my hand over my heart, and Colorado groaned, knowing I was about to be overly dramatic.
"Fine. Just leave your poor father to starve. I see how it is. Kids these days. Ungrateful little shits." I said, walking to Colorado and pushing his hat over his eyes. Colorado groaned, pushing his hat back up.
"Dad, why are you like this?" He said. I grinned, sitting down next to him.
"You were the one to invite me on the hike, you should have expected this." I said. Colorado sighed.
"You can have the M&M's if you shut up." He said, holding out the bag towards me.
"Yay!" I said, snatching the bag out of his hand and rummaging through it looking for the M&M's.
"Sugar thief." Colorado muttered.
"And proud of it!"
Connecticut
"Nutmeg?" I asked as we sat in the car.
"Yeah?" My son responded.
"What the hell is wrong with your traffic. It's been an hour and we've moved, like, two inches." I said. Connecticut laughed.
"That's just how it is here. Blame New York." He said. I groaned, leaning my head back against the seat.
"When you offered to drive me from Boston to the UN headquarters, I was like, 'sure, sounds fine, I've been meaning to spend more time with you' because I was under the impression we'd get there before it started." I said.
"Well now you have plenty of time to spend with me. Just ditch me and go to New York four minutes before your meeting starts, you'll be fine. Until then, we can bond by sitting in traffic together." Connecticut said. I laughed.
"Sure, why not?" I said. Connecticut smiled.
"That's the spirit!"
"I am never driving from Boston to New York through your roads again though." I added on quickly. Connecticut cackled at that.
"Fair enough old man. Fair enough." He said smiling. I rolled my eyes. Connecticut loved to call me old man, despite his age. Then again most of the states did, including Virginia.
The car fell into a comfortable silence, as we managed to move forwards another two inches.
"So Dad, while we're chatting, when are you going to therapy?" Connecticut asked, breaking the silence.
"Goodbye Nutmeg. We can talk later." I said, quickly bringing myself back to my house as Connecticut cackled so I could send myself to New York City for the meeting.
I loved my son, but like hell was I going to talk about getting therapy.
Delaware
Delaware's screams broke through the quiet of the night. Upon hearing them, I rushed off to his room, wanting to wake him up from the nightmare. When I entered his room, it was clear he had been thrashing around, his horns tangled up in his sheet.
I quickly rushed over and began running my hand through his hair, muttering reassuring words to him. Slowly he stilled and calm, before his eyes opened. Upon seeing me, he looked away.
"Sorry for wak-"
"You have nothing to be sorry for. You didn't wake me." I said, cutting him off before he started down a rant of apologies he didn't need to give.
"...okay." Delaware muttered after a moment.
"Do you want me to untangle your horns, and then come and sleep in my room?" I asked. Delaware bit his lip.
"I can do my horns...but I would like to...to sleep...in your room." Delaware slowly said. I nodded, and watched as he was able to unwrap the sheets from his horns. He then stood up, and walked to be next to me, grabbing my hand as he did so.
"Do you want a hug?" I asked. Delaware nodded, and proceeded to nearly knock me over with the force of his hug. I felt tears begin to leak through my shirt, but I ignored that.
Delaware deserved a chance to cry.
Delaware then pulled away, and smiled shakily.
"Thank...thank you....Da." I paused as he called me the name he hasn't called me since the occupation.
"You're welcome Little Diamond." I said, smiling widely.
Florida
"Papí?" Florida asked me as he sat in my lap.
"Yes, Florida?" I asked the newest state.
"Why don't you think I'm insane?" Florida asked. I paused my braiding of his hair and looked at him in confusion.
"Why would I think you are insane?" I asked, confused at what prompted that question.
"Padre, Nueva España, he always said that I was insane and needed to be locked up because of it. And you don't say that and it's confusing." Florida said. I stared at him in shock.
How could a father say that about his son? Especially one like Florida. He was a sweet boy, very caring, and very eager to get along with others.
"Papí?" Florida asked, probably waiting for a response. I opened my mouth and he flinched.
"Hey hey kid, it's alright. I'm not going to hurt you." I said, and Florida looked away, "Florida I love you. What New Spain did was wrong. He shouldn't have said those things. You are not insane. You are just a kid."
Florida's shoulder began to shake, and he looked as if he was trying to hold back tears. I pulled him into a hug, slowly, so he could move away if he wanted too. He leaned into it, as silent tears rolled down his face.
"Te amo Papí." He eventually said through the tears.
"Te amo Florida."
Georgia
"Thank you for helping me with this." Georgia said as we picked the peaches that grew from the four trees that were around her house.
"No problem. I got promised free fruit, so you know I'm in." I said jokingly. Georgia rolled her eyes and threw a rotten peach at me.
"Stop being down for things because you get food. Help your children for the joy of helping them!" She lectured jokingly. I rolled my eyes and smiled fondly, looking for a rotten peach of my own to throw at her.
Once I found a suitable one, I grabbed it and quickly threw it at her head. Georgia stumbled as the head hit her head and turned to face me, small bits of peach caught in her hair. I tried to keep from laughing, but I couldn't hold back the giggles and I just began laughing my head off.
"Real mature Dad." Georgia said, as I began laughing so hard my knees were growing weak.
My laughter was cut off as I was hit in the chest by a peach. I looked up at Georgia, and saw her smirking.
"You wanted a food fight Dad."
"You threw the first peach!" I argued back. Georgia rolled her eyes.
"Technicalities." She said before throwing another peach at me. I yelped and dodged, and began searching for my own peaches to throw back at her.
It's been a while since I was a part of food fight.
DC
"Hey Dee." I said, walking over to stand next to my daughter. She was holding papers clenched in her fists, and was crying.
"Thank you." She said, bringing the papers to her chest, "Thank you so much."
"It was a long time coming. Your people deserved to vote. I'm glad we got it to pass." I said, DC pulled me into a hug.
"I'm glad my people finally have this right. I'm glad I finally have it." She said. I smiled, and returned the hug.
"I'm glad you have it too. The other states are probably glad as well. Maybe. Someone will probably act mad just because they can." I said. DC laughed.
"Don't worry Dad. I can handle that. After all, I have had to deal with Congress for a very long time. And they are much worse." DC said.
"And you are amazing for doing that. Seriously Dee, I don't know what I'd do without you." I said, pulling away.
"Never sleep for one." DC said. I rolled my eyes.
"You don't sleep either."
"Bad habit I picked up from you." DC responded. I smiled again and put my arm over her shoulder, squeezing her gently.
"Love you Dee."
"I love you too Dad."
Idaho
"FUCK!" I yelled as I lost control of my skis and fell into the snow. I laid there, thoroughly embarrassed as I heard someone slide to a halt next to me.
"That was quite a fall, Dad." I heard Idaho say. I groaned and pulled myself out of the snow. Realizing that one of my skis was no longer on my foot, I looked around for it, and saw it sitting in the snow a few feet away.
"I realized. My head hurts now from smacking it on the snow." I said. Idaho winced.
"Ouch. Want to get a doctor to look at it." She asked.
"Nah. I've gotten enough concussions to know this isn't one." I answered. Idaho shrugged.
"Fair enough Pops." She said, "Though you said you could ski though."
"I can Ida. I just had one fall. Bad luck, that's all it is." I answered.
"Sure Dad. I'll believe that so your precious ego can be saved." Idaho said, probably smiling underneath her ski mask.
"I can ski!" I insisted as Idaho began skiing backwards down the hill.
"Sure you can." She answered as she grew further away.
"Ida I can ski!" I said, before pulling my ski back on.
"Then come and catch me Pops!" Idaho yelled before turning around.
"Fine I will, you little shit!" I yelled back at her, before skiing down the hill to her.
Illinois
"Hello Noi!" I said as my son walked through my front door, having been away from home for the past five days.
"Dad! You're awake!" Noi said, his voice sounding off, a bit strained. He had a jacket in his hand that he was holding to his side.
"Of course I'm awake Noi. It might be three am but that doesn't mean I'm going to be asleep." I said.
"Of course it doesn't." Illinois muttered, looking stressed. His eyes were darting back and forth, and he looked very nervous.
"Noi? Are you okay?" I asked. Illinois nodded, but his nervousness just seemed to increase. His hand pressed down harder on the jacket, and then he flinched. I saw him look away.
"Noi. Can you put the jacket down?" I asked, knowing that something was wrong. He had to be hiding an injury or something else under the jacket. Illinois flinched, and tears appeared in his eyes.
"Please don't ask questions. Please Dad." He said, his voice sounding desperate and scared. I was very concerned now, but I agreed. He seemed more distressed by the idea of my asking questions then he was about me finding out about what he was hiding under his jacket. Was it something else he had stolen because of his kleptomania? He knew I wouldn't get upset over that, it's not his fault at all.
Illinois dropped the jacket, revealing a bleeding wound in his side.
"My god Noi!" I said, rushing over and examining the wound. It was steadily weeping blood, and I guided Noi to a chair, which he sat on quickly. He closed his eyes, and sighed.
"We need to get you to a hospital." I said. His eyes shot open and showed terror.
"Please! Don't!" He said. I gave him a concerned look.
"Noi, I can't not take you to a hospital." I said.
"Please. Please treat it here." Illinois begged, his eyes showing desperation as well as terror. I wanted to get him to a hospital so badly...but that idea terrifies him.
"Fine, I'll treat it here." I said, wondering why he didn't want to go to a hospital, aside from medical bills that is. Illinois' body seemed to go limp with relief.
"Thank you Dad." He said. I sighed, still wishing I could take him to a hospital.
That was a bad injury.
What the hell happened to him?
Indiana
"Indy I still have no idea what the hell you are talking about." I said. Indiana pushed herself out from underneath the car and gave me an odd look.
"Pops, you are over four hundred years old. You saw the car be invented. How the hell do you not know how to fix them?" She asked. I blushed, embarrassed.
"I do...kinda...but how am I supposed to fix whatever the hell Florida did to it?" I said, crossing my arms and trying to hide my embarrassment.
"He just filled the engine and exhaust pipe with silly string."
"Yeah I don't know what that'll do to a car!"
"Don't worry, it's fine." Indiana said. I sighed in relief. That was good news.
"Thanks, Indy. I'm so happy I have a car genius in the family." I said. Indiana laughed.
"Is that the only reason you like me?"
"You did make an adorable child. I remember all the times you would go outside and eat grass a-" I was cut off by Indiana trying to push me out of her garage, embarrassed by the story I loved to tell.
"Alright Pops. Good to see you but I have to get back to fixing up some cars that I'm being paid to look at." Indiana said, shooting me a small glare. I laughed.
"I pay you in fatherly love."
"I am going to kick your ass."
Iowa
"Papa! Papa! Look!" Iowa said, rushing over to me, followed by New York and Pennsylvania, both smiling wildly. Iowa flapped her still small wings, and slowly began to rise a few inches off the ground. I clapped my hands together.
"Amazing Iowa! Look at you! I'm so proud." Iowa smiled widely, showing off her missing front tooth, before laughing.
"Imma proper bird now! Like Yorkie!" She said. New York smiled, watching Iowa with fondness in his eyes.
"Yes you are Iowa!" I said, laughing too. Iowa flew up a little bit higher, until she was at the same height as my arms.
"Hold me Papa." She requested. I reached out and grabbed her, and Iowa stopped flying, her body becoming heavier in my arms. I pulled her closer to my chest, and Iowa hugged me.
"Imma be the best bird kid Papa." She whispered in my ear, "But don't tell Penny or Yorkie that."
I looked over her head to see the two states giggling quietly, meaning they had probably heard her.
"Yes you will be. And don't worry, I won't say anything." I said. Iowa nodded.
"Good. Good Papa." She said before yawning.
"Does the best bird kid need her rest?" I asked. Iowa shushed me.
"Quiet Papa. They could hear you." She said. I smiled, and lowered my voice to a whisper.
"I'm sorry. Does the best bird kid need her sleep?" I asked. Iowa nodded, resting her head on my shoulder.
"Can you be my bed Papa? You are comfy." She asked. I smiled widely, loving whenever my kids wanted to sleep on me.
"Of course I can be your bed Iowa."
"Thank you Papa. I love you."
"I love you too, best bird kid." I said, running my hand through Iowa's hair as she slipped off to sleep.
Kansas
"Thank you for helping me Dad." Kansas said as I helped her dig a hole for her sunflower seeds.
"No problem Sunflower." I said. She smiled brightly, the same way she always did when I called her that.
"Dad, I do have one question." Kansas asked.
"What is it?" I asked, as I pushed the dirt into the hole I had just placed some seeds in,
"Why are you digging the holes with your hands? What's wrong with a shovel?"
"Your father is old, that's what's wrong with a shovel." I answered. Kansas snorted.
"My old man prefers digging with his bare hands like a weirdo."
"No, Missouri and California dig holes with their bear hands. I dig holes with my people hands." I said, trying to hold back laughter.
"Oh my god." Kansas said, groaning slightly. I began laughing at that comment. "That was such a bad joke Dad."
"I think the joke was bear-y excellent." I said, before returning to my cackling. Kansas groaned again.
"Stop making bear puns please."
"Why? Are they un-bear-able?" I asked, smiling. Kansas looked like she wanted to kill me.
"I'm getting Nebraska to help me. I can't deal with this." Kansas said, rubbing her forehead.
"Deal with what? I'm just making some jokes." I said. Kansas glared at me.
"Those puns are awful and you know it. And don't you dare make another one!" Kansas said, holding up a shovel. I nodded.
"Sure thing Kan! Have fun with your flowers!"
Kentucky
"Dada! Uppy!" Kentucky babbled, reaching out for me. I picked up the small three year old and held him close to me.
"Hello little one." I said, lightly tapping his nose. Kentucky went cross eyed briefly, trying to look at his nose, before laughing.
"Dada! 'Gin!" He called out, saying what seemed to be his two favorite words. My name, and Virginia's.
"Do you want to see Ginny?" I asked him, as I walked towards the room Virginia shared with Maryland.
"'Gin! 'Gin! Wanna see!" Kentucky cried, clapping his hands together. I smiled. This kid was adorable. I loved him so much. I would kill for him. He was so cute and tiny and precious and I couldn't believe he was my kid.
We walked into Virgina's room, only to see her sneaking out of the window in men's clothes.
"Kenny you little snitch." She muttered.
"'Gin! Ginny! Virginny!" Kentucky said.
"Hello Virginia." I said, smiling, amused at what I was seeing.
"Bye Father!" She said before jumping out the window. I turned to look at Kentucky, who was smiling widely.
"Well Kenny looks like your big sister has plans." I said to him. Kentucky pouted, making my heart melt and making me feel sad and guilty. Who gave this kid the right to be this cute?
"Dada. I wanna be with Gin!" He said, looking up at me with his big brown, sad eyes. He looked like he was about to start crying. I needed to do something before he started crying otherwise I would start crying.
"Why don't we see the horses?" I said, knowing Kentucky always loved them. Kentucky perked up.
"Horsey? Horsey ride?" He asked. I smiled.
"Yes, we can ride the horses." I said. Kentucky clapped his hands together and smiled widely.
"Yay! Horsey ride!"
Louisiana
"Hey Dad. Can I...can I...talk to you?" Louisiana said hesitantly, walking into my room. I turned to face my daughter, and nodded.
"What's up?" She looked nervous, and on the verge of tears. My concern grew, "Ana? You alright?"
"I...I have something important to tell you." She said, and then opened her mouth, like she was going to continue, but nothing came out.
"Do you want a hug?" I asked. Louisiana nodded, and I pulled her into a hug, rubbing small circles into her back.
"You know how South Carolina told you in the 1980s that she was a girl, and that she wasn't a boy?" Louisiana eventually said, pulling away.
"Yeah? Do you feel the same way?" I asked. Louisiana shook her head, then paused.
"Kinda? I...sometimes I feel like a girl. But also, sometimes I feel like a boy. And sometimes I feel like neither. It's called being genderfluid. I know that that is we-"
"What do you feel like now?" I asked gently. Louisiana looked up at me.
"W-what?"
"What gender do you feel like now?" I asked.
"A-a boy." He said. I nodded.
"Alright then son. Do you need anything that will help you feel more like a boy? Like more pants or things like that? We can go out and buy some if you want." I said. Tears welled up in Louisiana's eyes, and he pulled me into a hug.
"Thank you Popá." He said, his arms gripping me tightly. I hugged him back, kissing him on the cheek.
"You're welcome fils."
Maine
"Papa? Can you tell me a story about Massy when he was little. He keeps calling me cute and I want to prove to him that he used to be cute." Maine said, walking up to me in all his six year old glory.
"You don't think Massy is cute?" I asked, amused. Maine shook his head.
"Massy is ugly. Like the demon things he talks about. Papa, is Massy a demon?" Maine asked. I laughed, imagining Massachusetts' reaction to that comment.
"No, your big brother isn't a demon. He's just another state, like you." I said. Maine crossed his arms.
"I think he would be a good demon. He's scary and loud." Maine said.
"Don't call him a demon because he's loud, that's mean. And what do you mean, 'he's scary'?" I asked, wondering if something had happened between Massachusetts and Maine.
"Because he yells at York and everyone else and he says he will hit them and so he's scary like a demon." Maine said. I sighed. Seems like I'll have to talk to Massachusetts about screaming at his siblings when Maine is around.
"Don't worry Maine. Massy just likes yelling, the same way Dee likes helping others. He won't actually do it, it's a joke, and if he doesn't, you tell me and I'll get that boy in big trouble." I said. Maine nodded.
"I will be the best at this job. I'll protect my big brothers and big sisters from him!" Maine said. I nodded.
"I'm sure they will appreciate it." Maine smiled and nodded.
I would have to ask the rest of New England to play along with this. Not that any of them would dislike a chance to call Massachusetts a demon.
Maryland
"Alright Dad! Pull up the crab trap now!" Maryland called to me. I nodded and pulled it up, revealing two crabs inside.
"Nice! Maybe we can eat some if any of my other traps have more." Maryland commented as she looked over the trap, "Thanks for agreeing to do this with me Dad."
"No problem Mary." I said, smiling.
"Wish Delly could have come though. Would have more fun." Maryland said.
"Are you saying I'm not fun?" I asked jokingly, putting a hand over my heart.
"Well Delly is certainly more fun than you." Maryland said.
"Careful now Mary, wouldn't want you to end up in the Chesapeake." I said.
"Threatening to push me into the bay? What a father you are." Maryland said, shaking her head.
"Can't tell if that's a compliment or an insult."
"Take it as you will."
"Ah, got it. It's an insult."
"Yep! Love you Dad." Maryland chirped cheerily. I smiled slightly and rolled my eyes.
"Love you too you little gremlin."
Massachusetts
"So, how old are you?" I asked Massachusetts after the very emotional conversation that had just occurred in the room.
"358." He said after a small pause, "I was really born on November 11 1620."
358. That was 158 years older than I thought he was.
"You are so much older than I thought." I said. Massachusetts nodded.
"Most of us are. You'll probably have to talk to the others. Only the adopted ones, Ken, the Dakotas, Maine and West are as old as you think they are." Massachusetts said.
"This is all so weird. It's just...I'm sorry Massy." I said. Massachusetts gave me a confused look.
"Why? We are the ones that lied."
'He has a point, Dad. Although I know why you are apologizing.' Unorganized Territory said. I flinched, not used to the voice. Massachusetts looked more confused now.
"Father?"
"Sorry. Unorganized Territory said something. It surprised me. But I'm sorry because I never...I just...I didn't know and I'm sorry that I couldn't help you or care for you more, care for you better." I said. Massachusetts laughed, and shook her head.
"Father, you have a habit of blaming yourself for things that are outside of your control." Massachusetts said, before hugging me.
"We still love you Father. Okay?" Massachusetts said. I hugged him back.
"I know that Massy. It's just...you are 158 years older than I thought you were. I wish I could have gotten the chance to spend that time with you. And got to know little baby you." I said. Massachusetts blushed a deep red.
"Uh...trust me Father, it was probably for the best that you didn't..." He said, before laughing nervously.
"Well now I'm definitely going to find out that information, sorry Massy." I said. Massachusetts groaned.
"I'm going to kill Virginia."
Michigan
You'd think after the whole mess with Toledo was over, things would calm down. Michigan would be born, and everything would just calm down between him and Ohio.
Yeah that was completely wrong.
"YOU ARE THE SCUM OF THE EARTH!" Michigan yelled two hours into his tirade, stomping his foot once again. We had tried to stop him, but after an hour we realized it was hopeless and we just waited for him to wear himself out.
"You've said that already." Ohio answered calmly, trying to pry Michigan's small hands off of their death grip on his arm.
"AND I'LL SAY IT AGAIN!" Michigan yelled. Ohio sighed and turned to Pennsylvania.
"Penny please help me." Ohio asked. Pennsylvania laughed.
"No can do little brother. This is adorable."
"I'm not adorable!" Michigan insisted, pouting in an adorable way. He also looked like he was having trouble keeping his eyes open. I sighed in relief. That meant he was finally getting worn out, and we finally would have peace.
"Yes you are." Pennsylvania said.
"Demons aren't adorable." Ohio said causing Michigan to resume his screaming.
"Alright kid." I said, picking up Michigan and helping Ohio pry Michigan's hand off of him, "Stop screaming at your brother now. You need a nap."
"No I don't! I'm not tired!" Michigan said, hitting my chest with his little fists. That was adorable, although I could tell Michigan was going to be a handful, at least for now.
"Yes you are Mitten." I said rocking him gently, hoping it would help lull him to sleep. Michigan yawned, and then frowned, seemingly mad at himself.
'He's adorable when he's not screaming.'
I began brushing back Michigan's hair, and his eyes began to droop even more. I pressed a kiss to his forehead, before pulling back and smiling.
"This is adorable." Ohio said, I turned to see he had his own fond smile on his face.
"This is disgusting. Affection is gross." Pennsylvania said, as her favorite hobby seemed to be trying to ruin nice moments, also smiling widely. I rolled my eyes at their comments, before walking to the couch to place Michigan on it.
"Penn, you slept in my bed until you were 17." I responded.
"Okay and? I love you Daed." She responded. I laughed, leaning down to put Michigan, who was almost asleep, on the couch.
"Why not just bring him up to his room?" Ohio asked after I placed Michigan down.
"I was going to have him share with Arkie, but now that we know he's a screamer with a vengeance streak, I want to make sure Arkie is okay with it first." I answered.
"Yeah...that's probably smart." Pennsylvania said.
"Hopefully he calms down as he matures." I said, brushing my hand through Michigan's hair, my smile remaining. I loved this new child, despite all of the screaming.
Minnesota
I walked into the kitchen and saw Minnesota sitting at the table, her head in her arms.
"Hey Minnie. You okay?" I asked. Minnesota lifted her head up, revealing her eyebags and an exhausted expression.
"I'm fine. Just waiting for my food to heat up." She said, gesturing to the microwave before yawning. Biting back my own yawn, I noticed that the microwave was not on.
"Minnie, you forgot to turn it on." I said with a little laugh, before turning to Minnesota, seeing her head being held up by her hand, and her eyes were closed. "Minnie?"
Minnesota's head jerked up, "I'm awake."
"Only partially. You need some sleep Minnie."
"Like you're one to talk." She said, yawing again.
"Actually I slept four hours last night so I think I can tell you to sleep." I said, before walking over to her, putting my hand on her shoulder.
"I'm not that tired." Minnesota said.
"Minnesota you are literally falling asleep right now." I said, as Minnesota jerked her head back up again.
"No I'm not!" I sat down next to her and gave her a small side hug, allowing her to rest her head on my chest.
"Try and sleep a little." I said. Minnesota groaned and flipped me off, but I could see her eyes closing as she fought to stay awake. I kissed the top of her head and smiled, "Sweet dreams Sota."
Mississippi
"Do you like it Papa?" Mississippi asked, as she walked into my office. I looked up and saw that Mississippi's flag had changed, from the interim flag that she had been using ever since her old flag was disused.
"It's beautiful. And you have a magnolia on it. Now I have even more of a reason to call you Magnolia, Maggy." I said. Mississippi smiled widely.
"I like it a lot too. It...it feels therapeutic. Healing, you know. Finally removing the mark of that war from my flag, even if I can't remove it fully from my state." Mississippi said.
"I'm glad you feel like you are healing from it Magnolia." Mississippi smiled.
"I'm glad I am too. After all, as we states heal from it, maybe you can too." Mississippi said, before walking up to me, pulling me into a hug.
"I love you Pa. Thank you for supporting me. And not thinking I'm bad like everyone thinks." I returned the hug.
"People talk a lot of shit about you because of your flag. Maybe with this new one, more of my people can see the Maggy I do. You've made mistakes, but who hasn't? The important thing is that you want to change. That's what matters. Not your past mistakes. You want to fix them. And that says more about you than your mistakes ever will." I said. Mississippi squeezed me tighter.
"Thank you Papa." She said, before pulling away.
"You're welcome Maggy. Now go out there and show off that lovely new flag of yours. I'm sure all of your siblings will love it."
"Oh I know they will."
Missouri
"Souri? How are you feeling?" I said as I walked into my sick son's room holding some chicken noodle soup to give to him.
"I think something is trying to claw its way out of my throat." Missouri rasped out, his eyes cracking open. I frowned, placing the soup down on a table, and feeling his forehead. It was burning hot.
"You don't feel or sound well either. You think you can eat some soup?" I asked. Missouri shook his head.
"No. Too much hurt." He said, closing his eyes. I walked over and sat down next to him on the bed, not liking the sound of his wheezy breaths. Missouri suddenly began coughing, loud, grating coughs that made it sound like he was coughing up a lung.
"Try and sleep then. Maybe you'll feel better when you wake up." I suggested, Missouri groaned.
"I've tried. It doesn't work." He rasped. I frowned, and pulled my son into a hug.
"Do you think you'll sleep better now?" I asked. Missouri put his head on my chest and nodded, "Good. I'll stay here as long as you need me too."
"Can you sing that lullaby? The one you sang when I was younger?" Missouri asked. I nodded and began singing quietly to Missouri.
I really hoped he would get better soon.
Montana
"I'm so glad you haven't forgotten how to do this." Montana commented. I laughed.
"Tana, horses were the only means of land travel I had for most of my life. Why would I forget?" I asked.
"Because your memory is failing." Montana answered, straight faced.
"What? No it isn't! My memory is fine!"
"Exactly what someone losing their memory would say." She stated.
"Tana! I'm not losing my memory!"
"Sure you aren't." She said with a grin as she sped up.
"You are one little shit." I said, moving to get next to her.
"But you still love me."
"Yeah I know I do. Doesn't stop you from being mean." I said. Montana laughed.
"I'm not mean, I'm honest." She said. I rolled my eyes.
"I should not have agreed to this."
"And deny your beautiful daughter a chance to spend time with her father? For shame Dad, for shame." She said, putting a hand dramatically to her forehead.
"Yeah I'm going to leave now."
"Wait Dad don't I was joking your memory is great!"
Nebraska
"Hey Dad, where's the extra tissues?" Nebraska asked, walking up to me holding an empty box of tissues, sniffling slightly.
"American Samoa took them to use for his birthday gift for Hawaii. What is it, do you need more?" I asked. Nebraska nodded.
"I think I got a head cold. I have a super runny nose and I feel like someone is repeatedly slamming a hammer into my skull." Nebraska said.
"Yikes. I'll buy you some more, and tell everyone to keep quiet, if you want to rest in your room." I said. Nebraska sniffed, and nodded, walking over to me.
"Thanks Dad." He said, pulling me into a hug.
"You're welcome. Want me to leave now?" I asked. Nebraska shook his head.
"Can you please carry me back to my room? I want to rest a bit." He said.
"Sure I can." I said, scooping my son up into my arms. Nebraska put his head on my shoulder and smiled.
"Thank you Dad. You're the best."
"No problem Brasky. I love you, and I hope you feel well soon."
"Me too. This headache is very annoying." Nebraska closed his eyes as he did that.
"I know how that feels. Every UN meeting I've ever been to I've walked out with a headache."
"That sucks. I bet mine is worse though." Nebraska commented. I laughed.
"Maybe it is."
Nevada
"I love hiking in your land, Vada. It's so beautiful." I said with a small smile.
"If only more people would see that. I hate that all everyone sees is Vegas. There's way more to be than gambling." Nevada grumbled.
"Well I see more to you then Vegas. I see your beautiful mountains, your amazing personality, your pretty horse ears that make you look like someone from Equestria Girls, and your five arrest warrants. The FBI still won't get rid of them." I said. Nevada groaned.
"Why did Nia have to show you that movie? Why did she have to tell everyone about it? I haven't had a moment of peace since. Seriously. There are people on twitter who have asked me if that movie was real and if I knew Twilight Sparkle! It's awful!" Nevada complained. I laughed.
"Have people really asked you that?"
"Yes! I hate it!"
"Vada, my boy, that sounds awful." I said, trying to hold back laughter. Nevada smacked the back of my leg with his tail.
"Shut up Dad, you ass." He said. I smiled.
"Sorry Vada, but you have to admit, it's pretty funny." I said.
"I guess it is, but that doesn't stop it from being annoying." He said. I smiled and put my arm around his shoulders.
"Don't worry Vada, I'll never ask if you are from the same universe as Twilight Sparkle."
"Dad. Please. Please shut up."
New Hampshire
"How are you so good at this, Dad?" New Hampshire asked as I climbed up the mountain.
"California loves climbing in Yosemite, and drags me along a lot. And no offense Hamp, but she has way harder mountains in terms of climbing than you." I answered.
"That's fair. Still, I didn't expect you to be beating me." She responded.
"I'm not beating you if it's not a race." I said, pausing. I heard New Hampshire groan and I laughed.
"That is such a dad thing to say." She groaned, "And now I want to make this a race."
"Well I have a head start so I think that's unfair." I said.
"Are you doubting my ability to kick your ass?" New Hampshire said, coming up next to me, "Also you no longer have a head start. Let's race."
I laughed, "Alright, alright. We'll race. What does the winner get?"
"Bragging rights." New Hampshire said before she started up the mountain again.
"Oh come on Hamp, really? That's totally cheating." I said, as I started to move up it.
"Sounds like you are just a sore loser Dad."
New Jersey
I was walking down the hall when I heard the sound of choked sobs coming from New Jersey's room. Worried, I opened the door to his room to check on him. New Jersey was curled up on the bed in the fetal position, and he quickly pulled himself up when he heard the door open.
He turned around, tears staining his face. When he saw me, his eyes widened and he began trying to wipe away the tears.
"Dad!" He exclaimed, hopping out of his bed.
"Are you okay?" I asked, approaching him. New Jersey nodded.
"Of course I'm fine! I'm New Jersey!" He said. I crossed my arms, "I'm telling the truth Dad!"
"You were crying." I stated.
"No I wasn't! I'm New Jersey! I don't-can't cry! I don't show those emotions, I don't have them!" He said. I felt awful that he thought that way. A part of it was probably my fault, I should have helped New Jersey sooner, stopped the jokes and taunting sooner.
But I didn't.
I walked over to New Jersey and pulled him into a hug.
"It's okay to cry NJ. You have more emotions than anger. No matter what your siblings say." I said. New Jersey gripped me right and his sobbing resumed, though much quieter and slower.
That was okay. I would help him heal, help him understand his emotions better as time went on.
He deserved to be able to express himself fully.
New Mexico
"I'm glad you decided to come with me." New Mexico said. I smiled.
"So am I. It's nice to get away. Especially with my government seemingly trying to kill me with work. I hate being the world power." I said. New Mexico laughed.
"Really? I haven't heard that before." She said. I rolled my eyes.
"I don't complain about it that much." I insisted.
"Yes you do."
"This is slander on my amazing reputation." I said jokingly.
"You have a good reputation?" New Mexico said with a cheeky grin. I flipped her off, and she laughed.
"I'm sure some people think of me in a positive light. Like you." I said.
"If I say yes will you buy me ice cream?" She asked. I laughed.
"You and your siblings are all little shits."
"We got it from you." New Mexico answered.
"What? No you didn't." I said, confused. New Mexico rolled her eyes.
"One day you'll take a good long look at your life and realize that I have a point."
"And that day will never come."
New York
"I haven't slept in twenty hours." New York said, sitting down on the couch and resting his head on my chest.
"I've been up for two days. Are you trying to sleep on me?" I asked. New York nodded.
"We can both sleep together. I'll be good for us." He said.
"I have work I need to do, Yorkie." I said, moving his head off of me, resting it on the couch. I stood up, swaying as I nearly blacked out, before regaining my balance and started walking towards my room.
I then felt something grab my leg, and I looked down to see New York sitting behind me, clinging to my leg.
"No Pap. You are sleeping with me please. I want you to." He said.
"Yorkie I-"
"No! No excuses. Sleeping time is now." He said, standing up slightly and trying to drag me to the couch, although he was unsuccessful. I sighed, knowing that New York wasn't planning on releasing himself anytime soon.
Maybe I'll just wait for him to fall asleep.
I walked back to the couch, and New York crawled into my lap, his head resting just over my heart.
"I love you Dad." He said. I ran my hand through his hair, and closed my eyes.
I'll open then in a few minutes.
North Carolina
"Planes! I love them! Which is why I want you to learn how to fly one!" North Carolina said, his face alight with excitement. I laughed nervously.
"Do I have to? This doesn't exactly look safe." I said. North Carolina laughed.
"Come on Dad! This is the future of transportation! Knowing how to use it will be important."
"But will it really? They can't exactly hold lots of people." I pointed out, trying to come up with another reason other than my fear for why I shouldn't do this.
"Not yet! Come on Dad, you know how progress is, being as old as you are!" North Carolina insisted.
"Okay first, did you really need to call me old? Second, you have a point, and I don't like that." I said.
"Oh my goodness are you scared?" North Carolina asked.
"No!" I insisted, crossing my arms.
"You totally are! I didn't expect this from you Dad!" He said, laughing again.
"Shut up. Please. I just don't feel like crashing to the ground." I said.
"Don't worry Dad, I'm a professional. I'll make sure we don't crash!" He said.
"I still don't want to."
"Too and you don't have a choice. Get into the plane Pa!" I sighed, and walked over to the plane, knowing I wouldn't be able to get out of this one.
North Dakota
"God kill me now!" North Dakota moaned as he flopped dramatically on the couch.
"What's up with you?" I asked, amused at his antics.
"I feel nauseous and it's awful, so I want God to strike me down." He said.
"Do you want any medicine for it, or do you just want to lay here with a trash can?" I asked, as North Dakota grabbed a pillow to bury his face in.
"Both would be nice." He said. I nodded, and walked up to grab the items. When I got back, I noticed that North Dakota looked much, much paler. I quickly gave him the trash can, and threw up in it, tears streaking down his face as he did so. I gently rubbed his back as he puked.
After a few more seconds he placed the trash can back down, and leaned against me.
"I don't think I can swallow the medicine without puking it back up." He muttered. I nodded and continued rubbing his back.
"That's alright Northie. You just rest, and take it when you're ready. I'll stay with you until you do." I said.
"Thanks Dad. That...that's nice of you." He said, closing his eyes.
"I'm your father. It's always my job to be nice to you when you need help."
Ohio
"Papa." Ohio said, walking over and clinging to my leg. Ohio was my youngest and newest son, and I had quickly learned that he loved to hug people and cling to them.
"Hello Ohio." I said, leaning down to pat the physically four year old child on the head. He smiled widely, and squeezed my leg tighter.
"I love you Papa." He said. I smiled.
"I love you too. Would you like me to pick you up?" I asked. Ohio nodded eagerly, and I picked him up off the ground, cradling him close to my chest. Ohio lifted up his hand and put it to my face.
"Does Penny hate me?" He asked. I shook my head.
"She loves you, she just has to do other things, so she can't always be around you." I said. Ohio pouted.
"But I wanna give Penny hugs and I want her to hold me too. She don't wanna do that so she hates me!" Ohio said, sounding distressed.
"Oh, is that what you think? Don't worry 'Hio, I'll talk to Penny about it and make sure you get your hugs." Ohio brightened, and smiled widely, before hugging me the best he could.
"Thank you Papa! I love you!"
"I love you too." I said as I ran a hand through his hair and rocked him until he fell asleep, still holding me tightly. He was so clingy. I loved him.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma clung tightly to my arm, his small five year old body wrapped completely around it. He whimpered slightly, and I ran my fingers through his sweaty hair, hoping that his fever would break soon. He was getting too hot for my liking.
"Pap it hurts. My head hurts." He whimpered out quietly.
"I know. I know it does Okie. I'm sorry I can't help you more." I said.
"Pap it hurts." He whimpered again. I felt my heart break at his words, wishing I could do something, anything to help him.
Why did Oklahoma have to get so sick? He's just a child, a baby. He was just born a few months ago. Why did he have to get this sick?
"I'm sorry I can't do anything Oak." I said. He whimpered and pressed his face into my arm.
"I want it to all go away, please." He begged. I frowned.
"Do you want to try and fall asleep? I can sing you your lullaby if that helps." I asked him.
"Too much hurt for sleep." He muttered. I nodded.
"I'm still going to sing you your lullaby. Maybe it will help give you something else to focus on other than the pain." I asked. He nodded.
"Okay Pap. Thank you, I love you." He muttered before closing his eyes as I began singing, doing my best to try and lull him to sleep.
Oregon
"The time has come! Our ultimate revenge is coming. Finally, after months of torture we will strike back!" Oregon said before laughing evilly.
"Oregon we are throwing water balloons filled with mayo at them." I deadpanned. She crossed her arms.
"Dad, stop ruining my fun. I've always wanted to feel like an evil mastermind and I am not letting you ruin this for me!" She said. I sighed.
"How did I even get roped into this prank war?" I muttered.
"My evil genius." Oregon said, smiling.
"I guess it kinda was evil genius. You made me think these mayo balloons were for Dad." I said. Oregon waved her hand dismissively.
"The extras can be for Britain." She said. I nodded.
"Alright I'm convinced this is a good idea that will not ever go wrong now." I said. Oregon gave another evil laugh.
"Like I said, my evil genius will always make sure I have allies. Now shhh, I see Ida and she's our first target. Prepare the balloons my minion!"
Pennsylvania
"This is hard." Pennsylvania said, trying to make herself breakfast, most likely still getting used to only having one arm.
"I can help if-" I offered, before being cut off.
"No!" Pennsylvania said before her shoulders slumped, "No, I don't want help. I want to learn how to cook and do things with one arm. I know you want to help, but please Daed, I need to do this on my own." She said. I nodded.
"Sorry then. If I'm being overbearing." I said.
"You...aren't always being that way. I know you want to help me and make things easier for me." Pennsylvania said, before sighing.
The kitchen fell into a brief silence, before Pennsylvania spoke up again.
"If you still want to help, just wait for me to ask. You were gone when my injury happened, gone after the war ended. I've had time to learn how to do things on my own. This isn't a new thing to me, even if it seems that way to you. I know my limits, and I know when I will need to ask for help. I appreciate the fact that you want to help, but wait for me to ask for it, before you offer, or try to help. Okay Daed?"
"Okay Penny. Thank you. For...explaining why I'm annoying. I'll keep this in mind next time I think you might want or need help. Please let me know if I keep doing it though." I said, Pennsylvania nodded.
"I wil Daed. Thank you for understanding."
Rhode Island
"Dad! Can I sit on your shoulders?" Rhode Island asked me. I picked him up and placed him on my shoulders, smiling.
"Sure you can. What for?" I asked. I felt Rhode Island place his hands on top of my head.
"Texas is being a dick about the fact that he is tall, so I've decided that I must be taller than him to be an asshole right back. Therefore, we end up here, with me on your shoulders, to be the tallest American state." He said. I laughed at his explanation, finding it a good reason.
"Want to go find Texas so you can show off your height?" I asked him.
"Oh absolutely. It's time that asshole gets what's coming for him...again." Rhode Island said.
"Again?" I asked, thinking that he might be referencing when Alaska joined our family.
"Alaska, our beloved taller ally. A true friend of the short people." Rhode Island. I laughed.
"That's because most of his family are short people." I said.
"You are correct. Now onwards Father! We have an asshole to mock!"
South Carolina
"Hey Dad, can I talk to you?" South Carolina asked.
"Sure thing South, what's up?" I asked.
"I...I..." South Carolina began, sounding like he was having trouble making himself say what he wanted to say, "I'm a girl."
I blinked, not expecting that. "Oh. Oh. Okay. That's not what I expected. So...do you want, like, a dress or something...?"
I wasn't sure how to handle this. At all.
"You aren't going to tell me that's wrong. Inhumane?" South Carolina asked.
"You are the personification of a state." I pointed out. South Carolina let out a little laugh at that.
"You have a point there. I just...wasn't expecting immediate acceptance." H-she said.
"Not all of my people like people like you. But people like you are also my people. I...am divided, much more than I liked to be if I want to support you better, but...I still love you and...I...our relationship has had enough damage done." I told her. South Carolina smiled and pulled me into a tight hug.
"Thank you Dad."
"You're welcome. But seriously, do you want a dress?"
South Dakota
"I am so tired." South Dakota said, walking up to me and leaning against my chest.
"That sucks. Have you tried sleeping?" I said. She flipped me off and I laughed.
"I am trying sleeping." She said.
"Are you going to go to a bed?" I asked.
"You are much more comfortable Dad." She said. I smiled.
"I could probably be more comfortable if I sat down." I said, maneuvering us to a couch, where I laid down, South Dakota on top of me.
"Yes this is more comfortable. Thank you for being an amazing bed Dad." She said, causing me to laugh.
"You're welcome Dak." I said, as I began braiding her hair as she drifted off in my lap. I loved being their pillow. I was glad my kids loved and trusted me enough to be one.
Besides, they were all adorable when they slept.
Tennessee
"I cannot believe you never told me how good at playing the piano you are Pa!" Tennessee said.
"Dad made all of us learn. He said it was a good instrument to play. Scotland said he was a liar and then taught Montserrat and Nova Scotia the bagpipes. Then those two raised hell in the house." I said, laughing at the memory.
"Sounds like fun." Tennessee said as she tuned her guitar, "You should play a gig with me someday. I'm sure we would be amazing together."
"Oh, sorry Nessie, I don't play that much anymore. Bad memories." I said. Tennessee frowned.
"Well, can't say I'm not disappointed, but I understand your reasoning. Maybe we can just play together, the two of us." Tennessee said.
"Maybe we can. That sounds nice." I said, playing a few more notes on the piano, and smiling.
"Yeah. What do you normally play?" Tennessee asked.
"Classical shit. That's all I was ever taught." I said.
"Well I'm gonna teach you some good songs to play on the piano, you go that Pa?"
"Yes, ma'am!"
Texas
"Well Texas, this is it, my home. Your new place of residence." I said, smiling and turning to him. Texas gave me a small smile, a sad smile.
"Until I die." He said. I shook my head.
"You ain't dying Texas." I said.
"Not right now, but once I officially become one of your states I will. Because your states aren't personified." He said. I smiled.
"Well...that might be a lie." I said, opening the front door, to reveal most of my states sitting in the foyer making bets on who would win the fight between Michigan and Ohio.
"They're alive?" Texas asked, sounding astonished.
"All of them are. And you will be too. Welcome to the United States of America." I said, as I wrapped my arm around Texas's shoulders, and walked him into the house.
"Break up the fight! Texas is here!" I called. That got the attention of my states, as many of them crowded around Texas, and began asking him questions.
"Stop crowding him! He's living with us now, you'll have plenty of time to talk to him later!" I said, "Shoo you rascals!"
"Love you too Da!" Delaware called before the crowd broke up. Texas turned to me in shock. I smiled at him.
"Welcome to the family!"
Utah
I waved to Utah as I entered the room he was staying in. It had been a month since the explosion, but Utah didn't want to leave the room yet. He told me he wasn't ready. I think he was still trying to accept the fact that he was now deaf.
'How are you feeling?' I signed at him. Utah shrugged. I pulled up a chair in front of him, and sat down.
'Do you want to practice signing?' I asked him. Utah shook his head.
'Don't want to.' He signed, before looking away. I leaned forwards and tapped his shoulder, drawing his attention back to me.
'Do you want a hug?' I sighed. He nodded, and I pulled him into a hug. I felt Utah's tears begin to make my shirt wet, but I decided not to comment on it. Utah was going through a tough time, and while I knew he would be able to get through it, it didn't make the journey any less hard for him.
But Utah was a strong person. I was proud of him. I pulled away from the hug, and looked him in the eyes.
'I am proud of you. You are strong. I will help you if you want it. I love you' I signed at him. New tears welled up, and he pulled me into another hug.
I happily returned it.
Vermont
"Someone wants to see you United." A soldier said, approaching me.
"Who is it?" I asked.
"A country. I don't know who, but I don't think he is with the British. He has the same uniform as the Green Mountain Boys." He said. I nodded.
"I'll go talk to him. Thanks for telling me." I said, before walking off in the direction he said the country was in. I quickly caught sight of the country, his green flag making him stand out. He also had a dark blue canton that was filled with stars, similar to my own.
"Hello sir! Can I help you?" I called over to him. He jumped slightly and nodded, his eyes scanning my body, his body language revealing nervousness. He was also young, looking about 13 or 14, as compared to my 19 years in physical appearance.
"Bon-Bonjour. My name is Vermont Republic. I'm a new country that was formed up north, between New York, New Hampshire, and Quebec." He said. I smiled. Another republic and another country who was declaring independence? That was amazing! Sure some of the land was my own, but I'm sure that we could settle that problem.
"It's nice to meet you." I said, holding out a hand. Instead, Vermont Republic practically tackled me in a hug, before pulling back, looking very embarrassed.
"Sorry!" He squeaked out, his hands going to cover his face.
"I'm confused? Why did you hug me?" I asked, not used to strangers doing that.
"Because...some of my land came from yours. So...so I'm your son. I've already met my other father, Quebec, and he told me not to meet you, but I'm an independent country and don't have to listen to what Père says, so I came anyway." Vermont Republic said. I stood there, shocked.
"I have a son?" I eventually managed to get out. Vermont Republic nodded. I quickly pulled him back into the hug.
"I HAVE A SON!" I yelled. Vermont Republic laughed and looked very happy at that.
"You are okay with me existing?" He asked. I nodded.
"I have a son! Of course I'm excited you exist! Oh this is big news. I'll have to write to Congress to see if they can work on officially recognizing you as a nation, I said, pulling away and smiling. Vermont Republic smiled back.
"Merci beaucoup, Papa."
Virginia
"I feel old." NASA said, rubbing his forehead as he looked at a set of blueprints.
"You feel old? Ha! You are just a small baby child!" Virginia said, "Ain't that right Father?"
"Ginny is right. You are a small baby child. I mean, just look at me! I don't even know the day I was born. That's how old I am!" I said. NASA shot us an annoyed look.
"Ha, ha, ha. Very funny guys." He said. Virginia smiled widely and continued.
"Why, I'm so old I've seen the world order change many times." She said.
"I'm so old that democracies were barely a thing when I was born."
"I'm so old that I got to meet all of the colonies in the Americas."
"I'm so old nobody knows what my childhood was like, not even me!"
"I'm so old that I knew New Jersey before he was an ass."
"I'm so old I got to see all these states as children."
"I'm so old I kicked the Holy Roman Empire in the balls." Virginia said, causing me to give her a surprised look. When did she do that?
"I'M SO OLD I WATCHED THE ROMAN EMPIRE DIE!" San Marino yelled from the hallway.
"He wins." NASA said with a smile.
Washington
"You are an embarrassment to my bloodline."
"I am your bloodline."
"You are making a mockery of me and my people."
"Still don't understand how."
"You have been completely insensitive to my culture."
"I literally just said I don't believe in Bigfoot." I said.
"And you will pay for those words." Washington answered.
"Is that why you've dragged me out to the middle of nowhere?" I asked.
"Yes! If you say you don't believe in Bigfoot, I am going to stay here in the woods with you until you see him and believe. That way you can be my father again." Washington said. I paused at the last sentence.
"YOU'RE DISOWNING ME BECAUSE I DON'T BELIEVE IN BIGFOOT?" I yelled at him. Washington nodded.
"What, no! Washing Machine, why would you do this to me?" I asked, acting more offended than I actually was. In reality I was just really, really fucking confused.
"Because you refuse to believe that my friend exists, America." He said. That...that hurt more than expected. I hope he wasn't being serious.
"Fine, I believe in Bigfoot. Please never call me America again." I said. Washington nodded.
"Sure thing Dad!"
West Virginia
"Dad? Do you ever regret making me a state?" West Virginia asked me one day. I shot her a horrified look.
"No I don't! I don't know why you would think that, but I am happy you exist! You are an amazing person!" I said.
"But I wasn't supposed to exist. I should be another part of Virginia. I mean, my economy is not the best, and my people don't always get the best opportunities. It might have been better for everyone if I just stayed as another part of Virginia." She said. I quickly pulled her into a hug.
"Westie please, please never say that again. I don't care that you don't have the best economy, I don't care that at one point your land belonged to Virginia. You are an amazing state all on your own. Sure you have some problems, but no state is problem free." I said. West Virginia returned the hug and began crying into my shoulder.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry Dad!" She said. I began running my hand through her hair.
"You don't have to apologize. You have done nothing wrong. I love you Westie, my beautiful daughter. I'm sorry that I didn't realize your doubts and try to help you work through them sooner." I said.
"You don't have to apologize, Dad. I should have spoken up sooner. I love you, thank you."
"I love you too. Don't forget it."
Wisconsin
"I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU DAD!" Wisconsin yelled as she entered the room.
"What is it?" I asked.
"You put the Federal Cheese Caves under Missouri and not me! Why would you betray me in this way? You know I would take much better care of the cheese than Souri ever could!" Wisconsin complained.
"You would eat all of the cheese." I stated.
"I would not!"
"Yes you would, you can't deny it Connie." I said.
"Do you not trust me?" Wisconsin asked, soundboard offended.
"Not with storing the Federal Cheese without eating it." I answered. She crossed her arms and huffed.
"Fine. I see how it is. I see that I'm unloved. I see that you have betrayed me." Wisconsin said, before storming off. I laughed.
"You are being dramatic Connie! I still love you, my precious badger child."
Wyoming
"This is so exciting! I can't believe this land is finally a National Park! After all these years the geysers and rainbow pools will be protected!" Wyoming said to me after Yellowstone was officially made a National Park. I smiled at her excitement.
"I'm excited too. Knowing that more of the wild will be preserved is amazing! And knowing that people will have the same awe I did seeing your wonders will be amazing!" I told her. Wyoming beamed at me, and pulled me into a quick hug.
"Thank you for doing this Dad! Oh, I'm going to have tourists come for this, and so many more exciting things." Wyoming said, before gasping, "Dad! I should become a park ranger! Then I can work here and watch everyone who comes and goes!"
"That sounds like fun. I'm glad you still want to be involved with nature."
"Are you kidding me Dad? It's Yellowstone. There is a pool with rainbow water Dad, rainbow water! This place is magical! I love it here so much! I'm glad it's being preserved, because who knows what corporations would want to destroy it to take advantage of it?" Wyoming said, her body practically vibrating with excitement.
I smiled, and pulled her into another hug.
"You are going to have such a fun time working here, and going here. I'm glad you are excited about the park systems, and I'm glad you want to be involved in this." I said.
"I am too. Thank you for this Dad."
"You're welcome."
Puerto Rico
"Papa? Can you help me bandage the cut you stitched up? The old ones fell off." Puerto Rico said, limping into the room and sitting in a chair, holding up the floor that had the big cut on it.
"Of course! Does it feel less painful?" I asked. Puerto Rico gave a so-so hand signal.
"Kinda? I'm still not sure if it's infected or not. Can you check?" He said. I sighed.
"I don't know how to do that well Rico." I said, "You know that. You are probably better off seeing a doctor-"
Puerto Rico flinched at the word. I felt guilt well up at that. It was my fault Puerto Rico met and was treated by that awful, racist motherfucker. I should have realized what was happening, listened to Puerto Rico when he said he thought something was wrong with that doctor.
Why didn't I?
"I...Minnie has some medical training. I'll ask her." Puerto Rico said. I nodded.
"That seems like a good idea. She might be able to help more than I can." I said as I finished bandaging up the cut. Puerto Rico carefully put his feet on the floor, winching slightly as he did so. I pulled him into a hug, and felt him melt into it.
"I love you Puerto Rico. I'm sorry I failed you all those years ago." I said.
"It's okay Papa. I've forgiven you. It's not your fault. You couldn't have known what he planned to do. You were trying to help my people. I will never fault you for that."
Northern Mariana Islands
"I hate colds. So, so much." Northern Mariana Islands said as he blew her nose again. I rubbed her back, and felt her curl into me more.
"They aren't fun at all. At least you aren't throwing up." I said. She laughed.
"Not yet! But it's not the flu so I'm not worried about that."
"I'm glad it's not the flu. Remember that one time half the house got it?" I commented, causing her to laugh.
"That was awful. It was funny hearing you tell your government to fuck off and you basically waiting on everyone to make sure we were all comfortable. And you turned the basement into a giant bed so we could all fall asleep on you! That was my favorite part. We need to bring that back." Northern Mariana Islands rambled.
"That giant bed was amazing. I will definitely think about that. I enjoyed helping all of you kids." I said, kissing Northern Mariana Islands on the forehead.
"Don't kiss me you might get sick!" She said. I laughed.
"Mari, with the amount of sick kids I take care of, I'm pretty sure I'm immune to most illnesses. Seriously, I haven't gotten a cold in years, and my immune system should be weak as hell with the amount of sleep I get!" I commented.
"That is true. I'm glad you aren't worried about getting sick. Being sick is much less worse with you here." She said, patting my chest. I smiled.
"Thank you Mari."
"You're welcome. Now I am going to try and sleep, and you should do the same thing, hear me?"
"Loud and clear. Sweet dreams Mari."
"Sweet dreams tåtå."
Guam
"Dad?" Guam asked me hesitantly as she walked up to me, still decorated in bandages from her injuries.
"Yes Guam?" I asked. She flinched.
"Is...I think I'm afraid of Tatay now." She said quietly, "I know what he did he didn't want to do but I can't stop seeing his face as he hurt me, and hurt me. It..he looked like he liked it and I...I'm scared of him."
"Do you want a hug?" I asked her. She nodded and I pulled her into a hug, trying to make sure I didn't hit her injuries.
"I know he was just a puppet and he's apologizing but I can't stop seeing it and it hurts!" Guam said, sounding like she was holding back tears.
"Do you want Phil to stay away from you for a little bit?" I asked. Guam just squeezed me tighter.
"I don't know! I don't want Tatay to feel more guilty than he already is about this. I know he is blaming himself, but I...I don't think I can be around him for very long." She said.
"I...I don't know how to help, I'm sorry, but if you need anything, let me know, and I'll do my best to offer you whatever help you want. I know that it's probably not that helpful but-"
"That's...that's helpful Dad. Thank you. For the offer. I think I might have to figure this out on my own, but...but I appreciate the offer." Guam said.
"Alright then. Just let me know if you need anything, and don't force yourself to be around Phil if it bothers you."
"Thanks Dad."
American Samoa
"Hey Tama? Can I talk to you? It's important." I heard American Samoa asked from behind me. I looked up from my paperwork and nodded.
"Sure you can kid." I said, taking note of how he was dressed in a suit, and how he looked like he had actually brushed his hair. He was trying to suck up to me. Something was up.
"Tama...I..." American Samoa trailed off, looking incredibly nervous.
"Are you okay? Sammy as long as you aren't hurt, I-"
"I WANT HAWAII TO BE MY TINA!" American Samoa yelled. I froze, shocked.
Tina. That meant mom in Samoan. American Samoa wanted Hawaii to be his mom.
"Why?" I gasped out, still shocked, and wanting to know what prompted this. American Samoa must have misunderstood my words. Because he got teary eyes and looked heartbroken.
"Sorry, sorry. That was a dumb thing to say. I'll-"
"Sammy. I know Hawaii is a good mom. I don't care if you want her to be your mom. I just wanted to know what made you begin thinking of her as your mom." I clarified. American Samoa looked less upset, and he smiled.
"She acts like you. She is amazing. I just...my mind has always done it. But...but I want to tell her. I just....I wanted to make sure you were okay with it." American Samoa said, shuffling his feet.
"I'm more than okay with it. If you want to grow your family, do it." American Samoa smiled.
"Faafetai." American Samoa muttered, pulling me into a hug.
"You're welcome. Now go talk to your Tina about her having a son." I said. American Samoa laughed.
"Will do Tama!"
US Virgin Islands
"Sure your goggles work?" US Virgin Islands asked me.
"Yes Vee I am. We tested them on the beach before we got on your boat." I said. My daughter shrugged.
"Just wanted to make sure. Getting salt water in your eye can sting badly." She said.
"Yeah I know that. Not a fun feeling. Stinging nettles are way worse though." I said.
"Aren't those the ones that feel like they are burning?"
"Yes. It is The Worst."
"Sounds fun." US Virgin Islands said with a little laugh.
"Laughing at my pain? The audacity." I said jokingly.
"I'll just take the spark plug out of my boat and fly away then." US Virgin Islands said, making her wings reappear.
"Well it's only like an hour's swim back to shore, so all that would accomplish is leaving your boat stuck here." I argued back.
"Well then I'd just make you get it back then." She responded, smiling as she pulled her goggles on and made her wings disappear.
"Sure you will." I muttered.
"I would." She said with a small smile before jumping into the ocean. I rolled my eyes, and jumped in after her.
Panama Canal Zone (deceased)
"So Zone. Are you ready for tomorrow?" I asked, as I approached Panama Canal Zone. She sighed.
"My people and I are happy my land is being returned to Mama. But...I know I will die." She said, looking up at the stars.
"I wish you could live." I said, rubbing at my eye, and trying to hold back tears. I think Panama Canal Zone noticed the sorrow in my voice, and she smiled.
"Don't cry Papa. We knew this would happen eventually. We knew I was going to be returned to Mama at some point. And if Mama doesn't want me to be autonomous, then I die. It's always been my fate." Panama Canal Zone said. I stopped trying to hold back my tears, and began crying.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry Canal. I'm sorry you have to die." I said. Panama Canal Zone shrugged.
"I lived enough for a human lifespan. I might not have lived to be as old as you, but I lived a long, decent life. I contributed a lot to the world. I'm satisfied." She said.
"I'm not. I love you. I don't want to hand you away to die. Canal...I..."
"I know Dad. I know it's hard. But like I said, I'm okay with it. You aren't failing me. You are helping me."
"I wish helping you didn't have to mean this."
"You were a good Dad. You cared. I had a happy life."
"You...you remind me of my little brother, the Dominion of New England. He was ready to die too. Both of you are amazing people. I hate that you are so accepting of your death, but I understand. I wish I didn't, so I could be more upset, but I understand."
"Thank you Dad."
Deseret (deceased)
"Aren't the bees cool?" Deseret asked, as he watched them fly around him.
"They are interesting. But why are you so obsessed with bees?" I asked him.
"My name means honeybee. They are my kin." Deseret said excitedly. I laughed.
"Your kin?" I asked. Deseret nodded, and walked over to sit in my lap.
"They are amazing and I love them." The physically six child said.
"Well then maybe on your next birthday I'll figure out how to help you get a beehive so you can always watch the bees." Deseret beamed at that.
"That would be so cool Papa! When I become an official state maybe we can make that my state insect! Bees!" He said. My smile faded at that. I knew the likelihood of Deseret becoming an official state was low. Deseret looked up at me, and frowned.
"Are you alright Papa? You look sad." He said. I quickly smiled and nodded.
"I'm alright. I was just thinking about the future." I said. Deseret looked suspicious, but nodded.
"Alright Papa! Now about my beehive..." he began. I let the smile fade again. I didn't want to lose this kid. I really didn't. I would have to spend as much time as possible with him.
I didn't know how much more I would get.
Unorganized Territory
'Dad? What do hugs feel like?' Unorganized Territory asked me one day. I paused, unsure of how to answer that question.
"Well...they feel warm...and nice. They make you feel safe when they come from someone older than you."
'What's warmth feel like?'
"Can't you feel things there? When the other states were there?" I asked her, the questions concerning me.
'I don't have a sense of touch. I can hear, and I can see, and I can talk. But I can't smell, and I can't feel, I can't taste. All of my experiences with that are through your memories.' Unorganized Territory said.
"Oh." I said plainly. That must be awful. Once again I was filled with an overwhelming urge to figure out how to get Unorganized Territory a body, and to pull her into a tight, tight, hug. Figure out what foods are her favorites and make them for her and get to pull her into hugs and...and do so much with her.
'That sounds wonderful Dad. I wish I could do that too.' Unorganized Territory said, 'But being here isn't so bad. Now that I can talk to you, I'm not completely alone.'
I began crying at that, knowing that even if Unorganized Territory wasn't alone, she would never get to be a part of this family fully until she had a body.
'Don't cry Dad. I've been watching for over two hundred years. I'm used to it.'
"You shouldn't be. I swear Myra, I will get you a body, even if it's the last thing I do."
NASA
I tightened my grip on NASA as he continued to cry, distraught over Opportunity's 'death'.
"She was so amazing and she did so much and I couldn't help her and her last words and...and..." NASA rambled through his sobs. I patted his back.
"It's okay NASA." I said, "It's alright. You did everything you could."
"I should have done more! I should have figured out a way to avoid that storm or...or...I miss Oppy." NASA said, pulling away and wrapping his wings around himself.
"I do to. She was a stubborn little rover. Lasted way longer than anyone expected." I said. NASA let out a teary laugh.
"Yeah she did. Oppy got your stubbornness." He said.
"She got yours too. And your love of knowledge." NASA nodded, before sighing.
"It's three am and I'm in your room crying over a robot. Why am I like this?" He said.
"It's not just a robot. Not to you. Not to a lot of people. I mean, have you seen how everyone is reacting to Oppy's death? They miss her too." I said, trying to reassure him that it was okay to get emotionally attached to his robots and cry over their deaths. And that it was okay to call his rovers his children.
"Thanks Papa." NASA said, hugging me again.
"You're welcome, little star."
NATO
"Goddamnit!" I heard NATO's voice come from the front of the house, before I heard the door slams shut. Worried, I quickly made my way to the front of the house, and saw NATO marching towards the guest room, looking like he was holding back tears.
"Nate? Are you okay?" I asked.
"Do I look okay, you dumbass?" He snapped before continuing to the guest room. Well he was stressed.
"Nate you can't stay in the guest room Fl-" I began, before being cut off.
"Oh of course you are against me too. Everything's going to go wrong for NATO today, ain't it? This is some great big fucking cosmic joke ain't it?" NATO yelled, tears starting to slip out.
"No, I'm on your side. It's just that Florida has filled the guest room with one of his...'experiments'." I said. NATO grimaced.
"Thanks for the warning. I struggle to think of what horrors are contained there." NATO said before sighing and rubbing his forehead, before muttering, "I still need a place to sleep, and my house is too far to walk."
"The couch is free. And my room." I said. NATO nodded, rubbing his eyes. I walked over to him and began leading him to my room, my arm wrapped around him. NATO leaned into my grip, and rested his head on top of mine.
"Merci Papa. Sorry about Snapping at you. I'm tired and stressed." He said quietly.
"You're welcome Nate. And don't worry about it. I know how that feels." I said as I opened the door and let him walk to my bed. NATO turned and smiled at me, before collapsing onto the bed.
Liberia
"Hello Liberia. I see the construction of your house has gone well. Congratulations on your independence, well my recognition of your independence. I'm sorry I couldn't talk to you in person." I said, rambling slightly.
"It's okay Dad. I know you were busy. Dealing with the wa-" Liberia responded.
"Don't bring up the war!" I snapped. Liberia flinched back.
"Sorry." He muttered quietly. I sighed.
"Sorry, sorry. I just don't want to bring it up. Fresh wound. I said, gesturing to my injured leg. Liberia rolled his eyes.
"Same dumb jokes as always then." He muttered.
"I thought you liked my jokes." I said.
"Sorry Dad, but I only like good jokes." Liberia said. I rolled my eyes.
"Yeah yeah, I get it. But still, Liberia, I'm proud of your independence. We finally have more civilized nations appearing in Africa helping spread democracy and freedom among the people there." I said. Liberia smiled, although he looked a little uncomfortable.
"Thanks Dad. I'm glad you are proud of me, and haven't taken this the same way Britain did for your independence." He said.
"I am tired of war. Besides, you have been independent since 1847. It was about time I recognized it." I said. Liberia smiled again, and pulled me into a hug.
"Thanks for raising me. I can take care of myself from here."
"I love you Libby."
"I love you Dad."
Micronesia
"Dad! Dad! I'm so happy you are here!" Micronesia said, grabbing my arm excitedly as he walked me into his house.
"Well you did call me in quite a frenzy, telling me you had something important to show me." I said. Micronesia smiled the same giddy smile.
"Yeah I do! You know how yesterday my constitution was finished? And how I was going to be a federation of a bunch of the former districts?" He said. My eyes widened as I realized what that meant.
"YOUR STATES ARE PERSONIFIED?" I yelled. Micronesia nodded.
"Yes! Oh they are so adorable, all of them around four or five." Micronesia said before going on to ramble about how cute they were and how much he loved them.
We walked inside the house and there were my grandchildren, four small kids, two male, two female.
"The boys are Chuuk and Pohnpei. Yap and Kosrae are the girls." Micronesia said smiling, pointing out each one as he said their names. Kosrae waved at me, a small smile on her face.
"Hello little ones." I said smiling.
"Hello." Pohnpei said quietly.
"He has your voice." I said to Micronesia. Micronesia and Pohnpei both blushed, and the other Micronesian states giggled. I then hugged Micronesia.
"Welcome to parenthood." I said, before sitting down to better talk to my grandchildren.
"I'll be coming to you for advice, I hope you know." Micronesia said, sitting down next to me. I nodded.
"I'll be happy to give it." I said, before smirking, "They all have your smile and your eyes. Same color and everything."
"Dad!"
"Hey little ones, want to hear embarrassing stories about your father?"
"DAD!"
Palau
"How does it feel to be independent?" I asked Palau after my government had officially recognized her independence.
"Good. It...it feels right. I feel stronger."
"That always happens with independence, at least it's happened to everyone I know. It's a great feeling." I said. Palau nodded.
"It is. Thank you for my independence. Thank you for letting me go." She said. I pulled her into a hug.
"I did what UN asked of me. I shouldn't be in charge of your country anymore. You are ready for freedom, Palau, and I can't wait to see what you do with it." I said.
"Aw, thanks Dad." Palau said, pulling away from the hug.
"You're welcome. What do you plan to do next?"
"Be a successful country. Maybe one day I'll surpass you." Palau said with a little laugh.
"Oh really? You think you can?" I asked.
"Who knows? I mean, no one expected you to surpass your Dad, but you did. Who says I can't do the same?"
"You know what, fair point. Well then Palau, I look forward to seeing you become a world power." I said, giving her a small bow. Palau laughed.
"You better get used to bowing Dad, once I'm in charge you'll do it a lot!" Palau said. I gasped jokingly.
"You would treat your own father that way." I said jokingly.
"You are my adopted Dad." Palau said, continuing the joke.
"Imma great Dad."
"Sure thing. I'll let your old mind believe that." Palau said, a small smile tugging at her lips. I rolled my eyes.
"Little shit."
Marshall Islands
"Hey Marshall. Can I talk to you?" I asked my adoptive son as we left the UN meeting. Marshall Islands looked at me, and nodded.
"I have some things I need to get to, so please try and make it as quick as you can Dad." He said. I nodded.
"I'm sorry about the nuclear testing on your land. I know it hurt me, but it also hurt you, more badly than it ever hurt me, and I'm sorry." I said. Marshall Islands looked surprised at that.
"Uh...I wasn't really expecting this." Marshall Islands said.
"Maybe I should have picked a better time for this." I said awkwardly.
"No! No, it's fine!" Marshall Islands exclaimed, "I...thank you. Thank you Dad."
"You deserve an apology." I said. Marshall Islands hugged me.
"Thank you again Dad." Marshall Islands said.
"I want to do something to help make it up. I mean, I know I can never make up for it bu-" Marshall Islands cut me off.
"Maybe you can come to my country and we can go out to eat dinner at a restaurant or something. But later. Like I said, I have some things to get to. Government business." He said. I nodded.
"Alright. Later. I'll pay for the dinner and anything else you want to do together. But please let me do more to make it up." I said. Marshall Islands sighed.
"You aren't going to let this go are you?"
"Not until I've made it up."
Germany
"Really Germany?" I asked after hearing my son's request. He had asked me to hang up a sign that says "In This House We Hate Bavaria". Bavaria is one of Germany's states and also his mother, so this request was a bit of a surprise.
"Come on Vati. It's funny. I already got all of my states to do it." Germany said.
"All of your states already dislike her." I pointed out. Germany rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, so?"
"I don't hate her."
"Why not? She has a big ego that can be really annoying." I sighed. It seems like Germany has forgotten I live with most of his brothers.
"I have a son named Texas."
"...yeah fair, but come on, bitte?" Germany asked, smiling. I sighed.
"You are going to pester me about this until I agree, aren't you?" I asked. Germany nodded, "Fine I'll hang up the sign."
"Victory! Man Mutter is going to hate us for this." Germany commented.
"Yeah she probably will get very, very annoyed at this."
"Probably. Tell me her reaction to this, because after she sees the sign in my house she's probably going to get you to ask me to remove it."
"And now I am officially involved in your petty back and forth argument prank war thing." I realized.
"It's not a prank war." Germany insisted.
"Not yet."
Japan
"Dad?" Japan said to me as we walked through her capital city.
"Yeah? What is it?" I asked. Japan looked nervous, but then she sighed.
"Will you ever talk about my mother?" She asked.
"No." I said, wanting to shut down that conversation immediately.
"Why no?"
"She was an asshole and a monster, and hurt a lot of people I care about. I don't want to talk about her personality and my relationship with her. If you want to know about what she did, Google it." I answered.
"I have. But Dad, what was she like before the war? She wasn't always bad, was she?" Japan asked.
"Listen, I don't want to talk about it. I know you want to learn more about who she was as a person, but please Japan, let this rest." I said.
"No one wants to talk about her. No one wants to tell me who she was as a person. I know that she wasn't a good person, but I...she was the Japan before me...and...I guess I..." Japan trailed off, like she was at a loss for words.
"You care about what the personification of your country was before you because she connects you to your country's history, not me. And you are only my kid because I occupied your country when your mother was still alive and helped get your constitution created. So I am your father, yes, but you don't feel as connected to be because I have never been Japan. Am I correct?" I explained. Japan looked surprised, but nodded.
"Yeah...that's it." She said.
"So what brings this about?" I asked, knowing that something prompted Japan to begin her search.
"What do you mean?" She asked, looking to the side.
"Something else had made you wonder this. You have been content before. Why now?" I asked.
"...Many people have told me I am going to end up just like my mother. That my mother was nothing but evil and I am going to be too. I want to prove them wrong, on both of those things. But maybe I can't. Maybe no one talks about Mom because she was always a bad person." Japan said, sound defeated.
"Maybe I'll tell you something someday. Not today. I need time to work out my own feeling. But Japan, don't let them get to you. People talk shit all the time. That doesn't mean it's true." I said, trying to reassure her. Japan was so different than her mother.
"Okay...thanks Dad. I'll keep that in mind." She said.
"Good."
South Korea
"Hello South." I said, entering the room my son was in after being pointed this direction by some Korean soldiers.
"You came." He said, sounding relieved.
"Course I came. I'm not going to let you die in this invasion. And I'm not the only one. I got the UN to send a group of countries. It's her peacekeeping forces that have come. Although not all of them have come with their soldiers, but Dad is planning on arriving at some point, along with France." I said.
"Oh." South Korea said, sitting down. He looked overwhelmed.
"Do you want a hug?" I asked. He nodded, and I pulled him into one. My kid was only a year old. He shouldn't already be at war. The world wars are over. He should be allowed to have peace. This is an awful start to life for him.
"감사합니다" (Thank you.) South Korea said, pulling away.
"No problem. Some of your siblings are here too. They want to help. I wanted to talk to you alone first, to make sure you don't get overwhelmed. Every country's first war is hard, but you are...so young. You shouldn't have to be at war." I said.
"But I am." South Korea said, looking like he was going to cry.
"Yes, but I'll be here to help you through it. Your family wants to help." I said.
"I know. Thank you. For not abandoning me to die." He said.
"I'm not planning on ever doing that. I'll help you live, and then I'll help you thrive. Your people and you deserve it." I said. South Korea smiled.
"Thank you Father. Now, I think I should go talk to my siblings before they lose their minds with worry." He said, walking past me to leave the room.
"Be careful of Delly and Cali. They are in 'protective older siblings mode'." I said, smiling as I turned to walk by him.
"And you aren't in protective father mode?" He asked.
"Don't you get sassy with me young man!" I said jokingly. South Korea smiled, and pulled me into another hug, before pulling away and walking out of the room. I smiled as I heard his very loud reunion with his siblings.
I was going to protect this kid of mine. He had a life he needed to live, a life he deserved to live.
I was going to make sure he got that chance.
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Hungry Bird Chase (1?)
(My Reimagined Banban x Gender Neutral player/reader)
Below the cut:
Rating: Teen for injury descriptions.
Summary: your first time witnessing your companion's dangerous appetite.
(*Note: this is written based on my reimagined versions of these characters. So there's going to be some story divergence. Gender Neutral reader w/ they/them pronouns used to make my life easier. I might do a part 2*)
…
BanBan had been an… odd companion to have. Though you appreciated the help he gave through this ungodly maze-like building, there was still this odd air around him.
He seemed to be desperate to help you, but at the same time avoiding you. Keeping a level of distance from you.
At first, you did the same, so it didn't seem all that odd. He was probably scared like you were, unsure of your next move. On guard.
But, as you started letting your walls down, he didn't appear to do the same, at least, not much.
It felt like he was just starting to open up to you, then that jellyfish had to ruin it. BanBan had been captured, and you struggled to find him.
You'd think a giant one-eyed orange jellyfish holding a tall red monster would be easy to spot, but thanks to all the bottomless pits everywhere, you lost them rather quickly.
In that time, you managed to tame Opila Bird, riding on her back through the facility.
You wouldn't deny that you were proud of your accomplishment. Part of you wished you could show off your amazing feat to Banban. But you obviously had to find him first.
So, riding on the back of a tall pink bird, you search for him.
For a while.
A long while.
You swore you had been in some of these rooms before, but it was difficult to keep track without a map.
After another hellish hallway leading to a balcony above the abyss, Opila stopped, Tarta Bird standing next to the both of you with a baby bird on their back.
Both birds froze, staring into the darkness.
You were tempted to ask them why, but your words caught on your tongue upon hearing a familiar ominous voice.
"Bird riding is a new one, I'll give you that."
Stinger Flynn.
He proceeded to monologue in front of you, you grew more agitated and disinterested as he spoke, until he said something particularly odd.
"I got what I needed, and you gave up your chance of freedom, but… I don't have time to deal with you, so.."
One of his retractable stingers emerged from one of his tube-like arms.
It swiftly moved towards you before you could react! You were certain it was going to pierce through your body!
You only had time to raise your arms and guard your face!
But it dashed past you, only leaving a big, but non lethal gash on your hand.
It hurt, but compared to what you are expecting it didn't seem like much. They didn't even appear to be anything too bad, though it might require stitches.
You didn't have time to process it, however.
One of Stinger Flynn's other arms revealed BanBan, the tendril coiled around him, before rapidly throwing him.
You gasped as Banban's body harshly collided with the wall behind you. You could hear the force of the impact knock the air out of him, leaving him winded and limp on the floor.
Before the jellyfish descended into the darkness, his parting words were "I'll let him deal with you."
Then, he was gone.
You hopped off of Opila, panicking as you ran to check on BanBan.
"Banban!" You yelled, sitting on your knees as you shook his face-down body.
He groaned, propping himself up on his hands, and soon his knees as well.
He shakily met your gaze, his left eye, which already tended to have a Shiner anyway, was someone shot as the entire area around it was bruised far worse. The bruises spread to his chicken forehead.
He must have hit the wall pretty hard. His faded red color was interrupted by dark purples.
You gently grazed your finger over the bruised, now purple, skin. Apologizing when he flinched away and whined.
His good eye drifted you your injured hand, and his demeanor went from small and injured to frantic and concerned in a snap.
"Oh my- what happened to your hand!?"
His larger, red hands held your bleeding one. The crimson fluid trickled between your fingers.
BanBan stood up, quickly lifting you up with him. Because of how shy and gentle he acted, you often forgot how strong he really was sometimes.
"We need to find you a first aid kit! Oh I'm sure we had one around here on this floor somewhere!"
"Hey hey! It's okay, I have bandages." To prove your claim, you pulled a roll of gauze from your bag, wrapping your hand up swiftly.
He seemed relieved, flashing you his signature sweet smile, purple forked tongue sticking out and all.
But as quickly as the smile came, it was gone. His face warped from reluctantly relieved to panicked once more.
He slapped his hand over his mouth and stumbled back from you.
Oh, right. You forgot he could smell with his tongue like a snake. Seems like a big reaction, but maybe he was squeamish around blood or something?
He turned his back to you, hunched over, his free hand clutching his stomach.
"Oh, BanBan, I'm fine. It's not that bad." You attempted to sooth him.
Just then you heard his stomach growl, loudly. It actually startled you.
And the way he seemed to double over, clutching the fabric of his jacket harder as he put more pressure on the noisy organ, attempting to silence it.
You could hear him murmuring panicked words to himself, but you couldn't make out what he was saying.
He looked ill..
"Woah, Banban? You alright there bud? Do you uh… have a stomach ache or something?" You awkwardly reached out to him, rest your hand on his back for only a second before he flinched away from you.
His stomach let out another loud growl.
He murmured again, his voice strained, but this time, you heard it.
"Please… r...un..!"
Your eyes widened and you jumped back in fear as he let out a beastly snarl.
You wasted no time running towards Opila and Tarta. Leaping onto Opila's back, you rode away as fast as possible down yet another unfamiliar corridor.
Playing a strange Bird racing game where you had to take turns being first place, all while you were being chased by who you assumed to be your friend, made your heart pound in your chest.
You could hear your heartbeat pounding in your ears as a shot of adrenaline took over you.
You looked back, though you really wish you hadn't. BanBan's open eye was wide open, his pupil pinprick small, nearly invisible. And he had sharp teeth that you had never seen before.
Did he always have those intimidating claws??
You tried using your hand to close the green doors as you moved, hoping to buy yourself more time. It only worked a little bit, as Banban stopped to pry each of the doors open or slam his body through them.
As you slammed more doors behind you though, you gained a bit more distance ahead of him.
Your victory was short-lived however, when you reached the end of the hallway. A dead end other than the stairs before you that lead to God knows where.
Banban burst through the last door, the metal creaking and warping as he dented and broke it.
His breathing was heavy as his eye locked onto you. Any recognition of you was gone.
Even though he mostly looked the same, his demeanor was practically unrecognizable to you, as he salivated at the sight of you.
Strands of saliva dribbled down his face, his deadly fangs on full display as he stalked towards you and Opila.
You rode Opila up the stairs, following Tarta bird. Both Birds halted at the top of the flight of stairs though, as the ground shook underneath you.
A familiar, monstrous growl rang from the darkness ahead of you, as heavy footsteps emerged.
Green was the first thing you saw.
You got extra scared when you saw BanBan turn towards it.
Jumbo Josh.
#garten of banban#banban#reimagined#oneshot#opila bird#tarta bird#banban x reader?#I'm still new to writing X reader stuff#this is the second time I've done this#so please forgive me if it's a bit weird#you know#outside of my usual weird#stinger flynn#reimagined banban#reimagined opila#hungry boi needs food#I think I will reimagine jumbo Josh next#jumbo Josh#reimagined banban x reader#banban x reader
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Yo, sorry for the theme change but I started to not like the Hub look 😅
This is for @thatcucumberwhore who thought an Innie version of my Chanlix thong reaction would be hot so here it be, I got chyu , it might be bad but I got chyu 🩵
Agi Yeou | 아기 여우 | Baby Fox ☺️
"Agi Yeou~ So cute~" You teased the younger, poking his cheek as he tried to push you away but you just got closer.
This back and forth kept happening for awhile until, for Jeongin's sake, you were pulled away by a member of staff calling for you.
It's not that he doesn't like your affection. He loves it, actually, but sometimes he'd like to be seen as an adult, grown man, in front the cameras and as much as he can in front of the members, they're just as bad but they do see him as grown, and you respect that but how could you not tease him and whatnot when you know a little secret of his, that secret being that he's only baby with you, alone, in the cover of night usually.
With the moon being the only source of light, that's when you call him Agi Yeou, Your Agi Yeou, Your Baby fox.
He was grateful you got pulled away, his ears tinged red slightly as he was teased for his nickname, your nickname that the other members have picked up and started using as teasing material, the name that triggers flashbacks and Jeongin can't help but keep his head down as the laces of his boots suddenly became really interesting rather then facing Hyunjin and Minho cooing at him with light giggles.
He stood up, trying to not make it obvious that he was just trying to escape the situation, and walked across the dressing room to distract himself with the drink fridge, succeeding when his thoughts strayed from yours and his nightly endeavors to wether or not he should get you a drink as well and deciding which one.
Someone stepped up next to him and he didn't pay any attention until an arm wrapped around his waist and pulled him closer. He looked up slightly, you were still looking at the drink options as if the grip you were applying to his hip didn't exist as you held him close. "Can I help you, Hyung?" "Nope." You said popping the 'p' while still looking at the drinks. You weren't, really, just acting as your fingers were slowly making their way under his shirt until your hand rested on his waist when the side of your hand caught something and your breath hitched.
Jeongin saw, confused until his brain kickstarted and he remembered what he was wearing. Goosebumps rose on his arms as your light touch moved back down until he could feel two fingers slide under the band and he could feel a small movement which was your thumb analyzing the material of the band.
"Jeongin-ah?" Jeongin looked down at his shoes, his hands still fidgeting in front of him from when he was looking over the fridge and he grew nervous. "IN-ah?" He still stayed quiet, not really knowing what to say until thankfully, Felix came over with a camera, filming for Skz-talker. You reluctantly pulled away with a soft grunt and turned to Felix as Jeongin stepped away and walked away to leave the room, telling Chan who asked where he was rushing off to that he was using the restroom before they went on stage.
The entire ceremony. That's how long you had to wait.
He was avoiding you, even while performing he wouldn't make eye contact with you during you twos center stage moment, he didn't complete your heart when you two stood in front of each other. It made you sad but also a little annoyed, why wouldn't he just talk to you? Did he think you were put off by what he was wearing? If you judged the fabric correctly, it was a thong. You wanted to see it, needed to see it now that you have a vague picture of what it could look like.
After getting off stage, taking mic packs off and chugging water, Jeongin declared that he was going to the bathroom again and after waiting a few minutes, you said the same thing, taking long strides so you could get to the bathroom as soon as possible.
Pushing the door open, you're met with Jeongin reaching for the door. You side step into the bathroom, your hand placed on his collar at the base of his neck as you push the door closed the rest of the way and pin the younger to the wall. The air knocked out of Jeongin at the roughness and speed of it all as he looks up into your bright green contacted eyes. "Hyung-" "Shut up." A squeak left him at the harsh tone as he shut his mouth, hands splayed on the wall behind him shaking as he resisted looking away from your gaze.
"Why are you avoiding me?" "I wasn't-" "Yes, you were, don't lie Agi Yeou, remember the last time you lied to me? Now, Why were you avoiding me?"
"I-I...I was afraid..." "Afraid of what?" "Y-You...I-It sounded like y-you didn't like what you found earlier and I-I thought you were disgusted." So you were right.
"What exactly was it that I found, huh?" You asked, keeping your right hand on his collar and moving the other to the wall next to his head. He looked away, a little embarrassed but not because he's cornered and being interrogated, because he's growing warm trapped between you and the wall, your hand inches away from choking him and the faint feeling of your leg near his crotch.
"Agi, What exactly did I find?" He whines, still not looking at you. "Jeongin, you don't tell me, I'll leave you high and dry." You snapped slightly and he broke, he can't handle being left, it sucks, he feels empty and he can't even solve it himself since you've been with him for half as long as Stray Kids has been together and he can't seem to cum on his own.
He mumbles, not wanting to say it aloud but your warmth starts to fade from him and he panics. "A thong! Th-The straps of th-the thong is what you felt..." He whines, squirming in his spot on the wall as you smirk.
Your hands move to his hips and he whines at the loss of your hand near you neck before jumping when you started undoing his belt and unbuttoning his pants in order to untuck his top and finally see the straps on his hips more clearly, the flaps of his pants folded out and slightly revealing his growing bulge.
"H-Hyung~ please do something~" Jeongin whines as you just stare, sliding your fingers over the bands before gripping his hips, looking back up and crashing your lips onto his and immediately biting his bottom lip before sliding it past his lips and claiming his mouth.
You swallow his moans and whines, taking a step forward and pushing him further into the wall. Nothing mattered, not even the current group's muffled song outside the bathroom, all that mattered was your Agi Yeou and possibly your quietest quickie yet.
Let's not talk about Chan going to find you two after it being quite some time and immediately turning back around before his hand even touched the door.
I might actually do a full fic on this since I was about to go into full blown fic mode when I was just doing a one shot but be on the lookout, I'm definitely writing this one as a full smut fic.
I hope this is suitable, I realized I made Jeongin possibly really subby and I'm sorry but I'm in my Jeongin zone and it got away from me 😅
#bleh#random#my brain is weird#straykids#stray kids#yang jeongin#wooo 🥳#i.n x male reader#stray kids x male reader#x male reader#drabble#oneshot#bored#tired#sub!idol#sub!jeongin#top!reader#dom!reader
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Connecting from Rio! ☀
#haikyuu#hq!!#kuroo tetsurou#haikyuu!!#kozume kenma#hq#kuroken#hinata shouyou#fanart#myart#honestly wanted an excuse to play with colors in a weird way#and yes I'm still not over the oneshot#honestly the power hq has over me is both terrifying and pathetic lmao#238art
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Idk if this weird but could you do a Macaroni Cookie x Cheddar Cheese Cookie baby (reader) oneshot or something?
I don't want to be annoying, gay parents rule
It all started with one case...
No, seriously, these two were on a case together, investigating a crime scene of a very serious crime until the two heard crying. Macaroni had been suspicious at first, warning Cheddar Cheese that this could be a trick by the criminal and that they should stay at the crime scene, but Cheddar Cheese didn't listen, heading out and discovering a box that held a newborn cookie of unknown origins. This baby had no connection to the case either, because trust me, they tried connecting it, so now they had this baby... And Macaroni nearly had a heart attack when Cheddar Cheese stated that they together would keep it.
And that baby was you.
Needless to say, Macaroni wasn't prepared to be a parent. It's not like Macaroni didn't care, it was just so sudden! But Macaroni did grow attached to you, often holding you and baby-talking you all of the time, even if Macaroni tried to stay professional when on a case. Yes, Macaroni would bring you to work, it's not like Macaroni and Cheddar Cheese could just leave you home alone, no no, that won't do! Macaroni has already bought all of the to-go baby supplies anyway, keeping you in a stroller or a baby carrier that Macaroni can strap on when needed. Macaroni also always makes sure you have lots of formula and blankets too! Macaroni can multitask, or so is promised!
Cheddar Cheese mostly helps you get ready for bed and is the one to get up in the middle of the night if you cry and comfort you until you drift off again. Cheddar Cheese also sometimes gives you the hat usually worn on cases just to get a giggle out of Macaroni. It makes you quite happy too! Cheddar Cheese can also solve cases blindfolded, so taking care of a baby while doing one is second nature. Don't tell Macaroni, but Cheddar Cheese has been trying to teach you how to say Macaroni's name, just a pleasant surprise to the one Cheddar Cheese loves.
#🎭Shadow Writing!#Nothing is weird unless it goes against my blacklist!#If it makes you happy to have these two as parents you can embrace it!#This jester will do it's best to fufill it!~#Also side note: Macaroni and Cheddar Cheese don't have listed pronouns on the wiki#So I'll be using no pronouns for both!#We love gay nonbinary/agender kings here!#Hope that's okay with you anon!#macaroni cookie#cheddar cheese#y/n cookie#y/n baby#reader cookie#reader baby#macaroni x cheddar cheese#cookie run#cookie run kingdom#cookie run oneshot#baby oneshot
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Ava motioned towards the two women in the other room with her head.
"Don't you think…?"
Sister Beatrice furrowed her brow.
"What?"
The halo bearer repeated the movement, exaggerating it.
"Don't you think…?"
"... Doctor Salvius? And Mother Superion? Ava! We take vows, you know."
"I know, I know," Ava replied, deflating somewhat. "I'm just saying. I mean, look at them. You can't in honesty say you don't think they'd… You know. Match."
Sister Camila walked past them giddily.
"I don't think," she said, "I know."
Ava and Beatrice turned to her, the former slack-jawed but exultant.
"Camila, spill the beans!"
#warrior nun#warrior nun drabble#doctor superion#i mean it is. from an angle. it's there!#narratives and similar#ava silva#sister beatrice#sister camila#it's weird tagging jillian and suzanne since they don't show up despite it being about them so i won't#also i am so sorry about how silly this is. next one is better i promise#and there i'm giving you something now send me good vibes that the oneshot will get finished soon lol
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You may regret this @phoenixcatch7 lol, what if I start spamming you /j
Less cryptid Batman in this particular WIP since it's semi-outsider pov lol (one of two outside person not unnerved by them lol)
🦇👻🪆🦇👻🪆🦇👻🪆🦇👻🪆🦇👻🪆🦇👻🪆🦇👻🪆🦇
Clark knew Batman wasn’t human, even before that disaster of a mission where he had let it slip to the others.
He’d known for a long time, from one of their early meetups, when Batman had first referred to him as Clark Kent instead of Kal-El, and he had panicked. He hadn’t ever lied to his teammates when he said that the cloak prevented him from seeing his body, but his ears still worked.
He’d tried to listen to a heartbeat, to see if his at the time temporary ally was lying when he stated he wasn’t going to tell anyone and… Nothing. There was no heartbeat, no breathing, nothing even remotely human, and if he didn’t know any better, nothing even remotely alive about the silence.
He couldn’t help but to pay attention more, to seek out the strange almost silence-feeling that accompanied the Gotham vigilante each time he felt it. It was… almost comforting, like the swaying of branches and the rustling of cloth over stone. Familiar, compared to the hustle and bustle surrounding him in the city.
The first thing he had noticed, physically that is, was Batman’s ears. Previously he’d thought the man unemotional, what with the rough voice, expressionless white eyes, cloak-covered body and the gas mask covering a good chunk of his face.
Yet the longer he watched, even idly, the more he noticed that while the man’s face or body didn’t show much, his ears did.
While Batman could stay silent and still for hours, the long ears twitched and swiveled, catching on the hood that he’d always wear around them. They’d pin back sometimes, a near silent sound he couldn’t quite place accompanying the movement, while other times they’d twist a near full three-sixty, as though searching for whatever sound it had caught.
Sometimes, when he’d startled the other vigilante, there’d be rattling noise, like wood and metal clacking together before it was cut off. It was a strange sound, one he’d not heard anywhere else, except with his… friend.
Were they friends? He’d like to think so.
The next time he was reminded that his friend wasn’t human was when he saw him get injured. It hadn’t been a bad injury, even if the Gothamite’s head had hit the wall with a very loud cracking noise, but he’d still smelled what he’d eventually come to recognize as blood. There was an almost pickle-like scent to it though that wasn’t quite it either.
Honestly the closest he could think of describing it was some sort of formaldehyde. And once he focused, he could pick out other things beneath it. Maybe not flesh and blood in the traditional sense, but still.
There was always that scent of cloth and wood, but he could smell the black liquid, paint, a metallic thing underneath like iron and steel. No heartbeat, no breath, but life all the same. It was honestly beautiful in a way, like a part of the city the other vigilante called home had come to life.
And it wasn’t like Batman minded whenever his own human mask slipped. Clark may have been raised by his Ma and Pa, whom he loved, but it didn’t make his body any more human in nature. There were just some things that he couldn’t change, and it took effort to move like one all day as a civilian when his body wasn’t designed to do so.
So he stayed quiet for the most part when their group of three grew, and people started to speculate. He diverted the conversations whenever it turned to him, lightly admonishing over the various rumors.
It didn’t matter if Batman wasn’t human, he was still his friend, their ally and teammate. Was he curious? Oh of course, he’d gone into journalism for a reason after all, but it was still his friend. If he wanted to tell, he’d tell, and Clark wouldn’t break his trust.
#possessed doll au#possessed puppet au#This is pretty much the start of the doll reveal I did art for from Clark's and Diana's pov lol#batman au#cryptid batman#clark kent#superman#writing wip#Bruce when Clark first bends an arm in a way a human can't: I shall take note of this to see if I can do this later#Clark: Wow I have a friend who doesn't mind me doing weird things yay!#I like to think that the dolls start getting black veins through the wood like a mimicry of human arteries the longer they're in use#It's a symbiotic relationship that starts semi parasitic but turns mutually beneficial as the bond grows stronger#Diana who is made of clay probably also has a bit of a reveal to her teammates at some point I just realized#Maybe add my kintsugi headcanon for amazons in this oneshot lol#Might post the finished oneshot in AO3 if you'd be fine with it#Absolutely love this AU so much <3<3<3#Bruce is unaware of how expressive his ears are when he doesn't have them tucked down to not hit them on ceilings lol#Clark isn't aware that half the time Bruce is not listening for sounds but listening to comms and for vibrations#Pfft oh I can't wait for Constantine or another magic user meets the batclan for the first time#Just chanting “what the fuck” over and over because *wtf is up with that*#It's like a wooden homunculus thing mixed with a sacrifice and willing possession and so much that *Should Not* be a single creature#How many tags until Tumblr has the munchies and eats them#random thing but wasn't there one series of games or comics or whatever where the batfam had a robotic dog or two#I am *just saying*-#Clark: He don't bite#Batman hunched over like some sort of predator about to pounce with spikes out and rattling/clattering angrily:#Goons & Future JL members: YES HE DO#batman#bruce wayne#dc
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