I decided to finally work on an x reader thing for the dragons. This post doesn't contain any of the headcanons I made yet, that will happen in the next part. Enjoy some dragons encountering cookie reader for the first time in my Hiccup effect HB au ^^
Cookies are known to tell stories of great beasts from ancient times that had ruled both sky and sea, often seen crawling on land or have adapted to thrive on the soil that had been ancient millennia ago. Sometimes, the stories are twisted to portray these beings of unimaginable power needing to be erased from Earthbread while the rest is either lost to history or made up.
Pitaya Dragon Cookie:
For Pitaya Dragon Cookie, brute strength and any chance able to be used to display their immense power from being a creature of the sky is absolutely everything to them. Unable to physically display their strength is like taking away their life powder.
Despite being viewed as something that is feared amongst cookie kind and spoken of as the embodiment of destruction itself, they can be surprisingly gentle or unknowingly show signs of parental care towards anything that even moves like a hatchling. They aren't aware that they act all parental, it is an instinct that is deeply baked into their dough.
So when they find a cookie suitable to be their mate, their potential mate needs to have VERY specific traits which are: being weak but not too weak, have a love for fighting, able to keep up with their attacks, be able to tolerate the temperature of their nest but also contain some fragments of kindness or mercy. It is possible for them to find a cookie as a suitable mate who doesn't have those traits, but they are surprisingly picky deeming a cookie worthy of being their mate. To make matters worse, any cookie that doesn't understand when they are displaying warnings during specific times of the year end up being added to their menu. That is if the cookies were super dumb.
Contrary to what they believed, they did end up stumbling upon a cookie that wore a cloak to hide their identity one day when walking through Dragon City in their cookie disguise.
" Please look where you are going next time." The hood of the cloak they wore kept th- HER face hidden in its shadow, only her lips visible while they could only stare at her with something blooming on their chest. What was this feeling that spread through them? It was... pleasant and warm in a way they never experienced before. They didn't have time to respond when the cloaked cookie slipped back into the crowd, appearance still stuck in their head despite her no longer being there in front of them.
That strange warmth lingered the entire day, even though it had been hours after the quick interaction between them and the mysterious cookie. They weren't able to stop thinking about her, how her dough seemed to have been baked to perfection to how her voice captivated them. As if she was an angel cookie with a voice unheard of.
Ananas Dragon Cookie:
Ananas Dragon Cookie heavily relies on ego, stories captivating outsiders of their benevolence and abundant fruits growing on their island throughout the year to attract a mate. Although, they aren't opposed to using brute strength to show how worthy they are to be a suitable mate. Taking away all of the above is equivalent to destroying their island.
As a Benevolent Dragon and Monarch of their island, it is only right to have some care towards the tribes that inhabit their land. Allowing the tribe to harvest fruits all year around while offering them the freshest of the harvest is a fair trade. Their islanders get fresh fruit to be harvested all year around as they bring fertilized soil to the surface and are under their protection while in return they get the best fruits and praise for being benevolent.
Despite cookies believing that they would prefer the traits the seek in a mate to be strong and loyal, it is only partly true. What Ananas desires in a mate are: loyalty, caring, someone they can dote on and who is willing to stand by their side no matter what. However, unlike Pitaya, they aren't particularly picky of who their mate would be as long as they have traits that are close enough to the ones they desire in one. As benevolent as they are, they will warn cookies if they are irritated by making a small crack in the floor. That's the only warning the cookies will get but if they proceed to ignore, they will allow you to meet your ancestors to put it lightly.
They actually didn't try to search for a potential mate due to the role they play on their island. Which must be why one day, a cookie with almost avian features washed up onto their beach.
The cookie laying limp in front of them wore what seemed to be an attire almost similar to the Mango Tribe, yet not at the same time. The sleeves of the top were torn and could have been confused for rags just by looking at the condition they were in, a similar thing with the collar of the top the unconscious cookie wore adorned with puffy pants that looked like a long skirt if seen from afar. The feathered limbs that protruded from their back were covered in jam and cuts, some feathers in terrible condition while the avian tail had seen better days if some missing feathers were anything to go by. Their dough was chipped and cracked in certain areas, jam leaking slowly as it had time to stall.
They crouched down to observe the cookie that had washed up onto their islands' shore, studying their features and came to the conclusion that the cookie was female, judging from the softer shape of the dough of the head. What kind of benevolent dragon would they be if they didn't bring this cookie to the tribe?
Lotus Dragon Cookie:
Lotus Dragon Cookie doesn't rely on strength or anything if they want to impress a potential mate. The could if they wanted but that isn't their style. Instead they rely on patience, knowledge, their ability to observe small details and plan ahead. To test their patience and take away the rest they need to impress a potential mate is equivalent to destroying their Mandolin and other instruments they use to play.
Like Ananas, Lotus does care about the cookies residing in their paradise. Why would they chase away cookies that wanted their wish to be granted by them, the Wish Dragon? Who were they to deny wishes from those that are weaker than them? No, they are above doing such things to those that truly wished for something admirable but the same can not be said to those that wished something else.
Lotus is incredibly picky when finding a mate with certain traits they desire in one, more so than Pitaya! The traits they want in a mate are: patience and kindness. It is a shock due to how they are very careful when picking out a cookie they believe to be the perfect mate. Don't try to impress them, that just means you are trying to get them to like you just for their power and status. It is also a kind of insult due to that needing to be done by them. If they want to find a mate, they will do all the impressing potential mate stuff.
They were actually searching for a mate, but had mostly looked at the cookies in their paradise and somehow found none of them to be suitable. But one cookie visiting their island with family caught their attention.
Hydrangea Cookie had spoke about a particularly well-known Healer from beyond their island visiting, alongside were the wife and son they had brought over. That caught their attention. A famous Healer? Visiting their island? It wasn't something they had expected, no less the Healer bringing his family with. From what Hydrangea Cookie told them, the son had made a wish.
But the wish was unlike anything they had ever read. The wish was about wanting to learn how to play a lyre or mandolin, stating at the end that it would be understandable if the wish could not be granted. And it was from the cookie that was the son of the famous Healer too. They did ask Hydrangea Cookie to notify the family that they had requested for them to meet in person.
They did not expect for the son to be humble, kind and well-mannered. And when he asked for permission to speak, they had not expected for him to show genuine interest in their lyre, about THEIR favorite instrument to play... They were going to keep an eye on him, give the family of three the most luxurious room they had in their paradise.
Lychee Dragon Cookie:
Lychee Dragon Cookie is difficult to accurately pinpoint what they would use to try to impress a potential mate. On one hand, they might use their hypnosis to prove they can neutralize the threat but on the other hand, it is also possible they would just... not do anything? Maybe put in a bit of a fight but they'd treat it as a sort of challenge in the sense that it is meant to be playful? And to take it away wouldn't really effect them due to it being difficult to accurately pinpoint what they'd use to impress someone.
The only cookies they care about are Rambutan Cookie and her tribe, just in their own unique way. Sure they act like a rogue cakehound most of the time but that just shows they care about the tribe. They can openly act like a rogue cakehound around the tribe because everyone, including kin except Longan, can't tell whether they care or not. Again, a very difficult one to read and understand.
For what they seek in a mate? Well, they aren't particularly picky but they are still difficult to get a read on. Anyone, except those who are power hungry, can become their mate. But what they do want is a mate that can't fall for their tricks or magic. That's all.
Unlike the others, Lychee hadn't thought about having a mate until they met a cookie that unknowingly made them grow needy in the sense of needing a mate.
They had disguised themself to blend in with the cookies, stumbling upon a cookie that had some VERY appealing features. They weren't in his sight, he didn't see then yet which was fir the best as they unknowingly went into a kind of stalk mode. They weren't aware of what their body had done until the were just behind him, hypnosis was out of the question due to the massive gathering of cookies at this festival. Why risk that when their brain told them to stay hidden until they knew more.
They were quite good at staying hidden, put of his view as they kept watching him from afar. Oh he would make such a wonderful mate- they blinked at the thought. Mate? When did they start viewing this very attractive cookie- they were baffled at their own thoughts. But they weren't against them, this cookie checked all the criteria a dragon wants in a mate from just looks alone. Maybe he'll stay until the festival eventually ends and allow them to find out more about him.
Longan Dragon Cookie:
Longan Dragon Cookie heavily relies on knowledge, strength, intelligence, abilities, body language reading skills and even manipulation- not towards the potential mate, towards threats for their chosen potential mate they will guard until they either deem that mate worthy or unworthy for their status- to impress a potential mate. They are all seeing and impossible to defeat so there is no way to strip them of that unless they got defeated by not just Gingerbrave Cookie but their own kin.
They do not express the emotion, they lack it towards cookie kind. But their kin and own child? No, they wouldn't let cookies corrupt their minds. They care about their kin and child, just unable to express it due to trauma that had caused them to be emotionally broken. Think of it as someone being unable to feel pain but with all the emotions instead of it being physical.
Out of all the dragons, they do not care for having specific traits in a mate and would rather have a dragon as their mate rather than a mere cookie. Though, that is what makes it difficult to become their mate: limitations. They would rather take a Wyvern as their mate rather than a cookie if given the options but would most likely end up using their Life Powder to fuel their ability to become their true self. They aren't above using Life Powder from Wyverns to feed their body to be able to return to their true form as seen with the cookies. As long as the mate is not a cookie, they'll consider it.
They weren't searching for a mate, believing they'd find a suitable dragon when all goes to plan. But the first encounter with something that is nearly identical to a water dragon had been either happened by pure coincidence or by accident, it isn't clear which one it was but they had taken it as a clue.
The Ivory Palace stayed afloat amidst a raging storm, rain poured heavily while thunder cracked the sky like glass being hit by something heavy. Longan Eyes situated at every post around the place, staring at the open ocean and islands their user's kin had taken as part of their territory.
On the throne made of the finest stone carved with intricate details sat the Ivory Dragon, eyes closed as they thought about plans to ensure their goal to bring the age they longed into the present would work. Yet when they saw something move below their palace out of one of their eyes, their lashes lifted to reveal dark scleras with sharp yellow pupils. They hadn't foreseen this, irritated and dangerously curious as to how it was possible to not have foreseen such an event. But the power of whatever lurked below in the dark waters no doubt had emitted a power so strong that it had gotten their attention immediately, the strength radiating off of such a thing similar to young dragons that had only started to master the art of their own abilities that made their species unique.
As much as they were tempted to investigate, the knew that wasting time on something that would prove useless to their plans would potentially cause everything to fall apart. Yet, at the same time as they had chosen not to inspect, they were greeted by the sight of the slippery cookie hurriedly entering their throne room with panic before paying his respects to them. " Great Ivory Dragon, there iss a large aquatic creature beneath the palace. It had already begun to attack some of the sservantss and guardss that had sstrayed far too closse to the edge to insspect what it wass." How interesting. They hadn't seen the creature attack their servants or guards from their eyes scattered everywhere.
They didn't utter a word as they stood up, waving a dismissive hand as they calmly made their way to the balcony just to the left of their throne room, peering out at the ocean churning below to catch flash of dark blue and silver retreat to the depths, clumps of what remained of the servants and guards floated for mere seconds before finally starting to sink.
Zandik x female reader, reader has Khaenri'ahn lineage
Word Count: 1445
I wrote this as a backstory for my yumeship/oc x canon, but it can be read as canon x reader. I didn't mention any name or appearance, but reader has a backstory. Nothing detailed, tho.
Reader is as sick in the head as Zandik, but she hides it better!!!
This fanfic will have 6 parts. It contains lore (I did my homework). It follows Zandik's (Dottore) backstory, more than the reader's, more exactly his time in the Akademiya.
TW: slightly suggestive at the end, nothing explicit!!! All characters' ages are above 18!!!
Price of Knowledge: Part 5
The Promise That Was Never Granted
A few months passed. It was Zandik's fifth year in the Akademiya and months deep into his relationship with her. Then, rumours began to spread again. A few days ago, Zandik and another female student named Sohreh, went on a field expedition. Only one came back. When teachers asked him where is she, he didn't know. The other students started speculating even before the rescue team found her. When she was found, it was only her lifeless body. Sohreh was found dead during the expedition with severe injuries and mechanical asphyxia caused by a fractured hyoid bone.
As the months passed from their "confession", she started spending more time in his lab. Sometimes, when he would've skipped sleep for too long, she would bring two blankets and a pillow, to craft a makeshift bed on the floor to keep him company.
One afternoon, after lecture, she entered his lab without knocking. He knew it was her because no one else would dare to step inside without knocking. The door wasn't locked, he knew she would come.
"So... What happened with that girl?" She asked after she locked the door.
"Who?"
"Sohreh. From Amurta. You went on field work with her?"
"Irrelevant. I don't pay attention to people."
She walked closer and sat down next to him.
"So... How did she end up like that?"
"I am not aware of the circumstances in which she died and I'm not interested."
She leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder.
"So, you are saying you don't know. That a very weird thing for you to say, Zandik. You never don't know. I'm worried."
"Why are you assuming that I know the details only because we worked together?"
"Whatever you say..."
For a few minutes, the room was quiet, except for the sound of his writing. Then, she remembered something.
"I've been thinking of nicknames for you!"
"I am already opposed."
"I have two options. Zanie?"
"No"
"Zandie?"
"No."
"Hmm...How about...Dickie?"
"Absolutely not."
"...Fine."
With that, the topic about Sohreh was long forgotten, as far as she was concerned. She knew something was up, but she couldn't care less about the girl. Her death held little to no meaning for her.
Days passed. The students' and also the teachers' attention was set on Zandik. Everyone suspects him. Despite everything that was haplenjng, she was heading towards his lab. Again.
She bursted into his lab, like she usually does, but this time she locked the door quickly.
"I'm here with news!"
She walks towards his desk and leans on his back, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.
"You'll love them as much as I did."
He already got used to her proximity. Or at least he's trying to. He doesn't tense like before. Several months ago, he would have immediately told her to move. This time, he merely paused.
"...You're obstructing my field of vision."
She leaned a little farther over his shoulder on purpose.
"Am I?"
"...Yes."
"...Yet you're still writing."
He let out the faintest sigh. "...Unfortunately."
She grinned. "I'll interpret that as permission."
"...Interpret it however you wish."
A pause.
"...Considering the current circumstances, I sincerely doubt your news concerns anything pleasant."
"You're wrong this time."
"...Then you've successfully made yourself an anomaly."
She took the pen from his hand and set it aside.
"Would it hurt to pay some attention to me?"
He looked first at the pen.
Then at her. Silence.
"...Yes."
"...Excuse me?"
"...Potentially."
He gestured toward the unfinished page.
"I was in the middle of recording an observation."
She smiled. "It can wait."
"...Knowledge generally does not."
"It will survive five minutes. And I guarantee I have better knowledge than this."
"It is statistically more likely that you will continue speaking for considerably longer than five minutes."
She laughed. "I knew you were listening."
"...I never claimed otherwise."
Another brief silence. Finally, he turned fully toward her.
"...Very well. What is so important that it justified interrupting my work?"
"...You know I've been on field work. In the desert. Tunigi Hollow."
"I am aware."
"I've found something interesting. Underground."
A pause. She leans closer and whispers against his ear.
"A possible gate to Khaenri'ah."
His expression didn't change. But something in his eyes did. The irritation disappeared instantly. He turned toward her completely.
"...Repeat that."
She smiled faintly.
"I knew that would get your attention."
"...Repeat it."
There wasn't impatience in his voice, only absolute focus. She repetead exactly what she said.
"...what evidence?"
"The design. The symbols. An eight-pointed star. The layout."
His mind was already moving several steps ahead. Who had built it? When? Why conceal an entrance instead of destroying it? Had the Akademiya documented it? If so...
Why had no one published anything?
"...Who else knows?"
"No one."
"...No proffesors?"
"Do you really think I would tell proffesors?"
For the first time since she'd entered the laboratory, he forgot entirely about the unfinished notes on his desk.
"...Take me there."
She laughed. "I thought you'd say that."
They prepared everything they needed. But when they were about to leave, a teacher came after Zandik and gave him an assignment, due the next day.
Weeks passed and she never got the chance to show him that place. The Sages wouldn't let Zandik leave the Akademiya without permission anymore. Following Sohreh's death, every request submitted under his name was examined more carefully. His actions no longer went unnoticed. He was under their surveillance. His action caught their attention. Even if he submitted a request to leave, they would never let him go to some mysterious ruins. He could have fabricated a research proposal. But if they discovered he deliberately misled the Akademiya while already under suspicion... Expulsion would likely be the least of his concerns.
Late into the night, the laboratory had finally fallen quiet. She had spread two blankets on the floor as usual, insisting that if he refused to sleep properly, she would at least make sure he collapsed somewhere comfortable. He continued writing. She watched him for a while. Then, with complete seriousness, she said,
"...You've always been interested in the human body."
"...Yes."
"You've spent hours studying anatomy textbooks."
"...Correct."
She rested her chin on one hand. "...Then come study me."
He looked up. For the first time in several minutes.
"...Explain."
Instead of answering immediately, she undid the top button of her Akademiya uniform. Then another. Just enough to expose the line of her collarbone. She smiled.
"...I'm offering."
Silence. He looked at her. Not with embarrassment. Not with excitement. With concentration.
"...Why?"
She laughed. "Because I wanted to see your reaction."
"...You interrupted my work for an experiment."
"...Exactly."
Another pause.
"...And?"
He reached forward. Not toward the open collar. Instead, he calmly took the loose edge of her uniform and fastened the button she had undone.
"...If your objective is to determine whether I find you physically attractive..."
He met her eyes. "...The answer was already affirmative."
She stared at him. "...That's all?"
"...It answers your question."
She laughed softly, shaking her head. "...No, Zandik."
She reached out, gently taking his hand before he could return to his notes. "...Listen to me for a moment."
He didn't interrupt.
"You spend every waking hour chasing knowledge. Every expedition. Every manuscript. Every experiment."
She smiled faintly. "...One day, you'll be old."
He raised an eyebrow. "...Statistically probable."
"...But will you remember ever allowing yourself to simply... live?"
For once, he had no immediate answer. His gaze drifted toward the pages still covering his desk. The calculations waiting to be finished.
The unfinished observations. They would still be there tomorrow. The realization felt... unfamiliar. Almost uncomfortable. Slowly, he looked back at her. She smiled again.
"...Knowledge isn't going anywhere...Neither am I."
For months, he had analyzed every change in their relationship as though it were another problem waiting to be solved. That night, he stopped searching for explanations. For once, curiosity gave way to something quieter. He reached for her, not because another mystery demanded an answer, nor because he wished to understand the mechanics of human affection, but simply because he wanted to. His movements retained the same precision that defined everything he did. Measured. Unhurried. Deliberate. Yet there was no trace of clinical detachment in them. He had spent years handling ancient mechanisms, fragile manuscripts, and intricate experiments with extraordinary care.
This time, he wasn't preserving an artifact. He was touching the person who had quietly become the most important part of his life.
1. This is my first time posting on Tumblr, so if you have any constructive criticism, I'd love to hear it :'3
2. The first stories (like 20) that I'm posting here are basically copy/pasted from my Quotev account, with minor edits bc they're kinda old, so my apologies if there's errors in them
Enjoy :DD
(Y/n) and Bill made their way back home after spending a few hours at Joe's Fantasy and Comic Book Shop.
"Total fuckin' bust" He complains.
"Yeah..." (Y/n) glanced around. They skimmed over the nearby buildings for a distraction before their eyes landed on a fast food joint.
"Hey, why don't we go there?" (Y/n) offered, "I heard they have the new Battle Broad figurines with the kid's meals"
"Not 'kid's meals'! But fine," Bill rolls his eyes, "I guess that sounds fine..."
The two walk to the fast food place and Bill leads (Y/n) inside. When he pushes the door open, a bell rings, alarming those inside of someone entering. Bill walks (Y/n) to the counter.
"Two meals with the action figures"
"The kid's meals?"
"No!" He shouted at the minimum wage worker, "The meals with the action figures!"
"'Kay," They tapped the register, "Anything else?"
"Psh, no"
"Alright"
They both hovered by the counter to get their meals before they sat at a table across from each other and pulled the items from their bags.
"C'mon... c'mon..!" He pulled his 'action figure' from the bag, "Ugh, dude!" He groaned upon seeing one of the side characters from the Battle Broad Brigade. (Y/n) pulled the toy from their meal and got the brigade leader.
"Woah, cool!" They looked up to see Bill's pissed off expression, "Oh... here, Bill, you can have mine"
He looked up at (Y/n) before taking the action figures from them.
"Thanks, I guess"
"You're welcome," (Y/n) beamed, "love you"
"Yeah..."
"Love you" They said more pointedly.
"Okay, love you too..."
Later, both (Y/n) and Bill made their way to Bill's mom's house to hang out before (Y/n) would have to return home. Bill opens the basement door for (Y/n).
"After me" He says, walking himself in. (Y/n) rolls their eyes and follows him inside. Bill strolls to one of his many shelves holding his collections of paraphernalia and skims through for a proper place to set the Battle Broad figurines. (Y/n) goes to a couch and flops down with a groan. They stretch over the cushions and rest their legs on an arm rest, their head resting on the other side. It had been a long day of cheering up that teenaged baby. Bill sat down on the couch beside their legs. He looked stiff and uncomfortable.
"Can you put on a movie?" (Y/n) asks. Bill groans but obeys. He rolls his bubble TV in front of the couch and sticks a VHS into the player. One of his favorite superhero movies starts playing. (Y/n) recognizes it since it's the hundredth time they've watched it together.
"Come cuddle me," (Y/n) requests.
"Cuddle you?"
"Don't sound so grossed out," They put their arms out for him, "C'mon, cuddle me"
Bill groans again like (Y/n) was requesting the impossible from him. He grabs a blanket before nestling between (Y/n) and the back of the couch. He and (Y/n) shift the blanket over the two of them and Bill spoons (Y/n) awkwardly.
"Everytime we do this, you act like it's the first time"
"Whatever!" Bill snaps, "...I love you"
"I love you too"
The two watch about half the movie before they're coerced to sleep by each other's warmth.
HI! may we have og black noir sfw headcanons with a non-supe reader? Tysmmm
OG!Black Noir x Reader | Headcanons
This takes place roughly around S1, equal or take, established relationship
Earving is a gentle lover, he prioritises your saftey and comfort over anything.
To him, you're a squishy human that needs to be carefully handled.
Even if you are muscular, it doesn't matter, he has assassinated people who are more durable, supes who are more durable, so (to him) humans are all the same to him.
To no one's surprise, he'd keep his mask/helmet on for the better part of your relationship. His insecurities run deep- just look at his closet. He only has his two suits. That's the only thing he owns (apart from the two boxes of Buster Beaver art he's drawn).
You had to buy him new clothes for him to wear something else, but even then, he would more often than not put a hoodie over his suit and call it a day.
And to be fair to him, everything you picked out for him was either a smidge too small or too big. It wasn't your fault either, he didn't know his size, and his suit was custom made to fit his body so you couldn't get it from there.
The most skin you'd see is his hands or the bottom half of his face, where his scarring was the least severe.
Dates with him would be mostly inside your own homes. Sometimes he'll prepare home cooked meals for you whilst other times, when the pain is worse, the two or you cook together or just buy takeout.
Other dates would include him taking you out to secluded spaces- but that only happens when the two of you are fully comfortable with eachother. (The last thing he wants to do is to scare you)
He can drive. He knows how to. It's not easy and he would much rather take an uber. But he will drive if it makes you feel safer.
100% hides your relationship from the public. He has enough enemies to overwhelm the average hero.
Black Noir's love language is a mix of quality time and gift giving.
He loves making unique and personalised gifts. If you have any characters, he will draw them to the best of his abilities.
Black Noir has tried making ribbon roses before, but they all ended up wonky and his fingers were covered in hot glue. (He threw the roses away not long after. He didn't want to give you something less than perfect).
Sometimes he settles for a 'gift basket' which is filled with your favourite sweets, snacks and a plushie or two. All of it is picked out and arranged with care and a delicacy that he only shows you.
Cough... dehydrated cough... r...ron... from accounting... withers away
((anything works but fluff alphabet would be cool
-🎸
Fluff Alphabet w/ Ron from Accounting
Wasn't entirely ready to take requests for alphabets BUT! Tbf... I was already planning on doing a Ron one since it'd be an excuse to go on and make his song playlist
Notes: gn any creature reader, established relationships, full alphabet, written on mobile and computer, gn alternatives- if available- for the petnames section will be provided if need be, reader does not explicitly work at the hospital or corporation
CWs: mentions of canon typical horror
Attraction-
Maturity and intelligence are going to be what really gets him, he doesn't really care for looks so long as you're taking care of himself. Good hygiene and not all over the place. He needs someone who can handle his busy work load, he may come home every night but more times he's too exhausted to anything insane. He keeps up with his end of chores, and he waits for you in bed until you're ready... but he's not going to be around constantly
It's not that he's a workaholic. He does what's required of him at work and doesn't go above and beyond, he does what's explicitly asked of him. Unfortunately the status quo demands a lot, and he needs a partner who will understand that this will be a large overhanging shadow across the relationship
Bonding-
He works a lot, there isn't much time between his shifts to ensure some time for the both of you. On top of that he hasn't been feeling the best health wise, so he's been having to sit in the waiting room of the animal hospital for a while until they can tend to him. It's rather... irritating... for the both of you
Bonding between the two of you usually consists of sitting together and decompressing; work for the both of you is stressful and keeping your sanity in tact is important. The bills don't pay themselves unfortunately... hopefully you don't mind just sitting together quietly and watching tv together
Cuddling-
Soft and fluffy... he's got a sizable dewlap, and that's something to lean your head against when he wraps his arms around you. He's not as active as he'd like so he's a bit on the heftier side, there's meat for you to cling onto. Warm, too. Makes for a good heat source during the colder nights
He generally prefers to be big spoon
Dates-
As mentioned in bonding, there isn't much time for the two of you to sit down and do anything. Though... dates require planning. They're not something that hinges off of the day to day. Ron's good at planning, so... actually... dates when they can happen are pretty put together. If he can work it into his schedule, Ron will make sure the two of you go out at least once or twice a month. Usually going out to eat somewhere nice, always something simple that gives you both the space to actually talk and bond with one another
Emotion-
Between the both of you you're probably the one who shows more emotion- Ron is for the most part, put together. That's not to say he doesn't get frustrated at times. Because there are, you can see it in the way his shoulders tense up or the crease of his muzzle. He's never the type of person to raise his voice and engage in a verbal spat
Otherwise he's rather... tired? Monotone? He's not very high energy
Family-
I think... he's not against kids but he's well aware that his work schedule it just wouldn't be fair for the kids, he wouldn't be able to be around as much as he would like
Something that's technically feasible but it's not something that he would prefer as long as things continue on as they are... if only there wasn't so much going on with corporation
Gift giving-
The exchanging of gifts often slips from his mind when he's making his way home from work or the hospital, so it doesn't happen often. Which is... rather unfortunate because gift giving is one of his main love languages. He likes giving you something that you can hold onto... but when he does grab something it's usually something he sees that immediately reminds him of you-- something so personal, something so YOU that it snapped you right to the forefront of his mind like a lightning bolt. That's something that he doesn't really get when he just brings you flowers or candy-!
Harsh-
The two of you don't argue all that often, Ron isn't really the type to entertain a fight when it happens nor is he the kind of guy to start a fight. The moment things start getting loud he's defusing as best as he can in the moment and letting things calm down. If he had it his way there would be a compromise and actual conversation. He wants a partner he can talk to and work with
Injury-
Ron... does not at all know any first aid. Nothing asides the basics--- don't take out anything that's stabbing you, clean the wound if possible and apply pressure. Basic CPR but in the "this was something we were made to learn, probably in high school or something" way. He's no where near the best choice in the event someone is unresponsive. But he's not helpless. He knows how helpful he is in these sorts of things, if there's a need to go to the emergency room he's going to drive you; or call the ambulance if that's the only option. In the meantime he does what he can. He compresses your wound, he rinses it to get the dirt out, he lets you squeeze his hand if the pain is too much
He'd like to think that you'd be able to do the same. Being there and able to keep your cool- big freak outs and moments of panic aren't going to help anyone
He's still worried, though...
Jealousy-
He's not the jealous type if I'm being honest. Doesn't worry about you going behind his back, talking to other people. Unless you've given him something to worry about then he's not going to worry. Though if it's pointed out to him that he's not around often, thus giving you plenty of chances to step outside of your relationship... yeah he'd think about it. Would he snoop? I'm not... sure...
He doesn't care for "tests", if you have needs to be met he wants you to be mature and bring it up outright, the two of you are too old to be playing games
Kisses-
Ron tends to do very quick chaste kisses, make outs are reserved for rare occasions where the vibe for the feels right. He may not say it out right but he does like those moments in bed when the two of you wake up- or are about to go to bed- where it's just the both of you under the covers and exchanging a couple of quick kisses. There's something about it that makes him feel nice and at home... he's almost shy about it, it's a side of him that you don't see all that often!
Love language-
He likes getting you something when he can, something you can keep around since he can't be home for you all the time. I know it's been said a couple of times, but he does truly wish he could give you more of his time. He wants to say that things will get easier but he can't make it a promise, and he doesn't want to lie to you. The gifts he gets you are thought out, and usually step out of the standard flowers and stuffed toys--- he still gets them, but more often than not the things he gets you are far more personal as well as in line with your wants and needs. Interests and desires
Quality time is more important given how limited and fleeting, even if it's something small he does enjoy being around you
Marriage-
He dates to marry. If marriage isn't something you want for your future then it's best that the two of you don't continue seeing one another. He doesn't want to waste your time, nor does he want to waste his
No-
Prying. To be more accurate he doesn't like someone who excessively pries for information. Not just about his work--- though he may not be totally against dropping a couple small bits of information... but something major? At best you're going to get something vague, confidentiality is very important in the corporation-- there's some things Ron would rather keep to himself... though that's better suits for the Shh prompt-!
He won't at all mesh well with someone who is on the messier side, and who refuses to do something to change that. Obviously there's factors going into that but if you simply are just a messy person then it's not going to work out, he doesn't want to be in a relationship where he's cleaning for two people
Oddity-
There's so many notes all over the fridge, so so so many notes. Grocery lists, appointments, little things to remind him and keep track of everything that needs to be done. His calendar is packed to the brim with notes so small you can barely read them, it's a wonder Ron can see what the words say at all!
He's also rather particular about the way things are done, he's got rituals that he likes- or rather needs- to follow to a T. He... may or may not backseat you, or just take over if he sees you not following his preferred method
Petnames-
Ron doesn't really do pet names unfortunately, most of them don't feel right coming out... they fall out of his mouth awkwardly, like they're not meant to be there. He won't stop you from calling him anything, though!
Question-
Questions... honestly there's a lot of questions that you have for him, though when you do verbalize them you know you're not going to get much information, so long as it's about his job. So you ask him about other things. Some of them serious; he's been going to the animal hospital fairly consistently for a while and while he's not going in every week, you've noticed he has an appointment a lot more often than most do. Naturally you're going to ask if something is wrong. Anyone would. He understands that, and it's probably the one thing he's actually pretty open about: there's no sense in needlessly worrying you if he knows that in the long run he's alright. If you're worried about what's going on outside and that it's somehow mixed up within Ron then he's going to stamp that worry out as soon as he's made aware of it
There's more light hearted questions, though. How his day went, if he liked the lunch you packed for him. Smaller more domestic stuff you ask him when he comes home from work
Risk-
All things considered, outside of working under the corporation and having some level of inside knowledge of what's going on around town, Ron lives a rather boring life. He doesn't stick his nose where it doesn't belong, so there's little risk in him getting caught up in things. He clocks in at work, gets the job done, and goes home. Rinse and repeat. He doesn't need to worry about risking you if he's not risking himself in general!
Shh-
Asides from the things he sifts through at work, there's some personal bits he would rather keep to himself. Unless it truly does concern you and it's something you have to know then he's going to keep it to himself. It's not that he doesn't trust you, it's just that he doesn't see much need in someone else knowing every little thing about him as long as it's not consequential
On the flip side if there's anything you don't want to talk about- whether it be because you simply don't think it's important or because it's something deeply personal- then he's not going to chase and break down your walls
Again there's obvious exceptions but barring any "there's something happening that is visibly and impacting one of us in a horrible way, physically or mentally" the two of you each have a healthy amount of secret and personal lore
Tunes-
May be workshopped, but here's a short playlist!
Upset-
When it comes to cheering someone up, Ron is very much a "let's sit, and if you'd like you can tell me about it", he won't push until you tell him what's going on. If you just want to sit with him in silence than he can do that for you. Need advice? He will listen and give you the very best he can muster up to help guide you through what's got you down. Need a distraction? Why don't the two of you go to the bedroom and watch a movie together; cuddle together
He's not the most outwardly warm person but he's not cold or overly distant. He's trying
When Ron is upset he tends to go off to steep in it for a while and pick it apart. If there's nothing he can do about it then he just sifts through that and just... does his best to cope. He himself is not a large venter, but if you're willing to listen he might give you a brief run down of what's going on- so you at least know he's not feeling entirely himself at the moment
Valentines-
As mentioned in the gift giving and date prompts, Ron takes these little bonding things rather seriously because there aren't many chances for him to give you some proper loving that isn't short bursts between the day to day. He's not just going to take you out for dinner- though... yes you're still going to go some restaurant but it's going to be a bit more up there than where you guys usually go- and if there's a movie showing that peaks your interest then you can bet you're going to watch it as well! And of course, there's the personalized gifts. Even if it's just one or two excluding the obligatory flowers and chocolates!
He's very much aware of how much of his time everything else outside of the relationship demands. That's been established between the both of you since day one, and this is his own way of making up for that fact
Warrior-
Well lucky for the both of you, neither of you are getting into fights all that often, if at all! At the worst it might be an emotional fight... though I feel it's a given that he- anyone, really- would appreciate their partner being there for support and helping where they can!
In terms of an actual fight... whether it be person or an anomaly... he'd rather the BOTH of you turn tail and run the other way. It's not worth risking one of you getting hurt or even picking up whatever is going around... weird anomaly stuff or just standard sickness
Xray-
He's... okay at noticing when you're upset. Neither below nor above average. on the flipside though... Ron can be a bit hard to read, as mentioned he's not the most high energy person in the room and unless he's really winded up you're not going to have many hints on what's going on inside his head. Lucky for you, he's open to talking about his day if you ask
Yearn-
In the kindest way possible, because this doesn't at all mean that he DOESN'T miss your company, he copes well when the two of you are separated for a while. He's spent so long living alone that he's kind of used to it. He won't be all over you when you return... though he does make things easier for you upon your return if you've been away for a while. Visiting family or tending to work stuff it doesn't matter, you're going to come home to a spotless house and your favorite meal. Ron's actually a pretty decent cook too! It's his own way of saying that he was waiting for you to come back, and that he was thinking about you the entire time
Zzz-
Sleeps like a corpse. Heavy sleeper but at least he doesn't snore loudly like a certain OTHER rabbit. He doesn't toss and turn either, so there's also that. It makes huddling into his side in the night a lot easier since he's not squirming around! He does run a bit warm though so it's not ideal during the summers...
...Hopefully you don't mind his early alarms...
♡-
Public affection isn't really his thing, his relationship with you feels personal and intimate in all aspects. Handholding itself is pushing it most times, he may only do it if you have a habit of getting lost in crowds or need it to feel secure. Anything past that is a hard no </3
Zandik x female reader, reader has Khaenri'ahn lineage.
Word Count: 1086
Hiii!! This is my first post, please be kind. I wrote this as a backstory for my yumeship/ oc x canon, but it can be read as canon x reader. I didn't mention any name or appearance, but reader has a backstory. Nothing detailed, tho.
Reader is as sick in the head as Zandik, but she hides it better!!!
This fanfic will have 6 parts. It contains lore (I did my homework). It follows Zandik's (Dottore) backstory, more than the reader's, more exactly his time in the Akademiya.
The Price of Knowledge: Part 1
The Girl in the Ruins
The morning classes ended. Zandik left in a hurry to return to his personal lab to continue his research. Much to his annoyance, one of his teachers stopped him:
"I have an assignment for you. Go into the rainforest and observe local fauna and flora. Document notable adaptations and collect samples."
"A first-year exercise." He thought, sighing, but he still accepted it.
The teacher noticed but didn't ask about it.
Everyone knew what Zandik was like. He would quietly complain but still get the work done. He walked in the opposite direction from his lab, his much-loved destination. Instead, he was heading to the main exit, navigating through the halls of the Akademiya with an already bored look on his face. "Such a waste of time."
Outside, Sumeru City buzzed with activity. The streets were full of merchants trying to earn their living and scholars looking for supplies. Such different, yet similar destinies. But it's not like Zandik cares about stupid things like destiny.
His satchel was already full of samples he had collected years ago. The akademiya simply hadn't bothered to ask.
Later that afternoon, he finally arrived near the Devantaka Mountain. It has been such a long walk, he wanted so much time he could spent continuing his research. It was more interesting than this child's play. He started recording every species he could see. He wrote everything down from memory. A plant, an insect, a flower, a fish. Boring stuff. After a very short while, his handwriting became increasingly impatient. He closed the notebook with a quiet snap.
"This is data collection. Not research. They should ask the first years to do this."
He looked towards the Ruin Golem looming over his surroundings. Then something caught his eye. A narrow opening, not marked on his map. And that's the end of the assignment as much as he's concerned. It disappeared from his thoughts in less than a second and he changed directions without a hint of hesitation.
It was darker inside the cave and the air was cooler. He stopped just beyond the entrance and allowed his eyes to adjust. Silence... The cave was silent. But it wasn't unsettling for him. It was more...silent as in alive. Lots of mechanisms and abandoned machinery were around the cave. This was his heaven. His pulse quickened, not from fear but from excitement and curiosity. He walked deeper into the cave. Scattered across the ground are laying fragments of mechanisms, unlike anything he saw in the Akademiya workshops. Metal, iron and materials he didn't even know, surprisingly even for him. Some were buried beneath decades of dust. He crouched beside a component and ran his fingers across the metal.
"No oxidation? ...Impossible. The moisture of this cave is horrible."
He quickly opened his notebook to note this down. He drew sketches, noted down proportions, the spacing between components. Everything.
Several minutes passed. Or maybe hours. He has completely lost track of time. Then- a faint sound. Not metal. Not wind. But something alive. His pencil stopped. Someone else was there. He looked toward the other side of the chamber. There was nothing. At first he saw nothing. Only broken mechanisms, collapsed rocks and ancient machinery. Then...Movement. A girl, around his age, kneeling between huge components that could fall and crush her anytime. One hand rested against an inscription and the other noting down symbols into a notebook. She wasn't wearing an Akademiya uniform, not even expedition gear. Zandik frowned and moved closer. Now he could hear her pronouncing strange words. Was she reading the inscriptions? She didn't appear lost. Quite the opposite. She behaved like someone who knew what they were doing. Interesting.
He continued watching and listening. She quietly muttered to herself. Not in the common languages. His ears caught unfamiliar sounds. Harsh consonants and strange vowels. Yet, she spoke it naturally. That...finally pulled him away from the machines. He closed his notebook and walked closer, carefully. Not trying to hide. If she hadn't noticed him already, she would now. She finished writing one final symbol and closed her own notebook, then spoke without turning.
"You've been watching for quite a while. Did you enjoy the language lesson?"
He stopped. "You knew."
She finally turned. Calm eyes met his. There wasn't any hint of surprise on her face.
"Your steps are rather loud when you're curious."
That wasn't the response he expected. Her gaze fixed him. She looked him over from head to toe.
"...Student?" She asked him, her expression neutral.
He nodded once. "...The Akademiya."
She smiled. "Of course."
A pause.
"You're neglecting your assignment." She pointed at his satchel.
He frowns and becomes increasingly on guard. "How do you know that I have an assignment?"
"I've seen you outside the cave, in the forest collecting samples before you walked in the cave. You collected exactly enough specimens to satisfy the teacher, didn't you? Before getting distracted..."
For the first time in a long while, Zandik almost smiled, not because she had told a joke. Because she reached the correct conclusion without him telling her anything.
Interesting.
Time passes. They spent the last hour asking questions and receiving answers that weren't of their liking. Zandik closes his notebook yet again.
"You're not from the Akademiya. How did you learn that language?"
She smiles. "It's a secret."
For a second, they're both quiet. Then Zandik frowned. He hated answers like that.
"That's bullshit."
She glanced towards the entrance of the cave and stood up.
"It's getting late, I must leave."
He doesn't move. "What? Are mommy and daddy going to come after you?"
She starts gathering her things. "No, but I'm scared of the dark and I prefer not walking outside during the night."
She packs all her things and started walking away. Not towards the main entrance, but to a secret one. She stops and turns to him.
"Don't follow me if you don't want to get lost. I don't have the time to be your guide."
"How many times have you been here?"
"... Enough. Maybe next time I'll show you! Good luck on your way back. Goodbye!"
After she disappeared from sight, he pulls out his notebook and notes down "Unknown female. Approximately my age. Not affiliated with the Akademiya. Fluent in an unidentified language. Possesses prior knowledge of this ruin." He paused. Then added another sentence. "Must investigate further".
Outside the cave he remembered the samples in his satchel and checks on them before looking back at the cave.
Fandom: Dead Island 2
Characters: Amy, Bruno, Carla, Dani, Jacob, Ryan
Pairing: Slayer (Separate) x Reader
Genre: Fluff if you squint hard enough
Content Warning: You’re a bit of scaredy-cat. IT’S FOR THE PLOT.
Word Count: 8,258
a/n: The screams you hear in the background of Hell-A always make me jump; so it inspired this! It took forever to finish because once I was done with Dani’s part my brain went “no more” . Sorry if it's bad, cringe, or repetitive. I’ll figure this out eventually; I promise. 💚
The sun disappeared from the sky hours ago, but nothing in Hell-A was quiet. You had excused yourself up the stairs to sleep but like clockwork, each time your eyes closed you’d hear the distant screams of some poor sap as they joined the dead. At first you tried drowning it out, but it proved impossible. Every clang had your eyes flying open, the tiniest sound made you toss and turn, and you swore you heard something make it over the fence. Yet each time you got up to look, Emma’s yard was the same as the last time you checked.
Once more, your eyes flickered across the street. Even in the dark you could still see a zombie banging it’s fist against the metal gate of a nearby home. Though it couldn’t reach you, just the mental image was enough to have your brain forming the sound itself. After the fifth bang that reverberated through your head, you forced your eyes away.
This is ridiculous, you thought bitterly. Refusing to cast the outside world another glance, you quickly scurried back to the oversized bed.
After climbing back into your spot, you shuffled around for a few moments trying to get comfortable. It proved useless; because it wasn’t yours. Even now you could still remember picking out your sheets; agonizing over which color before ultimately settling on one of your favorites. They matched each blanket, pillow, and any other item that brought you comfort over the years. You recalled the scent of your detergent, suddenly homesick for something so mundane as soap.
But no matter what thread count, amount of feathers overstuffed in the pillows, crisp linen scent, or the perfectly soft yet firm mattress, you still couldn’t fall asleep.
AMY
Eventually your thoughts get the better of you; imagination proving to be more colorful and creative than you remember it being before the zompocalypse. Kicking the comforter off your legs, you quickly stand and head for the door, knowing if you spend another minute here that you’ll drive yourself crazy. The windows looking out over Hell-A were a constant reminder to the hell that had become your new reality. Zombies were meant to be creatures of fiction. Not the latest nightmare to haunt you whether you were awake or not.
You couldn’t have gotten out of that room fast enough, the door quickly closing behind you as you descended down the flight of stairs. But though you sought to escape the never-ending walls of windows, it proved pointless. It seemed that whoever designed Emma Jaunt’s mansion had a hard-on for them. They lined every inch, and even when you hit the ground floor; you could still see outside.
There were the sounds of others still awake to your left—and you easily remembered the full wall of glass that lined the furthest end—so you turned your attention to the right. Ever since Michael, the gym was avoided like the plague. But, you could distinctly remember in spite of there being windows lining every wall; they were at least covered by blinds, so the possibility of some blood wasn’t going to steer you away.
You didn’t have a second to ponder it any longer before hearing voices approaching. Rushing into the gym, you were quick to force the door shut to hide any evidence of your presence and risk being spotted. When noticing that it was just Dani and Jacob heading outside though you breathed a sigh of relief. Knowing that anything that successfully climbed over the gate would have to go through those two set your mind at ease, if only for a moment.
“Sup."
The nonchalant greeting had you jumping, quickly turning yourself towards the unexpectant voice. You’re met with Amy who is regarding you with a raised brow, though she hasn’t made a single move from her spot. She is propped up on her elbows facing away from one of the floor length mirrors with the kettlebell she had formerly been passing back and forth resting beside her.
“Fuck, Amy!” you wheeze, covering your heart that felt like it was about to beat out of your chest. “You scared me! What are you doing here in the dark?”
“Getting my reps in. Why are you here?”
Now you fall silent, your brows furrowed upon the realization that you walked right into that one. At first you wondered if it’d be possible to dip back out the door before Amy understood what happened but knowing that you’d eventually have to explain yourself, you decided against it. Sighing with defeat, you made your way over towards Amy, sitting near her feet.
The Slayer regards you with raised brows, waiting for your response. When it doesn’t come as soon as she’d prefer, Amy resumes her workout with the weight; though her gaze that is still regarding you coolly still lingered.
“I was trying to sleep upstairs but the windows were driving me nuts,” you finally admit.
“And you decided to take a time out in the gym?” Amy asks, though it’s obvious she is trying to hide the teasing tone behind her words.
You groaned, rolling your eyes. “Well it’s the only place where Emma put blinds up. I mean, have you looked around? She has windows everywhere—no blinds!”
“How much do you think Andrea makes cleaning all these windows?”
“Not enough,” you huff. “Emma could never pay anyone what they deserve for that shit.”
Amy chuckles at your response though she still continues her workout. She hadn’t changed pace, keeping a steady and consistent rhythm. There was a thin layer of sweat covering her skin, making you wonder just how long she had been at this. You knew she trained for the Olympics, but her limitless stamina still impressed you daily. Without a doubt Amy was the fastest of the Slayers and with the ability to go-go-go, you probably shouldn’t have been surprised to see her here.
“You didn’t answer me earlier.” Amy says after a few more moments of silence. At your confused look, she continues. “When I asked if you came in here to sleep.”
“Oh. I uh…”
Once more you find yourself at a loss for words. You want to look away, but the way Amy’s eyes bore into yours made it impossible. She held your attention easily and without saying a word, she had you ready to admit everything. You sighed again, defeated, and Amy’s subtle smirk went unnoticed.
“You’re right.”
“Always am,” the Slayer chimes.
“But you’re here so I’ll just g—”
“I need a break anyways.” Amy interrupts with a wave of her hand. She is already putting the kettlebell to the side before you can stop her. She stands up just as fast, dusting her hands off on her sweats. Once she is content, she stares down at you with raised brows though she hasn’t made a move to leave the gym. When you glance nervously between the door and Amy, she quickly adds, “Technically this is my room. I kinda claimed it.”
“So you do want me to go then?”
“No. You can stay,” the Slayer quickly corrects you. “Just tell me where we’re sleeping.”
You’re absolutely dumbfounded when looking at Amy, the undeniable feeling of your face heating up not going unnoticed by you. “You uh… want to sleep with me— I mean, next to me? Why?”
At first, Amy doesn’t say anything, that poker face of hers impossible to get a read on. But she regards you in a way that has you squirming, making you feel like she could read every thought in your mind. You didn’t know how it was possible, but you had no doubt that Amy could easily see the insomnia that plagued you, the worry that clouded your judgment, and the sudden insatiable desire to fall asleep in her arms. Amy suddenly smiled, making your fear of her being a mind reader suddenly seem very plausible.
“C’mon,” she sings, “I know you want to.”
You couldn’t deny how right she was, even more when noticing the pile of blankets and pillows situated in the darkest corner of the room. It was far away from the door and the blinds shut tight.
Before you knew it, your feet had somehow carried you over to the pallet on the ground, quickly finding a comfortable spot. You were lulled in almost instantly, especially when Amy made herself comfortable beside you. She didn’t lay down, instead comfortably propped up with a pillow behind her and a hand tracing shapes along your shoulder. Her movements were soft, barely noticeable, but they easily soothed your overactive mind.
It was a mere seconds and you were out cold. Though Amy originally planned to continue her routine once you were asleep, she couldn’t resist watching you whilst you slept. This was the first time she had seen you at ease since you had first walked through the gym doors. You finally looked at peace, as if nothing else in Hell-A mattered right now. So, deciding that she had worked out plenty tonight, Amy chose to lay down; holding you in her arms.
BRUNO
Like clockwork, your feet carry you across the room for what felt like the hundredth time. Whenever you got up it was because you were convinced you either heard or saw something outside. But each moment, whenever you’d checked, nothing was there. Even the streets were empty from what you could tell; not a zombie in sight. The only proof of life outside these walls were the occasional screams you’d hear or distant explosions. A part of you wondered who was causing all of these explosions around Hell-A, but if you had to place bets, ninety-eight percent of the time it was one of the Slayers.
Just the thought of your immune companions was enough to sour your mood more than it already was. You couldn’t help but think about the Slayers; wondering where they were, how they were doing, and if they were even still alive. Granted, doubting them wasn’t something you’d typically do—knowing how capable each one was—but it never stopped you from worrying. The undead were adapting and changing in this zompocalypse just as much as the rest of you. Except, they were getting stronger and much more dangerous, causing your anxiety to spike once more when spotting a shadow moving out of the corner of your eye.
Instantly your face was smushed against the glass, trying to get a better look at whatever just crossed your vision. The dark easily hid anything that didn’t want to be seen. The minimal lights that lit up Emma’s yard barley illuminated the palm trees and overgrown grass. The water from the pool was still as always and truthfully it didn’t look like a single soul—dead or alive—had made it pass the gates. Despite this, your mind still refused to quiet; absolutely convinced there was something laying beneath the umbrella in one of Emma’s white lounge chairs.
Eventually though, when your search came up empty, you turned to go back to the bed, again.
This time however when you turned around, you nearly jumped out of your skin when noticing Bruno relaxing in what used to be your spot; with his feet kicked up. You stared at him dumbfounded, positive that your tiredness was beginning to catch up and play tricks on your mind. Yet when you blinked; even going as far to rub your eyes to make sure, the Slayer just flashed a grin your way.
“How… How long have you been there?” you ask, finally accepting that Bruno was indeed not a figment of your imagination.
“Long enough, friend.”
“So, you just decided to sit and watch me?”
“Yeah. Best show in Hell-A.”
There was a cheeky grin on the Slayer’s face; his amusement at the whole situation obvious. You witness the way he twirls a knife between his fingers, the red on the blade not going unnoticed by you. In spite of the blood that also covered him head to toe, Bruno appeared unscathed. If there was a wound you wouldn’t have been able to tell, especially with how relaxed he seemed right now. Instead, you noticed the lack of sneakers on his feet and upon spotting them by the bedroom door, you truly begin to question your sense of awareness. You wanted to blame it on the lack of sleep, but truthfully it wasn’t the only one at fault.
“You know,” Bruno starts, still twirling the blade. “Ya got a nice face and everything, yeah, but something’s telling me you ain’t looking at your reflection.” When you don’t say anything right away, he smiles, pointing the tip of the knife towards you. “Go on; spill.”
At first you don’t want to admit what you were doing because you knew the moment either of you looked back out this window, the shape you were convinced you had seen would be gone. It wouldn’t have been the first time it happened tonight and if not for Bruno’s sudden arrival, it wouldn’t have been the last.
“Thought I saw something outside,” you finally admit, though you feel silly now.
“Imagination playing tricks on you, ey? I wouldn’t worry about it. Carla is out there right now running off steam.”
You thought back to the earlier sight of the empty streets. The mental image of Carla running through Bel-Air and taking out any undead in her path got a chuckle out of you. Knowing the adrenaline junkie, she’d be out there all night smashing in the head of anything in sight.
Though you breathed a sigh of relief, you still didn’t move away from the window. It was like there was an invisible pull that kept you stationary. Sleep still clouded your mind, the thought of snuggling under a warm comforter more appealing with each passing moment. Yet you couldn’t pull yourself away; especially when spotting the hulking form of a Crusher pounding against a neighboring gate. It was by itself, but it was there, and Carla was nowhere in sight. She could’ve been halfway across the neighborhood and hell, whose to say she even stayed in Bel-Air?
Your anxious thoughts are interrupted the moment you feel a hand around your wrist. Bruno had leaned forward by this point, knife discarded, and a skeptical look on his face. Once again you didn’t hear his movements, too lost in thought. The realization had you flushing from embarrassment.
“Hey friend? You a’ight?” he asks, though he still hasn’t released your wrist.
You don’t even have to say anything, the heaviness in your eyes clear with your inability to keep them open. Bruno catches on quick, easily directing you to sit down with a simple pull before you have time to register what’s going on. You’re sitting on the edge of the bed before you know it and the Slayer finally releases your wrist, but you can still feel him watching you.
“Yeesh…” Bruno whistles, eyes scanning your face. “When’s the last time you slept?”
You laughed weakly. “It… It’s been a while.”
“Ay, that ain’t cool, friend. No wonder you’re seeing things.”
This time you laugh fully, but it’s one of those born from sleep deprivation that has tears pricking at the corners of your eyes. It takes you a few moments to stop, but when you do, you wipe the tears away with the back of your hand.
“A’ight,” Bruno starts, snapping his fingers. “You need sleep. Pronto.” When you attempt to fight back—claiming you’re wide awake—he simply laughs in your face. “Yeah, no dice, friend. I can see it in your eyes; a couple more minutes and you’re gonna drop.”
“It’s just been a really long day,” you once again try to protest. “I’m fine. Really.”
“Been a long day for us all though, yeah? Just lay down already.”
You want to argue, but Bruno gives you this look that tells you it was no longer a suggestion. You could see the irritation growing on his face, so eventually, you concede and crawl to the head of the bed. At first you toss around, trying to find a position that felt comfortable before eventually giving up and just laying on your back. Though the comfort of the mattress is welcoming, you stare up at the ceiling—eyes still open.
It doesn’t take long though before you feel the bed shifting as Bruno moves. At first you think he is going to get up and leave the room but instead find yourself surprised when he comes to lay down beside you. It only confuses you more when you turn to face him and your eyes connect.
“What are you doing?” you question him.
“Heh, taking a rest. What’s it look like?” When you don’t say anything right away, Bruno raises a brow. “Ay, relax. I can go if you want—”
You quickly shake your head. “You’re fine. I… I just didn’t expect you to stay.”
Bruno regards you curiously, though he is smiling. “Why? I’m right where I wanna be.”
The confession causes your face to heat up, but you don’t say anything else. Instead you both fall into a comfortable silence where eventually you allow your eyes to close. Sleep doesn’t come as fast as you’d like, but the silence that drifts over the room is welcome from the previous screams that kept you awake for so long. Though eventually all you can hear is the sound of your own breathing, it only takes a few minutes before you’re fast asleep. Even though you’re quick to give in, Bruno stays awake; more than content with watching you for just a little while longer.
CARLA
The overwhelming need to drown an entire bottle of water suddenly overtook you. At first, you chose to ignore it, pretending that it could be avoided until the morning. But when your throat felt like it was burning and you began to dry cough, you couldn’t prevent the trip downstairs any longer. So, much to your dislike, you climbed out of the bed once again and headed towards the door.
You had just made a reach for the knob when the door swung open, just barely missing your face and instead smacking against the wall. “What the—” You jump back out of reflex, thoroughly alarmed at just how close you came to meeting your end from horrible timing. When you were positive that you weren’t staring down at yourself from above, you quickly looked towards the culprit, lips pulled down in a frown. It disappeared almost instantly when seeing Carla’s grinning face staring right back at you.
“Ay! Just the person I wanted to see! What’s up dude?”
“What’s up?” You ask back in disbelief, regarding the woman before you in annoyance. “You almost took my face off; that’s what’s up!”
The Slayer waves you off. “Oh c’mon dude, you’re fine! Besides, I got tons of med kits! Heal you right the fuck up.”
You shivered at the thought, knowing that out of all of the Slayers that Carla wasn’t the best at applying bandages. The biker rarely flinched from pain and doctoring wounds was always something saved for the professionals—and Jacob—so you weren’t the most confident in her first aid skills. Thankfully, you were just a second too late or else you would’ve been at her mercy.
“Where ya going anyways?” Carla suddenly asks, drawing your attention.
“Uh, to get a drink of water,” you say. Almost immediately your own curiosity takes over. “What are you doing busting in here anyways?”
“Emma fucking kicked me out.” At your surprised expression, Carla quickly explained. “Not like that, dude. But she said if I didn’t leave her alone she’d make me sleep next to Michael.”
“You believe her?”
“Hell yeah man. You shoulda seen her face. Shit was scary.”
You laughed, knowing exactly what look Carla was talking about. It was one that you had seen directed Sam’s way more times than you could count. But, knowing that Emma was someone who sometimes got caught up in her feelings, it would be for the best if Carla avoided the starlet for now. Yet you could see how antsy the Slayer still was. She was bouncing her foot while doing a slight shimmy in place; barely noticeable, but you had seen it before.
“Yo, you busy? What’re you doing right now?” she suddenly asks.
“A… a drink. I just told y—”
“Then what?”
You paused, not having really given it much thought. Sleep consistently evaded you, the windows that looked out over Hell-A didn’t help, and it was impossible to quiet your thoughts. Though you wanted nothing more than to come back upstairs for a long nights rest, you already knew how slim those chances were.
“I guess nothing, really,” you finally say.
“Oh! Dude! Then come with me!” Carla almost shouts; though she is quick to stop herself before alerting Emma. Instead, she grabs at your shoulders, pulling you closer. “I’mma get real friendly with Emma’s tennis court.”
“Why tennis?”
“Because if I spend another minute cooped up inside here I’m going to fucking exploding!” she whines, tossing her head back dramatically. “I wanted to go to the Pier, but Ryan is making me wait until tomorrow so we can all go.”
You believe the Slayer’s story instantly and though a trip outside wasn’t exactly at the top of your to-do list, you still nod in agreement. “OK. Just let me get something to drink first.”
Carla has to cover her mouth to stifle the cheer she lets out. Despite it being muffled, you could clearly hear her excitement. Within seconds, she was out the door and darting down the steps just as quick. She disappeared before you really had time to react, but after taking one final look out the windows, you followed after the Slayer who was long gone.
When arriving on the main floor, you could hear a few voices in the living room; primarily Sam, Emma, and the steady typing of Luciana’s keyboard. You were quick to avoid them, instead heading to the bottom floor. You knew there were drinks behind the bar, you just hoped there would be something besides alcohol too.
As you pushed open the door, you could see Curtis asleep in his chair with a blanket around him. Quietly you crept inside, before disappearing behind the counter. Luckily it was still stocked despite the other survivors’ frequent visits. It took you a few minutes of looking but eventually you found a bottle of water stashed away in the furthest corner of the bottom shelf. With it securely in hand, you crept pass Curtis once more, but this time disappeared out the main doors.
The outside air was cool the moment it hit your skin and though you had grown used to the sounds of Hell-A at night, it was quiet for once. Except for the sound of a ball repeatedly hitting a wall. You followed the noise around the corner, just in time to see Carla swinging a racket. She was running back and forth across the court, her shoes squeaking with every movement. It was only when she missed a ball that she finally noticed you.
“There you are dude! What the fuck took you so long?” Carla asks, rushing to pick up the ball that rolled near your feet. When she stood back up straight she regarded you with a grin. “Wanna play? There’s another racket around here somewhere!”
“I’ll just watch,” you said, quickly pointing over your shoulder. “From the safety of over there.”
“BOO! You’re no fun!”
Regardless, Carla turns and runs back onto the court. You head towards the covered patio, taking a seat on one of the lounge chairs. This one was on the opposite side of Carla so you could still see the Slayer as she goes back and forth and you didn’t have to risk being hit by a stray ball.
The lights coming from inside Emma’s mansion cast a warm glow from behind you, while the white lights hovering above the green court were facing enough away to not blind you. Instead, it was dimly lit enough to have you relaxing as you shifted to lean against the cushion behind your back. You kicked up your feet and quickly opened your long awaited bottle of water. As you drowned half of its contents you could still hear Carla as she went back and forth across the court.
Once your thirst was quenched you put the bottle to the side before placing your hands in your lap, eyes watching Carla. She was like a machine, going constantly with an impossible speed. The sound of the tennis ball smacking against the wall and racket eventually became a soothing sound to you. It made your eyes grow tired with each hit that resounded in your head. You tried to stay awake, focusing on Carla, but even watching the Slayer didn’t help.
It was only a matter of minutes before you drifted to sleep.
Carla was hitting the ball for almost an hour before she finally realized you weren’t awake. She only noticed your sleeping form when walking over, seeing your legs tucked under you and your arms cradling your head. Though it wasn’t an expensive mattress like the one upstairs, you looked at peace. For once you didn’t have a care in the world; every worry that plagued you earlier gone.
Though she had originally come over to bug you, Carla couldn’t deny that you looked comfortable as you slept. So, she kicked off her shoes and climbed onto the lounge chair beside you. There wasn’t much room, but the Slayer didn’t care and instead decided to finally go to sleep; choosing to pull you even closer.
DANI
The door to the bedroom suddenly swung open, colliding loudly with the wall. You let out a startled yelp, positive this was your time as somehow a zombie scaled the gate when you weren’t looking, got pass Sam, ate everyone else without making a sound, made it up the stairs, and was ready to make a meal out of you too. When the inevitable feeling of teeth sinking into your limbs never came, you lowered the arms shielding your face, only to be met with a familiar green-do.
“Oi! There ya are! I’ve been lookin’ everywhere fer your arse! Where the feck ya been?”
You stared at Dani dumbfounded, taking in the Slayer’s ragged appearance. She was drenched in blood; covered head to toe, what appeared to be a bite mark on her cheek , and you swore there was a finger lodged in one of her swirls. Honestly if you didn’t know Dani so well—and if there wasn’t a large grin plastered on her face—you would’ve been more concerned.
“Feels like I should be asking you,” you countered. “Though I’m not sure I want to know the answer.”
“That ya don’t, darlin’.”
The rockabilly strolled in the room, easily kicking the door shut as her weapon fell unceremoniously to the ground. It landed with a loud thud, but you paid no attention, more concerned with how close Dani was getting to the bed.
“Don’t you dare!” you shout, quickly scrambling for the spot Dani was about to sit her blood covered ass on. “If you mess up Emma’s sheets she’ll kill you!”
“Like I give a rat’s arse what Miss Jaunt wants! She’s lucky I haven’t burned this place down after she put that damned gun in my face.”
You had no time for a rebuttal before Dani fell forward on the bed, her body landing smack dab on top of yours and knocking the air from your lungs. You sounded like a rubber chicken being squeezed for air as Dani rolled around unceremoniously on top of you. Eventually, she settled for laying across your midsection, perfectly content as she crossed her arms behind her head.
“Gods yer feckin’ comfy! Ya sure you weren’t a pillow in yer past life?”
You tried to speak but the only thing you could do was wheeze.
“Jaysus, always with the dramatics!”
Regardless of the roll of her eyes, Dani sat up, and you took in a much needed breath of air. You quickly rolled out of the way; just in case Dani decided you were too good to let escape and found refuge with your back against the headboard. In spite of her small stature, the rockabilly had felt like a weighted blanket across your chest. Though in theory it could’ve been nice, her head digging into your ribs was too uncomfortable to bear.
“Why are ya ‘ere alone anyways, like?” Dani asked after you situated yourself. She had propped herself up with her elbow; laying at your feet and regarding you with suspicious eyes. “Ya avodin’ us?”
You shook your head. “No. Nothing like that.”
“Then spill the beans, darlin’. I ain’t got all night.”
At first you really didn’t know what to say, convinced that Dani wouldn’t care about your plight. Getting to sleep in Hell-A was a luxury, one that not many—including Dani—were afforded. You were lucky. Though you could’ve been left to fend for yourself, when arriving outside 66 Alpine Drive, Emma didn’t turn you away. Instead, you had a safe place to come back to after running around Hell-A. It wasn’t perfect, but it was better than nothing.
“Oi!” Dani barked, annoyed that you went quiet. “Don’t go disappearing on me ya hear!”
“Sorry it’s just…” You trailed off, awkwardly wringing your hands and trying to look anywhere but the Slayer’s expectant gaze. “I’m having trouble… sleeping.”
Though the last word came out a whisper the rockabilly heard it. “That it now? Ya just needin’ a nap, like?”
“When you say it like that it sounds pathetic.” You grumbled, though you still found it hard to look at Dani. You didn’t even need to see her face to know she was grinning; you could hear it in her voice. “It’s just been a couple of days since I was able to sleep and I think it’s starting to get to me.”
“Aw, ya poor dear.” Dani teased. “If you need a wee nap that’s all ya had to say.”
You didn’t have time to question the Slayer before Dani was sitting up. Confused when she kicked off her shoes; vest soon coming to land on the ground with her belt and holster following. You weren’t given the opportunity to question the rockabilly before Dani was grabbing your leg and suddenly yanking you down the length of the bed.
“The fuck!?” You shout, thoroughly alarmed at how easily Dani was able to move your entire body with just one hand. “What the hell Dani?!”
“Christ alive, relax! Ya can’t very well sleep sittin’ up like that. Get a crick in yer neck.”
You opened your mouth, though promptly shut it when realizing Dani was climbing on top of you. “What’re you—” She shushed you, quickly settling into her spot with her head resting on your chest and her legs straddling you. She was busy making herself comfortable as she nestled into your chest; the motions almost reminding you of a cat.
At first you were unsure what to do with your hands that were awkwardly hovering above Dani. She didn’t seem to notice—or care—so you eventually settled for placing your hands on her back. The Slayer scoffed instantly, moving her head to look up at you from beneath dark lashes.
“That’s where ya puttin’ yer hands, darlin’? I’ve got a nice perky arse just sittin’ there and that’s where yer choosin’ to place em... Really?”
You felt your face heat up. “Shut up! Not all of us just go around grabbing on people without consent.”
“Well ya got my consent to grab me all ya like, darlin’. And if ya like, I’d be happy returnin’ the favor.” The Cheshire grin that stretched across Dani’s face gleamed mischievously, but despite the playful tone of her voice, you knew she was completely serious. So, eventually you hesitantly moved your hands down, though they never passed her hips. Dani rolled her eyes but said nothing, instead going back to nuzzling your chest.
Silence fell over Hell-A for once, the sounds outside seeming to vanish the moment you finally allowed yourself to relax. All you could hear was Dani’s faint breathing, the way your hands would rise and fall with each breath she took soothing for you. Her weight was pleasant this time, not digging into any vital organs, and with this position she once more felt like a comfortable weighted blanket covering you. Though you knew the Slayer was covered in blood, it didn’t matter—even if you did take a shower earlier—you never wanted her to move.
“How ya getting’ on?”
“Perfect. You?”
“Just as comfy as I remember.” Dani hums, truly content using you as a full-size body pillow.
You say nothing else, sharing the same sentiments and eventually allow your eyes to close. At first you worry, your earlier fears of something climbing the fence still creeping up on you. But when you feel one of Dani’s hands reaching for yours, the thoughts are wiped from your mind. Instead, you remove a hand from her back, choosing to lace it with hers. It’s an awkward position, but one you come to appreciate, especially when you finally drift to sleep.
JACOB
Eventually you dragged yourself out of bed once more, swearing you saw a shadow zipping across the yard. It was average sized, but fast, and had your mind convincing itself that it was a Butcher. You knew that wasn’t possible though. After all, a Butcher wouldn’t have been able to get pass the gate by itself. Unless this one turned out to be some super-charged-hyper-intelligent undead that still knew how to open latches…
The sudden thought had you pressing your face against the glass, trying to get a better look. There was nothing out of the ordinary, yet your mind refused to quiet the possibilities, nonetheless. But being so preoccupied with your own thoughts, you didn’t even hear the door to the room open.
“Aye-aye, what’s this?” a voice suddenly spoke up, right in your ear.
Of course, you shrieked and honestly, if the culprit hadn’t been kind enough to grab your arm, you would’ve ran through the window trying to get away. There was still a loud bang when you hit the glass but at least you didn’t land face first on Emma’s grass.
“Bloody hell,” Jacob laughed, “didn’t mean to give you a fright, love. Honest.”
“I’m in a zombie apocalypse; being scared is my full-time job.” You mutter bitterly, rubbing at your throbbing nose. “Is it bruised?”
“Nah. You’re just as lovely as always, mate.” Jacob mused before finally stepping away.
That carefree smile was present on the Slayer’s lips as always and though you found yourself a little concerned at the sheer amount of blood that covered Jacob, there wasn’t a wound in sight. Instead, he seemed perfectly fine, the blunt balanced between his lips still lit and intact, with what appeared to be a book at his side. Upon closer inspection, you realized that it was in fact a book—albeit grungy and what looked to be missing its front cover—but a book nonetheless.
“Where’d you get that?” you inquire curiously, knowing for sure that book was not from anywhere inside Emma Jaunt’s house.
“Hm?” Jacob hums nonchalantly, holding up the book to glance at the cover like it’s the first time he has seen it himself. “Ain’t got a Scooby Doo mate. Got it off some bloke strolling about the Pier. Didn’t look like he’d be needing it anymore.” The Slayer gave a lopsided grin at this, though his sunglasses were still directed to the book in his hand. “Something called ‘The Secret Garden’.”
“The children’s book?”
You can see the way Jacob’s brows furrow beneath his glasses at your words. “OK, well that makes it creepy. Got it off one of them there pedo-clowns.” His lips pursed for a second but eventually Jacob lowered the book back to his side, instead focused on you once more. “Anywho, tell me why you’re by your lonesome.”
At first you didn’t say anything, still rubbing at your nose that you were positive was redder than Rudolph’s. The pain had dwindled away by this point, but the thought of something outside still waned in your mind. With Jacob’s sudden arrival the possibility only became greater. Now someone had opened the gate for the Butcher in your imagination. You huffed at the thought, pushing it away with a shake of your head.
Jacob regarded you curiously, thoroughly entertained by your antics. “Coowee? You still there?”
“I’m good,” you quickly say, “It’s just…” Your words trail off, your eyes suddenly feeling heavy, the tiredness beginning to overtake you. At first you tried to fight it off, rubbing at your eyes but all that did was cause you to yawn. Your actions spoke louder than the words you couldn’t get out; Jacob easily catching on.
“When’s the last time you slept? You look absolutely knackered.” There was a playful tone behind his teasing, but you were too tired to quip back.
“I don’t know,” you answer honestly.
The Slayer hummed. “Then perhaps you should prance over to that bed there and catch some Z’s. You look like you’re about to give out” Jacob grinned. “I promise them manky fucks can wait for you.”
“No I can’t…” You paused, not intentionally, but you couldn’t stop the yawn. “I have to keep watch.”
“Nothing’s getting over that fence, mate. Swear on my mum; it’s too pointy.”
“You don’t know that,” you argue back. “These things are changing everyday—you said it yourself—and who’s to say they don’t start climbing fences? I gotta keep watch, because even though I trust Sam; I really do, with Emma around he isn’t watching shit.”
Jacob raised his hands. “Look I’m not going to argue with you on that part about Sam. But you can’t even keep them peepers of yours open.”
You tried to argue, but the undeniable heaviness of your eyelids made it hard to disagree. You can’t remember the last time you had slept without worry clouding your mind. It kept you awake and though you tried to keep your mind busy, so you didn’t have to think about the horrors that went on pass the walls, it proved useless. And it clearly showed to Jacob who just couldn’t stand by allowing this any longer.
With a shake of his head, the Slayer turned and made his way towards the bed. Your gaze followed him confused, until you noticed Jacob kicking off his boots while the book in his hand was placed on the floating nightstand. When he climbed into the bed and situated himself with his back against the headboard you couldn’t contain your curiosity any longer.
“What are you doing?”
“Gonna keep you company; came up here for a read anyways.” Jacob said, while patting the spot beside him. “C’mon, love. Take a rest next to your ‘ol pal Jay. I’ll keep an eye out. I promise. On my mum.”
At first you hesitate, eyes quickly darting between the wall of windows and back to Jacob’s figure lounging comfortably on the bed. His head was tilted ever so slightly to the side, with his familiar carefree smile still balancing the lit blunt between his lips. He looked relaxed as he carefully opened to the first chapter of the book that was now back in hand. Jacob didn’t have to say anything; his expectant gaze from behind his sunglasses making it obvious he was waiting for you to join him.
Your feet moved before you had time to realize it; climbing into the bed beside him just as quick. At first, you flitter about awkwardly, unsure what position is best while the thought of going under the blanket seemed like a death trap. Eventually though you settle for laying on your side, facing towards the Slayer who hadn’t taken their eyes off you this whole time.
“Nice and comfy, hm?”
You nodded and Jacob turned his attention to the book balanced in his hands. As he brought it closer to his face, you tucked your arms under your head, watching the way Jacob focused on the pages before him. The room fell quiet—a little too quiet—causing your mind to start wandering once more.
“Jacob?”
The Slayer hummed, signaling that he was listening.
“Can you read to me?”
Now it was Jacob’s turn to look at you, instantly catching your gaze that was still staring up at him. For once the Shakespearean found himself at a loss for words but when seeing the way your tired eyes pleaded up at him, well, he couldn’t fathom refusing your request.
“How could I say no to a face like that?“ Jacob mused, turning his attention back to his book. He easily flipped back to the first page, choosing to begin reading again—but this time, aloud. “When Mary Lennox was sent to Misselthwaite Manor to live with her uncle everybody said she was the most disagreeable-looking child ever seen. It was true too…“
Eventually Jacob’s reading begins to fade in your mind, trailing off into a soft melody of words that easily begins to lull you into a sense of calm. Even when you feel the subtle movement of the Slayer’s arm wrapping around your shoulders, you don’t move. You can’t even register whatever Jacob is saying anymore and before you know it, you’re already asleep.
RYAN
The typical lights that lit up Los Angeles were gone; the sight eerily alien for you. It was the darkest you had ever seen the city, and it set you on edge. It wasn’t like you were scared of the dark, but the possibilities of what stalked through the shadows was enough to bring back a childhood fear. You had originally outgrown it with age but ever since the start of the zompocalypse, there were a lot of things you were suddenly scared of. Even when you found yourself behind Emma’s gates and locked within the walls of her home, it didn’t bring you any sense of security. Instead, you found yourself worrying even more as time passed.
It caused you to spend most of your days fortify Emma’s mansion more than it already was. There were weapon traps lining the streets along with additional protections you picked up throughout your time in Hell-A. Unlike the rest of the survivors, you had your own fair amount of experience in this zompocalypse. You had seen, fought, and survived the terrors waiting outside and that knowledge alone was enough to have sleep constantly evading you and panic settling in.
Your thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door, clearly hesitant, before another followed.
“Hey uh… Emma said you went upstairs; you still awake or—”
The door slowly cracked open, Ryan’s head peaking around from behind the wood. He let out a sigh of relief when seeing that you were indeed still awake. In spite of the door opening though, Ryan still didn’t step inside the room. The sight alone sparked your curiosity, not use to his hesitation. Your bond was close, there were rarely moments when you didn’t enjoy his company, and you would even go as far as to refer to him as a friend. But seeing him nervous like this, well, it was curious to say the least.
“Did you need something or are you going to keep talking through the door?” you inquire with a chuckle.
“Huh? Oh I…” Ryan paused, nervously debating with himself before finally opening the door all the way. Once again, he doesn’t step inside the room, but at least this time you can see him fully.
As typical of most of the Slayers running around Hell-A, Ryan’s clothes were stained with an overwhelming amount of blood. Granted, you knew it was from him having to defend himself from a constant onslaught of zombies, but he truly looked like a serial killer right now. His dirty blonde tresses were tinged red from dried blood, the dark blue of his shirt was even darker, and his hands were practically stained.
“You OK, Ryan?” you ask, finally distracted by your own anxiety inducing thoughts. The man says nothing, his eyes seeming to be glued to somewhere behind you. Your eyebrows raised before you let out a whistle, quickly drawing Ryan’s attention back to you. “Everything good, big guy?”
“What? No I’m just— Oh fuck it... I just need a shower, but Amy is using the one down stairs and Jacob has next dibs and if I don’t get this blood off of me in the next five minutes I’m going to fucking lose it.”
“So you just need to shower?” you ask; sympathetic to his plights.
“Yes,” he practically whines.
It took everything in you to keep a straight face. Instead, you stifled your laughter and gestured towards the bathroom, giving the a-okay for Ryan to do whatever it was he needed to do. Granted, you didn’t understand why he was asking you for permission, but you appreciated the sentiments nonetheless.
“I won’t peak.” You said, placing a hand over your heart. “Scouts honor.”
“I’ll be quick,” Ryan said quickly, hurrying to shut the bedroom door behind him.
“No rush—”
The Slayer is already disappearing around the corner into the bathroom before you’ve finished your sentence. Within seconds you hear the sound of the water turning on, and you quietly sing praise to Emma and the magic of her generators. Though hot water went out fast around here, at least there was running water.
After a few moments of listening to the shower run, your attention was drawn back to the large windows lining the opposite wall. You could still see the neighbor’s flood lights and the distant roar of flames, but your reflection staring back at you was jarring. Your appearance was disheveled and it was clear that you hadn’t slept. How long had it been? You couldn’t quiet remember, but it was obvious with your inability to keep your eyes open. Even as the sound of the water eventually stopped and Ryan emerged with droplets still clinging to his skin. He looked like he had no choice except to put his bloodied shirt back on, but at least his skin was no longer stained red.
“Emma has nice showers I’ll give her that.” Ryan whistles, shaking the water from his hair. He only stops when noticing the way your gaze is still directed outside. “Oh, shit. Something out there—”
You quickly shake your head. “Everything’s fine. I’m just keeping an eye out.” At this, the Slayer has difficulty hiding the look on his face, causing you to laugh. “It’s nothing, really. I’m just a little worried something is gonna get in and…” You didn’t finish but you didn’t have to for Ryan to understand.
“Uh, I can stay up here with you… I mean, only if you’re OK with that?”
“Really?” you ask, the surprise evident in your voice.
Ryan seems embarrassed, nervously rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, of course. I’ll take any excuse to get a break from that shit show. I’ve dealt with enough crazy crap to last me a lifetime.”
Despite how sure his words were, it took Ryan some time to get up his nerve before finally taking off his boots and sitting on the bed. Though you were much more comfortable getting into position by laying on your side and facing him, the Slayer was a bit more hesitant as he sat closer to the edge. He didn’t lay down, instead settling for leaning against the headboard with his hands placed awkwardly in his lap.
“Aren’t you going to lay down?” you asked, brows furrowed as you stared up at the man beside you.
“I’m not that tired.” At your expression of disbelief, Ryan continued. “Don’t worry and go to sleep. I got you.”
Though you wanted to protest, that overwhelming tiredness made it impossible to argue with the Slayer. Instead, you finally allowed your eyes a moment to close and unsurprisingly, the moment they did, sleep overtook you.
At first Ryan was stunned by just how quickly sleep overcame you. A mere moments ago you were staring up at him with those eyes he’d do anything for, and now you were dead to the dangers of the world around you. Your relaxed state even worked on Ryan who, after a few minutes of getting situated, came to rest a hand on your arm. He patted the limb awkwardly but didn’t make a move to pull away either. Instead, he settled for leaning his head back against the wall and allowing his own eyes to close.
Apparently though, Ryan was much more tired than he originally let on. Because when you woke up again; not even a few minutes later, he was sound asleep himself and snoring softly into the pillow with his arms around you. Despite being unconscious, his grip was protective and strong, making you feel safe for once. So, with the sound of Ryan’s snores softly lulling you into a sense of calm, you couldn’t help but drift back into the best sleep of your life.
