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eldritch-thrumming · 1 year

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part one part two

Hawkins, Indiana Summer 1995

Steve stares down into the glowing red center of the world. Heat rolls off the gash in the earth in waves. The smell of rotting is stronger here. He’d gone and done a perimeter check of downtown on foot before returning to the place in front of City Hall. He hadn’t found any other gates, no breaks in the asphalt, no cracking brick or crumbled stone. He hadn’t run into anyone else. Hawkins had been abandoned, fast.

Sometimes, now that he doesn’t have the gin to numb his sleep, Steve has these nightmares. They’re the same nightmares he’d been having back in ’86, the same nightmares he’d had for years since they’d first encountered Vecna. It’s the same nightmare, always. Nothing ever changes, nothing ever shifts. It starts slow, a sparkling rain on the pavement, steam rising hot into the air. The sky is always dark, no stars, no moon, clouds dense and angry. He walks through the streets of Hawkins and then the whole world starts to shake.

The world starts to shake as Steve walks past Melvald’s, past the diner where he’d kissed Eddie for the first time, past the two screen movie theater where Jonathan Byers had punched him in the face. There’s nothing for him to hold on to, his sneakers have no traction on the wet pavement. He falls, he drifts, he slides, until he’s at a crack in the world, right down the center of Hawkins, burning bright and red.

He falls, he drifts, he slides until his hands are gripping at the edge. He’s trying to haul himself back up, but the whole world is still shaking, it’s still damp from the sparkling rain. It’s slippery, hard to hold, but he keeps his grip.

And then, deep in the crack in the world, Steve Harrington hears a voice.

It doesn’t sound like anything at first. Just the slow rumble of the whole world shaking. But then, there it is again.

Deep in the crack in the world, Steve Harrington hears a ghost and loses his grip.

And then he wakes up.

He can never identify the voice, doesn’t know who it is that speaks to him from the center of the world. A part of him doesn’t want to know, doesn’t want to examine it too closely. He thinks he wouldn’t like what he found.

~*~

Indianapolis, Indiana Spring 1987

Steve wakes up from a nightmare, sweating and shaking. He remembers burning, he remembers red. He doesn’t remember anything else. He doesn’t need to.

He feels Eddie’s arms tighten around him.

“Nightmare?” Eddie mumbles against the sweaty skin of Steve’s neck, before planting a small, sweet kiss there.

“Yeah,” Steve whispers. His voice is shaky, his chest feels hollow.

“Wanna talk about it?” Eddie asks, sounding more alert as he shifts their positions, pulling so Steve is on his back and Eddie is leaning over him.

Steve looks up into Eddie’s face, into his big brown eyes full of genuine concern.

“No,” Steve says, reaching up to curl his fingers into the front of Eddie’s t-shirt. “Just want you.” He pulls Eddie towards him and doesn’t miss the way Eddie smiles, just before their lips brush.

Steve is held safe in Eddie’s arms for the rest of the night.

~*~

Indianapolis, Indiana Fall 1991

Steve has been home from the coffeeshop for about an hour. He’s showered and tidied up the living room. He’s sitting on the couch in silence when there’s a knock on the door.

He swings the front door open without looking in the peephole. He knows who it is. Eddie smiles at him from the other side of the apartment’s threshold, soft and a little sad.

“Hey, Stevie,” Eddie says, so softly that Steve almost has to lean in to hear him. He feels himself sway into Eddie’s space before he catches himself.

“Hey.” Steve tries to get his voice to sound level, to sound unaffected. Thinks he manages it, from the look on Eddie’s face. “Boxes are in the guest room.” Steve steps out of the way so Eddie can move past him into the apartment. Their shoulders brush and Steve wants to die.

Eddie looks the same, his hair a little longer maybe. His nails are painted black and he’s got more piercings in his ears, but he’s still got the same leather jacket, the same big black boots on his feet. Steve’s mouth feels dry, his throat tight. His hands feel hollow. His fingertips ache with the effort it takes not to reach out and touch.

Eddie had called him last week. The band had just finished up their first national tour, opening for a band much bigger than them. They’d been promoting their debut album. Steve had been hearing about it non-stop from Dustin and Robin, before he’d had to beg them to stop talking about it. With the money he’d made from the tour and the album launch, Eddie had been able to get a place out in LA, something of his own. He’d called Steve to see about getting the last of his things, the odds and ends he’d left behind.

Eddie walks through the space like he lives there still. Steve feels his heart squeeze as Eddie pushes open the door of what used to be Robin’s room, before she’d graduated in the spring and moved across the country. Before she’d left, too.

“Need any help?” Steve asks from the doorway. There’s only two boxes, but Steve is nothing if not polite.

“Nah, Greg’s got the car running downstairs,” Eddie tells him. Steve vaguely remembers Greg, the band’s bass player, from the shows he’d gone to when the band had still been playing at dive bars all over Indy. He remembers the way Greg’s eyes had always lingered on Eddie, trailed after him as Eddie went to get drinks from the bar or excused himself to go to the bathroom. Steve has to bite his tongue so he doesn’t say anything pathetic.

Steve watches as Eddie squats and lifts the boxes effortlessly, one stacked on top of the other. He moves out of the way so Eddie can move down the hallway, back towards the front door. He waits there, for Steve to open the door for him. Steve doesn’t move.

“Wait, I—” Steve has no plan, doesn’t know what might come out of his mouth. He just knows that there’s desperation coursing under his skin, through his veins, at the thought that this might be the last time that Eddie Munson will ever be here, in this apartment they’d chosen together. He can’t bear the thought that he will never know Eddie Munson again. He feels like his lungs are collapsing, like he can’t possibly suck enough air inside himself. His hand lifts in the space between them, like he might reach out toward where Eddie stands.

“Steve,” Eddie sighs, shifting the boxes in his hands and taking half a step backward. “Don’t do this, okay? I, uh. I can’t do this. Not now.”

Steve feels the prickle of tears in his eyes, but he nods, numbly. He knows he’s missed his chance, that he let fear overrule everything else.

He doesn’t say anything else. He just grips the doorknob in his sweaty hand and opens the door for Eddie. He watches Eddie as he steps out of their apartment for the last time, watches as Eddie walks down the hallway. When he reaches the stairs, Eddie turns for one last look.

“See you around, Harrington,” he says. There’s no smile on his face. He stares for a long moment before he takes the first step downward. A second later, he’s gone.

Steve stands in his doorway for a long time after that, eyes trained on the last place where he’ll ever see Eddie Munson.

~*~

Hawkins, Indiana Summer 1995

Steve is still staring down into the center of the world when the earth starts to shake. It feels so familiar when it starts that he’s almost resigned to it. The rain starts then too, heavy and hot. It feels like burning blood when it hits the skin of his face and his bare arms in his t-shirt. Steve looks up into the sky, squinting against the water pouring down, but he sees nothing. It’s all black, only darkness. It makes the crack through the center of the world glow impossibly brighter.

Steve’s got hiking boots on, which offer more traction than his sneakers. He manages to stay upright, for the most part, as the ground beneath him continues to quake.

But then he hears it. It’s the voice from his dreams, the one he’s tried not to examine too closely. It’s coming from the center of the world, the gash spread out in front of him. Steve swallows thickly, feels saliva pool in his mouth. There’s a painful lump in his throat, his chest feels hollow, and his fingertips ache where his grips his nail bat so tightly he think it might snap in half.

The voice calls out and that’s when the earth starts to shift, tilting sideways, and Steve has nothing but his nail bat to hold on to. His feet slide against the pavement until he’s there, just on the edge of the center of the world. The ground tips again, pushing him over the edge. With his nail bat in one hand and the other scrambling against the slippery wet pavement, Steve Harrington dangles above the burning red center of the world. The heat envelops him, humid and oppressive, until he can’t breathe. He holds on, tight, his fingernails cracking against the sparkling asphalt.

“Steve,” Eddie Munson’s voice calls to him from the crack in the world. “Steve, come find me.”

And then Steve falls.

part four part five AO3 link

~*~

Oop okay well inspiration strikes again! I think I have an idea for two more parts for this lil guy :) Thank you to everyone who reblogged and commented on the last two parts!! I appreciate it so much and it encouraged me to think a lil deeper abt this story, so thank you so much for all your kind words.

Btw if you like the vibes of this, my multi-chapter fic “sorry about the blood in your mouth (i wish it was mine)” is written in the same style (nonlinear narrative, future fic, post-breakup; I think that one is less depressing though and has a happy ending! (not sure how this will end yet, sorry!)).

Taglist (I hope I got everyone, sorry if I missed you! also sorry if I tagged you mistakenly): @starlight-archer @sly-bananabread @eddiemunsonswife @renaissan-vvitch @gamerdano @n0-1-important @orangeandthefairroadkill @hollysimone @grtwdsmwhr @spkdnailbats @fabledanzel @and-say

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coffeeandcalligraphy · 1 month

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#they all have 2 each !!#didn't have the bible verse for changing states UNTIL NOWWW!!!#they're perf <3 not sure which version of john 16:22 I liked better but this one for now!#they're all so perfect for the vibes LOL but that andrew mcmillan quote kills me everyone READ PHYSICAL #also love how body back is just an all caps title harrison why are you like this lmaoo

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mementomush · 1 year

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im sorry but no ones done the "will wood song titles are like:" genre of post right yet 😭

wheres your references to not-well-known psychiatric/medical illnesses or medications? AA phrases or general alcohol slang? your references to eastern religion or any biblical texts? your poetry and mysticism? anything relating to psychedelics? hunter s thompson influences?

#im sorry it had to be said its been killing me 😭#will woods song titles are a lot more poetic and put together than yall are giving him credit for smh #there arent really pop culture references in the title either will had an obsession with stranger things back in the day but thats it #and only one song seems to reference that 😭#theres so much medical and scientific stuff in his song titles like chemical overreaction thermodynamics dialectics etc #fungus rumbles #will wood #wwatt #wwattw #will wood and the tapeworms #will wood & the tapeworms #all in good fun btw im not mad at anyone its just been bugging me lol

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noirangel99 · 2 months

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decided to throw my hat in the ring and try making a playlist

it's mostly made up of songs i think lisa and creature would like, songs that I think would fit them, and songs I think fit the vibe of the film

#lisa frankenstein #spotify playlist #there are so many oldies songs on here lol #i just like the idea of murderous Bonnie and Clyde-esque couples killing people with oldies music playing in the background (à la TEOTFW)#also the reason why the music box theme from the changeling is there is because I think creature and lisa would love the movie #creature would def learn the song on the piano and play it for his wife #I also think “happy ending” from frankenweenie would play when he resurrects her #i feel like “introduction (titles)" from edward scissorhands or ”main titles“ from corpse bride could fit for the opening scene too #“que sera sera” is supposed to be a heathers reference since the song plays in the beginning of the movie #“please don't ask me” reminds me of what creature would be thinking after finding out about lisa's crush on michael trent #“something stupid” (the better call saul version) feels like it'd play during a montage of lisa and her husband #specifically a montage of them killing and dismembering people then getting rid of the bodies lol #“love theme” from flashdance just matches the overall vibe so well #this playlist really makes me want a TEOTFW-style sequel where lisa and creature go on a road trip and gather new parts for her #also taffy finds out that lisa's not actually dead and goes on a journey to find her (not to turn her in but just to get closure)#Spotify

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eruden-writes · 2 years

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The Unexpected Human Problem - Part 15 (Yautja x Human)

CHAPTER CW: Awkward tension. Discussion of forced surgery.

Tag list: @ajarofpickledtears, @boogeysmoth

If you like what I create, please consider my patreon or my ko-fi!

(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧ Comments, tags, and reblogs are real motivators for me, too!

Summary: The night her abductors die, Rayelle finds herself running for her life. She doesn’t know where she is, what is following her, where to go. All she knows is she’s not on Earth any longer and the thing chasing her has the capacity to kill.

Tai'dqei never anticipated finding a human when he took the job of tracking and subduing a small contingent of smugglers. It was only when the human attacked and fled fled, Tai'dqei - hopped up on the euphoria of a successful hunt - gave chase, instinct burning at his center.

Will sense return to Tai'dqei before he catches Rayelle? Or will Rayelle be subjected to the yautja’s natural inclinations?

And what happens afterwards?

Inside, his room was heated and humid, with walls in varying shades of desert rock coloration. A circle in the ceiling blared down warm yellow light, situated more over the bed, which was nothing more than an upraised dais covered in what appeared to be pelts. Plants flanked around the bed, some leafy and some spiky looking; though they all came in varying shades.

She took a tentative step inside, turning to Tai'dqei who stood in a space opposite the bed. It appeared to be a modest sitting area, with a couch and screen embedded into the wall. As much as Rayelle hated to admit it, this area was what she had in mind. As Tai'dqei busied himself with a console panel on the wall, Rayelle set herself down on the couch.

Firm, yet comfortable, she could feel her body relaxing into the cushions. She drew her legs up onto the couch, folding them beneath her.

"I know my room likely isn't preferable," Tai'dqei started, still not looking at her as he input commands into the panel. Rayelle noticed how tense his shoulders appeared. Finally, he looked up and the room shifted. With wide eyes, Rayelle's gaze watched as the warm red-orange-yellows faded to purple-blue-pinks, the light dimming to something more akin to dusk. "But it is my room, so there are luxuries that other rooms on the ship don't have."

Rayelle pursed her lips, looking around the room in an exaggerated fashion. Luxuries was right, if the whole room shifted to fit one's preferences. She couldn't even begin to imagine how it worked or what other indulgences he had. But, it was better than the floor and, with a glance to Tai'dqei, Rayelle shot him an awkward smile. "I don't suppose you have access to 20th and 21st century movies?"

"I have an excessive catalog of content available," Tai'dqei answered, with a one-shouldered shrug. Though he looked toward her, Rayelle got the feeling he wasn't looking at her. "You should be able to access it via your wrist gauntlet, now. Can I show you?"

Rayelle narrowed her eyes. Tai'dqei was being careful. While it was appreciated, she couldn't deny a little bit of amusement at the prospect. He was a nearly eight-foot, muscular, capable killing machine that was wary of upsetting her. Of course, perhaps Ah'ke had threatened him if he messed up again. She struck Rayelle as someone capable of holding their own friend accountable.

She gave a nod, holding her wrist gauntlet up as he stepped closer. Tai'dqei knelt down at Rayelle's knee. He showed her how to pull up the holoscreen which would give her access to programs. It ended up appearing much like a desktop with icons. Except available like a watch and with a screen that flickered to life in mid-air.

"I asked for 21st Century Human English, but translations may still be clunky," Tai'dqei mumbled, motioning to the language on the screen.

"I see," she replied, giving a little snort as his claw hit an icon that said 'VidSight.' She wasn't sure if that was the company or a mistranslation, but it bore too much of a similarity to 'television' for her to ignore the latter possibility.

Tai'dqei quickly showed her how to access the human section of his entertainment database, before further showing her how to search for particular eras. It was fairly straightforward, Rayelle was relieved to find out.

Considering what he had already told her, Tai'dqei had given up on sheltering her from information anachronistic with her time. It was easier that way.

After much time narrowing down of terms, Rayelle eventually found titles she began recognizing. She scrolled for a while, trying to decide what she felt in the mood for. Tai'dqei remained silent, still kneeling at her knee. It was difficult to choose a movie with him right there, but she eventually settled on Pride and Prejudice.

It was nice to see Jane Austen's works had survived the tests of time, to be saved into a depository of human entertainment. Perhaps there were even new renditions she could enjoy.

Once she made her choice, tapping on the option, the misty green field opening flickered to life on the screen. The room around her shifted, meeting the same shades at the viewscreen. Twittering of birds and wind chime-music box notes filled the air.

With Rayelle settled, Tai'dqei decided it was time to go. He still had to process what had happened and, to do that, he figured distance would be the best route. His voice pitched low, though it still cut gruffly over the dialogue in the movie, "I'll leave you to this. If you need anything, let me know."

Her eyes followed him as he stood, making his skin itch. She seemed to debate quickly to herself, before she said, "I wouldn't mind you staying."

That surprised him. Tai'dqei paused and squinted at the screen. He watched as a slim brunette woman passed through the scenes, walking around an apparent home. More humans, running about. One playing what he recognized as a piano. An older couple spied through a window.

It appeared to be ancient Earth, if his middling knowledge of human history was accurate.

He looked back to Rayelle, trying to confirm whether he was welcome or not. Sometimes, humans made offers they didn't really want to make. Her eyes shifted from the screen to his face, offering him a small, uncertain smile.

Once more, she was of two minds about Tai'dqei. Though conflicted over what happened, she didn't mind his presence. And she didn't want to be alone with her thoughts. But she wouldn't put up a fight if he wanted to be alone. Or just away from her.

Quietly, to Rayelle's muffled delight, he lowered himself onto the couch. He sat a comfortable distance from her, but not on the far end of the couch. The reason for that, he wasn't exactly sure. But he couldn't force himself to move any further away.

Midway through the movie, Rayelle fell asleep. She was curled up against the arm of the couch, arms pillowing her head. With slow care, Tai'dqei got to his feet, doing his best to not disturb the sleeping human. After draping a blanket over her, he silently exited his quarters.

Over the duration of the vid, his mind had ambled. Partially paying attention to the movie while a greater portion of his processes gnawed on what had transpired with Rayelle.

Mostly over her conflicting answer.

"I didn't exactly say yes or no, but I enjoyed it. I just... I also didn't enjoy it."

It sent a rash of guilt and frustration through him. Was it human custom to act this way? Were human women supposed to not like sex and Rayelle struggled to accept pleasure? Or was it something else entirely?

Maybe he should have paid closer attention to her words. Tai'dqei narrowed his eyes, trying to understand. He played back her words, their movements, in his head.

"S-shouldn't you focus on piloting the ship?"

"I thought I had to stay buckled for my safety."

"I-I thought you wanted to talk."

In his lust driven mind, he thought it was simply coy tactics. Something to further delay the climax, to really put an edge to the swelling pleasure. Of course, it wasn't as if Tai'dqei needed that, but knowing Rayelle, she'd still make him suffer through it to test him.

Now, he wasn't so sure.

Yet, she said part of her wanted it while another part hadn't. His thoughts lit onto her abductors again. A deeper furrow carved between his eyebrow ridges. It wouldn't be unheard of to utilize aphrodisiacs or the like to get humans pliable to carnal desires. But what if they had done something more than that? Something that had the potential to be permanent?

His mandibles joggled irately at the very thought, the tips clacking loudly together in anger.

With new purpose, Tai'dqei strode back toward the main console in the cockpit. Hues of agitation danced along his thoughts. Enraged at those who had kidnapped and stolen Rayelle. Infuriated that others, Zav included, sought to steal Rayelle away. Mostly, he was irate at himself for his missteps and inability to think straight around this human.

His line of work was tenuous, always changing, always necessitating new angles. Getting all the information he could always worked in his favor, so he made a habit to upload any bounty's digital information when able.

And the last bounty was no exception.

Quietly, Tai'dqei cursed himself for not looking at the files sooner as he dropped into his pilot seat. It took him a few moments to set-up the safety of a decoy virtual machine. A requirement, unless he wanted his ship and all connected tech to get a virus.

Once he got the correct files loaded, it took him some times to scour the information. All the while, he cursed vibrantly to himself.

—

Three cycles passed, before Rayelle had any meaningful conversation with Tai'dqei. Though they did exchange pleasantries, they were empty. He did inform her they were heading to the nearest Temporal Authority Council office. However, due to the risk of being followed, Tai'dqei had chosen a more roundabout route than direct.

All said, the atmosphere on the ship was tense, like waiting for long-waited news. Rayelle didn't have the nerve to break it.

So it fell to Tai'dqei, who happened upon Rayelle after she'd eaten her mid-cycle meal in the mess. Quietly, he took a seat across the table, without announcement. As she tilted her eyes to him, he said softly, "I wish to speak to you about something."

Rayelle's stomach somersaulted under his words. She'd been waiting, of course, since she woke up in his room, on the couch after the movie, and scurried off to her bedroom. She'd even held onto the blanket he must have placed over her. It was a pelt, more than anything, but it had the faintest Tai'dqei scent on it.

Her gaze fell to the table, unable to meet his eyes as she thought of that stupid blanket. She picked at the smooth tabletop with a fingernail, pretending to scrape at a stain. "Does it have to do with what happened a few days ago?"

"It's connected, yes." Tai'dqei gave a partial nod, anxiousness making the simple movement stiff. That wording made Rayelle's eyebrows raise with curiosity. Not a solid yes, but related to the events? Hesitantly, she looked up to Tai'dqei, catching his rigid posture. When he spoke again, his voice was oddly gentle, though the gnarl in his tone was still there, "I don't want to upset you again, so if you're still distressed, we can talk about this at a later time."

While still apprehensive about the subject, Rayelle found herself wanting to know what Tai'dqei had to say. Sidestepping the issue of her comfort, she asked, "What is this about?"

"Your abductors. The second ones..." Tai'dqei amended, his eyebrow ridges furrowing. His clarification made Rayelle's lips twist into a small, ironic smile. The fact Tai'dqei continued to acknowledge his technical status as her third abductor amused her and put her at ease. His next words, however, did not. "They kept you sedated, correct?"

"I think so," Rayelle responded, fighting a sudden wave of nausea. Brief snatches of her time with the other aliens flew through her brain. Little moments, barely coherent. Being fed or washed. Introductions to others that came and went. The memories were mottled with dark blank spots though. "It's all muddled, though."

Tai'dqei nodded his head, his mandibles pulling tight to his maw. He already knew that and, even if he hadn't, it was in the medical records he found.

"I finally went through the files from the bounty's ship." Another rush of shame flooded Tai'dqei. He really should have looked at that information sooner, especially when Ah'ke had been around. HIding his self-blame, Tai'dqei busied himself by sending a translated copy of the records to Rayelle, via their wrist gauntlets. "They had you medically altered, which explains your sedation. I've consulted with Ah'ke and she's explained some of the things they put you through."

Rayelle just stared at Tai'dqei for a breath, her eyes wide and her features paling. When her wrist gauntlet pinged, her gaze slid to it. A growing urge to retch climbed up her throat, but she fought it down. She didn't move to open the communique. "What did they do to me?"

Another subject he wished Ah'ke was here for. She could explain this far better than him, but he tried. "As we've discussed, humans are compatible with other non-human races. Your aging reproductive system-"

"Excuse me?" Rayelle reeled back, as if struck by the words 'aging reproductive system.' A frown curved at her lips.

"Your reproductive system has been revitalized to the point of being like that of a human just beginning sexual maturity. Likely for anyone who wanted you for reproductive purposes." Tai'dqei held his hands up, to pause any of Rayelle's inclinations to lash out, as he rushed to clarify his wording. Rayelle relaxed, so Tai'dqei trudged forward to the point that concerned him the most. "The more prominent issues are your pheromones and hormones."

Rayelle leaned back in her chair, her lips twisted into an unamused grimace. "Let me guess. They supercharged them."

Silently, Tai'dqei nodded, a sobering air around him. "Your scent has been made extremely attractive to non-humans. Your own olfactory has been made more sensitive. All of this is affected by, or affects, your sexual drive."

Midway through his explanation, Rayelle groaned and pressed her face in her hands. Though she still listened. Already, a flush started to crawl across her cheeks. This would explain most of the issues surrounding Tai'dqei and herself, she supposed. The conflicting push-pull she felt when interacting with him, especially lately.

She had spent plenty of hours pondering his attraction to her. If his instincts simply hinged so strongly on her many attempts to escape him or if there was more to it. She couldn't imagine he found her physically appealing, considering how different yautja and humans were. Sure, she was soft and squishy and warm, but from an appearance standpoint?

That line of thought had led her down her own feelings concerning the alien, though. Did she find him attractive? That... was harder for Rayelle to answer than she cared to admit.

He wasn't bad to look at. Just different. A swarm of memories descended on her thoughts; the sensation of his body against hers, his touch, his warmth; the way he had slammed between herself and her pursuers at the spaceport; the consistent attempts, successful or not, to be courteous of her feelings.

Luckily, Tai'dqei saved Rayelle from her own thoughts as he continued, "Knowing this, I will take greater care in our interactions. For the time being, it may be best to keep contact to a minimum."

Her gaze darted to him, instantly disliking that idea. But part of her wouldn't allow her to explore the reasons for her distaste.

He sat ramrod straight in his chair, arms folded over his chest, eyes angled downward. In recent days, Rayelle had avoided him, but it was only to get her head on straight. At least she knew, on some level, she could approach him if she wanted to. Albeit, with a discussion about what had happened hanging over her head. But still.

"I don't want that." Rayelle's words came out soft, almost like a hesitant confession. It took all of Tai'dqei's self-restraint to not look at her, to not gauge her body language. Obviously, her alterations didn't help in this situation. Rayelle had been tampered with. Her mind, body, and feelings. Until they could know to what extent, any choice she made in terms of intimacy may later be regretted. He didn't want to make the situation any worse than it already was.

Besides, Ah'ke had warned him this might happen. Some humans bonded over intimacy. Some despised being told what to do. Still others would just cave to temptation. Overall, even if her feelings were genuine, had it not been for the medically boosted factors, she may have created an attachment unwillingly.

No, Tai'dqei doubted she felt anything for him, sexual or otherwise. Which sent a frustrating ache through his chest, but he clamped down on the feeling, locked it away. Even his own feelings on the matter weren't to be trusted.

"I won't force you to keep distant, but I might need to be more removed." He shifted, allowing himself to slump against the table, arms crossed on the tabletop. This talk had sent an uncomfortable heat through him, which the cool tabletop alleviated a little. Tai'dqei turned his gaze to Rayelle, voice steely with certainty. "For your sake."

Another cacophony of feelings slammed into Rayelle. Quietly, she stared back at Tai'dqei, suddenly aware of the great space the table settled between them.

Her hyped up hormones explained her own hot-cold reactions to Tai'dqei. Wanting to touch him and wanting to be touched by him clashing with the ever-present swirl of discontent and resentment for everything. She wasn't entirely sure it covered all of it, but it certainly didn't help matters.

Rayelle couldn't forget the other player: Tai'dqei.

Faintly, she wondered how different he was before her. Did he visit brothels on a regular basis? Or train and shower as much as he had? Did he have similar problems around Ah'ke? Or other people he found sexually alluring? That he wanted to mate with? Rayelle couldn't answer those questions.

One worry blossomed in her head. Had all it all been her fault? If she hadn't been altered, would Tai'dqei had shown any interest?

Beyond that, he'd done so much for her in a short amount of time. Even in spite of her less-than-delightful moments. After he let her use his own space for comfort, Rayelle had begun to believe Tai'dqei genuinely liked her, beyond being something of sexual value.

Maybe, on his end of all this, he was simply influenced by his instincts, reacting to her initial violence coupled with manipulative hormones. Which meant her response to him may just be chalked up to medical interference, as well. A dangerous loop, just repeating itself with two unwilling players.

That wasn't fair to either of them.

In her lap, her hands balled into fists as a heaviness settled in her chest. "Maybe staying away from each other is a good idea."

Tai'dqei couldn't say it was the answer he wanted to hear from her. A small part of him had hoped she'd assuage his concerns, declare she wasn't so easily swayed by carnal chemicals. But that was folly on his part. Of course, she'd choose the distance. It was the safest option and kept mistakes from happening. Like what happened in the cockpit.

"It will take a little less than a cycle to get to the temporal authority quadrant headquarters," Tai'dqei forced himself to say, pushing back from the table. His limbs felt heavy as he stood, as if his very body didn't want to move away from Rayelle. "Let me know if you need anything."

And that was it.

Casting her gaze into her lap, where her hands had settled, she fought a new slew of emotions. Something heavy settled in Rayelle's stomach. It felt a little chillier, all of a sudden. She listened to Tai'dqei shift, to the chair being shoved back in place, and finally to his dwindling footfalls as he turned and left her behind.

---

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bleue-flora · 2 days

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your fics have started to jumpscare me when i see them on ao3 bc now i go "wait, i aware of who this is!" get percived idiot (affectionate)

#boo!#<3 <3 <3 #*boop*#you think you’re having a chill time then boom- misery loves an idiot’s long ass title appears out of nowhere…#and you realize you know the insane person from tumblr… and you fear #is this the time she brings out Sam’s hoe?…………. or kill a dog……….#hello there #they jumpscare me too lol #like a suprise while I’m scrolling through tags… lol XD #hopefully good scare right?… but the real question is do you read them?….#…… you’ll never see me coming >;)

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spaceyflowerswriting · 2 years

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Hello Adrien~ how are you? I hope you've been doing well! Thank you so much for taking the time to accept and write the request I submitted to you. You released it at such perfect timing b/c I was in bed, sick and miserable, but reading your Jonggun x reader made my week and made me feel nice and comforted🥰 as always, I enjoy your characterization of lookism characters and I'm amazed on how you're able to write for so many characters in different prompts like you're a great writer and I hope that you continue to do what you enjoy doing^^

Since I saw that your requests are back open, is it okay if I request a reunion between Jonggun x reader who broke up a few years ago b/c Jonggun didn't want to involve reader into his life as a full-time Yamazaki head since his lifestyle would put them in danger but he and reader still love each other? Whether or not they decide to get back together is totally up to you! Please and thank you for always gracing the Fandom with your wonderful writing❤

-🍒

perhaps (gun park x reader)

details: soft angst-y oneshot, gender neutral reader written in 2nd pov, general canon au, you and gun are exes that still love each other

summary: gun has a sudden reunion with his ex. many feelings are spilled.

a/n: hello cherry anon !! ive indeed been well, i hope the same goes for you T_T + thank YOU for sending requests and enjoying my writing !! im glad it made you feel better 💓

also i really appreciate ur compliments :(( 💖💖 hearing that people like my characterizations always cheers me up ;_;

here's your request, thanks again <33

Gun's hand reached into his pocket once more to grab his box of cigarettes. He pulled out another cigarette for the night and put the box back to feel around his pockets for his lighter. As soon as he found it, he quickly lit up his cigarette and put the lighter back away as well.

Slowly inhaling... slowly exhaling; watching the smoke escape his lips as he blew it out. The only thing that made it visible were the dim lamp posts nearby the fountain he was currently seated on the edge of.

Feelings of temporary relaxation filled him up, as well as the cool, fresh air of the quiet city night. This was what he needed after his long day. No, make that a week.

He felt rather pathetic thinking about the heavy weight on his mind that he allowed to cause such a wreck of a week for him. And to think it was triggered by a song he hadn't heard in years, playing on an old record player he was looking at in an antique store.

Was this simply a period of grieving he was going through? Was he missing the bittersweet memories of a person he cut off and tried to bury long ago? Ah, but "person" was rather insulting to use to describe you. "Someone he deeply loved and cared for," was a much better descriptor.

If only you were just a "person," though. He wouldn't be feeling so sentimental then. He wouldn't care so much.

The particular memory resurfaced every once in a while, it was just easy to ignore when it was a thought. Hearing something directly from the memory causing him to nearly relive it, however, that he could not just ignore.

Muffled but recognizable, a traditional Japanese song was playing from the inside of Gun's home when he stood outside to have his last conversation with you. He figured one of his older relatives was playing it. Such a small detail, yet it was something that stuck with him. As for what was said in the conversation, he couldn't recall exactly, but your glossy eyed expression and the emotions he felt that day he remembered crystal clear.

At least because of those clear memories, he could guess what he said to you. Something rash, something immature and inconsiderate of your feelings. Despite that, he--in some strange way--still felt like he did the right thing, but he wished he had listened to you more instead of turn you away by insisting what he was doing was the best option for the both of you.

It felt selfish to think such a thought, though, because the reason he regretted breaking up with you the most was hurting you and not having you by his side anymore. He missed having someone that made his heart race in a way that wasn't related to fighting. He missed having someone he could wholeheartedly trust. He missed having a companion.

He missed you.

Of course, he hoped you felt the same. But how could anyone still harbor love for a person that pushed them away so harshly?

"Oh my gosh, hi! I didn't expect to see you here," a rather cheerful yet stiff voice called out.

Gun moved his gaze from the empty sky to the side where he saw someone smiling nervously at him. They sat down too closely to him for a stranger and asked him how his night was going.

He blankly stared at them, unable to feel much other than slight irritation. He just looked the other way and continued to inhale the smoke of his cigarette, every breath helping to keep his mood steady despite his rampant thoughts.

"Right, haha..." said the person, as if Gun replied with something. They then cleared their throat and very quietly said, "Sorry for disturbing your night, but someone's been following me. I'm hoping if I pretend to hang around a friend they'll leave me alone."

Ah. That kind of situation.

Gun knew he had no business playing hero, but he was a decent enough man to help someone innocent in need if it was happening right in front of him. Plus, he had time to spare anyway.

He dropped his finished cigarette onto the floor and gave it a firm stomp. After making sure it was extinguished, he picked it up to flick it into a trash can nearby and finally turned back to look at the stranger.

"I see. Let's talk, then." Honestly, he had to applaud the stranger for daring to approach him. Surely he must've looked as scary as whoever was following them?

"Thank you!" The person set down a bag they were holding into their lap and began to ramble about random things concerning how their day was spent. Gun listened half-heartedly, nodding and replying when polite, and occasionally checking his watch. He wanted to get home before 1 AM at least.

However, the longer he spent with the stranger, the more he felt himself losing track of time. They started to feel familiar. His intuition was never wrong, so he tried to study this person and make connections. The way they spoke, their mannerisms, their facial features: everything about them lead him to a blurry conclusion.

This stranger... were they you?

"What about you? How was your day?" The person still looked nervous. "Oh, wait, nevermind, I've definitely talked too long now. I should head home, thanks for keeping me company!" After an awkward beat of silence, they added, "Friend!"

Gun eyed them suspiciously, but with no malice. And in his ever so straightforward fashion, he said, "Of course. But before you go, may I ask you something?"

"Yes?"

"Is your name..."

When he finished his question, the stranger's--your eyes widened.

"So it is you." Gun nodded, not quite sure how he was feeling at the moment. Ironic was most likely the best word. "Do you perhaps remember me?"

"Uh..." You fidgeted with your fingers, looking away. "Gun," you muttered, "Jonggun Park?"

"That's right." A new emotion washed over him. Relief? Happiness that you had kept him in your memories after the passing years? Well, you most likely didn't remember him in a good light...

You shifted in your seat before turning back to look at him, laughing sheepishly. "I knew you looked kind of familiar. No one wears slicked back hair as good as you." The compliment made Gun raise a brow as quickly as you had slapped a hand over your mouth. "I'm so sorry, that was really inappropriate to say." Your hand slid down and you vaguely gestured with it. "I-I meant no one wears slicked back hair like you. As in, um, it's a very... you look. You know?"

Some people really don't change no matter how many years go by.

A chuckle left Gun before he could stop himself. He'd imagined many times what it would be like to see you again, and the things he'd say. He would apologize first and foremost, but then explain himself and ask if you'd like to start anew. If you said yes, great, if not, then he'd respect your decision.

This time he would hear you out. Maybe there would be an argument and you both would part just as terribly as in the past, or maybe you two would make up and mutually agree to stay out of each other's lives.

Whatever scenario he thought up of, it wasn't anything like this. Still, he knew you better than that.

"We should cut to the chase, don't you think?"

Your smile faded as your brows slightly knit together. "I know we're exes, but that doesn't mean we have to be hostile to each other."

Gun still had a raised brow. "Even though the reason we aren't together anymore wasn't peaceful?"

Immediately, any lightheartedness in the mood blew away with the wind, revealing only the tense feelings shared between the both of you.

"Gun..." You moved your gaze away once more. "What's happened in the past can stay in the past. I've moved on." You held up a hand just as he was about to question you. "And before you ask, yes, I can't help but still hold a little grudge against you, but I understand now. I was upset back then, but after having years to think about it and mature, I get why you did what you did."

He nodded, taking note of your sincerity. "I suppose I don't have to explain myself then."

"No, you don't," you sighed softly.

"Then... at least allow me to say I'm sorry, too." You stayed quiet. "I didn't give you a chance to explain your feelings. It was arrogant of me to decide where we should take our relationship without hearing your input." Gun subconsciously turned away from you as well. "But I will say I don't regret what I told you. You knew very well the dangers that came with associating with someone involved with the Yakuza. Especially as the head of a clan."

"Right. You were keeping me away for my own safety. I know." You sounded tired, like you were being lectured at. "It probably was the best decision for our relationship. Didn't really stop me from hurting, though." A somewhat bitter laugh came along your last sentence. "It definitely hurt a lot more back then when I didn't understand, but even today..."

Gun didn't need to hear you finish what you were going to say to get the message. He said your name and then, "I feel the same. In all honesty, I miss having your presence in my life." He looked back at you. "You know, when I said I don't regret what I said, I meant it. Although, I do somewhat regret what I did: cutting off all ties with you. It was the logical thing to do, to ensure no one could trace you to me or vice versa, but sometimes I feel it did more harm than good to us."

"Hm." You shrugged with little emotion. "You look like you did fine without me."

"And you?"

"I turned out fine, too, I think." You didn't lift your head up to meet Gun's eyes, but you turned back at least to look at him. "I'm not dressed in rich people brands or anything, but I'm living. I have friends and a comfortable home."

The mention of his clothes mildly embarrassed Gun, but he quickly brushed it off. "That's good. You're living a normal life."

"Yeah. The kind you wanted me to live."

Well. That just stung.

He went quiet for a moment, thinking carefully of what to say next. "Are you happy--"

"What's the point of this conversation?" You cut him off, voice strained. "I know you hate beating around the bush, so just tell me what you're trying to say."

"...You're right." Gun sat up straighter and rested his hands on his knees. "I miss you. But I'm still living the kind of life I told you to stay away from. Do you see my problem?"

You let out another laugh, this one sharp and short. "Glad to know you haven't changed much. Still living a dangerous lifestyle and still not asking for my opinion."

"Except this time I don't think I need to ask for your opinion. You've made it rather clear where your feelings lie for me."

There was a moment of silence before you sighed. "I hate your confidence and your knack for reading people correctly."

"I think even a child would be able to pick up that you miss me from the bittersweet way you spoke."

"Shut up." He smiled softly, seeing you attempt to hide the small smile on your face. "What do you want me to say anyway?"

"I want to hear what you think. I'm making up for my past mistakes. Most importantly, I want you back in my life, but only if you want me back in yours as well." The unfamiliar feeling of mild nervousness had Gun conflicted on what to do. "Back then, I said we should never see each other again, no matter what, but maybe if we tried now we could make it work."

Finally, you looked up to make eye contact with him. "Why don't you just leave your criminal life behind?"

"I can't. And I don't want to." As your expression turned into one of concern, he went on to say, "It's just the kind of life I'm suited for. Call me immoral or a bad person; I'll be whatever that allows me to keep fighting. You already know I live by my own standards anyway."

"You're as weird as ever," you chuckled with a shake of your head.

"Yet you fell in love with me anyway."

"I know. That was my fault."

"Give me some credit for charming you at least." He leaned to the side just in time to dodge your hand moving to whack his shoulder.

After a huff, your shoulders dropped and a worried frown replaced your smile. "I don't know what to do. I do know I want to be by your side, though, and it's honestly relieving to hear you've been missing me all these years, too. It's just... are you sure this is okay? What do you mean by we could work things out now? How's it going to be any different from the past?"

Gun slowly replied, "The harsh truth is that it won't be any different. I still advise you to stay away, but my selfish side wants you by me despite the danger. It tells me I'll just make sure my work doesn't affect you." You nodded along while he added, "I won't force you into my lifestyle, either, of course. It'd be inappropriate to shove someone into a life they're not made for. Even if I do get you used to it, that doesn't guarantee you'll ever grow fit for it. Some people are not made for certain things. And... I want you to be happy with me, not miserable."

He let his words hang in the air for a while, to make sure you could properly digest them and then said, "There. That's all I can say." He crossed his arms. "I now leave the decision up to you. We're both adults now, aren't we? We've had time to grow and we can make our own decisions and talk things out like adults do. Whatever you choose, I understand."

"This is all very sudden, you know." Your frown turned even more lopsided. "After experiencing the horrific feeling of thinking someone's following me, I run into someone who I thought vaguely resembled my ex from when I was a teenager, only to find out he IS my ex and wants me back the same way I do, too. Except it's not that simple." You sighed in frustration and Gun nodded in sympathy.

"I'm not expecting you to think of an answer right away. I understand this is all very sudden." He reached a hand out, placing it atop of yours which was resting on the fountain edge. "I'll wait as long as needed. As long as you give me an answer, I'll be satisfied. Patience is needed for love, after all, whether that love flourishes or is buried as a loving memory."

"Okay." It seemed like you were trying to give him a reassuring smile as you stammered, "I'll--I'll think about it, then."

"Please take your time." Gun glanced at his watch. It was nearing 1 AM, and he decided you two had spoken enough. "It's become rather late, so I believe we should head home. Would you like me to walk you to your place?"

You scrambled up, grabbing your bag with a hand and leaving the other free to wave at Gun. "Oh, no, it's okay! It's been quite a while, I don't think the person following me is still sticking around."

"Nonsense, how ridiculous would it be if I let you walk home alone only to find your death on the news tomorrow morning?"

He had tried to say it in a half joking way, but the wide eyed look you gave him said you clearly didn't see it that way. At least until you began to laugh.

Once you quickly settled down, you had a soft smile resting on your lips. "Asking me a question only to ignore what my reply is and do whatever you want. Your feigned politeness hasn't changed either, I see."

Gun decided not to mention he was attempting to make a joke. "I hope you realize you haven't changed much either. You're still the same person I loved then, and love even now." He smirked when you began to look a little nervous.

"Right..." You side stepped and gestured forward. "I'll get going then. You can walk with me since you insist."

"Good." He followed after your stride, walking alongside you and easily keeping up with your pace. "What were you doing out so late, if you don't mind me asking?"

You glanced down at the bag in your hand. "Um... midnight snack craving."

Now it was Gun's turn to laugh and bring up the repeated sentiment of, "You really haven't changed."

"Whatever." You playfully rolled your eyes. "Can I ask why you're wearing sunglasses at night?"

"...That's a story for another day."

"...Right." Your eyes lit up as a new topic popped into your head. "Oh, and I can't believe you smoke now. I know you did it a few times whenever you were offered a cigarette when you were younger, but you should really stop if you want to live a long life."

Gun chuckled. "I'll think about it."

In some miraculous way or another, the rest of the walk to your house went peacefully. With a little healthy bickering, of course. You both exchanged phone numbers before finally parting ways.

On his way back home, Gun found himself thinking again, "Ah, that was exactly what I needed." Forget the cigarette he was using earlier as a stress reliever. Apparently what he needed most was a real conversation with the ex he still loved, and luck decided to be on his side today.

Yet, out of habit, (and because his walk home was extended by accompanying you home) he was pulling out another cigarette and lighting it.

"I wonder what decision they'll make."

#lookism x reader #gun park x reader #gun park #requests #i have decided to leave the relationship status to the reader B]#anyway i feel like this oneshot perfectly captures/allowed me to show how i characterize gun #like hes just some freak but he's Romantic and not entirely heartless despite how harshly he acts #that side of him is best shown thru eli; letting eli go by saying hes 'gotten soft'#and then him actually keeping olly's promise to not hurt eli?! youd think gun would be like-#'nah eli got me fucked up im gonna kill him anyway' but he stayed true to what he told olly #'i only grant dead people favors.' he truly lives by his standards only..#him being harsh is just how he is as a 'nuturer' (according to his genius title lol)#outside of that tho? hes cold. calculative. but hes still human. youd just have to be damn lucky to even get a glimpse at his softer side #hes surrounded by coworkers anyway he doesnt find the need to be 'nice' to them only 'professional'#maybe im being delusional and am only romanticizing a criminal but. oh well 💖#shoutout to anon for this request!!!!!! got me writing a whole mini 'character analysis' essay in the tags !!!#btw if ptj releases anything in the future debunking my gun analysis i will cry 💔 /lh

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