#((other than nicholas showing up at the end; it's probably gonna be a pretty clean getaway all in all))

[theheadlessgroom]

https://www.tumblr.com/beatingheart-bride/723259801923092480/theheadlessgroom-beatingheart-bride

@beatingheart-bride

“I’m quite ready,” Dorian grinned at her, as he swept off his hat and overcoat to hang up before offering her a bouquet of chrysanthemums: Though anyone who saw her with this gift would no doubt immediately believe it had a romantic connotation, it was quite the opposite, in that chrysanthemums represented friendship, loyalty, and honesty. Seeing as he felt very loyal to her for her honesty, her help in averting tragedy, as well as a budding friendship that he was sure would grow as they worked together (and, of course, anyone who was near and dear to his best friend was near and dear to him as well), he felt they were most appropriate to gift Emily before his big performance.

But this gift aside, if Dorian was nervous about his impending impassioned plea to the de Clair’s, he certainly didn’t show it, instead seeming very confident in himself. He was never one who was prone to stage fright or pre-performance jitters, and this was no exception. In many ways, much of the plan hinged on his ability to convince the de Clair’s to break Emily’s engagement with Pennyworth, and he wasn’t about to let her or Randall down.

At that moment, Reginald, the family butler, entered the foyer-though he was surprised to see Dorian there, he nevertheless turned on his heel to announce his arrival, the young master following behind, tossing a smile and a wink to Emily in the hopes of settling her nerves. He wouldn’t let her or his best friend down.

[razorblade180]

Twin Snowflakes 27:Hill climbing preparations

Part 26 here!<-

Rehearsals were going well. With Darren out of mind and no further incidents, students had gotten back into a steady blow of progress. The band was a little shaky at first but Summer had learned that Nick had a point about her being a bit strict in the beginning. With that hurdle jumped, Summer felt comfortable enough to take a short break. Her feet swung from over the stage's edge like a kid on a swing while she took a moment to call Oscar. It had been a few days since their last check in date. The fact that he didn’t blow her fun up meant his own hands were full. Fortunately, two rings was all it took before his face popped up on her screen, covered in what was hopefully seawater.

“Hi Oscar! Ummm sea life treating you will? You look a little…”

“Wet? Sigh, I can’t believe I’m saying this but I miss the cold of the tundra. All the storms and aquatic grimm yanking me off the boat is getting annoying. Anyways, Penny told me you had a little scare recently? Everything okay?”

“Yes, I think.” Summer rubbed her face. “Well…as okay as things usually get. I do feel better than usual. I’ve gotten to perform quite a bit the last couple days.”

“Really? Did you take my advice by any chance?”

A guilty smile found its way on Summer’s face. She couldn’t help but chuckle. “Nah. I’ve just been singing a couple of covers and a few originals that anyone with a radio has heard. The lyrics in the journal are just that, in the journal. I actually wanted to talk to you about a trick Nick got me to try. You’ve actually mentioned it once before early on.”

“Is that so- woah!” Oscar yelped, nearly falling from the rock of the ship crashing through a wave. “Hehe. Sorry about that!”

“Everything okay over there? I can call later?”

“No it’s fine; just rough seas. That’s good though. Challenging waves and other harsh weather factors have been swelling for quite some time. You’re too young to remember this but Atlas was actually a bit warmer. Hot places were cooler and sailing wasn’t as wild.”

“I’ve heard about that in class. Don’t scientists think it might have something to do with magic being back?”

“Or the gods roaming through Remnant.” He smirked, confident about the latter theory. “Harsh conditions mean it’s difficult to press forward. As if the world itself is trying to keep things away. With a little luck, passing these hurdles are all the answers we need.”

Answers. Summer couldn’t begin to imagine having those. It was more terrifying than reliving if she had to be honest. She wouldn’t know what to do if the gods themselves didn’t know what to do. The only thing worse is them saying she couldn’t do anything.

“Let’s cross our fingers you aren’t on a boat for nothing. Speaking of Shiva, Nick talked me into entering my headspace willingly. I was even able to manifest a shovel in it!”

“A shovel?” Oscar quirked his head.

“Yeah it wasn’t the usual blue empty space. It waslake; the lake as a matter of fact. I chucked a shovel at Shiva and told her to start digging her grave.”

“Nick told you to do that!?”

“Weeeeeeell… he only told me to confront her with unwavering resolve in a way Veronica would. I’m pretty sure that meant being cut throat but I may have defaulted to cock intimidation. Pretty sure I stoked the flames of war. But it felt good!”

The cheerfulness in her tone was genuine. While manifesting and confrontation was something Oscar had tried to get her to do early on, there are ways to go about it. Headspace or not, poking at a beast was always risky. “I’m glad you’re feeling good, but exercise caution. I wouldn’t try that alone. There’s a lot we don’t know about that space. I doubt you can actually die there but if that really is your mind you're traversing then serious backlash might happen if things go wrong. Remember, Shiva has an edge. Don’t let her play you in your own head.”

“Believe me, that’s the last thing I want. I’ll be careful Oscar. Thanks for worrying about me. Couldn’t ask for a better therapist”

“I wouldn’t go that far. Ruby and your dad give some pretty solid motivational speeches.”

Hehe, don’t sell yourself short. I should probably get going. Good luck! Watch the gods tell you to perform an exorcism or drown me in sacred water.”

Oh if only it was that easy. “If she had any signs of a soul I would’ve tried that already. Take care Summer. Call me when you need me”

“You know I will.” She hung up and looked over at Nick. A few of the girls had taken the opportunity to strike up a conversation with him. In typical fashion, Nick just let them fawn in vain. “Geez, take a hint ladies.” She mumbled.

“Oh my gods! I wasn’t aware you could sing!”

“So talented!”

“Can you sing for my birthday!?”

All the back chatter and compliments made it hard to focus on one person. Nick did his best to calm them all, giving a faux laugh and smile. “Hehe, thanks. I can hold a note, I’m not as good as my sister, and I’m way too sheepish to sing at a birthday. Now we should probably get back to working maybe? Practice is almost-” his eyes caught the door entrance before he finished. Valerie had walked in.

As if by will, her head automatically turned to meet his eyes. Valerie couldn’t help but give some kind of disarming smile, giving a small wave that was quickly rejected when Nick went back talking to the people around him. Not even Valerie could deny that burn. She put her hand down before she felt anymore like an edit, walking over to Eliza to get what she had to do over with.

“Hey soldier.”

“Huh? Well look who finally decided to show! I expect more from a representative of this school.”

“Oh brother…” Val couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “I’m not even gonna pretend that I’m sorry like I usually do. Look, at least I did what was asked of me. Boiler is fixed for now and there should be no problem getting hot water when the big day arrives.”

“Keep a keen eye on it just in case. I don’t have any time to deal with tiny problems during the tournament.”

“Yeah you and everyone else in this room. Now if you excuse me.” Valerie pointed both thumbs back and tried backing up slowly.

“Hold on…”

“Uuugh. Yes? I got plenty of practice to work on. Make this quick.”

Eliza narrowed her eyes. “Wow, someone is more aggressive than usual. If that’s how you’re going to be then I’ll spare you the lecture. Just know you better be careful or I might pull the rug out from under you this year.”

“Hmph, bold words. You gotta make it to the top of the hill before challenging the ruler. Though you’re more than welcome to kick Nick around and take his spot for all I care. See ya. Just text me the meeting information. Got things to do.” Valerie turned around and headed off. On the way out she saw Summer staring at her with a raised eyebrow from afar. To make matters worse, the cheerleaders moved by the exit. Veronica being among them. Valerie was ready for some kind of sly comment but to her surprise Veronica briefly acknowledged her, nodded, and then went back to what she was doing.

Eliza looked at the time and figured everyone made enough progress for one day. “Alright everyone! You can all start wrapping things up. I’m sure all of you have things to-” the sound of everyone packing their belongings overpowered her voice. “Do.” She finished. At least she could trust everyone to clean up on time. “Nicholas, get your butt in gear.”

“Oh thank goodness!” Nick wasted no time squeezing his way through the girls that lingered around him. “Sorry! The VP calls! Let’s go Summer!”

“Right behind you.” She turned towards the band. “It would be a good idea for you all to practice a little longer. Not because you may or may not need it but because I’ll finally give you room to experiment. Just no funny ideas about adding drum solos.” Summer hopped off stage and headed off, quickly catching up to Nick, Eliza, and Veronica. “Well aren’t we an interesting looking bunch?”

“An idol, witch, heir, and fashion designer. This is the beginning of a bad joke I’d say.”

“Bold of you to call someone a witch when they’ve agreed to help you train.”

“Would you prefer magical girl, or maybe sorceress?” Nick nudged her.

“I prefer my name. However…sorceress is endearing, I suppose.”

“I could call you that while you teach me?”

“Don’t be ridiculous!” She said in a shrill voice. “I’m already regretting this.”

“Well while you two train to death, I’m finally going to get some real shut eye. I can hear my bed calling my name already.”

“Not so fast.” Veronica interjected. “Since we ended up being free at the same time and I have to work a little more diligently…”

Summer didn’t like where this was headed. “Veronica, my hot headed designer, I’m well aware of what it’s like to be a perfectionist. However, please don’t rope me into this.”

All three of them looked at her at once. “It’s your dress!”

“I know that! No need to remind me! I am tired though. It’s Monday, the weekend was crazy, and I just put in a full day of school with extra curricular activities. Allow me two hours at least!?”

“Ugh, ever the whiner. Fine but I don’t want to hear any complaints about design. Most would be thrilled to be heavily involved with their clothing.”

“Well consider this a show of good faith towards your skills.”

The four of them continued to talk all the way to the manor. Eliza tried to stay on important topics while Nick did his best to keep things casual. It never really worked out considering Summer's insistence to not help her dear brother and Veronica’s curiosity about events to come. It was only when the girl’s feline ears twitched by the gate did she begin to quiet down.

“Hmmm?” She stopped immediately.

“Huh? What’s wrong Vee-”

“ACHOO!!!” The girl yelled. The sneeze was so strong Veronica lifted off the ground slightly. “Phew…sorry about that.” She sniffled her loss and continued walking like nothing happened, leaving everyone confused. Veronica was the first to enter with everyone lagging a bit behind. Her eyes looked around until they spotted her mother, Blake, coming down the stairs in casual clothes and wet hair.

“Hey everyone! Finally home I see? And with a friend?”

“Uh classmate. I wouldn’t exac…ummm that’s not important. Hehe, I’m Eliza Marigold.” She stammered. It didn’t really dawn on her that she’d be meeting Mrs. Belladonna herself today. “You look lovely. Though…you look a little red? Are you sick?”

“Oh it’s nothing! Just umm got out of the shower is all.”

Veronica’s eyes narrowed. “Where’s ma?”

“Out back with Jaune.”

“Really?”

“One hundred perfect!” Blake said, unusually preppy. “Well I don’t keep you kids held up. I’ll be in the living room. Nick, Summer, I think your mother is in the garden.”

“Cool. She must be setting up the candle test already. Follow me Eliza.” Nick took her hand and guided her.

“Think I’ll get lost or something?”

“No, I just don’t need you judging every inch of this place until you find something to criticize.”

“……It’s too bright in here.” She heard Nick snicker at her attempt. “You suck.”

With those two out of the way it was time for Summer to mosey to her room. “Finally, nap time!”

“Don’t you wanna practice too?”

“What they’re doing is something I already know. Besides, Nick and I do most of our practices separate. He’ll get me when he needs me. Wake me up if you need anything.”

Veronica waited for the girl to get out of sight before giving her mom a look meant to inspire shame and embarrassment. “Really? We’ve been out all day ya know? You had plenty of time.”

Blake put her hand over Veronica’s face. “Shush your face. It happens sometimes. Thank you for the heads up.”

“Y’all are gross but that’s nothing new. I won’t mention it again if you could bring dinner up to my room. I’m gonna be spending quite some time in there.”

“Even across the world I guess some habits don’t change. Deal.”

xxxxx

In the garden, Weiss stood on the balcony with a cup of coffee. The sound of footsteps behind her caught her ear. She was more than a little surprised to learn that they belonged to not just Nick. “Eliza?”

“Mrs. Schnee. Thank you for allowing me in your home.” Eliza gave a curtsy.

“How’s your father?”

“Oh you know him, always up to something.”

Weiss wasn’t sure if that was good or bad considering his track record. “I see. Well make yourself comfortable. Nick, everything is already set up. Never would’ve thought this is how you’d try to get this done. Don’t push yourself.”

“Heh, push myself? Me?”

Weiss playfully rolled her eyes and left the balcony, ruffling Nick’s hair on the way out. Nick looked at Eliza confused. “You know you don’t have to be so formal around her, right?”

“Let’s not focus on my speech and pay attention to why we’re here. Anyways, how does this training work exactly?”

Nick walked to the railing to point at the fifteen candles spread throughout the garden. “The goal is to light all the candles at once without burning anything. It’s harder than it looks. It requires timing, speed, accuracy, and control above all.”

“Never took you for one who cares much for traditional methods of fighting. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you use your glyphs to manipulate the elements.”

“Yeah, because I suck. Summer on the other hand…” He hunched over in defeat. “Not so much.”

Eliza couldn’t help but scan the area multiple times. This couldn’t be all there was to it. Could it? The five candles in the actual hedge maze looked a little challenging, but Nick was…Nick! Despite her reservations about his attitude, he was smart and knew how to work.

“Do you increase the candle amount as you go?”

He nodded. “That’s the natural progression. Summer can do thirty without thinking much about it.”

“Meanwhile you can’t even do half that amount. You sure you’re the older twin?”

“I don’t see how that’s relevant.” He pouted. Nick grabbed his sword and got into his low stance.

“So I’m just supposed to observe you?”

“No. I’m going to need help with the fires too.”

That’s not something she wanted to hear. “Tsk, alright. But first, let me see if I’m able to do it. Wouldn’t be that good of a teacher if I couldn’t.”

She climbed on top of the railing to get a better look. She raised her right hand to the sky and took a breath. Five flames ignited her fingertips as she thought of the best approach. Moments later, Eliza launched all five with a downward swing, another five swing left, then the final five to the right. Each flame danced on the winds below them before finding their targets.

Amazed, Nick’s jaw dropped for a second before saying anything. “First try!?”

“Not exactly. You did say all at once so that may have been cheating. Let me try again.” She wrapped both arms around herself then swung them out, causing a gust of wind that blew out the candles.

Nick watched closely. Breathing, posture, line of sight; anything he could to gain knowledge. Eliza cuffed her hands together. A small flame flickered into existence and grew slowly until it was the size of a baseball. Eliza threw it over the garden underhanded. The moment it reached max height she pushed her hands downwards like if she closed a lid. This made the flame split apart into embers that fell quick enough to reach each candle. Nick couldn’t believe she was two for two.

“Seems I got the hang of it.” Eliza blew the candles out and hopped off the railing. “I’d do it while off the railing but I’m positive we know the results.”

“Yeah no kidding. While I’m lucky I picked the right person to help me, doing that so easily kinda stings. Not gonna lie. You really are a sorceress.”

“Tsk, flattery gets you nowhere. Assume your stance.” She ordered. Eliza kept a close eye on Nick. He opted to square his feet with his shoulders, a sturdy stance for sure. “So far so good.” His blade pointed up and outwards. A red glyph began to form at its tip, conjuring a ball of intense flame that was as big as a softball. Eliza’s eyes narrowed. She could not believe what she was watching. “You’ll miss.”

“Huh?” Nick said, trying to focus.

“If you shoot the fireball then you are going to miss.” Eliza channeled a silver orb in her palm that bursted into shimmering light. Nick’s glyph suddenly vanished and took the fireball along with it.

“Hey! Don’t just negate my semblance out of the blue! I didn’t even shoot it yet!”

Eliza wasn’t sure what she had expected from this training. It was clear now why a talented person like Nick was fumbling. Frankly, it was annoying. Down right inexcusable. Eliza folded both her arms. “You’re so idiotic in the strangest ways possible, you know that right? To think you’re stronger than me?”

Nick huffed. This wasn’t constructive at all. “You gonna actually help, or continue to insult me? If I knew how to do this on my own then I wouldn’t ask for help.”

Nick ran his hand through his tangled hair and let out a sigh. Eliza could tell he genuinely had no idea what was wrong. It kinda got to her. “Sorry, I shouldn’t be picking on you like that. You weren’t wrong to ask for help.”

“Normally I have an inkling of how to progress but I’m hitting a wall. All of this is just…”

“Too much?” Eliza leaned over and thumped his head. “Because it is. That’s exactly your problem. You are doing far too much at once. Why are you trying to do so many steps at the exact same time?”

“What do you mean at the exact same time? All I did was make a fireball.”

Eliza could feel her eye try to twitch. “Okay. I should’ve expected that from you. Guess I’ll teach by showing.” She stood beside Nick and made a flame. “See? Now this is as basic as it gets, just straight up fire. A fireball requires controlling the shape of the flame;maintaining its heat as well.” The flame swirled around itself to make just that.

“Okay? I’m following you so far.”

“If a fireball was all you were making then no big deal. However, I just saw you attempt to make a fireball that has to keep its shape, burn hot enough, long enough, and must be aimed at multiple targets at once. No mind can do all that on a dime. It’s simply too much.”

Nick watched Eliza move behind him, putting her arms right on top of his, guiding his movements as if she was holding his blade. Her chin rested on his shoulder to get a clear line of sight. Nick was no stranger to being led through an attack, but man was it weird to have Eliza this close!

“Ummm…”

“Bear with it and focus.” She uttered, trying not to yell in his ear. “Make a flame. Just a flame. Let it heat swell and dissipate in sync with my breathing.”

“Shouldn’t it be with my own?”

“Not when your heart is beating like a drum. To think Nicholas Schnee would lose composure from a girl touching him?”

“Can’t hear you, focusing.” He was trying anyway. Eventually he managed to slow his heartbeat. He could tell Eliza was taking deep breaths on purpose to help. In sync, he made another fire glyph as she ordered.

“Good, now make it as hot as you want, then make it into a ball.” The flame shaped into the size of a baseball this time. Eliza smiled. “See how easy it is to control the size after you’ve completed the previous steps? You’ll save dust this way.”

“What’s next?”

“Aiming. You already know where your targets are but you also aren’t in a rush. If you need time to make a shot then all you have to do is make the time.” Eliza raised Nick’s sword higher in the air. “Launch it into the air, confirm where you need the fire to hit, then guide the flames to it.”

Nick took a deep breath and launched the fireball ball in an arch over the garden. He waited for it to reach the middle and fall briefly before making it burst into smaller flames that hit the candles. Eliza finally let go so he could pump his fist into the air.

“Woohoo!”

“Don’t celebrate yet, but good job. A moving target would be harder but not impossible. Repetition will allow you to eventually group certain steps together without having to think about it. You’ll get used to making fireballs that are a certain size and speed as long as you allow yourself to process each step as you are now. I noticed you let the fireball fall. Why?”

“I always end up not lighting them all because the fire dies too quickly. I realized the flame wasn’t hot enough the moment I shot it, so I let it get closer to the candles before having to split it up. Good thing you told me to aim higher or I may not have noticed.

“He can process things like that but not realize breaking the steps up will make things easier? How does his brain work!?”

Another gust of wind blew the candles out. “I’m willing to help you further but I think it’s time you held up your end of this bargain.”

“Antsy, aren’t we? Fair enough.” Nick put his sword down and sat on the railing. “What I’m about to tell you is going to make your tournament life a hundred times simpler. This is your second King of The Hill. Remember the rules?”

“Of course I do.” She followed his lead and sat down as well. “All previous tournament and combat skills leading up to the tournament are calculated so they can rank you compared to the other contestants. In order to progress higher you must defeat the person directly above you in the rank to switch places. Those who win are rewarded a reprieve from being challenged immediately to decrease rematches, but the loser can be challenged by whoever is directly below them. Conversely, if you challenge a person and lose, then you have to wait a set period before trying again while defending your current spot. The entire tournament is on a time limit that tests endurance, strategy, and the skills you’ve used all year. The winner is whoever is ranked number one by the end; the king of the hill.”

“Correct! It’s pure chaos. However, you forgot an important thing. You’ve participated once and managed to get third, so that’s automatically where you start.”

Eliza’s eyes lit up. “That’s a rule!?”

“Yep. As long as you still participated in prior tournaments this year, which you have. Congratulations on skipping the taxing part. Now you’re in the grueling section. The only way you go up is through me and Valerie. A slip up could cause you to waste too much energy and that could drag you out of third if you lose or even win against me immediately, because if I get challenged and win, then I can challenge you again before you challenge Valerie or after you hypothetically lose to her. Let that sink in for a moment.”

Eliza could feel her heart drop to her stomach. If she were to beat Nick and lose to Valerie then at best she’s at a third of her strength for a rematch she doesn’t want. Beating Nick was a goal but she didn’t need to do it twice in a day! The worst part is she is at his mercy in this scenario; getting a reprieve only if he needs one. He could very well best her and then she’s even more tired defending third place.

“Is it sinking in? Third place is its own special hell. Let’s knock Valerie into it.” He smiled.

“And how do we manage that exactly?”

“By knocking me into it! I want to take a dive in our match. A good one. The two of us will put on a spectacle to show our might that ends with me losing. This will throw everyone off into thinking you are exceptionally strong and-”

“Are you saying I’m not!” She folded her arms.

Nick chuckled nervously. “Let me finish before you get upset. Yes, you're strong, but will think you’re stronger than me by a decent margin. This is where the mind games kick in because the two of us haven’t actually used that much energy, but the other contestants don’t know that.”

Eliza rubbed her chin. “You…want them to fight you?”

“Exactly. No one's gonna pass up the opportunity to get a leg up on me. You know that better than anyone. Unfortunately for them, I’ll actually be trying against them and I fully intend to go end them quickly. This does multiple things. It makes the gap between the top three look bigger, allows me to stir the lower ranks rotation, keeps you rested, and makes Valerie anxious because you will not immediately challenge her. We are going to burn time until it gets to a point that once she’s knocked out of first, getting back up will be nearly impossible.”

“I fail to see how that’s possible. If she’s rested-”

“That’s just it, she won’t be. You can challenge her freely and not worry about me for most of the tournament. Use the time to learn how to fight her then I’ll challenge you again and win, then immediately go fight her. You’ll briefly be back in third place but fourth place holders will be exhausted and think twice about challenging you, Eliza Marigold; the person who beat Nicholas Schnee.”

“You made a safety net for third”

“I made a safety net for you! I will beat Valerie so she’ll fall to second place and that’s where you jump in to knock her to third. By that point she’ll have to wait and losing twice in a row is gonna give people ideas. Even if she beats them it’ll be a race against the clock and you can challenge me to avoid fighting her if it comes down to that. Boom, guaranteed second place for you with a potential at first place.”

The plan was insane, daring, and yet clearly thought of. “This is…a lot. Not to mention not full proof. What if I actually don’t need you to weaken Valerie and can take first place for myself?”

“Then by all means take it. I’ll knock Valerie to third myself and then fight you. Careful though. If I win you’re stuck with her and plenty of time you have to stall.”

She didn’t like the sound of that. “What if I refuse this off altogether?”

“That’s fine. We’ll just all have to do our best.”

“Your entire plan hinges on you beating Valerie. What if-”

“I’ll win.” He deadpanned. “I can take her this year. No questions about it.”

He started giving that same exact look he did a few days ago. “Not that I’m not interested but this feels a little unlike you.”

“Is that bad? People are always saying I’m too soft around Valerie. This is a tournament and there’s no rules against teamwork. You in?”

He hopped down and extended his hand. Nick did his best to seem casual about all of this but it was clear to Eliza he was pretty frustrated at Valerie. It wasn’t her place to pry. If he was willing to go this far then she might as well keep an eye on the entire thing. A chance to progress, and a good event. As long as those two things happened without incident then she had no reason to object. Then there was the other problem. She already helped him train…Eliza shook his hand.

“Glad to do business with you. I guess it’s only fair now that I give you the choice to stop training me. Wouldn’t want this to feel like I’ve gained so much tangible progress while yours relies on-”

Eliza tossed him his sword. “Quit with the chivalrous act. If I don’t train you to my standards then I’m positive your plan is bound to fall apart. Helping you here can only benefit me, or did you already forget I could teach you a thousand ways to improve your glyphs and still even the playing field?” She made another silver orb.

Nick gulped. He actually did forget how big of a pain in the ass it was gonna be fighting her. Semblance training doesn’t mean much if you can’t use it. “Have I ever told you that you can be terrifying and comforting at the same time?”

“Nobility should be just that. It’s why people like your face so much whenever you look like you beat the crap out of somebody.”

“People like my face because I’m handsome!!!”

“Less chitchat. More candle lighting.”

Nick hunched over in defeat. Marigolds, what can you do with them?

[themurphyzone]

PatB Nova Ch 6

Ch 6: Eccentricity

AN: Loved some of the PatB shorts more than others (You know my eternal hatred for THAT one). But that’s a story for another day. I’m sticking to the 90s versions of these characters though. For now. I might have a gander at the reboot versions someday. You never know!

Ch 6 FFN Link

April 22, 2015! Narf! You’ll never guess what happened, Mickey Mouse. I met the Brain! Well, I’ve only known him for about four months, or less than two days, depending on how you wanna look at it, but if anything happened to him, I would make myself watch Shyamalan’s The Last Airbender!

Tomorrow, I’m going to the mall and buying a hat. Can’t root for Farfignetown (I have to ask her how she spells her name!) at the Derby without a super fancy hat!

Love,

Pinky.

PS: Tell Minnie I said hi!  

o-o-o-o-o

Pinky stepped back to admire his handiwork, the tip of his blue glitter gel pen pressing under his chin as he leaned against it. He did his best to copy Brain’s messages, but he was probably gonna have to write only the first letters only in the future. He didn’t want to take up the entire calendar page again.

His ears twitched at a scraping sound behind him. The sparkly gel smeared against his fur as he turned around, leaving a blue streak across his chest. Egad, if he continued to cover himself in the stuff, he’d look just like one of the Blue Men!

Brain pushed a heavy textbook across the counter, finally stopping underneath a light panel on the ceiling. Then he flipped it open, climbed up, and began to read.

It wasn’t the same book he’d started reading after they’d shaken hands to seal their new friendship either.

“Whatcha reading, Brain?” Pinky asked, slinging the gel pen over his shoulder. “I thought you were reading about jeans! So, find anything good? I think I like the flare type best. Skinny jeans make me chafe.”

“I have no idea what you’re blathering about, Pinky,” Brain said, not looking up from the page he was on. His head shifted from side to side as he read on, and Pinky imagined a giant, fluffy marshmallow making the same movements.

His stomach growled, and a marshmallow dinner sounded heavenly. With cheese fondue and rainbow sprinkles and a light dollop of whipped cream on top…

Wait, no, no. The kitchen didn’t have Gruyere cheese! Processed American cheese wouldn’t provide that proper creamy texture at all.

What kind of host was he? Unable to serve proper cheese fondue to his alien guest?

Then Brain hopped off the book, growling to himself as he pushed up on the hard cover and the few pages he turned. The pages slid into place, but he wasn’t tall enough to get the cover to close the entire way.  

“Do you need help, Brain?” Pinky asked. He dropped the gel pen and grasped the cover’s edge, but Brain smacked him sharply on the wrist, forcing Pinky to let go. Pinky flicked his wrist, and the sting quickly disappeared.

“Don’t patronize me! I can get it myself!” Brain snarled. He pushed on the cover again, and it rose a couple inches in the air, only to land against his fingertips. He growled and spread his feet, jumping as he pushed on the cover once more. This time, the cover slammed into the pages with a heavy thud. “Your sources of information are woefully lacking with your livable yet rudimentary conditions. Penumbra had a much better database, and it’s been dilapidated for a long time.”

Pinky had no idea what dilapidated was. Probably something to do with laps though.

“Oh, well if you need more reading material, I’ve got just the thing!” Pinky said, motioning for Brain to follow him over to a tiny side table where all the magazines were stacked. “Let’s see, we’ve got Vogue, National Geographic, Reader’s Digest…ah, here we are! This one’s my favorite out of all the Zoobooks! Lots of pretty horses to look at. Zort!”

Pinky thumbed through the magazine until he found his favorite page, which had gorgeous art of a white horse running on grassy hills. “This one’s my favorite,” he said as he pressed the magazine into Brain’s hands. Brain nearly went cross-eyed just trying to look at it, but he held out his hands and pushed the pages back until they weren’t so close to his face. “I named her Pharfignewton after Pharfignewton! Isn’t her mane just the flowiest thing you’ve ever seen?”

“Including or excluding your mind in that comparison?” Brain asked. He closed the magazine and set it on top of the stack. “Your choice of reading material is peculiar, but I suppose brushing up on this planet’s ecology wouldn’t hurt.”

Pinky grinned. “If you think those are good, remind me to show you David Attenborough’s work sometime! His documentaries are amazing!”

Brain tilted his head, his antennae bobbing with the motion. “You’ve mentioned someone named Pharfignewton multiple times. An acquaintance of yours?”

“She’s not a quail, Brain. She’s a horse, of course!” Pinky laughed at his little rhyme. “Oh right, I’ve never showed you pictures of her, have I? Where are my manners? Anyway, I left them in the cage. It’s right this way! Or left this way. I can never tell which.”

Pinky ran back to the cage and squeezed through the bars, Brain trailing behind at a much slower pace. As Pinky slid his right leg through the bars, he realized just how dirty the cage was. There was a small puddle by the water bottle, and straw was scattered all over the place. Crumbs littered the floor around the food bowl, and his wheel had a stain shaped like a pomegranate.

It just wouldn’t do at all!

“Sorry for the mess!” Pinky called to Brain, who was watching him curiously from outside the cage. “I didn’t know I’d be having a visitor today!”

But Brain didn’t seem to care about the mess. Instead, he prodded the locked cage door.  

“Nicholas and Mr. Button, you’ve gotta wake up and help me clean!” Pinky said, shaking them frantically from where they were tucked into the straw. “Narf, you two were up talking late again, weren’t you?”

They were too asleep to respond though.

“Okay, well, I’ll let you sleep for now, but tomorrow I’ll be going over proper cagesitting behavior with both of you,” Pinky sighed. He carefully rolled up the photo of Pharfignewton he kept near the straw bed, hugging it close to his body as he slipped through the bars again.

“Pinky, those are inanimate objects,” Brain said, bending a paper clip until it was completely straight. He poked one of the sharp ends and winced.  “They won’t respond to you.”

“They’re real life objects, Brain. They’re not animated,” Pinky said. “Whatcha doing with that paper clip?”

Brain pressed his ear against the cage door, carefully maneuvering the paper clip into the lock. It slipped a quarter of the way in before Brain yanked it out again, his eyes darting around the room as if something would swoop down on them.

When nothing happened, he went back to inserting the paper clip. “Nothing to disable here. There’s no alarm system on the door,” Brain said, turning to Pinky. “I thought you were squeezing through the bars to avoid triggering it.”

“I’ve never had an alarm before. Do you think I should get one?” Pinky asked. “Just so nobody tries to burger my wheel or water bottle? Hmm, what would a burger with those ingredients even taste like? Not very appetizing, probably.”

Brain only stared at him, the paper clip almost slipping from his hand in surprise. “Don’t tell me the only reason you haven’t used the door is because you can’t unlock it.”

Pinky nodded. “Okay. I won’t tell you the only reason I haven’t used the door is because I cannot for the life of me figure out how to unlock it.”

Shaking his head in dismay, Brain reinserted the bent paper clip until it was halfway in, then turned it clockwise (or was it counterclockwise? Pinky always got them mixed up).

“There,” he said, letting the door swing open. “Now you can enter and exit as you please like a civilized mos.”

“Egad, that’s brilliant!” Pinky stepped inside the cage, then back out. In and out again, and again, and he almost started dancing the Hokey Pokey, which would’ve been a whole lot of fun, but Brain still hadn’t seen Pharfignewton’s photo!

Now that was a real tongue twister there!

“This is Pharfignewton, Brain! Isn’t she pretty?” Pinky asked, pressing the photo into Brain’s hands.

The photo had been taken two weeks ago, when her owner had hired a professional to photograph Pharfignewton as she sprinted around the field. Pharfignewton had given Pinky her personal favorite, one that showed her hooves flying through the air and her gorgeous mane streaming in the sunlight. She was having the time of her life, and she couldn’t have picked a better photo to give him.

“There’s certainly an uncanny resemblance,” Brain admitted. “And the size discrepancy between you and her is incredibly blatant. Not to mention the species difference.”

Pinky crossed his arms. “Oh, don’t be so intolerant, Brain. She’s big cause she’s a horse, and I’m small cause I’m a mouse. But we make it work.”

Pharfignewton would be gone for the next two months, possibly more when she achieved the Triple Crown. It would be lonely, but he could manage.

“You mentioned she was far away when I interrogated you.” Brain set the photo down, smoothing out a corner though it didn’t have any wrinkles.

“She’s still on the road to the Derby, I think. Can’t really get in touch with her though. Phones are kinda tricky with hooves, you know.” Pinky said. “She’s wanted the Triple Crown her entire life. So that’s why I gotta make a giant hat and root for her when she races!”

“I don’t understand how a hat factors into all this,” Brain said.

“Zort! I dunno,” Pinky shrugged. “You can’t have a Derby without horses, hats, and My Old Kentucky Home. Otherwise it wouldn’t be much of a Derby then, would it?”

Brain folded his arms. “I’m currently debating if I should take your words at face value or not. Your customs make no sense whatsoever.”

Pinky thought they made perfect sense, and cents, and all of the five senses really, but his stomach growled and that thought was soon forgotten. Brain never had Earth food before, had he?

Definitely a job for a genetically altered Earth mouse to show him the ropes!  

But first, Pinky had to clean the gel off his fur. It was starting to clump into spikes, and that wouldn’t do at all.

o-o-o-o-o

Pinky rinsed himself in the sink, sticking out his tongue to lap up some of the cool water as it trickled out of the faucet. Thankfully, the gel hadn’t settled into his fur and was very easy to wash away. And flicking the water around the sink with his tail was loads of fun too!

Brain stayed on the outer rim, pulling on the stopper and handles by the sink out of curiosity. He edged closer to the stream of water, almost touching it with a gloved hand, but decided against it. But he wouldn’t stop staring at it either, like he’d never seen water in his life.

Maybe he hadn’t?

The moon was made of cheese and not water after all. Water would make the cheese all soggy and mushy and wash away the cheesy taste that made cheese so delicious.

“C’mon, Brain! Poit!” Pinky pushed his fingers together, trying to send a squirt of water up to Brain, though it missed his nose by a mile and landed on a small crumb on the slope of the sink instead. “The water’s just fine!”

“I’ll have to decline your offer, Pinky,” Brain said. “My information about water is rather lacking, and I’d rather not cover myself in a substance without knowing more.”

“I guess water would leave the moon cheese not very tasty to eat, huh?” Pinky asked. He braced himself and shot out of the tiny waterfall, and he was very glad for all the focus he’d put into leg exercises recently, because his running start was enough to get him over the rim on his first try. “Well, all you need to know is that water is wet, it splishy-splashes all over the place, and it’s fun to play Marco Polo in!”

Brain didn’t look convinced though. He removed one of his black gloves and touched a puddle, rubbing the water between his fingers curiously.

Pinky turned off the water, then dried himself off with a fluffy towel. He double checked his chest to make sure the gel was completely gone and patted down his fur.

“This way, Brain!” Pinky called, jumping off the counter and onto a spinny chair. The seat twirled around for a bit, making him slightly dizzy, but it was all in jolly good fun. Brain carefully climbed down, gripping the drawer handles and moving slowly. He slipped on the last handle and landed awkwardly on his right leg. He grimaced for a moment, his nose scrunching up rather adorably. “Blueberry bagels and cream cheese, here we come!”

“Your sustenance on Terra, I assume?” Brain asked. He followed Pinky through a corridor and into the kitchen, his large head turning every which way to take in all the sights of ACME Lab. Now that it was daytime, there were more colors than just shadowy blue. Pinky wondered if Brain would try to name the colors he saw. Pinky tried once, but there were just too many pretty colors streaming in from the window pane above.

“They aren’t consonants, Brain. They’re delicious and all, but they wouldn’t fit with the alphabet. A little bit of a mouthful, don’t you think? Poit!” Pinky climbed up the cherry-print towel hanging on the refrigerator door like he’d done a million times before. He braced himself against the fridge door, pressed his legs against the handle, and pushed with all his might, feeling that familiar strain of his stomach muscles.

The door opened with a satisfying pop. Breathing heavily, Pinky tumbled more than he climbed down the towel, landing on the cold floor of the refrigerator.

“S-surely there has to be a more e-efficient way to open a door than your method.” Brain’s teeth chattered together, his ears flattening to avoid the sudden chill. He took a few steps away from the open fridge, his arms folded in front of his chest. “Is it a-always this cold?”

“Oh, I haven’t even opened up the freezer! If you think this is cold, you’ll really feel like a mousesicle in there! But it’s worth it if you wanna get to the strawberry ice cream with the cute little mini spoons! Maybe some other time though. Right now, it’s important to get a daily serving of cheese!” Pinky exclaimed as he pushed two small tubs of cream cheese from a middle shelf. They each landed on the floor with a thud, and Pinky jumped down and retrieved them, closing the fridge door behind him with his foot.

Brain sighed in relief as soon as the door was closed, his arms dropping to his sides.

“They keep the blueberry bagels by the bagel warmer,” Pinky said as he led Brain out of the kitchen and into a room that had been marked with a yellow and black caution sign. The bagels were so delicious they even had to warn everyone to take caution! “Oh, now that’s a tongue twister. Blueberry bagels by the bagel warmer. Boobelly beige by the baguette warmer...oh, that’s a toughie. I’ll work on it.”

The bagel warmer was an oddly shaped toaster, with lots of wires and bulbs sticking out along the sides and top. It even had a conveyor belt running through it, but Pinky thought it made this toaster really unique among toasters. Why, he’d even been toasted in this toaster himself! Though it wasn’t as much fun as crispy pieces of bread made it seem. He just remembered a lot of smoke and electricity. And there’d been a lot of narf inside too.

Pinky set the tubs of cream cheese on the floor, then climbed up to the conveyor belt, which was propped on metallic cylinders.

“This is so much easier with two mice!” Pinky crowed. He peered down at Brain, who curiously poked at a red wire on the floor. “I don’t mind eating bagels by themselves, but there’s something about toasty bagels that just warms the heart!”

“If they’re truly that delectable, I suppose there’s no harm in trying it,” Brain replied.

“Did your file thingies say anything about Earth food?” Pinky asked. Because Brain sure didn’t seem to know much about tasty things.

Brain shook his head. “The Selenians didn’t bother with information about the lifestyles or cuisine of Terrans. It was irrelevant to their cause.”

Oh. Pinky tried to imagine being an alien who didn’t know anything about cheese, but came up blank. He’d eaten cheese and food pellets his entire life. He couldn’t imagine a world without them.

“Pinky, are you aware that machine is also apparently a gene splicer?” Brain asked, pointing to the letters along the side.

ACME GENE SPLICER AND BAGEL WARMER, it said.

“So it does. But the only things that go in are bagels and lab mice. Don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone try to splice a pair of jeans. Oh, that reminds me!” Pinky snapped his fingers. How could he have forgotten something so very important? The silly machine was on the gene splicer setting! Pinky pressed a conveniently labeled button that said ‘press here for bagel warmer setting’. How nice of the scientists to label their stuff!

He was so glad he discovered that before sending the bagels through. The gene splicer setting would’ve made the bagels extra crispy, and while Pinky didn’t mind, extra crispy bagels were a taste one had to get used to first. Nope, it was better to start Brain off lightly!

“Can you please get two blueberry bagels from the bag, Brain?” Pinky pointed to a bottom cabinet where the bagels were kept, grinning at the new tongue twister he’d come with. Egad, he was good at this! “They’re the tan circles with a hole and blue specks in them! Kinda like a donut, except without the frosting and sprinkles. Zort, Brain! You’ve never eaten donuts, have you? Oh, I am definitely making a list of foods you need to try!”

Pinky hopped onto a tall table and neatly tore a paper towel off its roll, then laid it flat on the conveyor belt. Following Pinky’s instructions, Brain retrieved two bagels from the cabinet and passed them up to Pinky. Brain still seemed rather confused about the gene splicer and the bagel warmer being one and the same. Pinky carefully separated each bagel so that he had four half-bagels with the inside lying face-up and arranged them on the paper towel so they would all be nice and toasty.      

Then Pinky realized he’d forgotten another thing. Namely, that he didn’t know how to turn the bagel warmer on.

He scratched his head.

That could be a real issue.

“Pinky, do you actually know how to work this machine?” Brain’s voice sounded oddly strained. Pinky turned around. Brain was hanging onto the side of the conveyor belt, his legs wrapped around one of the metal cylinders. He’d tried to climb up himself, but his arms were too short to get a proper grip, and if he leaned over anymore, he’d fall right on his chubby head.

Pinky reached over, grasping Brain’s wrists and trying to haul him up, only for Brain to be resistant to help. He wouldn’t budge, his wrists feeling oddly tense under Pinky’s hands. His pink eyes were wide and apprehensive, pointed ears flattening against his head.

“Brain?” Pinky said. “I’m just gonna haul you up. Could you relax a bit please? It’ll be much easier.”

Brain didn’t move for a second, searching Pinky’s eyes warily. Pinky just gave him an encouraging smile. Brain looked away, his brow furrowing, but some of the tension left his wrists.

Pinky pulled him onto the railing of the conveyor belt, Brain’s feet scrabbling in the air briefly before settling firmly on the metal.

“Thanks,” Brain muttered. He walked over to the various buttons and levers, examining each one curiously.  

“You’re welcome, Brain!” Pinky brought one hand to his forehead in a salute, only to remember that Brain was an honest-to-goodness alien, and probably didn’t know that particular gesture. So Pinky tried to make the Vulcan salute instead, but it was kinda tricky with only four fingers instead of five.

“This is very intriguing,” Brain breathed, pressing his face against a small closed window that offered a look into the gears and wires within the bagel warmer. “Yes, pure lithium power source, proton accelerators, and automatic anti-inertia capabilities? The use of nanoplasmic charges leaves a lot to be desired of course, but to have the rest of these things in one machine at your fingertips…”

Pinky didn’t understand anything Brain just said, but the alien’s fingers were twitching in excitement, his nose smushed against the glass. It was the first genuine smile Pinky had seen from the alien since they first met, and Pinky thought it looked really good on him. Even nicer than the jumpsuit, which was already really fashionable. “If you figure out how to turn it on, that would be really great!” Pinky grinned. Brain pulled down on a nearby lever, and the conveyor belt began to move. “Egad, brilliant!”

“The lever was labeled, Pinky.” Brain waved him off, pointing to the word ‘on’ stenciled next to him. But his head tilted up and his chest puffed out too. He seemed to like that word a lot. “Wait, you figured out the machine was on the wrong setting, but you can’t turn it on?”

Pinky shrugged. “It’s not really my type, Brain.”

“Never mind,” Brain sighed, the tips of his ears turning as red as his nose. He turned back to the machine window. “I want to observe this process.”  

“Me too!” Pinky exclaimed, and he hopped over to the window, smushing his nose against it just as the bagels were swept into the machine. Blue electricity sparked and jumped all around the metal structures inside, and the glass warmed beneath Pinky’s hands.

It was a beautiful sight, and Pinky licked his lips as the bagels crisped from the heat.

Beside him, Brain watched the electricity intently, murmuring a bunch of smart words Pinky didn’t understand, but definitely enjoying the show too.

Within several minutes, the bagels gained an extremely nice golden brown crisp, and the conveyor belt moved them out of the bagel warmer. Brain pulled the lever up and the conveyor belt stopped moving, the thrum of the machine beneath their feet slowly fading away.

They weaved around long, multicolored wires as they made their way to the other side, where the bagels awaited them.

“Troz! Looks positively dee-lish!” Pinky exclaimed, poking at one of the bagels. Firm and flaky, just how they were supposed to be. His mouth watered in anticipation.

“The scent alone is quite appealing,” Brain agreed, taking several sniffs of the bagels. “I’ve never smelled anything like this before.”

Pinky grinned at him. “Oh, just you wait, Brain! The real magic is just starting!”

Sliding down the cylinders, Pinky retrieved the two cream cheese tubs they’d left on the floor and passed them up to Brain one at a time. His lower leg strength had improved a lot in the past few months, and it was easy for him to hang on while he passed the tubs up.

“Show-off,” Brain grumbled as he took hold of the second tub.

Pinky just laughed as he fetched two plastic knives from a drawer and carted them back to Brain and the bagels.

“Here you go! Bon appetit!” Pinky said. He gave one of the plastic knives to Brain, who gingerly ran his finger across the toothed edge as he examined the flat, see-through handle. “Oh, be careful with those, Brain. You don’t wanna cut yourself.”

“Not to worry, Pinky,” Brain said. “We have knives on New Selene. But I’ve never seen one with this particular material before. And much duller too.”

Pinky peeled away the cover of a cream cheese tub, drooling over the gorgeous smooth white surface inside. Brain copied him with the other tub, pulling off the cover completely. The alien took off his gloves and sniffed the cream cheese a few times, swiping one fingertip through the cream cheese. Then he tasted it.

Brain’s eyes widened immediately, his antennae perking up. He licked cream cheese off his fingertip four more times before he realized Pinky was watching him. Brain ducked his head and fiddled with his sleeves.

“That was…even better than I anticipated,” Brain admitted, his voice full of wonder.

“Aw, you don’t have to be embarrassed if you like it, Brain. I’m glad you think so, cause blueberry bagels and cream cheese is my favorite. Well, so are food pellets. And marshmallows, especially the puffy kind. And smiley face lollipops and…poit! I have a lot of favorites, it’s so hard to choose just one! Zounds, mac n’cheese too! You really need to try mac’n cheese, Brain! That one’s definitely going on the list. Anyway, if you think the cream cheese alone is good, try this!”

Pinky dipped the knife into the cream cheese. Once he got a good coating, he spread it across the surface of the bagel, took the largest chomp of the combined food he could manage, then swallowed. It went down a little rough, but it was delicious all the same.

“Scrumptious!” Pinky exclaimed. “It’s like a party in your mouth!”

Brain copied his actions again, and while he preferred to rip off chunks of the bagel and slather cream cheese onto smaller pieces, his enjoyment of the food wasn’t any less than Pinky’s. He made some funny ‘mmm’ noises in the back of his throat, his eyes closed in bliss as he worked his way through the first half-bagel.

Pinky started on his second half, licking cream cheese off his lips. This was a nice way to spend the evening.

“Brain, you’re welcome to share my cage if you’d like,” Pinky offered. “Mi cage es tu cage, you know.”

“Are you sure, Pinky?” Brain swallowed, thumping his fist against his throat to make the bagel go down. “I know we’re in a mutual partnership, but I wouldn’t want to impose in your living space.”

“You’re not imposing,” Pinky said. “Besides, plenty of unmarried people share living spaces these days.”

Brain was silent. He continued spreading cream cheese across a small portion of bagel, even though it was completely slathered at this point.

“Snowball and I were in neighboring cages. Aisam had to be housed alone because of their inclination towards territorial aggression. We had separate quarters for the journey to Terra as well.” Brain nibbled on a corner of his bagel. “Point being, I’ve never shared a cage before.”

“Sharing is caring,” Pinky smiled, finishing the last of his bagel. “Besides, it’s one more new experience for both of us. Isn’t that just dandy? I just hope Mr. Button and Nicholas didn’t leave too much a mess.”

“Very well. But we’re moving that sponge bed I slept on last night into your cage. It was much less aggravating for my back than the usual fare,” Brain said. “So…thanks for that, Pinky.”

“You’re welcome, Brain,” Pinky replied, rubbing circles into his belly, his hunger satisfied.

Beside him, Brain seemed satisfied too. And there was nothing better in all the world than sharing blueberry bagels and cream cheese with a new alien friend.

AN: OK this one’s more of a breather chapter since the last 5 were like wham bam nonstop stuff for the characters. Sorry it took so long to get this one out. Next chapter will have Pinky finally getting his hat and Brain’s first mall excursion!

[tiliamericana]

Muay Thai: 1.09

Nairi double checked the address Linden had texted her and looked back up at the set of buildings. They were squat and stuck together, looking kind of like a demountable set up someone had made permanent as best they could. The foundation was brickwork that looked more recent than the dirty siding, and about halfway up the wall it was all old windows, half of which were propped open.

The number she was looking for was around the side and about halfway down, and Nairi could smell cleaning supplies and cooking food, and hear discordant music as she walked up the ramp towards the door she was looking for. It was propped open a couple of inches by a worn paint can filled with concrete, a little angry face painted on it in red. She knocked on the window panel in the door. “Linden?”

The door swung all the way open, and Linden poked her head out, smiling at her. “There you are! Found it okay?”

She was completely bare faced for the first time since Nairi had met her, and while the denim cut offs were a familiar part of her wardrobe rotation, the oversize grey t-shirt was new, shapeless and paint spattered. There was also paint all along her forearms, some of which had managed to get onto her legs as well.

“Yeah,” said Nairi, holding up the paper bag. “And I brought lunch, as requested.”

“Oh, I’ll have to keep you around,” said Linden, grinning as she stepped back and opened the door properly to let Nairi in. She took the bag as Nairi stepped past her, digging in to retrieve her enchilada with a pleased noise.

“Having a… productive Tuesday?” asked Nairi as Linden let the door fall back into the paint can with a muffled clang.

Even with all of the windows propped open and the extractor fan wheezing loudly, the room still stunk of turpentine, paint, and something else chemical and sweet that she couldn’t quite identify. There was an unfinished counter running along one side of the room, cluttered with tubs of paint and half-filled bottles of oil, dirty jars and mugs, with an industrial sink at the end with an old microwaved plugged in next to it. One of its hinges was held on with electrical tape. The shelves under the counter had a lot of plastic tubs filling the space, labelled in masking tape and marker.

Linden crossed the room to a section where the floor was covered by an old bedsheet, sitting down on a wheeled office chair with the back broken off in front of an easel holding a canvas that was mostly pale green. She nodded as she picked up a tall ceramic mug with a lid, and she drank deeply from it, gesturing at a ratty couch under the windows on the wall. The mug had a strip of masking tape wrapped around it, ‘NO TURPS >:|’ scrawled on it in thick marker.

“Yeah, I got my wash layer down for the base of this bad boy,” said Linden, setting the mug back down and jerking her thumb over her shoulder at the canvas. “I spent a good chunk of last week fucking around with thumbnails, but your housewarming gift is officially on the way as of now.”

Nairi, sat on the couch. A strut creaked under her, threatening to crack. “You don’t have to—”

Linden waved her off. “I told you, your walls are too bare, and this is literally my area of expertise. How was your morning anyway?”

Nairi shrugged. “Okay, I guess? I really only got out of bed when you texted me.”

“Nice for some,” said Linden, grinning at her. “Layabout! How do you and Aggy get anything scheduled? She’s up by six and in bed by ten sharp.”

Nairi shrugged, unwrapping her own lunch and shifting uncomfortably on the terrible couch. “I guess we’ll find out; I’m having dinner at her apartment tonight.”

“Co-sy,” said Linden sarcastically, setting her enchilada on the folding table next to her ‘not turpentine’ and a clear jar filled with what was presumably turpentine. She picked up a flat paintbrush and dabbed it at her palette, rolling her chair forward and making a couple of light, decisive strokes on the green. “You two are enjoying yourselves, then?”

“I think so,” said Nairi, not entirely certain if she’d messed something up or was missing something. “Have you got plans for the night then? Or are you working?”

“Both,” said Linden promptly. “Got a hot date with a cool hook up, and then a much hotter date with the rest of next month’s rent check. Can I ask you a favour?”

“Sure,” said Nairi, chewing slowly. “For your cool hook up or next month’s rent?”

Linden turned her head and bounced her eyebrows at Nairi. “Next month’s rent check. Si’s kind of a dickhead, but he’s only dangerous if you don’t like T.S. Eliot or are allergic to, like, papercuts, or lignin, or something. I need a safety check in for when I finish my job. I have a couple of people I’d usually ask, but the one I normally go to during the week has a daughter in hospital for her appendix, and Flo takes melatonin to keep her schedule, like, regulated during semester so asking her to wait up on a school night is a no-go.”

“I should be able to do that,” said Nairi, nodding, partially because her only other option was asking what the hell ‘lignin’ was. “What do you need for it?”

“It’s just waiting for me to call when I’m finished with my job, or calling to check in, just to make sure I haven’t been murdered or whatever,” said Linden, leaning back a little to scan the lines she’d marked out on the canvas. “I’m booked for eleven, so I should be done before one. I’ll like, send you the address and the number for my work phone and stuff.”

Nairi nodded again. “Okay, sounds easy. So, if I can’t reach you by one, what do I need to do?”

“I’d tell you to call Nick, but he’d only call the cops so you can probably just cut him out of the equation and go straight to them. I’d like, rather not with them, like at all, ever,” she emphasised this with a slashing motion of her paintbrush, “but if it comes to that, then tell them like, I’m on a first date with a guy my dad thinks is creepy and I promised to check in or something, I don’t know.”

If she had the address, then… well. “Why would Nicholas call the cops if he knows you’d hate it?”

Linden rolled her eyes extravagantly and set her brush down, going for her enchilada again. “Because he believes in the power of the system, doesn’t approve of my job, is convinced that one day cops will magically stop being shitty to me, and also he apparently still thinks I’m sixteen.”

“Right,” said Nairi, slowly balling up the foil and paper of her lunch. “He uh, cares a lot about you, huh?”

“Yeah, he’s an old friend of my dad’s,” said Linden, nodding and swallowing. “Looked out for me when I was a teenager, you know? He’s still convinced that every time he turns around I’m gonna run off and nearly get myself killed again, it’s a real pain in the ass.”

“Again?”

A rueful smile flickered across Linden’s face. “Yeah, I ran away from home when I was about fifteen. Jim’s the one who found me and got me off the streets at first, but Edie and Nick were the ones who really made sure I got on my feet.”

“Right,” said Nairi, and she hesitated. “Jim’s a friend of theirs?”

“Was, yeah,” said Linden, glancing down at her lap to brush off an invisible crumb. “He died when I was about nineteen. Lung cancer, you know. It happens.”

“Damn,” said Nairi, not sure what to say in the face of that. “I’m sorry.”

“Me too, sometimes,” said Linden, her smile a little lopsided as she looked up. “It was a long time ago, though—water under the bridge and all that.”

“Yeah,” said Nairi, glancing at her hands briefly. “So what, Nicholas is worried that you’ll end up in a gutter?”

“Street corner, more like,” said Linden, dryness creeping back into her tone as she popped the last piece of her enchilada into her mouth, shaking her head. “He was pretty pissed off when I got out of college and went straight back to hooking.”

Nairi snorted. “Yeah, he doesn’t strike me as the kind of guy who’d ‘approve’ of that.”

“Real stick up his ass, yeah,” said Linden, nodding again. “Edithwas the fun one when I was a teenager, so you can imagine what a downer life was back then.”

“A little, yeah,” said Nairi, her mouth twitching. “I didn’t know anyone like that as a teenager, maybe it would’ve helped me out some.”

“Oh, I know that feeling,” said Linden with a laugh, giving Nairi a carefully measured side-eye. “He’s very useful to have around sometimes—my taxes get filed on time every year and all that.”

Nairi laughed. “Nothing shows you care like robust budgeting, huh?”

Linden cackled with laughter, a loud, startled noise. “Yes! Exactly—god, you should have seen him when I got my first apartment. He came with me to sign the lease and he interrogated my landlord, did his own goddamn tour, took his own photos of the place when I moved in and hunted the guy down to sign that he’d seen them, made copies of my bond payment, and thenhe was on me every single month to make sure I had a receipt for my rent.”

“Ferocious,” said Nairi, grinning at her.

“And wildly disappointed in me the first time I got evicted,” said Linden, grinning back at her.

Nairi laughed without expecting it, the lines around her eyes creasing. “You’re a menace, then?”

Linden was smiling with bright eyes; head tilted a little. “Damn right I am. Nick’s been putting up with my shit for ten years, I really thought he’d’ve clued in by now.”

“Maybe he thinks you can be better than shit?” suggested Nairi.

Linden’s smile softened a little as she picked up the paintbrush again. “No, he’s a little better at managing his expectations than that. I mean, he sticks up for me with dad, but it’s not like I get away scot free when I fuck up!”

“Your dad’s not a fan of the hooking I take it?”

Linden made a wheezing sort of noise as she went for her paint again. “Oh god, no, my dad doesn’t know about the hooking, he’s an attorney, he’d kill me. That’s part of why Nick fucking hates it, he doesn’t like lying for anything, least of all my sorry ass.”

Nairi nodded again. “Okay, so, your dad’s just kind of a dick, huh?”

Linden paused and turned her head to look at Nairi, giving her an annoyed look. “No, he’s fine. We don’t get along that well, is all. And that whole thing where I was a missing teenager for four years and then came back queer and punk didn’t exactly help things either. We’re fine, I’m going up for dinner with him in a couple of weeks, actually.”

“Right, sorry,” said Nairi, holding up a hand. “I never met my parents, I don’t know what’s like, normal or whatever.”

“It’s fine,” said Linden, shrugging at her. “People get the wrong impression sometimes, is all.”

Somehow Nairi wasn’t shocked by this. “Will I hit another pothole if I ask about your mom?” she said instead.

Linden laughed. “I never knew her. I asked about her a bunch when I was a kid, but my dad was kind of really evasive and I stopped asking—I sort of got the impression she died when I was extra small or something. Edie reckons that whoever she was they were never really, like ‘together’, ‘cause apparently I was a surprise baby for everyone who knew him.”

“Oh, I don’t think kids work well as surprises,” said Nairi with a wince.

“Definitely not,” said Linden, grinning widely. “He did okay, though.”

Nairi shifted uncomfortably on the couch again. “You turned out okay, so he must have.”

Linden snorted.

Nairi’s phone chirped in her back pocket and she tugged it out to check the message. The couch creaked ominously as she shifted again, and she paused, glancing down at it. “Just out of curiosity, how much did you pay for this couch?”

“I didn’t, I nicked it from a guy who was throwing it out,” said Linden, taking a drink of not turps as Nairi’s phone chirped again. “Who’s texting?”

Nairi glanced down at her screen, tapping open the messaging inbox. “Agatha. She’s just checking that we’re still on for tonight.”

“You’re not gonna disappoint her, are you?” teased Linden.

Nairi looked up at her, not sure what to make of the way her tone had dipped. “No?”

Linden hummed, her mouth twitching. “Well, don’t party too hard then,” she said in the same tone again, and she turned her attention back to her canvas.

[h2omyeon]

You Were Beautiful (KJM x Reader)

Summary: You had been in love with your classmate Kim Junmyeon for the last year and a half. You finally find the guts to tell him the truth about how you feel, but at the wrong time. (PS: Chanyeol makes a cameo in this story and Junmyeon is an Art History major!)

Pairing: Junmyeon x Female Reader

Tags: College Student Junmyeon, Art Hoe Junmyeon, bittersweet stuff

Warnings: Mentions of suicide towards the end of the story (not in this chapter)

Word Count (in total): 8.5k

AUTHOR’S NOTE: This is my first ever story I wrote and published on here. Feel free to leave comments and I will try to publish each chapter weekly! This story is based off of a combination of dreams that I had which included people who weren’t Junmyeon and Junmyeon himself during the beginning of this whole COVID pandemic (AKA: when things began to fall apart). Like the world that I was living in at that time, this story/dream is just as (I hope to believe) chaotic. I also apologize if there are a ton of plot holes in the story because it was based on a dream and I could not think of any filler parts. Enjoy!- PS

Read the previous parts here: Part 1 Part 2

Chapter 2: Starry Night

The rest of the semester and graduation week came and went like a breeze. While you and your friends went crazy on your graduation caps and dresses, Junmyeon went shopping to buy stuff for his family and friends in South Korea. Despite his time being spent more on shopping, his cap came out the best and won 1st place in the cap decorating contest at graduation. 

You and Angela decided to throw him a surprise goodbye party on his last day, which was the day after graduation, at your place. There was predominately Korean music playing and people were happily dancing along to it despite not understanding what was being sung. Junmyeon, despite wearing a sweater vest on a warm May evening, danced like a pro to literally every song that played. You had no idea he could dance so well. There was also food that would have lasted your family a week and a half that was finished in less than three hours, mostly by Junmyeon’s bar musician friend Chanyeol and Angela. 

The party went successfully and those who were not able to see him off the next day gave their little goodbye gifts. Chanyeol was eating the remaining chips and looked at the clock; it was 9:30pm. “Shit! I have a date. Thanks for the party, Y/N.” He gave you and Angela quick hugs and walked to Junmyeon, who was packing his stuff in his bags. 

“I’m gonna head out. I’ll see you in the future, man,” Chanyeol said as he gave Junmyeon one last bro hug and handed him his gift, then left the house and into the night.

Once Chanyeol left, it was only the three of you.  “That was fun,” Junmyeon said. “Thank you, Y/N. Thank you, Angela. I’m really gonna miss all those people, even Chanyeol.” 

“Anything for you, Junmyeon.” you and Angela replied back in unison while you and Angela had cleaned up the cups and plates left on the table. Junmyeon helped tidy up the sofa and swept the dining table floor. 

Music played in the background loud enough for you all to not realize that your parents and sisters had come back. Junmyeon went to lower the music as he greeted your parents in the process. 

While you went to throw out the last of the plates, Angela began to follow you into the kitchen. 

“When are you gonna tell him?” she hissed softly. Junmyeon was happily looking at the gifts he got in the living room, silently observing them. 

“Never at this point,” you replied a little too loudly. Luckily he was in the middle of a conversation with your parents and younger sisters, so he didn’t hear you. “Maybe later,” you softly replied. 

“You’ve been saying that for two years, Y/N. The man is leaving TOMORROW,” she clapped back. “It’s now or never.” 

“I thought he was gonna stay in New York like he had planned. I was gonna tell him sometime after college, but I didn’t think he was gonna leave tomorrow,” you snapped. 

“Come on, Y/N, go tell him after he’s done with your family,” she suggested while watching your 12 and 18 year old sisters talk to him endlessly about some random stuff. After inserting the final dishes into the washer and wiping the counter, you guys danced and sang along to “Rough” by GFriend as it played from a faint distance at your speakers and laughed when you both messed up on a few steps. 

“Junmyeon, don’t leave yet. We have a gift for you,” your mother could be heard saying to your friend who was about to leave. You and Angela had walked out of the kitchen and into the living room by the time your mother walked out with a red box. 

“It’s a deity for good luck while you are in the military and for your wonderful future ahead as a future curator,” she explained. Your father handed him an envelope. “Here’s $200 that you can use for your future education after the military,” he added. Junmyeon added the gifts into the bag. 

“Thank you all for the gifts,” Junmyeon said humbly. “I have so many I don’t know how they will all fit in my luggages!” he exclaimed, showing off the bags of gifts he got. Everyone began to laugh. 

After a few minutes of small talk, Junmyeon and Angela wished everyone a good night. Your parents wished them a good night in return, while your sisters went to get ready for bed. 

“Y/N, go walk Junmyeon home,” your mother suggested with a smile. “It’s so late at night, I don’t want him to get into any issues right before he leaves.” You immediately agreed. Your sisters made kissy noises; “Shut up!” you snapped at them. They laughed when you realized you had turned red. You then left the house with Angela and Junmyeon, who were waiting at the front door. 

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Right when you three reached the crosswalk, Angela gave Junmyeon one last hug; she let go of the embrace as she started to silently cry. You felt tears form in your eyes. “I’ll miss you, Jun,” she tearfully stated.

“Thank you for everything and making college the best three years of my life. I joked around with you a lot, but I really liked you. You made both my best friend and myself really happy. Let me give you my gift,” Angela ruffled through her bag and took out a purple box. She handed the box to Junmyeon; he thanked her. She began to cry even more. 

“Angela, I will miss you too and thank you for the gift,” Junmyeon replied to the heavily upset Angela, holding her hand for a brief second. “We have each other’s contact information. I’ll try to text and email all of you when I can. The military is strict and oftentimes we’re not going to be allowed to go on our phones, so I’ll try my best. Don’t worry, Angela, we’ll see each other in the future. Once I’m done with my military service, I’ll come and visit New York before I go on and do my masters.” he explained while wiping her tears. They hugged one last time while you watched in silence. 

“What if you die?” she joked after letting go of the embrace. You all laughed.

“I really wanted to send you off tomorrow, but I have work. Serve well, okay?” Angela declared

“Angela, he’s going for training, not fighting in a war. Although with Trump as president I won’t be surprised if there was a Third World War,” you sarcastically remarked. 

“I know, but-,” a car honk interrupted her sentence. Her hipster vegan boyfriend, Nicholas, had come to pick her up in his car. 

“Goodbye, Junmyeon,” Angela said. 

“Goodbye, Angela.” he said back. 

She gave him one last hug and waved at the both of you before crossing the street. You both observed the couple drive off into the night, living a life of their own. 

“I’ll really miss that girl,” he sighed, while you two walked. “She reminds me of my friend’s sister in Korea. Funny and naive.” 

You were silent the whole walk. Now was your chance to tell him, you didn’t know the next time you would see him again to tell him. Junmyeon began to notice you were unusually silent. 

“Y/N, what’s wrong?” he asked as you both finally reached the front porch of his house. You both sat on the bench and looked at one another. Now is the time to do it, you thought to yourself. You felt your heart beat out of your chest, but it was now or never. 

“Junmyeon, I-I’ve been wanting to tell you something for a while. It’s something you probably wouldn’t expect from me, but if I don’t say it, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life. I don’t know when I’ll ever see you again, so… ah, fuck it!” you nervously began.

“What do you want to say?” He curiously asked. You must have looked like a fool because he then began to say: “Why are you so nervous? Let me get a bucket-,”

“There’s no need. I’m not going to throw up; I wanted to tell you that…” you continued, trying to avoid his gaze. 

“That what, Y/N?” he proceeded to ask. You then made eye contact with him. God he has pretty eyes, you thought a little too loudly. He began to giggle. 

“Are you okay? What’s up? We’re friends, you can tell me anything.” 

You took a breath. “Junmyeon, I realized as time passed that I really started to like you. Not in the friendly way, but in-,”

“I actually wanted to tell you the same thing,” he confessed with a chuckle. “I was going to tell you tonight, but you beat me to it. That’s very brave of you.” 

You had a surprised look on your face; he began to laugh. 

“Really?”

“I’m serious,” he began. 

“Y/N, in the years that I got to know you,” he continued, holding your right hand. “You’ve grown to be a beautiful person inside and out and I want you to know that. I know self deprecation is your signature suit, but hear me out. You are kinder, more loving, sweeter and funnier than you think you are. I have always loved you because of who you were and I want you to know I will never let you go, even if we will be 14 hours away from another. You will always be a huge part of my life. You were friends with me at a time when I was starting to miss home and spending time with you and Angela made me realize that New York will always be my second home. That is the best thing anyone could have ever done,” he admitted. 

The two of you smiled at one another. Immediately, you looked up at the sky, silently observing the moon and its surrounding stars. 

“Those stars are very beautiful, like you,” he gushed. You scoffed then looked back at Junmyeon, who was smiling at you; the glow of the moon went onto his face and he became even more beautiful than he was before. 

“Thank you for being a part of my life, Junmyeon. I know it was too late now for me to tell you that I loved you, but I’ve accepted that we can’t be together because duty calls. I will always love you as my best friend,” you began. “You taught me how to live life in ways I didn’t consider before. I grew to love art in a weird way and I became happier. I was at my worst when I met you. I was confused, lost and didn’t want to be on this planet at all, but the more I got to know you and be around you, I realized that you were the reason I stayed,” you revealed. 

“Hey, I’m sorry that we can’t be together because of me. I know we will both be living different lives, but I will always think of you when I think of New York. For god’s sake, you were the first girl I ever fell in love with this seriously. I know you will be a wonderful teacher and if I ever get assigned to curate a whole Picasso exhibition, I will invite you first so you can make fun of my tastes in art,” he stated, jokingly implying that you won the Picasso had shitty art debate.

“Well, I have to pack these things and some rest so I can fly safely tomorrow.” you got up to leave and so did he. You hugged him and let go of the embrace and walked away to go back home. 

“I love you,” he called out.

“I love you too, Junmyeon. I’ll see you tomorrow,” you waved.

Just as you were about to go back to your house, you heard footsteps and he grabbed your arm. You turned around and he stroked your cheek, then leaned in closer to your face until there was almost no space between the two of you to breathe; “I love you,” he whispered and then closed his eyes. You knew what was happening; what had happened to the main characters in all those rom coms you watched was happening to you at that moment.

Like the characters, you too began to lean in and close your eyes as your lips touched his. “I love you too,” you whispered between kisses. The butterflies grew in your stomach and your heart began to beat faster. It didn’t help that his Dior cologne smelled really good at the moment. The kiss was deep, but quick because you could hear the door begin to open. You opened your eyes and moved back when you saw Mrs Kim watching through the next door with a smile. Junmyeon turned around and became flustered like a child in the spotlight for the first time.

“Goodnight again.” you said. “Goodnight Mrs Kim!” you waved at the woman at the net door; she called out goodnight as well. 

“Goodnight, Y/N. You’re a good kisser for someone who claimed they’re an old lady,” he stated just before he walked into the house with his gifts. Once he entered the house, you watched him until he turned into a shadow; you then walked back to your own house in silence.

You smiled knowing you finally kissed the man of your dreams, but it felt bittersweet at the same time because he was going to leave the next day. You finally reached your own house and walked into it with a smile, your mother watching with a smile on her face as well. The TV was blasting as your father watched it like a zombie. Your father then looked up from the TV and watched the two of you in slight confusion, then smiled knowing what had happened. 

“I always knew he liked you, but I’m so sorry he had to leave you so early.” she sympathetically stated when you walked in. You smiled, then went to get ready for bed while texting Angela what had happened on the Kims’ magical porch.

Part 4

[plussizeappreciationfics]

Rule nr 1 - Part 1

Pairing : Avengers x Plus Size Reader

A/N : Everything in Italic = Flashbacks -> I hope you like it, it's was so much fun to write this series :) :) <3 <3 

Two hours into Stark’s party and you finally decided to show up. Sashaying in your tight red dress, your Viking inspired hairstyle and light makeup, you made your way to the bar. Feeling all the eyes on you - some of wonder, others of intimidation or frighten, due to your unconventional methods and reputation in the compound. « Scotch, dry », you said towards a way too nervous bartender. « Right away miss.» You turned around on your stool, scanning the audience with a predatory gaze, catching on the position of your fellow team mates, recognizing others by their political or military status, making you groan mentally.

If there was something you despised the most on earth, were those men thinking they can control people with their government and policies, their ridiculous organizations. ‘If you despise the government and organizations so much, then why are you part of the Avengers?’, you might ask. Easy ! -> Nicholas J. Fury. In order for you to understand the fracture that led the Avengers to tear down in a few hours, let’s go back in time and especially the period Fury approached you and how you end up among those so-called superheroes.

Flashback - Two years ago

« Voilà votre ticket Mademoiselle. Au revoir et bonne journée » (Here is your receipt miss. Goodbye and have a nice day), said the old lady behind her counter. « Merci. Pareillement. » ( Thank you. You too), you replied. You put your headphones on, pressed play and headed ‘home’. Walking the sideway with your grocery bags, you saw a man in black suit coming your way. You smirked knowing what was about to come. He walked faster, a hand reaching out to his back to grab his gun, when you had already throw one of your knives at him. Knowing very well he wasn’t the only one, you grabbed another hidden knife and throw it at the man behind you. He also fell to the ground but wasn’t neutralized yet. Another man in black reached out to his gun and pulled the trigger but anticipating his move, you dodged and griped his wrist - breaking his arm.

The fourth man coming the way the first one came, shoot at you, only to land on the guy you broke the arm. Taking him as a shield and then throwing him at the fourth man. You punched the gun out and began to fight him in a hand and hand combat. You took the knife used to kill the first man and slid the guy’s throat. You walked to the second man who was still in agony, took your knife out, cleaned it on his black coat and took his gun. ‘Bang’ - you pressed the trigger on his temple. People around the scene were screaming and running away. Your groceries splayed everywhere, you grabbed the guy’s wallet and took the cash inside. A civilian in front of you was filming the scene and you walked, threatening at him. « Donne moi ce téléphone ! » (Give me that phone ») He nervously gave it to you and you crashed it in your hand. You looked at the amount of the cash (400€) and handed him 350€. « Tiens en dédommagement » (Here in compensation), you mumbled while pointing at his broken phone. You got him by his collar and whispered with a deep voice « Pas un mot aux flics ou je te retrouves et je te vide le chargeur de ce flingue en pleine tête. » (Not a word to the cops or I’ll find you and empty the charger of that gun on your head). You looked at him in the eyes « Est-ce que c’est clair? » (Is that clear?). He nodded frantically, scared for his life. « Bien ! » (Good).

You escaped, knowing that the cops would be on their way to the crime scene. 5 minutes later, you opened the front door of your building. You started to climb the stairs and groaned in anticipation. You opened the door and headed to the kitchen sink. « What are you doing here? », you said. « What? No hello? No how are you, long time no see? », he replied. « Hello, how are you? Oh I’m fine by the way, just killed 4 Hydra agents, so life is pretty awesome. How about you? Oh wait, I don’t care. Now what do you want? », you said sarcastically. « I see you haven’t changed. Always right to the point. » You finally turned to him and replied « What can I say. Isn’t life too short for playing around? » « For the rest of us, it is. » You rolled your eyes and asked again « What do you want Nick? »

He took a seat at your red couch, cleared his throat and said « We need you. » « Nope », you immediately replied. « Come on let me finish. » You gave him a fake smile and he rolled his eyes. « I was saying. We need you. I want you to join the Avengers and before you interrupt again, this time it’s serious shit. I wouldn’t come personally, unarmed and alone if it wasn’t. » You narrowed your eyes « You want to make me believe you’re here by yourself with no agents to back you up. You shouldn’t lie to me. » « I’m not. I am indeed alone. »

« You don’t need me, you have your well known heroes. » « They can’t face the threat that’s coming all by themselves. » « There’s no threat beside Hydra or some aliens and I’m pretty sure they can handle it», you replied annoyed. « They will not be able to handle the next one. Look I don’t know when it will happen or what kind of threat, but I feel it deep down that something terrible is about to come. » « Something more terrible than Thanos, I doubt it and he was defeated and everything came back to normal. The people who died are back. So as I said, you don’t need me.» « The world is in danger», he said. « Don’t care », you mumbled with a mischief smile. « You don’t care about a world where Maya lives? », he replied smugly. Your smile vanished and you gave him a stern look. That man always knew how to get to you.

« It’s not fair using your niece to get to me. » He chuckled and replied « Oh you should know me by now that I’m not always fair. » You groaned and after a few silent minutes you replied « What am I supposed to do? » He smiled triumphantly and said « You’ll join the Avengers and assist on missions and you know, you could use some friends. » « I don’t need more friends », you replied through greeted teeth. « Maya can’t be your only friend », he replied. « She’s not. I know some people. » « I’m sure you do », he chuckled. « I’m not changing who I am just because they’re the Avengers, I hope you know that », you said seriously. « At the contrary, you should stay just the way you are. The team needs some fresh blood. » One of your eyebrows raised up « What the arch of Noe hasn’t enough fresh blood? I mean between the arachnid and insect squad, the bird squad and the panther », you replied sarcastically. Nick Fury laughed, which was at its essence a pretty huge accomplishment for most people, except for you. « Let me grab my bag », you finally gave up. He nodded and was about to wait for you outside when he turned around and said « Oh and Y/N, next time you kill four agents on the street, check out that no one is around to film. I had to take those videos immediately out of the net and lie to the government. »

You rolled your eyes again and mumbled « Yeah yeah, I’m paying that ‘debt’, by joining your tight wearing legging-squad. » He laughed again and said « Yes you are. » You groaned again. ‘This is going to be a disaster’, you thought to yourself.

Present Day

« Are you just gonna stand there or do you have something to tell me? », you mumbled still looking at the people in front of you. He chuckled and finally talked « You look very nice Y/N. » You finally turned towards him and raised an eyebrow « You don’t look too bad yourself Steve. » You smirked the moment you saw his face blush slightly. « How come you finally joined one of Tony’s parties? » « I was forced », you said and pointed at Natasha and Wanda who were on the dancefloor. « Ah I see. Can’t escape them either? » « I tried but apparently not », you chuckled. « Where’s Bucky? », you asked. « Probably arguing with Sam as usual », he smiled. « Aren’t they cute? Making us all believe they hate each other even if everyone knows that they couldn’t live without each other », you chuckled.

He was about to reply when someone interrupted him. « I don’t think we met yet. I’m Everett Ross, CIA », he said and presented his hand for you to shake. Your eyes look at him suspiciously and you caught the sight of Fury behind him, giving you a warning look. You groaned mentally and put on a fake smile. « I’m Y/N, Avengers », you replied firmly and shook his hand rather strongly. He giggled nervously and took his hand back, not without shaking it a little. « You got a firm grip there », his voice trembled a little. « Training, you know », you replied sarcastically. « Right …anyway, I was looking and curiously couldn’t find anything about you. No files, no background, how come? », he asked with a sudden confidence. Totally not impressed by him, you replied « Oh really. That’s odd. I guess you should see that with Fury. Now if you’ll excuse me », you replied and emptied your scotch in one gulp, making Ross and Steve widen their eyes, « I have other people to meet ». You headed towards the small group gathered around a couch. « Rogers tell me, do you trust her? », Ross turned to Steve. Steve was looking at you leaving them and then replied « Not at the beginning, but she proved herself, so yes I trust her. » Ross nodded but not completely agreeing with the Captain. There was something in his gut telling him that he couldn’t trust you at 100%.

« Damn girl, looking hot », exclaimed Sam with widened eyes. He was not the only one looking at you like some gold fish. You smirked and thanked him. « Of course she does, I mean if she’s gonna attend at least one of my parties, she has to come and glow for her host », replied Tony smugly. « Anything for my precious and favorite human being », you replied sarcastically. « Ouch you’re breaking my heart dear », he said and put a hand on his heart. « I thought I was your favorite? », mentioned Natasha. « No way, she loves me more than you », said Clint. « My lovely friends, everyone here knows that I am and will always be Y/N’s favorite », exclaimed Thor loudly. Loki just rolled his eyes at his brother’s antics and you did the same. « Actually I don’t have any favorite. So now that that’s clarified, can we get those boring bureaucrats out and get shitfaced », you commented. « On it », replied Tony.Amazingly 30 minutes later, the only people left on the party were the Avengers, except for Thor and Loki who had to leave and take care of their Asgardian folk and Tchalla, back to Wakanda. Present were : Tony, Steve, Natasha, Clint, Bruce, Rhodey, Sam, Bucky, Peter, Wanda, Vision and Scott. Everyone was engaged in conversations and you set back on the couch, recalling the day you met them.

Flashback

« Boss are you sure about her? », asked Maria Hill. You were pretending listening to music but caught every single word that was exchanged between them. Fury gave his agent a quizzical glance and she continued « We know nothing about her, how are you expecting to deal with Stark and Rogers. » « I know her, that’s what matters. Regarding Stark and Rogers, don’t worry about that. I’ll deal with them. » « But.. » « Enough Agent Hill », he said firmly. « Yes boss », she replied and gave you a bitter look. A small smirk escaped you lips. After landing the quinjet, you followed them inside the famous compound.

We entered what was like the training facility and everyone training there stopped. « Is there a reason why you told us to gather at the training room? », asked Stark to Fury. « Hello to you too Stark » « Oh yes sorry Hi. Agent Hill …and hiiii who are YOU? Who is she? », asked Stark switching his eyes between you and Fury. « Avengers, I present you Y/N, she will join you. » « How wasn’t I informed about this? », continued Stark. « Well, you’re informed now », replied Fury. You were eying everyone and they were looking back at you with the same suspicious look.. « What are her superpowers? », asked Rogers who stepped closer. « No superpowers », exclaimed Fury. The Captain seemed taken aback and Stark spoke again « Oh I see she’s the tech girl, computers, decoding and stuff. Too bad we have F.R.I.D.A.Y already. » Nick shook his head ‘no’. You smirked at Stark who was slowly losing patience. « If she’s not an enhanced individual and not for intel, then why is she here Fury? », asked Rogers calmly. « Are we training her? », asked Natasha, crossing her arms in front of her chest. « No Agent Romanoff, Y/N is perfectly trained. She will join you on missions. » Stark laughed loudly and then turned back to Fury « Oh that wasn’t a joke. I don’t mean to sound harsh or anything, but how is a plus size, pretty, but plus size girl gonna help us? » « Stark ! », called Rogers the billionaire out. « No, I mean don’t take it personally but there are some criteria in order to be part of the Avengers…like being fit. » « Or, fly around in a cheap iron suit », you replied, which got Clint and Sam to chuckle and Nat to smirk. « Oh I see she’s witty. »

« Y/N why don’t you show our reticent Stark what you can do », Fury’s voice echoed through the room. Your smirk grow widely and you nodded. You took out your shoes, jacket off and stepped in the center of the room. The Avengers gathered next to Stark, Fury and Hill. « Alien, step forward », you exclaimed and pointed to Thor. « Excuse me young lady, my name is Thor Odinson, son of Odin, God of Thunder, King of Asgard and Protector of the Nine Realms », he exclaimed firmly. « Ok calm down, Daenerys », you replied back not impressed, causing Clint to laugh loudly. « Oh that one is much better than Point Break », commented Stark with a growing smile on his face. « I think you should start easy there », mentioned Rogers. « As you wish. Elsa and Olaf, step forward », you replied. This time it was Sam and Peter who laugh loudly. They didn’t moved, confused. You gesticulated with your hands « What are you waiting for ice cubes? » and in that moment Rogers and Barnes eyes narrowed, finally understanding that it was them you were calling. « Uhh this is gonna be interesting », mumbled Stark.

You beckoned them to come and they stepped in front of you. Not really happy about your comment and choosing the two Super Soldiers as the ‘easy target’, they didn’t waist time in initiating the combat. You dodged easily all their attacks and combined different martial arts into your fight routine. « Rule nr 2 : Don’t let your emotions overtake you », you exclaimed loudly in order for everyone to catch it. The moment you punched Barnes, who flew a few meters back, you ran towards Rogers and managed to pin him on the mattress and just to piss him more off, you slightly ground your hips on his lap. Taken completely aback by that move, you took the opportunity to punch him in the face and exclaimed loudly « Rule nr 3 : Sometimes you gotta play dirty » and winked at him before standing on your feet, waiting for them to fight back. The Super Soldiers stood up - Barnes in front of you and Rogers behind and the both launched towards you, fists in position. Seeing what they wanted to do, you waited until the last moment and fell down in a dead drop, which led the Soldiers to punch each other instead. You stood up and faced a dumbfounded audience, even Natasha was beyond impressed.

« Damn, why are you presenting her only know? », exclaimed a surprised Stark to Fury. The eye-patched man smirked and replied that the team needed fresh blood. The Super Soldiers stood up, half beaten up, purple bruises forming on their faces and gave you a stern look. « Can you handle guns? », asked Natasha looking at you. You nodded. « Guns, knives, swords, arrows, you name it. Like I said earlier, Y/N is perfectly trained », exclaimed Fury and continued calmly « She will take care of Parker’s training and I’ll hope you welcome her as you should. » « Wait a second. Parker’s training what is that supposed to mean? », you interjected. « It means, you will train him » « I don’t think so. That was not part of the deal. » « I’ll have to agree with Kick-Ass here, she’s not training Peter », replied Stark back. « I don’t think you understood », Fury said firmly and punctuated each word with a step towards you « You. will. train. him. and. that’s. my. final. order. Is that clear Agent. » Your look was sending him daggers and you replied with greeted teeth « Fine » « Fine who? » You groaned and replied « Fine boss! » He left the room along Hill and the tension was more than thick. « Ok that was weird. I guess you will train Parker then », said Stark, not hiding so good the fact that the situation was annoying him.

When you looked back at the others, their reaction were divided - between a fuming Rogers and Barnes ; a happy Thor and the suspicious looks of the rest, you sighed and rolled your eyes again. You turned towards Parker, who seemed a little scared and said « Tomorrow training at 6 and by 6, I mean 6am and by 6am I mean 5.30 » He nodded right away. « Hey what’s Rule nr 1? », asked Sam. You smirked and locked your eyes with Stark’s « Rule nr 1 : NEVER judge a book by its cover. » The billionaire swallowed harshly before exclaiming with a wide smile « Come on, let me show you your room. »

[sebuckyverse]

Lucy’s

Summary: Reader meets up with a guy she met on Tinder. | Bucky x Reader

Warnings: swearing, mostly fluff

Word count: 2032

A/N: There will be a part 2, just don’t know when! :) Let me know what you think of this! P.S! This is a queued post.

MASTERLIST | ASK/REQUEST | FOREVER TAGLIST

Dating websites and apps had become your best friend recently. Specially an app called Tinder. You create a profile, maybe lie about your age and then it’s only a matter of which way you swipe. It was pathetic really, but your friends has convinced you to make a profile. They said you could use some action. You thought the idea was ludacris, but now, you were kinda glad you did.

You had met a guy. You were a tad bit scared, to be honest, as you’ve never actually met up with a guy like this before. You knew there were many creeps on those sites, but something in you, and also your friends, told you to meet this guy. You had a good feeling about this, but you were also nervous, butterflies fluttered in your tummy.

The guy’s profile said his name was James, a very sweet name, you thought. He also had a picture of him on the app. The picture threw you off at first. It was a black and white photograph of him, presumably, in military clothes? The picture was cropped below the shoulders but you could still see the sharp edges of his outfit. Your grandfather was a Sargeant back in the day and you had seen pictures of him in his uniform, so you recognized one when you saw it. But the more you looked at the picture, the more in love you fell with it. You concluded that maybe it was just a picture taken at a costume party.

Nonetheless, you admired his good looks. His face was clean shaven, not a hint of stubble on it, and a corner of his mouth was stretched in a small lopsided smile, his eyes full of excitement, awe even. He was beautiful, with his big eyes rimmed with dark lashes, aa straight nose, perfect pouty lips that you wanted to feel and finishing off with a sharp jaw with the cutest ever dimple. It all seemed too good to be true. You prayed that you weren’t getting scammed and meeting up with a 44 year old woman who is just bored.

You were nearly done getting ready, adding a few final swipes of red lipstick to go with your look. You took a final glance at yourself in the mirror before letting out a big puff of air. You threw your phone in your purse and stepped into your red heels to match your lipstick. You decided to meet at Lucy’s, a cosy 1950’s themed diner just a few blocks from your place.

You got there early, still having about 15 minutes to spare. You sat at a booth under the big windows, near the back. A waitress came by to take your order and you simply asked for a cup of coffee to start with, even though you felt like you needed a whole bottle of Jack Daniels right about now. You decided to text your date that you had arrived. You definitely weren’t checking whether the guy was actually gonna show up or not, nope. Juuust letting him know.

Hey, just letting you know that I’m at Lucy’s. I’m a little early. :/

You barely had time to put your phone back down when it buzzed in your hands, he had answered.

I’ll be right there, doll. X

He liked to call you doll, and everytime you read the word you felt your insides melt. It was just a pet name, but he made it look like something much more. You adored it.

By the way, what are you wearing?

You blushed at this question, a smile forming on your face. You decided to tease him a little.

Wouldn’t you like to know? ;)

Were you pretty much sexting a complete stranger? Yes. Did you like it? Yes.

I would. :P But right now I’m just trying to recognize you.

You frowned and lifted your head, looking in the direction of the exit. There stood a tall man, holding a phone in a gloved hand, looking around. You locked eyes across the diner and you hitched your breath. It’s like the whole world stopped moving and it was just the two of you. The guy looked much different than he did in the picture, but it was him. His hair was longer, the tips resting on the part where neck meets shoulder, his jaw was covered with stubble and his eyes looked more tired. But still, he was so beautiful. He was wearing layers of clothing but you still noticed his muscular frame, how his jeans hugged his thick thighs, making you squirm in your seat.

He smirked at you and walked towards your table, taking off his cap and running his fingers through his chocolate tresses. You noticed that only one of his hands were covered with a black leather glove and he didn’t take it off when he sat down. You decided not to ask about that for now.

‘’Well hello, doll.’’ For fuck’s sake, that pet name sounded even sweeter in real life. And his gravelly voice, pure sex.

You felt a blush creep up on you and you tried to force it back down. Not was not the time to make a fool out of yourself. You took a deep breath, before answering with a simple. ‘’Hi.’’

As if he could sense your nervouseness, he said with a chuckle, ‘’I’m a little nervous.’’

‘’Yeah, me too. I’ve never done this before.’’

‘’What? Gone on a date before?’’ he joked.

You scoffed. ‘’No, met up with a stranger before. You could’ve been a rapist or something.’’

He found your pouting funny and giggled. It might’ve been the most adorable sound you’d ever heard. ‘’I can guarantee you, that I’m not.’’

The same waitress returned, holding two menues, asking if you’d like to order anything.

‘’Do you have french fries? I haven’t had those in about 70 years.’’

You eyed him suspiciously. Something was off about this guy. His profile picture, calling you doll, you’re pretty sure no one called their girls like that anymore, and not to mention him having not eaten french fries in 70 years. Was he obsessed with the ‘40s or ‘50s or something? The waitress took your order as well before smiling to the both of you and dissapearing.

James turned his attention back to you and leaned back into the couch, ‘’So, tell me about yourself.’’

You stayed at the diner for hours, talking, laughing, eating french fries and later drinking milkshakes that James insisted on ordering. You told him where you worked, where you had grown up. He stayed away from the topic of work, saying he didn’t want to talk about work on a date. You didn’t push him either. You enjoyed his company, you loved the toothy grins he sent you all the time and the flirty remarks he made had you gushing.

Somewhere along the way the sun had set and left a soft orange glow on the city. The diner had grown quiet, nearing it’s closing time. James asked if you’d like to take a walk with him and you agreed. He payed for your meals, declining your money, and led you out of the diner. The evening hours had brought a chilly breeze with it and you shivered in your blazer. James didn’t miss it, of course, and offered his jacket to you. You thought about declining, but you really were cold and getting a glimpse of what was hiding underneath that jacket was only a plus.

As he draped the jacket over your shoulders, you bumped your arm against his left one and you surpressed a gasp when you felt how hard it was. There was no softness there, just plain… steel, metal? You looked at James, who didn’t seem to notice or at least pretended not to. You wanted to ask him about it, but bit your tongue. Maybe it was a prostethic and he was shy about it? He would probably tell you about it when he was ready.

You began walking side to side together, James stuffing his hands into his pockets. You enjoyed the smell his jacket gave, all it reminded you of was home. Not your or anybody else’s home in particular, but just home.

‘’Y/N, may I tell you something?’’ James suddenly asked.

‘’Of course, James.’’

‘’I really like you Y/N. More than anybody probably should on a first date, but I can’t help it.‘’ James grew quiet. Hearing those words made your belly flutter with excitement and happiness. You felt the same way but didn’t think it would be appropriate to say the first time meeting somebody, you specially didn’t want to look like a desperate, clingy creep. You noticed his brows were scrunched together and he fiddled with fingers. You made an impromptu decision to slide your hand into his, interlocking your fingers.

He looked at you surprised, but relaxed quickly and smiled before continuing, ‘’What I’m trying to say is, my work.. It’s complicated, and very dangerous. And I wanted you to know that before this goes any further.’’

‘’I understand, James. I’m guessing you’re not going to tell me, what excactly you do for a living?’’

‘’I can’t, doll. Not yet. It’s for your own good.’’ He gave you an apologetic smile.

‘’It’s okay, I won’t push it.’’

He shook your hand gratefully and the two of you continued strolling around the city. You took James to a nearby park where you loved to go. You told him how you loved to read your favourite cheesy Nicholas Sparks’ novels and drink Starbucks. Sometimes you would leave your book at home and just sit and relax, watch people play with their dogs, lovers enjoy a picnic together. James listened carefully, memorizing everything you said and the way you said it. He loved how passionate you were.

James noted that it was getting dark outside and he had to leave. But he wouldn’t leave without walking you home, to make sure you got home safe.

Arriving to your apartement complex, you already felt sadness creep up on you. You didn’t want this day to end. But you were hopeful you’ll see each other again. You stood on one of the steps, facing him. You were about to shake off his jacket and return it to him, when he stopped you and told you to keep it for him.

‘’I don’t know when we’ll see each other again, doll. I have to go away for a bit, for work.’’

‘’Oh, okay.’’ You couldn’t hide the dissapointment in your voice.

‘’I know. I wouldn’t go if I had a choice. But I promise, the first thing I get back, I’m taking you to dinner.’’

You giggled and nodded your head, ‘’Okay.’’

Silence fell over you two again. Both of you knew what you wanted but neither knew how to initiate it.

James spoke up first, his voice barely above a whisper, ‘’Y/N, can I kiss you?’’

Not trusting your voice, you nodded your head again. James lifted his right hand to cup your face, tenderly caressing your cheek with his thumb. He leaned in and with the faintest of touch, moulded his lips with yours. You sighed as his lips moved in a beautiful dance against your own, both of you tasting like vanilla and strawberries from your milkshakes earlier. You snaked your hands around his neck and pulled him flush against you, parting your lips to grant him full access, which he gladly took, slipping his tongue in, massaging yours. His left hand wrapped around your waist as he held you tightly and you moaned into his mouth. The kiss turned from innocent to sinful in a matter of seconds and you loved every minute of it.

But you both were lacking of air, forcing you to part. James’ lips were red and slightly swollen from the kiss; you felt your cheeks burning and your core aching.

‘’You sure you can’t stay for a little longer? Maybe an hour?’’

‘’Fuck, doll, an hour isn’t going to be nearly enough. But I can’t, I’m sorry.’’

‘’Yeah, okay. Just be safe out there, okay?’’

‘’Okay.’’

FOREVER TAG LIST:

@venetiangrl92 @heismyhunter @earinafae @snakesgoethe @unpredictable-firecracker @topkay @kenobi-and-barnes @magicintheelements @ultimatesmoshships1999 @4theluvofall @netflixjunkie13 @fandommaniacx @willowtighe @buckybarnesisalittleshit @followeroonieclassic @survivingthroughthereality @theliarone @sebbytrash 

[consumecommentrepeat]

Hate Watching and the Art of Nicholas Sparks

“If I hate watch a movie twice, do I no longer hate it?” 

I posed that question to my friend upon beginning my second rewatch of Nicholas Spark’s The Choice. She assured me everyone has been there, especially with his movies. Something in the saccharine, melodramatic, love story keeps us coming back again and again. Even when we know his formula. Boy and Girl meet, argue, fall in love, and one of them dies. Or in the case for The Choice, they don't; even when they should. 

So what in The Choice is bringing me back. It’s not good. It’s too long. Boy and Girl, have no chemistry whatsoever. I can’t even put myself in Teresa Palmer’s place, like your supposed to in movies where the female protagonist has no character and is only meant to teach the male protagonist a lesson. The lesson in The Choice is love, I think? That’s what it is in most Nicholas Sparks movies, so I’m guessing. 

So let’s breakdown the plot of The Choice and maybe someone will tell me why I like it. Because it did start out as a hate watch. I needed some background noise while I worked on my HW and I found myself actually paying attention to it. And then I did it again; I made that choice a second time.

So Travis, played by Benjamin Walker doing a Foghorn Leghorn impression, is neighbors with Gabby, played by Teresa Palmer. They’ve apparently been neighbors for a while before the movie started, but they hadn’t met each other yet. Which is crazy to me because they live on an island and there is no indication to the audience that anyone else lives on this island. And its the Deep South, based on Walkers accent, so you know, southern hospitality. Y'all should have known each other is what I’m saying. 

Their first interaction is a fight, because of course it is; easiest way of conveying passion in film is to show two people fighting. There is no passion though; they are two pretty blocks of wood yelling at each other because Gabby’s dog is pregnant and she thinks his dog is responsible. 

It was a crazy fight. 

She takes her dog to the vet where, surprise surprise, or not surprise surprise if you’ve been paying attention, of course Travis is the vet. Gabby feels tricked by this for some reason. But girl, how long have you been living in this town? Have you never taken your dog to the vet? Have you not noticed your neighbor is also the vet? If you knew he was the vet and decided you didn’t want to interact with him ever again, were you gonna take your dog a town over to another vet? 

I'm not sure how they begin hanging out outside of the normal pet parent/vet interactions. But they’re neighbors and this seems like the most normal interaction between the two of them. They quickly have sex. And I’m like this the entire time:

To be clear, I’m both Damien and the black guy in this gif. 

Travis threw everything on the counter and table to the floor in his “passion.” And I don’t care how “passionate” you are in your lovemaking, someone is going to have to clean that up later. 

They spend a happy month together. She gets Travis to go to church, because it’s not a Nicholas Sparks movie if there isn’t some Christianity thrown in. And they celebrate his dead moms birthday. 

Eventually, it all comes crashing down. Gabby’s boyfriend comes back into town. That’s right, she has a boyfriend and Travis has a weird lady friend situation going on. So at worst, they are both cheaters. 

The strongest relationships are built on the ashes of old ones. 

Travis professes his love to her. After a month of being together! Only a month. I don’t even like my friends from month to month, let along someone I’ve only know for one. 

Gabby gets back together with her boyfriend. And Travis gets back together with his lady friend. Presumably another month passes. 

Travis’s lady friend tells him to fight for Gabby.

No we don’t. Also relationships shouldn’t be that hard. Also stick up for yourself, lady friend whose name I forgot. 

Travis fights and gets punched out by the boyfriend. But he perseveres and makes it to her parents place. Or what he thinks is her parent’s place because he doesn’t know anything about her. They’ve spent all of a month together and they never once discussed the fact that her parents aren’t rich, they’re the cook and butler for rich people. So y'all just fucked the entire time and talked about him. Cause we know that his mother died and his dad took it hard. And that he doesn’t like church. 

He proposes and her parents are all too fucking gung-ho about helping him out even though she says no, a lot. She turned down your proposal so many times and he just kept going. What a way of starting this marriage, by not taking no for an answer. 

I said no, Mom and Dad!

But they get married anyway. And have two children. And dont age at all. Their kids age, but they don’t. 

So time passes and you’re wondering how they are going to manufacture more drama for these two crazy kids. Well, Gabby gets in a car accident and ends up in a coma. And this is were she should have died. Because the rest of it makes no god damn sense. 

She’s in a coma for about 3 months. Superman doctor says that statistically, if they don’t wake up before 3 months, they probably wont ever wake up. 

He doesn’t pull the plug. He builds her a god damn gazebo in the middle of their secret beach and finds her old wind chimes that were blown away in a hurricane and somehow, that wakes her up. And there are no medical problems. She doesn’t have to relearn how to walk or eat. She waltzes out of that hospital like nothing happened. 

The power of wind chimes. 

So what is this movie about? They keep mentioning choices and how everyone has a choice they need to make. But what was The Choice? Their choice to love one another? Because that didn’t seem like a hard choice to make at all; they didn’t even bat an eye at cheating on their significant others. His choice to not pull the plug. Again, not that hard. It’s not like people were saying do it. They just said “here are the facts, and she had a DNR so....” 

Gabby had less of a choice than Travis. Because she said no to his marriage proposal multiple times and he didn’t listen. She had a DNR and he didn’t pull the plug, even though that was her choice. And this is supposed to be romantic? Your partner never taking no for an answer. 

So really it's His Choice. 

And before I forget, the real tragedy of this movie is the animal that died and sat on Maggie Graces head. 

[razorblade180]

Twin Snowflakes pt5: Support

Nicholas:*writing* What did you get for the thermal and physics question on the back?

Valerie:...... There’s a back?

Nick:I’m starting to think this studying isn’t mutually beneficial.....

*door opens*

Summer:Hey Nick, I’m back from- oh..... what’s up Val.

Valerie:Hey Snow Angel, you look wonderful as usual.

Summer:Really? I feel like a mess and a little hun- ahhhh!

Her sentence was cut off by Nicholas grabbing each side of her face and pulling it enough to hurt.

Summer:Agh!!! Let go let go let go let go let go!

Nick:This is what you get for not remembering to text me that you went for a check up! Getting intense sudden chills through my body is scary. What do you have to say for yourself?

Summer:I’m sorry!!!!!! I’m sorry!!!!!! Please stop!

Nick:*lets go* That’s all I wanted.

Summer:*rubbing her face* I’m not five, you gotta stop pinching me like that. I can feel my face getting red. Well, redder I suppose.

Valerie: I say it’s an improvement. Care to join us for a quick study session? I bet you know this stuff like the back of your hand by now.

Summer:What subject?

Valerie:Science.....mostly physics now; even though we’ll probably never use it. *twirling pencil*

Summer*cringes* Yeah I can’t help with that. Not on the physics portion yet.

Nick:You’d be if you showed up to school more often. Probably be top student in all your classes actually.

Summer:Good point. Counterpoint, no.... that’s a title I’m fine seeing you have. School is a war zone. I avoid the crossfire as much as possible. Having a solid B in everything is more than enough.

Valerie:Which reminds me, you have two more times to miss P.E. before you automatically fail.

What little happiness she had was washed away with annoyance as the two of them hears her groan like restless toddler. Nick couldn’t help but enjoy seeing his sister flip her attitude so easily. It does comes with plenty of practice he supposes. For better or for.....no, it’s usually just for worse.

Summer:I guess it’s a good thing I have a doctors note.

Nick:I thought mom got Penny to stop signing those.

Summer:The thing about Penny’s hand writing is literally so perfect that only a machine could do it. So I got one of those metal arm machines in the lab to do it.

Nick:That sounds like more work than showing up.

Summer:That’s because it is. How much longer are you two studying?

Valerie:Actually I think I’m calling it a day. If I cram anymore than I have then I might actually explode. I’m sure I can handle whatever the test throws at me. After all, I’m awesome.... *starts glowing*

Nick:Pfft all that tough talk as usual.

Valerie:You more than anyone knows there’s plenty of muscle behind and skill behind them. That’s why the from the recent tournament medal in my room is gold while yours matches the forks and spoon you eat with. *pokes his nose*

Nick:Oh I do hope you make it all the way to finals in the single matches of Ruler of the Castle, because I’m totally making it to the end.

Valerie:*leaning in* I’m sorry, that sounds like you’re looking for a rematch. A world televised rematch at that. You sure you wanna live a world with two silver medals? At least they’ll match your outfit good enough. *smirking*

Nick:Just like your silver tongue. *smirking*

Valerie:Oooo that’s the only silver you won’t be getting.

The two of them enter another state off a tension and heated excitement. Summer watches the two peas in a pod act like their usual, over the top selves. If she had had a nickel for every time the top of them but heads like this then she would rich regardless of her family name.

Summer:Are you two done having a moment or should I leave the room again?

Valerie:*stands up* Nah, I should head home soon anyways. I got an early day of training tomorrow; you never know when someone might try and catch you off gaurd. *walking out*

Nick:That fact you gotta train for me is compliments enough.

Valerie:Whatever dork, I’ll see you in school. Now Summer, if you’re not going to school then maybe afterwards we could go see a movie or...

Summer:*slowly closing door* See you around Val. *smiles*

Valerie:Y...yeah! Bye.....*red*

*door closes*

Nick:*whistles* not even gonna walk her to the front door; truly you are a cold mistress my dear sister. *snickering*

Summer:Oh shut up, you just let all that trash talk happen because any conversation with her is heaven in your eyes. You’re so hopeless hehe.

Nick:It’s all in good fun like it’s always been. Same old same old.

Summer:For your sake it better be. Like she said, that rematch is gonna be televised if it happens.

Nick:Aww you worried about your big bro?

Summer:I’m worried that your antics will rope me into them as usual. Last thing I need to be is known has “Summer, sister of two hit chump.”

Nick:Ah! So little faith. If anything we should be more concerned about duo’s since that requires both of us firing on all cylinders.

Summer:Speaking of that.......a fancy signature isn’t all I ended up taking.

Nervously she chuckled as she shook out her sleeves to reveal two tiny vials of Diamond Dust. The sight of the substance caused Nicholas’s jaw to drop. He wanted to grab it out her hand immediately but he could tell how tight her grip was on them. Last thing anyone wants is for those break on accident. Wariness comes across both of their faces as they stare at the vials.

Nick:Why do you have those?

Summer:I was hoping you and I could do our own testing. Penny is a huge help but there’s only so much you can learn in a lab. Maybe what needs to happen is more.... practical test.

Nick:That’s why we go to the woods outside of Argus and put you in the cold!

Summer:Yeah but the cold and dust are kinda on two different levels.

Nick:Oh I know! Do you not remember when you got covered in this stuff.

Summer:........

Summer:You know I haven’t.

Nick:Sigh Summer, I didn’t mean to-

Summer:I’m aware of the risks. I understand this idea is a stupid idea. Even so, I’m tired of feeling like my wheels are spinning. *gives him vials* Just study them and figure out how we could possibly make me better.

Nick:Better, or stronger?

Summer:.....If we do this right then there won’t be a difference. We’ll take first place for sure and I’ll be one step closer to just being me. Being, normal and approachable. Maybe finally eat a bowl of ice cream without some voice nagging me or go outside and not stress out if I’m a little underdressed. I could finally feel like it is my life, that I’m living..... *looks down* last time I felt like that was when I was four.

Nick:*frowning*.......I can’t promise we’ll achieve anything huge but obviously I’ll try something. I just don’t want us doing something that’ll take you away from me; I promised to always lend you hand in need. Messing with this stuff feels like breaking that promise. Like I’ll end up hurting you again.

Again, it wasn’t the first time Summer has heard them. No matter what people assured him, Nicholas always blamed himself for the incident. Kids have tantrums and get a little rambunctious. Who could’ve predicted his would’ve ended with an accidental stunt so disastrous. It was a miracle that he could even look at the scars on her body as far as Summer is concerned. A thousand times she’s waited for the fearful day when even her own brother couldn’t stand them, yet he sees pass them like all who truly know her do. Unfortunately, there’s always a bit of glimmer of guilt in his eyes she wishes she could snuff out. Not just for him, but for her as well. That’s why Shiva has to go. Maybe, just maybe if she can finally get rid of the true thing that constantly reminds them of the past then everything else can finally start healing right; she could start healing right. Her arms reached out grab him on each side.

Summer:🎶Don’t worry, I got you. Nothing will ever harm you. I’m close by. I’ll stay here. Through alll things......🎶

Nicholas: “I will be near.” I can’t believe you still know that song.

Summer:You sung it to me everyday you visited me in the hospital. It didn’t matter if I was awake or unconscious; I could hear my amazing older brother sing and play a guitar for the first time just so he can comfort me. *tearing up* You’re the reason sing now, not mom. I want you to shine like gold the way you want me to. Not once have you ever hurt me. Everything you do for me makes me feel better. Let me try to return the favor.

Nick:.......*rubbing his eyes* We are going to get into serious trouble if someone finds out or something goes wrong.

Summer:Sounds par for the course. At least we’ll be yelled at together. *smiles*

Nick:Stronget together right?

Summer:Stronger together. *hugs him tightly*

xxx

“You wavered back then. What I didn’t let you see was I was just as nervous as you, but for once it really nice to have the roles reversed. To be the person that other’s needed to lean on. Maybe that’s why I pushed the idea so hard. Maybe that’s why I came up with it in the first place. Why did I come up with that idea? Why.... why couldn’t I just listen to you? Am I.... am I really that selfish? I guess that makes sense. After all, the only thing I’m good at is being a problem. I’m sorry..... I’m so, so sorry.

xxx

The final days of winter break soon disappeared like a fleeting dream. Nicholas found himself pretty eager to get back to school as he put on his shoes and made sure his school uniform was perfectly clean. Most people whined about being groomed in the hopes that the rigid rules would make them more at ease to one day go to Atlas to continue their studies. He honestly didn’t care since he had no real attention of going anywhere else. Other places interested him but Atlas has a charm about it and one day it’ll be his job to keep it charming. That fact however, did make him a bit uneasy about the whole thing. Just another thing on his plate to ponder about whenever he has time to do so.

Nicholas made his way down the hallway to Summer’s room. It was still pretty early but that’s because he likes the walk to school or stop by a coffee shop before he goes. The young man finally made it to the warm, wooden door and knocked. The heat from inside could be felt the hinges and made its way to him. Being rich is wonderful thing; power bills would be this families worse nightmare otherwise.

Nick:Summer, I’m gonna walk to school. Wanna join me?

Summer:*groaning* I’m good, be safe out there. Plenty of people on the streets on visitors from the break and-

Nick:Horrible at driving in the snow; I know I know. Are you going to school today at all or should I save my wallet from buying an unnecessary hot chocolate?

Summer:......I’ll think about it.

Nick:*shakes his head*

Summer:I can feel you judging me. Goodbye Nick!

Nick:Yeah yeah, have a good day sis. *walking away*

Summer:*laying in bed and staring at a calendar that says “Today💀” on it.”

Summer:.......I guess I’m using that doctors note sooner than I hoped. *yawns* just...my.....Zzzzz

Quickly she drifts off to sleep peacefully until a knock on the door wakes her up again. The little bit of light through her window tells her that it’s still far too early to be up. The knocking continues to happen in a familiar rhythm but she can’t exactly place it.

Summer:I’m coming. *gets up*

*knock knock knock*

Summer:Ugh, dad I love you but what could you possibly- *opens door* w....want........

Shiva:Well I’m not your father but there’s plenty of things I want. Care to discuss them?

Part 4

[razorblade180]

Twin Snowflakes pt2: Warming Up

[Saph’s place]

In the guest room Summer sleeps peacefully in the bed with tons of covers to keep her warm. To the right of the bed is a night stand with a bowl of stew beef and tea. On the left sits Nicholas attentively watching over her. The room itself is pretty warm so currently he’s on in a white shirt and blue shorts.

Saph:*opens door* Pssst how is she?

Nick:Her face as gotten color back into it again. She’ll be fine with a little rest and the food you made her. Thanks for that by the way.

Saph:Ain’t no thang for my adorable niece and nephew. You know you should really get good at cooking yourself; sixteen years old and all I ever seen you cook is some eggs.

Nick:*chuckles* You would think sword skills would transfer to kitchen knife ability but it certainly does not. Maybe I should spend more time reading recipes books...

Saph:Having you two over for cooking lessons instead of secret training would be a nice change of pace. I wouldn’t have to worry about my dear baby brother yelling at me if he finds out.

Nick:Aren’t you supposed to be the older sibling that can’t be picked on?

Saph:*smirks* Doesn’t Summer pick on you?

Nick:Hey! I’m older by minutes while you have years on dad. Besides I totally let her make fun of me.

Summer:*waking up* Keep telling yourself that.

Saph:Well look who it is!?

Nick:Wow, you are awake way sooner than usual.

Summer:How much time has passed?

Nick:Four hours since you clocked out in the snow.

Summer:Well that’s a full thirteen faster than last time. *rubbing her head* Makes sense, Shiva wasn’t out for too long. We should probably continue to tr- is that stew beef!!!? *grabs the bowl*

Saph:Talking one minute, stuffing your face the next. Definitely Summer talking to us.

Nick:You okay? Well rested, no fatigue, no broken bones, or bruises? How is your-

A spoon gets put in his mouth to prevent him from speaking.

Saph:Shut up and stop babying me. I’m perfectly fine okay? If anything you should be worrying about yourself it seems. *points to his side.*

He looks down to see a small red smudge. Saphron lifts his shirt to reveal a shallow cut that slightly bleeding. Nick tries to laugh off the this new discovery but is met with two pairs of highly upset cobalt eyes.

Summer:What’s the point of worrying about me if you’re not gonna take the time to make sure that everything is okay with yourself?

Nick:I only got grazed a little, plus it’s healing so it’s no big deal.

Saph:It’s totally a big deal! Just because you look like your father doesn’t mean you should be just as reckless as he is. Take care yourself and don’t take outrageous risk!

Nick:*scared* Yes Ma’am!!!

Saph:Good! Now go ask Adrian to borrow a clean shirt and get yourself some food as well.

Nick:*mumbles* But I’m not hungry....

Saph:*Death Glare*

Nick:Alright!!! I’ll make a small bowl or something. *leaving* Geez, you’re gonna give Bleiss a run for her money with that look.

Saph:I heard that!

Nick:I know! I said loud! *laughing*

Saph:*smiling* Your brother is a real piece of work.

Summer:.........

Saph:Summer?

Summer:Huh? I’m sorry, I spaced out....

Saph:Is you know who trying to speak with you.

Summer:No, I can’t even hear Shiva’s voice right now. I’m too warm and she’s too tired. Besides, anytime she decides to open her mouth it’s usually to insult me. I could go the rest of my life without hearing her. I’m just upset Nicholas is hurt because of me again.

Saph:I know we just grilled him and all over it but you shouldn’t feel too bad over a cut. Things could’ve been a lot worse.

Summer:They might be if I don’t get a handle on this fast. Six years of worrying about hurting your family is really, really stressful..... almost enough to make me feel crazier than I already am.

Saph:Hey, you are not crazy young lady.

Summer:Then what exactly would you call me? A freak of nature doesn’t sound any better, and being called “sick” isn’t comforting either.

The two quietly looked at each other blankly. Summer was waiting for some type of answer but her loving aunt couldn’t find any words that would help make her feel better about her situation. Saphron instead sat right next to the teenager and gave her a reassuring hug. Summer couldn’t help but return the embrace.

Saph:I’d be lying if I said I had a good answer to that question. However, I do know one day you’ll conquer this; all that training you put into this is bound to pay off. Even if some of it goes over my head sometimes. *smiles* One day you’ll kick Shiva’s but to the curve! Arcs and Schnees seemed to be really good at sticking up for themselves when it comes to being ordered around or bullied by someone else.

Ruby:*in the form frame* Ain’t that the truth!

Summer:You’re still here Auntie!

Ruby:Of course! I wasn’t gonna leave before I knew for a fact you were okay. Also, try not to think so negative all the time. We all believe in you so don’t go doubting yourself. More importantly, don’t try to rush progress. That’s when the worst mistakes happen.

Saph:Just ask Terra. She shut down power to all of Argus before on accident; all because she tried to finish all her work for the week without taking a break. Just to make sure she could attend Adrian’s graduation.

Terra:*down stairs* Stop telling that story! My boss still won’t let it go!

Saph:*whispers* No one is even mad at her. It was just really funny and unlike her.

Summer:*smiling* That must’ve been an eventful day.

Saph:It was a good thing Adrian was graduating. Imagine having to go to school with all the kids knowing that. Actually...he might’ve been seen as a hero when I think about it.

Ruby:Speaking of school....

Saph:Please don’t, let me enjoy winter break while it last. I only have two more days left then back to the worst place imaginable.

Ruby:Two days, some regular classes for everyone to get back into the swing of things, and then The Combat School Tournament!

Hearing that name made Summer a little anxious. They might as well change the name to Jr Vytal festival. The Combat School Tournament is where students from all over Remnant gets to strut their stuff against one another; home school or not. It’s always televised and it’s made to show that the next generation of huntsman and huntress are growing strong. Many games and side events will also be held for fun to show unity between everyone.

However, Summer won’t be partaking in those nice and simple events. She won’t even be in the regular tournament where anyone and everyone will be at arms with each other. No, She and her over eager brother will be going to be in special bracket. A bracket reserved for only the winners of their respective regionals along with the runner ups. The main attraction that’s sure to be watched in every house hold.

Summer:Ruler of the Castle......

Nick:*down stairs* Woooooo!!!!!!!!!

Ruby:Oh I’m so excited!!!!!!!

Summer:Because you’re not in it! No way I’m ready for that.

Saph:Last time I checked, your gold medal in regionals says other wise.

Summer:I only got gold in duos. Nicholas was practically the reason we one that. I got fifth place in singles while he got runner up.

Ruby:What did I just say about negativity? Nicholas’s shout tells me he’s not worried in the slightest.

Nick:*rushes in* Better believe I’m not! You and I are gonna clean up in duos and let everyone know there’s no greater tag team than us.

Summer:What makes you so sure?

Nick:Close your eyes and you’ll see.

She follows his orders while the others are a bit confused. He quietly grabs her spoon and closes his eyes as well. The boy throws the spoon right at her only for Summer to catch it. Without opening her eyes she throws it his left knee which instinctively raises up right before contact to bounce it in the air. Nick hits it back at her chest where Summer is already prepared to counter by grabbing the bowl for it to land. The entire bowl is tossed up and lands on a glyph that floats back down to the nightstand. Both of them open their eyes smiling.

Ruby:*whistles* You guys practice that little trick.

Nick:Nope! It’s a twin thing. Somehow we always know just what the other might do in a pinch.

Summer:It’s super annoying. Our snowball fights against each other always end up looking like a war where nobody got to win.

Nick:Yeah but our matches against other people always went undefeated. This isn’t gonna be any different! I got your back and you have mine; more gold medals are the only thing we’re gonna get. Duos is all about teamwork and we got that spades. *eyes shining* We’re gonna look so cool!

Summer:So it this about showing the world how skilled we are or just a way for you to look cool in front of Valerie?

Nick:*blushing* Valerie has nothing to do with this! Although if she so happened to be amazed by my- our skills and was left in complete shock then that would be nice.

Saph:Careful there tiger, she’s the reason you’re runner up in singles in the first place. Might wanna keep those hormones in cheek if by some chance both of you end up in the finals again.

Summer:Oooo imagine if she gets another gold medal off of you. Talk about embarrassing... *chuckling*

Nick:Wow! So much for the confidence. I got sucker punched last time. No way I’d lose to her again.

Ruby:I wonder how many times Jaune said that before sparring with Nora? *smiling*

Nick:All of you suck.... *red*

Adrian:*in his room* I believe in you Nick!

Nick:That’s why you’re my favorite cousin!

Saph:I’m telling the others you said that if they show up to tournament.

Nick:Please don’t.....I can’t fight my entire family tree; too many branches. Who is coming anyways?

Ruby:I’ll be there of course, Yang, Blake most likely, Veronica-

Summer:Uuuuuuggggggghhhhhhh!

Everyone:........

Summer:What?

Nick:Can you both be civil for an evening.

Summer:Can she not be such a b-

Saph:I’ll tell your mother.

Summer:Insufferable person? I’m not talking to her and hopefully she doesn’t speak to me. *mumbles* I wish she was in the tournament. I’d pay off the referee to match us up just to fight her.

Ruby:Be nice to my niece please? Maybe she’s changed a bit?

Summer:..........You think Veronica Belladonna, the girl that’s so extra that she has two faunus features, has changed?

Ruby:You know your mom is the queen of extra right? I think there’s another reason you two might be all feisty towards each other if you catch my drift.

Summer:I know what you’re implying and it has nothing to do with that! That’s not even a thing.

Nick:What’s not a thing?

Summer:Don’t worry about it!

Nick:???

Few people could get Summer worked like Veronica could. Between her and Shiva it was almost like a war on two fronts when it came to her self confidence. Though she did appreciate that at least Veronica isn’t actually trying to destroy her. It’s the small things like that which made things more tolerable at best. Now that she was fired up, Summer hoped out of bed and grabbed her twins hand.

Summer:We’re going to glyph train in the garden.

Nick:Right now!? Don’t you wanna rest a little mo-

Summer:Nope! If I’m forced to be in the same area as little miss perfect then she’s gonna see me at my absolute best! *drags him out the room*

Ruby:Poor girl must constantly feel weird about every thought and action in her life. Especially at sixteen.

Saph:It’s no different than Jaune or a couple other of our siblings. Preferences and other things tend to get all added into decision making when you have tight net families and such reliable siblings. It’s nothing to worry about. Don’t tell Jaune I told you but for awhile the girls he tried dating when we were younger sort of looked like us because he thought we were the prettiest.

Ruby:Hey I mean I fell for him hard for awhile and he looks like my dad. I think we all naturally seek out something familiar yet different. Once you accept the fact your taste is little awkward but natural, you laugh about it.

Saph:It’s going to be an hilarious day when she brings a boy home that looks vaguely like Nick and Jaune but doesn’t realize it.

Ruby:I will cackle on the floor for hours. Please don’t speak that into existence.

Saph:*snickering* Remember when she had a crush on Adrian. Telling her they weren’t blood related was the funniest thing ever.

Ruby:I guess it just shows that Arc boys are just too good. No wonder why few are born; too much power is contained in that smile.

Saph:Ain’t that the truth. I really hope Nick and Adrian don’t get into too many shenanigans. Not that I won’t get a good lecture from every woman in our family if they do.

Ruby:They’ll be fine. Then again Nick is half Schnee. That’s a double threat. Schnee’s got their own brand of charm. Just ask my uncle or Jaune.

Saph:*looking at Ruby’s wedding ring* I think you’re forgetting someone.

Ruby:*blushing and smiling* Oh I didn’t want to mention my fantastic husband but if you insist... *pulls out scroll* wanna see our vacation pictures!?

Saph:*rolls eyes playfully* I don’t know how Whitley puts up with you.

Part 1