#actor mark x reader

#ego mania - main tag

Damien would accept it glady, even returning it a fair bit. He's a softie inside and outside once he can drop his politically correct persona, so he's being all gentle about it, allowing you to cling to him like a koala bear whenever you want.

Google does not like it because his system overheats easily, but he lets you get your fill by allowing you to play with his hair. You found this little loophole once, and now whenever you feel like cuddling him, you stand beside him and play with his hair.

Actor absolutely basks in the attention. He'll take any proof of love and physical affection pretty much can't be beat. He'll even wrap his limbs around you, much like a snake when it's strangling its pray. You, on the contrary, are perfectly safe. Probably. Just get him out of the manor once in a while.

Illinois doesn't mind you clinging onto him. Just don't expect him to return it that much, afterall if he did, you might just end up getting too attached. You tell him you're literally dating, but he doesn't let that ruin his free spirit persona. He'll wrap one arm around you very loosely and maybe even scratch your head or give you a noogie.

If you're in the same cell as Yancy, he's actually the one crawling into your bed and spooning you every night. He still has to keep his occasional tough act in front of the other prisoners, but then again, whenever he arranges choreographies, he makes it so you're always dancing together and touching at almost every move and turn.

With Wilford, get ready for bear hugs when you least expect them. You thought you were clingy, but he'll always one-up you. You end up regularly finding an arm draped around your shoulder, feel a subtle squeeze on your waist or the tickle of his moustache just on your shoulder.

Darkiplier would at first just glance at whichever part of him you're touching. Then he'd sigh. But before you could start thinking that maybe he doesn't like it, he'd gently pull you even closer to him. He doesn't reciprocate it that intensely, but he'd never stop you. Maybe just maybe he doesn't actually want you to stop.

Eric would be overwhelmed at first, even skittish, but if you were gradual about it, he'd warm up to it eventually. Just casual touches here and there. He still needs his space most of the time, though.

~~~

Taglist: @jacksepticeye-simp, @jeys-fandom-corner, @kalevalaknights

Darkiplier

boiling on the inside, but won't really show it.

I think Dark is oftentimes represented as a very cool-headed person, someone who barely, if at all, allows themselves to be pushed around, and is generally very... set in their ways. solid. therefore, they'd probably want to think about things like these before they get into a relationship with you, just to survey all their options, but still get caught off guard regardless because, uh-oh, they have feelings?? feelings that make them... impulsive?? oh no. disaster. catastrophe.

a part of them is uneasy because - ew, emotions. they thought they mostly got over those. but falling in love with you is proof in in of itself that they continue to plague them, so they begrudgingly have to accept they have them.

they've spent so much time trying to support everyone else around them that they basically lost themselves in that role - they're a constant, a safety net, and everyone around them who is even glanced at affectionately is usually someone they've deemed is going to stick around. so when they realise that oh, there's a chance you won't, the first reaction, instead of insecurity or destructive rage, is better summed up as solid, indifferent dishing out of 'the fuck you will'.

they know you're attractive. maybe that's not something that made them stick by your side - after all, they'd met plenty of conventionally attractive people in their... existence - but they can objectively say you're pleasant to look at, even extremely so. (more pleasant to feel, to get to know - something the other person would have no idea about. they feel proud to be able to gauge you like that.) suffice to say, no, they aren't sharing. absolutely not. they're pretty sure you know that, so most of the time they believe just a quick reminder will do the trick; showing up behind you and diverting your attention when the person flirting with you is trying something, laying down simple but meaningful touches (like a hand on the shoulder, pulling you in by the waist, fixing your hair/clothes for you...) or, if need be, nudging you in the other direction to distract you.

if the person is being forceful and you are very obvious in your attempts to disuade them? if they continue even after the first 'no'? guard dog privileges. looming over your shoulder, puffing out their chest, shielding you away with their body. it's less threatening towards you, and more protective. they'll only engage like this if they feel you're truly threatened, though after a while of being attached to you the feeling heightens. it's more likely to happen the longer you're together - if you're just starting out, they'll probably let you handle it on your own, but later? oh no, dearest. come here. they'll keep you safe. (the other person on the other hand, they can't exactly vouch for. even if they're a friend of Dark's, the reaction is the same - the full force of an eldritch monstrosity, untamed but reigned into a single look. well, that's just the warning. they will escalate if they have to.)

if you seemingly reject Dark, unintentionally I'm sure, to prioritise the other person in a way that isn't obviously teasing, now then they're going to get angry. you'll be treated to the silent treatment, mostly, because before it couldn't have been your fault, but now? now that you're actively (consciously or unconsciously) picking favorites? fine. they see they're not needed here. (you'll have to beg to have their affection later. they'll only forgive you if you really make it known whose partner you are, both to Dark and to the person you were flirting with, willingly and because you want to, not because they forced you to - despite the fact they kind of did force your hand.)

if you are teasing? now they're amused, instead, albeit a tense amusement that tightens the leash around your neck every time you lightly brush the person's shoulder or lean in a bit too close. unfortunately, as they put it, they have a vice for the little cat and mouse games you like to play. they like the chase, like the thrill - though it usually would easily bounce off their stoic personality - but those are the perks of a more... intimate contact, no? sure. play your game, darling. they'll be here when you're done and tuckered out to give out a solid lesson after, ready to kiss it all better. maybe they'll even play dumb for a bit, just to withold the reaction you're craving. they like when you test their patience, because they know they'll win. they've been waiting for a while before they met you, stalking, watching. you'll crack first. you always do.

"Oh? Now you want my attention? I don't know about that. Maybe if you prove you deserve it."

Yancy

wilted flower that has fists.

best description I could give it, because - although he's easily turning to violence - he's dying on the inside. he knows he's no catch, being a criminal and all, despite how perfect for you you tell him he is. you're so nice, of course you wouldn't want someone like him, someone who's so hard to love, hard to get ahold of. but he sure as hell will try and get you back!

there's three ways I could see him reacting, depending on the situation at hand:

1) clueless. poor dear has no idea you're being flirted with, and just thinks this is someone who's friendly - which is the usual if you're with him in Happy Trails Penitentiary, where everyone is so nice and lovely, even as they're violently stabbing each other. of course they wouldn't flirt with you, everyone knows you're together! those are the perks of being in such a close-knit community - family, as you all are here in pri- the Penitentiary. if he notices something is off, though it would have to be really visible for him to notice, he'd transfer into one of the two other reactions, instead:

2) absolutely furious. sorry, I meant murderous. especially if this is someone he's known for a while, or who he'd been friends with prior (now that he's out of prison, if he is) and especially if he sees you're uncomfortable with it. almost ignores your distress in favor of getting rid of them first, and, oh, the rage is painfully obvious on his face. this is where you'd have to jump in to remind him, hey, you're still on parole and have to keep up good behavior, (or that he has an audience mainly made up of prison guards) or snatch away his pocket knife so he doesn't do anything... impulsive. he's way too good at being impulsive. he'll resign to keeping to a safe distance, shooting death glares to the person like launching bricks off of a six story building while you cling to him, keeping your hands on him and grounding him. yeah, he's barely holding it together.

it's more territorial than anything, however. like a dog snapping its teeth over a favorite chew toy and calming down as soon as the intruder takes a few steps back - immediately, as if forgetting anything even happened. it's a flaw, he knows, that he really doesn't think about you at all during those moments. of course, he refocuses on you immediately after, apologizes as he kisses your cheek, and he'd never like, push you if you were in his way or anything - but more like firmly relocate you to a safe space before whailing on the other person? he just gets caught up in the anger. he's working on it, but there's likely not going to be much give on how he deals with the situation, given he doesn't really catch on what's happening in the moment, mind too clouded with emotion, and can only react after the moment's passed. he'll try more, he swears. but if you're right next to him, providing comfort in a 'there, there (please don't do anything stupid)' fashion, it's more likely his grip will just turn steely where it lies on your back or waist and he'll puff out his chest as if to shout 'try me, pal' across the distance between you both and the person. (it's only a little cartoonish, you snort.)

3) the most devastated man you've ever seen. especially if you try and tease or toy with him by pretending to flirt back, or if you take it as friendly gestures. oh. oh... well. he knew he wasn't perfect, but... he'll just- get out of your way then. go back to his cell. maybe cry in his pillow a little. but like, just a smidge, he's still a man. (he cries a lot.)

it's not funny. don't do it. for the love of everything, don't even try. this man is going to fall apart at the seams, and even when you tell him, 'hey, hey, big boy, I was just joking!' - were you really? because that absolutely looked real to him!! are you just trying to get out of it?? he knows when he isn't wanted!!

you will not be sleeping in the same cell. you will get the silent treatment for the next week.

and an intervention planned out by the other members of the Penitentiary, all cornering you with harsh glares and sweat dripping down your forehead because, uh oh, did you forget to pay a debt back or something?? you're shoved into one of the empty cells and forced to sit in a circle like a council meeting while they debate whether or not to have your back as you fervently, passionately, begging on your knees go apologize to Yancy (as you're then instructed to, with all of them pointing various small shanks at you.). how dare you do this to him. hasn't that man been through enough?! (there are tears shed, wiped away by seemingly appearing out of thin air handkerchiefs of various colors and patterns, or with embroidery with lines like 'live, stab, HTP' or the Penitentiary logo surrounded by hearts or- is that the entirety of the plan of events for A Heist with Markiplier??) if you end up doing this in the Manor, the people organizing the intervention will most likely be other egos, pushing Dark in front as group leader as they begrudgingly explain that Yancy hasn't left their room in days. go make up. now. (Engineer nods his head violently behind Dark's back.)

he'll only hold off on the whole thing if you explain right away that you yourself were clueless in them flirting with you, and how you rejected them immediately once you caught on. then he really can't blame you, it happens sometimes, and he joyfully jumps into your arms as soon as he realizes what happened. you will have to be his weighted blanket for the next few days, though. and you owe him like, at least a dozen kisses. sorry, I don't make the rules.

"Really?? Youse mean it? Youse didn't know?? Oh, honey! I was, ahm, worried, there, fer a sec- haha, um... stay with me for a while, 'kay? Just 'till... 'till I feel better."

Head Engineer! Mark

annoying mode activate.

this man can be very, very persistent when he wants to, and when he smells something fishy going on between you and someone else? immediately inserting himself into the conversation. oh, hey, lovely weather, he was just meaning to talk to you! cool, cool, who's this, a new crewmember? ohhh, nice! did you tell them you're dating/married yet.

he's so cocky. like so, so cocky. yeah, he got you. he's yours, your one and only, blahblahblah - but you're his. he's so lucky, he thinks when he smiles brightly at you, only for that smile to turn into the most devious smirk when he looks at the other person. yeah, he's totally winning here. he'll even go as far as to mock the other person for trying - like, who do they think they are? this is a one in a million person over here- he worked his ass off trying to woo you, and he sure as hell isn't letting some - which level are they on again? - low-stationed officer try and take his Captain! (or whatever rank you are, considering he'd have an excuse to make you seem above said officer in rank even if you're lower than him simply by enhancing the amount you contribute to the Invincible II or the colony.) buddy, get a grip. this kinda partnership opportunity is classified for chumps who shoot for people out of their league.

either that, or he'll try and demonstrate how much better of a fit for you he is than the other person. oh, they don't know much about time travel? that's a shame, him and you know a lot. guess they won't be able to join in on that conversation. or, huh, they've been friends with you for how long? and they don't know your favorite book? Captain, really now. how is that even possible? don't worry, he knows it by heart. (even if the person outdoes him in some area of knowing you, he'll only steep in place, going unusually more quiet than before. gets very annoyed at knowing you less than someone else when he's supposed to be your boyfriend, or worse in this scenario, husband! afterwards he holds an interrogation, interviewing you for all he thinks he might not know. he needs to know you best. he must.)

even as the other person awkwardly or angrily shuffles away, he keeps the smirk going for a while until they're out of sight, after which he turns to you. if you were genuinely uncomfortable, it immediately drops and he turns back into his panicked self so much he starts checking you over for physical damage before he realizes, wait that stuff is internal- but, but, are you okay? what happened? tell him everything! he'll make sure that person never comes near you again if you want! the cocky exterior is but a mirage, but another face he puts on as Head Engineer, but inside his heart is racing a thousand beats per minute, more protective of you than concerned about his own status as your significant other. do you need help? need support? need him to chase someone off? he'll do it, just ask, no need to be shy!

if you did it on purpose, he'd probably know from the conversation he just butted into. Captain, really, he reads you like a book! he'll get it from your various 'oh, they were just being nice.' or 'they just needed some help.', making excuses for their behaviour with a mischevious smile. even then, he's more inclined to believe you - maybe they were just being nice and not at all trying anything - but just to be safe, they can ask him next time. wouldn't wanna bother you too much, since you're doing your very important duty. he can make time, for sure.

but if you make it really obvious through touches and how you refer to the other person that you're intentionally flirting to tease him, you better not be. same as Dark - Engineer shifts the blame over to you, but gets annoyed instead. you don't want him? you wanna be with someone else? fine! see if he cares! (he cares a lot. he cares a whole heck of a lot.) later, he corners you and asks what about that person is better than what he can give you. really probes you for it, asks for details, inserts follow-up questions until you're sweltering under his molten gaze. (you'll have to gently convince him you were joking. he doesn't believe you at first, but he's more keen to believe you the second time you tell him. when he's fully convinced, you can barely breathe in the crushing hug he envelops you in. no, no, he wasn't insecure at all! definetly! why would he be, haha? haha. ha. hm. okay, well. maybe just a bit.)

keeps an eye on you from then on. just checking in on you more frequently and conveniently working almost shoulder to shoulder with you on those allnighters you pull when both of you work through the night. just to be close. just to make sure you're safe.

"Hey, uh, if you had issues with anyone, Captain, you'd let me know, right? Yeah, yeah, just- just checking! Um, hey, you don't mind if I work in withcha in the cockpit tonight, right? Great!"

Actor! Mark

now, Actor's reaction depends on two things: whether he was in a relationship with you before Celine (in which case, his marriage with Celine would hopefully be nullfied, but that's a whole AU in in of itself) or if he was with you after Celine.

if it's the first option, he would rarely get jealous, if at all. he's confident you wouldn't leave him, because, well, why would you have any reason to? he's a rising star, he's rich and famous, he's charismatic, ready to sweep you off your feet and most importantly of all, he's your closest companion! really, in this period of his life, you two are a package deal, and whoever is tied to him that way is naturally objectively better than most of society. he'll probably assume whoever you're talking to is a producer or stage hand, or anyone in the film industry or paparazzi, really, because, well, you aren't just nobody anymore. you're his partner, and that in in of itself gets you on the frontpage of most tabloids before you can snap your fingers. why should he be jealous at you showing yourself off? in fact, let him show you off, if you want. he'll flaunt you all over the place before you even ask it of him, but ah, a well-mannered please also never hurt anyone.

if you're intentionally flirting, he also just sees it as a market opportunity. oh, you're trying to get under that producer's skin? maybe they already know who you are (no, they most definetly do, he assures himself) and will think of that interaction later and maybe, just maybe, consider adding Actor onto their list of calling actors to audition? wouldn't that be something, huh? you're flirting with a random stranger? that's just called being flattering, darling! wouldn't want to ruin your perfect, immaculate image, would you? no, of course not. you're so clever! adding some personal imprint on people you meet on a daily basis will surely boost your public relations. maybe you'll even end up in someone's newspaper article. what a smart cookie you are.

if you ever get fed up and tell him outright that you were flirting, that you weren't being oblivious, that you were trying intentionally to make him jealous, well - why? all you have to do is ask, pretty, and he'll give you any and all attention you want! no need to play games with him - that's reserved for people you control, people that are made to be manipulated, but you? you're both better than that. you're both higher than that, so what's the point, really? just ask him.

"Aw, trying to make me jealous? That's so cute. Don't worry, superstar. You've got me all to yourself, just say the word."

if this happened after Celine, well, that's a whole different story.

this man is scared, and even pretending to be as cocky as he used to be doesn't work in calming him down. can't fake it 'till you make it if you can't even physically calm down enough to try. he's not about to embarrass himself, no, but he will sit in the background to look, to observe. alike with Celine, he'll probably be reserved for a while, instead of outright confrontational. a part of him is still trying to grasp onto the fact that - heh - why would you ever leave him? he's great, awesome, spectacular, dazzling, he's everything you could ever want! so why, why, why, are you pulling away? why do you insist on pulling stupid shit?! but in the end, that reassurance is still very wobbly. you could leave, just like she did. please, please don't leave like she did. he wouldn't be able to take it. you promised, did you not?

he will probably confront you at some point, when he gathers enough of what he considers to be 'evidence' - phone call receipts, texts, photos from a private investigator (the same one who was a bit weirded out by your behavior too, but didn't think you were cheating or anything, as the encounters just seemed extremely friendly rather than flirtatious), or anything else. yes, he does think you calling the associate who is friends with the person he thinks you're cheating on him with is weird. how could it not be?! they must be your way of secretly arranging meetings, or something! must be...

even when he confronts you, he won't scream, not until you confess, at least. there will be a boiling rage thumping through him as he sits there and, with curt responses filled with venom, slowly unfolds your supposed 'plans' before you, gauging your reactions. Actor's never silent, not really - until he is.

when you somehow convince him his delusions are baseless, that you still love him, he doubts himself - if he's wrong about this, what else is he wrong about? are you trying to manipulate him? is this just some elaborate scheme? but when it fully sets in, oh goodness is he relieved. he won't apologise, not really, but he will keep you close to him for the next few weeks and not ask, but demand you not go anywhere. have some work to do? his office has two chairs. need a break outside? sit back down and open the window if you must, but you're waiting until he finishes what he needs to and then you can both go outside. it eventually simmers down into normalcy, but he will need a lot of love and reassurance to feel stable in the relationship again. seriously, don't exacerbate his trust issues, please.

if you're trying to make him jealous intentionally? now he's mad. that just says to him that he's right, that his perspective has at least some basis in reality and that crushes him, but hell if he's not going down swinging! he's interrogating you, ignoring you, giving you the silent treatment before yelling at you again the next day - all in rapid succession to each other, in different patterns each time. this is most likely the point where your relationship will develop its first cracks, and takes even more time to heal than you unintentionally doing it, because, what, he isn't good enough for you? him?? he isn't doing enough for you?? at least say something before you go off flirting with other people, even if it's fake! seriously. eventually you can get back to a somewhat normal status, but if it happens again, even unintentionally, he will bring it up immediately as a sort of 'proof' of your tendencies. even so, it's mostly you who'll have to do the hard part of the whole 'fixing the mess you made' rather than him brushing it off, because in his mind this is just another prophecy coming true.

"Had a nice date? Had fun? Good, I'm glad. Just great, really. Next time, try remembering you have a husband/boyfriend to come home to, would you?"

Wilford Warfstache

oh, that's funny. no, scratch that, that's hilarious.

either if you're being flirted with unintentionally or if you're flirting to make him jealous, well, no, that's not really happening. Wilford may be a cunning bastard, but he's no hypocrite - he flirts with people all the time and it barely means anything, so, you flirting doesn't really rattle him at all. hey, as long as you're having fun! he knows you'll crawl back home to him anyways, right, pumpkin? really the type of guy to sit not even 5 feet away from you flirting with someone else and not give a single shit, only for when you do come back to go 'hey, how'd it go?' with a giggle. he wants to know aaaaaalll the juicy details. what makes that one tick? what flusters that girl you were talking to? oh, it's just fascinating. it's like a little show for him.

(definetly uses the information later as a sort of 'gotcha' moment, either mentioning it in the most random situations or deliberately pointing it out as a sort of jab at the other person. but in the end, it's all a taunt, really. maybe it's just the right thing he needs to keep things... interesting.)

if anything, you'll probably end up competing in it. how fast can you get people to fall for you? who has the better pick-up line? who can make the other flustered first? the list goes on. but either way, he knows you're his, or will be his, or... were his? it all gets muddy eventually, what with all the timelines shifting back and forth. but you'll always be connected and if not, he can always find you again - some time, some place, and woo you all over again. he knows you front to back, really. there's nothing you can hide from him, not even your feeble attempts at riling him up, no, puppy, that won't work.

if he does get riled up (usually when the evidence starts piling up of you flirting with one person specifically for, let's say, months) he explodes. there is no build up, no hints, no warning - just cold-blooded murder. genuinely just takes the person by surprise by using his very... very handy Magnum 375 in at least a semi-secluded place, before wiping his bloodied phone on his pants, on a call with you asking you if you wanted to spend time with him. (semi-secluded mainly because well, yeah, while he doesn't really care if anyone sees - he still wouldn't want you to see. he knows you're kind of sensitive to these kinds of things.)

if you weren't even aware? oh, bunny, that's just the cutest! or so he says as he continues menacingly loading up his pistol. (faster than usual if you tell him it made you even a little bit uncomfortable.) whaaaat? some target practice never hurt anyone! especially if it sends a good enough message, like, um- don't touch what's his? haha, he's just kidding, sugar, don't be so tense! he'll be back in a jiffy, ready to smother you in every ounce of affection he has. just be patient and wait for him, 'kay? (death doesn't really matter either way, does it? that person's definetly alive... well, in some other universe at least. just as long as it isn't in this one, now that's just a swell concept, isn't it, cupcake? less problems for you, less problems for him... everyone wins!)

no mercy, yes, but also no dissaproval. flirt away! literally unable to be threatened at all. (not that you can see, anyways.) if anything, you're practicing so you can flirt with him better. aren't you, sweet cheeks? of course you are - him too! anything for his little duckling.

"Oh, that person? No, haven't seen 'em at all, sweetie. Who cares? They were starting to get boring. Anyways- wanna spend some time with your favorite show host?"

Illinois

distracts himself, trying not to think about it. ends up doing it anyways.

it starts off like a game - how long can he take it before he snaps? at first, it's easy, even a bit funny - what, you think someone flirting with you will disturb him? him? treasure, have you forgotten he's a man in high demand? he was fine before you, he'll be fine after you - really, it's you who should be chasing him. or, at least, that's what he tells himself while you're engrossed in conversation with a stranger, only turning with a sweet 'aren't they nice?' to see him tossing another award-winning smirk in your direction. no. he isn't jealous. he isn't. if he repeats it enough times it'll start being the truth, it'll become reality. but that smile - you reserved it only for him, did you not? so why are you smiling like that at someone else?

the first time is fine. he feels a bit uneasy, sure, but it'll pass. the second time it hits harder. the third time, even he has to admit to himself something's going on he didn't account for - the option of you not being attracted to him. in all honesty, he's confused. you're... not attracted to him anymore? that's... impossible. isn't it?

he'll pull back after that, albeit silently, so that you barely notice, if you do at all. says he's busy. (he tries to be. it doesn't stop his thoughts from slamming back into him like a truck loaded with bricks.) if you're a usual partner to him on his adventures, he'll start going alone again - says it's too dangerous, then that it's just a one-person mission, then that you have too much work at home that needs to be done... and then, he doesn't make up excuses at all. just packs his bags and leaves silently. if you're not by his side that often, you just stop seeing him as often all together. when he's in town, it's like he's... avoiding you? of course, this is all if he sees you with them more often. you think he's just... grown tired of you. of course he would, his life is so exciting, and you're just... you. but in reality, he's not tired, not even a little bit - if anything, he's too angry to face you. because he's not angry at you - he's angry at the other person, angry at himself, and above all, confused. he'd never been jealous of anything before! is that what people talk about when they say they're jealous? he's so used to being the best, the most attractive, the most sought after, everyone fawning over him. the playboy, the life of the party, the knight in shining armor - all thrown aside for what? someone who's more convenient? he just can't face it.

he returns just as swiftly - suddenly appearing back as if nothing happened. if anything, it's so sudden it feels stifling - he's around more than he'd ever been. butting into your conversations with the other person, leading you away, telling you about what he's seen while he's been away (and doesn't tell you about the nights he spent by the campfire, staring into the dark as if the voice he didn't dare let out would call you back to his side), insisting you just have to see it. you've gotta! he's been saving it just for you, came back just for you to go and see it! (he'll keep you safe, he promises while looking over his shoulder at the other person, much safer than anyone else ever could - whether you're experienced or not.)

if you don't confront him, you'll never hear anything about it. Illinois? jealous?? that's not a word associated with him. missed you?? please. (yes. goodness, yes.) more like, you missed him and you're projecting. totally. definetly.

but if you tell him you know what he'd been up to? well, if it was you flirting on purpose and you tease him about it, he'll surprisingly turn bashful - the surprise catching him so off guard his feelings actually show a bit! (congratulations! you did it! the one thing barely anyone can do to him!) he'll scratch at his neck, twiddle his fingers and go 'well, uh, um, yeah. I- I knew that!' (he did not. he is very relieved it was a joke, though.) if you notice any later and understand what had been happening before the trip? well, even if you apologise, he wouldn't say that he was jealous. nope. oh, you just now noticed? nono, that was him, just- uh- being broody, you know, like all manly guys are. yeah. y'know, when you're just, uh- this cool, y'know, you just- gotta have those moments sometimes. wasn't anything related to you. obviously.

but he'll hold you a bit closer at night. tug you to him a bit harder while you're walking, or riding, or doing anything that requires contact. just, uh, don't mention it too much.

"Here, let me see those hieroglyphs. What? Are ya too cool now for a lil' close contact? Too bad, partner. You should be thankin' me for it, really. Not many get this close."

The Host

the impact of his presence is enough to scare off most potential suitors.

when you're approached first, he's already there. in fact, he usually sticks close to you anyways - considering you're his safe space and all. really, he sometimes thinks he's exploiting you a bit, or acting clingy before you reassure him he's fine. but then, oh, you're leaving? someone needs your attention? of course, he can wait. but his mind's already racing a million miles per minute.

who are you talking to? what are they like? what are they thinking, saying? what are you saying in response? his brain is just filling up with every bit of information he can muster up, willing or not, and oh, he isn't pleased with what he knows. see, being with someone like the Host, alike Dark, is a very done deal sort of thing. either you're in, or you're out. usually, that stands for as long as they can keep the relationship alive, and they're damn sure going to try their best to keep it going as long as possible. so, while he shouldn't realistically be as concerned as he is, there's still an itchy sort of feeling clawing at his skull as he slowly narrates under his breath every emotion palpable on your face and the face of your admirer, as if to ground himself. then, slowly but with intent, he turns. just stares. menacingly.

usually, that's enough to scare anyone off and well, you're none the wiser considering he turns back just as you're returning back to him, before you see - you shouldn't be concerning yourself with his emotions right now, he wouldn't want to spoil your mood. you just skip and hop back to him with a smile, relieved to be back at his side. (where you belong.)

he tries not to admit it, but there are some remnants in him from his days as the Author (he flinches whenever he remembers that time, that name-) that stick around in him even now. namely, his possessiveness. though he'd never tell you, the Host is very, very, very eager to keep what he considers his, and you just so happen to fit into that category. (he chastizes himself whenever he feels the pang of it, the sweetness of the crookedness he used to possess, and how easily he could make anything he wanted happen without even batting an eye. he can't, for his and your sake, allow himself to go back there.) in this case, such feelings prove to be immensely useful. even without his eyes, even with an overcrowded mind, he is as sharp as ever and luckily - humans don't need to see someone's eyes to pick up on the fact their presence is highly unwanted.

so he uses what he has - simple, really.

if they're really persistent, he'll give 'em a chance to back away, once, leaning in closer to you and lightly putting his hands on your shoulders, all while 'staring' them down. this is his, the action will say. and if they don't listen? he'll lead you away without stopping. he doesn't want to get his hands dirty - you're strictly against that - so he pulls you away and tells you everything that'd been going through that person's mind while they looked at you, had been talking to you. your reaction tells him everything he needs to know. (plus, you've always believed him - why would he lie to you? if he didn't say anything, now that would be lying. he's putting his trust in you, letting you make your own decisions while easily providing you extra information. that's what he's good at. it's only fair, after all - what's yours is his, and vice versa.)

if you're horrified, unaware or admit you'd been uncomfortable, he asks if you'd like to leave. if so, he's grabbing your things immediately and not letting you retreat back into the room, using all he has to navigate himself without anyone's help, all while keeping up the body language of a rampaging bull. (as if he'd need to put in a lot of effort for it. he's already furious as is.) when you get back home, he's softer. do you need anything? a warm drink? physical affection? just for him to talk while you sit there and listen? he'll do anything. (sometimes it feels smothering, especially in cases where not much really happened and it was only mild uncomfortableness, but you let him do it regardless. it's his way of calming down, too. he needs to take care of you. needs to make sure you're as happy as can be before allowing himself to even sit down.)

if you throw on a smirk with a small 'I know.', instead, he's confused before he catches on. a slight flicker in his brows before he relaxes. honestly, he doesn't know what to do with that. why did you do it? does he need to be better? does he need to step up? why didn't you just tell him? he tells you everything. everything. and you're... what, not treating him as a person who values constructive criticism? angel, he's changed now. he's no longer this brash, morally twisted person. he won't get mad, or become troubled, or anything- why... why didn't you just tell him? he's offended, to cut the story short. he won't abandon you, no, but just issue a slight warning in the sense of 'if you want to flirt so much, go ahead. just don't expect me to be there to coddle you after.' or 'willing to put our bond on the line for a bit of excitement? I thought you were reasonable.' he'd never leave you over it - but you'd definetly lose respect in his eyes. again, being equals is highly, highly important to him - he knows he knows more than you, but he informs you regardless. he adores you for all your little human things, your quirks, your endearing flaws and virtues, and is always, always communicating and dedicating himself fully. it throws him for a loop a little. he doesn't know if he can trust you fully after that.

"My half, are you alright?, the Host questions his partner as he swerves them to the side. That person, they aren't bothering you, are they?, the Host's brows furrow lightly at the notion, concern slowly seeping from his expression. We can go home, if you'd like. But only if you want to. Or I could... do something about it., the Host's grip becomes steely where it resides on their shoulders. The choice is theirs alone to make."

Heist! Mark

he will fight for you! just, uh, if he loses... don't laugh at him, okay?

when he sees you talking to someone, anyone - even people he knows, he's butting into the conversation regardless of if it's one where you're being flirted with or not. this usually results in the entire interaction being stopped, so unless the person is really pushy, he won't know he just interrupted a very awkward situation, or foiled your, well, plans to make him jealous. really, just clueless.

however, if anyone is easily riled up, it's Heist. like, you barely need to do anything and he's already jealous - mainly because of his... personality.

you're used to sticking together - you're partners, after all, and the kind of business you're in usually values more sets of eyes looking at one task than one. or at least, so he tells you. you aren't really sure what got you into being a thief, anyways. it was all his idea at the end of the day. but yeah, you're his partner. and you talking to someone away from him? laughing? giggling? doing that cute snort he adores but makes fun of in front of you? oh, hell no. he's already stomping over there, a sickly sweet smile on his face as he slides in with a smooth 'heeeeyyy.'. everyone can see he has no actual good intentions, but he fully believes he is the prime example of stealthiness. as per usual.

if you want to make this man jealous, all you have to do is be sweet to someone. he's extremely insecure, and covers it up with jokes, light, friendly jabs and physical contact easily mistaken as unintentional. and when you mention it? the fact he might be jealous? what??? no, no he- well, you caught him. y'know, you're really good at interrogating people. (he folded instantly.) literally, you can breathe just a bit more loudly around another person and you'll catch him moping in the corner, or confronting you late at night when you're alone, most likely in a self-deprecating manner. do you still love him? you were just laughing at their jokes 'cause you're kind, right? his jokes are so much better, right? (sometimes you have to inflate his ego a little bit, or else he'll get so much worse. trust me, you don't want him moping around like a toddler for the next few days.) but really, he himself knows he's being dramatic. in fact, he's playing it up on purpose - sometimes he isn't even that upset, especially after you'd played this game multiple times before and he's more secure in the relationship - but he still adores being coddled by you, so he'll continue the charade for as long as he can milk it. yes, yes, he's sooooo insecure - won't you kiss it all better for him?

if you're unaware you're being flirted with, though, you're backing up against his arguments. he's being nonsensical - they were just being nice, no? you know how he gets. this is just him flaring up at something he has no business flaring up at, and really, would he quit it already? now he's going to be telling you you're not even allowed to have friends, either, huh? you hope he gets over himself already. because he's so dramatic, he's usually the picture perfect image of 'the boy who cried wolf' - and in this case, the wolf wants his partner. if you don't want to listen to him (you will, the first time, but the more he plays up the drama, the less you believe him, really), he'll go and try and fix it himself. by... fighting. and then crawl back to you wounded, usually either with a cover story like 'they attacked me first!' or 'I was defending your honor!'. either way you spin it, of course you're going to believe your boyfriend/husband over this other person (even if you suspect he's wrong. you know what they say - happy crook, happy- um, nook? or however that saying goes.), dabbing away at the open wound on his eyebrow while he lays his head in your lap. (totally not milking the attention. nope.)

afterwards, you'll notice him, well, noticing you more. the usual between you two is joking - it's your love language - as well as making jabs at one another, insulting each other endearingly, not really meaning anything by it. but the moments after he realizes he could've easily lost you are the moments when he's most tender. there are less jokes, less stabs at your pride, and instead you're greeted with simple compliments like 'you look nice today.' and 'did you always sound so smart, or did I never notice it before?', as well as unusually enthusiastic support for your ideas. it's only a temporary thing though, and you're usually quickly back to your everyday banter. he doesn't love you any less, though.

"Hey, psst! You're not sleeping, are you? Just wanted to make sure - that person you were laughing with this afternoon - you don't like them more than me, right? Right?? Okay, good.

...

Are you sure?"

Antisepticeye

good grief, he's like a feral cat and an eldritch nightmare all at once. leash that man.

the most possessive out of the bunch, his agression rivaling only Simon's. the moment he catches sight of someone appealing to his doll, intentional or not, that person is dissapearing right in front of your eyes. not that he'd usually let you see anyone - especially as you fall deeper and deeper under his control, but in those early days and rare cases... yeah. at first, it's like a glitch in the matrix. you feel like you were just talking to yourself the way they were zipped out of existence, and weirdly enough, after a while of trying to date someone, going on dates, living your life, (not knowing a certain entity had long staked its claim to you and is very unwilling to let go) you start believing all those Backrooms videos might have a certain point to them. might hold a certain... truth. or something like that. the details get foggier the more you try to think about it.

after a while, you stop trying altogether. seems like the universe doesn't allow you to even attempt, with your head exploding every few minutes. it's like a beating heart, thumping against your temple as if trying to break loose. you're scared. something is making you really scared.

when he finally shows himself, he makes sure to remind you whose. exactly. you are. doesn't hide it either - not even a little. every move is memorized. every attempt, however unknowing and innocent, is written down and every consequence is determined accordingly. as he grips your chin for you to give him a proper look, you shiver in fear over what's to come - though, if he's feeling generous enough, you won't remember anything. he can forgive. just for you. just once. then he won't anymore. next time, you're sure to remember. the punishments he administers for such acts are less of a... physical kind, but rather emotional and mental. you'll feel yourself unravelling for days, but oh, don't fret. he's here to make it all better, and well, if he reshapes you into something more favorable... you don't mind, right? not that much, anyways. (not when you're so out of it you can't even give him a proper answer, thought or utterance, or at least more than a pathetic gurgle. you're so cute when you writhe on the floor in pain.)

if you try flirting with someone else? even after it? maybe you're sick of his shit. maybe you're done and angry and frightened and tired, and maybe you're intoxicated and just looking for ways to piss him off - oh, pet. you are so, so stupid. he'll have you on your knees, begging to amend for your sins. and that's what they are, aren't they? any grave mistake committed against him is a sin unto itself. he'll make sure you bleed only when he cuts the wound anew, when he commands your blood to spill. he'll have you devoted to him and only to him. if you stray, he'll gouge out the eyes you'd strayed with. as much as he likes them, adores their glossiness, if you leave him no choice... well. there are ways to preserve the beauty of human organs.

after all...

you were born to yield to his will.

"It's funny seeing you beg me to let you go. You know we're far too deep into this shit to stop now. Not like I'd want to, anyway. And for you, what I say goes."

Simon the Convict

a hurricane in human form.

Simon's... fragile. as much as he doesn't want to admit this to himself, he's very easily rattled, with a short fuse to boot. and even when you tell him, over and over and over again, how you didn't know, how it was an accident, how - if you'd known - you would've stopped immediately - he's too angry to listen to you. all that rings in his ears, from the moment he saw you with one of your coworkers, exchanging glances across the table, giggling about something he wasn't privy to, moving in perfect sync with casual touches and bright smiles, is betrayal, betrayal, betrayal. he didn't even ask you who, or why, or how - too captivated by the snake that snagged at his heart, the venom spreading and withering away at his insides, bitingly sour. (he'd been loyal to you, the vibrations in his teeth hiss at him as he grinds them together, he'd been yours. and what about you? how. could. you.)

it happens rarely, if that's any consolation - and with every reaction, with every time it happens, even he starts to understand that it's useless. you wouldn't leave him. you're not like that. you wouldn't have done all that for him, lived through all that for him, if you didn't love him. but he can't help it. the walls he built up inside and took down just for you are both barriers away from humanity and shields that kept him safe. he can't allow for them to crumble. not again. not after Eden. and yet, he took down brick after brick, just for you. so, every reaction is a tenfold process. every emotion is intense, and overwhelming, and all-consuming. he just hopes you could at least attempt to understand.

it takes time for him to process it. takes more than time - by the time you rush back home after not seeing him for the entirety of the day, you come back to a trashed hallway and living area, and the bedroom door locked, with only heavy breathing to accompany his presence. it continues for days - he sleeps, he eats, he goes to work - but he doesn't acknowledge you, or else he's mentally out for the day. for as long as he can muster it, he stays behind that door. it helps when you talk him through it through the door, even if you sound like a broken record. repeating over and over again, 'I didn't mean it, Simon, really.', or, 'I would never leave you. I would never do that to you.', or, 'I love you. please talk to me.'. it really does help, as much as he hates to admit it. he knows he's being unreasonable - but he has to let these things settle before he takes up arms, or does something equally as bad that he'll regret later.

after a few of these encounters, you build up a routine, and he talks to you. not face to face, per se, but he writes you letters that he slides under the door, seeing as he'd only scream at you if you were right in front of him. there's always pens and paper now in your bedroom. in them, he writes how he feels at that moment, writes how much he loves you, how hurt he is - so you have material to say through the door. 'you said it really hurt you when I touched their hand - I know only we interlock fingers, Simon, but- well, they were really sad about... something happened. I was just trying to comfort them. it's not- you know that was a one time thing. I only do that regularly with you. you know I do.' that. that really, really helps. even if he doesn't answer, he comes out of the room more quickly each time, ready to hug it all out and kiss it all better. he stops breaking things as easily. he starts feeling more secure.

if you flirt intentionally? worse, admit it to him? he's going to break up with you. Simon isn't the kind of person to play cat and mouse - he'd been through waaaay too much bullshit to start being all coy and playful now. he can joke, to an extent, he can crack a smile, but that kind of playful? the kind where feelings easily get hurt? absolutely not. he does not play with you, or yours or his feelings. the only thing he wants out of a relationship, really, is something constant and secure. he isn't ready to gamble his future, exacerbate his insecurities, endanger the one thing that keeps him sane, just so you could have some fun. even if it hurts you both, he'll do the right thing.

Top, Bottom, or Switch?

Damien- Switch

So I feel like Damien would depend on the day

Like I feel like he would love to lay back and let you take the lead after a long, hard day as the Mayor

Letting you tie him up, use him however you need

But he would also be so down to top

I can picture it now

Him making you get off on his thigh or shoe or something because he is too busy with his work

Being "mean" and using his "Mayor Voice" with you when you are too needy

oml making you hump his cane

anyways...

he would be a switch, but I feel like he would prefer bottom most of the time!

Darkiplier- Top

Branching off of Damien, I feel like Dark would top most of the time, if not ALL of the time

Don't get me wrong the idea of putting him in his place is VERY pleasant (for everyone involved)

But I don't think he would be able to let his guard down enough to do that

I don't see him as a "hard dom" or anything like that

Because I headcanon him as a major dork who is lowkey shy and very obsessed with you

and gets flustered by you really easy

BUT

he would never be able to let go enough, no matter how long you have been together, to let you top him

but he would really like the idea

Wilford- Bottom

I have seen TOO MUCH top Wilford to let this go on any further

LOOK at that man and tell me he doesn't want to be tied up and used

He wants not just a top, but a dom.

He wants nothing more than to let you take care of him

I physically can not see him topping anyone

He, like Dark, would get flustered by you so easy omg

Anyways, bottom Wilford supremacy please and thank you

Engineer Mark- Bottom

This man would do anything for you

Which includes topping you if you wanted...

but he would only ever really like bottoming

Engie is smitten, we all know this

The only time I could see him "topping" would be if he gets genuinely angry at you and it is a hate-fuck sort of situation

But on average he isn't going to do anything but bottom

Like Damien, the thought of you taking the lead—of wanting him enough to initiate and take the lead—is the hottest think in the world to him

Actor Mark- Top

Let's be real he is only using you for his pleasure

Unless he really really likes you, he is using whatever you have to get himself off

You will, 9 times out of 10, be sucking him off

But when you have actual sex, he is taking the reins

He is always in control, and don't you forget that

...

seriously. if you try to top him he will get offended.

Like "oh do I not get you off well enough as is? do you have to tell me what to do because i don't do well enough"

and then sulk for a few days before crawling back to you like nothing happened and fucking you senseless

Simon- Switch

Our good 'ol convict :)

The reason I say switch is because I think it depends on the point in his life

His "Butcher" days? Top 100%

Quick fucks in a bathroom or supply closet where he ghosts you the next day

No. You can't take the lead. He doesn't have time for that.

He has stuff to do, and you are the least of his priorities

So he will top. And if you don't like that? Leave. He'll find someone else. He always does.

Post-Arrest/Convict Simon? True switch.

This man wants to be held, but understands if another convict also wants that

Torn between Convict!Simon who will take charge and fuck you senseless in the span of 10 minutes versus Convict!Simon who will cum in his pants because you demanded he lie down and kissed him on the forehead...

And then there is after the events of iron lung.

He wins back his freedom, and finally settles down

Finds a S/O, maybe gets married, maybe even has kids

But one thing is for certain, this man will bottom forever

He wants to be held

To be told what to do, but in a sweet way

He wants you to demand he lays down on the bed and "take it" while kissing him from head to toe

He just wants to feel loved

Useful

Like you aren't going to leave him

I think he needs therapy

Yancy- Top

Yancy was harder for me to figure out

I feel like he would be fine with you thinking you are taking the lead, but would never actually relinquish his control

if that makes sense

He is very soft, though

Very careful

He wouldn't ever say anything to you that would come across as mean or anything

He would be very polite with it

"Please lay down, dollface"

"Fuck, get on your knees f'me, doll, please"

Always saying please and thank you as he fucks your brains out and pins you against the mattress, yk?

Heist Mark- Switch

I think it, again, depends on where you are with Heist Mark atp

Like, is it in the beginning of AHWM when you are annoying the fuck out of him?

Constantly trying to stick together?

Eyes wide, face flushed every time he so much as looks at you?

Yeah. Top. 100%

He would top you just to get you to shut the fuck up

Maybe so he could slip away while you are reeling from the aftermath of fucking in a sewer or something equally insane

But he really wouldn't be able to slip away

Not after he sees you so helpless, so completely fucked out

Anyways

When you get to know each other a bit better

Maybe after a few near-death experiences...

He gets soft on you

Well- soft may not be the best word to describe him around you...

But ykw i mean

He would mainly bottom

Let you take care of him

Climb into his lap after you wake up the next morning after you steal that jeep from the museum

Thanking him for making breakfast for the two of you.

God he looks good in that apron

(yes i still count that as Heist mark... technically most of these guys are actor so who cares)

Illinois- Top

Not a whole lot to say about Illinois tbh

He's pretty much a "what you see is what you get" sort of guy

I think he is like Dark a lot in the way that he would ALWAYS top, but would secretly want to bottom

But I feel like he would really enjoy topping

Like

A lot

He is just a cocky, kinky bastard who loves to make people, especially you, scream his name

Kinks? Or Fetishes?

(for reference, kinks are something that help you get off, while fetishes are something you need to get off- brief explanation but just in case you were confused)

Damien

I think he is a very vanilla man

I don't think he has any fetishes tbh

A few kinks, though (because who doesn't?)

I feel like he would like latex? Idk it's just a vibe i get from him

But like only a little latex

Like you wearing a latex suit? Think catwoman vibes

I think he would also be really into puppy play/ pet play

But for you

He would give you a crate in his office with a dog bowl for water and like, toys and stuff

Make you sit in just your underwear and a collar with a little bell on it

Underwear if you're lucky

I think he would so get off on clicker training you omg my world has opened up to this possibility

Clicker training you to crawl over to his desk and suck him off whenever he gets a little stressed

The bell on your collar tink-ing every time you move

Light bondage would also be a kink for Damien

I don't think he would be into either of you being super intricately tied up

But maybe tie him up to the bedframe using his belt, or vice versa?

I think he would find that so fucking hot omg

Other than that maybe public stuff?

But I also feel like that would be a secret idea he enjoys on his own

He would be too flustered and nervous to actually be able to pull it off, I think

Darkiplier

Good lord what is this man not into?

He would genuinely be up to try anything with you i feel

Are you into it? Cool. So is he.

On his own, however, I feel like he would be into everything Damien is but 10x more hardcore.

Pet play?

You are crawling around 24/7 as his own personal kitty

He calls? you come

But he would be less gentle that damien with it, i fear,

Like, if you disobey enough, or he finds you difficult to "train"?

Shock collar (like the ones for dogs..)

You want to be a brat and not come when he clicks? Well prepare to be shocked

The reason it is a kink more than fetish for him is bc I don't think he would need this

If you aren't into it at all, he can drop it

You want to know what he can't drop?

Like to the point where he won't come unless this is involved?

Overstimulation, and it's very dear cousin, edging.

He genuinely won't cum unless he edges you/overstimulates you

He doesn't have to do both

But god would he love to

No matter what happens, be prepared for a 3+ hour session of him either making you cum over and over and over again until you are a writhing mess, or edging you a billion times until you are a sobbing, pleading wreck for him

Seriously can't get off without it

On that note, he loved when you cry

Not in a mean, evil way

No.

He wants you to feel so good you can't do anything but cry

He wants to break you just so he can put you back together again!

Wilford

He is into those beautiful bdsm bondage things.

I think it is called Kinbaku or something

Anyways, he is SUPER into that

honestly, anything to do with art or creating he would love to bring into the bedroom.

He is, inherently, a creative person

Being able to tie you (yes, even though he is a bottom he wouldn't find it nearly as fun being tied up that intricately, since he wouldn't be able to see it) into beautiful knots like that would be a dream come true

I don't even think most of his kinks are inherently sexual, if that makes sense?

He just sees a beauty in the thinks people (especially you) create

I think he would also be into gun play

Yes, i know, big jump from making pretty knots lol

But he would never actually load the gun... maybe... probably.

Yeah you would play russian roulette once while having sex and then the gun would actually go off missing you by an inch and he would never bring it up again

BUT he would absolutely get off on you making him suck off a gun while fucking.

OR pressing a gun to his head while fucking.

OR a gun even being in the room while, you guessed it, fucking.

On the same note as both, I feel like knife play would work for him

Like, in the sense that you are cutting patterns into his bare skin

He would love to bare the scars of your creations

He wants to be littered with what you create

Adding onto this... marking

Mark that man UP

Hickeys, cutting him, biting him

Hell, piss on the man for all he cares

Just do whatever you can to make sure everyone, including himself, knows he is YOURS

Engie

I want to say something that might get me crucified ngl

But maybe, potentially, electro-shock play? (idk what it would be called)

Maybe it starts bc one day you, captain, are making your rounds and come across your beloved head engineer trying, desperately, to fix something.

You are about to pass by him when there is a big spark, which shocks him, making him make the most delicious sounds

You know that he was literally shocked by live wires... but god the moans that poured out of him from it

He never knew that something so painful could be so hot when you were doing it to him.

Atp buy him a shock collar.

OMG wait—

He would be into pet play but where he is your pet

Give this man a collar and a leash and he will be yours for eternity (as if he isn't already)

His dick would be so hard just by you saying "good boy" when he fixes something, his metaphorical tail wagging

He has both a praise kink and a degradation kink

Or would it be more of a fetish?

Yeah, change that font to red baby

You need to praise that man, tell him how good he's doing for you, or else he won't be able to get off

He can get hard from just your touch, yeah, but actually cumming?

Has to be called a good boy to do it. Them's the rules.

OR he has to be told how much a dirty boy he's being

Degrade that man until he's brought to tears because he knows he's being bad, he just can't help it.

Actor Mark

Intox kink.

Actor will fucking drown you in alcohol or pills or whatever he can get his hands on before absolutely wrecking you

His fat cock wedged inside you while he shoves a bottle of whiskey into your mouth

Gets off on not just the fact that you are so sloppy drunk/high that you can't even think straight, but that you are just letting him do whatever he wants to you

You are just sitting there, looking up at him all doe eyed while he pours tequila down your throat.

You could say no, you could always say no, and he would absolutely respect that

But you don't

And you won't

And he can't get enough of it

I feel like he would also have a breeding kink

NOT because he wants to get you pregnant (if you even can be). GOD no. the last thing he wants is another fucking kid to pay for

But the thought of you being so fucking full of him is something he can't stay away from.

The thought of you dripping with his cum, which he then pushes back into you with his fingers, will make him cum on the spot

He also has to degrade you.

He can't help it that you're just a dirty little slut, letting him cum inside you

That you're a fucking whore, wrapping your mouth around him like that.

He can't cum unless he does it, so if you don't like it idk what to tell you (I fear he cares about his pleasure more than yours, sorry)

Simon

I am going to focus on post-iron lung simon, because anything else would be completely different (i can do the butcher and convict!simon in a separate post if you are interested/have even read this far lol)

i think this man need to have a therapy kink. king, go to therapy. king, be loved. love fetish.

jokes aside, I think he would be fairly vanilla post-lung.

I like the thought of him having a breeding kink

Knowing you are his forever person, and wanting to tie you to him forever so you can never leave.

Not to the extent of poking holes in condoms (realistically, even though that is kinda hot), but moreso you fucking yourself on him and begging him to breed you gets him off so much

I think knowing you love him so much that you would let him cum inside you has to be the best thing in the world to him.

But also...

virginity kink??

Like yeah... he wants you to take the reins, to be on top.

He wants to be with you forever...

but that doesn't mean he doesn't get off on being able to be your first everything, when so much of his firsts were taken from him.

Being able to make your first time slow, and good, and beautiful, where his was haste and rushed in between whatever Eden wanted him to do means so much to him

He also like the dirty feeling it gives him that he is literally all of your experiences. No other man or woman has touched you like he has. And nobody ever will. It's like you were created just for him, and oh fuck does that turn him on.

He also loves being praised.

Makes him cum immediately.

Seriously. First time you called him a good boy he came in his pants at dinner. Untouched. Yeah.

I don't think he would really have a fetish, sadly. I just don't think he would have experienced enough that made him feel good enough to form a fetish.

Maybe eventually one of the kinks will turn fetish, who knows?

Yancy

Bondage, bondage, and more bondage.

He loves it so much it is a borderline fetish

Not in the same way as Will, but more in a rough and fast sort of way.

Ripping a shirt apart to tie up your hands, for instance

Using your panties/underwear to tie them together, even

Shoving your underwear in your mouth as a gag is a big one for him omg. Shoving his underwear in your mouth as a gag... wow

Handcuffs, which i fear is obvious given it is Yancy, is a super extra turn on compared to everything else.

If you guys are in prison together, he's stealing a pair of cuffs just to handcuff you later.

He likes to toy with you by saying he lost the key/forgot to steal it once you are handcuffed to whatever he handcuffed you to

This one might be a bit more... unconventional to the general audience...

piss kink?

DONT SHOOT. PLEASE HEAR ME OUT.

It's not like he wants you to piss in his mouth or anything, right?

just maybe... all over his dick?

He makes you drink like, a gallon of water before he fucks you. Within like, an hour before?

"Yous's dehydrated, dollface. Gotta drink up f'me, yeah?"

Pressing on your bladder while he fucks the shit outta you, just to act surprised when you piss while he shoved his dick so far inside you.

I know, i know, im a disgusting piss freak monster. Shoot me down.

Heist Mark

He is a brat tamer through and through

sorry not sorry

you are going to tell me he wasn't about to punish-fuck you after you said you didn't want to split up for the millionth time? please.

i feel he also enjoys a good hate fuck

i don't think he is one to be super romantic, usually. Especially early on.

so passion fueled hate fucking is his forte

finding someone he can't stand (you) and letting out all his rage in like, 30 minutes of the filthiest, dirtiest sex imaginable is his bread and butter

even when you are in a long term relationship, hate fucking after an argument is enough to make him start an argument in the first place

One thing that is consistent no matter how long you have been together though, is he loves being in public

Not necessarily going to the mall and fucking in front of the JC Penny

But car sex, dicking you down good in the front seat, letting anyone who walks by see just how good you are for him turns him on like no tomorrow

You aren't super comfy with that? What about driving out into the woods. Nobody'll be there baby? Yeah?

Just to go fuck, top down on the car, near a campsite. The thought of someone walking up on the two of you is enough to spur him on.

His favorite is during the heist, however.

You two are partners in crime, so why wouldn't you act like partners during the crime? Duh?

Yeah you fuck on the mission to steal that fuckass box and are almost caught by security guards because you can't stay quiet

Illinois

Public. Public. Public.

If it isn't public, why do it?

Whereas Heist Mark is very car-sex vibes, Illinois is very "let's have sex next to this historical monument" vibes

Yeah, so what some tour guide who is getting paid minimum wage is about to bring a group here? You will be quiet and fast, like it never happened.

Not like he would mind if someone caught you...

in fact he would love getting caught

showing off how well he fucks his little toy, how good you take him

even you catching him jacking off is like a cherry on top, the way your eyes widen and cheeks flush

he eats it up

He is big on thrill. He doesn't play around too much with gun play/knife play, but once you bring it up good GOD does he go crazy with it

He likes it when you get all shy and flustered bringing something kinky up to him. He loves having to coax it out of you

You could bring up anything and he would do it. Truly a "i'll try anything once" kinda guys.

The fact that Mark had jumped in front of you was deeply unsettling. He had sacrificed himself for you—and although dying wasn’t a foreign concept to him, that didn’t mean it didn’t hurt. Still, he had done it. He’d taken that blast of energy for you.

You didn’t know what that meant. You had ventured down so many pathways, becoming a prisoner, a pirate, a meal for some crazy hermit in a cave. You had met people, too, but none were stranger than the face of an old friend who didn’t seem to recognize you. Whoever William was now, he was no better than a stranger, but he wasn’t the weirdest thing you had encountered.

That award went to Mark. He confused you to no end, making you constantly second-guess your opinion of him. Sometimes his words made you think he wasn’t Mark at all, but that idea shattered when he looked at you. Apprehensive and cautious and half certain that you were going to attack him like a rabid dog. As soon as you’d notice, he’d go back to joking with a wink and a smile.

When he’d asked if you wanted to go on a date, you almost laughed. You couldn’t help it. A date? You? With him? The man who stood before you, wearing the outfit of a robber and the skin of your old partner? You wanted to spit, you wanted to cry, you wanted to scream until your throat turned raw, but a date would have been too tame for the games that he wanted to play with you.

Whether it was a blessing or a curse, you were thrown into another adventure all the same. Space, this time, and you might have taken the time to marvel at the stars if it weren’t for your sudden arrival at the Invincible II, as was written on the side of the giant ship. You were sure this introduction would get old soon. You had already grown bored of loops, the feeling of a reset making your gut churn almost as much as the sight of Mark’s face did.

“Welcome aboard the Invincible Two, Captain.”

You stared at him blankly.

“Glad to have you here.”

Yeah, right.

Mark shook your hand—the gloves weren’t enough of a barrier—and led you through a tour of the ship. You didn’t pay attention to the details, faces and descriptions became blurs in your mind, these people would disperse into smoke soon. That was how all of it went, time and time and time again. They would forget you the next time you met, so you didn’t waste your energy on committing anything to memory.

The sight of Celine startled you out of your haze. For a dizzying, disgusting moment, you thought it was her. It was pitiful, really, how your heart picked up and your breath fled your lungs and a smile dared to pull at the corners of your lips. Mark looked upset enough that you entertained the hope a second longer than you should have.

Until that first word came out of her lips, your new title of ‘captain’, and it went down the drain. Celci, not Celine, had no idea who you were beyond the new pilot of this vessel. She was not your way out. She was nothing.

Was that callous? Probably. But you had been doing this song and dance for so long, the blinding lights and the blisters, that your feelings were dulled. Nerve endings were burnt, and maybe that made you a self-centered opportunist, but you had little else at this point. It was the only permanent thing about you.

Standing in the cryopod was the first time that you had a moment to yourself. The heist had been running and hiding, and this was a slower start. There was no doubt that whatever awaited you would return to the status quo, but being able to rest your head against the cool panel of the door was a life preserver in this ocean of madness. You wondered what the planet would be like. You had never been one for science fiction, but alien species were always a fun thought experiment. Mark was a lot of things, like sadistic and cruel, but he was creative.

He could still surprise you.

You bit back a curse when you were thrown from the cryopod, landing roughly on the ground and clambering to your feet. You were just in time to register the crunch of Mark’s bones against the window. A crack spread from the impact, you only had a moment to grab hold of something, and then the universe pulled at the room. Air was gone in an instant, and Mark followed. Your grip was starting to slip when the shields dropped shut over the window, and you breathed in the aftermath.

You glared at the new metal wall. That was one way to write himself out of the story. It was a small comfort that he would be back, some way or another.

The silence was not to be enjoyed for long, as an announcement of a fire rang through the bridge. You jumped into action, completely ignoring the rest of the words and reaching for the extinguisher that hung on the wall. Flames heated your body and licked at your boots. You were getting dizzy. You fumbled with the thing in your hands. You pressed the nozzle. You couldn’t see. You were barely aware of the fire disappearing. Your vision faded to black.

You wished that dying was a new experience for you. The caress of the void was all too familiar, a thick, inky blackness that swam around you, curled through your limbs, poured into your veins—and was yanked out.

Consciousness flooded you. Back in the cryopod, you coughed and spluttered for air. You had died, but not like before. During the heist, death was death, and you moved backwards because you had died, and that was how dying worked.

You didn’t know what this was. You had died, but you had also moved forward.

You were shot once more into the room, taking the hit through your hands on the console, and watched Mark fly through the air. He landed right where he did last time, lines slowly creeping from his target like a frozen lake, and you had a decision to make.

Let him fall through or pull him away.

He deserved it. He deserved to keep dying. You both knew it, even if he didn’t want to admit it, he deserved it.

But you deserved answers, and Mark could die on his own time.

You lunged for him, grasped his hand in yours, and tethered him to the ship just as the window broke into a million pieces. Feet wedged against the console, you tightened your hold, gritted your teeth, made sure that he didn’t get away that easily.

When the bulkhead was sealed, you opened your mouth to speak. You had questions, so many questions, but a new problem arose. The fire and life support. You dealt with them, of course, but then there were more issues. The asteroid defense system, cryo, the reactor, everything that you needed to fix before you could talk. Answers weren’t useful if you kept dying before you could use them, and, you would admit, it was nice sending Mark to deal with them. He got shot at, frozen, burned, and you watched on with the smallest grin. You didn’t try to hide it when he shuffled back to you. He knew how you felt, and he probably felt the same, based on his smothering you with a pillow right at the end.

You weren’t foolish enough to think that was it. An ending, death or otherwise, was never the end. Suffocation was easy to brush off, which maybe should have concerned you, but being worried wasn’t going to get you out of there. The loop wasn’t sentimental. It wouldn’t let you go if you asked kindly, said your ‘please’s and ‘thank you’s, demanded, groveled, begged, it was all the same. The only thing that had ever worked was exploration, so you followed the only human part of yourself that was left. 

Curiosity drove you to the light and down the many winding paths. Just the same as the heist, you saw new things, made new choices, met new people—but Mark was with you all the while. He didn’t run away, and that had you slowing down at certain points just to look at him. He looked at you the same way, so you didn’t feel bad about getting caught, if you ever did. He usually noticed you, but very few times did he look back; fewer still did he say anything.

You wanted out. You had been very upfront about that, and you took every chance you had to look for the exit. It was there, somewhere, you just had to find it. An escape not only from the inane wormhole convention but from everything. All the adventures that Mark trapped you in, for what, his sick amusement? Because he was bored? Because he was—

No.

You glared at the man beside you out of the corner of your eye. He was beaming, confident and smug, as he marched into the rigged hallway.

No. Mark didn’t get lonely.

His voice bounced off the reactor’s door, “We finally made it. Come on, Captain. It’s time to end this. That is, if that thing actually works.” He turned his grin to you. “I guess I still have a lot to learn about wormholes.”

You just wanted to get it over with. Whatever was behind the door, it would be a step in the right direction, although you knew the end was far from here.

As if able to read your mind, Mark started speaking, “Does this feel right to you? Like, this moment feels kind of final. You know when you’re up against the last boss and you get a moment to breathe before pressing on?”

He knew you didn’t know. Dying when you did didn’t afford you whatever knowledge he had gained access to. How he knew about it, you weren’t certain, but asking wasn’t worth it. Instead, you kept your mouth firmly closed.

“Isn’t that what this feels like?” he goaded. “Eh, maybe I’m crazy. What do you think we should do?”

Silence crept through the air. Even the whirling noise behind the door had softened, as if the entire universe were waiting to hear what you had to say—but it passed. A moment to breathe, indeed. No matter how many times Mark tried to get you to speak, dialogue designed to get a response out of you, he failed. All the insults and praise slipped by you with no word. Of course, you made your opinion known in other ways, but he had always been particularly susceptible to the silent treatment.

However, just as you were about to push forward, something else pulled at your attention. You tensed at a distant sound. Not speech, not atmosphere, not anything that you had gotten used to along the pathways. This was different, but a voice nestled deep in your heart whispered that this was familiar, too.

Without explaining, you turned around and started back the way you came.

Mark’s protests fell on deaf ears. Captain, captain, captain, you weren’t a captain. It was getting on your nerves. Had you not been drawn to the end of the hallway, you might have tried to blow up the hallway or throw yourself out of the airlock again. It wasn’t your responsibility to help these people, you didn’t know who they were, they didn’t even exist!

You did, and so did Mark, and so did whoever was behind this door.

It slid open, dousing your vision in warm oranges and vibrant blues. Music whisked through the air and into your bloodstream, but you kept your eyes on the dancing figure in front of you. Were you still in the same place? Despite the explosives lining the walls, you doubted it. The last time you had seen this man, in all his bubblegum glory, had not been amongst the stars.

You were more prepared to see him this time, though. Comparisons to the Colonel had clouded your vision during that interview, but you understood that he was different now. A new outlook on life and a new name to boot.

Wilford Warfstache took one look at you and frowned.

“No, no.”

The music slowed in the background.

“That’s bad. I know why you’re here. You’re looking for an easter egg.”

Confusion washed out any relief at seeing someone you knew. You weren’t looking for an easter egg, whatever that had to do with the adventure, and you certainly weren’t doing anything wrong. You were meant to explore, you knew you were. Did he not see how important this interaction was?

“No! Wrong! That’s bad! Go back to the main story. You’re gonna find nothing here.”

Resistance immediately pushed you forward. You weren’t going back there. This was an opportunity that wouldn’t come easy again. You had seen Wilford during the heist adventure, which meant that there was a way to get between them without Mark noticing. There was no way that he would include Wil in his universes, after all, and he wasn’t going to just let you leave.

“Our meeting is in part two, which is not now, this is part one! Turn that butt around and go back.”

You weren’t listening, you couldn’t, not now. One foot in front of the other. As you got closer, Wil continued to rant. Both of you acted as if the other weren’t there. You were right in front of him, and he kept speaking.

“It’s a great scene. Well-acted, too.”

It was him. Not just some face Mark was putting on. It was William, or Wilford, or whoever, it didn’t matter, it wasn’t Mark!

Against your better judgment, you sprang forward and wrapped your arms around his shoulders. He didn’t return it, but that was okay. It felt nice to have some physical contact. Years had passed, decades, maybe a century, since you had touched someone, just for the sake of it.

Letting go seemed a death sentence, but let go you did.

Wilford placed his hands on his hips, the image of a parent after their child had a tantrum. His eyebrows raised, he leaned forward slightly.

“Now, do you feel better?”

You nodded.

“Good. Because you’re not gonna get another chance until part two!”

You should have expected that, but it felt bad all the same. Off-putting. Disappointing. Staying wasn’t an option, and you had actively fought leaving the first time, but being forced out by your shoulders hurt.

You shoved the pain to the side. The little break did wonders for your resolve, or so you tried to convince yourself. When you were returned to Mark’s side, you were too busy thinking up an escape plan to care about his expression. That stone-cold stare was at the back of your mind after a moment. You replaced it with the assurance that all you had to do was find the hole that Wilford left when he got in. He was a careless man in this state, he had to have broken something to be where he was, and he wouldn’t have repaired it. There had to be a way out, and Wilford had provided you with one. Surely.

You took a deep breath and opened the door to the reactor.

At this point, you were picking randomly. There was no clue as to which direction you should have been going, not when it was a choice between right and left. All the wormholes looked the same. Every streak of cerulean was the same as the next and the next and the next. Every face was the same as the one before, and none of them mattered. Not even your heist partner was able to awaken any feeling in you. Maybe you lost excitement in the horror scene, fear in the action shooter.

Little pieces of you broke off as you landed in another universe. A bathroom was new, but it wasn’t long before you were opening the door. There wasn’t anything else to do, after all, and you had to keep moving forward because you were getting close, you could feel it, a charge in the air, anticipation.

You stopped in your tracks with one shoe nestled on the carpet.

Someone was crying on the bed. Sobs pierced the room as a click closed you in with them.

For a second, you doubted your senses and then your judgement. Your spine stiffened and your legs locked. It was Mark, that was for sure, but was it real?

Back when you were alive, you had seen Mark cry three times. The first had been in his youth at the death of a family pet. Sad, but inevitable, and the tears had flowed freely. Childhood afforded him a freedom of emotion that he lost as you all got older. The second time was after his first starring role. You had seen him before the movie and at the afterparty, but it was during that you saw the reflection of sword-fighting in his streaked cheek. William had elbowed him and pointed at the screen, giving him enough time to scrape it away and laugh alongside his friend.

The third, and last, time you had seen him cry was after his parents’ passing. It was disjointed, and stuttering, and completely shattered as if each sob struck with his heartbeat. You would never forget the sound, and you always hoped that you would never hear it again.

You didn’t, but that didn’t mean it never happened.

When you took a few, tentative steps forward, his breath hitched, and shaky exhales told you he had noticed your presence.

He got up from the bed, walked around its end, and locked eyes with you.

Callous, self-centered, opportunistic you, who opened your arms.

“Really?” he whispered. Tears slid down his face, yet this second of shock blocked any more from falling, if only briefly.

You nodded quickly. Your arms weren’t wide, and your expression wasn’t welcoming, and you weren’t going to stand there like an idiot if he waited any longer—but he took the opportunity to rush forward and hug you.

It was unbelievably awkward, and you had half a mind to shove him off. A thought hit you, though, that this must have been how Wilford had felt, which meant Mark probably felt the same as you. Such assumptions gave you comfort, so you closed your eyes and brought your own arms around him in return.

His grip tightened.

Words were said, but they were swallowed by that whirling dervish. It pulled you apart and put you back together in another moment. Mark was there, of course, but neither of you acknowledged what had happened only seconds ago. That was then, this was now, and you had a bomb to defuse.

You blew up. Obviously. You were smart, but you weren’t smart enough to disable a piece of technology that you had no experience with. Death was old hat, and you ended up in front of a campfire, blew up again, and was promptly deposited in a streamer-lined room. Music flooded your senses, lights flickered from purple to pink to purple, and—oh, you knew where you were.

Wilford didn’t notice you at first as he slipped between the streamers. He was still dancing, but anything else would have been concerning. He jumped back with a yelp when he saw you, martini glass barely spilling but for a fleck on the ground.

A glance up and down, and then he relaxed.

“Oh, it’s you. Is it that time already?”

Talking continued after he finished his sentence, but it was coming from behind the streamers. You took a step towards it and were immediately gestured away by Wil.

“Let’s chat over here, away from them. They’re still figuring themselves out, those two. Quite the story, but for another day.”

You were herded backwards, barely far enough for the voices to fade and not quick enough to tame your curiosity, but Wilford left no room for questions.

“And I’m glad that I ran into you,” he said, “because you’ve been avoiding me!”

Pink swirled next to him, a wormhole looking for its next meal that went unfed as he popped it.

You didn’t know that was possible—and, knowing Wilford, it wasn’t.

As if he hadn’t just challenged your understanding of the universes, he continued, “You’ve been avoiding me, and now that I have you right where I want you, I’m gonna book that interview. And I won’t take no for an answer. And I won’t take yes either. No choices at all, really. Haven’t you had enough of those?”

He reached into a wormhole that arrived on his cue, and you should have really questioned that, or at least thought about it, but you didn’t, you couldn’t, because what did he mean by an interview?

All it took was a minute. Sixty seconds and only talking. In the grand scheme of things, it was over in just one. Every hope that you had of getting out crumbled in your palm. Freedom from this nightmare was washed away, joining Wilford’s words as he rambled on about the interview that you had already attended. That loop was closed. There was no hole to get through.

You weren’t getting out.

In the aftermath, it was a rather foolish idea. Optimism had never been your forté, but you had indulged yourself. Nothing bad could come from it, so why not give in to the delusion for a while?

Anger gave way to fear gave way to agony gave way to numbness. There wasn’t a point in fighting for yourself anymore. It would never amount to anything, and you moved through the next paths in a haze. Things happened, and you made your choices, knowing full well that they weren’t choices at all.

When you saw the older version of Mark sitting in the diner booth, you ignored him. Words of wisdom wouldn’t help you, and you saw the light from under the next door. He didn’t call after you, and you let it slip closed after you had stepped through to the warp core.

You were knocked out of your mental blur by pain bursting at the side of your head. Knees colliding with the floor, you didn’t have time to put your hands out to cushion your next fall. Instead, your body toppled, and two firm thunks rang out as you and the fire extinguisher hit the deck.

“Sorry about that. Couldn’t afford to let you make another mistake.”

Even with the blossoming ache that reverberated through your skull, you recognized the voice. You guessed this was payback for getting him blown up twice, but, in your defense, they had both been accidents.

You turned over so that your back was to the blissfully cold ground, but Mark was grabbing your wrist before you could try and get to your feet. With a pair of pliers, he ripped the crystal from your wrist, and the urge to vomit swam through your stomach.

“Yeah, funny thing to say after an eternity of nothing but second chances—”

“Cut the whining, Mark.”

He froze, and you took the opportunity to cough. Damn, your voice was scratchy. How long had it been since you had spoken? Probably just as long as your break between hugging people. You had almost forgotten what you sounded like.

Shakily, he asked, “What?”

When you stayed silent, letting your eyes close, panic lurched into his voice.

“No, no, what did you say?”

He knelt down in front of you just as you pushed yourself onto your elbows.

“I said, cut the whining. Even here, you’re acting like a brat.”

“Captain—”

“Stop it,” you interrupted. “We both know I’m no captain, and you’re no engineer.”

One of his hands returned to your de-crystalled arm, while the other supported your waist as you maneuvered to the railing. The bumps of the bars dug into your back, but you liked being able to look him in the eye comfortably. Pure eye contact lasted a mere moment before Mark looked away.

“I’m sorry,” he said.

You blinked. Your first attempt to speak was a sputter, an engine that wouldn’t turn over. The second try was a crunchy, “For what?”

“I hit you with a fire extinguisher.”

“I think that’s the least of what you’ve done.”

You watched Mark struggle with what to say while you struggled with an oncoming headache. The memory of Benjamin’s miracle cure haunted you.

Mark opened and closed his mouth a few times, but he eventually settled on asking, “Why are you talking to me?”

“I can shut up if you want.”

“No!”

The corner of your mouth perked up. Dramatic as ever—but then your smile dropped again. He sounded so scared. He was an actor, through and through, and he never showed all of his cards. This vulnerability that you had a front seat to was a thing that you begrudgingly appreciated. You were a lot of things, but you tried not to be cruel.

After he settled down, Mark continued, “No, I mean, why now?”

“I ran into William,” was your short answer.

You didn’t blame him for gasping, nor for letting it out as a soft hiss. If that thing that had trapped you in the mirror showed up, you didn’t know what you would do. As far as things went, a gasp was tame.

But you kept talking, not letting him make too many incorrect assumptions. “Or- or I thought… I thought I did.”

“What do you mean?”

“It wasn’t him anymore.” You huffed. “He’s pink.”

His throat bobbed. “What did you say to him?”

Your unimpressed gaze slid over to meet his as you replied, “For being in control of this place, you sure do ask a lot of questions. Shouldn’t you know everything that goes on here?”

Mark twisted his body to that he could slide next to you. The thud of his back against the railing rang out in the warp core before fading into the universe.

“I’m not in control,” he admitted. “Not fully. If it were up to me, William wouldn’t be here.”

You knew that, you had assumed as much before, and you knew it didn’t mean anything—but there was still a sick, stubborn part of you that wanted it to.

“If he got in—”

“You can’t get out.”

“Why not?”

“You’re dead.”

“So are you.”

Your pulse was rising even as the shotgun burst of words faded. Mark’s nod had you glancing away.

“We can’t get out,” he said. “Neither of us would survive anymore.”

The universe took you down to rock bottom and then dug a little deeper to make sure you were good and truly hopeless. The metal bar behind your head dinged as your head fell backwards.

“You’re shattered. But you’re not broken. When you’re on one of the adventures, you’re alive, and I intend to keep it that way—” A word caught in his throat, and his hands clenched into fists, “—I can’t just let you die, I-I couldn’t.”

You had so many questions. You wanted to ask him why it mattered so much, where you really were, how long he could keep this up for. The only thing that came to your mind was a single statement.

“Mark, I’m tired.”

“I know.”

“I’m so tired.”

“I know.” He turned his head to you, and you met his gaze out of the corner of your eye. “But what else can I do?”

You didn’t know. You didn’t want to die, but continuing to run was just as much a death sentence. You wanted a break from it all, somewhere to rest for as long as you wanted. This reprieve in the warp core was the first in a while, but you were waiting for the hourglass to run out.

“Why do you keep coming after me?” you asked. “I haven’t said a word to you, I don’t do what you want me to, I go out of my way to annoy you. In the heist, you—”

You cut yourself off; the memory of how badly Mark had wanted to go down those paths only brought the pain of abandonment back to you.

Mark encouraged you with a light, “What?”

“You kept trying to leave.”

A second of silence passed, and then another, and then another, and the sand in the hourglass was pooling at the bottom.

When he spoke, it was close to a whisper, “I thought you hated me.”

“I did.”

But you hated being alone more.

Whether or not he had actually answered your question, you pushed forward, asking, “What do we do now?”

If this was all there was, loop after loop after loop, was there anything to fight for? You had been searching for an exit for so long, and to know that there was no exit… Hopelessness was difficult to overcome, and your resolve was thinning dramatically.

You sought a firm answer from Mark, but his response was a shrug and a smile and the one thing you never thought you would hear again.

“Do you want to go on that date?”

For the second time, you started laughing. You cracked up, broke down, bent over yourself with the force of your cackling. Mark joined in hesitantly, but you barely noticed it in your fit. Even when the warp core started to crumble around you, you weren’t all done. Tears gathered in the corners of your eyes, and you put all your effort into keeping them there.

“Fuck it,” you said through chuckles as you eventually came down from that high. “Sure. Let’s—” A few more escaped you, “—let’s go on a date.”

When all that remained was the little slice of universe that you were still sitting on, you turned your full attention to Mark. For a second, you saw him not as an engineer, and not as an actor, but as a politician whom you had once given your heart to. He wore a suit and a bowtie, held a cane, and spoke to you so gently that you never once heard him yell until that fateful day—the suit turned red, and the voice turned teasing, and you wondered, for a moment, if you could live with that for the rest of eternity.