#this is so dramatic!!! and sounds ridiculous!!! and all that is happening is I am being forced to grow up | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

earthtooz · 1 year

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hurt/comfort blurb based off an ask @missmeinyourbones received :3

gojo x gn!sorcerer!reader, he's ridiculous, lovesick and dramatic in the one but that's how we like him here so. enjoy!!

“where is our couch?”

gojo looks up at you from his phone, grinning at you gently with the small smile that he always wears; one you’ve come to adore over the years. this time, however, it does nothing but irritate you because there is a large, vacant space in the living room that has ‘gojo satoru’ written all over it.

“what do you mean?” he asks but the lilt in his tone tells you everything you need to know.

that one, gojo has everything to do with your missing couch. two, you have fallen for his bait, successfully tricked into talking to him because three hours ago, you refused to acknowledge his existence after a heated argument that ended with you promising to sleep on the couch. yet after one harmless trip to the supermarket, you come back to discover that your bed for the night was missing.

and you know him well enough to know that his giddiness stems from the fact that you’re finally giving him the attention he’s been craving for the past few hours.

“where. is. our. couch?” you reaffirm, emphasising each word so they can get through his thick skull.

“is it not in the living room?”

he sounds almost delighted at this peculiar interaction, seeming proud of himself as his eyes shine with mirth. they bravely look into your frustrated and irritated ones.

“i am in no mood to bicker, gojo,” you begin, “either you tell me where our couch has gone or i kick you out.”

the sorcerer pouts from where he sits on the bed, curling into a ball as he stares up at you. the sight would’ve been more comical if you weren’t so mad. “that’s not very nice.”

“you don’t deserve nice,” you mutter, turning on your heels to walk away before gojo can melt you with those honeyed words of his. from the bedroom, you hear fumbling and rustling, followed by footsteps.

instead of paying gojo any mind, you go to the kitchen counter where you left the many bags of groceries you bought.

he rests his elbows on the kitchen island, subliminally begging for an ounce of your attention whilst you sort through the bags. “would you like some help?”

you give him a brief side-eye before resuming. his pout worsens.

“if i tell you what happened to our couch, will you promise to sleep on the bed tonight?” pleads the white-haired, “with me?”

you sigh, “yes.”

“i warped it somewhere.”

“what?” you almost drop the carton of eggs in your hold. “what do you mean ‘somewhere’?”

“somewhere in jujutsu tech, i’m not really sure.” he cringes at the glare you shoot him. “i was gonna get it back if you agreed!”

that was your last straw. running a hand down your face, you don’t see the way that your lover stares at you with hope from the corner of your eye.

“for goodness’ sake, why did you warp our couch?” you quiz.

“because you were going to sleep there,” he murmurs, “and i didn’t know how else to change your mind.”

“you’re twenty-three, gojo. you should know a thing or two about how to reconcile properly by now.”

his pout worsens at the use of his family name. “i am a man in love, y/n, do you know what they say about men in love?”

before you can even think of a snarky remark, realisation hits you like an anvil. whenever gojo uses his teleportation technique it always… leaves… something behind.

rushing over to the carpet that used to be under the couch, you almost have a heart attack when you lift it up and see the scorched marks that occur as a byproduct. the white-haired leans against the kitchen island innocently, whistling.

“and what are you planning on doing about this?” you shriek. you try to remain calm, really, but it’s hard to do so because gojo has an affinity for driving you to the brink of insanity.

“i will get someone to fix it, i promise!”

“and will they not be suspicious that there are marks in our floor?”

“a little bribery never hurt nobody, and i have a lot of money to bribe someone successfully. plus, i have connections in the jujutsu world!”

you drop the carpet, giving up. “i’m calling shoko to crash at hers for the night-”

“-then i’ll warp her house.”

“can you even do that? a couch is pretty impressive already.”

“so you think i’m impressive?”

“gojo.”

“i don’t know if i can teleport a house but i’m always willing to try.”

you hate him, you decide. “even if you could warp a house, you shouldn’t, because shoko will kick your ass.”

“but you’ll protect me, won’t you?”

you say nothing, merely glancing at your boyfriend before reaching for your phone in your pockets. however, before you could even unlock the device, gojo is beside you, crouched down to your level. he maintains a respectable distance, one that does not invade your personal space whilst fulfilling his need to be close to you.

“are you actually leaving?” he whispers brokenly, completely changing the atmosphere as his eyes begin to shine with tears that threaten to spill.

your words are lodged in your throat at the pitiful sight. whilst some part of your brain curses you for giving in so easily, the other part that loves gojo (who are you kidding, all of you loves him) begins to feel a little bad.

he continues, reaching for your hand to play with your fingers, “please don’t leave. i’m sorry for what i said when we were arguing. i love you,” he pauses for a second before adding as an afterthought: “a lot.”

gojo��s apology, although a little awkward and rushed, is nothing short of endearing, successfully quelling the waves of frustration and anger you’ve been feeling for the past few hours. although the hurt has not completely faded, it’s a little less suffocating to be around him now.

his life is far from normal, you understand that, and you realised that it would be something you had to deal with when you started dating him in your last year at jujutsu tech. but you fell for gojo because of his sporadicity. life may have not been the same ever since, but in a world where all you are gifted is targets on your back in exchange for keeping lives safe, his love is a refreshing oasis for you to return to when all is said and done.

even though he expresses it through unconventional ways, such as teleporting your couch because he was heartbroken at the prospect of being away from you, you think it’s a fair trade.

as a way of accepting his apology, you open your arms for him and the white-haired doesn’t even let a second pass by before he’s crashing into you.

it’s comforting, the way he holds onto you like you’ll slip from his grasp otherwise. “i’ll go get our couch back soon,” he mutters into you, squeezing your waist a little tighter.

“we’re having a moment, gojo, please don’t mention the couch or i’ll be angry again.”

“sorry,” the white-haired raises his head to look at you, “can i at least get nickname privileges back?”

“you’re ridiculous,” you huff, “no.”

#leah pls don't perceive me this is saur embarrassing #if u read this i will simply #idk what i will do but i will do something #it feels like the heavens is deciding my fate idk this is a lot of pressure HELP #i'm not totally happy with this one #but i was determined to get this out lol so #mediocre writing as always bc what else do i give you all <33 #i should get rid of this habit #gojo x reader #jjk x reader #jujutsu kaisen x reader #gojou satoru x reader #gojo satoru x reader #gojou x reader #gojo x reader fluff #gojo satoru x reader fluff #gojou satoru x reader fluff #jujutsu kaisen fluff

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luminousbeings-crudematter · 6 months

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Entanglement (1/2)

PAIRING: Johnny "Soap" MacTavish x Medic F!Reader

A/N: my little contribution to the 141 challenge by the amazing @glitterypirateduck || but I was very tipsy when I wrote this and am very tipsy as I post it sO IT DOESNT COUNT DO NOT PERCEIVE ME || I WILL SOBER WRITE A PART 2 PROMISE

Prompts used: Military Base, Dude in Distress, Take care of each other (helping w/bath, stitches, haircut, sickness, etc.), “Who did this to you?”

Part 1 || Part 2 ||

____

The base is quiet this time of year—it’s nice. The quiet is obviously preferable to the chaos, and sometimes you like just sitting with your thoughts in your cozy little nook on base. There are a handful of people around, all of whom you liked, one of whom you really liked, but you’d bite your tongue off before you ever said that out loud. Especially to him.

And it’s like you’ve summoned him by just the power of your thoughts, because he walks into your little office with his hand clenched tight over his bleeding arm (that you had just sutured) and a large smile on his face. His eyes dart around quickly and then come back to yours happily, grin widening from noting that you were the only one in the infirmary at that moment.

“You’re a fucking idiot.” You use your chin to point at the leaking bandage over his arm, and start to gather your supplies.

But Soap’s never been one to dwell. “Yeah,” he agrees, easily. “Go’ me here though, didn’ it, bonnie?”

“What happened? Who did this to you?”

He leans closer and whispers, conspiratorially. “Very bad men, bonnie. But ah’ll keep them away from you, promise.”

You shake your head and turn away, having to pretend to grab something from behind you so that your charming, gorgeous hunk of a patient doesn’t see your shy smile. “You’re bleeding out again, MacTavish. I need to fix this. Again.”

“Oh, bonnie, y’er the only who can,” he sighs, dramatically, and. It’s stupid. It’s such a stupid fucking line but you still want to find somewhere to hide, your smile finally spilling out into your cheeks.

MacTavish is a shameless flirt. Everyone knows this, it’s a very ill-kept secret, not that Johnny would want it to be a secret at all. It comes naturally to him—stupid words spew out of him and suddenly, you want to cover your heated cheeks with your palms and look anywhere but into his bright blue eyes.

He waits for you to look back at him, and you have to roll your eyes at the giddy grin he wears on his face.

“Alright then, sergeant, let’s see the damage, shall we?”

“Oh the damage is far too deep t’fix, luv,” he says, but grins and extends his arm for you to look at anyway.

The sight of his blood-covered arm makes you wince in sympathy, and you start to slowly unwrap the gauze and tape around his arm before you clean his wound. The wound on his arm looks angry and almost pulses in front of your eyes, and he winces and groans as you begin to suture. You shush him quietly everytime, and try to concentrate—really, you do—but you can feel his eyes on your face.

When you look back up at him, he doesn’t even do you the courtesy of looking away. No, the man makes eye contact with you, eyes shining.

It takes you some effort to rearrange your features into the look of mild tiredness that you wear around him often. “Can I help you, MacTavish?”

“‘Fraid I’m beyond y’help, bonnie,” he grins, cocky and sure, and so fucking handsome. “Though…y’could go out wi’me. Might make me hurt less.”

“God,” you say, rolling your eyes. “You know that I can’t.” His pout makes you laugh, and you stand up to go wash your hands. Before you get too far away from him, though, you feel warm fingers wrap around your wrist and squeeze gently.

“MacTavish,” you whisper. “We can’t.” The words are insistent, and you put what feels like considerable effort into sounding like you mean them, but your attention is caught by the slow, almost hypnotic motion of his ridiculously pink tongue wetting his lips. When your eyes finally meet his, you already know what he’s going to say.

“You could, though, bonnie. Y’could go out wi’me.”

“Johnny…”

“Could make it worth y’while,” he whispers, suggestively, and this time it’s his eyes that linger on your lips before they come back up to meet yours. “Keep the bad men away from ya, if you'd like” His words are flirty and unserious, as usual, but God, does he manage to look earnest as he says them.

"All of them?" you wonder out loud.

His eyes shine as you play along. He considers your words for a moment. "No. Not all of 'em."

“We could be caught,” you counter. “Won’t your Captain have your head for it?”

“‘N I'd happily go out for you, sweet girl.”

You shake your head as you write him a prescription for the pain. “You’re incorrigible. I’m not going to be reassigned because you’re horny, Sgt. MacTavish.”

“Horny,” he gasps in mock-horror. “Horny? Ahm’ here out of m’mind in love, hen! Horny, she says!” He shakes his head and his smile dims a little, but only for a second, before his eyes light up, wickedly. “Consider it. We’d make bonnie children, aye?”

You freeze because…what is there to even say to that.

When he kisses your cheek and whistles cheerily on his way out, you do find yourself considering it.

#141challenge #johnny mctavish #john soap mactavish #johnny mactavish x reader #cod mw2 #call of duty #lumi writes #also #super soap sunday

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thechaoticdruid · 25 days

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This Bites (6)

Pairing: Astarion x Fem! Chubby!MC

Plot: Astarion gets to know Winnie's little step sister Vanessa as the trip to the carnival date grows near.

Content/Warnings: Fluff, mean vampire threatens smol human, smol human is annoying and asks too many questions, smol human's dad is a bigot, Batstarion abuse.

Chapter 5: Long ass chapter

Chapter 6: We here.

Chapter 7: Uhh......

“Shit.” Astarion breathed out, staring at the little girl with shock. This was not good. Winnie had busted her ass to make sure no one in the house found out about Astarion. Winnie shot up from the ground, eyes widened with horror as she saw her stepsister in her room.

“Vanessa! What are you doing in MY room?” Winnie snapped, arms crossed.

“I couldn't sleep!” Vanessa complained before her eyes stared at Astarion, taking in his features.

“He looks like the vampire from that game all my favorite YouTubers are playing!”

“Ah…Well, he's just a big fan!” Winnie said nervously before elbowing Astarion in the shoulder.

“Oh! Yes! I am just absolutely captivated by him! He's so beautiful and dreamy.~ It's as if he was carved from stone by the gods themselves!~” Astarion put his hand over his heart, lacing every word with some dramatic flair.

“Okay, I think she gets the point.” Winnie rolled her eyes, as she huffed at Astarion's ridiculous and frankly egocentric theatrics.

“You sound just like him too!” Vanessa said, eyes narrowing in suspicion. “And are those fangs in your mouth?”

“He's a cosplayer and he just so happens to be very good at impressions! Seriously Nessa, don't tell me you think he could actually be a vampire. You know they aren't real, silly.” Winnie said, laughing nervously as her anxiety began to spike.

“He literally has no reflection.” Vanessa said, pointing to the mirror in Winnie’s room. Just to add to their shit luck, the two of them had been standing at the perfect angle for her to notice.

“Fuck.” Winnie cursed, stomping her foot and covering her face in her hands.

“Well…Looks like we'll have to kill the child.” Astarion said with an annoyed sigh, clenching his clawed fingers. Vanessa tensed up and backed up against the wall as the vampire took a step forward. Winnie quickly moved in front of him and blocked the way to Nessa.

“No no no! We are not murdering my stepsister!” Winnie put her hand on his chest.

“I can't believe there's a real vampire in our house!” Vanessa exclaimed, sounding way too excited about a blood sucking undead being hiding in her home.

“You are not having the appropriate reaction to finding out a bloodsucking monster-” Winnie was cut off by Astarion clearing his throat,” right sorry LIFE CHALLENGED INDIVIDUAL is in your house.”

“Well, you obviously don't seem afraid of him.” Nessa exclaimed, “and if he was dangerous why would you bring him into the house?”

“I am very dangerous, thank you.” Astarion scoffed, crossing his arms with a slight pout.

“He is my friend and I'm taking care of him…” Winnie began to say.

“Dad has no idea he's here does he?” Vanessa raised an eyebrow with a smirk.

“No and I want to keep it that way.” Winnie said sternly.

“I can't believe there's actually a video game character in front of me!” Nessa squealed in excitement. “Wait, how is this possible?”

“I've been trying to get to the bottom of that.”Winnie rubbed her temples, “look the bottom line is you can't tell anyone about him being here, understand?” Vanessa ignored Winnie and immediately went over to inspect Astarion.

“So what's your name?” She asked curiously.

“It's Astarion. ~” The vampire replied with a dramatic little bow.

“Astairen?” Vanessa repeated, pronouncing the vampire’s name incorrectly. The elf sighed and rolled his eyes.

“A-star-rion.” He corrected her.

“Ha! You sound like a Pokemon!” Vanessa giggled.

“A what?” The vampire was completely confused.

“Vanessa.” Winnie huffed, “listen to me.” Vanessa eventually turned back to look at Winnie. “You cannot tell anyone about him, understand? Especially not your father.”

“I won't tell anyone! I promise! I've just always wanted a vampire friend!” Nessa exclaimed with a twinkle in her eyes.

“Let's not get carried away…There are very few people in this world I consider ‘friends’ and you are certainly not one of them.” Astarion said in a sassy tone, face scrunched in disgust. Winnie quickly elbowed him.

“Be nice.” She scolded him.

“Ugh….If I must…” Astarion groaned and looked over at the young girl. “…I may consider becoming friends…” The vampire said the last word as if it would make him vomit.

“Don't take what he says too personally, Ness. He's basically a cat on the inside.” Winnie said calmly, causing Vanessa to giggle.

“This is going to be so cool! I have so many questions!” Vanessa said with excitement.

“Ah yes well, it might be best if you hold off your questions for tonight. I'm really tired.” Winnie said with a yawn, stretching out her arms.

“But come on! Just a few minutes! Pleaaassse!” Vanessa whined. Winnie groaned in annoyance before sitting on the bed and kicking off her shoes.

“Alright. You got ten minutes.” She said with a sigh.

“Okay okay! Can you fly?”

“No.” Astarion replied.

“Can you hypnotize people?”

“No.”

“Can you see the future?”

“No.”

“Read minds?”

“No.”

“Do you….sparkle in the sun?”

“Not sure…Usually I'm too busy burning to death to check.”

“Well, you're a boring vampire!” Nessa huffed.

Astarion rolled his eyes,”I can rip your heart out and eat it. Is that exciting enough for you?”

“Kinda gross, but okay.”

“Alright you've asked enough questions. Now go to bed.” Winnie sighed.

“Fiiiine.” Vanessa finally gave in before leaving to go back to her room.

Winnie let out a groan of annoyance once her step sister left her room. She rubbed her temples in frustration as Astarion sat down on the bed beside her.

“God, I hope she doesn't tell anyone…” Winnie muttered before suddenly feeling clawed hands on her shoulders. Astarion began to rub her gently.

“Since you won't let me kill them I dearly hope you have a plan brewing in that pretty head of yours? In case our little secret gets out.” The pale elf said as he continued to massage her shoulders, thumbs moving down to rub circles around her shoulder blades.

“We'd have to move out I guess…..Which is just a problem in itself. There's no way I can afford my own house and an apartment is too crowded. You'd never be able to sneak out and hunt without the possibility of being seen.” Winnie hummed, unable to help but let out a slight groan at the vampire’s touch.

“Our own home does sound wonderful though. Just you and me living together. It'd almost be as if we were married.” Astarion hummed. The subject of marriage made Winnie go pale. She hoped he wasn't trying to drop some kind of hint? They'd only actually been dating a few weeks. They haven't even kissed yet for pete sake!

“Ah…Let's not get carried away now. I'm still a bit too young to be thinking of marriage.” Winnie huffed before pulling away and laying down on the bed.

“Ah..Yes of course. I only meant that it would be similar.” Astarion replied with a sad smile as he noticed Winnie facing away from him. He didn't want to make her feel pressured into anything, but he couldn't help but long to be closer to her. It was hard for him to understand that what seemed like years of companionship to him were only days, weeks at most to her. Winnie was completely infatuated with him. But love, real genuine romantic love was still such a foreign concept to the young woman. It was something she never thought she'd ever receive. She had to be smart about it and not rush into anything.

“Are you upset with me?” His saddened voice immediately made her look back.

“No, no! I'm just really worn out. Today has been tiring.” Winnie explained looking up at him. She let out a deep sigh before patting the space beside her. “You can ... .lay here if you want..” she murmured shyly. Almost as if on command Astarion immediately slotted himself beside her, arms pulling her against him. Astarion smiled, nuzzling his face between her neck and shoulder.

“Goodnight my love.” Astarion whispered in her ear. Winnie blushed a bit, returning his embrace as she closed her eyes.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

“So you can turn into a bat, but you can't fly?” The twelve year old girl looked up at the vampire who stood in her room. Ollie the dog was curled up by her feet, sleeping.

“Technically I shouldn't be able to turn into one at all, but yes flying doesn't appear to come instinctively.” He rubbed his chin, glancing around the child’s slightly messy bedroom in discomfort. Vanessa sat down on a bean bag chair, dressed in a yellow Sonic the Hedgehog hoodie and blue jeans.

“Then it's probably a good idea to practice! My dad won't be home until four so we have the whole house for you to fly around in! I can get you a little tiny bat helmet if you'd like?” Vanessa exclaimed as she hopped up.

“Are you always left home alone this long?” Astarion asked, curiously.

“My dad says I'm old enough to be here by myself.” Nessa exclaimed. “And Winnie said I need to keep an eye on you while she's at work so come on!” Nessa got up and quickly grabbed something from her drawer before leading Astarion out of her room and into the kitchen by his hand. Astarion rolled his eyes but complied with the girl’s wishes, not wanting to hear her whine. Astarion followed Nessa into the kitchen before taking his bat form, disappearing into a cloud of red before reappearing on the group as a little white vampire bat.

“Aww you're so cute!” She cooed before putting a tiny pink doll helmet on his head. “Okay now I'll get you started, and you remember to flap your wings!” The girl said before picking up the tiny bat who let out a few squeaks of annoyance. The sandy haired girl held him over her head before suddenly launching him into the air. The poor little bat let out a terrified squeak as he was slung through the air wings flapping frantically. Ollie shot out of Nessa’s room, hearing the bat’s squeaks. He immediately began to bark and snarl at the little creature.

“Ollie no! Leave him alone!” Vanessa scolded, but the untrained pup just ignored her and snapped at the little bat, hopping up to try and bite him.

Astarion hovered above the dog, just safely out of reach as he flapped his wings in desperation.

The dog continued to lunge at him until Maddie poked her head out of Winnie's bedroom. Almost immediately she charged at the dog, a nasty growl left the feline's mouth as she came close, ears straight back and fur puffed up.

“Merrrrooow…” Maddie's vicious yowl caused the dog to turn tail between his legs before he ran off into Brian's bedroom. Astarion huffed, gradually slowing his flaps before dropping down onto Maddie’s back.

Astarion let out a sigh of relief before hopping off Maddie's back and transforming back to his elven form. The little helmet falling off his head as he did so.

“Alright, I think I've had enough of flying for one day.” Astarion dusted himself off before noticing Maddie rub against his legs.

“Awe come on! You were doing so good!” Vanessa pouted.

“Darling, you're completely impossible. If it wasn't for your sweet sister I would have drained you dry already.” Astarion scoffed.

“Darling,” Nessa mocked, “you sound like a girl hehe.”

“Oh such a cruel clever insult! However, will I possibly recover?” Astarion's words were dripping with sarcasm as he held a hand over his heart dramatically. Vanessa looked at him curiously and blinked.

“Are you gay? My dad said guys who act like you are gay.” The twelve year old asked bluntly. The vampire looked back at her, not quite understanding what the rude child was asking.

“Not at present. I'm rather annoyed actually.”

“No I don't mean happy gay. I mean do you like boys?” The young girl asked.

“Gods, you're a nosy child.” Astarion rubbed his temples.

“I just wanna know. Dad said I shouldn't talk to gay people. Not sure why though.” The child shrugged. “So do you like boys or girls?”

“Hmm…I much prefer adults rather than boys and girls….” Astarion finally answered with a grimace.

“Ah! That's what I meant! But what gender do you like?”

“Must I choose?” Astarion chuckled before his pointed ears twitched and he heard someone pull into the driveway. He peeked his head through the door to the livingroom and spotted Winnie through the window. She had gotten off her motorcycle and was walking back to the house. Astarion grinned before entering the living room.

“Hey!” Vanessa whined and followed him.

Winnie walked inside, she looked exhausted, hair messy and her uniform had a bit of dirt on it.

“Winnie.” Astarion smiled at her sweetly,“welcome back my sweet.” He quickly pulled her in for a hug, nuzzling his face in her neck. Winnie nearly fell over, but the vampire held her up.

“Darling? Are you alright?” He asked with concern.

“I'm exhausted. Work was hell today.” Winnie huffed, leaning against him.

“Oh my God. You guys are dating aren't you?” Vanessa piped up.

“Ugh ...Not now Nessa. I don't have the energy for this.” Winnie said and pulled back from Astarion’s arms. Astarion smirked a bit.

“Winnie and I are partners, yes.” He said, smugly.

“Astarion.” Winnie glared at Astarion slightly.

“What? I'm simply being honest with the kid.” Astarion said with an innocent look. Winnie rolled her eyes before walking into her room. The messy haired female laid on her bed and took a deep breath. She laid there for a while, staring at the ceiling in silence. Eventually Astarion came into her room and sat on the bed next to her.

“Love, I brought you something to eat.” Astarion hummed, setting down a plate with a sandwich on it. He looked down at her tired face and gently caressed her hair.

“Some crazy lady screamed at me today.” Winnie began suddenly. “She was pitching a fit because we didn't have any of the dog food she wanted. Becca wasn't working today so I had to handle it by myself.”

“A pity I couldn't join you there during the day. I'd be happy to dispose of anyone who gives you trouble.” Astarion said with a smirk, clenching his free hand into a fist and cracking his knuckles.

“You'd get arrested in a heartbeat.” Winnie chuckled, finally grabbing the sandwich and taking a bite. It was just bologna between two pieces of bread. No cheese or condiments. So incredibly bland. Well, she had to give the vampire some credit for trying. Winnie ate the sandwich before tossing the plate in the trash and laying her head on Astarion’s lap.

“It pains me how little faith you have in my skills, my love.” Astarion said as he continued to stroke Winnie’s hair.

“Honey, I've told you already. It's not like how it is in Faerûn where you can just dump the body in a ditch somewhere and no one will ask questions. People keep track of everyone who goes missing here. You will get caught.” Winnie mumbled, snuggling her head against his thigh.

“Well, actually they do begin asking questions in Baldur's Gate. Of course I still managed to get away without being caught.” Astarion said smugly.

“Makes me wonder if I should be involved with such a dangerous, dangerous man.” Winnie teased.

“Oh don’t worry, pet. I'd never hurt you. Not unless you wanted me to.~” Astarion tapped Winnie on the nose with a flirtatious wink. Winnie rolled her eyes and just relaxed with her head on his lap.

“Anyway, we have a lot to look forward to. We're going to meet up with your friend for a date in a few weeks, aren't we?” Astarion reminded her. Winnie’s eyes widened as she remembered they were supposed to meet Becca and her boyfriend at the carnival for a double date.

Shit.

Winnie turned and buried her face into Astarion’s thigh as she thought of all the things that could go wrong.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

The carnival came to town much sooner than Winnie expected. It didn't take long before Nessa was begging Brian to let her go before she had to go back to her mother's house. Winnie had called up Becca a couple nights back to make sure they'd meet up after sundown. She told her friend that her boyfriend couldn't get off of work until then. Everything was in place for the evening. Winnie wore a black T-shirt and ripped skinny jeans along with a pair of black converse. She brushed her hair out as best as she could while she stood in front of her bathroom mirror. Once she finished she put her glasses on and left the room, grabbing an old leather jacket from her closet that she barely wore as she let out a sigh.

Red eyes looked her over as their owner sat on the armchair, brushing his snow white locks. He was dressed in a sleeveless dark purple turtleneck which covered the bite scar on his neck. With it he wore black skinny jeans and tennis shoes.

“You're going to get cold wearing that, you know.” Winnie hummed.

“Well then, perhaps you'd be so kind as to lend me one of your coats if you're so worried about little old me.~” Astarion hummed, hopping up and moving a stray hair out of his face as he followed his lover into the bathroom.

“I already told you, Star. My jackets won't fit you right. You're too tall and skinny to fit in my clothes.” Winnie said with a sigh as she began to brush her teeth. “Besides I already bought you your own jackets.”

“But yours are so much softer and more comfortable.” The vampire replied, fiddling with a bag on the sink counter. He took out a small purple tube of mascara before applying it to his lashes. Astarion put the mascara back before grabbing a black eyeliner pencil.

“You're ridiculous but I-.......Where did you get that make up?” Winnie said as she looked back at him and blinked.

“Oh this? I found it in your mother's closet the other day. Looked like it hadn't been touched in a while so I thought it best not to let it go to waste.” Astarion replied as applied the eyeliner under his eyes.

“Don't steal from my mom. You know you can ask me if you want something right?” Winnie let out a sigh and kept brushing her teeth. She spat out into the sink before rinsing the sink and her toothbrush off. Then she walked back into her room, picking her backpack up off the floor.

Astarion came out and swiftly grabbed Winnie’s purple hoodie from the closet. He pulled it over his arms and let it hang off his shoulders before following his love out the door.

Theys snuck out of the house quietly, making sure to lock all the doors behind them before leaving. Winnie hopped onto her motorcycle with Astarion getting on behind her as the two set off. It was 8pm by the time they reached the carnival. The rides were all illuminated up with bright colorful lights. The sound of screams of excitement filled the air as did the delicious smell of fried foods.

Astarion glanced up at the strange contraptions with curiosity and a slight wariness. This wasn't like the circus as he predicted it would be like.

Winnie smiled a bit, memories from past trips to the carnival flooded her mind, filling her with joy and sudden enthusiasm. Perhaps this would actually be fun? She quickly shook her head, she needed to focus! There was another reason they were going here!

Winnie got off the bike and led her vampire up to the entrance. He kept an arm locked with hers as they purchased their tickets, heading inside. Winnie checked her cellphone to see if there were any messages from Becca.

“Okay, Becca's here. She’s with her boyfriend waiting for us by the snack stand.” Winnie hummed before looking over at Astarion. His eyes scanned around the crowd. There were so many people and a sweet alluring scent hit him like a brick.

“Hon? You alright?” Winnie asked curiously before noticing some random guy had fallen on the sidewalk and skinned his knee, drawing blood. Winnie placed a hand on Astarion’s face.

“Star…Look at me.” She said softly, causing his blood red orbs to snap back to her. “You haven't fed for a while have you?”

“I tried going out and hunting but the last few nights prey had become rather scarce…” Astarion admittedly.

“I told you, you were going to eat the whole forest. Look, hold on until we get back home and I'll let you feed from me.” Winnie said with a sweet smile.

“Thank you my sweet.” Astarion returned the smile before Winnie tugged him along.

“Now, let's go! Becca and Anthony are waiting!” Winnie exclaimed. They wandered through the carnival, marveling at the sights and sounds. The more they saw, the more Winnie began to grin, mind constantly slipping away from her main objective.

“Yo! Winnie!” Becca's voice snapped Winnie out of her thrill fueled trance. “Over here! Come meet my babe!” The redhead called. Sitting next to Becca was a tall lanky man with messy black hair and green eyes. He had to be about mid twenties and was dressed in a sleeveless blue hoodie and shorts.

Winnie walked over and smiled shyly, Astarion still holding on to her arm.

“Hey…I'm Winnie and this is Star…” Winnie introduced them.

“Star? So that's his name, huh? You know I can't quite put my finger on it but your boyfriend seems really familiar.” Becca scratched her head.

“The vampire from BG3! He looks kinda like him!” Anthony spoke up.

“Oh shit, you're right!” Becca exclaimed, “dude's even got elf ears on! Wicked!”

“Yeah, he really loves cosplaying!” Winnie said nervously. Astarion just stared at her in confusion.

“Cos-what?” He murmured.

“It's an amazing costume. You look pretty hot in it too!” Anthony grinned. Astarion smirked with a smug look.

“You flirt.” The elf rolled his eyes.

“He really is. It's part of his charm.” Becca giggled.

Winnie looked at the two with a slight discomfort, but shook it off. It was all harmless banter. “Anyway! Let's get this show on the road!” Becca hopped up with a grin.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

Druid here! I hope I didn't make Vanessa too annoying, honestly I'm really just trying to portray her as a mischievous naive child though I can understand if she isn't well received. I'm going to New Orleans soon so it might be a while before the next chapter is dropped and I've also got some Winnifred The Druid oneshots to do.

Hope you guys liked the chapter! Next time we'll have some drama at the carnival!

~Druid

Taglist:

@seradyn , @plimsim, @astarioffsimpmain , @marcynomercy , @iamsexytrash , @gaymistakeboi , @divineknightmare , @tinyfreakgirl , @misscrissfemmefatal, @gianchan-de @jaksfanficsaver , @the-disaster-in-waiting , @hp-art-studio , @im-just-a-simp-le-whore , @dajeong , @iamnotokei

#bg3 #astarion ancunin #baldurs gate 3 #astarion bg3 #astarion my beloved #astarion #astarion romance #astarion x reader #astarion x chubby reader #Astarion x chubby oc #Astarion x oc #astarion x female oc #bg3 x chubby reader #isekaied into the real world fic #fictional characters in the real world fic #modern au?#i dunno

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lilyrizzy · 7 months

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Hi I love your writing!! I wish I had that talent. I was wondering if you have any thoughts of what happened next after Omega Daniel and Baby Alpha Max mated

anon you are very sweet! for you, i hope you like it

When Daniel woke up in his Singapore hotel room, every inch of him was throbbing. His head, his thighs, his fucking hole. His neck. He'd wanted to get up, to tugs the curtains the rest of the way closed so the the evil sliver of sunlight bathing his face would disapear, but he couldn't. Half lying on top of him, Max's hands were covering his skin possessively, one on his tit and one low on his stomach, fingers splayed wide.

This is still nice, a treterous part of Daniel's brain had told him.

Then, Max had looked up at him to smile, letting Daniel see the dried blood at the corner of his mouth, and he'd realised how fucked they both were.

---

"You are angry at me," Max says for the sixth time since they boarded the plane. Max's plane, his new and flashy private charter that Daniel had teased him for being a poor attempt of an omega magnet.

God.

He'd pushed Max off him in the bed earlier, shoved his clothes towards him a little harder than necessary with shaking hands and told him to go and wash his face. Standing behind him in the mirror, Daniel had inspected his own neck, and yes- They were fucked.

Fucked, fucked, fucked.

Now, he supresses a sigh, and like, the urge to jump out of the emergency exit.

"I'm not angry," he promises, also for the sixth time, not looking up from where he's organising his intently Spotify playlists. "I'm just focusing. You know I have TuPac and Lana Del Ray in the same playlist right now? A tradegy."

He wishes he could actually listen to the music, but his stupid headphones are stuffed into his bag, out of battery.

"I do not know who either of those people are." Max says, and Daniel can hear the scowl on his face without having to see it, but now he can like, smell it. Max's annoyance, the way his scent gets all sour.

Right, he let Red Bulls golden boy mate him. Christian is going to murder him, and then Helmut is going to dance on his grave.

Still, Max's statement is ridiculous enough to have him momentarily distracted from his bouncing leg, and the impending sense of doom.

"Come on Maxy," he says, looking up in dismay. TuPac is a little before Max's time, but he can't be mated to someone who doesn't know who Lana Del Ray is. It's just- No.

He bursts into an over dramatic crooning of Video Games, just to punish him a little for his ignorance.

"Daniel," Max says, and then with his serious face finally melting into softness as he starts giggling, he scootches closer to Daniel on the seat. "Daniel, I am of course trying to be serious. I did not mean to."

That has Daniel's song fading into silence.

There's a moment where Daniel realises how he could play this and probably get away without so much as one bad word from Christian, but- Even though it would be easy, it's not fair, to Max. To lay the entirety of this shit sandwich at his doorstop.

"I know," he says honestly, keeping his eyes fixed now on where he's flipping his phone over and over in his hand. "It- Look, it's not like I stopped you. It's not- It's not like I didn't want it too, maybe."

For a moment, Max says nothing as the recycled air in cabin starts to get sweeter.

"Yeah?"

When he speaks, his voice sounds tentatively hopeful, and it tugs at something in Daniel's chest.

"Yeah," he promises, and on a whim, he lifts his arm for Max to curl underneath.

---

Max follows Daniel to his apartment.

Daniel opens his mouth to ask Max if he's lost, to remind him his apartment is two floors up but-

"What movie should we watch?" Max asks, already toeing his shoes off at the door like a good boy. "Martin told me about this very funny one and I thought you would like it. I will get him to text me the name. What do you want for dinner, also?"

Daniel closes his mouth, hand coming up to rub through the curls sitting at the nape of his neck. He needs a haircut.

"You're, ah- You're staying?" He eventually asks, following Max to where he's sat himself down on the sofa and started fluffing up the pillows next to him- presumably the ones he wants Daniel to sit on.

"Of course," Max says, looking up from his handy work, pleased. Then, "on the plane, Daniel, you said you wanted this too. And you are my omega now, so of course, I want to be here with you."

Daniel nods. "Right."

Max gets up from the sofa when Daniel doesn't move any closer, comes to stand in front of Daniel, and takes both of his hands in his.

"I know I am young," he says, so earnest, and Jos Verstappen's horrified face flashes in Daniel's mind for a split second before disappearing. "Probably you think I will be bad, but I- I want to try. To be good. A good mate."

He leans in then and kisses Daniel. It's nothing like the eager, clumsy kisses of the night before, it's just- Soft. The way you'd kiss somebody if you loved them.

"I wanted you for a really long time," Max admits, like a secret against Daniel's lips when he pulls back, and Daniel supposes Max thought it was. He probably didn't realise he had a crush that could be seen from outer space, if he couldn't see Daniel had one right back.

---

"Me too, Maxy," he says and kisses him again, because this close to Max it's impossible not to. It shouldn't feel this good, shouldn't make something tight in Daniel's chest uncoil, but it does. "Alright. Alright, fuck it, lets- Let's do it."

They made their bed, it might be nice to try lying in it.

"I am coming up."

They're sat in Daniel's car, the one he drives when he's in England, parked in front of the Red Bull Factory. Typical to British weather, it's raining, big fat dropplets of water spalttering against the windshield, falling from a grey sky.

"Max, it's okay," Daniel says, leaning across the gear shift to touch his knee. "I can tell him on my own."

Daniel is the one who should have known better and told Christian no in the first place. Except-

Since Singapore, since them, they've not spent a night apart. It's been some of the best sex of Daniel's life, followed by the best nights of sleep he's had all season. Like something inside him knows he's safe. This isn't what they planned, but no matter what Christian says, neither of them are giving it up.

Lifting his other hand, Max touches proudly at the mark on Daniel's neck. He has a matching one now, on his tit because Daniel is who he is, and because Max had shyly asked for it 'over my heart.'

"I am coming with you," Max says again, firmer. He takes Daniel's hand and it makes him shiver. "Daniel, you are not on your own, not anymore."

"Alright," Daniel relents, nodding. He's still getting used to it too, having an alpha, but also just having someone who wants to take care of him. "But you can't let him chew me out, okay?"

Max's eyes narrow, his expression turning dark.

"Like he would dare," he mutters but it just makes Daniel laugh, scrubbing a hand through Max's hair roughly.

"Easy tiger," he says, because this thing is something they're both still learning but- Together. They can do it together. "I need me, my alpha and my boss all in one piece if that's alright by you."

The clouds from Max's expression cleared, a sunshine smile taking over his face.

"Your alpha?" He repeated, smugly.

"Yeah, yeah," Daniel said, opening the car door but unable to hold back his own grin. "Get in the building Verstappen, before I kick your ass up the stairs myself."

#as always im lazy so riddled with grammar mistakes #pacing is fuckeddddd but i am who i am and all know theyre in love so #max/daniel #fic #thanks danni for reading and liking this & thanks lorna for reading and telling me how to make it better lol #i dont think i succeeded but i tried!!

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beloved-daydreams · 9 months

Text

When I first started "the folk of the air" book series, the first 10 or so chapters of the first book were a bit painful for me to go through. Which, well, makes sense since bullying IS uncomfortable. However, going back with future knowledge of the characters and more context to their thoughts and feelings, (ahem Cardan) some scenes are borderline funny.

This one for example, it is from chapter 11 if I'm not mistaken, and at the time this was understandably the most uncomfortable I had felt so far reading the book. Jude basically gets drugged, then asked to take her clothes off and answer ridiculous questions (+asked to crawl and eat the rest of the fruit by Nicasia which was stopped in this scene).

But like... knowing why Cardan is asking for this is almost a bit hilarious, not to mention it isn't the only time and it just keeps happening. (When he had asked her to beg him for forgiveness and make it "flowery" and whatever else.)

Like, it's SO possessive. So ridiculous, so dramatic.

"No >:( Jude will come kiss my foot. (ME.) She said she wanted to kiss us! (ME) I am her prince after all. (Me me me. Kiss ME.)"

Like wow, that's not the sound of desperation or anything 😂

Then there's the observation from Jude of his face looking full of fury (most likely for feeling so attracted to her) desire (self-explanatory) and shame (of wanting her to praise him? Or just wanting her for himself I suppose.)

And it is a constant with him. At any occasion he gets, he always tries to make her kneel, crawl, beg and praise him. Dude just can't stop himself from trying to make his fantasies of her come to life and he keeps failing. Every. Single. Time.

This moment in particular must've been agonizing for him on that front. She just took her clothes off in front of him, she's in her underwear, she's on the ground, she even honestly flashed a SMILE at him because of the effect of the fruit and she's happy to do anything she's asked of doing? This was hell for him, obviously not as much as for Jude but God. This man is down bad.

#the folk of the air #the cruel prince #the wicked king #the queen of nothing #cardan greenbriar #jude duarte #jude x cardan #jurdan

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emmie-tt · 4 months

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Hi there,

can I request a Blaise Zabini x reader?

Reader is also a Slytherin who got partnered up with Harry Potter during potions and became fast friends with him. Harry asked for her help to make Ginny jealous but what she didn’t expect is that Blaise would also be jealous and ended up confessing that he’s been in love with her this whole time? (Blaise and reader are close friends).

Thank you!

Glitch

Blaise Zabini x reader Summary: Helping Harry make his crush jealous unknowingly made your best friend jealous as well,I think there's been a glitch Warnings: Cursing , Sexual Innuendos -------------

I was supposed to sweat you out In search of glorious happenings of happenstance on someone else's playground But it's been two thousand one hundred and 90 days of our love blackout The system's breaking down

Y/N POV

Your brows furrow as you look up from your paper that you were busy writing your essay on before Harry sat himself down across from you and proposed a ridiculous idea

"Come on...Please..." He pleads as he stares you down

You stare at him silently before setting your quill down and leaning back in your chair "Let me get this straight, you want me to parade around as your arm candy so you can make your best friends little sister jealous in hopes she will notice you and go on a date with you?" Harry shakes his head as she groans "When you put it like that it sounds bad"

"No shit! That's because it is bad, it's actually horrible. In fact it's so bad I am honestly disgusted-"

He cuts you off with a dramatic roll of his eyes and a scoff "Fine, just forget it."

"Woah, woah, woah glasses. I never said I wouldn't do it."

"But you said-"

"I said it was a bad idea, not that I wouldn't do it." You shrug slightly before sitting up straighter in the chair "I'll do it, only because I know how much it will piss your little friends off that your associating with the enemy."

He rolls his eyes again but nods "Cool...Just- I'll meet you outside the greathall in the morning alright?" "Mhm. Off you go glasses"

With one last scoff he walks out of the library and back to wherever he came from and you just shake your head with a giggle as you watch him walk out the door

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

The next morning you roll out of bed and go about your morning routine. Taking a quick shower, brushing your teeth and hair, doing your skin care and getting dressed into your uniform for the day before making your way down to the common room where Draco, Theodore, Mattheo, Astoria, Daphne, Pansy and Blaise were already stood.

"About time you got down here" Astoria says with a smirk as you walk over to the group and took your spot next to Blaise

"Yeah, yeah, says the one who has to wake up four hours early."

With that we all have a little laugh before starting our walk towards the great hall. With a raised brow Pansy pokes your side and points over to Harry who was stood at the doors of the great hall

"Whats he doing?" she asks, ever the nosey and you giggle softly

"Waiting for me."

Blaise's neck almost broke from how fast he turned it to look at you. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me. Anyways, I will see you fine people in class" You blow them all a kiss before walking off and over to Harry who instantly laces his fingers with yours and leads you into the great hall

Blaise watches with a glare as you disappear into the great hall, your fingers laced with...Harry fucking Potters...Without meaning to I scoff and suddenly Draco's chuckle pulls me from my head and I look over at him slightly confused

Draco smirks before mockingly wiggling his brows "Watch it Zabini, you might be a Slytherin but green is not your color mate"

Blaise rolls his eyes and ignores the other teasing comments as he makes his way into the great hall and sits down to begin eating breakfast. His gaze travels from his plate and over to the Gryffindor table where you were sat, tucked into Potters side giggling at something he says

He can't be that funny and he sure as hell isn't cute- He pulls himself from his thoughts when you glance over at him and wink.

He rolls his eyes and turns his gaze back back to his plate, an action that shocked you as he always winked back...

Deciding to talk to him about it later you turn your own gaze back to Harry who was now talking to Ginny about godrick knows what. After a moment you fall into a surprisingly friendly conversation with Hermione.

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

Classes drug by. With Blaise seemingly ignoring you, you had no one to talk to or mess around with. The only good thing being that Harry successfully won over Ginny, something you were very surprised about.

Trudging into the common room you groan and immediately threw off your shoes before glancing around the room to see who was around. Seeing Blaise and Theo you smile and walk over taking a seat between both of them, your smile dropping instantly when Blaise stands and walks off up to his dorm.

Glancing over at Theo clearly confused he sighs rolling his eyes "He is so dramatic"

"Did I do something wrong?"

"Yeah."

Theos words shocked you and your eyes widened "Wh-What? What did I do?"

"You sucked Potters dick instead of Zabinins?"

While Theo's original words shocked you the sentence that fell from his mouth left you utterly speechless "E-Excuse me?"

Theo shrugs as if he just said the most normal thing ever. "You heard me."

You scoff shaking your head as you stand from the couch shaking your head "He doesn't look at me like that, you're crazy."

"Right, he totally isn't talking to you because he thinks you're screwing scar head. He is totally fine with it and just absolutely adores the idea because he totally isn't in love with you."

You were once again rendered speechless by his words, there was no possible way that Blaise, your absolute best friend, was in love with you-

Cutting your own thoughts off you dash up to the boys dorms, ignoring the teasing comment of Theodore who yelled "Go get that dick girl!"

After knocking on the door and receiving no answer you take it upon yourself to slam the door open finding Blaise, who now looked startled, laying shirtless on his bed with his phone in his hands

"Are you- What is happening with you? Why are you mad at me?"

He rolls his eyes with a scoff before muttering "Go away Y/N"

Shaking your head and walking into the dorm before closing the door behind you "No. Do you love me?"

His eyes widen slightly, clearly caught off guard by your blunt answer, he looks over at you then back to his phone "Doesn't matter, you're with Potter..."

Rolling your eyes you walk over and plop yourself down on the bed next to him causing him to shoot you a bewildered look "What are you-"

"I am not with Potter, I was merely trying to help him get with Ginny."

His bewilderment quickly turns to confusion as his body slowly relaxes from the tense state it was previously in and it slowly relaxed "Help with Ginny? How was you pretending to be his girlfriend helping him?"

You rolls your eyes "He made her jealous by pretending to date me since she hates me..."

"That..." Blaise mumbles as he lays his head back against the pillow "Is the dumbest thing I've ever heard..."

"I know!" You exclaim before rolling onto your side to face him "Now, tell me the truth. Do you love me or is Theodore lying?"

Blaise raises a brow as he glances over at you "Nott told you?"

With a groan you rather roughly smack his shoulder "Stop avoiding the question!"

He groans "Fine- yes... I do but it doesn't matter because there is no way you like me back-"

Rolling your eyes you cut his rambling off with a soft kiss, your hands gently cupping his cheeks as his hands shoot down to your waist as he instantly melts into the kiss

After a moment you pull away and rest your forehead against his "I do love you...I have for awhile..."

A smirk forms on his face as he pushes you onto your back next to him before climbing on top of you and kissing you again...among other things...

I think there's been a glitch, oh, yeah Five seconds later, I'm fastening myself to you with a stitch, oh, yeah And I'm not even sorry Nights are so starry, blood moonlit It must be counterfeit I think there's been a glitch, oh, yeah

#blaise zabini x reader #blaise x reader #blaise zabini #blaise zabini imagine #blaise zabini imagines #blaise zabini fic #blaise zabini fanfic #harry potter fanfiction #blaise imagine #emmie tt #blaise imagines #blaise harry potter #harry potter imagines #x reader #taylor swift

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sneezypeasy · 2 years

Text

Original Script Analysis, Part 2: The Southern Raiders, The Finale, and What I Think About it All

Link to Part 1

So folks, when it comes to literary analysis, there are two categories that textual interpretations typically fall under: the Doylist explanation, and the Watsonian explanation.

Watsonian explanations will contextualise an issue solely within the bounds of the story it is told in, so the answer to any question will be, essentially, “in-universe”. Imagine interviewing a character in the story, and asking them, “why did x happen” or, “why did y character decide to do z”. The answer you get will be a Watsonian answer.

Doylist explanations, on the other hand, are explanations that take into account things the characters themselves wouldn’t “have access to”, so to speak. These explanations often touch on writing concepts like theme, character arcs, tropes, setup and payoff etc, sometimes even referring to “real-world” motivations, intentions, or constraints that the creators were working with (or against). If an explanation or an answer to a question doesn’t sound like anything the characters themselves could have come up with, it’s probably a Doylist explanation.

I’m going to give an example from Titanic that I hope isn’t a spoiler to anybody at this point given how much this film has been memed to shit:

Jack dies at the end of Titanic. Now, why did he die?

The Watsonian says: He died because there was no room on the door.

The more intelligent Watsonian says: No there WAS room on the bloody door you smooth-brained koala did you even watch the fucking movie? They tried to get them both on there, the door just couldn’t hold the two of them because of something called BUOYANCY you fucking idiot-

The Doylist says: Jack died because it was the culmination of his character arc, and because he and Rose symbolise the class disparity of the victims of that tragedy; Jack is the poorer third class, and Rose is the rich upper class. Upper class women were the likeliest demographic to survive the sinking of the Titanic, and lower class men were the likeliest demographic to die. Jack had to die and Rose had to live; it’s symbolic.

Here’s another example: on the r/DeathNote subreddit, someone asked why L fell off his chair in such an exaggerated and dramatic fashion upon hearing that shinigami could be real. The top comment provides a detailed Watsonian answer, followed by a Doylist one:

Basically, Watsonian commentary is consistent with how the characters, in-universe, might explain/contextualise something. Doylism explains how a plot point or character decision serves a purpose beyond what the characters themselves would be able to conceptualise, whether that’s narrative payoff, authorial intent, or even marketing/executive decisions/budget constraints.

Why am I explaining all of this? Because I want to play a game with you guys.

You ready?

The name of this game is: Why, in the original script of The Southern Raiders, is Katara somehow asleep while LITERAL BOMBS ARE GOING OFF AROUND HER(!!!)

Is it:

A) Katara trained herself to sleep through Fire Nation raids and bombs from a young age

B) Katara is just generally that deep of a sleeper

C) Elizabeth Ehasz wanted an excuse (any excuse, really) to force Zuko and Katara to interact (because this is their episode, after all-)

Yeah, maybe I’m just unimaginative but I’m pretty sure it’s C. I’d love to hear your best Watsonian take for this one though (please, go nuts, lmao)

Like all the other changes we’ve seen, nothing has been done to the dialogue, which plays out how it does in the show:

I’m sorry I just can’t get over this 🤣🤣 “Character A and Character B hate each other/are not talking to each other/are currently in the process of biting each other’s heads off, now let’s come up with some ridiculous excuse to make Character A and Character B play nice and help and warm up to each other” is a pretty solid fanfic trope but I think this is the first time I’ve seen “MAKE CHARACTER A SLEEP THROUGH A FUCKING MISSILE ATTACK” utilised for this specific purpose.

Logically I understand why this was changed for the show, but I’m ngl, I’m slightly sad we didn’t get to see this version. 🤣🤣🤣

Interestingly, Katara doesn’t catch Zuko after he gets blasted off the war blimp - the script doesn’t specify anyone catching Zuko, it just says that he “lands safely on the bison” (sorry, I thought I wrote this one down in full but I only wrote down that quote, my bad 💀).

(It does make me wonder though, whether the storyboarders/animators looked at the “Katara sleeps through bombs” bit and were like.... “ok how about no, but we’ll give you ‘Katara catches a skydiving Zuko’ instead, fair trade?” 😂😂)

Continuing on from that, I have to say that even with the voice lines unchanged, Elizabeth Ehasz’s vision for Zuko and Katara’s deepening connection and understanding continues to trickle through this episode at various moments:

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Katara sobbing as she recounts her trauma? Zuko getting teary himself hearing about Katara’s grief and love for her mother? Katara visibly relaxing as a result of unburdening some of her feelings onto him? Zuko pulling Katara back and making sure she’s okay before she ploughs on ahead?

😭😭🥰🥰

And then of course, there are times when Elizabeth’s subtlety is not so subtle at all (here you go, you guys have well and truly earned this one):

Welp. I can tell you I wasn’t expecting to see that - at all. I came to the WGF hoping, maybe, to find some small crumbs - tiny clues that might give a slight nudge to the rumours that Elizabeth Ehasz was a ZK shipper, and that shippy subtext viewers may have picked up in TSR maybe wasn’t entirely lacking in substance.

I wasn’t expecting to find a page where good ol’ Elizabeth had a zutara fangasm all over her own writing 🤣🤣🤣

On the hug itself, Elizabeth’s notes were very brief:

I was a touch disappointed not to see any more fangirling, though after that serotonin boost up above I really couldn’t be too greedy. 🤣

Zuko and Katara’s scenes together in Sozin’s Comet and the Agni Kai are generally the same as what we see in the show, though I thought you guys might like to read the lightning scene anyway:

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This might be a good time to mention that I had the pleasure of working alongside @korranguyen on one of the two days that I visited the WGF. If you found the descriptions of Azula’s downward spiral in the Agni Kai uncomfortable to read, you might appreciate her essays here and here.

Unfortunately folks, we are indeed near the end now. And we know how the story ends:

Wins, eh? Interesting choice of words there. Almost makes it seem like there was a competition? Like there were, oh I don’t know, other contenders?

Now there’s something else which I think some of you may find very interesting about the script of Sozin’s Comet Part 4, and I will get to that in due course, but for now I want to discuss the way the ships were treated by the show writers and creators. As I summarised earlier and as you probably noticed yourself from reading these scripts:

From season 1 up until Day of Black Sun, the writing was heading towards a Kataang conclusion. And development-wise, it wasn’t too shabby! There was a clear and steady progression. Maybe a little subtle, from Katara’s side, but nowhere near as ambiguous as in the show. And again maybe this is just me, but I wouldn’t have been frustrated with it either, if it was shown like that.

After Day of Black Sun, the writing takes a weird turn. Kataang takes a nosedive while Zutara gets a ton of positive development (reconciliation, forgiveness, synchronicity and cooperation* anyone? lmao), which is canon in the show too but it’s… even more pronounced in the script? Aang is more aggro, Zuko and Katara are more tender/vulnerable with one another, they don’t scoot away at the suggestion that they like, like each other – and these are the final drafts? What the heck were y’all writing in the first drafts?? (No that’s not a joke actually, I wanna know 😭)

Kataang “wins”. Wins?!? I thought y’all said there was never even a contest!!**

Okay, time for some speculation/theorising on my part. To me, it seems like, at some point after writing the “Kataang” episodes but before actually animating and producing them, and before writing the later episodes in season 3, and perhaps even right up until the writing of Sozin’s Comet Part 4, there was a collective (if not unanimous) decision to “keep things open”. The question is: why?

Did the writers disagree, or was it just shipbaiting? Or was it some combination of both?

If no-one else, Elizabeth Ehasz is quite clearly a Zutara fangirl; I don’t think anyone can deny that after reading the way she writes these kids 🤣 That paragraph does not read to me like a writer casually (or grudgingly) obeying directions to shiptease because it’s what the producers wanted, it reads like a writer unable to stay professional about how much she loves this one fucking ship. (We feel you Lizzie. We feel you.)

So was there actually some discord in the writer’s room about which direction to take the romance arcs? @zutarawasrobbed pointed out that given the narrative decision to hinge Aang’s internal struggle and character arc around the need to “let go” of an “attachment” to Katara, (some?) writers may have seen a potential in deconstructing Kataang to fulfil this arc. This is especially possible if, after writing Crossroads of Destiny and/or seeing audience feedback to that episode, Zutara was increasingly beginning to appear as a viable alternative.

I mean, even by Sozin’s Comet, it doesn’t seem like they’d figured out how to resolve Aang’s whole “blocked chakra” situation –

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

Aang “somehow” just happens to untangle what had previously been set up as an internal struggle, with the conveniently timed activation of some “chi bending nonsense” (and reverse-glowing arrows and “such things”).

Uh huh.

(To be fair, you have to have a very high IQ to understand Rick and Morty -)

Of course, the other possibility is that most of the way through writing the script, and maybe about halfway through animating it, the creators simply recognized a clear potential for shipbaiting, and this is at least somewhat to blame for the hot mess that is the romance arcs of ATLA.

My personal theory is that writer disagreement did happen, and is at least partially why we ended up getting what we got. The fact that both ships are specifically referenced and granted “approval” so to speak, by different writers, and one of them ends up explicitly “winning”, sort of cinches it for me. Either way, the show was clearly pulling in different directions at different parts and under different creators, and in my opinion the scripts support these rumours.

One thing is for certain: whether this was just shipteasing, or actual production hell in the writer’s room, it is my opinion that Zutara AND Kataang were both robbed.

Kataang had a decent romance arc written out for it, and even if there may have been issues reconciling it with Aang’s internal conflict set up in the Guru and/or with the over-arching themes of the show, it would have been all right in the end if they had just kept it the way they originally wrote it. I can’t really see any but the most die-hard anti-Kataangers being mad about it, and Kataangers themselves would have loved it. They had a fine romance written out and they ruined it. If they did so because Zutara was being seriously considered as a possible outcome, then it’s just all the more frustrating that Zutara never ended up happening in the end. They put a lot of effort into sinking a perfectly serviceable ship and ultimately it was all for nothing. (Or worse, purely for shipbaiting). Just sad.

So, that’s my thoughts on that. And that concludes this essay- oh wait.

Right... there was that thing I kept mentioning about Sozin’s Comet Part 4. 😈

*Ahem.*

So you know how I said all these scripts were final drafts?

That’s because they are - except for two episodes: Sozin’s Comet Part 4, and Jet.

Unlike the other scripts, which have all been labelled “As Broadcast Drafts”, these two scripts are ADR drafts.

What is ADR, you ask?

According to @lady-of-bath, who works in the screenwriting industry, ADR stands for “Automated Dialogue Replacement” and is used when a script has gone through a process of re-recording or re-dubbing, because for whatever reason, the originally scripted and recorded lines are/were unsatisfactory.

(This is also something you can verify yourself actually, even if you don’t live in the LA area: when you search up ATLA in the WGF database***, even though you can’t access the scripts you can access basic details such as, the date the draft was finalised, the name of the writer, and - whether it was submitted as an “ADR” draft or an “As Broadcast Draft”.)

I even emailed the library to ask about this distinction as well:

So if I understand this correctly, all the ATLA scripts you can find in the guild were first submitted, and then lines were recorded, and then changes were made to the script that didn’t involve dialogue replacement, and then it went through animation and post-production and ended up being what you now see on screen. This is supported by the fact that A) I definitely found some changes, but B) the changes I did find were all in the action lines/shot descriptions etc.

All the scripts submitted to the guild went through this process - all of them, except these two scripts.

These two scripts were not final drafts; I guess they might be more accurately termed “final final drafts™”, because they were submitted after some(!) lines were re-recorded, (changed? added onto? cut?!?) and the script was then updated to reflect these changes that had been made in post-production.

Which just begs the question: what lines had to be re-recorded??

What did the final draft look like before this???

(Might it possibly contextualise why Dante Basco and Mae Whitman apparently both thought Zutara was going to be canon?)

This is conspiracy fodder galore, lmfao. Pardon the dramatics here for a moment, but with enough tinfoil-hatting this could easily turn into the Zutara fandom equivalent of 18½ missing minutes of Nixon tapes. 🤣

Anyway, that about sums up my detective effort on this whole thing. I did find some more tidbits which I’ll likely post in a Part 3/Epilogue type thing - mostly small changes (most of them not really zutara-related) that I found interesting or funny enough to jot down; I’ll be making a compilation of these for your reading pleasure as soon as I can. ^^

One last bonus for you guys: the “I’ll save you from the Pirates” scene:

I must confess, I never really read this scene as romantically framed or “shippy” when I first watched it. But the way it’s written here looks like it’s taken straight out of a fanfic. “Right into the arms of Zuko”? Oh no. (Oh yes.) Oh me oh my. 🤣

*Also, someone needs to write a Mr and Mrs Smith Zutara AU titled “Synchronicity and Cooperation”, I’m saying it now, this is my official decree. Write it, folks. We need it.

**Screenshot taken from: https://avatar.fandom.com/wiki/Avatar_Extras_(Book_One:_Water) (Under “Goofs”)

***I hope that link works, if it doesn’t, just navigate to their Library Catalogue and search up ATLA yourself.

Edit: There was a minor typo in one of the passages - it originally read “Katara has a lot of energy and momentum, and Zuko pulls her back and STOPS her before they read the door” instead of what it was supposed to say (“before they reach the door”, lol). The typo should be fixed now 😊

#zutara #atla #atla original scripts #writer's guild foundation #the southern raiders original script #sozin's comet original script #kinda???#tin foil hat bonanza #buy one sherlock hat get one free tin foil hat #lmao #long post #text post #meta #bryke critical #kataang critical #this was fun guys #now go forth and write more metas #and more fics #enjoy!!

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resowrites · 11 months

Text

Daredevil - oneshot.

Summary: Henry’s overprotectiveness drives his pregnant wife crazy…

Pairings: AU!Henry Cavill x Wife!OC

Warnings: fluff, banter/British humour, dialogue heavy, nondescript OC body type/appearance, hastily written/lightly proofread.

WC: 1765

A/N: My work must not be copied, reposted, or translated elsewhere. Likes, follows, reblogs and comments are thoroughly welcome and appreciated! Gifs/pics not my own. I hope you all enjoy and thanks for visiting!

Daredevil - oneshot.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Henry's voice startled her and she almost lost her footing. "Careful, you're going to fall!" He dashed forwards, catching her as she teetered backward from the ladder.

"For God's sake! I almost fell off thanks to you!" Henry quickly helped her down, taking the large box from her hands as he did so.

"Well, what on earth are you doing?! You know you're not supposed to be doing any heavy lifting!" She couldn't help but roll her eyes.

"Don't be ridiculous, I had to get a start on clearing my office or we won't be able to make it into a nursery--"

"Then why didn't you just call me for help? I said I'd do it at the weekend, there's no need for you to be carrying heavy stuff or going up and down ladders--"

"Henry, you promised not to start becoming a fusspot--"

"How am I being a fusspot when my pregnant wife is scaling heights while juggling a load of boxes?!"

"So I'm not meant to move for the rest of my pregnancy am I?!" He folded his arms.

"Preferably, yes!"

"Oh, don't be ridiculous! I'm allowed to carry on as I would normally, you know women can even do weight training throughout their pregnancies?" Henry's eyes went wide.

"You're not planning on doing that, are you?!"

"Well, maybe. After all… it's better to be in good shape ready for the birth."

"You're are joking? You're not seriously going to lift weights in the gym?!"

"Well, I thought having a personal trainer come here would be better. Just let me know when you're not using the weights and I'll schedule the session." But he was in no mood for her teasing.

"You mean to tell me you're going to have some random guy come over and help you work out?!" She smirked.

"Oh, so now it's about the trainer? What if it's a woman instead?" Henry sighed and led her by the hand into their bedroom. Carefully, he sat her down on the edge of the bed and took a seat beside her.

"Ollie, I know you're a headstrong person but I must admit, I'm getting worried about how that's showing up in your pregnancy--"

"Aren't you being a tad dramatic? I mean, I haven't been advised to take any precautions so far--"

"And what if that changes? Will you follow the advice you're given?"

"Of course! Why are you making me sound like some irresponsible lunatic?"

"Well, I don't know about irresponsible…" She smiled.

"I'm serious, what risks do you think I've been taking?"

"Well, take a couple of nights ago. You got in the bath despite barely being able to keep your eyes open!"

"So? What does that have to do with anything?" Henry sighed and took her hand in his.

"Ollie, you have to accept that our lives are changing. And there will be some things you just can't do anymore." She jumped to her feet and angrily crossed her arms.

"Henry, I'm not an idiot and I would appreciate it if you stopped treating me like one--" she turned to leave only for him to catch her by the sleeve.

"Whoa, there. I neither said nor implied any such thing. But what would have happened if you'd fallen asleep in the bath Ollie? I would never forgive myself if anything happened to you or the baby…" Henry's eyes seemed to glaze over temporarily and she felt bad about being so defensive.

"Oh, Henry. I had no idea you were feeling so anxious…" She sat back down on the bed, taking his hand once again.

"I'm not anxious!"

"Look, I'm worried about the responsibility of becoming a parent as well--"

"I'm not worried, either. More… concerned. I mean, there's only so much I can do to protect you both."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, it's my job as a husband and father to keep you both safe. And if I can't even do that before the baby gets here… it hardly bodes well for the future."

"But Henry you do protect us. Every day, in fact. You make sure I'm eating well, and getting enough rest. I can't even leave the house without you holding my hand or walking between me and the road!"

"And what if that's not enough? I won't always be around…"

"Well, I'm sure we'll manage--"

But it won't be easy for them to have such a handsome, famous father!"

"What do your looks have to do with anything?! And I'm not a china plate Henry and neither is the baby. There's going to be accidents, injuries… times when we're sick. It's just a part of life." Henry looked down, shifting slightly from one foot to the other.

"I know, I know. But just promise me you'll take it easy. At least until you're past the twelve-week mark?" She looked into his pleading eyes and could see it was useless trying to disagree.

"Fine, but only if you promise to try and relax a little. Who knows what the future will bring but I want us to both enjoy this pregnancy. Before we know it, it'll all be over."

"You're right. It's just tough feeling so powerless…" An idea suddenly popped into her head.

"Well, why don't we get a fetal doppler? That way we can listen to the baby's heartbeat at home."

"Can we really do that?!" She nodded eagerly.

"From twelve weeks onwards, yeah. And you're also welcome to check in with as many times as you want each day, no matter where you are or what you're doing." Henry visibly relaxed and placed his hands gently on his stomach.

"Do you also promise to tell me the minute anything feels off? Even if you're not entirely sure what it is?"

"Of course, darling. I know it's just as important for you to have that information as it is for me. But please try and relax, there's no use worrying over what we can't control. Now give me a hand with these boxes, once they're up in the loft I can start moving the furniture out of my office as well." He jumped to his feet and came between her and the door.

"Oh no you don't! You're not lifting any more boxes. And if you want things moved then you'll have to ask me."

"But then how will I turn the loft into a workout room?" Henry's mouth fell open. "I'm kidding! You are far too easy to wind up these days. Anyway, I thought you didn't like it when I bossed you about?"

"Well, you just said to stop worrying about things we can't change…" She bopped him on the arm. "Ow! I think somebody's overdue for a nap, don't you?" As if on queue, she yawned.

"Henry, if I wanted a nap, I'd take one…" She yawned again and Henry just shook his head.

"Into bed now, madam. And if you're good I'll bring your dinner up later as well."

"Are you going to cut it into little squares and give me a fruit shoot as well?" He smirked as he made his way around the bed and pulled back the covers.

"Ollie, you can argue with me all you like, it's great practise for when we have an actual toddler…" She grabbed a pillow off the bed and chucked it straight at Henry.

"The only toddler here is you, it's why you're so good at antagonising me all the bloody time!" He patted her spot on the bed and she reluctantly sank into the sheets. Henry then lifted up her feet and pulled them around so she was laying straight. "What's next, are you going to sing me to sleep?"

"What's that? I can't hear you over the sound of being right--"

"How are you right?! I told you, I'm not a bit sleepy." But her heavy eyes betrayed her. He then settled in beside her, rubbing the base of her stomach the way he always did to help her to sleep.

"Come on mama, time for beddy-byes…"

"Hey, do you think the baby sleeps when I'm asleep?"

"…They'll be awake more than that." Though her eyes were closed she thwacked Henry on the chest.

"You know, just for that, I think I'll do a motorbike jump over ten London buses at Wembley Stadium…"

"Have you been reading my Evel Knieval biography?"

"Well I had to find something to do between marathon training and shotput practise…" He rolled his eyes.

"Well don't go getting any ideas… you're a danger to yourself as it is."

"Oh stop it, I was actually reading it to get inspiration…"

"For what?!"

"Baby names."

"You are not naming our baby after some mad stunt performer!"

"But Knievel Cavill sounds lovely!"

"Go to bed missy, before I launch you out the bloody window!" She curled up closer to Henry.

"Ooh, now you're talking. I like a bit of danger. Maybe we should put together a knife-throwing act…"

"Don't bloody tempt me. Now close your eyes and think calm thoughts, our baby needs all the help they can get."

"I will not! I don't want them turning into a nerd or I'll come home to find the two of you painting those bloody figures!"

"Warhammer, woman! And far better they do that than be some hooligan!" She giggled. "Can you imagine them having a goth phase like you did?"

"I was never a goth!"

"You had dreadlocks! And listened to Megadeath!"

"Oh God, what if they get the worst of both of us?!"

"What, like loving air guitar as well as online player games?"

"Exactly, throw in your third nipple and they'll be an outcast!"

"It wasn't a third nipple, it was a cyst--"

"Oh Henry, I can't bare the thought of them being teased--"

"They won't be! Besides, with the kind of school they'll be going to, there'll be much better targets."

"I suppose… do you really think our lives will change that much?"

"I guess so, yeah."

"But what about us?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, what if we change? I like the person I am now and it took a long time to get here…"

"Darling, I promise you will be just as uncool when the baby's here as you are now. Now go to go to sleep, you can't even keep your eyes open."

"Fine, but keep rubbing my tummy…"

"Will do, after all the more love our child feels the less likely they're turn to heavy metal." She kicked him in the shin.

To be updated on when I post please follow @resowrites and turn on post notifications.

@elizabetharegina @fanfictionaddiction99 @luclittlepond @caffeinatedfestivalsheep @summersong69 @ushijimbo

#henry cavill #henry cavill fandom #henry cavill fanfiction #henry cavill x reader #henry cavill imagine

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miaunifest · 1 year

Text

“find your own seat!”

summary: your best friend steals your unassigned assigned seat before a debriefing. you’re somewhat dramatic, though you’d disagree; but suddenly you’re in his quarters confessing your love at 2 am.

a/n: bc u guys r sleeping on him while im sleeping with him 🤞🏼 i have not written an actual fic in so long bare with me pls…

You left behind “seating charts” and “assigned seats” the moment you graduated highschool - which is exactly why you were making a fuss about a certain Sergeant Kyle “Gaz” Garrick sitting in your seat. It offended you more than it should’ve, really, considering how Kyle spent every waking moment with you and knew how territorial you could get.

This had most likely been the biggest betrayal of your life, and it happened right under your nose. From that stupid, handsomely smug grin Kyle had been wearing since you first chatted in the morning to the way he stared at you innocently, your figure towering over his.

“Do you need something?” He asked, biting back a giggle.

“I do! And I am so glad you asked me,” you sneered (somewhat) playfully.

“You know I’d do anything for you, (Y/N). What do you need?”

“For you to get out of my seat.”

Was it ridiculous that you were upset over this? Yes. Would Soap be making fun of you for getting defensive over a chair later? Without a doubt. Are you a drama queen who lives to cause unnecessary scenes? Absolutely.

A tension sat in the air, bordering on sexual and romantic, while successfully being hostile. Not hostile enough to remove your best friend from your spot, of course. All you could think about while looking at him was about the nerve this man has; does he not know everyone has their own unofficial seats? You sit next to Kyle while Soap sits across from you. Price and Ghost interchanged their seats, not really caring who they were across or next to.

Even with that, one thing was certain - the seat across from Soap was yours. It had been since you first walked into that godforsaken meeting room, Kyle beckoning you to sit next to him, a smile plastering that stupid face of his. That stupid face you wanted so badly to hold and pepper with kisses, listening as he giggled, body undoubtedly getting warmer.

Another thing that was certain happened to be your unmoving gaze, the only thing breaking your trance being a gentle kick to your boot. Back to the point, your seat was stolen - or something along those lines.

“Move.” You demanded while puffing your chest in an attempt to appear bigger, an attempt Kyle found albeit cute.

“Unless Price walks in here with a seating arrangement, I don’t think I will,”

An exasperated sigh left your lips, “find your own seat!”

By some miracle of God (Ghost and Price walked through the door) he moved back to his seat, sparing you another 5 minutes of stress as your meeting began.

“You’re such a drama queen,” Kyle nudged you gently, holding open the door for you.

“Tuh! Not even,” but you were nothing short of it.

“Yes even! You looked like you were ready to beat me half to death with that damn chair,”

“I’m the most rational person on this team!” Your right hand found its way to your heart, resting over it to exaggerate.

“Said nobody ever,” he smiled, earning a shove from you.

Your eyes rolled playfully, thinking about how there’s never a dull day with him around.

That mindset is probably how you found yourself inside of his quarters at 2 am, your heart was beating so fast and irregularly a doctor would’ve mistaken your feelings for a heart murmur. In all honesty, you can’t blame them - he really did make you feel like you had a heart murmur sometimes, as niche as it sounds.

“Why are you awake?” Kyle asked with sleep in his voice. God, it just made you want to bite him so hard like he’s pure jello. Not in a sexual way (though you wouldn’t mind it), call it cuteness aggression. A whole bunch of it. An unhealthy amount, you’d argue.

Suddenly your knees wanted to buckle and you tripped over your own tongue, tumbling on every single word that refused to leave your throat. Only strings of, “uhhh,” and “ummm”s leaving your mouth.

Are you supposed to feel this way around your best friend? Definitely not. Were you going to ignore this feeling? Not for any longer.

“Couldn’t sleep, I was thinking,” you were being honest, truth only ever left your lips - well, most of the time anyway.

“About..?” He dragged out the ‘o’, your breath hitched.

Adrenaline and anxiety were far from new feelings, they’re considerably familiar around Kyle. It wasn’t just tonight those feelings kept you up, for someone who (literally) pushes him around all the time, he plagued your mind. There was something so comforting and scary about what you were going through. Comforted by the fact that it’s your best friend you are very obviously in love with, but scared by that same thought.

Who wouldn’t be scared about losing it all? Completely tarnishing your friendship, one you’d spent so much time building and cherishing. There was everything to lose with only one thing to gain: clarity. Clarity about his feelings, because you’ll be damned, he was so open he could be difficult to read.

You were going to say something you’d regret tonight, if you could get out any cohesive sentences that is.

You. I was thinking about you and that dumb laugh you have and how you always hold the door open for me and you’re the first to notice what’s wrong and the fact you listen to me when it feels like I’m drowning myself out and -

Your reply was only said the first word, of course. Confidence and courage were not your fortes, but if you hoped hard enough one day you’d speak your mind freely.

“You.”

He smiled? You think he did, at least. There wasn’t much, or any light, actually. Was his room always this hot? The sweat forming in your palms tells you otherwise, but the temperature distracts you from whatever words might come out of Kyle’s mouth next.

“I was thinking about you too.”

Your body froze. Algor mortis is what they call it; the second stage of death where your internal body temperature starts dropping beneath the standard, which is 98.7°F. But you weren’t dead, no not even close, you were very much alive and your painfully loud heartbeats contested to that.

You’ve never been so incredibly alert, you could feel your blood rushing all throughout your body, how uneven your breathing was so you started manually inhaling to fix it, and at some point you’d stopped blinking? Your body was on autopilot but it was so .. not, all at once.

That was when you said the thing you knew you’d regret. Those 3 damned words that had you entangled in your thoughts for so long, you failed to notice who was right in front of you. Your eyes didn’t move, observing the floor with an awful intensity.

“I love you.”

Shock? Fear? Happiness? Relief? Actually, whose emotions were you even trying to read? Either way, it was about as clear as heavy fog. Those emotions were only dogpiled onto when you felt a rough, but gentle hand cup your chin to make you look at him. Out of all the ways you’d envisioned your death, suspense was definitely not one of them.

Fortunately, his following sentence eased your nerves as fast as they’d been created.

“…Enough to let me steal your seat in the meeting room?”

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themonsterthing · 3 months

Text

Millenial Art Musing

Gather round, younglings, I’m about to tell a story about ye olde days. *rocker creaks*

My first and most beloved art form, the art that made me who I am, that made me as good as I am at what I do, is dead, is gone, is unreachable.

That might sound dramatic, but I mean that literally. My art form does not, can not, exist anymore. And that's a good thing, because of what it says about accessibility.

I was listening to one of my favourite ever albums when I had this realization today, Johnny Hollow’s 2003 self titled symphonic goth masterpiece. How I found this album was because they had an amazing website. No, really. Amazing. It was a flash masterpiece, where bugs crawled across the screen, different sound clips echoed over different sections, and you unlocked hidden tracks if you answered riddles. It was an artistic triumph. I do believe it won awards.

To modern internet users, that sounds absurd. But I was a web designer back in the days of hard coding, of fixed resolution design, of the surety that everyone was looking at your work from a very similar setup. I got out of web design when it become about scalability, when content management systems were becoming the new norm. Flash hasn’t existed in years, as a design form.

HTML is still the bones of the internet, but it has grown wings and learned to fly. This is good. My art form was not about making things as useable as possible - it was about individual design. Oh what, you have trouble reading 8px Courier in low-contrast color tones? Oh well! It’s art.

The internet should be for everyone, and what I was designing was not that. Yes, it was beautiful, but it was definitely art, not for conveying useful information or accessing tools. Would it be cool if I could make that kind of art again? As pure art? Yes. But there would be no way to make that happen, unless you did something scalable but artistic for the eight million ways people access the internet now. Which is not possible, so maybe if you could control every aspect of the way it was consumed. Which is not possible. Maybe I could do it as an art exhibit, where people came and sat on computers and clicked through incredibly slow pages on 56k to the humming of the computer fan. Ah, the old days.

I am who I am because of my first art. I became a programmer to make Sailor Moon websites, back in the days of Geocities and Angelfire. I learned whole other languages, could speak them fluently, still know common hex codes. (People ask my favorite colour, and I always say French Grey. But really it’s #E6E6E6.)

It is a bizarre and beautiful world to have come from. I miss the camaraderie of the my fellow web designers, those of us trading CSS hacks and joking about the best font style. One person with a credit card who owned a domain and hosted all their buddies, the joy of ridiculous subdomain names.

I am delighted by what the internet has become. But oh, the olden days.

</ramble>

#web design #millenial culture #early days #internet #thoughts and such #blog #personal

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1mnobodywhoareyou · 2 months

Text

emotional damage

willex | gen | 2,948 words

on ao3

thank you for hosting this event @jatpfebfanfest! it was great fun :D This is for the most lovely @floating-in-the-blue and I definitely experienced no crises writing for you <3 (she lies). I hope you like it! The greatest of thanks to @bbreaddog for beta-ing for me and @narcissusbrokenmirror for being my personal cheerleader! I appreciate you both so much!

“Ohhhh, look who it is Alex!” Luke teases as he catches sight of a familiar crew member helping them get set up for their show.

Alex can feel the heat travel up his face to the tips of his ears. “Shut up!” he mumbles, trying to make sure his voice doesn’t carry across the stage. “I never should have told you.”

Alex crouches down to finish setting up his drum kit.

“You should talk to him,” Luke insists as he unwraps a set of cables, laying them out as he goes.

“Not gonna happen.”

Alex feels an elbow rest on his shoulder and looks up to see Reggie grinning at him.

“We talking about Alex’s favourite stage hand?” Reggie asks cheerily.

“No,” Alex grumbles at the same time as Luke excitedly exclaims, “Yes!”

Alex shoves Reggie off of him and returns to getting set up. He nods Reggie toward his own side of the stage, silently begging him to drop it.

Reggie’s grin grows. He doesn’t move from his spot, calling back to Luke, “Hey Luke, how much you wanna bet that Alex can’t do it?”

Luke meets Reggie’s gaze and a grin of his own spreads across his face, “You’re on!”

“Terms?”

Alex interrupts them, voice laden with frustration, “Can you two not?”

Both Reggie and Luke turn their most exaggerated innocent expressions on him.

“Not what?” Luke asks.

“Can you not make my personal life the center of your amusement?”

“That’s not… that’s not what we’re doing!” Reggie cries defensively.

Alex raises an eyebrow, “really?”

“Really! We just want to see you happy.”

“I AM happy,” Alex insists.

“Yeah but you could be happy AND have arm candy and someone to smash faces with.” Reggie’s grin is back as he finally leaves Alex to go finish his own set up.

Alex rolls his eyes, “You’re ridiculous.”

“Guilty as charged!” Luke exclaims shamelessly before sending a dramatic wink Alex’s way.

Alex sighs as he turns back to his drum kit to ensure they’re set up properly for sound check. He doesn’t miss Luke’s exaggerated whisper to Reggie, “Loser buys pizza.”

“Mmmmm, free pizza! The best kind,” Reggie enthuses before returning to his bass.

“It’s rude of you to think I can’t do it!” Alex shouts back at Reggie and he’s simply met with Reggie’s signature shit-eating grin.

“Prove me wrong!”

And Alex tries. He really, really does. He works himself up to leaving the green room and makes it halfway down the hall before he has to circle back. His second attempt has him almost all the way to the stage wings before he’s again fleeing to safety. Before he knows it, his time is up and they’re called to the stage.

He gives it his all for their performance, the way he always does. If he maybe plays a little harder and sings a little louder, knowing that the person occupying so many of his thoughts is in the building and might be able to hear them, well then that’s for him to know and him alone. Though the knowing glances that both Luke and Reggie direct his way cause his face to flush. Maybe his thoughts are a bit louder than they should be.

He doesn’t even know this guy’s name, it’s unfair that he’s completely taken over Alex’s thoughts.

Alex finds that after finishing their set, he doesn’t have the opportunity to even think about finding the stage hand. Between taking things down and interacting with fans, he completely loses his grasp on time. Before he knows it, Luke and Reggie are steering him toward their van.

“I WIN!” Reggie cheers and Luke sends a wry look Reggie’s way.

“You never set a time limit,” Luke pointedly reminds him. Reggie’s eyes widen, his face immediately falling into a pout.

Alex’s own expression brightens as he remembers their exchange. “YOU’RE RIGHT! You didn’t!” Alex claps Luke on the back excitedly. “Thanks, buddy!”

Luke grins, “Welcome! You still have to do it eventually though.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Alex grumbles as he starts the van. He’s the only one of the trio that can be trusted behind the wheel, as hard as Luke and Reggie might try to continue to convince Alex otherwise. How they managed to get their licenses, Alex will never know. “Where we going?” he asks.

“I still want pizza,” Reggie mumbles as he buckles himself up.

Alex turns to Luke, “What’s the band account balance say?”

Luke reaches down and digs out their cash jar, shaking it sadly.

“Not happening, buds. Unless one of you wants to treat,” he replies. What little they do have and keep in their individual accounts is normally reserved for emergency emotional support (or making bets at the expense of their friends), not impulsive pizza runs.

“Cup noodles it is,” Alex says as he steers the van toward home, grateful for the lack of traffic at this time of night.

He doesn’t miss the way Reggie’s face falls as he glances in the rearview mirror. His heart shatters thinking about how often he’s seen that expression. Reggie might be good at hiding his feelings behind a goofy grin most of the time but Alex knows him and has learned to see through some of the cracks. The same way they have for him.

Alex takes a deep breath, refocusing on the road in front of him.

Luke gushes excitedly from the passenger seat, “We’re gonna make it, guys. I can FEEL it. Then you can have all the pizza you’d like, Reg!” He’s speaking in his typically amped up way that makes you wonder if he’s convincing you or himself. Apparently he’d also taken notice of Reggie’s pouting. Or, even more likely, just knows their friend that well at this point.

“Yeah,” Reggie agrees dejectedly. “It’s just temporary.”

Alex shoulder checks and moves into the right lane, slowing down to make his turn. He’s just made it to the corner when suddenly something thumps against the passenger side of the van.

“Holy shit, dude! You hit someone!” Luke exclaims, pulling himself forward in the seat to look out the window.

Alex immediately stops the van and shifts into park. He slams open his door, jumping out to see what had happened. “Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit,” he recites to himself the entire time he’s rounding the front of the vehicle.

He gets around to the front passenger corner of the van and notices a person brushing themselves off and pushing away from the van. They’re just barely illuminated by the street and headlights, still shrouded by the darkness of being just the wrong side of midnight.

“Holy shit, I’m so sorry!” Alex rushes out as soon as he notices them.

“It’s all good, man. Not your fault. I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

Alex reaches them just as they remove their helmet, flipping their hair up and over their head as they do. As soon as Alex realizes who it is, his mouth goes dry and he loses all coherent thought.

He’s startled back to reality by the sound of car doors slamming.

“You hit Willie?!” Reggie cries, “Dude!”

Alex is sent reeling for a second time.

He hit his crush.

Who has a name.

That Reggie knows.

“How did you-? Wha-?” Alex stammers as he looks between his friends and Willie, who hasn’t stopped grinning for the duration of Alex’s crisis.

Alex shakes his head, trying to clear his head but with limited success. He redirects his attention to Willie. “Are you okay?” he asks simply.

Willie nods, “Yep, totally fine! I’ve been through worse.”

“That’s not… Okay,” Alex runs his hand through his hair. He can feel his pulse quicken and he reaches out for the van, realizing that he needs some support to remain standing. Alex feels Luke immediately shift into crisis mode beside him. They’ve been through this enough times by now that the signs of oncoming panic are clear to his friends.

Luke guides him so that he’s half sitting on the front bumper. He starts to coach Alex through some deep breathing and grounding practices to stave off the impending panic attack. It only takes a few minutes for his breathing to stabilize and he’s able to tune back into what’s happening around then.

When Alex looks up, he notices Willie’s concerned expression and that Reggie is now holding a skateboard. He must have gone hunting for it while Luke and Alex were otherwise occupied.

Luke rubs a few more circles onto Alex’s back before standing to join the others.

“You good, bro?” Willie asks.

Alex nods. He wipes his hands on thighs and stands, “Yeah. I’m good. This is weird. I’m so, so-”

He’s cut off before he can apologize. “Dude, seriously. This was my fault. I literally skated into the side of your van.”

Alex directs a skeptical look Willie’s way so he continues, “Honest, it wasn’t even possible for you to have hit me. I’m the one who should be apologizing.”

Alex stares at Willie in with combined disbelief and awe for another moment before Willie’s voice interrupts his thoughts, “I’m Willie, by the way.” Alex looks down to see Willie’s hand extended in greeting.

Alex reaches out to shake it. “I’m-,” he starts before he’s interrupted.

“Alex, I know.”

Alex’s brain threatens to shut down yet again, “You… you know?”

“Well, yeah. You’re the drummer of one of the hottest acts in town. Of course I know who you are!”

“I told you!” Luke cries as he elbows Reggie in the ribs. Reggie grunts at the unexpected contact. Alex barely registers their activity as he continues to process everything from the last… Five minutes? Night? Day? Week? How long have they been in each other's orbits for?

“Hey, Alex,” Luke calls, “you with us?”

Alex turns to glare at Luke though he has to admit (privately) that Luke has once again succeeded in getting him out of his head.

When he turns back to Willie, he finds he’s again met with that grin. An all-too-knowing grin.

“Reggie owes me pizza, wanna join us?” Luke directs to Willie. Alex starts at the unexpected invitation but doesn’t have time to dwell on it before-

“I do not!” Reggie exclaims petulantly.

“You do!” Luke insists, waving his arm toward Alex and Willie.

Alex turns to look at Willie, aghast with both the realization of what Luke is talking about and the implication that Willie is expected to engage with their chaos. “You don’t have to! I’m so sorry about them,” he says before turning back to Luke, “Are you serious right now?”

Luke crosses his arms across his chest and returns a smug grin, “TECHNICALLY, I win.”

“That is SO not what I meant,” Reggie mumbles.

WIllie looks between the three boys with confusion, “Win what?”

Before either Luke or Reggie have the chance to consider responding, Alex is between them with a hand covering each of their mouths. “Nothing. Nothing at all. Don’t worry about it.”

He feels them both lick his palms simultaneously and pulls his hands away from them. “You’re both disgusting,” he says, wiping his hands on his pants.

Willie muffles a laugh at their antics. He quickly composes himself before interjecting, “Luke said something about pizza?”

Alex turns wide eyes on Willie, “You want to come for pizza? With us?”

Willie shrugs, “Yeah, sure. Except it’s my treat. You know… for the damage.” He smiles at Alex again and Alex is sure that his brain has completely left the premises.

“Emotional damage,” Luke whispers teasingly, barely audible but loud enough for Alex to hear. He directs another glare Luke’s way. Luke’s only response is a shit-eating grin.

“YES!” Reggie whoops as he climbs back into the van. Luke very quickly clambers in after him. When Alex sends Luke a confused look, Luke simply nods toward Willie in silent suggestion.

Alex lets out a soft sigh. He redirects his attention to Willie, “Do you want a ride? We know a place that’s still open and is cheap enough that Reggie can’t eat you out of house and home.” He raises his voice toward the end of his sentence to ensure that Reggie can hear him and, hopefully, take the hint.

He does. “What do you think I am?” Reggie calls back, “Some kind of animal?”

“You said it, not me,” Alex mutters under his breath and Willie coughs out a laugh. Alex smiles at Willie before gesturing toward the van, “Your chariot?” he offers.

“My Prince Charming,” Willie says with a grin as he climbs into the van. Alex stumbles over himself in surprise as he walks around to the driver’s side. He takes a deep breath and a quick moment to calm himself before opening the door and climbing in.

Alex buckles up his seatbelt. He turns to ensure Willie and the guys had done the same before shifting into drive. After another shoulder check, he completes the turn he had started before hitting… being hit by…? colliding with Willie.

There’s a moment of awkward silence as the four of them settle into each others’ company. It of course doesn’t last long.

“So Willie, what’s your favourite Sunset Curve song?” Luke asks as he pulls himself up between the two front seats.

Alex groans, “Really, dude? Seatbelt!”

“Hey! My seatbelt’s on!” Luke insists as he tugs on the shoulder strap that crosses his chest for evidence.

Alex rolls his eyes, “It doesn’t count when you stretch it out like that.”

Willie can’t help but laugh at their bickering as he turns to Luke to answer.

He’s interrupted by Alex, “You really don’t have to answer him.”

Willie smiles at Alex, “It’s alright! I love your music. I think ‘Now or Never’ is my fave though.”

“Yeah? Why’s that?” Luke encourages Willie to explain further.

“Luke! Seriously, not everyone is as deep into music as you are. Sometimes people just like what they like!” Alex chastises Luke again.

“It’s chill, Hotdog. I don’t mind.”

Alex sputters at the unexpected nickname. Reggie chimes in from the back, as if pulling the thought directly from Alex’s brain, “Hotdog?!”

Alex can FEEL Willie’s grin from beside him. He finds his ability to focus on the road slipping away with each passing moment.

“Yeah, from that time y’all got so sick from street dogs?”

Alex groans again, “You mean when we almost died?!”

Luke reappears between them, “Do we get nicknames too?”

“Mmm,” Willie hums, “sorry, that’s a privilege reserved only for my favourites.”

Alex again feels his brain completely vacate the premises and yet somehow he can see the grin growing on Luke’s face without even looking at him.

Alex autopilots into the parking lot for the pizza place they love. He pointedly avoids looking at anyone as they climb out of the van and into the restaurant.

“Order for me!” Alex calls back to Luke and Reggie as he beelines to the restroom in the back of the building.

He locks the door behind him and leans up against it, trying to swallow air into his lungs. This has all been just… too much.

Alex finally manages to slow his racing thoughts enough to push off of the door. He takes the three steps required to stand in front of the sink. He grips the edges of it and stares at himself in the mirror, unseeing. This can’t possibly be reality right now, can it? Willie is absolutely flirting with him, right? But… not directly. Through his friends. He’s not dreaming or in some alternate reality?

He splashes water on his face to try to reset so that he can go back out there and face whatever is coming next. This is good. It’s a lot. But it’s good. Willie has not only taken notice of him, but actually seems to like him? Enough to know his name and feel comfortable teasing him, anyway. Enough to explicitly tell Luke and Reggie that Alex is his favourite. Alex is never anyone’s favourite. Okay, no, he’s not going there right now. He can do this.

He lightly smacks his cheeks to refocus.

Alex nods to himself in the mirror, satisfied with his internal pep talk. He pulls a handful of paper towels from the dispenser and dries his hands and face. He takes one last deep breath before opening the door and heading out into the restaurant.

As Alex walks up to the booth the others had claimed, he overhears Luke and Willie continuing their conversation from the van.

“That searching for tomorrow line,” Willie says and Alex can see Luke’s grin grow from over Willie’s head. Luke and Reggie are on one side of the booth, facing the back of the restaurant, and Willie is on the other side, back to Alex.

“Ohhh, that’s Alex’s!”

“I know,” Willie replies cheekily before leaning conspiratorially over the table toward Luke, “you’ve got a hot drummer.”

Alex makes a choking sound, attracting the attention of all three guys. Willie turns, resting his forearm on the back of the booth bench, Luke’s eyes widen slightly but the grin remains, Reggie lifts his eyes from where he’d been focused on taking a bite of pizza and waves at Alex with his free hand.

“Yeah, we do!” Reggie agrees enthusiastically. He takes a bite of pizza and speaks around it, “We’ve been trying to get that through his thick skull for ages.”

Willie tracks his gaze over Alex’s body. Alex can feel the flush move up his face and to the tips of his ears.

“Cute when he blushes too,” Willie winks at Alex before turning around, sliding over to make room for him at the table.

#willex #jatp #JatP 2024 Feb Fan Fest #nobodys fics #fanfic #julie and the phantoms

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starstruckmoony · 1 year

Note

I am sooo glad you take requests! Feel free to decline this if you dont like the idea but can you write a fic with either James or Sirius (your choice :)) in which the reader fears intimacy and like has a hard time trusting people, which makes them not believe James/Sirius’ love so they think the flirting is just a friendship thing. And they cant understand why reader keeps running away but when they find out the reason James/Sirius tries to convince the reader to give their relationship a chance? I hope you like the idea, thank you so much in advance!!

thank you for the request anon!! sorry for taking too long with this, exams got in the way so my motivation for anything was pretty much below zero :") but i loooove this idea, so here you go! i hope you like it! <333

daylight.

masterlist

pairing - sirius black x reader

trope/tags - friends to lovers, fluff

word count - 3.6k

warnings - language

sirius black was what one may call a heartthrob. winning everybody over with the snap of a finger, being the main topic on everyone's diary pages, having people fall to their knees with a simple glance sent in their direction. some wanted to be him, some wanted him. he loved the attention, of course, the thrill of having so many people fall for you was rather addicting thing for a teenager, but he wanted someone else, and that someone just happened to be you. and it wasn't just a simple type of want, the "let's snog in the broomstick closet a couple of times till i get bored of you and find another", no. he wanted all of you. sirius black was in love, but it was really not going his way this time.

"i don't know why i keep getting rejected." sirius whined hopelessly, tossing his tie somewhere on the floor in frustration and slumping down onto his bed. the mattress squeaked from the impact, making remus look up from his open book.

"you've been on nine dates." james pointed out, trying to calm the other down. nine didn't seem like a big number to him (as he had gone on at least 30 with lily before she agreed to become his girlfriend), so the poor bloke got ignored. sirius kept on rambling thoughtlessly.

"that's the bloody problem, nine dates, prongs, nine! and you know what? they weren't even proper dates. not even proper dates! do you hear that? like are you getting that? not. even. proper. dates. fuck!" sirius grunted, falling back into his pillows with a rather distressed sounding sigh. remus rolled his eyes.

"they weren't?" peter chimed in. he wasn't usually the one who showed much interest in his friends' love lives, but he sure found whatever the hell sirius had going on with you rather intriguing.

"'it was lovely hanging out with you sirius, you're a wonderful friend.' after each and every single one so, no, don't think they were." peter felt guilty for cringing, and he could only look towards sirius with a sympathetic glance.

remus, on the other hand, was finding the situation a bit ridiculous. he simply couldn't suppress a snort, and sirius did not fail to catch it, "what are you laughing at?"

"you." he threw a pillow in remus' face.

"give it more time, mate, i'm sure it'll work out eventually." james was really trying his best to reassure his best friend, but it was never easy with sirius. especially not now that you were in question.

"don't you think i'm trying? i'm– fuck. fucking fuck." he put his face into his hands, groaning loudly in distress."i think i'm gonna go mental." he said dramatically.

"seems like you're very serious about this, sirius." remus said nonchalantly, drawing laughs from both james and peter. sirius inhaled sharply. he was, indeed, very serious about you. it wasn't everyday that he actually felt like he was falling somebody, and it certainly wasn't everyday that he, sirius black, one of the most confident blokes in the whole bloody school, was turning red trying to talk to a person. and you just kept rejecting him, subtly that is. friend this, friend that. friend, friend, friend. he loathed the word. he wanted you, and not in the platonic sense.

"you lot are shit mates, you know that?" sirius huffed angrily, crossing his arms and sulking like a frustrated toddler.

"we love you too, padfoot." james blew a kiss his way, jumping up onto his feet when sirius began chasing after him with a wand in hand. they sped down the stairs from the dormitories and into the common room - sirius was yelling and james was laughing hysterically. the pair ran past the sofa where you and lily were sitting. you were pretty sure they fell over somewhere outside the portrait hole and were probably wrestling judging by the sounds they were making.

"that's the man you fancy, huh?" marlene scoffed from the corner of the room, giving you a judgemental stare. you shrugged, scratching the back of your neck in thought. yes, that was the man you fancied indeed. sometimes you wondered why, but then he'd lock his eyes with yours and every sense of doubt and uncertainty would wipe itself away. it wasn't all that easy, though.

"and lily's gonna marry his other half," mary put a hand over her heart, "how romantic." she wiped away a fake tear.

"romantic?" marlene said in disgust.

"oh sod off, you two." lily rolled her eyes. "sirius isn't half-bad." her way of speaking was so honest, it was suspicious. you squinted your eyes at her skeptically.

"what? can't really chat shit when my boyfriend is basically the same, minus the lack of critical thinking and self-awareness." lily winked at you. you put your face into your hands, screaming into them. you heard mary snicker.

"are we talking about the same james?" marlene teased, raising an eyebrow. you suppressed a laugh.

"we get it, you hate men." remus rolled his eyes as he appeared in the common room, and let himself fall onto the couch right next to you. he stared at you in amusement when he noticed your regretful expression.

"something on your mind?" he questioned.

"sirius," mary coughed, "sirius." she coughed again.

"oh." remus laughed to himself, and then went quiet. you thought, hoped, that the conversation would come to an end there, but remus had different intentions.

"do i create drama or not?" he said in thought, trailing his eyes over you and your friends. you pursed your lips in thought.

"oh, please do, the last interesting thing that happened was when marlene and dorcas were found snogging in the forbidden forest after attempting to use the imperius curse on one another." mary said desperately.

"and that was two months ago." lily added.

"i hate all of you." marlene made a face, and stuck a hand down her pocket to pull out a cigarette.

"alright then," remus smirked, throwing an arm around you, "sirius threw a tantrum about five minutes ago because you keep rejecting him." your eyes widened. you stopped breathing for a moment. what the hell?

lily's jaw dropped in amusement, marlene burst out laughing, and mary appeared to be coming up with plans on how to organise your wedding ceremony. for real this time.

"i'm sorry, what? he what– he did– remus–" you stumbled over your words, not knowing how to form them. sirius fancies you. you flung yourself backwards into the couch, your face was painted with worry. sirius black threw a tantrum because you rejected him. sirius fucking black threw a tantrum because you rejected him. "merlin's bloody beard, what the hell?" you ran your hands through your hair, exhaling exhaustedly.

luckily, none of your friends were that oblivious, and they quickly noticed that you weren't taking piss acting like nothing of this sort had ever actually been brought to your attention.

"hey, why the face? that's good news!"

"am i experiencing the consequences of miscommunication again?"

"i thought you fancied him!"

"are you okay?"

questions, so many questions and shocked and confused faces left and right. as much as you hated to admit it, you did owe them an explanation. this wasn't the only occasion on which people tried to tell you sirius was into you, but it was different this time because it was coming from remus. sirius was into you. he was into you. he was fucking into you. he wasn't just playing around like he does with others.

"i know, mary. and no, remus. and yes, i do, marlene. and honestly, lily, i don't know." you said it all in one breath, tiredly sighing. you'd been head over heels for the man for years, yet it always felt off. no one knew why though, you never brought it up. your friends knew you fancied him, but you never dared to tell them why you were pushing him away whenever he tried to initiate something. in truth, you were afraid of relationships and you feared intimacy. it wasn't something you could just overcome overnight. you had a difficult time trusting others and you were always vary of who you shared your secrets with and who you would open up to, anyway. so the thing was, it only became worse when it actually came to dating and falling in love.

to top it all off, sirius was naturally flirty, so you too, naturally, brushed it off and chalked it up to his normal, daily behaviour. you'd seen him jokingly flirt and kiss james, and mary, and marlene, and even remus who slapped him for it once, so you simply couldn't envision sirius returning the feelings when he was acting like every single one of his friends was also his significant other. all of that put together felt like an absolute train wreck and you didn't know what to do about it.

both lily and remus soon had their arms around you, and were looking at each other as if they were trying to find a way to telecommunicate and figure out what was wrong. marlene and mary moved over from the corner they were sitting in to the floor, and they were in front of you, with worried and comforting eyes.

"you can say what's wrong, y/n, it's alright." mary said, squeezing your knee reassuringly.

"we won't tell a soul." marlene added with a smile.

"it's just that– i'm– fuck," you started, not knowing if you should talk. you met lily's troubled expression and swallowed the lump on your throat,"i'm so horrified of relationships and sirius is– he doesn't– i thought he was just fucking around and i don't even know if i can trust him to not break my heart and i just– he's the same with everyone, you know, flirting and and all that and i don't want to be hurt and it feels like shit. actual, fucking shit. and intimacy– merlin, don't even get me started– it's scaring me, all of it. and then in the end– i just start feeling like i won't ever be loved, like truly loved, you know?"

"y/n–"

"don't 'y/n' me and try to say you understand." you snapped, "do you know what it feels like? looking at everyone around you all cuddly and giggly with their boyfriends and girlfriends and then feeling like you're going bloody mental because you want it too but you're fucking terrified of it all and then you can't tell if the guy you're into likes you back or not because he flirts with anything that fucking moves and breathes? no, you don't." you bit the inside of your cheek in frustration, and then tried to wiggle out of lily and remus' grasp, but they held you back.

"listen, to me, y/n. it's okay, alright? you're not going mental, or insane or anything like that. and i can assure you're not the only one who's felt like that before." remus said the words a bit unsurely, but not untruthfully. you leaned your head onto lily's shoulder.

"but, what can i do about it? i can't just ignore it all and hope it goes away." you said honestly. you had no idea what to do, and you were afraid that you had no other option but the one you wanted to avoid most.

"well, talking to sirius would be a good start." mary suggested. the other three nodded along.

"and then what?"

"then, assuming that he'll understand what you're saying, you'll feel better and maybe even get a boyfriend who will accept your fears won't force you to do things you don't want to do." lily finished, smiling affirmatively.

"but what if it doesn't work?"

"fuck him." marlene said without thinking, "no really, fuck him. you deserve someone way better, not some slimy prat who can't even respect the person he bloody fancies."

"fuck who and when and where?" sirius entered the common room, appearing rather dishevelled.

"speak of the devil." remus spoke under his breath.

"definitely not you, black." marlene stood up from the floor, returning to her spot in the corner and picking up her cigarette which was sitting in a make-shift ashtray. he flipped her off, and then ascended the stairs to the boys' dormitories.

the following week, something shifted. it's not like you and sirius drifted apart, you didn't, but he stopped being... him? no more hand touching, no more kisses on the cheek. but there were more questions, more asking of what you're comfortable with rather than just doing it immediately. and that's when you began suspecting he overheard your conversation with remus and the girls as you had sort of forgotten him and james were just outside the portrait hole.

in reality, that wasn't really the case. sirius just became kind of, well, depressed. after his little outburst in the dormitories, he lost all of that little hope he had for starting a relationship with you. he didn't know what he was doing wrong, and why you kept putting him in the friendzone when his friends had been telling him that you were clearly into him. was it you? was it him? was it neither of those things?

he became cautious. didn't want to touch you anymore, scared thinking that it upset you. didn't want to flirt with you either, terrified that it made you feel uneasy. his melancholy over it all began projecting onto everybody else around him.

james gave up on attempting to comfort him because he himself was too exhausted by sirius' constant state of dread. peter stayed out of it. and remus, well, remus was fed up with him and would have probably murdered him on a couple of occasions if james wasn't there to jump in and snatch his wand away.

"i still don't know what i did wrong. can someone tell me what i did wrong? 'cause i don't know what i did wrong!" sirius buried his face into his pillow, screaming into it. same thing, over and over, every day, every night.

james and peter glanced at each other, no words exchanged, and they both pretended to be occupied with something else. remus tried his best to ignore him, and continued writing the essay he was working on.

"is there something wrong with me? like geniuenly is there? am i fucked up? oh no, i might be fucked up, what if i really am?" remus' quill snapped. james let out a huff of frustration. peter hid in the bathroom. and sirius kept talking.

"y/n hates me, i just know it. it's 'cause i'm fucked up, that's what i get for–"

"merlin's beard, will you shut up?" remus finally snapped. sirius pouted, looking up at the ceiling with glossy eyes. the other boy sighed, standing up from his own bed and walking over to sirius'. he wasn't planning on ratting you out, you were supposed to talk to sirius and tell him everything yourself, but remus was tired. tired of looking at his friend go through a major case of self-destruction, and tired of having to endure it all. so remus talked, maybe when he shouldn't have, but he did not regret one bit of it.

***

"are you free right now by any chance?" sirius burst into your room a week later, uninvited and without making any previous announcements.

"uh–" you dropped your notebook and quill, awkwardly tossing them to the side, "yeah, definitely. "

"fantastic, let's go." he grinned, stuffing his hands into his pockets and trotting out of the room. you stood up from your bed and quickly put on some shoes, following after him. you happened to pass by james who gave you a pat on the shoulder. one more reason to think him and sirius know. great. fantastic. amazing. the lake was looking rather attractive today.

"where are we going?" you asked once you were by sirius' side.

"was thinking about a walk, nothing too crazy."

"oh, yeah, that sounds nice."

that's what you did. walked and talked around hogwarts, and in the end found yourselves sitting at the said lake despite the clouds which started covering the sky. sirius never brought up what happened the week before, but you weren't sure if you could stay quiet any longer. it stressed you out more than all of your stupid exams combined, and really, he was going to find out one way or another.

"are you alright?" you asked. not a bad start, you told yourself.

"mhm, why wouldn't i be?" he responded, falling backwards into the grass in sighing in content. you followed his movements, lying flat onto your back.

"i don't know, you're too... alert. acting like i'd break if you touch me or something." you said, fumbling with your hands.

"what?" he turned his head to the side to look at you.

"you heard what i said that night on saturday, after we got back from hogsmeade, didn't you?" you were looking at him too.

"what are you on about–"

"how i said i fancy you but i'm scared of dating you because i'm horrified of getting intimate and i don't know if i can trust you not to hurt me?" you explained, thinking that it would help him remember. or stop playing around with you. he was quiet. you regretted speaking, and were ready walk off, and probably would have if he hadn't grabbed you by the hand when you tried to.

"no, wait! just wait, please." he choked out. and so you did.

"i stopped it all because i thought you didn't feel that way about me," he began, you listened attentively, "everyone told me that you did, and that it would work out and stuff, but i don't know, you always made sure i knew i was your friend, so i figured i should stop pestering you and just settle for that instead." he finished with a shrug.

"oh, no, sirius." you groaned, hugging your knees to your chest and burying your face into them. "and then, uhm," sirius licked his lips, as if he was trying to find the right way to form whatever he was going to say, "remus told me, uh, the same thing you just did." you looked up and at him, scanning his face for any sign of judgement and disappointment, but there was none of it.

"i was convinced he was taking the piss at first or trying to set me up for embarrassment or something 'cause i was getting on his nerves, don't even know what was going through my head," he laughed at himself, "but then i thought about what he said, and i was trying to find a way to talk to you and uhm..." he scratched the back of his head. "turns out i'm not that cool. every time i told myself i'll try, i felt like running off somewhere and hiding 'cause i was horrified you'd reject me. still am, honestly but that doesn't matter 'cause i still– i still wanna be with you, y/n."

you opened your mouth to speak, but nothing came out. sirius black left you speechless once again. he wanted to be with you, even after knowing that what he might get won't be like all of those others relationships he's had before.

"look, i really like you, and i don't think i've ever felt that way about anyone. i know that it doesn't sound convincing coming from me, but it's true. i wanna be with you, like i really, really do because i love you and i–" he cursed silently. a smile began forming on your face, and he wasn't even done yet. "can you give us a chance, please? i'll talk to you, you'll talk to me, we'll communicate everything, if i'm doing anything that's bothering you i'll stop, i'll ask questions, i'll try my best to make it feel right for you, i'll fullfill any wish you have–"

"sirius."

"and if you still don't feel ready or if you're still having doubts, it's okay. i'm not gonna force you to date me, we can be just friends, or break up and still be friends, or break up and never–"

"sirius!"

"what?"

"stop talking."

"okay."

"we can date."

"what?"

"i'll give you a chance."

"oh." he stared out at the lake in shock, his mouth hanging open slightly. "oh!" he turned to look at you, and the smile that stood on his face was brighter than any star in the sky. he pressed his own hands against his cheeks, touching the as if he was trying to check if they were warm or not.

"am i turning red?"

"a little bit." you snickered, your eyes never leaving him. the relief you felt was indescribable. you'd gone out with him today, terrified of what might happen, thinking that you'll lose him forever. and then there you were, with sirius black blushing right in front of you because he was madly in love with you.

"can i uhm–" he cleared his throat, shaking his head for a moment in attempt to get out of the haze that he was stuck in, "kiss... you...?"

"yeah." you said the words in a small voice. the panic on sirius' face was pretty noticeable, and you would have probably laughed in his face to cope with awkwardness you were feeling yourself if he hadn't kissed you before you could. he hesitantly cupped your cheek with his hand, but when you let yourself relax into his touch, he was calmer too.

you pulled away from each other after a few seconds, and you could see that sirius was having hard time holding back a grin. this time you laughed in his face, he laughed at you for laughing at him, and the cycle only continued.

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leviackermanscleaningbuddy · 2 years

Text

SKZ DRABBLE-OT8

The SKZ!Pack is back! And this time, there's no surprises. It's pretty clear who's going into heat, just like it's clear who's going to help them through it. What isn't clear though, is the age old question-does aftercare include changing the sheets?

Tags: SKZ, Stray Kids, SKZ Drabble, OT8, SKZ!pack, SKZ!abo, a/b/o, alpha beta omega dynamics, fluff, Stray kids x you, Stray Kids x reader, SKZ x you, SKZ x reader, OT8 x you, OT8 x reader, bang chan, seo changbin, lee minho, hwang hyunjin, lee felix, han jisung, yang jeongin, kim seungmin

Genre: Fluff, Suggestive

Title: Oh Sheet

“Has anyone seen my Nirvana hoodie?”

Chan comes into the kitchen looking utterly perplexed, his curls styled in that effortlessly messy way that only happens when he rolls right out of bed and runs his fingers through them, his rainy scent spiked slightly with his obvious exasperation.

“Hyunjin has it.” You reply automatically, glancing at the other alpha with one brow raised, as if that cryptic sentence in and of itself should be enough of an explanation.

It clearly is, because Chan’s brown eyes, once clouded with confusion, immediately clear up in understanding with your words.

“He’s ‘nesting.’” Jisung adds, making air quotes with his one free hand as he does so, not even bothering to look up from his phone, still shoveling cereal into his mouth like it’s going out of style.

The smart comment earns Jisung a rough cuff on the ear from Minho, who is standing behind him, and the beta yelps, rubbing at the offended appendage before shooting the alpha a dark glare.

Minho barely shrugs.

“He took my track pants too.” Changbin mutters somewhat dourly, moving to the coffee maker to refill his mug before he lets out a long-suffering sigh and glances at Chan with a somewhat hopeful expression, as if the head alpha can do something about the omega in question. “What am I supposed to wear to the gym now?”

“You know how picky Jinnie-hyung is with his nests.” Seungmin remarks in observation, leaning against the refrigerator, watching as Changbin struggles to tear open his packet of sweetener, before the beta finally takes it from the alpha and does it himself. “You’re not gonna get your shit back until he’s done nesting at this point.”

Changbin groans. “But my track pants-”

Chan slaps him on the back in some sort of lost clothing camaraderie, offering the other pouting alpha a sympathetic look, as he reaches around him to fill his own mug with hot, steaming coffee.

“Sorry, Bin. You’ll just have to find a new gym outfit in the meantime, yeah?”

Changbin grumbles something under his breath that sounds an awful lot like another complaint, and Minho serves him a sharp look, a look which has him scurrying to sit down beside the still preoccupied Jisung, who has now moved onto toast and is watching something ridiculously loud and obnoxious on his phone.

The video is obviously not loud enough to distract him from the conversation floating around though, because as soon as Changbin plops down beside him, Jisung is glancing up and exclaiming around a mouthful of toast, “Listen, he can have whatever he wants of mine. I don’t care. But if he so much as looks at the blue blanket I keep on my bed-” Something murderous flashes across the beta’s eyes at the idea, and it has you stifling back a laugh behind your raised coffee mug. “-there will be war.”

“Nobody wants that ratty thing anyway.” Seungmin quips dryly, leaning around an annoyed Jisung to grab a piece of toast from the plate before it all disappears into the beta’s never satisfied maw. “It smells like feet.”

“Does not!” Jisung protests sharply, trying to land a pinch on the other grinning beta’s side, but when he’s not nearly quick enough, he settles on pouting dramatically instead. “I’ve had that thing since I was a baby!”

“Exactly.” Minho agrees sagely, earning himself another pointed glare from Jisung as he sets a plate of fresh eggs in the middle of the table.

Chan comes to stand behind you, his hands resting heavily on your shoulders, and a comforting wave of petrichor washes over you as the other alpha enters your space.

“Okay, well, we’ll all just have to adapt. We all know how the omegas are when they’re nesting. They’re particular, Hyunjin especially. This isn’t anything new. Everyone will just have to find new favorites while we wait it out.” Chan says firmly, head alpha on display as he addresses your packmates, though his lips hint at a smile, belying the stern tone to his words. He glances down then and mutters softly under his breath, teasingly, for only you to hear, “I really wanted to wear my Nirvana hoodie to the studio today though-”

“If it makes you feel any better-” You chime in, reaching up to pat Chan’s hand comfortingly, glancing at the other pack members across the kitchen table, Changbin still sullen over his track pants and Jisung still obviously offended on behalf of his blanket. “-I have plenty of hoodies and track pants y’all can borrow in the meantime.”

Changbin’s face immediately goes flat at the idea and Minho balks openly in disgust, rolling his eyes.

“Absolutely not.”

“No way in hell.”

“What?” You ask innocently, biting back a smile as Chan chuckles from behind you. “What’s wrong with my stuff?”

Now it’s Changbin’s turn to roll his eyes. “Where do I begin?” Jisung is cackling now, like he’s just heard the funniest joke in the universe. He wipes at his eyes dramatically and takes in a deep breath, stuttering out amidst guffaws, “Oh my god, can you imagine hyung at the gym wearing sweatpants that say ‘juicy’ across the ass?”

Changbin doesn’t hesitate as he puts the still hysterical beta into a headlock beneath one meaty arm.

“Take that back right now, Han Jisung. I happen to have a fantastic ass.”

You raise your mug in a toast to Changbin’s very true words and then fix the red faced Jisung with a harsh glare. “And for your information, Han Jisung, I don’t have any sweats that say ‘juicy’ across the ass.” You sniff and take another sip of your coffee before you add pettily, “If you must know, they say ‘baby girl.’”

“I’d rock the hell out of those.” Seungmin remarks dryly from his position atop the counter, watching the chaos unfold with a blank expression.

Jisung is gasping now, slapping the unyielding alpha’s arm in an attempt at mercy.

“Changbin, let the beta go.” Chan commands with slight amusement, already beside the door, tying the laces on his sneakers.

Changbin does as he asks, and Jisung gulps dramatically for air as he’s finally freed. Minho looks entirely too pleased, smugly standing behind the pair, watching Jisung fight for his life.

“And all of you-” Chan waves a hand between those of you in the kitchen, eyes flashing briefly with something akin to exasperated mirth. “-please, while I’m gone, try not to kill each other.”

“No promises.” Minho replies offhandedly, already turning back to the stove, swatting at Seungmin, still on the counter, with his spatula as he does so.

“I’ll be at the gym.” Changbin offers, sliding back his chair, as Jisung dramatically flinches away from him at the movement. “Don’t have to worry about me.”

“Binnie.” You sing-song out, standing up and crossing the kitchen to the other alpha, who is now crouched beside Chan, putting on his own shoes. You widen your eyes as far as they’ll go and cling to him like a koala. “Are you sure you don’t wanna borrow a pair of my sweats?”

Changbin shakes you off with a grunt.

“No.”

“(Y/N).” Chan says, and you glance over at him, the smell of rain washing away the smokiness of campfire. He leans over and presses a kiss to your lips, before chucking you lightly, playfully, under the chin. “Stop teasing Changbin.”

You pout, and Chan swipes a thumb across your mouth to wipe the expression off your lips with the hint of a fond smile curling his own.

“You do have to admit-” Seungmin muses, passing by your trio on his way out of the kitchen, a suddenly smug look in his normally unreadable eyes as without hesitation, the beta smacks Changbin’s ass with his palm, sending a resounding thwack echoing around the room as the alpha jumps in surprise. “-Binnie-hyung does have a great ass.”

Chan looks shocked, but you’ve joined Jisung in his wild cackling now, as Changbin flushes a bright shade of red and practically whines at the beta, who is already leaving the room, “Seungie, seriously?”

Seungmin merely shrugs offhandedly and Minho looks entirely too pleased with himself, as if he’s just taught a child to say a naughty word for the first time.

Chan shoots the other alpha an exasperated look, and Minho smirks.

“Taught him everything he knows.”

Chan rolls his eyes and Changbin turns an even brighter shade of crimson.

You wheeze so hard you can’t breathe.

“I’m going to the gym.” Changbin mutters beneath his breath, fleeing the room before anyone can say anything else.

Jisung laughs so hard he falls off his chair.

*****

The omegas’ room smells overwhelmingly of citrus-sun ripened oranges and honey glazed lemons-and you can feel the saliva pooling in the crevices of your mouth in response even before you’re fully through the door.

Swallowing down the sudden frenzy of your wolf along with the embarrassing excess of spit, you glance toward the softly playing TV in the corner of the room and then crouch beside the edge of the bed, reaching out with tentative fingers to push aside the blanket that covers the nest like a tent, just enough so that you can catch a glimpse of the omegas inside.

Three sets of eyes reflect the light back at you, and Felix is the first to speak.

“Hey, noona.” His teeth flash white in the muted darkness of the nest, and as your eyes adjust, you can see that he’s wrapped around Hyunjin, lanky body curling around the other omega’s like a weighted blanket of comfort. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah.” You nod, keeping your voice low, fingers ticking along the edge of the blanket you hold aside, careful not to let any more of your body than is necessary touch Hyunjin’s carefully curated nest. “Just came to check on my babies.”

Jeongin yawns widely, pink tongue curling, and rubs at his eyes sleepily, as if they’ve either just woken from a nap or are about to take one.

Your wolf practically melts at the sight of the youngest of the omegas blinking at you owlishly, hair tousled, skin flushed and warm, and you imagine, if you were to scent him in this instant, that he would smell comfortably like a mixture of all three omegas, perfectly ripe citrus and cinnamon crusted bread, all balled into one heady, sunwarmed scent.

“What time is it?” Jeongin manages to ask, his eyes still half closed, his nose already buried once more in the back of Felix’s neck. The older omega rubs his fingers through the younger boy’s hair soothingly, and Jeongin’s body relaxes like butter melting in the warm sun.

“Uh-” You glance down at your phone and squint to see the time. “It’s almost noon.”

Hyunjin stirs then, a fresh wave of sharp lemon tickling your nose with the movement, and he lets out a little whine in the back of his throat that has your wolf on instant high alert, throwing his arm over his eyes as he groans out sluggishly, “God, Minho-hyung’s gonna have my ass. He’s going to have to cover for me at the center and he hates teaching the water aerobics class, even though the ajummas all love him, and then don’t even get me started on the community art project we’re supposed to do this week-”

Hyunjin makes a half hearted move to sit up and you instinctively reach out a protective hand to stop him, but thankfully, Felix has already planted a small hand firmly in the center of the other omega’s chest, gently pushing him back down among the cushions.

“I’m sure Minho more than understands.” You admonish firmly, letting out the breath you didn’t know you had been holding on a sigh, your wolf still all bunched muscles and raised hackles, alert and focused on the oldest omega protectively, eyes scanning his body for any signs of discomfort. “This is your first heat since you stopped taking your suppressants from last semester, Jinnie. It’s bound to be a rough one. No one’s gonna be upset with you.”

Felix is nodding in agreement with your statement, Jeongin’s face once again buried in the side of Hyunjin’s neck.

He looks like he’s ready to cry.

“I just don’t like disappointing people.” He whimpers out, eyes large and dark, bottom lip trembling slightly, and the lemon in the air bitters significantly as Felix’s arms tighten protectively around Hyunjin’s middle. “But I already feel awful, and it’s only pre-heat and-”

Things are spiraling. Jeongin and Felix now look as if they also want to cry, and suddenly, you’re really not ready to have three very upset and very emotional omegas on your hands.

You push out a calming wave of alpha pheromones, and the lemon starts to recede slightly in the wake of the suddenly blooming wisteria.

“Okay, okay.” You murmur beneath your breath soothingly, aware of where you place your hands on the bed so as not to mess up a single part of Hyunjin’s carefully crafted nest, before you stretch out a hand toward the huddled trio. “It’s fine. Everything is fine. I promise. Jinnie, you’re not disappointing anyone. We love you, baby, and we want to take care of you.”

Hyunjin sniffs and reaches for your outstretched hand, his trembling fingers finding your own, and Felix buries his nose comfortingly in his hair.

“And Innie. Lixie.”

You wait for the other two omegas to glance up at you, and when you speak again, a little bit of your alpha voice has crept into your words unwittingly, trying to get them to take into consideration how serious you are.

“The two of you also need to take care of yourselves. Make sure you’re taking breaks to eat and sleep and clean up. You’re such good boys, helping Innie, but we love you both too and want you well. Okay?”

Jeongin nods, his head bumping the bottom of Hyunjin’s jaw. “Okay.”

Felix offers you the hint of a smile, though you can still see the worry in his dark eyes over your packmate’s-and his moonmate’s-obvious distress.

“Okay, alpha.” You nod, placated for now, and squeeze Hyunjin’s fingers tightly between your own.

His skin is already significantly hotter than normal.

“Okay. We’re all gonna be okay.”

*****

Changbin flops down beside you on the couch and you note with silent amusement that he must have decided on a new pair of track pants as his favorites for the time being because the dark strands of his hair are still damp, as if he’s just gotten back from the gym and recently showered.

He throws an arm over the back of the couch behind you and sighs, sinking into the cushions, before he stretches his leg out and nudges Minho's ankle where he sits across from the two of you, distracted by something he’s reading on his phone.

The other alpha doesn’t even bother to look up.

“What.”

It’s not a question, just a dry acknowledgement that Changbin’s there, and he’s vying for Minho’s attention.

Changbin rolls his eyes.

“You know what.”

Minho sighs with annoyance and finally glances up, meeting the other alpha’s gaze with an irritated sort of curl to his mouth, his face still as blank as ever.

“I’m pretty sure I don’t.”

You curl your legs underneath you and prop your chin on your hand, thoroughly enjoying just watching the other alphas’ obviously tense interaction with slight amusement and invested interest.

You know Minho does indeed know what, because no one could miss it, not even a beta at this point.

The sickly sweet sticky scent of honey and lemon clinging to every surface, every inch, of the apartment.

Your wolf has been pacing since this morning.

Changbin groans, as if he doesn’t have time for Minho’s inevitable cagey games, and rakes a hand through his hair with agitation.

“Where’s Chan-hyung?”

“Out.” Minho replies simply, once again dropping his gaze back to his phone casually, as if the conversation is over and done with.

He’s good at hiding his tension, but you can see it bleeding through now, see it in the slight tick of his jaw and the way his fingers curl around the back of his phone just a little bit more tightly than normal.

“Of course.” Changbin heaves a sigh and lets his head fall back on the couch, utterly giving in now to the despair you can see slowly creeping across his black irises the longer he sits doing nothing, fidgeting uselessly beside you. “Asshole.”

Minho’s lips quirk into the hint of an amused smirk at Changbin’s muttered insult, obviously directed at the noticeably absent Chan, but his eyes remain steadfast on the phone in his hand.

“Maybe I should go out.” Changbin muses after a moment of silence, another moment of twitching, sitting up straighter beside you, and you shoot him a sidelong look, his expression morphing into one of confusion at your obvious disbelief. “What?”

“You know he’s gonna ask for you, right?”

Changbin’s eyebrow arches into the dark bangs of his now dry hair.

“Me?”

Across the room, Minho scoffs.

“You’re an idiot. He always asks for you. Have you just wiped past heats from your mind, Seo Changbin? Replaced them with gym mantras and disgusting health smoothies?”

Changbin shoots Minho a scowl and then glances back to you, watching him expectantly, waiting for him to get it.

The air is quickly thickening with smoke from a smoldering campfire.

“Yeah, you, dumbass.” You quip at the other alpha, and Changbin’s glare focuses on you now, as you offer him the hint of a sweet, innocent smile. “Lovingly. Of course.”

Changbin still looks openly confused, and you sigh.

“Listen. Chan is out because an omega in heat-” Your words falter, and the sweet scent of lemon spikes temptingly, as if drawn out by your sudden internal struggle. You swallow hard and bury the almost immediate and possessive flare of your wolf down deep. “-is a lot.” You finish lamely, but shake your head to clear your thoughts and push on.

“However, he’s also out because he knows Hyunjin’s not gonna ask him for help. He never does. Chan could help-hell, any of us could help-” At this Minho nods, watching the two of you now from across the room. “-but Jinnie never asks for us. He only ever asks for you, Bin.”

Understanding is beginning to dawn in Changbin’s eyes, and you can practically see his wolf perk its ears in interest.

“So I should-” He stops, clearing his throat, before he glances toward the hall, the longing suddenly very clear in his eyes, the scent of lemon washing over you anew, tangling with the sudden uptick of smoke.

Minho looks equal parts amused and exasperated.

“You ‘should’ve’ quite a while ago, princess. So get going.”

Changbin is up and off the couch so fast that you feel as if you get whiplash craning your neck back to look at him, towering over you with sudden determination.

You settle back into his previous spot, the couch warm from his body, and curl in on yourself, reaching for a blanket and the remote to the tv as you wave a lackadaisical hand in his direction.

“Go on. I’m staying as far from that room as possible.”

Changbin takes a step toward the hall, toward Hyunjin, and his expression is slightly dazed.

You snap your fingers to get his attention, and when he glances back at you, his wolf is snarling in the depths of his eyes impatiently.

You offer him a knowing grin.

“Come get me when you’re done though. Because we all know you’re shit at aftercare.”

Minho straight up cackles.

The other alpha has enough sense to look offended at your words, his eyes darkening and his brow furrowing as he shoots you a pointed glare.

The smoke filling the room takes on an acrid edge, you can taste it on your tongue.

“Hey. I try.”

You hold up your hands in a sort of peace offering, but Minho is still chuckling and the easy grin hasn’t left your face.

“I know. I didn’t say you don’t, so reel your wolf back in before I get bitten.” His chest heaves with a breath and you cock your head as you study him, offering him a sympathetic look, smile softening into something affectionate, teasing. “You always make a heroic effort. I’ll give you that. But you’re also just hella awkward about it.”

Changbin looks suitably defeated, shoulders slumping and deep timbre heightening into a keening whine.

“Look, I don’t know what to do okay? Like, when we’re all done, am I supposed to cuddle and hold your hand and all that sappy shit? Or am I supposed to help you to the bathroom and start the shower and make you drink water and be the responsible one? Do I change the sheets or stay in bed or-” Minho is howling again, holding his sides with laughter, tears appearing in his eyes.

“Oh my god, change the sheets?”

Changbin huffs, and you take pity on him, standing from your comfortable position on the couch to wrap your arms around his waist.

He smells nice-like the coconut shampoo he religiously uses and embers dying down on the tail end of a fire-and you bury your nose into his neck, just for a minute, until you feel him start to relax against you.

“We’re sorry for teasing you, Binnie. I promise-” You tilt your head back to look up at him and tap the end of his nose gently with your finger. “-you’re doing great. There’s a reason Jinnie always asks for you specifically after all.”

“Big dick.” Minho coughs not so subtly behind his hand, and you shoot him an exasperated look while Changbin glares.

“Just-” You release him and shove him gently toward the door, in the direction of the hall, the way he was originally going, giving him an affectionate tap on the ass for encouragement as he leaves your side. “-go. And come get me when you’re done. Because this heat is gonna be rough after his suppressants, and aftercare means a lot more to omegas than it does to alphas. Biology and all that shit.”

Changbin heaves a sigh. “Okay.”

“Make sure to change his sheets!” Minho calls out after the retreating form of the other alpha wickedly, and you promptly jump him to silence his ensuing triumphant guffaws.

*****

You’re sitting in the bathroom-the good one that Minho usually commandeers before anyone else can-when the door opens, and Changbin appears, leading Hyunjin inside with a slight loop of his fingers around his wrist.

The other alpha handles the postheat omega carefully, as if he’s a fragile bird he’s afraid to break, and you note, with a warm swell of affection, as Changbin carefully maneuvers Hyunjin inside with lingering, pointed touches, that maybe he’s not so bad at aftercare after all.

It’s just a very Changbin way of showing it, and that’s never been more clear than it is now, as the alpha makes Hyunjin sit on the closed lid of the toilet and crouches down at his feet, eyes wide and dark and sincere as he looks up at him.

“Okay, Jinnie?”

Hyunjin nods silently, wane and pale, chewing his bottom lip nervously, and you have to force yourself to remain where you are, force your protective wolf back down, because there’s currently another alpha who has this completely under control and that’s okay.

Changbin’s hands smooth over the bare skin of Hyunjin’s legs, the gesture intimate and reassuring, and his face softens affectionately as the omega grasps desperately at his hands, as if he doesn’t want him to leave.

There is a swell of calming, smoky pheromones, heady in the already humid bathroom.

“It’s okay, Jinnie. I’m just gonna clean up your room a bit and change and take a shower, yeah?” The other alpha glances over at you, dark eyes serious, and you give him a silent firm nod, as if to give him your own reassurance, reassurance that you’ll take good care of the omega while he’s gone.

Changbin relaxes, pulling Hyunjin’s hands from his own.

“Okay, baby. (Y/N)’s gonna help you clean up, okay? Take a nice warm bath, does that sound good?”

Hyunjin hesitates, and then he nods weakly in response to Changbin’s question. His lip is still firmly slotted between his bottom teeth.

Your wolf growls nervously, pacing along your insides.

You’ve never seen him this silent or withdrawn after a heat before, it must’ve been bad.

“Okay. Good boy.” Changbin heaves himself to his feet and tousles Hyunjin’s long dark hair, before he leans over and presses a lingering kiss to his forehead, nuzzling his nose comfortingly against his scent gland for another moment before he finally pulls back. “I won’t be gone long, hm? And alpha will come right back if you call. Okay, Jinnie?”

Another nod, another serious look from Changbin in your direction, and then he’s gone, the smell of campfire fading instantly with his exit.

As soon as the other alpha is gone, you carefully cross the room to Hyunjin, movements slow and cautious, hand outstretched, as if you’re approaching a frightened animal.

“Hey Jinnie.” You hum beneath your breath when your fingers are inches from touching him, hovering over his skin. “Hey baby, can you take this off for me?”

Hyunjin seems frozen, gaze locked on the closed door where Changbin had disappeared, but at your words, he flicks his eyes to you, and you’re relieved to see a little bit of him drop back into his empty gaze, irises flaring and warming with something familiar.

He nods, fingers moving to pull idly at the hem of the long t-shirt he wears, one you recognize now as Changbin’s, and you crouch to help him, carefully pulling the soft material up and over his head, baring his body.

He shivers as the air touches his skin, and you pull at him insistently, gently, until he finally stands up on shaking legs, reminiscent of a new fawn, and takes a few stumbling steps toward the large soaking tub that takes up the corner of the bathroom, already filled to the brim with warm, perfumed water.

You help him step into the water, holding his hand tightly until he’s slid down beneath the liquid and you’re sure he’s situated comfortably, and then you take a seat on the lip of the tub, watching him with open fondness as he lets out a long sigh and sinks further into the warm embrace of the bath.

“Good?” You question with a soft smile, and Hyunjin hums, nodding, the water rippling around him, the bubbles foaming with the movement, sending a wave of fragrant lilac into the steamy air.

“Yeah.”

It’s the first word he’s spoken since Changbin brought him in, so you’ll take it.

You don’t talk, just sit in silence as he soaks, taking in the way his body slowly relaxes, tired, sore muscles finally unclenching the longer you both sit in comfortable quiet.

The wolf in you purrs, content that the omega is finally feeling a bit better, the color returning to his cheeks, the light reentering his eyes, the smell of honeyed lemon slowly overtaking the smell of the bath soaps the longer he lounges in the bath.

When you’re sure that he’s a little bit more Hyunjin, and a little bit less omega, you shift to kneel beside the tub and reach for the bottle of body wash you had preemptively brought with you, holding it up for him to see, his eyes suddenly curious.

“Can I?”

Hyunjin hums in affirmation beneath his breath, entirely relaxed into the warm water now, and you squirt a good amount of the body wash into the palm of your hand before replacing the bottle and moving around to sit behind him.

He leans his head back on the edge of the tub for you and you start with his hair, massaging your fingers through the long dark locks, taking your time to work the suds across his scalp.

The omega’s eyes are closed, his jaw relaxed, and you’re pleased to hear a soft purr mounting slowly but surely in his chest as you continue your gently pointed ministrations.

The smell of lemon is sharp in the air now-pleasant and familiar.

You work your way from his hair to his skin, carefully using your hands and a loofah to wash away the remnants of his heat-the slick and the sweat and the smokiness of a certain alpha-and by the time you’ve cleaned his body, Hyunjin looks much more like himself, so much so, that it makes your wolf preen.

Good alpha.

You sit back with a contented sigh, and Hyunjin cracks open an eye at the feeling of your hands no longer on him, and you wonder, for a brief moment, if he had fallen asleep.

“Feel better?” You ask with the hint of a smile as Hyunjin nods readily.

“So much better.”

“Good.” You hum, teasingly tossing the loofah at the omega, as he feigns dramatic insult, the sponge splashing harmlessly into the waning bubbles. “You should’ve told Changbin not to leave so many marks. He’s never gonna hear the end of it from Minho.”

Hyunjin groans, sliding down into the water, the quickly darkening hickeys covering his throat and chest disappearing beneath the remaining bubble bath as he shoots you a helpless look.

“Forget hyung. What about me? The ladies I teach are gonna have a field day with this on Monday.”

You grin and he fakes a look of pure despair, so convincing you might believe him if this weren’t Hyunjin and his known flair for being exceedingly dramatic.

“God, I’m never gonna hear the end of it. Can you imagine the comments?” He spikes his voice into a higher pitch, waving his hands, as if he’s a concerned, overly nosy ajumma. “‘Oh Hyunjin, darling, what big, bad man did that to you? So sweet and innocent, spending your free time teaching us old birds water aerobics, I just know you wouldn’t do something like this willingly! Tell us, are you safe? Blink twice if no and ajumma will take care of it!’”

You’re giggling now as Hyunjin sinks back into the lukewarm water, a look of clear, dreading exasperation on his pretty features.

“I couldn’t stop him, noona. He’s an animal.”

Hyunjin sighs despairingly, though you very much doubt that he was as much an unwilling victim as he’s making it out to seem, judging off the placement of the bruising lovemarks and how much he seems to enjoy them as he subconsciously runs his fingers over them with something akin to affectionate pride.

Also strongly judging by the skeptical snorting noise Changbin makes as he reenters the bathroom at that moment, hair wet and wearing a clean pair of sweats.

He also looks significantly refreshed after a shower.

“Please.” The alpha scoffs, settling down beside the tub next to you, shooting the suddenly smirking omega a glare that hints more at exasperation than anything else. “Don’t play coy, Hwang Hyunjin. You practically begged me to mark you up.”

You grin, glancing over at the omega, who shrugs casually.

“Guilty.”

“And that-” You push yourself up off the floor, flicking some water at Changbin playfully as you do so, the other alpha now turning his glare on you. “-is my cue to leave. Please play nice, boys. I only have so much aftercare left in me.”

Hyunjin grins and waves. “Thanks, noona. Love you.”

“Love you too.” You blow him a kiss, hand already on the door, as Changbin offers you a pointedly grateful look.

“Yeah, thanks, (Y/N).”

You flash him a grin and wave him off.

“You’re welcome.” You slip out the crack in the door, trying not to let any of the warm air out, but poke your head back inside for one last jab, grin transforming into a wicked smirk. “Oh, hey, Bin, did you make sure the sheets were clean? Ask Hyunjin if he wanted them changed?”

A towel is chucked forcefully at your head, but you dodge it easily as Changbin curses under his breath, and the triumphant smirk doesn’t leave your lips as you finally duck out the door.

******

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