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togrowoldinv · 2 years ago

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Oral Exam

Natasha Romanoff x Female Reader

When your academic rival gets the graduate assistant job you wanted, you’re standoffish towards each other until one party changes everything

Warnings: Smut! 18+ please! Kissing, cursing, oral (both receiving), thigh riding, thirsting for Nat

Note: I just couldn’t get college Nat out of my head again so here we are. Enjoy!

Natasha Romanoff Masterlist 1, Natasha Romanoff Masterlist 2, Main Masterlist

It’s finally summer break. Well, for exactly one week it was. You decided to stay for summer classes and try to graduate early, so you only got one week of break.

That part isn’t ideal, but some of your friends are also staying. You’re determined to make it a fun summer anyways.

As you and Wanda walk to class, you catch up on her week at home.

“How was your family?” You ask her.

“Clingy,” she says. “But really good. Pietro asked about you.” She says the last part with a grin knowing that Pietro has had a crush on you since he met you.

“Not my type,” you say, laughing as you open the door to the building.

Wanda chuckles and you follow her inside.

“Right. Your type is redhead sisters of your close friend,” she teases.

“Wands, I do not have a type and it’s certainly not Natasha!”

Wanda laughs it off and you two walk into the classroom. You sit next to her and later Kate comes in and sits on your other side.

“Who got the graduate assistant job?” Another one of your friends, Peter, asks the group.

“I don’t know. I just know it wasn’t me,” you say with a bite to your tone.

You were up for the role despite being a year away from graduation. The professor, Dr. Banner, had loved your writing this semester and he was going to make an exception for you. But at the last minute someone else applied and got the job.

You’re still teeming from the memory when none other than Natasha Romanoff walks in. Was she in this class? Surely she had taken it already.

“Hello everyone. Dr. Banner is running behind, so I’m going to be leading class today. I’m Natasha your graduate assistant,” the redhead introduces herself.

She throws a glance your way and you cross your arms over your chest. Of course she got the job. Dr. Banner practically drools over her.

Natasha starts going over the syllabus with the class and dives into the material. You don’t say a word the entire lecture. She notices.

“I will see you all tomorrow,” Natasha says. Everyone gathers their things, but you’re stopped by her voice. “Can you hang back, y/n?”

You stay put and wait for your classmates to leave. Natasha leans against the desk and looks you over. You feel warm under her gaze.

“Are you not going to participate in class?” Nat asks.

“Not when you got the job I deserved,” you say.

“Ah,” Nat revels. “I’m sorry.”

You scoff at her words. She stands up straighter. You don’t miss the way her dress hugs her hips as she does so.

“I am sorry. Even if you don’t believe me. We both applied for the job. It’s not personal,” Nat says.

“You only got the job because Banner wants to fuck you.”

“How dare you?” Nat says. She invades your space and you’re overcome by the scent of her. “Maybe Bruce wants to sleep with me, which never ever will happen. But I got this job because I’m qualified for it. I worked for it. Do not reduce me to something that man wants.”

You don’t really know how to reply. You know everything she said is true and you feel bad for even questioning her qualification.

“Are you going to say anything?” Nat asks.

“I’m sorry. I’ll participate in class tomorrow,” you say.

Natasha backs away from you and gathers her papers from the desk.

“Good. Your grade depends on it and I’d hate for a pretty girl like you to fail this class,” she says. Her tone changed and for the first time you really think you might be attracted to her.

You leave the classroom and meet up with your classmates to do your homework. The next couple of weeks go by pretty smoothly. You participate and find Natasha to be tolerable despite her position.

She wears dresses and button ups that threaten to distract you, but you keep trying to fight your attraction to her.

It’s one week before finals when you meet up with your classmates to study.

But at some point the study session turns into a drinking game.

You’re a few shots in when your friend Yelena walks in the door. She’s been home for the summer, so you haven’t seen her.

“Yelena!” You pull her into a hug and kiss her cheeks.

“Hi drunk, y/n,” she says, chuckling at your over affectionate self. “I brought Nat hope that’s cool.”

Before you can reply, Yelena is off to talk to her girlfriend. Natasha appears behind her. She’s wearing a light blue button up shirt and khakis. She is wearing what she had on in class today and she looks so good.

“This doesn’t look like studying,” Natasha says, taking in the scene. There are people everywhere drinking and chatting.

“You want a drink?” You ask her, ignoring her comment.

She nods and you grab her a beer. You get pulled away to play a game and beer pong, but after you win you try and find Nat again.

She’s outside and you bring her another drink. Nat accepts it easily, getting a little buzz of her own.

“You look good,” she tells you. It catches you off guard.

“Oh, thanks. You look good too,” you tell her. And she does. She’s undone some of her shirt buttons and her bra peaks out just a bit from her shirt.

“Thank you, y/n,” Nat says. It’s dark but you think you see her blush. It’s quiet for a moment as the two of you stand together. She breaks the silence. “I forgot you were friends with my sister.”

“Oh yeah. Yelena and I have been friends since freshman year. She’s great.”

“I’m inclined to agree. Do you think Kate is good for her?” Nat asks. It’s already the longest conversation you’ve ever had with the woman.

You nod. “They’re both really happy.”

“Good,” Nat says. “What about you? Are you seeing anyone?”

“Nope,” you say. “Although my friend’s brother is into me, so it is nice to be crushed on.”

Natasha chuckles and takes a sip of her beer. You notice the way her neck flexes as she leans it back and swallows the drink.

“You’re so beautiful,” you blurt out, feeling unfiltered from the shots you took earlier. “I mean- yeah you’re beautiful and I’m annoyed by your academic success but I also find you incredibly attractive.”

She smirks at your rambling. Natasha shifts closer to you. Her lips hover over yours.

“I also find you attractive,” Natasha says. “And I really want to kiss you right now.”

“Please.”

Natasha closes the distance and kisses you. Her empty hand comes to the back of your neck to deepen the kiss. When her tongue moves into your mouth, you feel weak in your knees.

“My bedroom is upstairs,” you tell her once you break for air.

“Let’s go,” she says.

You take her hand and pull her through the crowded rooms to your bedroom. She closes the door behind herself and kisses you again. And again and again.

“I want you,” you tell her. “I thought about this when you were up there teaching today.”

“Oh yeah?” Nat asks. She kisses your neck and bites against your skin gently.

“Mhm, I don’t remember what the lesson was about.”

Natasha smirks against your neck and slips her hand under your shirt. Her strong hand moves over your side and pushes your shirt up. She stops kissing you long enough to slip the shirt over your head.

“Fuck you’re gorgeous,” Natasha says as her eyes rake over your body.

The two of fall back into your bed. You reach for her hips to pull her closer. She straddles your hips and kisses you again. You begin to unbutton her shirt and you leave a kiss to her exposed skin with every button.

When you open the shirt completely, you waste no time unclasping the bra that had just barely been showing earlier.

“Oh Natasha,” you say before you take her nipple into your mouth. She moans at the feeling.

“I get the feeling you don’t hate me,” Natasha says as she begins unbuttoning your pants. You continue your efforts against her chest.

“Not right now I don’t,” you say. She smirks and slips a hand into your pants. You can imagine how wet you are down there.

Nat pulls her chest away from your lips and moves down the bed. She slips your pants off and takes off her own. Her red lacy panties don’t leave much to your imagination.

“Fuck me,” you mumble. She chuckles and lays on her stomach, settling between your legs. She kisses the dark spot against your underwear, teasing you with her hands on your thighs.

“You’re so wet for me, baby. God I love it,” she says. “You don’t know how many times I imagined you just like this. All spread out for me.” She drops kisses to your thighs as she slips your underwear off your legs.

“You imagined this?” You ask her.

Nat pauses and moves back up your body. She hovers over you with her arms on either side of you. Leaning down she stops just short of your lips.

“I’ve imagined this. I’ve wanted you for so long. I had to take care of myself every night after class because I couldn’t get you out of my head,” Natasha explains.

You pull her lips to yours and kiss her until you’re dizzy. She grins and moves back to her previous spot.

“Fuck Natasha,” you moan as she dives right in this time. You’re not embarrassed for how wet you are for her. It makes you feel so good how she basks in the pleasure of you.

She uses her fingers to work around the edges of your folds and her tongue licks and sucks expertly. She’s definitely done this before.

When your legs begin to shake, she knows you’re close but she doesn’t stop her ministrations. She goes faster, adding a finger to work in tandem with her tongue.

“Nat,” you whisper, pleasure keeping you from being any louder. “Please.”

“Let go, detka,” she says. Her deep voice vibrates against you and cum hard against her tongue.

Natasha keeps her lips on you until you’re pushing on her head to ask for a break. She kisses your hips, stomach, and breasts as she makes her way to your face again.

“Are you okay?” She asks. Her hand rests on your cheek, it feels so loving, so soft.

“I’m- I feel amazing,” you tell her. She smiles and brushes her thumb over your face.

You kiss her softly, but the want for her takes over quickly and you’re pulling her onto you again. You slip off her panties and can’t help the gasp that you let out. Her body is just so perfect.

She moves her hips against you and moans when your leg falls between hers. You feel her wetness against your leg.

“I’m going to ride your thigh, baby,” Natasha says. You’re not going to say no to that.

You reach for her hips and help her move against you. She’s above you, her perfect breasts moving with every thrust of her hips.

“Come for me, Natasha. Show me how you thought about me each night after class,” you say. You know the talking is working when Nat has to fight to keep her hips going. “You’re so hot right now. Being so good for me.”

“Fuck,” she mumbles.

“That’s it, sweetheart. I thought about you when I touched myself too, Nat. Keep going.”

Her movements become more erratic and she’s coming on your thigh. It’s the hottest thing you’ve ever seen.

Once Natasha’s recovered, she lays next to you and you reach for her hand. She grips yours back easily.

“How do you feel?” You ask her, turning your head to face her. She’s got her eyes closed, and when she opens then you’re lost in the sea of green.

“I feel like I’m dangerously close to falling in love with you,” Natasha admits.

“Is that a bad thing?” You ask.

“No,” Nat says with a smirk. “But technically I am your teacher.”

“Yeah, that’s true. Well, maybe you can give me an A on my exam then?”

Natasha laughs and leans in to kiss your forehead.

“It was worth a shot,” you joke. “Really, I like you so much.”

“I like you so much, too. The class is over in a week and then we can go out,” Nat says. “If you’d like to,” she adds shyly.

“Of course,” you say. “Would you like to stay tonight? I mean it’s already late and you live across campus and-“

“Yes,” Nat interrupts your rambling. “I think technically this would still count as the same evening so we could-“

You cut her off with a kiss. The kind that is definitely going to lead to more. When you pull away, Nat is smiling mischievously.

“Oh, you’re definitely getting an A for tonight,” Natasha says.

“I haven’t even taken the exam yet,” you climb onto her and she giggles happily. It’s the most carefree you’ve ever seen her.

You sink down onto the mattress and settle between her legs.

“I get it,” Nat says aloud. “An oral exam.”

You share a long laugh with her. Mostly because you didn’t even mean to make that reference. But when you bury your face between her legs, suddenly everything becomes clear about how you feel about her.

And you know that you want her more than anything else in the world.

#natasha romanoff x reader #natasha romanoff #college!natasha #natasha romanoff smut #natasha romanoff au #natasha romanoff fluff

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thrillered · 5 months ago

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"You Know I Mountain Dew It For Ya" | Spencer Agnew x Reader | Pt. 7

Pt. 7: To destress

Your week was stressful to say the least. This shootblock had you in almost double the amount of videos than usual. This meant you really only got to see Spencer professionally, your usual chill banter and leisurely hang outs put on the back burner to focus on more career oriented things.

You’ve said it a million times before, you love your job, but man you couldn’t wait for this week to end. It wasn’t just you feeling the stress either, the whole company was stressed. There were multiple big things happening and it was crunch time. Vidcon was coming up, merch was releasing soon, and both pit and games were announcing new series.

Everyone was a little frazzled but the payoff would be amazing. The company was making big strides and you couldn’t be mad at that. However, you hadn’t had a movie night or dinner or anything with anyone, let alone Spencer, and your mood was beginning to sour. Your sociable personality thrived off of being around those you love, and when the only time with them was at your job–no matter how fun and silly it may be– you didn’t feel your best.

This wasn’t going unnoticed by Spencer either. It wasn’t until today that Spencer knew you needed a break, and bad. You had walked into the office later than usual, dark circles under your eyes that your makeup couldn’t quite hide and the biggest redbull Spencer has ever seen.

You were by no means late but you didn’t get to the office when you wanted to. First your alarm didn’t go off then the elevator in your apartment was closed and to top it all off the traffic was exponentially worse today due to some construction on your usual route. To say you were over it was an understatement.

You threw your bag down next to your desk, immediately opening your computer and getting to work, hoping that you could finish any digital tasks before your shoot and take a nap. It was your last shoot day of the week thankfully. You could see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it was shaped like your bed.

“You really can’t say anything about my kickstarts now.” Spencer teased, brushing a stray piece of hair out of his eye.

“Yeah well I got no sleep last night, my neighbors decided they had to get in an argument at 2 am.” You sighed, “Oh! And the construction at 6 am.”

“Oof, that sounds rough.” Spencer sympathized, “Come over tonight, there's no construction or arguing neighbors by me.”

Seeing your reluctance at anything distracting this week he continued, “I’ll make you dinner… I’ll order us dinner.” He added, seeing your grimace when he mentioned his cooking. “Come on, you need to relax and clearly your place isn’t providing that.”

You thought for a moment. It did sound nice, Spencer lived in a nice area, admittedly much quieter than yours. “Okay, that sounds great actually.”

Relieved at your agreement he gave your shoulder a squeeze, “Perfect, okay I gotta run. I’ll see you later then, good luck with today, you’re gonna kill it.”

You sent him one last smile before he walked off, jogging to catch up with Emily.

—

Spencer had told you to come over around 7. This gave you enough time to go home and nap before taking a shower. Feeling refreshed, you texted Spencer saying you were on your way.

It didn’t take long for you to arrive at Spencer's apartment. You stopped at a convenience store on your way, picking up some snacks and drinks for the night.

Knocking on his door you could hear the faint sound of music, muffled through the thick wood. After about a minute he opened the door.

“Hey, Y/N” Spencer said, letting you walk in, his hand brushing the small of your back as he ushered you in. “Nice shirt.” He noted, seeing it was one of his.

You noticed his apartment was particularly clean, the usual few cups and empty bowls scattered around his kitchen were nowhere to be found, tucked away in their respective cabinets. You set your bag down on a barstool, pulling another one out to sit on.

“Did you clean today?” You asked, peering around the room. “Is that a candle I smell? You hate candles.”

Spencer blushed, fiddling with a strap of your bag to avoid eye contact. “Well, yeah. I don’t like candles but you do.”

You smiled, wondering how you got so lucky to have such a thoughtful friend.

“What?” He asked, feeling your gaze on the side of his face.

“You are just the sweetest,” You gushed, standing up and throwing your arms around his shoulders, “Thank you Spence.”

He settled his hands around your hips, pulling you in a little closer as he gently rubbed circles on your side. You could have stayed like this forever, and you would have if another knock on the door hadn’t interrupted you.

“One sec.” Spencer said, untangling himself from you to get the door. He returned a few minutes later holding a large bag you recognized as being from your ramen place. “Let's eat.”

You settled on the couch, ramen bowls in hand as Spencer grabbed your drinks and turned on the tv, putting on a random episode of some show that was inevitably going to be ignored.

—

The remnants of your dinner were on the coffee table, your legs swung over Spencers as you joked and laughed, Spencer telling a story from college.

“Okay I have another idea,” He explained, getting up from the couch and walking to the kitchen. “It’s totally up to you but I did stop and get some things that might help you destress a little.”

He walked back into the living room, his hands behind his back. “I got your favorite wine but! I also got some edibles. I think either would be great.”

“I have to drive home Spence, I can’t” You frowned, wishing you could stay and have fun with Spencer.

“Just stay the night, easy.” Spencer responded, like it was the simplest thing in the world.

“I don’t have any clothes”

“You aren’t filming tomorrow, you can wear something of mine,” He countered, “Plus I probably have something of yours around here with how much you’re over.”

You contemplated it for a minute before you thought fuck it, you deserve to unwind tonight. “Okay, I’ll stay, hand over those edibles.”

Spencer laughed before opening the package and handing it to you to pick your poison. You grabbed two gummies and popped them in your mouth before handing the package back to Spencer, eyeing him as he grabbed one for himself.

“Now the night’s getting started.” you laughed, excited to feel the high and giggle with your best friend.

—

“You remember when you buzzed your hair?” You asked, Spencer’s head laying on your lap.

“I do.”

“You ever gonna do that again?”

“Not sure.”

“You shouldn’t” You replied, giggling a little as you twirled one of his curls around your finger. “I like your curls, I think they’re really cute.”

He laughed a little, adjusting his glasses to look up at you.

“I like your beard too, it’s at a good length, I like the scruff.” You scratched his cheek before patting it lovingly.

He noticed you were much more touchy tonight. Of course, part of this was the effects of the edible floating around your mind, and he loved it. You were his favorite person and wanted nothing more than to spend everyday like this.

Alex’s words came to mind as he thought about you. “One sided my ass, she’s totally into you, has been forever”. Maybe it was the edible talking but he decided he had to know.

“You’re my best friend, and nothing can change that.” He began, sitting up and scooting next to you.

“Awe Spency,” You cooed, grabbing his hand in your own, “You’re my best friend too.”

“But I’m not sure that’s really what I want.” He looked down at your interlocked fingers.

“What do you mean?” You asked, looking up at him through your eyelashes.

“I just can’t keep doing this.” Spencer said, removing his hand from yours and adjusting his position to look at you more directly.

“What?”

#spencer agnew #spencer agnew x reader #spencer agnew/reader #shayne topp #smosh #smosh games #smosh pit #smosh spencer #smosh cast #smosh fanfiction

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moonystoes · 5 months ago

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Camp Out! - Elisa De Almeida

(Final part)

Here: part 1, part 2, part 3

Summary: It's Camp out, and being in the same tent as Elisa isn't so bad.

Warning: none!

w/c: 9.6k

A/n: I promised you guys I will post the fic this weekend (I lied it's already 2 am), I have to be honest but I completely gave up on this chapter. I am so attached to y/n and baby Elisa, but this was so difficult for me. There were things I wanted to remove and edit, but I don't care at this point. I may make another chapter, but for now... it's over :,(

Days have passed since prom and your plan on avoiding Paul has been quite successful. It was the last week of school before winter break, and since you were the teachers’ favorite, you were asked to be working around the school all the time. Organizing papers, stapling the review papers, handing them out…things the teachers should be doing, And your job today is to take off the old prom posters from around the school. Usually you’d be frustrated and annoyed at the amount of work they put you through without paying you (child labor much?), but you were thankful and delighted for the extra school work given. Another excuse to avoid Paul.

You somehow found yourself humming that same song from prom, calmly ripping out the posters in the hallways. It wasn't until you heard an obvious fake, rough cough behind you. As you looked over to see if your annoying teacher had another chore for you, your heart sank when you realized it was Paul with a frown on his face.

“Hey, sorry but I really need to remove all of those posters.” You robotally said, twisting your body back and ripping out the small tape around the corners of the posters.

“Come on y/n, you’ve been busy this whole week, “ He groaned, resting his palm on your shoulder to turn you around to face him, “Just give me a minute.”

You sighed loudly as you pondered for a moment. Maybe you will gain confidence in this conversation and will make him leave you alone, “fine, just be quick.”

He nodded quickly and stood up straight. Inhaling deeply, he blurted out, “You embarrassed me in prom.”

“Excuse me?” You retorted, “what did you just say?”

“I mean… You left me alone. Prom wasn’t good because of that.”

“Paul, prom wasn’t good for multiple reasons. One of them was me agreeing to be your date.” You shrugged him off as you ripped out the papers from the wall. How dare he say something like that? You never snapped in school, in fact you rarely do in general. But you don’t care anymore. Not after the way Elisa treated you 10x better than him and she wasn’t your date. Hell, she wasn’t even your friend!

“What do you even mean by that? I was there! I didn’t run away and lied about going to the bathroom.” He spluttered, flailing his arms around him in frustration.

“Well if you were a great date, you…” you stammered, your confidence and anger has faded into worry. No matter how frustrated you are with him, you can’t make him angry or sad, the down part of being a people pleaser, “...would've noticed that I was sick. I had to go home.” You lied.

His brows furrowed in confusion, “were you actually?” He took a step closer to you, eyeing your body as if he would be able to see the sickness that way, “are you lying?”

Your face blushed at the thought of getting caught, “No! Why would I lie like that.”

“Because a friend of mine saw you walk out with another boy.”

A blush ran through your face as you looked down at the ground, too afraid to even glance at his doe brown eyes, “it wasn't a boy… It was Elisa.”

“What?” He gasped, flashbacks of the conversation both of you had at prom came crashing into him.

“No matter how much she dresses like us, she can never be us,” You turned to look at him in surprise, “imagine being a lesbian and trying to dress like us yet you get no dates.”

Your shock turned into anger, “Paul, what the fuck!” You couldn't believe he is your date, let alone your best friend as a kid.

The guys all laughed at what he said and how you reacted, Paul looked at you in shame and he tried to pull you away from the group.

“No let go of me! You can't just say stuff like that, it's rude.”

No way! Did you ditch him for her? That's exactly what he said would never happen. Did the lesbian Elisa actually just snatch his girl on prom night?

“Ehm… she noticed I was sick in the bathroom and walked me home,” You turned your front into the wall, shakingly ripping out the papers on the wall like how you were supposed to do in the first place.

“Well…I'm sorry. You should've told me about it.” He shrugged his shoulders as his eyes were filled with disappointment in you for not letting him know.

“You should've acknowledged me.” You whispered back as you walked away from that hallway, exhaling calmly knowing that conversation is over, not caring how insensitive your response may be.

It felt great knowing that whatever had happened between you over the years through childhood is now thrown out. You may have been heartbroken if you knew this at the beginning of the year, but it feels like a blessing to you now.

___

January 11th, 2013

Turning slowly towards Sammy, you mumbled, "Do you know what is going on there?” Class should've started 5 minutes ago, but the class was delayed by 3 teachers who were whispering at the door including the school principal.

"Yeah, it's Camp Out this Friday." Sam said in a duh tone. You hummed quietly, opening your notebook and writing the date quickly to prepare yourself for the new lesson. The teachers quietly left, leaving the History teacher alone at the front of the brightly lit class to start the afternoon.

"Good afternoon everyone. As you know, it's the beginning of the second semester and we have this tradition called ‘Camp out’." his hands fiddled with a stack of papers, folding them together and unfolding as he walks around the class.

"Told you." Sam stuck out her tongue quickly, before turning back to the front of the class.

"If you didn't know about Camp out, it's a tradition where the first year of high school gets a camp day for free! We will camp at the park, forest or whatever you want to call it. The one behind the school. We will provide food, movies, and games. But we will also sleep there. You will need to bring your own tents, sleeping bags, and anything you want.”

The students turned around, already discussing to each other what they should bring and do. You glanced at Sam to plan the day, but her long hair covered her face, and she played with her nails as always.

"Hey! I'm still talking. It will happen in three days, this Friday. You will go to school like normal. And instead of going home at 4, you will stay here. We will move to the park and build our tents, and stay there till 10 in the morning of the next day. We will provide dinner, snacks, and breakfast. Then your parents or guardian will pick you up on Saturday morning. When we sleep, we will split the area in two. One for the boys and one for the girls.”

"Is Elisa sleeping with us too?" A loud remark came from the left side of the class. You knew it was Paul, especially after the conversation you had around three weeks ago. He had been very harsh towards Elisa, before it was small remarks to his friends, but now it's more than that. There was a certain jealousy brewing in him after knowing how she was there to help you instead of him when you were ‘sick’ at prom. Laughter erupted from the class, making you frown at him and glance at Sammy as she shrugged.

You awkwardly shifted to the back of the class where Elisa sits with Fleur and Marie. Even with the loud chatter of the class, Elisa was staring at her empty table, fiddling with her pen. She was clearly lost in thought, her body drowning in an oversized gray hoodie. When you looked at the rest of the table, you caught Marie’s eye. Realizing she caught you staring at Elisa, you flinched and turned back immediately to the front of the class.

"Paul, try thinking of something creative next time." Mr. Nick glared at Paul, angry at the unwanted interruption. "There will be 5 teachers with you guys, and we will be awake at all times to make sure none of you do anything inappropriate, I know you guys are responsible enough to not do it.”

He took a deep breath, walking around to pass the consent forms. Since you and Sam sit at the front, you were the first to receive them.

"Will you go?" Your eyes quickly skimming over the words.

"Absolutely not." Sam joked, ripping the paper in half. You gasped, turning to look at the torn paper on the table.

"What the fuck, why?" You furrowed your eyebrows together at the mess, "oh my God it's literally 5 minutes into class and you're already acting up.”

"You think I'm acting up? Imagine how these boys would act at 2 at night. I'd rather jump off a cliff.” her head turning towards the boys’ tables, their voice looming over the class. “Look at that, they're already planning what they'll do to us when we sleep.”

“...what will they do to us when we sleep?” You hesitantly questioned, face flinching away from Sam knowing she'll probably start blabbering again.

“Are you crazy? What rhymes with grape?” She whispers shouts, her eyes glancing back at Xavi, the creepy kid of the class.

“Oh Sam, you can't just assume something like that!” You gasped at her accusation. It is true, Xavi was a complete weirdo to all the girls, but bringing up a big topic like that wasn't right. “Don't worry, I'm sure nothing will happen around the teachers and the girls.” You reassured her.

“Oh yeah, because Elisa's big, juicy, arms will save you from the bad guys.” she mocked, her body leaned closer to yours with a wink.

You looked back at the clean whiteboard, wishing to disappear. “Fuck off Sammy.”

Sam's cackle was loud enough for some of the students nearby to glance, making you kick her foot under the table and praying that Elisa didn't hear what she said.

Sam had been making jokes about Elisa after the prom conversation, she wanted you to feel relaxed around her and admit your crush. But you had made an obvious mistake (Sam knew this was a step closer for you to admit it), when you walked around the school’s football pitch at lunch on the first day of school after winter break.

You were watching the small matches played by the students when you surprisingly saw Marie on the sidelines. Knowing that she loves and plays the sport, you sat next to her with a bright smile and questioned why she wasn't there playing with the rest, and obviously her response was about the sexist boys. When you looked back at the pitch, you found Elisa between the boys. She clearly couldn't care less about what the boys were saying. She wore a sleeveless basketball jersey showing off her arm tan lines, and shorts long enough to reach her knees. It was obviously too cold for her to be dressed like that, but the afternoon sun and playing had helped warm her up.

The harsh sun caused her body to shine with sweat and caused her short hair to stick to her forehead. But what made your heart start to race is when she pushed Paul with a physical tackle, grass flying around them from the impact. Paul was grunting in pain on the ground, waiting for the whistle to blow. But Elisa wasn’t groaning in pain, she instead immediately pushed herself up from the ground, making her biceps bulge.

The boys called out for a yellow card, but all Elisa did was laugh at them and remind them of their comments beforehand about ‘girls being too weak to play football with them’. You quietly stood up and smiled at Elisa for fighting for her spot. You knew it was difficult for girls to argue with boys like them, and Elisa doing it shows her passion for the sport.

Elisa saw you smiling in the corner of her eyes, and when she turned to look at you completely, her face turned crimson red. She bit her lip and turned back to look at Paul on the ground, feeling a small sense of victory. Yes, I won her over.

You weren’t aware that Elisa had thought about this moment for too long too. It was unusual to see you acknowledge her, and she had begged for something to happen between you ever since the walk after prom. Seeing your beaming smile because of something she did made her brain shut down for a second. Especially after what happened at prom, she’s worried if she’s reaching for an inaccessible relationship.

Sam knew about this new fascination of Elisa’s arms in class that day, when you nudged her quickly and subtly gestured to Elisa with your head when she walked past the both of you to her seat. She gave you a confused look, mumbling a small ‘what’. But you pointed at your bicep, flexing your weak arm to show her what you meant. She turned around to glance at Elisa's arms for a second and turned back to look at you with a disappointed glance, making you shyly shrug with a simple ‘her arms are stronger than all of the boys here’.

And from that day, Sam has subtly brought up Elisa's arms in every discussion you have. At first it was funny, but nowadays it causes you to panic, feeling horrified at the idea of her knowing about your crush.

“Each tent will have four people in them, there are enough students for four tents for boys excluding James since he’s on a trip now, but for the girls there is an extra girl. One of the groups will have to compromise and let her join, okay?” Mr. Nick's close voice caused you to jump out of your seat, waking you up from the daydreams again about elisa.

“Sir, I'm not going.” Sam raised her hand, causing you to glare at her.

“Perfect. Y/n, why don't you sit with the Powerpuff girls at the back.” His hand rested on your shoulder, one of the disadvantages of being his favorite student and sitting in front. You gave him a soft nod at his reassuring smile, bending down to pick up your bag.

You glanced back to Sam, whispering quietly, “I can't believe you're making me do this alone, we'll talk about this later.”

“You're sleeping with Ms. Buff arms, have fun.” She whispered back with a cheeky smile and a subtle wink, causing you to stop packing and gape at her for a second. You had completely forgotten about what all of this is for, realizing that out of every girl group in this class it's with them. You didn't have a problem with either Katoto and Fleur. But when it comes to Elisa, you cannot be sleeping in the same place as her.

You sighed audible, taking your backpack and walking to the back of the class. Grinning at Fleur and Marie as you sat in the empty seat of the four-seat table.

“Hey,” you whispered in the middle of the table, letting them know you've sat with them since both Marie and Fleur were sneakily on their phones and Elisa doodling on her notebook. Elisa hummed at your approach, not even glancing at you.

“I’ll bring the tent.” Fleur said looking up from her phone, glancing at you and the girls. You breathed out, at least one of them isn’t ignoring you and actually looked at you from them.

“Guys imagine bringing snacks and staying up all night? We have to do that!” Elisa suddenly gasped, she grabbed Marie's bicep since they were sitting next to each other. “Fleur, what type of snacks do you want?”

You felt a sudden energy of sadness in you, not used to the feeling of being left out. You knew she was not purposefully trying to ignore you, but it felt like shit. Your mind kept reminding you of her Facebook post, that all of the things both of you went through (which isn't much…and you knew it), was all friendly. And she doesn't think you are pretty enough for her to talk to you.

“I don't care, sour patch kids and cheetos but you can bring the whole store and I'll eat anything.” Fleur shrugged, her fingers awkwardly tapping on the table.

“I can get the snacks.” You finally spoke out, voice slightly cracking when Elisa looked into your eyes across from you. You turned to your left to check on Fleur, and she nodded with a satisfied ‘okay’. Elisa shrugged, writing on her notebook ‘snacks’ under your initials.

“I'll bring the sleeping-bags… I already have four from family trips.” Elisa awkwardly mumbled, writing the things she needed under her name.

“Make sure Alex didn't shit on them, I don't want to take his.”

“Hell no I'm taking mine, you either take my parents’ or Alex's.”

“Fleur, take Alex's, imagine what her parents did on theirs.” Marie covering her face from Elisa with the palm of her hand as she ‘attempted’ to wink.

“Ew weirdo, they're literally divorced.” Elisa moved her body so she could see Marie’s face, but what she didn't realize is that she got really close to you by propping herself on the table with her hands, and sitting on her knees so she could move freely around the table and look at Marie. You panicked and pushed your seat slightly back, making Fleur notice and glancing at you for a second before turning back to them, “what are you gonna get?”

“I don't know… I'll get board games! Like Uno or something.” She exclaimed until she saw Elisa's disappointed face, “Okay fine I'll think of something else.”

The table went quiet, you looked around waiting for someone to say something. But Elisa just folded her arms on the table and rested her head on them to sleep.

You sighed as you look at the list,

“Elisa - sleeping bags

Fleur - tent

MAK - games?

Me - snacks Cheetos, sour patch kids, and anything”

While Elisa was sleeping, you kept glancing at her grown hair. You can't look at her for too long, or else you might end up having a meltdown. It bothered you that for the first time you had an actual crush, she doesn't even think you're pretty. A deep frown was stuck to your face, and you didn't care if Fleur, Marie or everyone in class noticed. All you wished is for her to see you the way you did.

Elisa wasn't sleeping, she did try to take a nap but her head kept distracting her. And the thought of you sleeping next to her is suffocating her. Would you wear a silk mini dress? Or a silly mickey mouse pjs? It doesn't matter, because she knew she would be a blushing mess no matter what you were wearing.

She was also thinking about what Marie and Fleur are gonna do. She knew that they liked playing risky games, what if they put the both of you together for seven minutes of heaven? Or dared you to kiss? They wouldn't do that. No way, right? What if when you watch a movie they force you and her to cuddle? She can't let them know the effects you have on her, because they would definitely try and set them up together.

“Eli stop being depressed, it's literally your birthday.” Fleur groaned out, reaching her hand to mess up Elisa's hair.

You glanced back at Fleur and then looked back to Elisa. Eli? Wait… maybe Fleur is the pretty girl she was talking about in that post. Or maybe they're just friends. You gave Samantha nicknames all the time! Sam, Sammy…it could be a friendly gesture, not a flirty one.

But your mind was lost, and the idea of them both going to prom reminded you that whatever relationship you want with her is never gonna happen…not when Fleur plays her hobby in the same academy as her and touches her hair and body all the time.

Elisa, or Eli, looked up with a fake animated pout, “stop… I already know you're gonna do something once we go training.”

Marie's head was pushed back from laughter, “should we put glue in her deodorant this time?”

“Ew! what the fuck?”

“I saw that from one of those DIY pranks on youtube.” She shrugged, tears rolling from her eyes looking at Elisa's horrified face.

You didn't say anything, feeling ashamed at not doing anything for her birthday. In your defense, you didn't know. But there was still guilt at the thought of bringing nothing for her.

You were also feeling flustered, not at the gift part, but at the feeling that started blooming in you when looking at Elisa that way. The pouty face, the panicked, and the frustrated expressions. Even if Elisa was ugly crying with snot going down her mouth, you'd still be blushing. It was a lot for you, too much in a span of 5 minutes. It didn't help that Elisa's hair had grown and now looks like a bird's nest from Fleur's hand.

Fleur tugged Elisa's hand, “we're not gonna do that, we will probably get kicked out of the academy.”

Elisa shut her eyes and sighed loudly, “thank the lord.” Making the whole table softly giggle and go silent.

It was awkward, maybe for you only. So you took a risk, “Happy birthday Elisa, sorry I didn't get a gift…I didn't know until now.”

She looked up from her scribbles to you and gave you a small smile, “no worries, I'm not really expecting one from anyone in here anyways.”

“I'm pretty sure we can do something on camp day, right girls?” Maybe you can get her something on Friday, “like a mini party at night? Unless you guys have to sleep early for football, of course.”

Fleur looked at the girls at the table, having a silent conversation with their eyes only. Your hands were starting to feel clammy. Oh God, what if they're talking shit about me? What if I sound so desperate now?

“That's a cute idea, sure!” Fleur smiled at you, she looked back at Elisa, now having a suspicious face and glancing at everyone around the table, “we don't have training on Saturdays, we have a match on Sundays though. But it's okay, they're always in the afternoon or evenings so we don't have to wake up early.”

You turned to look at Elisa, but her eyes remained on Fleur next to you. Take a risk, you reminded yourself, it worked last time.

You tapped her hand making her turn to look at you, “don't worry, no pranks. Just a small birthday party.” You gave her a smile.

Elisa looked at your eyes, it had been long since she had actually tried to maintain eye contact with your eyes (she was clearly blind not to notice the struggle isn't one-sided), her cheeks turned slightly pink, enough for you to smile even larger, “Ugh, thanks. I just want you to know that you really don't have to do all of that.”

“Why not? You know, in some places like Mexico and Latin America, they celebrate the 15th birthday like weddings! It's called quinceañera. They invite a lot of people and wear fancy dresses. It's sweet, and I know I don't have to do it, but I want to.”

Marie's eyes were wide as she gave a knowing look to Fleur, the table remained quiet for a few seconds as the both of them were communicating with their eyes.

Elisa was not just pink, she was red as a cherry now. She let out a giggle at what you said and just gave out a shrug, knowing if she tried to say something it would either be dumb or just a long minute of stuttering.

For the first time, it wasn't embarrassment or awkwardness that was filling you from this silence, it was hope. Hope that maybe there could be something that you can make from the relationship, especially after Elisa's blushing mess.

After a minute of praying that all of this would end, Elisa's prayers were answered when your teacher asked for everyone to move back into their seats.

When you sat back down next to Sam, she turned to look at you with a knowing smirk, “how was it?”

“Did you know it's Elisa's birthday today?” You quickly asked her, turning your body now to the front of the class since the lesson will actually start.

“No, are you doing something for her?” She asked, hoping you'd say something that will make her ‘theory’ true.

“Not now, but in camp I'm gonna get her something. What should I get her?” You remained facing the teacher as you replied.

Sam smiled, holding in her laugh, “I don't know…maybe football boots?”

You thought for a second before shrugging off what she said, “no, they're too expensive and I don't know her shoe size.”

“Hmm…I don't know, we'll figure it out later.”

You nodded at what she said before continuing writing the notes.

___

Your father sighed quietly when he saw the bill, “all of this? A cake? And a… what even is that?” He took a sip of the dark cup of coffee he had, staring at some old romcom show on TV.

“It's for the camp out thing, I told you before me and mama left,” You glanced at his distracted face, glad that the show is making him less angry than how he would've reacted without it. “It's a mini cake! For my friend's birthday. And that thing is a bracelet set, so I can make jewelry.” You calmly spoke out.

“Ugh fine, just let me know when you buy the whole store next time.” He groaned out, shrugging you off with his hand.

“Thanks, love you.” You bent down and kissed his head, running off to your room to pack your things.

You grabbed a gym bag, something your mom abandoned for years. And started filling them with essentials, pads, underwear, your hello kitty pj's that you weren't embarrassed by, some emergency products in case anything happened.

You brought another bag for all of the snacks, making sure the cake box is placed on top so it doesn’t get mushed. Turning around your room, you opened the bracelet making kit and stared at the beads. Would Elisa wear a bracelet? They aren’t a very feminine thing, and you were sure if you used masculine colors she would be okay with it.

The problem is that you were not sure if she would accept it from you. You weren’t close with her, why would she wear something you made her? She doesn’t even wear any jewelry in the first place! You rolled your eyes as you groaned loudly, dropping your body backwards on your bed. You knew you were overthinking it, but you really wanted her to like you. It felt like elementary days, where the kids would buy gifts for their classmates to gain a friendship.

Deciding to make her a black and white bracelet, the colors of a classic football and it was not ‘feminine’, something Elisa has avoided throughout the whole school semester.

After thirty minutes and an intense back stretch, you were finally satisfied with the product. You placed it in a small velvet bag, writing a small note in it that says ‘happy belated birthday, I don’t know if you like wearing jewelry like these, but I hope you would like this.’ You also decided to take the bracelet kit with you there too, maybe Marie or Fleur would want to make some at midnight.

___

It was already Friday, all of the students abandoning the teachers as they excitedly planned their evenings together. You were standing in the office, where the class kept their Camp Out equipment before classes started. It was already 4pm, and now you were meant to be moving to the park. You were shyly staring at your group, too scared to approach them. But Elisa turned around and spotted you, giving you a small wave so you could go there.

You grinned, giving her a wave back as you carried your three bags; your backpack, gym bag, and the beach bag that was filled with the snacks, “Hey, I brought everything here.”

Fleur turned to glance at you, “oh hey, thanks by the way.” She bent down and carried your things to the corner of the room.

“Oh, you don't have to do this. You're still injured!”

She shrugged you off, “don't worry about it.”

“Alright, let's move from the back door, walk across that football pitch, and go on that sidewalk.” The counselor called out.

You went down and carried your backpack, grabbing the other two heavy bags when Elisa's hand stopped you, “I got it.”

“You are already carrying 2 sleeping bags, it's okay.” You argued, but before you grasped the handles Elisa was already lifting them.

She turned to maintain eye contact with you, “It's fine.”

You nodded and followed the teachers. You were a few steps ahead from the other girls, but you were able to hear what they were saying.

“Yo, look at her back,” Katoto laughed out loud, “Elisa trying so hard to look strong.”

“Shut up!” Elisa whisper-shouted at both of the girls giggling. It was obvious that she was struggling with carrying the bags, but she wanted you to think of her as a strong girl.

You bit your lip, holding in the giggle that almost came out of you. The walk was long, and the bickering between the girls did not stop.

“Elisa, you're so strong, please come carry my things for me.” Fleur fake-groaned, obviously mocking Elisa's posture.

Marie was already in tears by now, clutching into her stomach from the pain. Elisa hoped that you couldn't hear any of the things they're saying or else she'd just die. But by the way your shoulders were vibrating, she knew that you had been laughing with them.

When the class reached the empty field, you went to the right side (the girl's section) and placed all of your things there. You looked at Elisa's red face, “thanks…you didn't have to carry all of them.”

Elisa threw everything roughly on the ground, her shoulders and back too damaged to care about the safety of the products inside your bag, “oh no…I'm fine.” She nodded towards you, twisting her torso and trying to stretch the pained muscle on her lower back.

You giggled seeing her like this and nodded back, going over to Marie and opening the big tent bag. While trying to stabilize the tent edge into the ground, you saw a shadow crouch down next to you, “Hey y/n… you can have my sleeping bag tonight.”

When you turned to look at your right, your face blushed at how close she was. Her eyes were burning yours, trying to see a reaction of discomfort from how close she is to you. But she found none, other than a slight shaky breath and pinkish cheeks.

“Are you sure? It's yours.”

Elisa placed her shaky hands on top of yours, tightening the fabric of the tent into the ground when she realized it was loose, “I can sleep in my mom's or dad's… I feel like it would be inappropriate of me to just give you theirs and not mine.”

“What about Marie and Fleur?” You asked, glancing at the both of them adjusting the other corners.

“Pfft who cares about them, they can sleep on the ground.” Elisa shrugged them off, making you laugh.

“Wow…I'm sure they would be disappointed at your loyalty.” You sarcastically gasped.

Elisa smiled shyly, getting closer to the point where your shoulders were sticking to each other, “oh please…our relationship is just us bullying each other.”

It was a minute of silence between you guys, the both of you not wanting to leave the other. It was until Fleur groaned out as she stood up, looking at the both of you ‘adjusting’ the corner and giving Marie a suspicious nudge.

Marie looked at the both of you and winked at Fleur, “guys let's put the things inside!”

The both of you quietly sighed in disappointment, standing up and grabbing all of the bags inside and organizing the place.

“Wow you brought all of these snacks?” Fleur gasped as she looked through the beach bag, “wait, what is that?”

She pointed at the cake box, “shh… that's Elisa's birthday cake.”

Fleur nodded as she got closer to the cake, “what flavor is it?”

“Chocolate with vanilla frosting,” You responded, “I felt like Elisa would like that…no?”

Fleur remained silent for a second before turning to look at Elisa, “Hey Elisa, isn't strawberry your favorite cake flavor?”

You huffed out and turned the other way, I guess she didn't hear me when I said ‘shhh’, you looked at Elisa as she gave Fleur a disgusted look, “ew no what the fuck?”

Fleur rolled her eyes in annoyance, “oh come on, is it too girly for you?”

Elisa glared at Fleur, “no it just tastes like anything but strawberries.” She laid down the sleeping bags in order before adding, “chocolate is my favorite, I thought you'd know this.”

Fleur turned and gave you a surprised look, “wow I guess y/n knows Elisa more than us.”

It was obvious Fleur was teasing the both of you, and the way Marie was smirking on the side didn't help Elisa's panic. Was her attraction that obvious? What if you think it's gross the way they're joking?

There was a moment of silence, Elisa glaring at both of her friends while you organized your stuff on the corner. A shadow came by the tent door, “Girls go out, we have some tasks for you!”

Marie gaped at the door, “I thought this camp was supposed to be fun!”

“Stop complaining and go out now!”

“Okay, miss!” You yelled out before rolling your eyes. Today is going to be a long day.

----

“Here is your pizza.” Elisa placed a cheese pizza next to you and sat there. You stopped touching the small cut on your toe and looked up, “hey, thanks.”

Elisa nodded, looking at the bloody toe you have, “I will get you a bandaid once we go to our tents, okay? I can clean up the cut too.”

You felt your cheeks turn hot at Elisa’s gentleness towards you. Instead of responding to her, you just gave her a shy smile and bit into your pizza.

Fleur and Katoto sat further away from the both of you. Usually, they would get jealous and frustrated at how Elisa is basically ignoring their existence. But you were an exception, especially when this is the first time they see Elisa this way with anyone. As well as, seeing you have a crush on someone… someone that’s a girl and their bestfriend.

Elisa wanted you to see her as a responsible person, someone that can help you whenever you need it. She carried your stuff, made your sleeping ‘corner’, helped you walk when you tripped over a rock and hurt yourself, gave you your dinner, and now offered to clean up your cut. She just hoped that it wouldn't overwhelm you, and maybe you’d realize that she is just an annoying, clingy person that doesn’t understand boundaries.

But you never complained, only looking down and avoiding eye contacts with a sheepish smile. There was some hope, that maybe you’d actually see her the way she sees you, and maybe you actually like girls. That’s a thought Elisa is currently trying to avoid, too afraid to hurt herself the more she thinks about it.

You took a few bites from the large pizza slice before turning to Elisa, “Hey… I got you a mini gift,” You placed your left hand into your pocket and pulled out the mini jewelry bag, placing it delicately into her palm. “I hope you like it.”

She smiled shyly as she tightly grasped it, “you didn't have to get me a gift.”

You avoided eye contact while taking a bite, “I know, but I wanted to.”

“Guys if you're done, get your pajamas and go back to the school building to change,” one of the teachers yelled out, “there are lights around the school so it won't be too dark.”

You turned to look at Fleur and Marie, signaling with your head if you should go now or wait. They nodded and slowly stood up, their legs too sore from sitting for too long.

You placed your left palm on the ground to push yourself up, but you saw Elisa standing up and reaching out for your hands. Everything was overwhelming you, she was too gentle and sweet with you. And it horrified you to know that all of this can be a friendly gesture, that all Elisa wants is some pretty girl that definitely wasn't you.

The group walked to the bathrooms with their clothes, Fleur and Marie changed in the same cubicle, claiming that they're making more space for others who want to change. Elisa went to one alone while you did the same, getting slight deja vu from the first week of school.

You were out first, braiding your thick long hair. Some of your other classmates were also in the restroom with you, so you decided to have a chat with them while you waited on the others.

“Augh fuck guys,” Elisa groaned out from her cubicle. Opening the door slightly with pink cheeks and a shameful look.

You looked worriedly, stepping forward to check if she hurt herself on something. But she shied away and hid herself from the door, “Hey Elisa…is everything okay?”

“Umm…yeah, I just got my period I guess.” She muttered weakly, too embarrassed at herself for not tracking the days or even bringing something with her.

“It's okay…do you want pads or tampons? I've got some stuff.” You whispered back, it's obvious she didn't want the others to know about it.

“Can I get a tampon?” She asked, opening the door slightly so you can hear her better.

But you froze, you didn't want to admit it but she looked precious this way. You thought that you've been strong this whole day, but seeing her vulnerable in front of you made you feel weak in the knees.

You nodded quickly, going to your bag and pulling out one. You rushed to the cubicle and handed it, “I'm gonna do something, just meet me at the tent, okay?”

She gave you a soft smile in gratitude and nodded, before shutting the door.

You took a heating bag from your never-ending bag and decided to go to the school kitchen, hoping it would be open and whoever is in there would allow you to use some of the equipment.

When you got in, you noticed one of the janitors. Thankfully, she was a sweet old lady that loved you. When you told her what happened, she gave you an understanding glance before pouring hot water into the bag you had.

When you reached the tent, you noticed all of them sitting in a circle. They were whispering into each other, and it seemed as though Elisa was embarrassed and frustrated with what they were saying. When she saw you at the door, she sat up, “she's here.”

“Hey guys, I had to go to the kitchen for this.” You raised the bag, and delicately gave it to Elisa.

She placed it on her lower stomach, croaking a small ‘thank you’. She was worried if you heard their previous conversation, since it was about you. Fleur and Marie were making comments about how Elisa ignored them the whole time they were here. Even when they were watching a movie, Elisa was near you in some way. That's how she came and helped you out when you fell, the memory of her catching you is still vivid in her mind, your body felt so soft in her arms.

“Let's play truth and dare!” Fleur jumped to the ‘trash’ corner and grabbed one of the empty bottles.

“Nope, I'm not playing.” Elisa moved away from the group, going to her ‘corner’.

“Oh come on, what's wrong with playing this?” Marie groaned loudly, going over to Elisa to pull her back into the circle.

You were still standing by Elisa's now empty spot, too shy to sit down. What if they didn't want you to play with them?

“I know what you guys wanna do, and I'm honestly not in the mood for all of this.” Elisa snapped, slapping Marie's hand away from her, “especially now.”

You turned the other way, pulling out some book from your bag to read. You felt shame all over you, it's obvious that she doesn't want to play with them because you're around. You didn't understand, she was attached to you all day, and now she doesn't want to play with you?

Marie smacked Elisa’s hand again, pointing discreetly at your discomfort. She leaned into Elisa and whispered, “you’re making her feel sad…she thinks you don't want her to play with us.”

“That’s not why I don’t wanna play.” Elisa whispered back, watching you as you read some romance novel in your hand.

“But that’s what she thinks,” she tapped Elisa’s shoulder before going to the middle of the tent with Fleur. The both of them are curious on what Elisa would do to make you join.

Elisa groaned internally, she has been too affectionate with you this whole day. Would you be grossed out by her admiration and gentleness?

She slowly walked up to you, “hey… do you wanna play with us?”

You glanced up to look at her, “umm…if you want me to play with you.”

Elisa’s heart broke when she heard your voice crack from insecurity. She didn’t mean for this to happen, she just didn’t want to scare you off from Fleur or Marie’s questions, “of course we want you to play with us…c’mon.” reached out her hand for you to grab, and she felt her muscles relax when you placed your soft hands on hers.

When you both sat in the circle, she was next to you. Marie smiled at you, happy that you accepted to play with them, and spinned the bottle. It awkwardly stopped when the cap was pointing at Fleur, “hmm…truth or dare?”

“Dare.” Fleur responded confidently, folding her arms on her chest.

“Okay…I dare you to like the first 5 posts of the first person that pops up on Facebook.”

Fleur glared at Marie, turning on her phone to see who would pop up, “Oh my God no…it’s my uncle. He’ll be so confused on why I’m liking posts from 2007.”

After many rounds of playing, Fleur’s bottle stopped at you. “Truth or dare, y/n?”

You paused for a second to think, considering the previous dares, you settled for truth.

“Umm…do you like Paul? We promise we won't tell.”

“We're loners anyways we don't have anyone to tell us to.” Marie added, trying to make you more comfortable with them.

You remained silent for a few seconds, avoiding their eyes -especially Elisa's, “No, I don't like how he treats Elisa.”

Elisa perked up when she heard what you said. Flashbacks from prom night came crashing into her,

“I don’t care about him.” You gulped the water and threw the paper cup in the trash.

“Did he hurt you?” She stepped closer to you as the loud music was making it difficult for her to hear you. But your flustered state made you step back, “no, he just said something rude about someone I care about…”

Was he talking about her? Did you care about her that much?

Elisa's cheeks were too pink to be ignored, Fleur smirked and decided to ask you another question, “so before Elisa was here, did you like him?”

You were still a little shaken at the question, “I don't think so…maybe a small crush I guess. I think I just missed our friendship more, since we knew each other since we were kids.”

They nodded, before agreeing that they should stop playing truth or dare and find another game. You were already exhausted, so you made it clear that you'll just head to sleep.

“But it's only 11,” Elisa pouted at what you said, disappointed that you won't get to spend time with her.

You were cleaning up around the sleeping bag to save up time from tomorrow morning. You peeped next to you and saw Elisa sitting there, “Hey again,”

She smiled at your voice and gave you a soft ‘hey’ back.

“I guess we should just talk before sleeping, yeah?” You teased her, feeling happy that you have company before sleeping.

“Yeah… I guess I wanted to just tell you that,” she paused, too lost in your eyes, making the conversation difficult for the both of you, “...you don't have to avoid Paul because of what he's doing to me.”

You frustratingly shook your head, “no Elisa. He's rude and annoying, I don't like people like that,” you looked down at your hands as you whispered the last part, “I just want a sweet, gentle…person who wouldn't mock or laugh at people”

Elisa nodded in understanding, before leaning down to meet your eyes, “Okay…I get it.”

You were grateful at the comfortable atmosphere you guys have, but a question was running in your mind as you bit your lip in thought, “Hey Elisa…I have a question,”

Elisa heard your timid voice, scooting closer to you to the point of your shoulders touching, “Yeah?”

“I know you like women,” you admitted quickly, looking at her eyes to see if there is any discomfort.

She grinned before replying, “one, that's not a question. That's a statement. Two, I think everyone knows that.”

You exhaled slowly when you realized she isn't uncomfortable with you knowing. And a slight blush came into your cheeks as you realized that she does like girls. Elisa likes girls! “umm… I didn't want to assume! After prom, I felt guilty for making you walk home alone so I went into your Facebook to check if you're okay and found a post that said something like… ‘I wish I knew how to talk to pretty girls.’... I guess I just connected the dots.”

Élisa's eyes widened, “wait…my Facebook account isn't private?!”

You quickly shook your head, mumbling a quick ‘nope’.

“Oh… I guess I have to change that. But oh well,” she shrugged on the last part.

Elisa can see you stare at her, and a feeling of panic started rising in her chest.

“Did your barber go on a holiday or are you trying a new haircut?” You joked, pointing at Elisa's longish hair now. It was covering her forehead and swooped to her right.

She laughed at what you said, raising her hair to make sure it looks neat, “I wanted to try something new.”

“It looks like Justin Bieber… you know the haircut. I don't know about the voice.”

She gave you a fake offended look, before replying, “well…do you think Justin is cute?”

You bit your lip in thought, “no…blonds aren't my thing.”

Elisa's eyes were locked with yours, she was starting to breathe heavily. Something in her is telling her that this conversation isn't just a random one, it means something. “What about brown haired people?”

Swallowing your spit before subtly biting your lip teasingly, “you mean brunettes?”

Elisa embarrassingly nodded, hoping that she doesn't look desperate waiting for your response.

“Brunettes are my type, yeah.” You gave her a grin, waiting for what she would do next.

“Good,” Elisa responded, involuntarily moving her hand to play with her hair again, “what about eyes?”

You blushed deeply, “I like brown eyes…soft and sweet to look at. Sometimes blue or green eyes are just too…sharp? Harsh? I don't know.”

Elisa hummed in agreement, turning her body slightly to glance at Marie and Fleur. She wanted to signal to them that maybe something is happening between you guys. But both of them were too busy playing Uno.

“Who do you find pretty, Elisa,” you breathed out, making Elisa turn to look at you in a flustered state, “what's your type in girls?”

Elisa clenched her jaw tightly while thinking. What was she supposed to say? That you're exactly her type? “I like brun- brunettes too. I like girls that are soft spoken and delicate, that care about others,” she was lost in thought as her fingers were playing with your bracelet, “long hair…I like it when they have long hair.”

You on the other hand were trying not to scream or run away. You didn't want to think highly of yourself, but that sounds like you right? You distractingly reached out for your long braid, waiting for Elisa to stop playing with her fingers and look at you.

When she didn't, you decided to ask her another question, “how did your parents react?...I mean if you came out.”

Elisa turned to look at you, “I didn't have to come out. I've always been this way,” she scratched her neck, “I mean… I never had long hair, always wanted to do the same thing as my brother. And I also had this obvious crush on a girl in my class when I was like 5 years old, they knew all about it.”

You nodded, “I can't imagine you with long hair.”

Elisa laughed, “I can't imagine myself with long hair, it would be a disaster.”

“So…are you bisexual, or a lesbian?”

Elisa eyebrows furrowed, how did you even know these terms? They weren't something you hear a lot in public, “I can't ever like a man…they're just ‘eh’.”

You giggled before scooting closer to her, “Okay.”

Elisa thought for a moment, “why do you like boys?”

You shrugged with a pout on your face, “I don't think it's a choice you know. But for now…I don't like any guy.”

Elisa's body physically relaxed as she exhaled. Hearing that you don't like a guy right now made her feel hopeful, “Well…who from the class is the closest to your type?”

You rolled your eyes before crawling to the door and zipping it open, “I wonder what are they doing right now,” you stuck your head out, the cool wind making the small baby hair around your head fly. Elisa pulled the tent door more open to stick her head next to you too.

From the dim lights of the school and the moonlight, a slight shadow was seen from the ‘boys’ side of the pitch. It was clear the boys were wrestling, so Elisa made a joke, “wow, they're fucking already?”

You gasped loudly as you gaped at Elisa. She guiltily looked away from you with a quick, “sorry.”

You cackled before staring at the shadows again, “you know what? They're already shirtless.”

Her body relaxed near you and continued staring at them, “Ugh, they're so gross.”

“I don't even understand how they're shirtless in this weather.” You shivered at the thought of being naked in the weather.

Elisa turned to look at your thin t-shirt and whispered to you, “are you cold?”

You looked down at your shirt, “oh no…I'm fine.”

Elisa can read the lie in your face, she rolled her eyes as she started to remove the black jacket she was wearing over her plain gray shirt, “I can see you y/n,” she handed it to you, “it's January I don't know what you were thinking.”

You groaned in embarrassment, “they said this January would be hot! That's why they moved Camp Out to today…it was usually in March,” you wore her jacket, “it seems that I'm always cold around you.”

“And I'm always there to warm you up.”

You blushed as you shifted your body to face her, she smiled and did the same as now the both you were right in front of each other, “feeling cold isn't the only feeling I have around you.”

Elisa's eyes widened, she hopes that maybe you're referring to romantic feelings. She leaned in closer, looking deeply into your eyes, “what feeling?”

You sighed as you leaned in closer, “Elisa…you know it.”

Elisa smiled in satisfaction, internally thanking Mr.Nick for placing you in her camp group, “what? Feeling sad?”

You rolled your eyes, “no.”

Elisa sarcastically hummed in thought, getting closer to you as your foreheads were touching, “what feeling?”

You let out a huff, it's either now or never. Your eyes fluttered close and you leaned in to kiss her. Elisa barely felt your lips, it was obvious that you were nervous. But even with the softest touch, Elisa's eyes were automatically shut close as she exhaled from her nose.

You leaned back before muttering, “I hope that shows you what feeling.”

Elisa's smile was bright, she got closer to you before whispering, “I think I need more to clarify.”

She leaned in and captured your lips, this time it was a firm kiss. Elisa placed her palm on the back of your neck as she tried to deepen the kiss, but you shyly backed away.

Elisa would've felt offended if she hadn't seen your flustered state, she kept her hand on your neck as she waited for you to speak.

“Sorry…that was my first kiss, I got nervous.”

Elisa smiled in understandment, she knew the feeling too. Her reddish cheeks and shaky hand on your neck showed everyone around her that she was struggling to keep calm.

“It's my first kiss too.”

There was a moment of silence as the both of you were smiling at each other. You shakenly placed your hand at the back of her neck, softly tugging and playing with her hair.

Elisa's eyes closed as she sighed loudly, “I thought for the longest time that you didn't like me,”

Your brows furrowed in confusion, “what? How?”

“...you were talkative to everyone but never talked to me.”

Elisa's insecurity was shown from her timid voice. You frowned in disappointment, “I never meant it that way…I guess I was too shy around you.”

Elisa lightly cuddled her head onto your shoulder. She was too shy to face you after the kiss, “Do I make you nervous?”

You lightly slapped her head, “dude you literally just said that I talked to everyone except you.”

Elisa gasped as she fake-glared at you, “don't ‘dude’ me!”

You sarcastically rolled your eyes and pushed her shoulder away from you, “whatever, I’m going to sleep now,” you covered yourself under the sleeping bag and closed your eyes, before whispering “goodnight.”

Elisa had a beaming smile, she leaned closer to your silhouette and gave you a soft kiss on your forehead, “Goodnight y/n…I don’t think I can sleep after this but I’ll try.”

With a soft smile, you fell asleep almost immediately. It felt like a heavy weight just dropped from your shoulder. Everything is different now, and you knew it too. You didn’t know what would happen in the morning or how things would work out with her, but it didn’t matter right now. The feeling of Elisa’s lips was still lingering on yours, and if you licked your lips you’d be able to taste the vanilla chapstick she always uses.

Elisa remained sitting next to your sleeping bag, she was heaving quietly from the shock of everything. Is this a dream or a joke? The idea of you being gay and liking her is making her internally jump in joy. She turned to Marie and Fleur, but the both of them were gaping at her. Fleur had a smirk while Marie had a look of disgust.

Elisa speed-crawled to the both of them, grabbing the Uno cards from their hands and shuffling them, “did you guys see that?”

“Yes?!” Fleur exclaimed, she smacked Elisa’s arm in a joking manner, “I can’t believe she’s gay…and she kissed you!”

“Shhh… guys I’m panicking, what am I gonna do?”

“Take it slow, we have around 4 months before the summer…If you’re not so annoying, you guys can date and when we have the U-17 tournament, she can come there with us and be like Victoria Beckham…absolute WAG.” Marie made a gesture with her hands for the girls to see the vision. But Elisa slapped them away, “You’re thinking of that summer tournament while I’m thinking of our first date. Marie, you’re so fucking useless oh my God.”

“okay…Elisa calm down,” Fleur intervened, she glanced back at your sleeping silhouette, “Eli…not to ruin your mood, but who says she’s gay? This could be some sort of phase or an experiment for her since you’re the first masculine girl she probably ever saw.”

Elisa’s smile dropped at what Fleur said, “That can’t be…she kissed me first.”

“Okay? She might be confused with her emotions.”

Elisa sighed loudly as she dropped her face to her hands, rubbing her face roughly, “It’s okay…we’ll take it slow. And if she doesn’t like me that way, she can tell me.”

Fleur gave her a tight-lipped smile and pulled her in for a hug, “yeah, that would be great.”

#sorry lol its kinda shit and long af #if there are mistakes dont correct me im too tired and fed up to care #elisa de almeida #woso x reader #elisa de almeida x reader #nel's writings #woso #nel recommends fanfiction #elisa de almedia fluff #woso community #woso fanfics #woso imagine #wlw #women football #women's football #football fanfic

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captain-mj · 1 year ago

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omg i thought of this while in the resturant! (We were ehatchign fail army and they were doing scare pranks)

and i thought like "what if soap tried to scare ghoast?"

this could go two ways

ghost isnt fazed at all

2. ghost reacts poorly and ends up hurting johnny or worse..

Apologies for being so absent! Here ya go!

Ghost disliked pranks. Ever since his little brother used to scare him with the mask, they just rubbed him the wrong ways. Even the innocent ones like putting salt in the sugar so it would ruin his tea were enough to spark up old anger issues.

Obviously, this went against what the 141 knew him as when it comes down to humor. While outsiders would think a prank on Ghost would end with their heads on pikes, they also didn't know he liked dad jokes and dumb one liners.

So when Gaz and Soap started their prank war, they automatically included Ghost. In retrospect, Ghost really should've sat them down and said no with a little more force, instead of brushing them off and assuming they'd get the picture. But he thought it was over by now and he doubted they'd actually do anything again after he told them he wasn't interested.

Ghost had no way of knowing the man that jumped out at him, a spur of the moment idea on Soap's part and not something planned, as he doubted he could really sneak up on Ghost on purpose, was not going to stab him immediately. Luckily, he had been unarmed, so Soap did not end up with a gaping wound in his throat. Instead, Ghost backhanded him hard enough for his teeth to rattle in his skull.

Soap hit the ground hard and Ghost felt the adrenaline rush through his veins like he got hit by a stim. Giant blue eyes, apologetic but also shocked, blinked up at him.

Ghost wanted to hurt him. Soap must've seen it, but he didn't run. What an idiot.

Ghost turned away and took a deep breath. Noticing just now a very, very startled Gaz and Price.

Price quickly helped Soap up, glancing at Ghost like he might fly off the handle.

Soap took a breath when he got up and slowly let it out. "Hurts like a bitch, but I'm alright, Captain. You okay Simon?"

"I just almost cost you some teeth and you're asking me if I'm alright?"

"Your hands are shaking. You're breathing heavy. Thought you were having a panic attack for a minute."

Ghost shook his head. "You two are like fucking little brother. Always getting yourselves into fucking trouble. Either of you pull that shit again, I'm not stopping at one fucking hit." He hissed it at them and stomped off.

His hands were shaking.

He couldn't tell if he felt more angry at Soap for startling him, himself for getting startled and hitting him or if it was just embarrassment at the whole situation.

Soap found him in his hiding spot. "Simon?"

Ghost sighed. "I'm not going to apologize."

"Neither am I. I'll say getting bitch slapped makes us even." He pulled himself up into the perch. It was hard to get to and overlooked everything.

"I didn't actually hurt you, did I?"

"Nae. Put some ice on it and I was good as rain. Glad you didn't have any rings on though." He smiled but Ghost could see the imprint of the back of his hand. "Did I get you that bad?"

Ghost sighed. "Reminded me of someone."

"Your little brother. So you said. I hope you don't actually think we're alike considering you've kissed me."

Ghost made a face and even through the mask, Soap could tell. "He used to do shit like that. Jump out at me. Fucking hated it. And you're not getting another fucking kiss from me until I know for a fact you're both leaving me out of your little prank thing."

"I can't control Gaz!"

"Learn to."

Soap sighed. "You're breaking my heart, Simon." He smiled at him though, knowing the kiss embargo wouldn't last. "Alright. Changed my mind. I am sorry for scaring you. I know you. While I don't think I could've predicted the backhand, I could've predicted your reaction wouldn't be pleasant."

Ghost sighed loudly and Soap tilted his head. "What's wrong?"

"I hate how weirdly emotionally mature you can get, Johnny." He grabbed him and forced him to turn his head. "I'm sorry too."

"Kiss it better?"

Ghost glared at him before giving him a small kiss through the mask. "There. Fucking bastard."

#call of duty #call of duty modern warfare #simon ghost riley #johnny soap mactavish #call of duty modern warfare ii #cod mw2 #ghostsoap #cod #soapghost #ghoap

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playedcrowd5610 · 3 months ago

Text

Little Hands Make Light Work - Danny Phantom x Transformers Prime

Summary: Starscream goes to the medbay and Danny ends up learning some cybertronian biology.

---

Notes:

Set in a series where Danny finds Starscream one day and decides to start haunting the Decepticons. That's basically all the context you need but if you want more here is the rest of the series:

Haunting the Nemesis

Part 1: Chasing Stars

Part 2: Burning Rubber

Part 3: Adventures of the Decepticons' Pet Ghost Or Tumblr Master List

---

Disclaimer: I am not an expert in cybertronian biology or human biology. So any medical jargon I use is mostly educated guesses and stuff described from content I have read before.

Knockout sighed dramatically as he watched Starscream limp into the medbay. “Really, Starscream? I just patched you up from that cave-in a week ago! You can’t seriously need attention again.”

Starscream growled, revealing his fangs. “I’ll have you know this is still part of that incident. You must have messed something up during your expert care, doctor.”

A new, smaller voice chimed in. “He was pacing, and his knee just gave out with a horrible crunching sound.” Knockout’s optics flickered down to the small human clutched in Starscream’s servo.

“Starscream, did you really have to bring your pet here? You’re introducing foreign contaminants into my lab. It was bad enough when you brought that thing with you in your subspace last time.” Knockout crossed his arms over his chassis.

The human glared up at him, mirroring the crossed arms. “Well, I’m the one who made him come, thank you very much, and I’m not leaving until I know he’ll be fine.”

Knockout sneered. “Delightful.” He turned his back to them and pulled out some tools. “Lay on the medical berth while I take a look at it.”

Starscream took a few pained steps forward and placed the human down on the counter next to the incredibly sharp tools with far too little care. The human stumbled forward but didn’t say anything in retaliation, and only sat down cross-legged to stare at Starscream.

Knockout didn’t waste time focusing on the human and just turned to start looking at Starcream’s knee. His optics narrowed as he examined Starscream’s knee joint. He made an exaggerated tutting noise. “Well, well. What do we have here? It looks like a bolt slipped, not to mention some stress fractures.”

Starscream huffed, his wings twitching in irritation against the medical berth he was laid on. Knockout sighed as he picked up one of his tools from the counter and turned back towards Starscream. “After this, you will need to keep pressure off your leg for two solar cycles.”

“Good luck getting him to sit still for more than ten minutes,” The human spoke up. “I swear all he does is pace and rant about his plans.”

Starscream tilted his helm to the side to look at the human. “I don't recall asking your opinion, fleshling.”

The human threw his hands to the side. “Hey, I’m just saying! And if you didn’t strut around like a bird on stilts all the time, maybe your knee wouldn’t have imploded.” Starscream rolled his optics at the human’s comment.

Knockout scoffed “How do you put up with this thing?” Even though he was secretly smirking at the comment.

“I have a name you know.” It didn’t occur to Knockout that he never did learn the human’s designation, but he would rather do anything else than ask the human for it. When the human noticed that Knockout wasn’t going to ask he rolled his eyes. “Danny. My name is Danny.” The human -Danny- then gestured towards Starscream. “And don’t worry, he’s been trying to get rid of me for months. I’m like a parasite. Can’t get rid of me if you try.”

“And believe me, I tried.” Starscream scoffed.

Knockout transformed his servo into a buzz saw and held it close to the human. “Then allow me to try as well.” Starscream made a strange noise behind him, but the human didn’t so much as flinch at the show of aggression.

Starscream spoke up. “Stop threatening the human and do your job, Knockout.”

Knockout sighed and retracted the buzz saw with a dramatic flourish. “Fine, fine. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have real work to do, and your little... commentary is making this job harder, fleshy.”

Danny rolled his eyes and leaned back as Knockout bent down over Starscream and gripped tight to the joint to bend it to the right angle before pulling out one of his other tools. Out the side of his optic, he saw the human stand and walk closer to the edge of the counter to try and get a better angle of what Knockout was working on.

“What exactly are you doing to his knee anyway?” He tilted his helm — or, Knockout guessed, the humans called it a head — to the side.

Knockout paused, genuinely surprised at the human’s interest. His optics flickered over to Danny, and he couldn’t resist a small smirk. “Oh? Interested, are we? Well, since you’re clearly dying to know... yes, this bolt connects the joint to the lower strut. Starscream’s stress fractures have weakened the metal around it, which is why his knee gave out.”

The human squinted, trying to follow along. “So, it’s like... when a human sprains their ankle, and the ligaments around it weaken?”

Knockout shrugged, not one hundred percent sure how accurate the human’s analogy was, seeing as Knockout didn’t know scrap about human biology, as he tried to stay away from them as much as possible. “Close enough, I suppose. Except with Cybertronians, we don’t have ligaments. It’s all metal and circuitry. Right now, I’m replacing the damaged components and reinforcing them with new plating.” He explained idly.

Danny looked intrigued, his gaze fixated on the tech in Knockout’s servo. “And the tool? It just looks like a big soldering iron.”

Knockout raised an optic ridge. “This is a plasma welder. I’m using it to seal these fractures.”

Starscream groaned from the berth, wings flicking again in annoyance. “Do you two mind? I’m the one in need of medical attention here.”

Danny grinned. “Yeah, yeah, we get it. Big, scary mech in pain. Hold your horses.”

Knockout couldn’t help but chuckle at that before turning down again to continue his work. After working a bit longer and getting the bolt back into place, he picked up a container of sealant and placed it down on the medical berth.

Knockout huffed, looking at the joint again, annoyed at how small the seeker’s joints were and how hard it was to get his digit under the plating. It would be much easier if Starscream weren’t such a lanky mech. Or… if Knockout’s servos were smaller... He glanced over at the human sitting down again, but this time he had his legs dangling over the edge of the counter, swaying back and forth as he looked on. “Then again human, if you’re so eager to learn, I might as well put you to work.”

Danny blinked in surprise. “Wait, you want me to help?”

Knockout shrugged casually, as if it were no big deal. “Why not? If you’re going to stay here and pester me, you might as well make yourself useful. Besides, Starscream’s less likely to kick you in the face if you touch the wrong circuit.”

Starscream shot them both a skeptical look before turning to face Knockout directly. “Are you seriously passing your job off to the human?”

Knockout leaned on the berth and closer to Starscream. “I mean, unless you like the feeling of my digits pressing around under your plating, then sure. The human is smaller and it will be less uncomfortable.” That, and there was the added bonus of Knockout not having to get that stuff on his servos again. Starscream simply huffed and crossed his servos over his chest as he tilted his helm to the roof.

The human jumped off of the counter and landed with a running start on the medical berth, stumbling forward. He saw Starscream wince slightly at the human’s leap across the gap. Danny waltzed closer to Knockout and toward Starscream’s knee. “Okay, what do I do, Doc?”

“Take the sealant and put it under the plating over the parts I just welded. It will keep it together and help with the nanobot healing process,” Knockout explained. The human simply nodded and reached up to the container, which was almost as tall as him, and pulled out some of the sealant in a big glob on his hands, turning back to Starscream. Starscream stayed perfectly still during the application, probably trying not to crush the human's fragile fingers in the joint.

Danny stepped back after applying it and looked up at Knockout, who scoffed and turned his helm away. “Not bad for a fleshling,” He muttered. “Maybe you’re not as useless as I thought.”

Danny smirked. “High praise, coming from you. Does this mean I’m officially going to be the new Decepticon pet lab assistant?”

Knockout scoffed. “Please, I already have my assistant. You are just lucky he was out on a mission today. I don’t want any more of your carbon-based human filth in my lab...” He paused glancing down at the seeker on the table and back towards the human. “Though I suppose you can work on Starscream whenever he comes in. Maybe then, you can do that scrap on your own and I don’t have to deal with him anymore.”

Starscream sat up off the berth. “If I had my way, neither of you would be rooting around my systems. Yet here we are.” Starscream was ignored as the human addressed Knockout.

“If that will be the case, can I have some data pads on cybertronian biology, specifically seekers? I’ll try and read up before our next inevitable Starscream injury.” The human cocked a hip.

Knockout put a digit to his chin. “I’ll see what I can find. Then, maybe one day, you will actually make a useful second assistant.” The human merely chuckled.

Starscream groaned again. “Primus, spare me. If you two are done bonding, I’d like to get out of here before the next solar cycle.”

“Cool your jets, Heels, I’m coming.” The human responded, looking up at the seeker, who simply picked the human up and tried to balance on one leg.

Knockout did one last vital scan over Starscream and waved him off. “Just make sure to stay off of that leg as much as possible for the next two solar cycles.”

Starscream muttered something in response which didn’t quite meet Knockout’s audials but the human shouted out a response. “I’ll try my best to keep him off it, Knockout. Thanks again!” He then waved over Starscream’s shoulder that he had climbed up onto.

That really is one strange human.

---

Haunting the Nemesis

#danny phantom #crossover #ghosts #ao3 #fanfiction #transformers prime #danny phantom x transformers #transformers #starscream #knockout #Medical jargon #danny fenton #Danny is gonna become a decepticon medic when he grows up #Danny's fav activity is to anoy the shit out of everyone #haunting the nemesis #series #crack #funny

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batbirdies · 2 years ago

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ADHD and being your own zookeeper

So, I was diagnosed with mixed ADHD in my late 20′s. It’s been a couple years since then and I was recently lamenting to a close friend about the difficult process of working out alternative methods of doing things once you’ve (finally) realized the standard ways don’t work.

With that in mind I thought I would just volunteer some advice I have gathered over the last couple years of attempting to be my own zookeeper.

This will mainly be with an ADHD focus since that’s me but hopefully it will be helpful to lots of ND people.

to start, you’ve probably heard of inviting people over to force yourself to clean. This is.... a method. And it works! until it doesn’t (ie burnout). Basically this is a way to trigger a stress response in yourself that forces motivation. You can do this. I have done this. But I would say this is an absolute last resort and not something you should ever be doing on a regular basis. It is not the healthy way to go about this. So here are my tips on hopefully maintaining your life without needing to resort to this stressful method.

(also I know this is long ADHD peeps, I’m sorry I’m just longwinded it can’t be helped.)

So, to get started

1. Time yourself.

Sometimes a whole task is overwhelming to think about and starting it feels impossible because the idea of finishing it feels impossible. So what I often do instead is just choose a specificed amount of time (a SHORT amount). I usually do 15 minutes, but you can do whatever you choose, and tell myself I will spend that amount of time on a task (usually cleaning but can be anything). This feels much more managable to me, it’s a definite length of time and I know I am capable of 15 minutes (or whatever amount of time you can manage) of sustained activity.

also DO NOT keep going after the time is up. Stop. Because if you keep going your brain will then remember this and know that 15 minutes isn’t actually just 15 minutes and then you’re back to the initial problem of being overwhelmed. Pick a time and stick to that time.

2. Do things the easy way.

When I say this what I mean is “do things the way that sounds easiest to YOU”. Sometimes that is actually, objectively, the harder way to do something. It’s less efficient, takes longer etc, but it feels more doable for whatever reason. Just do it the way you are capable of doing it.

As an example I needed to clean the litter box really bad but I just kept putting off and then feeling guilty and also gross and instead of just cleaning it I dumped the whole thing and started fresh because it felt like less work. Alternatively on other days I have been planning to dump the whole thing and start fresh but THAT sounds like heavy lifting and being outside but I can manage to just scoop the box like normal. So I do that instead.

3. Do things part way

This is more something to learn to be ok with rather than a method in and of itself. But along with the first suggestion, 15 minutes sometimes isn’t long enough to complete a task. And sometimes you don’t have another 15 minutes later in the day to finish it etc. But doing part of a task is SO MUCH better than doing none of it. I have started using the mantra “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing what you can.”

4. Make a list

This is a suggestion I see on tons of (bad, unhelpful) articles online about ADHD and accomplishing tasks. I find that it can be sometimes helpful and sometimes not, depending on what it is I need to get done. For my actual office job, it can be really helpful because I sometimes get frozen because there’s too many things to do and I can’t seem to just pick a place to start. Making a list in this case helps me to just start moving in a specific direction and keep going. This can also be the case with cleaning if you just don’t know where to begin. But do not feel like you have to do this either, because sometimes a list just feels like pressure to accomplish things and that’s not helpful at all.

An alternativey way I have found to make lists in relation to #1 is to make a list of things I will spend X amount of time doing, because as someone whose brain flits between tasks rapidly when I’m not in hyperfocus mode it’s sometimes easier to keep swapping back and forth, however if you do it TOO quickly you don’t accomplish anything. So I try to time things. Ten minutes here, ten minutes there, etc. or whatever amount of time you choose.

5. Do things the minute they occur to you if at all possible

I’m sure I don’t even need to say this and people will know immediately why, but just literally. You won’t remember. Do not tell yourself you’ll do it later when it’s more convenient you are GOING To forget until you are laying in bed trying to sleep and then go “oh shit I didn’t do the thing”. And for the record it is totally ok to get up and out of bed and go do the thing if it feels managable and won’t keep you up all night. If it will, put an alarm in your phone to remind you the next day at a convenient time.

6. Get a body double

This is something I’ve always sort of known about but didn’t understand until recently, and it’s actually a thing you can even look up articles about it now. Basically for some unknown reason it will feel easier to stay on task if there is another person with you. I have invited my sister over to hang out with me while I clean my apartment before. The difficult aspect of having someone in person, especially if its for cleaning, is that you have to be ok with them seeing the dirty version. However I have also found this can work almost equally as well over the phone! So totally get on the phone with a friend while you task!

I do advise that you tell whoever you are asking for help this way that that’s what you’re doing. at least for me, depending on the task, if can take up enough attention that it’s hard to maintain conversation. But if they person knows that they can either carry the convo or be chill with silence while they also continue their things on the other end.

7. use a crock pot

This is obviously cooking specific, but I recently bought myself a slow cooker and it’s been a game changer for making myself cook. For whatever reason it is so much easier to make myself get meals going midday than it is in the evenings. And I’m also much more likely to clean up the mess when I can do it before the food is ready. There are ALSO CROCKPOT BAGS YOU CAN BUY!! SO YOU DON’T EVEN HAVE TO WASH THE CROCKPOT BETWEEN USES, JUST THE LID! But if the bag leaks or something you can wash the pot part in the disahwasher (and the lid)

8. buy frozen meals

tbh frozen meals are way too small they do not equal an actual meal in my mind, however when you are full on into hyperfocused mode and the idea of stopping to eat is laughable, these will be your rescue. Pop it in the microwave and go back to your thing, eat it while you continue your thing. It’s at least a more healthy and well rounded snack than potato chips, or alternatively, not eating.

9. Make your next appointment before you leave

If you’re anything like me, sometimes making that phone call and scheduling something is like some incomprehensibly unmanagable task even though it will literally take 1 minute. (But then if you have phone anxiety then that complication is thrown in.)

So when possible, after a dentist or doctor appt, make your next one before you leave. Most dentists want you on a 6 month rotation, doctors on a yearly one (chiro monthly etc). I know that is like a crazy long time away to think about having something on your schedule but they’ll call you a day or two before the appt to remind you and if you MUST you can reschedule, but that will at least force you into making the phone call if you end up being unable to keep the appt. (however be aware of cancellation fees etc. this is ALWAYS a good idea because of such things)

Also ask if you can schedule online, a lot of places have that ability now!!

10. Try new methods and be flexible

As I’m sure is the case for a lot of peope with ADHD, things that work really well one day will not be an ounce of help the next. This can be particularly frustrating because you will think you have found the holy grail method. FINALLY, SOMETHING THAT WORKS!!! I WILL BE ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH ALL OF THE THINGS I HAVE STRUGGLED WITH MY WHOLE LIF-- WTF this doesn’t help anymore.

I have found that when something is a NEW strategy, it helps a lot! and then after a week or two it loses effectiveness. This is fine though, because if you have enough methods you can cycle through them and they are like new again!! It’s like hiding a toy from your cat after it gets bored and then giving it to them again in a month and oh wow! new toy!!

This is where I’m at currently and all of the helpful things I could come up with. I may add things as they occur to me<3

#adhd #advice on adhd #nd #neurodivergent #I'm sure this is full of typoes sorry folks

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igotanidea · 1 year ago

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(4) No strings attached :J.T x plus-size!reader

masterlist

part. 1

part 2

part 3

***

When she woke up the next morning the hangover was definitely ruling over her. The dizziness and dryness in the mouth were enough to pin her down to bed with a single groan, but forcing herself to open eyes she quickly realized that this was definitely not her apartment. But the similarity in the accommodation plan was unmistakable. She was in Jason’s flat.

“Oh, shit…. What did I do?” she whined, slowly propping herself up, checking if she still had underwear on and looking around the room she found herself in. It was simple and surprisingly tidy, the whole place filled with books and out of curiosity she reached for the one left on the nightstand. Jane Austen. That was surprising. She would never thought him to be the guy to read romance novels. But hey, who was she to judge his choice in literature?

The thing that caught her attention even more was the glass of water and a painkiller that Jason put right next to the book. Seemingly for her. It was …. nice. And thoughtful. And only added to her guilt of being such a cold bitch for him from the beginning. Sure, he got her into a very sticky and awkward situation, but she would be a hypocrite to say that she never were in similar position.

Y/N sighed deeply, reaching for the water and taking a few gulps. Her brain was filled with so many thoughts and blurry memories of the last night. she wasn’t exactly sure how the night went and how she ended up here, but judging by the state of her clothes, nothing indecent happened. And that was a relief.

After a couple minutes, she finally found enough strength to get out of the bed, her feet landing on the semi-warm wooden floor. So far, so good.

Well, at least until she opened the door and the light hit her right in the eyes, causing her to groan, grab her head and reach the wall for support. Damn it! She almost tripped over her own feet and that was embarrassing, considering the fact that Jason was standing right in front of her. Wearing nothing but shorts.

“Hey there, neighbor.” He laughed, taking a step towards her and preventing her from hitting the ground. His hands might have wondered a bit lower than it was absolutely necessary , but he just couldn’t help himself. “slept well?”

“I…..” she mumbled, still not fully rooted in reality, his sudden, unexpected touch making her shiver. “What …. happened?”

“How much do you remember?”

“Not much….. Celebration with Lena? Meeting Red Hood?”

“Red hood, huh? Was he really as scary as they say?” Jason raised an eyebrow

“He seemed…. sad, you know. Angry, sure, but more sad. Like he was in need of a friend.”

“Really? Is that the impression you got from the fright of the Gotham crime world?”

“We all need someone sometimes. And given his history…..”

“What history? How do you know it?”

“Nevermind.” She muttered, looking down at her hands. That sudden cut off was a bit suspicious, but since she was in a bad mental and physical state, Jason decided to drop the subject.

“Speaking of friends, do you remember what you said when you banged on my door at 5 am?”

“I did what?!” her eyes grew wide in confusion and damn, she looked so innocent and fragile. She did not remember that. “God!” her hands travelled to her face, covering the reddened cheeks. Talk about embarrassment. “I’m sorry.”

“I could have used that, you know princess? You are very pretty ….”

“Stop it, Todd!” she punched his chest, feeling all those muscles flex under her touch.

“Make me.” He whispered grabbing her wrist and moving forward slightly, looking her straight into the eyes.

She was standing in his kitchen, only in an oversized T-shit, her legs and feet bare, with glistening eyes, parted lips and hand on his exposed chest. He wasn’t lying. He could have used her when she stumbled inside his apartment. Fuck. He could act on his fantasies right that moment, but there was something in her that made him stop. He wanted to seduce her, to make her give up voluntarily. Such an innocent girl. Would be a hundred times better to break her than to force her.

“Jason….” She whimpered, feeling his fingers caress her skin gently, lightly. It was nothing more than a touch, just that, and yet it sparked something in her.

“Yes?” he leaned even closer, his face now inches from hers “Do I make you nervous?”

Fuck, he was. She knew him for like three weeks, but there was something so strangely alluring about this guy. And the way he was starting to make her feel was not how a good girl should behave.

“What are you doing?” she gasped, her body responding to his caresses, involuntarily moving a couple inches forward, almost closing the gap between them.

“What does this look like?” his hands found a way to her waist, under her shirt, squeezing her sides and moving up and down. She was already giving up to him, letting out the quietest moans. It was nice. It’s been so long since someone, anyone held her like that. And she wanted to be held and touched and kissed and …. “Like I said, you are very pretty…” he whispered in her ear, mouth finding a way to her neck, brushing over it almost imperceptibly. Oh, he knew what he was doing.

Oh, fuck! She was on a hiding to nothing.

“Todd….” She whined, flexing her body under his ministrations. “Shit.” Her hand found a way to his hair, tangling in the strands as he started kissing her neck, this time fully, not playing around, nibbling on her soft spot.

“I want you, baby….” he bit on the sensitive skin “Come on, don’t fight me. Your body tells me everything your words cannot. Let me have you. Let me make you feel good.”

“I….” she shuddered “we barely know each other…..”

“So what?”

“We are neighbors!”

“So what?” he shrugged, fingers travelling up, playing with her collar. “makes it so much easier to get together. Come on, baby, say yes…. Say yes to me.”

“Yes” she whimpered. ‘yes, yes, yes, Jason. Please. “

She was lost. She was his.

“Y/N…” he panted, pressing his mouth to hers. Shit, she was so much sweeter and softer than he imagined. It was just perfect having her like this. As much as he wanted more and more and more of her, it was not his intention to startle her. So instead of lifting her up and taking her back to his bed, which she barely left, he settled on standing in the kitchen, enjoying the moment, working his hands and mouth hard enough to make her melt. Again, he needed her full consent to everything. Going full on included.

“So…. good.” She whined tracing patterns all over muscles on his back, pulling him closer

“Do you need that?” he replied, playing with the hem of her shirt “cause I got some plans that does not include any layers.”

“You can do what you want to me….” She panted “I…..”

She didn’t get to finish as a loud noise interrupted them and woke Jason up.

“FUCK!” he yelled realizing that all of that was just a fragment of his crazy, lust-filled imagination. And yet, he was holding onto it desperately, still feeling her soft skin under his fingers, seeing her pretty e/c eyes and the way she was so submissive. “Fuck…..” he whispered again, rubbing his forehead and falling back onto the cushions. Only for a second though, since his vigilante instincts brought him back to the thought that it was noise that interrupted him. He sprung out of bed, throwing boxers and T-shirt on and rushed towards the main room.

“Y/N?”

“Oh, um, hi….” She froze like a deer in a spotlight, fully dressed and looking like nothing happened the night before, definitely not being hangover and with shoes in her hands. She was clearly trying to sneak out, but the loose floorboard squeaked loudly and exposed her.

“What are you doing?”

“Um…. Sorry to wake you, I know it’s early, but I think it’s time for me to go. I… did stupid shit coming here and ….”

“What about starting over?”

“About what?” her eyes grew wide in confusion

“You said it yesterday. Something about starting off the wrong foot and wanting to make it better.”

“Right.” She bit on her bottom lip, eyes fixed on the floor “I guess I did.”

“How about I make you breakfast for starters? And we can talk while at it?”

“You cook?”

“Yeah, I’m not really a sissy in case you didn’t notice.”

“What’s on the menu?” she raised an eyebrow, daring him.

“Me?” he smirked and turned around making her laugh. Probably for the first time since they knew each other. “What?”

“You just can’t help yourself, can you? I’ll settle for pancakes if you’re up for a challenge”

“Oh, it’s on. “

***

It was something new for both of them. They ate. They laughed. They talked. A real ice breaker in their relation.

“You are so different than you seem at first glance, you know Todd.” She mumbled, chewing on the pancake. He wasn’t lying. He was a really capable cook.

“What is that supposed to mean?” he raised an eyebrow. “I am a mean, heartbreaking bad boy. And don’t you ever think differently.”

“Sure, Todd. Sure.” Y/N smiled lightly, her eyes landing straight on his face “wouldn’t dare. I’m just saying that, perhaps, I misjudged you. I mean, Jane Austen?”

“What?” that caught his attention. So… this wasn’t just a dream?

“You left the book on your nightstand. Honestly, Emma was not my favorite of her works. Anyway, thanks for the free food, but I really have to go now. Much to do. “

“It’s Saturday.”

“So what? I am a busy girl. “

“with what exactly.”

“none of your….” She started but then sighed deeply, shaking head and realizing she promised to do better “family business, to say the least.”

“Fine by me. Can I at least get a kiss goodbye?”

“Stop pushing it.” She warned, one foot out the door “see you around, Todd.”

***

“How the fuck did you find me?!” her angered voice echoed through the empty hangar

“Y/N….” the man who called upon her cooed mockingly “Y/n, y/n, y/n….. my little sweet girl. Did you really think you can escape me? By running back to Gotham?” he grabbed her chin and forced her eyes up “I got you right where I want you.”

“I’m not interested in whatever proposition you may have for me.” She yanked herself free “never was, never will be.”

“How about I convince you otherwise?”

***

She was so done.

Tired and stressed by both building the new future and being haunted by the past and people.

Fucking Saturday. A day of relax damn it. Left her broken and exhausted more than any other shitty day of the work week.

And to add up to that, there was something laying on her doormat. A little piece of paper with barely a few words on it.

“Oh, what now?!” she scoffed bending down and picking it up. Honestly she was expecting another death threat from Madison or …. someone else, but it was a note from her neighbor.

Still fancy that wine I owe you?

She smirked to herself and without any hesitation, moved to the door to her right. Jason opened them almost immediately, as if he was waiting for her to show up.

“Mind if I come in?” Y/N tilted her head, playing with the note

“Not at all, sunshine.”

Let me know if you want a tag in this, but please check the tagging policy before :)

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besttropeveershowdown · 6 months ago

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The Most Annoying Trope Showdown: Round 2, Poll 15

Pair the Spares

Every or nearly every character who did not get together with someone during the story is paired off in the epilogue or very end. The characters are often shown having kids together as well

Propaganda:

This may just be my aromanticism talking, but it's annoying seeing everyone getting shoved into a relationship at the last minute. It doesn't even make sense most of the time. Let! People! Be! Happy! Single!

I am aroace and I hate this. just let them be happy on their own, don't just pair up characters for the sake of pairing them up, even if they have zero chemistry. this happens so often in all kinds of media, and fandom is also guilty of this. not everyone needs a partner! leave them alone!

I love romantic subplots but this is just amatonormative bullshit. It has all of the "romantic partner=happy ending" bullshit that fucks people up in real life, with none of the fluttery crush feelings or the angsty decisions. It doesn't add anything to the character arcs and is only detrimental to the themes of a work as a whole. It can cast a shadow over other romantic subplots in the series I might have enjoyed up until this point, because I start to wonder if those romances were really about the character/themes/plot, or if the writers simply think "leading lady goes with leading man, sidekick with sidekick, etc. etc."

It's fucking stupid. A lot of the characters that end up together either barely interact, make no sense or both. It also implies the only happy ending requires love and marriage. It makes no sense for some of the characters to want to settle down and have kids even if they are with someone they love.

Redemption Equals Death

An evil character redeeming themself dies almost immediately afterwards.

Propaganda:

“Oh no, I’ve done terrible things and an irredeemable idiot” *decides to die instead of facing their actions and becoming a better person* It deprives us as the audience of more interactions between characters. Imo this is trope is such the worst that I can’t put into words how much I hate it

#the worst trope ever showdown #wtes polls #anti tropeaganda #pair the spares #redemption equals death

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mrvenuspluto · 5 days ago

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Mental gymnastics

Detailed thoughts, perfectionism at every glance, calculated and strategic moves. Are only the minimum of me. Hey, well hello! My name is Virgo, well Virgo moon to be exact. Every thought, gesture, movement, decision, outcome are planned very well with the best of my abilities. Yes i judge others, well not purposely! I just see the flaws in everything around me, even me. But i dont speak on them or expose others, like virgo ascendants who speak there minds more and point them out more than me. Im more in my head and wired mind, so i feel this way, so it could cause my brain to go hay wire if i dont speak how i feel. So it gets directed back to me. My emotions and body can take on these energies. Which is not good,But unless they get on my dark side where i save and memorize every lil thing they did or do. Well im not emotional like my water signs, so i look at it mentally and i play mind games back with you, lets see who wins! Very spitful and creative when it comes to get back. But Im my worst critic! I cant even get dressed without seeing the littlest thing ruin my outfit, WTF! What's is this on my shirt. Took hours to get dressed, days to match and coordinate ever color and style. Damn! Yes we have a nasty mouth, very good with words especially when proving a point or getting to the bottom of things. And arguments, well libra a beast at that i give it to her with her airy ass energy, but im the man when it comes to facts, evidence and practical proof. Hmmmm dont let my calm cool demeanor fool you, i seen what you did, know what you are planning! Just know im 10 steps ahead of you! I can dive into your brain, mind and thoughts, understand how you think, and what you want. Then play out every step until the outcome. Im a mastermind! I do this, this is my profession, my life and my style. My brain is controlled by fast and multiphasted mercury, which never sits still. My thoughts, ideas, fears, problems, challenges, battles play in my head 24/7!. Im probably the most or i am the top materialistic sign! Well my cuz taurus close but they move to slow, and get stuck in only what pleasures them and what they love. Im on the go, and work hard, smarter, and more proficient obtaining it. Plus i like to look good, put together dont we all? Yes i love and give my helping hands to those who need it. I can serve you, feed you, help you, be there for you, listen to you.

But when you think you using me, undermining my intelligence and time! Then im the last sign other than scorp! Smh. To use my energy kindnesses for weakness or dumbness. Yes i love to micromanage, well we can do this on other people's lifes! I guess we can see the good, bad, downfall, grey area, success and flaws in everything and everyone. Yes we can be negative nancy! Well dont come to us with your problems and expect us to solve it but not point out facts or expose the obvious. Well it may be obvious for us! We are the human scalpel, we dissect every word, idea, thought, motive, and decision. Cant sleep, brain is hardwired! What's my next move! I need to work, i need to feel useful, why cant you just keep the kitchen clean! You dont see that stain on your collar! Whats that in your teeth while you trying to kiss me!. Is she clean? Really its going rain when i decided to where my all white shoes! You really going not wash your hands and try to touch me. If i do this first, then take care of this while handing this, i will have 36 minutes to get clothes ready. Your total is $450 sir! Hold up the sign says 30% off before 5pm, its 4:59pm, still 1 min left! Give me my space! My brain is my safe haven, no people, no movement, no nothing! Brain feels like professor X. Do i really want to eat salmon tonight, idk, maybe chickepeas with salad, had that last 2 nights. Pizza! Damn i cant i know cheese fucks with my stomach! I guess i dont eat! 45 more push-ups, 300 more legs extensions yes im focusing on the worlds best body ever! No flaws or weaknesses anywhere. Im not watching that movie i already know who is the killer, what's the plot, and how it ends. Im about to do some word play, or mental math, add up everyones addresses and reduce them while driving down street. I hate being nervous or having anxiety, began to eat wrong foods, maybe not eat, brain seclusion, project every lil bad detail and create a world of hell! Stomach and nerve system shut down. Body doesn't function correctly. Can i remove my brain for 1 min to think without my brain! Smh

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dragon-creates · 1 year ago

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Five Times Jax and Pomni Share Dreams of Their Past Lives (And One Time Where They Remember)

Read on AO3

1/2/3/4/5/6

Well well well. You've arrived at the dreaded chapter 5. I hope you're ready for what I've got in store for you.😈😈😈😈😈

Also quick trigger warning, Jack does come across one of his old abusers that he mentioned in chapter 2 and had a brief flashback of his childhood. Nothing bad that happened to him is described and is just mentioned but I wanted to give you a heads up. It will start when you see (1) and will end at (2). As always I want to keep everyone safe so if this is something triggering for you than please feel free to skip this fic.

As for the rest of you -especially my homies from discord - .............prepare to suffer.

5. You're Losing Me

It was a pool day, that’s what Caine’s adventure was going to be today, a pool day. Honestly, everyone needed a break from the constant life-threatening shenanigans the AI constantly put them through. Caine had set up some activities for them, with inflatable pool floats, water guns and even refurbishing the water slide with more twists and turns, even making it higher for everyone else to enjoy when they slid down. The circus members seemed to be having fun, with Zooble lounging on the pool float, Ragatha was encouraging Gangle to come in the water and Kinger…well, he seemed to be well acquainted with absentmindedly shooting water from the water gun everywhere.

Jax had decided to sit by the edge of the pool, his eyes were on Pomni the whole time while he stood idly by. He was hovering, he knew that, but he had his promise to keep. Be there for Pomni, keep her safe, that’s what matters. She seemed to be doing okay, opting to walk around the edge of the pool while watching everyone else relax. He froze when she caught him starting, but the tension released when she gave him a small wave, with him returning it with his own.

Currently Pomni’s head was swarmed. The memory of her falling asleep on Jax’s shoulder earlier this morning made her cheeks burn red. When she had woken up, she repeated a mantra of apologies to him, only for the rabbit to laugh and to tell her not to worry about it. She liked him, she really liked him. But the other half of her mind was still thinking about those dreams. They couldn’t just be happening for no reason. Why was this happening to her? What purpose did they serve in a place that didn’t allow dreaming? Wait, what if this was something similar that happened to Queenie? If she thought too much about the real world, would she start to go insane? Would she abstract if she kept dreaming?! But she didn’t want to let go of those dreams, they were the only thing keeping her feet to the ground. But what if it didn’t last? Queenie was searching for a way to escape, only for Kinger to lose her. Pomni was still searching for a way out, would she abstract if she kept trying? Would dreaming inch her closer to that?!

Jax immediately stood up the minute he saw Pomni deteriorating, ready to help her from spiralling into a full-blown panic attack. He had nearly reached her, until Caine and Bubble floated right up close to his face, making him stumble back a bit. “Ah Jax, there you are!” he boomed, “Just the rabbit I was looking for!”

Jack scowled at him, “You’re gonna have to look for me another time Caine, I’m busy.”

“Now, now! No need to be like that!” Caine put his hands on his hips, “All I need is a simple favour-”

“No,” Jax spat, trying to shove past the AI, “Move it dentures.”

He was stopped by a rough grab to his shoulders. He looked up to see Caine glaring down at him, Jax forced himself to repress a shudder. “Jax, as a member of this circus, you have a duty to obey your ringmaster,” Caine said, “After all, I let you off easy with your little white lie about Bubble in the carnival.” Jax gulped, he found out! “However! I am fair! And I’ll give you the chance to make up for it!”

Jax sighed, going along with Caine was the best option right now without things escalating. “Fine dentures, what do you need me to do?”

“I’m glad you asked!” the AI bellowed, “We have a couple of gloinks still loitering about inside, the last thing we need is for them to come out and ruin anyone else’s fun. We need a scheming mind like yours to come up with a plan to lure them away!”

“That’s all?” Jax asked, “I’ll be able to come right back outside after that?”

“My dear Jax, you will have the rest of the day to have fun after this one teeny tiny favour!” Caine bellowed, patting the rabbit’s shoulder. Jax shoved it off.

“Fine,” he huffed, turning away back to the tent. Pomni will be okay, I’ll be as quick as I can and get back to her. It’s gonna be fine. She’ll be fine.

Caine watched as Jax went back into the tent before floating back up into the air to observe the rest of the circus member’s fun.

Pomni managed to calm herself down a little bit. She wondered why Jax wasn’t there to help, usually he would be by her side to help her. Come on Pomni, that’s not fair for you to put all that pressure on him. Jax needs a break as well, stop being so selfish. She walked a bit to the edge of the deeper end of the pool, wanting to be away from the rest of the group to think by herself for a while.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a purple butterfly flying towards her. Her gaped a little bit, she hadn’t seen any bugs yet in this digital world, it was beautiful. The butterfly landed on the centre of her face, where her nose would be, making Pomni giggle as she went cross eyed to look at it. The sudden movement of her laughter made the butterfly fly off and onto the ground next to her. “Look at you,” she breathed, reaching her hand out towards it, “I haven’t seen anything like you here.”

The butterfly came forward a bit, examining the appendage in front of it. It was about to land on her hand, but the moment she and the bug made contact, the butterfly glitched and clipped into the ground. Pomni let out a frightened yelp, backing away quickly. Unfortunately, her foot slipped on a wet patch, making her trip, hit her head on the edge of the pool before blacking out when she landed in the water.

No one heard her…

No one saw her…

Apart from Caine…

Jax groaned as he walked back outside, his hand rubbing his lower back. Who knew dealing with a bunch of gloinks could be such a pain?! Maybe this was payback for not helping Zooble and shoving Gangle and Kinger into the gloink hole…who was he kidding, of course it was. It didn’t matter now, all he had to do was get back to Pomni.

Only, she was gone from the spot she was at. He scanned the area, hoping she was with someone else, whether it was resting with Zooble on another float or swimming with Ragatha, heck even spraying Kinger with a spare water gun! But the jester was nowhere in sight.

He began to panic, no one ever disappears…apart from abstraction. He felt his heart become lodged in his throat at the thought of Pomni abstracting. She could! She can’t! He can’t lose her! He ran up to the other members in the pool, “Has anyone seen Pomni?!”

Zooble sat up on their float while Ragatha and Gangle swam to the edge, Kinger had also put down his water gun and walked up to see what was going on. Jax’s stomach sank when everyone shook their heads.

“She was just here a minute ago,” Gangle said, “I don’t think she’d gone far.”

“We’ll help you look for her,” Ragatha got out of the pool, going up to Jax and placing a hand on his shoulder, “Don’t worry, we’ll find her.”

“Yeah,” Zooble appeared next to them, “The girl’s a weirdo, but then again so are we. We gotta stick together right?”

“She made a flag for Queenie,” Kinger murmured, remembering the joy gifted to him in the form of Pomni’s generous present. “We can’t leave a good soul like that stranded.”

Jax let out a shaky breath. No one was mad, no one was upset. They wanted to help him…they wanted to help him, that was new. “Okay,” the rabbit nodded, “Does anyone have any idea of where she could have gone?”

Before anyone could answer, Caine came up behind them, making them jump. “Oh, she’s currently in the pool right now!” he told them cheerfully, ��Although, she didn’t appear to be conscious in any way shape or form.”

Jax felt a piece of him shatter as he slowly turned to Caine. “You saw her in the water while unconscious. And you didn’t do anything,” he whispered, dangerously.

“Caine!” Ragatha cried, “Why didn’t you tell us when that happened?! She’s in serious danger!”

“Nobody can die or have any serious harm in the amazing digital circus!” Caine grinned, “Do you have a few loose stitches for you to forget Ragatha?”

“That doesn’t mean she can’t still feel pain!” Gangle whimpered.

“Seriously Caine!” Zooble shouted at him, “What the f;;;;ck is wrong with you?!”

“I am merely stating the rules for this world!” he informed them.

Jax had blocked everyone out, their voices becoming muffled as he started at the pool. She’s in the water she’s in the water she’s in the water she’s in the water she’s in the water she’s in the water-

But then it all caught up to me, I was taking a bath and I just…passed out, there and then.

Without wasting a second, he ran up to the deep end, ignoring everyone calling out to him as he dove in. His vision was blurred from the water, but he was able to see Pomni’s small red and blue form sinking to the bottom. He padded quicker, racing against time as he neared closer and closer. He had to make it, he promised he would protect her, he promised! Once he reached her, he scooped his arms under her shoulders, pulling her as he swam back up to the surface until they finally reached the air. Jax carried her over to the edge, setting her down before putting her on her side, hoping that he was able to get some oxygen into her.

When she didn’t respond, he put her on her back again, opening her mouth before pressing his lips onto hers and blowing air into her mouth. It was after a few puffs when Pomni spluttered and choked, Jax put her back on her side again, rubbing her back as she coughed out as much water as possible. When there seemed to be no more water left, she tiredly lifted her head to face the rabbit. “Jax?” she mumbled out.

“I-I’m so sorry Pomni,” he said.

Before she could ask him what he meant, the rest of the circus members ran up to her, with Ragatha wrapping a towel around Pomni’s shoulders. The jester was starting to shake from the chill and the sudden event catching up to her.

“Oh Pomni,” the ragdoll wept, “Are you okay?”

Pomni didn’t say a word, only staring at the ground as shock filled her from head to toe. Everyone began to crowd round her, with Jax backing up to give them more room. He didn’t deserve to be near her right now.

“Wow Pomni!” Caine beamed as he floated over, “This was your first time experiencing digital drowning! What an accomplishment!”

Pomni didn’t react, still shaking with terror swarming in her eyes.

“Caine,” Ragatha looked up at the AI as she spoke slowly, “I’m going to take Pomni inside to help her dry off.”

“What?!” Caine howled, “But our pool day hasn’t finished yet!”

“She nearly drowned dipsh)))t!” Zooble growled at him, “I don’t care if it wasn’t real! You could have helped her!”

Pomni let out a whimper, Ragatha wrapped her arms round her tighter. “I’m taking her inside. Zooble, do you mind doing damage control?”

“By all means, go ahead rags,” Zooble said, still glaring at Caine, “I’ve got it from here.”

Ragatha nodded, she and Gangle led Pomni inside while Zooble continued to chew Caine’s metaphorical ear off.

Jax stayed glued to his spot. He shouldn’t have gone inside, he should’ve stood up to Caine. He managed to do it before, why didn’t he do it now? He was a coward, just a dumb coward who got others hurt. Because of him, Pomni got hurt and he could’ve been there to prevent it!

“Jax?” Kinger went up to the rabbit, placing a hand on his arm, “Are you alright?”

Jax turned to the chess piece, his pupils had become slits and his eyes were wide from the scare he had with Pomni. “I broke my promise.”

“What?” Kinger tilted your head.

“I promised to protect her,” he murmured, “I broke it.”

“Jax, you saved Pomni!” Kinger said, squeezing his arm, “You dove in after her the minute you found out something was wrong!”

“I should’ve been there!” Jax’s voice broke, ripping his arm free. “I should have been there like I promised, otherwise she would…she wouldn’t have…”

“But she didn’t,” Kinger told him, “Because of you.”

“Stop speaking to me as if you know me!” Jax screamed, “You’re nothing but an insect-obsessed, stupid piece of wood who can barely remember his name!” Jax felt a pit form in the bottom of his heart. He hadn’t lashed out like that since he got there. It was Kinger’s crestfallen expression that really got to him though.

“I-I understand,” Kinger whispered meekly, “I’ll leave you be Jax, just so you can clear your head.”

Jax wanted to go after Kinger when he walked away but stopped himself. He didn’t earn to ask for Kinger’s forgiveness, people like him don’t deserve forgiveness. Not from Kinger, not from anyone, and not from Pomni.

He turned and went back inside. He trailed his feet up to his room, before stopping outside of Pomni’s. He could hear Ragatha inside, speaking nothing but comforts to Pomni. Jax found himself being jealous, wishing it were him who was taking care of her. But he broke his promise, how could he possibly take care of Pomni if he was reckless enough to break his promise to her?

He went into his room to change into his pyjamas and gathered a few blankets and pillows, he didn’t warrant to sleep in a comfy room after what he did. Maybe he could make a small space on the stage for him to sleep on? He didn’t care.

He spared one more glance at Pomni’s door, before turning and heading downstairs.

The lights were out, everyone else was probably heading to bed as well. On the stage and behind the curtains, he made his little bed bundle before settling down. It wasn’t the best bed in the world – it was terrible – but this is what he deserved. The look on Pomni’s face, so scared and vulnerable. He was supposed to make sure that she never had that face. A few tears leaked, he turned his face to muffle his sobs into his pillow before the exhaustion hit and he cried himself to sleep. Pomni’s face still burned in the back of his mind.

Meanwhile, Pomni shuffled under the blankets after Ragatha tucked her in, the shock wearing off. “Caine saw me,” she said, “And he didn’t even help me.”

“Caine’s mind works a little differently here. He doesn’t really understand humans,” Ragatha explained, “But he shouldn’t have done that to you. You’re lucky Jax got to you.”

“Jax!” Pomni jolted up at the sound of his name, “Where is he?!”

“Easy Pomni,” Ragatha laid her back down, “Jax had a…peculiar reaction when Caine said you were in the water. I think it’s best if we leave him be right now.”

“You don’t understand,” Pomni tried to sit up again, “I need to see him.”

“What you need is rest after what happened,” Ragatha tried to reason with the stubborn jester. “Please Pomni, try and get some rest. You can see him in the morning.”

Pomni sighed, she knew she couldn’t win against the protective ragdoll. “Ok, goodnight Ragatha.”

“Night Pomni,” The ragdoll smiled before going over to the door and shutting it behind her.

Pomni buried herself under the blankets. She could still remember the feeling of being under water, unable to wake up and feeling the burn of her lungs constricting, begging for air. She might not be able to drown, but she could still feel the fear of being unable to wake up and breathe. Then Jax was there, she could sense him the moment she felt his touch as he pulled her out of the water, she never felt safer than she did whenever she was with him. Even despite her unconscious state, somehow, she knew it was him.

She wanted him here, to thank him for saving her, for him to hold her as he soothed her from what happened, to make sure that she felt safe while falling asleep. A few tears fell, she wanted Jax.

She rubbed her eyes, she just needed to rest.

But even as she twisted and turned, even as she felt herself drifting off, she still found herself craving Jax’s presence.

Jack was engaged! He was the luckiest and happiest man in the world!

He was currently waiting in line at the coffee shop across the street. He wanted to pick up some of Penny’s favourite sweets and hot drink order. His fiancé – he still couldn’t believe he gets to use that word now – had just been hired to stay at the Lionheart Assembly Theatre to create costumes for more of their upcoming shows, and not only that, but had other theatre companies trying to reach out to her! He wanted to spoil her with all her favourite treats this evening, he wanted to spoil her every day but unfortunately their schedules didn’t allow that.

He opened up his phone to text Penny, admiring his new lock screen with the photo of him and Penny with the cheesiest grins as they squished their cheeks together while he held up her hand with her engagement ring. He was so locked onto that photo of them that he didn’t notice someone crashing into him, making him drop his phone. “Shit!” he reached down for his phone while trying to answer the person he bumped into, “Are you okay-”

(1)

“Well, well. Jack Bloom, in the flesh! It’s been a long time,” a familiar voice drawled out. A voice that made Jack’s blood freeze as the memories of his old foster family came rushing back to him. Particularly the ones with an older boy sneering down at him, ready to hurt him in any way he could.

But then there was their kid, Luke. He was a few years older than me, but he made sure me made my life hell. He’d beat me, spit on me, say things that still won’t leave me head till this day.

“Luke,” he stood and lifted his gaze to the man in front of him. Luke was a pale and measly person with sandy blonde hair and sickening green eyes.

“Look at you,” the blonde sneered, “Little Jack, all grown up! I gotta say, you look good.”

“Excuse me if I don’t give a shit about what you say,” Jack retorted with a glare.

“Ouch! Easy there!” Luke cackled, “I was just giving you a compliment! God, you were always so easy to rile up!”

Rile up? That’s how he saw his years of tormenting Jack? Riling him up? “If you’re just gonna be here to be a dick Luke then I’m heading out.”

“Woah, no need to be so sensitive,” Luke grinned, it sent a chill up Jack’s spine. “I just wanted to congratulate you on your recent engagement.”

Jack blanched, “How do you know about that?”

“I like keeping tabs on my old pals,” Luke said casually, as though he didn’t reveal that he had been stalking Jack online. “I found your twitter account a few months ago and saw what you’ve been up to. I see your C&A’s new shiny toy, not only that, but I also got a good look at your girl. Penny right? She is a pretty girl.”

Jack’s fists tightened, the way that Luke said that. It made him want to drag him out of this café by the hair. “You better watch yourself.”

“I’ve gotta watch myself?” Luke placed a hand to his chest, “I’m not the one who’s psychologically damaged.”

“I wonder whose fault that is,” Jack growled lowly.

“All I’m saying is that I’m glad you found someone who can tolerate you,” Luke shrugged nonchalantly. “I’ve seen that fucked up head of yours, do you really think you’re good enough for her? I took one look at her and I can already tell that she’s not the type of girl that’s gonna last long around you.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” said Jack.

“But I do, I’ve seen just how fucked up you are to know how this is gonna go,” the blonde smirked. “I can see it now! Poor Jack, unable to keep his job! No matter how much he tries, he can never forget the scars of his past. Soon, he gets fired for being a stupid piece of shit, runs back to his apartment, looking for some support from his loving wife! Only to find out that she’s leaving him because she finally realised that he’s too broken for her and can’t stand another minute around him before he takes her down with him!”

“That’s enough,” Jack told him, “People will hear you.”

“Please,” Luke scoffed, “Even if they do I can be able to turn this situation around and make you look like the perpetrator. Do you really think someone as good as her is right for someone like you? You’re nothing but damage Jack, damage that is eventually gonna affect her as well.”

“Stop it,” Jack spat.

“You’ll break her,” Luke wasn’t finished. “That little heart and spirit of hers will break the longer she’s with you, she’ll find out just how emotionally draining you are, just how much of an asshole you can be. Do you really wanna chance that with her? Might as well just let her go before that happens. It’ll save you both time.”

“I’m getting the help I need!” Jack retorted, “I’m in therapy to heal because of what you and your parents put me through! I would never put all that on Penny!”

Luke huffed, “Please, you really think a shrink is gonna undo your whole mess. You’re nothing but a ticking bomb Jack, a ticking bomb who’ll take everyone he loves down with him. Including your sweet little Penny.”

“Luke please,” Jack’s voice was barely a whisper, “Stop.”

Luke grinned, his work here was done. “Congratulations again Jack.”

Jack watched as the measly blonde walked out the coffee shop. He looked at his phone to check the time, only to find out that it had cracked when he dropped it, each fracture scarring the pixeled photo of him and Penny.

Why did Luke have to be here? He was fine with his life! He was finally happy, why did he have to be in the same shop as Jack at the exact time he was there?!

All of a sudden, he was a freshman in high school again, fearing to return back to his foster home and what type of cruelty awaited him there.

Worthless!

Disgusting!

Get out of my face boy!

You little bastard!

Aw little brat is gonna cry!

What have I told you about crying?!

You caused this pain yourself!

You have only yourself to blame!

You were born to take a beating Ja-!

(2)

“-ck Bloom?” a voice pulled him out from his storming mind, “I have an order for Jack Bloom?”

He turned to the counter, his order was ready. He pressed his forefinger and thumb to the bridge on his nose, pinching and rubbing it to help ease the forming headache he was about to have. “That’s me,” he said, going up and taking the paper bags and coffee cups from the cashier, “Thanks.”

He made sure to leave a tip before walking out the door.

Jack let out a sigh when he eventually walked into the apartment, dumping his bag on the ground and going into the kitchen to place his and Penny’s sweets and coffee on the countertop. He could hear her turn the sewing machine off in her work room, opening up the door and bounding over to him. “Hey!” she beamed, as he heartily accepted her welcoming hug and kiss, “What’s all this you got?” She gestured to the assortment of hot drinks and snacks.

“Oh you know,” Jack hummed against her lips as they leant in for another kiss, “Just something to celebrate my beautiful fiancé getting hired.”

“Well aren’t you just a gentleman,” she suddenly noticed the tensity in his shoulders and the forced smile he was giving her. Something was off, “Hey, you okay?”

“Yeah,” he didn’t want her to know what happened in the coffee shop earlier. Luke wasn’t worth bringing up, “I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?” she asked, rubbing her thumbs underneath his tired eyes, “You know you can talk to me, right?”

“I know,” he nodded, bringing her in closer, “I’m always good whenever you’re here.”

She sighed, pressing her forehead against his, “Okay, just tell me if there’s anything going on if there is.”

“I will,” he meant it. He’ll bring Luke up to her…eventually. He just didn’t want to put any more on her plate right now. Penny didn’t deserve that. “Now, how about we ruin our diets and have dessert for dinner?”

Penny giggled, “I like the sound of that.” She would get back to him on that. He didn’t want to take about what was bothering him right now, but that was fine. She decided to give her the breathing space he needed so he could talk to her about it. That was what they always did, just give each other a moment to bring up the problem and they would solve it together. That was what Jack needed right now, and she would help him with it when he’s ready to tell her.

Jack felt a bit of relief when her mind was taken of the subject. Another part of him felt guilty for not telling her, he would, just not now. He just wanted to spend the rest of his evening with fiancé and forget about Luke.

He could forget about Luke…right?

Luke was still fresh on his mind when Jack came into work the next week. He hated it, he hated Luke, he hated how worthless he made him feel, he hated that he came back into his life when Jack was finally happy! But most all, he hated how he kept thinking about what Luke said about Penny. More so what he said about how Jack would treat Penny later on in the marriage.

What if he made her feel like she had to carry his burdens? What if he couldn’t be the husband that she deserved? What if he really wasn’t good enough for her and break her heart? Like how David broke Amber’s?

No, this was just Luke in his head, he’s nothing like what he described. But what if he was? Was he really just a hopeless case that was meant to stay broken? Maybe he was just a ticking bomb getting ready to explode. No, you’ve come so far since you moved out of that place! Think of Penny! Don’t backtrack now because of Luke!

He stared to walk faster down the hall with the files in his arms, so caught up in his head that he didn’t notice bumping into someone, sending the papers flying.

Jack cursed, gathering his files back into a pile while the other person helped him, “Sorry about that, had a train of thought going off the rails there.”

“Eh, no worries,” a young male voice said, holding out a hand to help Jack to his feet, “It happens to the best of us.”

When Jack stood up and got his bearings straight, it was then when he finally noticed those to whom he was talking. “Oh my god!” he gasped, “You’re Samual Abel!”

“Yup, that’s me,” he smiled shyly. He was quite small and skinny, with ivory skin, brown eyes and dusty brown hair. He seemed to be at least 18 years old, which meant it had to be 9 years since…oh god, he was 9 when his parents went missing.

“I’m really sorry again,” Jack apologised, rubbing his neck nervously. How does someone talk to the kid of the parents who went missing from this company?

“Hey, it’s fine. No one got hurt,” he reassured him, before his eyes glanced down at a file he picked up for Jack. “Oh, I remember this game.”

Jack peeked over at what the boy was referring to, “Oh yeah, ‘The Amazing Digital Circus.’ That was the first game created at C&A.”

“That’s right!” Samual’s face brightened, unable to stop the flow of words coming out of his mouth. “My mom and dad started this as a kick-starter to help pay for bills and school, but he also made this for me. I was only 4 so I didn’t know that much about video games, all I knew was that I loved the world that my parents created just for me. Soon, it blew up for both kids and adults and that’s how we got the C&A we know today. You know, they were actually gonna remake this game.”

“Really?” Jack raised a brow, he never heard about that before.

“Yeah,” Samual nodded. “Jason suggested to my dad that it would sell more to audiences if we remade a well-known game. So, one day came my parents went into C&A and got to work…then the next week they disappeared.”

Jack gulped as he watched the light in the boy’s eyes fade a bit, “I didn’t mean to bring up old memories-”

“-Oh no! You didn’t! That was just me getting lost in my head,” Samual said, “You get what I mean?”

“Yeah,” Jack sighed, nodding. He could understand that perfectly, “I’m really sorry about your parents.”

Samual looked up, “Oh it’s fine! But thank you, really. Not everyone talks about my parents round here a lot anymore, so its kinda nice just getting to speak about them sometimes. It just feels like everyone here is so keen to forget them.”

“Seriously?” Jack gaped as Samual handed the rest of his papers back to him. He could understand if the boy had lost them recently, but years after? It’s not too much to ask to talk about your parents in the company that was essentially the only thing Samual had left of them. Even then, they were still the founders here. Why wouldn’t anyone want to talk about them?

“Seriously,” Samual repeated, his face matching’s Jack’s concerned expression.

“Ah! Sammy!” Jason’s voice boomed as he walked over to the two, with Samual flinching at the sudden noise. The older man patted the younger boy’s shoulder, “I see you’ve gotten acquainted with our newest employee!”

“Jason!” Samual replied, slightly exasperated, “You know you can just call me Sam or Samual.”

“We’re practically family Sammy, families give each other nicknames,” Jason turned to Jack. “I’ve been helping his aunt and uncle with raising this little tyke, been taking care of him for the last 9 years! I’m getting him ready to take over this place one day!”

Jack noticed Samual fidgeting anxiously with the sleeves of his hoodie at those words, he couldn’t blame him. Taking over the company of one of the greatest game developers of all time – who also just so happened to be his missing parents – who wouldn’t have anxiety over that?

“Ah!” Jason noticed one of the files on Jack’s hands, “’The Amazing Digital Circus,’ now that’s a game I haven’t heard in a while.”

“We were mostly talking about it was originally going to have a remake,” Samual said, Jack nodded in agreement.

“Those were the good old days, before…” Jason trailed off, his face darkening for a moment before it completely shifted back into his cheerful expression. “But enough about the past, right now we need to talk about the future. Well, specifically, your future Jack.”

Jack was taken aback, “Me?”

“That’s right,” Jason grinned, “You’ve got VR equipment at home, don’t you?”

“Yes sir, that’s right,” Jack confirmed.

“Perfect,” the older man took his hand off Samual’s shoulder and placed it onto Jack’s. “Our LA branch has a team working on a new VR game, so I need you to brush up on your skills because they saw your game development and have asked me to promote you to lead game designer in that branch!”

“VR?” Samual paled, “A new VR game?”

Jason turned slowly to Samual, “Of course! Jack has proven to be one of our most qualified employees for the past few months he’s worked here, he’s more than capable of helping with the game design.”

“Yeah but-”

“-and it’s not the first time we’ve created a successful VR game,” Jason continued until he noticed the subtle change in the young boy’s demeanour. “Are you alright Sammy? You don’t look well.”

“It’s just…” Samual paused, looking to Jason and then to Jack. The boy held his gaze for a moment, Jack noticed a flicker in his eyes. Something laced with fear and another emotion he couldn’t put his finger on. Samual sighed and gave the two a tired smile, “Nothing, congratulations of the job offer Jack.” He walked away, his shoulders low and his footsteps small.

Jack finally registered in his head what Jason had just offered to him. He couldn’t believe it! He got a once in a lifetime offer! “You’re kidding!” he exclaimed.

“Nothing of the sort,” Jason chuckled, “Think of the game you’re developing right now as a test run, you’ll be working with the big dogs soon so this is gonna be bigger than anything you’ve ever imagined. We’ll make sure that you’ll be able to work on your game while leading theirs at the same time, after all, yours seems like its going to be a triumph in the making.”

“I have no words,” Jack let out a breath, “I genuinely have no words, thank you sir!”

“Of course,” Jason grinned as he patted Jack’s shoulder again before wrapping it round both of them. “They’ll be starting development on June 19th, we’ll sort out everything from your plane tickets to your living arrangements-”

“Wait, June 19th?” Jack felt his stomach drop at the mention of that date.

“Yes,” Jason confirmed, “Is everything alright?”

“It’s just…that’s the date of Penny and I’s wedding,” Jack told him, his face falling. “I’m sorry but that’s something I can’t rearrange.”

Jason sighed as he tightened his grip on the man’s shoulders, “Listen. Jack. I won’t lie, there will be times when this type of work can have an affect on your personal life. But it’s worth it. This is an opportunity you might not be able to get if you turn it down now. This promotion will go to someone else if you don’t take that leap! I don’t want that to happen to you.” He unwrapped his arm and put both his hands on Jack’s shoulders instead. “It’s time to really start thinking about your career Jack. And I’ve heard how you talk about your fiancé, she seems like a sweet girl. If she really loved you like you say she does, she’ll understand. Weddings can be rearranged, this can’t…it’s up to you.”

With that, Jason brought his hands back and walked away, leaving Jack there to ponder alone. He loved this job, he really did. But the answer was obvious for him. Penny. It was always going to be Penny. At least, he would have said that before Luke. Now, there was nothing but a storm within him. He wanted to marry Penny, he wanted to marry Penny more than anything else in the world. But did he really deserve her?

He shouldn’t even be considering this offer right now. There would be more, there would always be more. Especially when he’ll release his own game – the game that Penny inspired him to create. But that temptation to just run, run so far. Far away from the stress of Luke looming over his head, from telling Penny everything that happened that day, away from the fear that he would break her heart because he didn’t want to risk that for her! It would be so much easier.

The thoughts didn’t leave his head even as he tried to fall asleep that night. The blaring red numbers of midnight on his alarm clock was basically screaming at him to go to sleep. But he couldn’t, the storm wouldn’t let him.

He sighed as he watched Penny as she slumbered peacefully. She was on her side, her hair spooled round her face, her chest rising and falling with each breath while fisting her pillow every few seconds. Jack let out a silent laugh, she reminded him of a cat kneading its claws whenever she did that.

He sighed, he loved her so much. All he wanted was for Penny to be happy, no matter how, what – or even who – he would give her that happiness. What if…what if Luke was right? What if he couldn’t be that person for her? Would she eventually realise that he couldn’t give her the pure bliss she craved? Oh god, what if he doomed them from the moment he met her?! No, he couldn’t do that to her, not to Penny. He had to make sure – despite how much he loved her – she would be okay, that she would survive. His heart began to throb with panic. Run, danger, get away, we can’t do this, we just can’t do this! Run, now! This is bad, this is really bad! Get away! You’re just going to hurt her! Run! Run! Run! Run! RUN!

He gasped, swinging his feet and nearly falling off the bed with dread and cold sweat, creating a distance between him and Penny as though he burned her. He was relieved when she didn’t wake, instead she mumbled incoherently in her sleep.

He let out a defeated sigh, grabbing his phone and silently padded out of their room, shutting the door behind him and walked into the kitchen. He rested his elbows against the countertop as he swiped his thumb over the cracked cover, going over the contacts in his phone before it landed on Jason’s. Taking a breath, he dialled the number.

It took a while, maybe he should’ve phoned later instead of in the dead of night. But honestly, he wasn’t sure if he could wait.

Finally, Jason picked up. “Jack?” his voice with thick with sleep, “What’s going on? Why are you calling me this late?”

“Hi Mr Wood,” Jack rubbed his hand over his face, making his final decision, even if his stomach churned when he spoke into the phone, “I wanted to talk to you about that job offer.”

Jack sipped the last of his coffee as he packed his bag for work. Last night had been on his mind the whole time, he dreaded telling Penny, especially want she woke up in such a chipper mood this morning, talking about the wedding, it’s venue and how much she couldn’t wait to marry him. He felt ill, he knew this couldn’t wait. Even if he wouldn’t tell her about Luke, this was something she’d find out eventually. It was better to rip the band-aid off now, even if it would sting like hell.

“So, work from home day for you, huh?” Jack said, wanting to start this conversation light.

“Yeah,” Penny grinned, bounding up to him, “Nothing but me and my imagination. And yes, I’ll give you a peak of what I’m making.”

Jack smiled, placing a chaste peck on her lips before she pulled away to prep her own coffee. He didn’t want to do this, he really didn’t want to do this. But he didn’t have much of a choice.

He sighed, placing his empty mug in the sink before turning to his fiancé, “Penny.”

Penny looked up from the coffee machine to meet his eyes, “Yeah?”

“Um, I wanted to tell you something,” he took a deep breath as her sweet chocolate eyes gazed into his. “Yesterday, uh, Jason came up to me with a new offer. He wants to transfer me to the LA branch for a while to be the lead designer for their new VR game.”

“Oh my god!” Penny beamed, wringing her hands excitedly before grabbing him into a hug. For a moment, he pretended that there were no catches, no dates, nothing he would have to say next that would bring everything down. Just him and his fiancé celebrating his promotion together. “That’s amazing! We gotta celebrate tonight! What do you think? Dinner at home or should go out and paint the town…red.” When she pulled away, she caught his crestfallen expression, “Hey, I know it’s long distance but we can make it work. You were there for me during my job crisis, I’ll be there for yours.”

“I-It’s not that,” he mumbled, “It’s the date. Jason wants me to leave on June 19th.”

“Oh,” Penny was taken aback, now that created some issues. “Okay, um. We can figure this out. I mean, what should we do? We’ve already paid for the venue and sent out invites and…”

Jack paled, here came the hard part.

“Jack,” Penny started, “What did you do?”

“Penny I-please understand,” he said, “I, I…I took up the job offer. Please just listen-”

“You took it?! And you knew it was on our wedding day?!” Penny backed away, running her hands through her hair. “You didn’t even talk to me about it! Oh my god, what the fuck Jack!”

“I didn’t have a choice!” He argued back, “I had to take it!”

“You always kept telling me that this was a job that always offered opportunities!” she cried, “I would’ve supported you! We could have figured out something together! But you took the job! And you didn’t even let me know before!”

“I’m not proud of it either,” he told her.

“Oh really?!” she retorted, “Then why would you put this above our wedding?! We were so excited for this, we had so much planned and you just threw it away this moment this landed on your lap!”

Something ugly began to wind itself around Jack, “Well it’s not like this marriage would last long anyways.”

“…what?” Penny exhaled.

“You heard me,” Jack crossed his arms, “This is just a disaster waiting to happen. So why should we even bother with this wedding.”

“Jack, what are you saying?” Penny asked, “Where is this coming from?”

Jack bit his lip, the ugliness wrapped tighter. “Look, both you and I know that I’m fucked up. I’ve been nothing but shit to my family the moment I thought that I was free of my foster family’s grasp. No matter how hard I try, or how hard I think I’m gonna change, I’m nothing but this stupid idiot who just rips the people who care for him apart.”

“But Winter’s family – your family was always there for you. I’m always here for you,” she told him. “And they never let you rip them apart. They always helped you even if you think you’re beyond helping, and because of that you’ve extended that same kindness towards me. You’ve been there for me no matter how low I’d sunk to rock bottom. You always picked me up, always saw how much worth I have and encouraged me to keep going every single time. Whatever this is we can work through it together.” She cupped his face in her hands, “I love you Jack. Please. Let me in.”

He pulled away. “I’m a lost cause Penny,” his voice wavered, “I know that you’ve seen the parts of me that I hate. We can’t keep going like this. You know what I went through! You know how I’ve been hurt! How could you think I could ever come back from going through something like that!”

“Jack you’ve never talked like this before,” she said, “I know the stuff you’ve been through is horrible, I really do! And you might not get rid of the darkness they put in you, but you’ve accepted the light that people have given you because they love you! Because of the you were able to get help and become better than what your foster family put you through! And I might be able to understand all the pain that happened to you but I’m here for you every step of the way!”

She was right, but the ugliness has its claws sunk in deep and refused to let go. “Why do you keep lying to yourself!” he spat, “Why do you believe that we can do this!”

“Because we’re both flawed and fucked up individuals!” she retorted, “But we always kept fighting back because we know that this life is worth fighting for!”

“That’s the part that you don’t get!” he yelled, “I’ll fuck up your life. Your incredible, kind and talented! I’m…I’m just the mess that’s gonna affect you too and you’ll realise it! And to be honest, I wouldn’t marry me either!”

Nothing else was said, a pin would drop and yet nobody would hear it. Jack thought she was finally done until Penny spoke.

“Then say it,” her voice was flat yet still held her determination, “Say you don’t want to marry me.”

Jack was silent, his voice stuck and the claws kept reaching down to grab it.

“Say it,” Penny said, “Say you don’t want to marry me.”

His jaw tightened, the ugliness kept wrapping tighter and tighter, suffocating him, reaching for his voice. He was unable to fight back.

“Say it Jack!” she yelled, “Say you don’t want to marry me!”

“I DON’T WANT TO MARRY YOU!” he screamed.

The ugliness finally uncurled.

Clarity started to fill him again and the sobriety hit him like a freight train.

Oh no.

He fucked up.

Jack really fucked up.

A single tear fell from Penny’s eye as she walked a few steps away from him. Soundlessly going into the living room and sat on the sofa.

He shouldn’t have had this conversation, he shouldn’t have picked up the phone last night, he shouldn’t have taken that job offer. In that moment he wished he could reverse time more than ever. Change it to that he was only going to another day of work, smothering Penny with kisses before leaving to tell his boss that he was refusing the offer. But he couldn’t. the damage was complete.

What had he done?

“Penny,” he walked over to her, trying to place a hand on her shoulder, only for her to flinch away.

She didn’t want to be touched.

“I-” a reminder pinged before he could continue, he had to leave. “Penny I…we’ll talk when I get home, okay?”

She nodded silently, “You should go. I don’t want to hold you up.”

Jack’s stomach twisted as he walked to the door. It was halfway open when he looked back at Penny. He wanted to say something! Anything! I’m sorry, I love you so much Penny! I want to marry you so badly, I want to do that more than anything else in the world! I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry!

I’m sorry!

I love you!

I want to marry you!

Instead, he left. Shutting the door behind him.

The moment Penny held the door click shut, she allowed herself to cry. She reached into her pocket, fishing out her phone and hastily tried to find Amber’s number, waiting for the dial to finish before she heard her mother’s voice.

“Hello?” Amber spoke from the other side as she heard her daughter’s light sniffles, “Penny, honey, what’s going on?”

“Mom,” Penny’s voice broke, “I really need you right now.”

Jack sunk into his chair the moment he got into his office. He wanted to be home right now, cuddling with Penny and whispering sweet nothings into her ear until everything was okay again. Why, why did he have to let Luke into his head?! Just when he thought he was strong enough to leave him in the past. That was where he belonged, to be nothing but a shadow for Jack to run away from. But that wasn’t how shadows worked, wasn’t it? They always attached to you despite how fast you ran.

There was a knock at the door, with Jason leaning by its edge. “Jack!” he exclaimed, “I gotta tell you, it’s gonna be great having you in LA. You’ve got great things heading your way.

He already lost the greatest thing he had though, “Yeah, thanks.”

“Hey,” Jason spoke, “I know this is a hard decision, but trust me, you made the right choice.”

“Sure,” Jack replied numbly, “I have to get back to work sir.”

Jason nodded, oblivious to his employee’s inner turmoil, “Of course, good job Jack.” He walked away, shutting the door behind him.

Jack slammed his head against his desk. Why did he have to be so stupid?! How the hell was he going to make things right with Penny? He heard his phone ping, it was Winter. The conversation must have gotten back to her, probably Riley too – there was no doubt that Penny’s older sister was planning every single possible way to get away with murdering him. Honestly, he would let her, he deserved it.

He just wanted to disappear right now.

He groaned, picking up the headset her brought he home. Jason wanted him to brush up on his VR skills so it was better to do it now. A few tears formed in his eyes, he really wanted to be with Penny. To make things right, to kiss her, comfort her, love her in every way he could. He rubbed his eyes, making them blurry as he clicked on the file that appeared in front of him on his computer. What did it say? ‘ama…cir’? It didn’t matter, Jason had already given him list on what to do so this must be one of the games he had to go over.

He let the game start up as he prepared what he needed. His notes, his bottle of water for when he needed a break and the headset.

Once everything was prepared he got to work.

He put the headset on.

“Okay, okay Winter,” Amber nodded on the phone. “Just keep us updated when he calls you back. And make sure Riley doesn’t go on a killing spree just yet. Okay, thanks again hon.” She hung up and put her phone on the countertop before going back to join her daughter on the sofa.

“I just don’t understand,” Penny whimpered, “We’ve never fought like this. I just…I know he’s hurting, but he won’t say anything. I just want to help him.”

“I know baby,” Amber wrapped a blanket around her and pulled her daughter close. “Sometimes people don’t want to be helped. But Jack does, and Winter told me that this isn’t the first time he’s done this. When she gets a hold of him we’re all going to have an intervention with him and his family to get to the bottom of this.”

“He says he doesn’t want to marry me,” Penny sniffed, “What if he’s telling the truth?”

“I haven’t watched that boy tripping over his feet every time he made eye contact with you just for him to say he doesn’t want to marry you,” Amber said, “He loves you so much baby, whatever this is, we’ll find out.”

“This is my fault,” Penny mumbled, “I should’ve seen the signs.”

Amber gripped her daughter’s shoulders. “None of this is your fault. Whatever is going on with that boy, whatever happened to him, is not your doing. Your job is to be there for him, not to fix him. Trust me, you being there was enough for him, and he knows that. When that boy gets back, we’re gonna get him the help he needs. All you need to do is be there for him, okay?”

Penny smiled wetly, “I’ll be there for him as much as he’s been there for me.”

“You already have baby,” Amber pressed a kiss to her head, “You already have.”

Amber’s phone went off again, the woman stood up and went over to answer him, “Hey Winter, any luck?”

“Mrs Reed!” Winter exclaimed into the phone, “It’s Jack, he, he-!”

“Woah, woah, woah, slow down honey,” Amber replied soothingly. Penny perked up and went to go over to listen to the conversation. “What happened Winter?”

“It’s-It’s Jack,” Winter panted, “Riley and I are on our way to his work. We tried to call his boss but he said, he said…he said Jack disappeared. He called the police but-I-I don’t-what if-!”

Penny gasped, gaping at Amber as the woman returned with the same look. “O-okay,” Amber stuttered, “Penny and I are on our way just hang tight.”

Amber hung up, “We gotta go.”

Penny didn’t have to be told twice, already grabbing her coat and rushing out with her mother.

The drive felt achingly longer than it should’ve been, but they made it. Penny’s stomach twisted when she saw the police cars outside the C&A building. Winter and Riley had just arrived as well, getting out of their car to meet up with them.

“Did you hear anything else?” Penny asked, going up to the couple.

“No,” Riley shook her head, “All they said was to get here.”

“This better be a false alarm,” Winter snipped, biting back tears, “This better be some cruel joke that Jack is pulling.”

Penny hoped, no, prayed that her sister-in-law was right. That this was some cruel joke and Jack would come running out to her from the building, wrapping her tight in his arms and muttering a mantra of apologies to her. But her the back of her mind knew better.

A police officer walked up to them, “Evening ladies, I know the call was abrupt but I believed it would be better if we met face to face. Especially with you two being from the FBI.” He gestured to Winter and Riley.

“What does this have to do with us being in the FBI?” Riley questioned.

“What the fuck is going on?!” Winter snapped, “Where’s Jack?! Where is my brother?!”

The officer sighed, “That’s what I was getting to. I know that you and your wife have taken on the disappearing cases, right?”

Penny paled, as well as Winter, who became unable to say another word.

“Y-yes,” Riley continued for her, “How does this-?”

“Mr Bloom went into the building this morning, but his employees confirmed that he never came out,” the officer explained. “His office was the last place they saw him. Unfortunately it was described just like the other people that went missing in your case. A switched-on computer with nothing opened, a damaged headset and Mr Bloom being nowhere to be found. I’m really sorry.”

Winter let out a blood-curling cry, sinking to the ground as Riley embraced her, comforting her as best she could.

“Penny,” her mother called out to her, “Talk to me baby.”

Penny stood, frozen with ice-cold shock running through her veins. She couldn’t move, couldn’t speak, couldn’t breathe. This can’t be happening, this shouldn’t be happening. She slowly faced her mother, her throat closing up as silent tears began to roll down her cheeks. Her mother took the initiative to come forward and envelop her daughter into her arms, running her fingers up and down her back.

“It’s okay honey,” she whispered, rocking Penny soothingly, “It’s gonna be okay.”

But it wasn’t. How could it be? He was gone.

Jack was gone.

Months had gone by.

Winter was nearing the end of her pregnancy, Riley was up dusk till dawn taking care of her wife and working on Jack’s new case at the same time. For the past few months, everyone had tried to look for Jack. Organising search parties, asking online, making missing posters, going to places he would go to, anything! But nothing, it was like he never existed.

Penny took some time off work – with her boss understanding completely - locking herself in her and Jack’s apartment, grieving. Grieving his laughs, his smile, his smell, his touch. Grieving everything.

Amber and Riley had made sure to come by, making sure that Penny was eating and staying healthy. They didn’t want to lose her to. And though she did eat and hydrate, she would spend most of her days in her bed, glued to her mattress, unable to face anyone or anything. Her curtains were shut, her room was a mess, but she was more so. Her hair was tangled, her clothes sweaty and her eyes were red with bags under them from crying every night.

She wasn’t proud of herself.

She knew that she was disgusting, but the loss of Jack weighed harder than the will to get up, their last conversation of them fighting just made it hurt so much more.

Amber would come by the days Riley didn’t, sometimes helping Penny shower and attempt to get her outside, it didn’t work but Penny had made an internal promise to try for her mother to come out one day. Even if it made her sick to think about.

Once a day, she would get up and go to his old computer to see if anyone he worked and collaborated with in the past knew where he was, but to no avail. That was the only time she got up throughout the day.

Penny sat there on her bed, getting up to go to the computer again, a blanket wrapped round her shoulders as she plopped herself onto his old chair and logged onto his computer. She did the usual, trying to find anyone he knew, asking if they knew where he was, get told that they didn’t know and rinse and repeat.

She was about to turn off the computer when a file popped up. It was a simple file with the title ‘The Amazing Digital Circus’ underneath. She clicked on it, the sound of nostalgic 90’s game music flowing through the speakers as the game menu came up. There was a sentence in the corner of the screen.

Attach Headset.

Was this an old game Jack worked on in the past? If so, maybe there were people on this game’s server who knew where he was. She zoomed to Jack’s corner of the room, fishing through the box of his old equipment. Jack always had two pairs of headsets, one for work and one for at home. He took the ‘work one’ with him on the day he disappeared, maybe…yes, the other one was still here! She pulled it out of the box it was laying in before rushing back to the screen, the blanket falling off her shoulders as she sat back down.

Her heart was beating faster than ever, the chance to finally find Jack was finally at her fingertips! She hooked up the headset and clicked play on the game.

Carefully, she placed it on her head and over her eyes.

Her face burned! The headset tightening around her eyes, crushing her head. She tried prying it off, she felt like it was stabbing into her! It wouldn’t come off, it was stuck! A white light blinded her, making her sob out in agony. She wanted to cry out for help! Why wasn’t she crying out for help?!

MAKE IT STOP!

……. then there was nothing.

“Caine! Is this one of your NPC’s or is this a new sucker? Cause if it’s a new character, we’re gonna have to redo this whole theme song!”

“What’s going on? I put on some weird headset and now I’m…here. Who are you people? Why can’t I take it off? Where am I?!”

Man! Don't you just hate cliffhangers? 😇

#the amazing digital circus #tadc #pomni #jax #pomnijax #funnybunny #pomni x jax #ragatha #gangle #zooble #kinger #caine #bubble #my writing #dragon rambles #fanfic #fanfiction #ao3

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