#Anxiety relief devices

[evolv28]

Can We Ease Anxiety with Wearable Technology? Let’s Find Out.

Anxiety is a common part of life, but when it becomes overwhelming, it can seriously impact our well-being. Wearable device��are emerging as a promising solution to help manage and alleviate anxiety.

Let’s explore how these gadgets work, focusing on one innovative wearable device for anxiety: Evolv28. We’ll also delve into what anxiety is, its symptoms, and other ways to manage it effectively.

Knowing Anxiety Meaning

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. When anxiety becomes excessive and persistent, it can interfere with daily activities and health.

Different Types of Anxiety Disorders

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Characterised by chronic anxiety, exaggerated worry, and tension, even when there is little or nothing to provoke it.

Panic Disorder: Involves sudden, intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause.

Social Anxiety Disorder: Involves significant anxiety and discomfort about being embarrassed, humiliated, rejected, or looked down on in social interactions.

Specific Phobias: Involves an intense, irrational fear of something with little or no danger.

What are Some Anxiety Symptoms?

Anxiety is a condition that can manifest in various ways, both physically and psychologically. Recognising anxiety symptoms is essential for understanding and managing the condition effectively.

Here, we will explore the common anxiety symptoms and how they can impact daily life.

Physical Anxiety Symptoms

Physical anxiety symptoms are the body’s way of responding to stress and fear. These symptoms can be distressing and may interfere with daily activities. Common physical anxiety symptoms include:

Increased Heart Rate: A racing heart is a common physical response to anxiety.

Shortness of Breath: Feeling like you can’t catch your breath or are breathing rapidly.

Sweating: Excessive sweating, especially in stressful situations.

Trembling or Shaking: Uncontrollable shaking or trembling in the hands or other parts of the body.

Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or faint, which can be alarming.

Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, stomach cramps, and digestive problems are frequent physical manifestations of anxiety symptoms.

Psychological Anxiety Symptoms

Psychological anxiety symptoms affect how a person thinks and feels. These symptoms can be just as debilitating as physical ones. Common psychological anxiety symptoms include:

Persistent Worry or Fear: Constantly feeling worried or fearful about various aspects of life.

Feeling Restless or On Edge: An inability to relax, often accompanied by a sense of impending doom.

Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing on tasks can affect productivity and performance.

Irritability: Increased sensitivity and quickness to anger or frustration.

Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless sleep.

Recognising Anxiety Symptoms

Recognising anxiety symptoms early is crucial for seeking appropriate help and treatment. Here are some additional points to consider:

Frequency and Duration: Anxiety symptoms that persist for weeks or months may indicate an anxiety disorder.

Impact on Daily Life: If anxiety symptoms significantly interfere with work, relationships, or daily activities, it is essential to seek professional help.

Combination of Symptoms: Experiencing multiple anxiety symptoms simultaneously can be overwhelming and may require comprehensive treatment strategies.

Anxiety Easing Devices: Evolv28

Anxiety relief devices have gained popularity as effective tools for managing anxiety and enhancing overall well-being. One of the most innovative anxiety relief devices on the market today is the Evolv28.

This device leverages advanced technology to offer a holistic approach to mental wellness. Let’s delve into how it stands out among anxiety relief devices:

Variable Complex Magnetic Fields (VCMF): Evolv28 utilises a patented digital algorithm to generate variable frequency electric signals, creating a gentle and effective magnetic field.

Ultra-Low Magnetic Fields: Emits less than 10 milli Gauss, significantly lower than typical wireless devices, ensuring a safe and gentle approach to brainwave harmonisation.

Regulatory Compliance: Evolv28 meets stringent standards, including CE, FCC, and ISED certifications. This compliance gives users peace of mind, knowing they are using a safe and reliable product. Many other anxiety relief devices do not offer the same level of regulatory assurance.

Science-Backed Technology: Evolv28 is supported by clinical trials and scientific research, ensuring its effectiveness and safety. This rigorous testing also ensures the safety and credibility of the device.

Continue reading here: Ease Anxiety with Wearable Technology

Stay Connected for Feel-Good Updates and Order Now

Are you excited to experience the transformative power of Evolv28? Order now and be among the first to embark on this mindfulness journey. Stay connected through the website, where you can subscribe for feel-good updates, gaining access to valuable information, tips, and exclusive content enriching your understanding of mindfulness and mental wellness.

[staceyny]

Understanding the Relationship Between Anxiety and PTSD

Understanding the Relationship between Anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are both mental health conditions that can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life. While they are distinct conditions, they are also closely related, and many people with PTSD experience symptoms of anxiety.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after someone has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. PTSD is characterized by symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and feelings of avoidance. PTSD can also cause physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and difficulty sleeping. PTSD can be debilitating and affect an individual's ability to function in daily life and their relationships.

How are anxiety and PTSD related?

PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder, and people with PTSD often experience symptoms of anxiety. Research suggests that up to 80% of individuals with PTSD also have an anxiety disorder. PTSD can lead to ongoing feelings of fear and anxiety, which reminders of the traumatic event can trigger. People with PTSD may experience high levels of anxiety, worry, and fear that continue long after the event is over. Additionally, people with PTSD are at risk of developing anxiety disorder that precedes trauma.

Treatment for Anxiety and PTSD

Both anxiety and PTSD are treatable conditions. Treatment options for anxiety disorders and PTSD include therapy, medication, and self-care practices. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common form of therapy that can be effective in treating both conditions. Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can also be used to treat symptoms of anxiety and PTSD.

It's important to note that anxiety and PTSD can occur together, so it's important to seek help from a mental health professional who can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. With proper diagnosis and treatment, individuals can improve their mental health and regain control of their lives.

Seek Professional Help

One treatment option to treat anxiety and panic attack is Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES), which involves using a device that delivers a small electric current to the brain. CES has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety, as well as other mental health conditions such as depression and insomnia.

To learn more about CES and how it may be able to help overcome anxiety and panic attack, you can visit the CES Relief website and contact them for more information. A licensed professional practitioner can also be a valuable resource for information about CES and how it may help you.

CES Relief

1875 N Lakes Place

Meridian, ID 83646

(208) 846-8448

Disclaimer: This is not professional advice and is simply an answer to a question; if professional advice is sought, contact a licensed practitioner or doctor in the appropriate administration.

[spinningwebsandtales]

Imagine Having To Patch Soshiro Up After A Kaiju Attack

Soshiro Hoshina X FemReader

Rating: T+

Warnings: Blood, injuries, mentions of death, teasing, and kaiju remains

Word Count: 1k

(A/N:) I am enjoying the Kaiju No. 8 anime immensely and it's giving me all sorts of ideas to write! I have several more Kafka ones in my drafts and I want to write more for several other of the male characters. So keep an eye out I may write your favorite dude! I'm also thinking about opening my requests back up in case anyone has any Kaiju No. 8 requests, even though my drafts are insanely full. We'll just see but until next time happy reading! ~Countess

The suits made by Izumo Tech were a marvel of innovation and technology. Designed to give the members of Japan's fiercest warriors; The Defense Force, a fighting chance against the Kaiju that plagued their country. But still the warriors were only human no matter how amazing the suit.

Your booted feet thundered against the broken asphalt, breath heaving in pants as you raced across the now quiet battlefield. Just seconds ago it was Hell on Earth as you and your fellow soldiers fought for your very lives. But now Kaiju matter was splattered against everything. It was going to be quite the mess for whatever cleaning crew was open to do the dirty job. The attacks had become more frequent here lately, that the few companies that specialized in Kaiju clean up were becoming overwhelmed to get the different attack sights back to some semblance of normalcy for the citizens. But even that problem was far back from your mind. Only one person had you running so hard after fighting so intensely. Soshiro had gone silent after dispatching some of the smaller ones with his blades. You knew he had sustained injuries, but for him to go quiet, it wasn't a good sign. There was closer Third Division officers nearby but you knew with whatever stamina you had left you could make it. Your worries taking over any rational thought in your mind.

Konomi echoed in your ear, leading you straight towards Soshiro's location. Her frantic directions wasn't doing much to calm your nerves, but as an officer you couldn't let your anxiety show.

"Just around this corner," Konomi said. You thanked her turning down your communication device as you skidded around a pile of rubble. There leaned up against what remained of a wall was Soshiro. He held his side, eyes closed, and protective mask discarded at his side. Though winded and exhausted from the long race here, you gripped your rifle tighter the sling hitting your neck and tangling in the wild strands of hair that had broken free. Blood coated Soshiro's face and the fact that he wasn't responding to footsteps coming closer was more than concerning. Fear was beginning to grip your heart, when you finally got at his side.

"Two cracked ribs and significant blood loss," Konomi's sudden voice through the comm caused you to jump. "He's not critical just yet but I do have the medics on route to your location."

"I can staunch the blood flow," you replied. "I'll try to get him conscious again too."

"Good idea. I'll keep monitoring his vitals and let you know if anything changes."

"Copy."

Unslinging the rifle from your neck, you set it close by in case any threats remained. You removed the small med pack from your belt and got to work. Tapping at his cheek, you started working on getting Soshiro awake. Several moments went by and it wasn't until you put pressure on one of his worse wounds did he finally groan.

"Vice Captain," you continued to pat his cheek. "Vice Captain Hoshina! Soshiro wake up!"

He stirred, bleary eyes blinking against the bright sunlight before his gaze finally found you.

"Welcome back to the land of the living sir," you sighed in relief.

"So I died," he groaned. "And here I thought I was immortal."

"Well you didn't die but you do have a long road to recovery. You're pretty banged up and look terrible. The Kaiju Captain blew to smithereens looks better than you."

"Officer (L/N)," Soshiro groaned more as you wrapped several wounds tightly in gauze, "did anyone ever tell you that your bedside manner is garbage?"

"We're out on the battlefield and you're not laying on a bed sir," you grinned before going back to placing pressure on a wound that was too large for bandages. "Beside manners don't exist out here."

"Fieldside manner then," he glared. "And if you press any tighter to my side you're going to stab my lungs with my ribs."

"That's not me. That would be your suit keeping you from jostling your cracked ribs."

"(Y/N)! Vice-Captain Hoshina's vitals seem to be stabilizing more. Medics are inbound and will be there shortly," Konomi updated you and you acknowledged her.

"You had me worried Soshiro," you sniffed, hands stained with his blood. You had turned your comm off so you could talk with him in private for just a moment. You both didn't have long anyway with the evac team so close by.

"Sorry," he grimaced. Righting himself up more he wrapped one arm around your neck and pulled you in tight. "I'm sorry I worried you so much. I take risks but this time my decision wasn't the right one."

You held him as best as you could without hurting him further, "I'm just so glad you're okay!"

You hated crying but the relief you felt, had you breaking down in seconds. Soshiro wasn't used to seeing you cry and it broke his heart. Always the strong soldier, you couldn't help yourself around him as you wanted him by your side forever.

"You're not hurt are you," Soshiro asked as he stroked the back of your hair.

"No." You breathed deep, calming yourself and wiped your eyes. "Does that mean that I have surpassed the great Soshiro Hoshina in skills?"

"Absolutely not. We both know that my blade skills leave everyone else in the dust," he scoffed.

"Yeah but I didn't decide to use my ribs to stop a kaiju punch."

"Shut up."

You laughed kissing his forehead quickly, as it was the only place not covered in blood, as the boots of the medics came closer.

"I'm glad you're okay," you whispered. Soshiro couldn't answer as he was suddenly surrounded by several medical officers. He nodded towards you as you picked your rifle back up and started to go join the other members of the Third Division. The battle wasn't over just yet as you needed to look for more survivors. But you felt the burden lift from your shoulders knowing that the man you loved was going to be okay and was in capable hands. The fight with the kaiju continued on but if you stayed by Hoshiro's side you felt like you both could make the world a better place together.

[bloodytittiez]

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hey guys [*gets shot*] I know I've never posted any of my writings before, even though I write fanfiction, but this has been collecting dust in my google docs page for nearly two years and it was too good to not share it with you my little kinky freaks/lh/aff (at least I think so)! I hope you enjoy this little smut fic - English isn't my first language so excuse some possible spelling and grammar errors, please... also, KEEP IN MIND THIS WAS A DRAFT! There's a lot of time skips and I doubt I'll ever finish it.

CONTENT WARNING: AFAB reader, vaginal sex, oral sex, teasing, heavy dirty talking, sex without condom, consensual non-consensual, phone sex, masturbation, public sex, porn with plot.

———

Red and blue lights flickering outside, tree branches tapping against the snowy windows of the sorority house. The soft, slow tunes and delicious scents of cinnamon and ginger cookies flowing in the air...

Christmas, such a family centered holiday where there's only place for laughs and sweet surprises, was completely ruined yet another year by him.

It was the fourth time in the night the moaner called. You could see your roommates gag at the blasphemies and curses the stranger yelled at the phone to each one of them– while you seemed to enjoy them in secret.

《Nasty… F-Filthy piggy. Bi-Billy has a big juicy fat cock he k-knows you’d love to suck on… I-It’s dripping wet and it f-fits in your mouth.》

You crossed your legs as ‘‘Billy’’ —you had no idea if that even was his actual name— spat nonsensical words for the sake of feeling some friction against your womanhood. His descriptions were so detailed that you could picture them perfectly in your head.

《Billy w-will kill each one of you… Tonight.》He breathed out in a way that felt almost a threat, his sentence getting distorted when it reached the other side of the line. Everyone could tell he was all tensed up for the way he gripped the phone.

《I can’t stand you anymore, you fucking pig!》

《Pig… P-piggy! Naughty piggy…》 The moaner repeated, mocking a very stressed out Jess Bradford.

《Jess.》 You interrupted the leader of your group with a serene expression, finally standing up from your seat when you felt her anxiety grow. 《Let me take care of the situation.》 You suggested while you took the device out of her hands before she would say anything, and covering the speaker you added something;

《Why don’t you guys go to bed? It’s way too late already.》

《But we can’t leave you alone with that creep!》 Jess exclaimed.

《Don’t worry about it. Someone has to confront him already and that’s going to be me.》 You answered, already building up enough courage to complete the task. 《Please.》 You looked up at the concerned eyes of every girl occupying the room while you could hear Billy talking to himself on the other side of the line. 《You girls need some rest. It’s been a long day.》

Jess and the rest stood there in silence, trusting your words. She gave you a small nod and parted her lips to articulate a silent ‘‘thank you’’ before leaving the room with relief. You knew she didn’t have enough energy to argue, and so did the rest.

You smiled when you returned to the call, grabbing the phone with distinguished elegance in your movements. A soft smile formed in your face and felt a sudden flock of butterflies inside of your stomach. It definitely wasn’t a good idea to play along with who you knew was a creep, but a part of you loved the thrill and danger in doing that. You could hear your sweet mother’s voice in your head begging to stop what you were doing as you answered Billy. To hell with her warnings of not picking up the phone to strangers!

Tonight was going to be different. May this be your very own Christmas gift…

《Hello, Billy.》 You tried not to come off as rude at first.

《Yes, yes… Hello there, my darling… It's so nice to hear your voice. You sound like an angelic creature.》

《Do you know who I am?》 You asked.

《 Yes... Yes, I know you. The quietest slut of the bunch. Billy loves to see your pretty ass swaying around when you walk. Yes… You filthy, nasty whore love to tease Billy’s cock. I know that well. Billy saw this naughty piggy touch herself… S-saw you cry out for Billy in the intimacy of your room.》

You couldn’t help but fluster at his obscene rambling and switched the phone to your other hand. You were the kind of person that would move around constantly when you felt nervous about something. In this case, a stranger that saw you masturbate plenty of times before. Poor you… How many times exactly did Billy hear you pronounce his name under muffled moans? You could feel your heart rate at the top of your throat, flooded in embarrassment as he playfully mocked you.

But; back to his confession though, you definitely couldn’t deny something that was completely true and after spending some seconds in silence you finally spoke up, a cigarette being held in between two of your shaky fingers so you could calm yourself down.

《Would you like me to do it now? Touch myself for you?》

《Yes. Yes. YES!》 He demanded in an almost feral manner.

You nodded in response to his pleas as the flame of your lighter lit the cigarette and kept paying attention to his delicious blasphemies. You were enjoying the moment more than you would like to admit. 《Touch yourself f-for B-Billy...》 He insisted, despair breaking in his voice. 《I want to hear your sweet moans like when you finger yourself alone.》

You held the phone between your ear and your shoulder, letting one of your hands completely free and trailing down to your skirt as the mysterious man dictated. 《Roll your skirt up… Billy wants to see your juicy ass aswell.》

Your pussy soon got filled with two of your fingers, exploring every inch of your insides.

You were so warm…

So wet…

It was hard to believe how turned on you could get by the phone calls of a creep. Being manipulated in such ways by a man that you'd never seen before.

《I'm doing it, Billy…》 You sighed, moaning his name under your soft breath. 《I'm touching myself.》

The mysterious man groaned and panted on the other side of the line, incapable of forming coherent words. 《Move the phone down to your pretty slick… Billy wants to hear the sound of your wet cunt.》

His voice sent chills down your spine while you placed the speaker close to your pussy, fingering it with oh, such passion in every one of your circular motions. Obviously, you made sure that the sound of the friction of your digits was audible enough for Billy.

《Fuck…》 He groaned once more. 《I want to taste your pretty pink cunt… Oh Y...Yes… I will. I bet it tastes as sweet as you do. B-Billy wants to lick your tits and your round juicy ass.》 The man chuckled with a childish tone as you could hear him stroking his length while getting indulged in his fantasies. 《Suck on your nipples too… Squeeze those tits ‘till they turn red like two christmas ornaments…》

His words made you shove your fingers even deeper in you. You were getting too carried away right when you heard the mysterious man hang up the phone.

You grabbed it close to your ear, wondering what happened.

《Hello? Billy? Are you still there?》

Only the empty beeping of the phone answered you, leaving you completely disappointed and wet.

You took a deep puff of your cigarette and hung up the phone in return when you got tired of listening to the dull melody of the lost connection, then mumbled something and decided to go to your room for some rest too. Maybe Jess and Barb were right after all, there was no point on wasting your time on that fucking moaner guy you all couldn’t stand.

You turned off the lights outside, blew the candles in the living room and grabbed a little candy cane from the coffee table. You thought the night was over and your only comfort now was a little sugary treat.

But, when you suddenly walked into a dark corner of the stairs, a pair of big hands pinned you on the wall. An audible yelp escaped your lips as you heard a man's voice speaking in an attempt to reassure you. It was the same one you'd always hear on the phone.

《Shh… S...Shhh… It's okay… It's me, Billy.》

The man caressed your cheeks in a sloppy manner and covered your mouth. 《Pretty piggy… Where do you think you are going? Billy isn't finished with you yet… There are so many nasty things Billy wants to do to you…》

You tried to pick small bits of his face in the darkness when he slowly released you from his grasp. It felt rather strange to see him in person.

A tall figure partially hidden in the shadows, green eyes that would stare directly into your soul and long, curly hair caressing the sides of his forehead. Billy's description didn't fit his personality at all. He had the looks of a gentleman but the mouth of the devil. Although; you had to be honest about something. You still wanted to fuck Billy despite of his looks. They didn't matter much to you when his low and menacing tone is what drove you absolutely crazy for him at first.

His hot breath hitting against your neck soon turned you on again.

《Billy… I thought you weren't interested in me anymore. Why did you hang up on me?》You pouted, wanting to tease him as an act of revenge.

The way you said those words, with such a sweet yet innocent tone made the man react in ways you exactly wanted him to.

《N...No. Billy came a-all the way here to see you. Billy craves your body.》

You dragged his fingers across the line of your lips as an excuse to turn him on as well. You liked the way he sounded, so nervous. He could break down at any moment and you liked that.

The warmth of his digits along the surface of your puffy lips, bringing goosebumps across your whole body. You parted your lips and spoke again.

《How much do you crave my body?》 You attempted to lick his index finger to which got you a slight moan in response.

《S-So much...》

《Show me then, Billy. I’ve been wanting to do this for the longest time…》

You finally confessed while you rolled your tongue out of your mouth and placed his finger on top. You sucked on it gently from the base to the tip.

———

Billy yanked your hair with such strength, dragging your puffy velvet lips to his dripping cock. His tip forced them open and soon his shaft filled your mouth hole.

Strands of hair tangled up around his fingers, both of you now locked together for god knows how long. You made the man shiver with anticipation as his tip brushed the back of your throat, leaving it hot and irritated.

You couldn't help but gag and drool repeatedly for he didn't give you a single break. But you didn't mind. You finally had what you craved.

‘‘Billy's juicy fat cock…’’

His words showed up in your brain, accompanied by a clear image of the cock that was stuffing your mouth in that very moment. Your horny mind couldn't help but recap every single quote that made you fall madly in love with him. Blame it on your degrading kink as a result of many failed relationships.

Billy bent you over with the same strength as before, ripping a yelp out of your throat while you grabbed the handrails so you wouldn't fall down the stairs and cause a scene.

Your ass now completely exposed was facing him, rubbing against his wet cock.

The man leaned over you and hands crawled around your stomach to hold you firmly as he would start rocking his hips at a slow pace. His left hand roamed free around your belly and later your clit, while his right one stayed busy pinching and twisting your nipples ever so slightly.

Billy could make you scream at any given time.

He could definitely break you. Turn you into his pretty little fucktoy, but having sex in a set of stairs definitely required some precaution.

《Billy. We should move somewhere else…》You gasped as soon as you could catch some air and already felt your whole body sore from standing up there. 《What if someone wakes up and sees us here?》

《If someone sees us…》 He repeated. 《I…It won't matter. I want them to see YOU moaning f-for Billy. Want them t…to see just how good you can take a cock.》

He purred into your ear as he covered your mouth to force your jaw open widely for him. Holding your breasts better around his hands he rubbed them together and squeezed them. You felt his wet cock pressing against your folds, desperately trying to make its way inside of you. God it felt so good to finally experience how all of his sinful threats came true one by one. Little whines came out of your mouth when you tried to accommodate to his size but he didn't let you. He was more than aware of his power and chuckled playfully.

《Billy's cock feels so good inside of your wet cunt. You are taking it so well. So tremendously well. Don't stop squealing, my little dirty piggy.》

You obeyed and let out a bunch of more moans caused by the pain of quick and deep thrusts. It was embarrassing to echo your satisfaction to an empty living room... And definitely hoped the girls closed their doors upstairs.

———

Billy noticed the red and white swirled candy that you were holding in your hands and took it from you while he turned your body around so that you could face him now.

Still holding your waist, he licked the candy cane until it would remain a little damped. You were staring at his eyes in a mix of excitement and curiosity the whole time and snickered.

He spreaded your folds and shoved the candy inside.

《Billy's gonna make this wet cunt even tastier.》

———

The chorus of early birds singing outside and gentle sunrays kissing your face woke you up the next morning. You stretched your arms, your legs and then… A pinch on your sore waist fully woke you up. You remembered what happened last night soon after that and smiled.

You sat up in bed and noticed a candy cane wrapped its plastic with a small green bow and a note. You had no idea when and how it got there, perhaps Claude; the sorority cat stole it from the silver platter downstairs and left it in your bed as a mere coincidence. You elongated your arm to pick it up and brushed strands of hair behind your ears to read it better.

It said ''Merry Christmas. With love, Billy'' in a surprisingly tidy calligraphy.

His name made your heart flutter and cheeks aroused when you remembered more details about last night.

You unwrapped the candy cane and tasted it, its sweet flavor melting in your tongue.

Maybe Christmas wasn't completely ruined this year.

[tonkatsubowl]

"where are you going?"

yandere aventurine's words sends chills down your spine as you got up from the seat. the both of you were having dinner for the night that he prepared.

"and why?"

you knew of his behavior towards you. his possessive, obsessive, freak-like nature that terrified you sometimes. but, you loved him in every way possible. he developed this behavior the moment the two of you got into a relationship.

but sometimes, he scared you. yet, you knew how to comfort him. his anxiety of you leaving him.

"i'm just headed towards the bathroom. here, you can have my phone in case you're worried i'll be in there forever."

you smiled, handing the gambler your phone.

"i just needed to go really bad. i have been drinking alot of water." you reassured him, which he in return, relaxed.

"alright."

that's when you gave aventurine a kiss, before working your way towards the bathroom. you did your thing, and left.

you returned to aventurine scrolling through your phone, which you didn't really mind. you had nothing to hide, and everything to show was for him to see.

"you've been texting someone." he said, eyeing at you carefully. "why are you texting dan heng? and why." his voice deepened, nearly into a threatening tone. jealousy hinted in his voice.

"ah!" you perked up, beaming. "i was just asking him questions about the data bank. i got curious about something. you can read the messages." you smiled, returning to your food.

aventurine took a moment to scroll through the messages, seeing that there was no interest of romance between both parties. a sigh of relief, and he returns your phone.

"i see. well, don't text him too much. you know how i feel."

you nodded, before poking one of the pieces of your plate with your fork, hovering it towards your boyfriend's lips. "okay, i won't. i'm sorry, i just wanted to ask some questions about the data bank." aventurine opened his mouth, accepting the food.

you won't admit it to his face, but you've been trying not to text anyone for the sake of their safety. you were well aware of aventurine's possessive nature towards you, and sometimes it scared you. sometimes it turned toxic. but you understood at the end of the day, because you loved him.

... or was it your stockholm syndrome? or was it because he manipulated you? or was it because you got too scared, you knew your way around things?

at the end of the day, nothing could stop aventurine from attaching that already-apparent tracking device on your ankle.

[bluerosefox]

Friendships Between Realms (YJ and Danny Shenanigans Being Peek Friendship)

So the 90s YJ group got into a lot of shenanigans tbh. Like a lot and mostly without their mentors knowledge. And whenever I think of YJ I think of the Core 4 (mainly cause Tim is my fav, and the Core 4 is just so amazing together) anyways I honestly wouldn't put it past them if they had accidentally summoned or were being sacrificed by some cult, or meet Danny who accidentally fell into their world via a random portal in someway. (In this DC and Phantom universes are not on the same world, fyi)

Like Danny, still new to being a hero but getting the hang of it, meets them, learns some things from them, and actually gets along with them to the point that when he has to leave Robin gives him a communication device to keep in touch (and Robin Tim would, despite being the second most paranoid of the Bats this boy lies to Batman to his face and had hidden an entire Batmoblie cost in the Batarang budget and keeps it with YJ) and Danny does.

It's nice to have hero friends who understand the struggle of balancing hero and normal lives. Don't get him wrong Danny loves Tucker, Sam and Jazz but sometimes they just don't... fully get it. The danger, the stress, the anxiety, the relief when things are solved or saved, etc etc that comes with being a hero or at least try to be one. They don't understand the urge he gets at like 3 am to go patrol Amity Park just to make sure everything is safe. YJ on the other hand does.

He talks to them about his problems and they help out and Danny in turn helps them out too when he can. Like they needed help with Secret, call up Danny see if he knows what kind of ghost she is (he turned to Clockwork and Frostbite in that case) and Danny in turn talked to them about Dan (they told him about them having to face their own future evil self to at one point). Danny talks to Conner when Dani came into the picture, he wants to make sure he doesn't screw up like Superman did towards his clone's feelings and self worth. Etc etc.

Point is, despite being dimensions and Realms apart, YJ and Phantom are friends and have been in touch. He's friends with all the YJ at the time and keeps in touch with them all but is very close with the Core 4. (Danny was the one that reassured Tim when Bruce was thought to be dead. Couldn't find his soul or ghost in the Realms and Clockwork was being 1000% more crypticd about Batman when Danny had asked if he was lost in time, Danny (or CW) couldn't do much to help due to certain rules but Danny could tell Tim "He isn't dead. Just lost. You're not insane Rob I promise."

So imagine a few years later, DCverse is under heavy near world ending supernatural danger and it gets to the point someone in JLD suggests they may have to summon the Ghost King in order to stop it (maybe its an old ancient ghost/spirit someone foolishly unleased). Of course there are some that strongly advise not to, that summoning him would spell the end of everything, but someone else points out they're already close to that edge they already got no other choice.

So they try and it fails and everyone is confused.

Bart, because of course it's gonna be Bart, returns from helping evacuations takes one look at the summoning circle and says.

"Why are you using those outdated sigals and symbols? That'd like trying to call an out of service number." Bart says before he speed texts Tim, Conner, and Cassie to come over.

Tim, RR, takes one look at the circle and asks who they were trying to summon. When told they were trying to get the Ghost King, him and the Core 4 look at each other before Tim pulls out his communicator and texts Danny.

It takes less than a few minutes before RR tells Impulse that Danny was cool with the summoning and to bring him in. Impulse nods and quickly runs around and changes the old summoning circle around with new symbols and sigals. Then RR turns to most of the JLD members and says sternly.

"You all better not memorize this, this is Phantom's personal summoning line and he only wants friends to know it. He gave us permission."

And with Superboy (Conner) and Wonder Girl agreeing with nods.

Before any of the JL or the JLD could really ask or even interrogate what that meant Impulse was done with the preparation. the Summoning circle was changed around with constellations and other signs of stars, there was a bag of fresh burgers and three milkshakes in the middle of it, and under it was a stylized symbol of a D and a P.

Its Impulse who starts the... chant and raises his hands up. (its actually the dumbest song anyone can think of. Danny wanted it to be funny and the Core 4 totally encouraged it) the candles shift from red to green fire, the star symbols start glowing before flying around on the floor in a circle like shooting stars, the area starts feeling like a cold winter wind beginning to blow, and the stylized symbol is glowing green before...

Danny pops up in his Ghost King form (flaming crown, galaxy cape, looking more ghostly than human but still a teen), finishing up the song and laughing. When he spots his friends he's grinning and waving hello to them, all of them greeting him back.

The JL are confused as heck but noticed how shell-shocked most if not all the members of JLD as their staring at what has to be the Ghost King...

Basically. I want Danny to be one of the people/things the 90s YJ did/meet during their insane shenanigans that most of their mentors most likely didn't know about. They all kept in touch and if they knew, and were later invited to the coronation, of Danny becoming the new Ghost King and later needs to bring out the big guns against a supernatural entity and stuns everyone else that they have a friend in a very high place well... yeah.

[liliacamethyst]

So apologies if in advance this is in anyway triggering but I had an idea for a great angsty reveal and all I ask is to be heard out

It involves a miscarriage scare, not that it happens but the scare happens. Here’s the bare bones prompt:

During a mission Sun Spider (ie us) got really bad cramps and is of course terrified that she’s having a miscarriage. As soon as she’s able to she rushes to her place and sets up the ultrasound. (I was kinda thinking the reader were a doctor or nurse of sorts, or at least know another spider who is that would keep the secret.) She wanders the wand and begs that the baby is okay, finally breathing a sigh of relief when she hears the heartbeat and sees her tiny one. Unbeknownst to her Miguel had followed her….

Ahhh this is so angsty and good. Thank you so much Jesse! I thought it would be perfect to combine it with this comment by @fleeingdawn-blog1 :

"Imagine him being FURIOUS that you slept with someone else, the screaming and all the vitriol he would spit your way. Then the dawning horror when he slowly pieces it together and feels his world fall apart around him."

So, because you guys are amazing and have even more amazing ideas, here's another alternate reveal Drabble:

In the middle of an intense mission, you feel an agonizing pain in your lower abdomen. It's a sharp, cramping sensation that doubles you over and forcing you to stop in your tracks. You clutch your stomach, dread sinking in. No, it can't be... Please, no.

You have to leave. You have to get home.

Making some vague excuse to your fellow Spider-people, you swing off, all while trying to ignore the terror building up inside of you. “Please, please let my baby be okay,” you whisper to no one in particular. You had never prayed so hard.

You're careful as you swing, each movement precise so as to avoid jostling too much. As soon as you reach your apartment you rush inside, immediately heading to the hidden medical room you've set up.

You're not a doctor, but you're resourceful. You had to be. You had to protect your baby.

Setting up the ultrasound, your hands tremble with anxiety. You take deep breaths, trying to stay calm for the sake of your unborn child. Picking up the device, you slowly move it across your belly, your eyes glued to the screen, your ears straining to hear that precious heartbeat.

And then you see it. The tiny flicker on the screen, the reassuring beat that echoes through the room. Your baby is alive. The relief washes over you like a wave, tears prickling your eyes. You breathe out a shaky laugh, one hand coming up to cover your mouth.

"You're okay... oh, thank god, you're okay," you whisper, tears streaming down your face. You continue to stare at the screen, memorizing every curve, every line of your tiny baby. You're so wrapped up in your relief and joy, you don't hear the door creak open.

Miguel, who had silently followed you, leaning heavily against the doorframe. He's staring at you, at the screen, at the clear image of your unborn child.

As Miguel’s gaze moves between the ultrasound screen and you, something inside him snaps. His face contorts, his nostrils flare, and his eyes flash with a fury you have never seen before, turning even more red than usual.

“What is this?! Who is he?!” Miguel’s voice fills the room as he points toward the screen.

“Miguel...” you start, but he cuts you off, his voice now a roar.

“WHO’S IS HE? DIME!” Miguel’s words are like knives, slashing through the air.

You’re cowering back, tears streaming down your face. “Mi... Miguel, please, just...”

“WHO ARE YOU SLEEPING WITH, HUH?” He's practically spitting the words at you, venom dripping from every syllable.

“HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?!” he bellows. His eyes are wild, his rage all-consuming.

“I... I didn’t... you...” You’re stuttering, trying to get the words out, trying to tell him the truth, but his anger is like a tidal wave, overwhelming you.

And then just like that, in the midst of his rage something changes. His gaze flicks to the ultrasound screen again, and his face goes pale. The room is deathly silent except for your ragged breathing and the rhythmic beating of the baby's heart on the ultrasound monitor.

He blinks. Once. Twice. His voice drops to a whisper. “How... how far along...?”

“Three months,” you manage to whisper back, choking on your tears.

His brain races, the timeline whirring in his head. Realization dawns on him like a cold sunrise.

“Is it...?” His voice is barely audible, a ghost of its former fury.

You nod, tears streaming down your face. “Yes, Miguel. It’s yours.”

[cupcakeslushie]

What condition does donnie have in EW?

Schizophrenia?

Well, it’s a mix of PTSD from his childhood trauma, and hallucinations from being slightly exposed to Empyrean. So, while it’s all partly a cause based off fantasy, I do try and do my research to keep it in the realm of something concrete. Donnie has audio/visual hallucinations, depersonalization/dissociation, memory blanks, etc…. Pile that all, on top of his genius brain fighting a chaotic, disorganized mind that’s constantly in fight or flight mode.

I’ve had a few people say they recognize certain aspects of themselves in my Donnie, and so I think it’s less about assigning a specific name to what Donnie has, and more about the story of how he and the people that love him, help him in figuring out how to live a good life, while handling all the trauma he’s been through!

I’m right there with you, and that’s probably one of those things I gave all the boys to some extent, because damn, if that wasn’t me when I was younger 😅. I’ve since moved on to using less harmful means of stress relief, but it remains something that I just instantly read as an anxious habit lol—it’s just the levels and ways each of the boys exhibit it that vary.

Leo is the one more likely to pick and scratch to harm, because unfortunately, he does his as a type of holdover, self-flagellating from even the tiniest of mistakes. Mikey gets distracted with thinking up ideas, and bites his nails, sometimes a little too deeply. To the point where he’s drawing blood—it also sucks because he loves painting his nails. Raph will chew on his palms and knuckles from anxiety, but his skin is so tough, that he rarely does actual damage. Donnie will pick and scratch at everything—his hands, his arms, his face—especially when he hits a frustrating road-block. It won’t even register that he’s broken skin—his pain tolerance is so fucked up.

Donnie’s worst near death experience was, of course, the vivisection. He didn’t follow any after-care instructions, and infection very nearly killed him. Most of the other stuff was, of course, physically and mentally scarring, but not life-threatening. Thanks to being spaced out, with time for recovery, where Draxum just flat out ignored Three’s existence. As far as testing his endurance in the sleep department. Draxum made Three create a smaller, more refined version of the collars he made for Big Mama. When Draxum was tired of dealing with Three, but still feeling slightly generous, he’d force him to wear the device, rather than just chaining him up to the table. The watch would track Three’s heart rate and keep his path confined to set rooms only. Any time the watch detected Three was falling asleep, or outside of his approved perimeter, it would, you guessed it—shock him!

[persevereforahappyending]

This isn't Your Fault (Sneaking Out)

Pairing: Tara Carpenter x Reader

Summary: “Intrude? You already fell out of my tree,” your mom said, turning and walking back into the house.

Warnings: None

Word Count: 4.1k+

Main Masterlist | Series Masterlist

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6

Tara: I’m bored

Tara: Entertain me

Y/N: My mom’s home

Tara: Soooo?

Tara: Come ooon

Y/N: I can’t leave. She just got back home last night

Tara huffed, pouting as she sat on her bed. It was Friday night, Quinn was out, as usual, Sam was working late and wouldn’t be off till early morning, Chad was tired after football practice, and Mindy was on a date with Anika. Tara was bored and had no one to entertain her, her last resort was you, her loving girlfriend, and you had just told her no as well.

Tara: Well… what if I come over there…

Tara chewed on her fingernail as she awaited your response. She had been over to your place plenty of times and you’d been over to hers a few times. She’d never met your mom though. Whenever she came over your mom was always gone. Your dad was also always gone but he was in the military so that was to be expected. Your mom, however, was a traveling nurse so there were times she was gone weeks or even a couple months at a time, a lot of times she just worked really long shifts so Tara coming over never overlapped with her being there. Tara wasn’t sure if she was pushing it though, she wasn’t ready for you to meet Sam and you’d only been dating a few months, she wasn’t sure you were ready for her to meet your mom.

Tara wasn’t sure she was ready to meet your mom either. She’d never met anyone’s parents before. Sure, she knew Chad and Mindy’s parents, she had known Wes’s mom, and she’d known Ambers family but those were all people she grew up with. They all went over to each other’s houses to play, it didn’t count. She never met the parents of someone she was dating. She didn’t date much and the few times she did it never got serious enough to get to that stage. Tara was also scared, what if she met your mom and when your mom found out she was from Woodsboro she banned you from ever seeing her again.

Tara gasped, holding her breath as she watched the three little bubbles appear on her screen, indicating you were typing.

Y/N: Fine

Tara couldn’t help but let out a squeal as she flopped back on her bed and kicked her feet.

Y/N: Text when you get here. I’ll sneak you in

Tara let out a sigh of relief. You weren’t ready for her to meet your mom either, Tara was just causing herself unnecessary anxiety. Tara wanted to meet your mom; you talked so well of her. Tara didn’t know what it was like to have a stable, caring, and loving mother but it was clear that’s exactly what you had. Even if your mom wasn’t always home you talked all the time and when she was home, she made sure to spend time with you, have family dinners, even if it was just the two of you, and just catch up with you. Tara’s mom never did any of that, on the rare occasion that she was sober she might join Tara in watching whatever horror movie was playing on the TV and they made conversation about the movie but once the movie was over, so was the bonding.

Tara: Love you!

Y/N: Yeah, I know

Y/N: Love you too…

Tara smiled at her phone. You didn’t even give her time to pout at your teasing before you had to reply that you did indeed love her as well. Tara quickly slid on her shoes and hoodie before making her way to the front door. She unlocked the door, ready to open it when out of the corner of her eye she caught her pepper spray and taser. She turned, staring at the devices beside the door. She hated carrying them around, but Sam insisted.  Tara sighed, grumbling to herself as she grabbed both, slipping the taser into her back pocket and rolling the keychain the pepper spray was on onto her wrist. Tara told Sam it was stupid, but Sam insisted that wearing pepper spray around the wrist left the hands open but also easy access to grab the spray if needed.

Tara popped in her earbuds as she made her way out of the apartment, she made sure to lock all the locks on the door. She might think Sam was overprotective and paranoid and she might leave the house when she’s not supposed to, and she might hate having to carry around pepper spray and a taser but the amount of locks on the door was actually something her and Sam agreed on. Tara also insisted on it being all manual locks, needing keys, because she had the digital stuff at her house and Ghostface still managed to get in. Sure, it was Amber and Amber knew the codes but learning Codes and hacking into the security app seemed easier than breaking in the old fashion way.

Tara rode the subway for several stops before getting off at the one closest to you. She pushed her way through the crowd of people and made her way towards your house. It wasn’t late yet; it was still daylight, and it was right in the middle of rush hour. See, Sam shouldn’t be mad at her, Tara left when everyone else was leaving work, when the streets were the most crowded, which would seem like it would be more dangerous but really it was less of a chance of someone doing something.

Finally, Tara was standing outside your house. She could see the lights on, indicating your mom was definitely home. The only time all the lights were on in your house was when your mom was home. You turned on the lights as you entered a room and then right back off as you left. You kept the lights on if Tara was over but if she wasn’t she came by plenty of times to you sitting in the dark, your TV screen being the only thing illuminating the room as you played one of your games. The first time Tara saw you like that she had rolled her eyes and called you a vampire. You had just laughed and told her not to judge your lair.

Tara pulled out her phone to text you that she was there when she got another idea. She slipped the phone back in her pocket and snuck around the side of your house towards the back. It was dark now, so she didn’t have to worry about any of your neighbors seeing her. It didn’t even cross her mind that if someone looked out their window and saw a shadowy figure skulking around the side of your house that it might raise some alarms and wasn’t the smartest idea.

When Tara got to your backyard she looked up and saw it, your room, usually dark but since your mom was home you kept the light on. Tara glanced at the tree beside your house. She smiled at her idea. If she could shimmy up the tree, she should be able to hop onto the little roof of your patio, which led right to your window.

Tara rubbed her hands together, a wide smile on her face, and a twinkle of mischief in her eye as she got ready. She reached up, placing one hand on a branch, using her feet to kick, trying to get some traction on the trunk as she reached up for another branch. Tara was glad she was going to surprise you because she knew she didn’t look the most graceful, with her legs kicking in the air as she tried to pull her body up branch after branch.

Tara was hugging trunk as she huffed and puffed. Climbing a rather large tree when she had asthma wasn’t her smartest decision in hindsight, but it was for love, so she deemed it worth it. With shaky hands she reached into her back pocket and pulled out her inhaler. She took a big puff, letting out a few more shaky breaths as she calmed down, her breathing slowly going back to a more reasonable speed. When she slipped her inhaler back in her pocket she looked up, seeing your window right there, she had made it, almost.

Tara just had to make it across the branch, jump onto the little roof, climb through your window and she was good. She kept one hand on the trunk to brace herself as she slowly inched across the long branch. Tara was only a few steps from the roof, a smile slowly creeping onto her face as she realized she was only seconds from her plan succeeding.

*Crack*

Tara froze, the only thing she could hear was her heartbeat in her ears. After a few seconds she decided to slide her foot forward, maybe it had just been her imagination.

*Crack*

Tara’s eyes widened right before the entire branch gave out from under her, sending her crashing back down to the ground. Tara let out a loud groan, hearing a crunch as she hit the ground. She knew it wasn’t a bone, no, she could feel the taser stabbing her in the butt. Tara swung her arms, trying to swim out of the ocean of leaves and twigs that now buried her.

Tara burst through the leaves, looking like something out of Alien. She flopped onto the grass, lying on her back as she looked up at the dark sky. She could feel her taser still poking her. She wondered if it was some sort of cosmic justice, some long-distance karma, Sam using voodoo subconsciously because she snuck out. Tara winced in pain as she reached back, pulling out her taser. She held it to see it busted in half. She rolled her eyes, realizing she’d have to ask Sam for another one. The only good thing was that with Tara willingly asking for another taser it meant Sam wouldn’t question her, Sam would be to happy Tara was taking her safety seriously to question why she needed another one.

“Who goes there!” A voice shouted; the back door swinging open so fast it smacked against the side of the house.

Tara’s eyes widened, snapping to your backdoor. She froze at the sight before her, your mom, still in her scrubs, a wild look in her eyes as she waved around a large kitchen knife. Tara flinched, her hand subconsciously going to her side where she had been stabbed. She wasn’t sure if your mom said anything or what she was doing, Tara’s eyes didn’t leave the silver blade in her hand.

“It’s fine! It’s fine! It’s fine!” Came your voice, stomping down the steps and trampling your way through the kitchen. You slid to a stop, being only in your socks. Your eyes went to Tara who was vaguely aware of your presence. “It’s okay,” you said out of breath but in a much calmer tone. You slid around your mom out the door, so you were standing between her and Tara. You gently lowered her hand with the knife and for the first time since her fall Tara let out a relieved breath.

Your mom finally relaxed her grip, setting the knife on the counter beside the door. You stepped out into the yard and made your way over to Tara. You bent down, a soft smile on your lips as you picked leaves and twigs from her hair.

“I thought I told you to text me when you got here,” you whispered.

“I was trying to be romantic,” Tara mumbled. She took your hand as you helped her up.

Tara was brushing the dirt and leaves off her pants. She felt you picking out the remaining bits in her hair. She looked up at you, blushing as she saw you smiling at her. Her eyes drifted over your shoulder where she saw your mom, arms crossed and clearly not amused. Tara cleared her throat a few times, trying to get your attention.

Your eyes widened when you seemed to realize you still had an audience, you quickly spun around, standing partially in front of Tara as you faced your mother. “Mom,” you said with a smile, but Tara heard the way your voice when up a notch. “This is my girlfriend, Tara.” You stepped to the side, swallowing nervously as you revealed Tara.

Tara held up her hand, giving an awkward wave. “Hi,” she said, trying to come off as polite as possible, as if she didn’t just fall out of a tree trying to sneak into your room. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Your mom just hummed, tilting her head as she looked Tara up and down. “And you what, decided to break into my house tonight?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Nononono,” Tara said quickly, waving her hands around. “She invited me over,” she pointed to you. Your mouth hung open, disbelieving your own girlfriend threw you under the bus. “She wanted to sneak me in.” Your mom turned to look at you, raising both eyebrows. You dropped your head, finding the ground super interesting. Tara ignored all that going on and continued to ramble, “I thought it would be romantic if I climbed up, knocking on her window, like in all those romantic type movies.”

“How long have you been seeing my daughter?” your mom asked, turning her attention back to Tara. Tara saw your eyes widen but you didn’t look up from the ground. “Given that she’s neglected to mention anyone in all our calls.” She gave you a side glance but kept her attention on Tara.

“It-It-It’s been about three months now.”

Your moms’ eyes widened when Tara said how long the two of you had been together. Tara wasn’t the best at reading emotions in other people, but it almost looked like a flash of hurt flickered on your mom’s face, but it was gone just as quickly.

“And do you make it a habit of sneaking in and out of my house?” she asked, clearing her throat so she still sounded neutral to the whole situation.

“Sneaking around is kind of our thing, we might have just gotten used to it,” Tara said without thinking.

“Oh, so you’re sneaking around and lying to your family as well?”

“Well, see, my sister is super overprotective and paranoid and sure it’s a good reason but she needs to learn to let go just a little so I can still live my own life and as much as I love your daughter, I’m scared to introduce her to Sam because Sam tends to scare everyone off,” Tara rambled, barely taking a breath between her words.

Your mom is looking at Tara with worry. Tara isn’t sure why. Your mom looks like she’s about to put her nursing skills to good use. Tara was starting to wonder if maybe she was bleeding from her fall, surely if she was you would have said something, or Tara would have felt it by now.

“Babe,” your voice came. Tara wasn’t sure when everything started to get super foggy. “Babe,” you said louder. Tara looked at you, blinking to clear up her vision. “Inhaler.”

Oh, that’s why you were panicking and everything was fuzzy. Tara reached into her pocket, grabbing her inhaler, and giving herself another puff. She slowly let out a breath, you held her hand the entire time as her breathing got back to normal. She didn’t realize how anxious meeting your mom made her; her nonstop rambling helped push her over the edge the rest of the way it seemed.

“Are you okay sweety?” your mom asked. Tara could only nod, she didn’t trust herself to talk yet. When Tara looked up, meeting your mom’s eyes again she only saw concern.

Tara clearly didn’t make a good first impression. She wasn’t sure where your mom stood with her. Your mom hadn’t yelled, and she hadn’t told Tara to leave and come back yet but she also hadn’t welcomed her with open arms. But the second Tara started having a medical issue your mom was full of concern, she was probably a damn good nurse. Tara would bet money all your mom’s patients loved her, she was just naturally compassionate and carrying, even to total strangers.

“Would you like to join us for dinner?” your mom asked.

You broke out into a smile and turned to Tara, silently begging her to say yes. Tara hadn’t intended to meet your mom on this night but clearly that was already out the window. She would never say no to spending time with you and dinner would give her a chance to recover her poor first impression.

“If you don’t mind,” Tara said softly. “I don’t want to intrude.”

“Intrude? You already fell out of my tree,” your mom said, turning and walking back into the house.

Tara dropped her head, trying to hide her blush. You turned around, wrapping your arms around her. Tara returned the hug, instantly wrapping her arms around your waist.

“I can’t believe you decided to be shifty,” you said, barking out a laugh. “I told you my mom was home!”

“I wasn’t shifty,” Tara said, smacking you lightly on the shoulder. “I was being romantic.”

“Yes, because nothing says romance like falling out of a tree.”

“Shut up,” Tara punched your shoulder harder, but it just caused you to laugh more.

“Man, I wish I knew your friends, simply to be able to share this with them.”

“We are never speaking of this again,” Tara held up her finger, giving you her most threatening glare. “And now clearly I can never introduce you to them if all you want is to tell them about this.”

You playfully rolled your eyes. “Come on,” You untangled yourself from the hug but only to intertwine your fingers with hers. “Let’s have dinner and you can officially meet my mom.”

You led Tara into the house and Tara took a seat at the dining table right next to you. There was a bowl of spaghetti, meatballs, and your mom entered, setting a plate of garlic bread in the middle of the table. Tara’s mouth watered at the sight. It had been a long time since she had a homecooked meal and based on the food, even though it was simple, your mom seemed to be an amazing cook. Sam tried and so did Tara herself but neither of them were the best and they stuck to pretty basic stuff. They had spaghetti and meatballs plenty of times but theirs never turned out like this.

“So, how’d you meet?” your mom asked, tossing some spaghetti onto her plate.

“We have Film History together,” Tara answered. “She caught my eye as soon as she walked in the door, wearing her headphones.” You covered your face, trying to hide behind your fork and your mom just shook her head at you. “We had to do icebreakers and I spoke to her.”

“Are you an audio nerd like her?”

Your mouth fell open, gasping in offense. “No,” Tara answered, ignoring the way your eyes widened at her and her lack of defending you. “I’m more of a film nerd.”

Your mom hummed, nodding along as she finished chewing. “What kind of film?”

“Horror.”

“And you’re dating this one?” your mom pointed at you, giving Tara a completely bewildered look. “Have you seen her watch a horror movie?”

You dropped your fork, letting it make a small clang as it hit the plate. Tara smiled at your pouting, clearly having given up on not being embarrassed tonight.

“I have,” Tara said, lightly chuckling. “Our first date was a horror movie. I didn’t know her fear at the time and this one didn’t tell me,” Tara smiled at you playfully. “She really did try and stick it out though.”

“Wow, guess she really likes you.”

You grumbled something incoherent as you twirled your spaghetti around with a fork. “I really like her as well,” Tara bumped your shoulder.

You looked up at Tara with a pitiful glare as you continued to pout. “I guess I like you too,” you mumbled.

The rest of the night continued on like that. Tara and your mom talking back and forth, sometimes about your guys’ relationship and sometimes just about Tara. Tara liked talking about her classes and what she wanted to do with her degree with someone new. It was obvious your mom’s thing wasn’t movies or audio, but she listened. Your mom didn’t know much but she listened intently to everything Tara said, letting her ramble on and on, she just listened, asking questions here and there to show she was genuinely curious about what Tara liked, even if it wasn’t something she got.

“Where’d you get that scar?” your mom asked, furrowing her brow.

Tara looked down, seeing she had reached for a piece of garlic bread with her left hand, the hand she had been stabbed through. Tara slowly pulled her hand away, setting the garlic bread on her plate but suddenly not being very hungry. Her mouth was dry, she knew everything had been going to well.

You reached up, covering Tara’s scarred hand with your own, as you intertwined your fingers again, running your thumb over her scar for some comfort. “Tara’s last name is Carpenter,” you said. You glanced at Tara, she gave you a small nod, letting you know it was okay to continue. “She’s from Woodsboro.” Your mom’s eyes widened at the name. “Tara was one of the people attacked last year.”

“Oh god,” your mom whispered, her eyes now full of sadness flicked to Tara.

“Her sister is Sam Carpenter.”

“The one from the news?” she questioned hesitantly.

Tara sucked in a breath, this was it, she was never going to be allowed to see you again. Your mom was familiar enough with Woodsboro to recognize the name, she had definitely heard of Ghostface and the killings last year, and she was even aware of what was being said about Sam online. Tara started to pull her hand away from yours, but you tightened your grip, anchoring her to you.

“Everything being said about her online isn’t true,” you said.

“I thought you said you haven’t met her sister yet?” your mom questioned.

“I haven’t. But I know Tara and I trust her. I’ve seen the way her friends are, and I’ve seen the way Sam is. She’s definitely scary.” You shuddered at the thought of Sam being scary which made Tara chuckle. “But she loves her sister. I don’t need to meet her. I know everything said about her online is a lie.”

Tara held her breath as she waited for your mom to scream and shout and throw her out ordering her to never come back and to never so much as look at you. None of that ever came though. When Tara glanced up from her plate, she didn’t see anger on your mom’s face, she saw shock, saw someone still clearly processing everything, but there was no anger.

“Why don’t you two go upstairs,” your mom finally spoke. Tara couldn’t help but give her a questioning look. “You can stay for a little while; I’m going to do the dishes and then I’ll give you a ride home.”

“Oh, no, that’s not necessary,” Tara said, not wanting to be a burden to your mom.

“Nonsense,” she waved Tara off. “It’s dark and it will be way too late to let you go off walking through the city alone.”

“Thank you.”

You got up from the table, holding Tara’s hand to bring her with you. “Leave the door open,” your mom called from her place at the sink, not even bothering to turn around. You groaned mumbling a fine under your breath.

“Oh, and Tara,” she called, looking over her shoulder. Tara stopped; you guys had been halfway to the stairs. “Use the front door from now on.”

Tara ducked her head, pressing it into your shoulder to hide her blush. You chuckled, wrapping an arm around her as you led her up to your room. You flopped down on your bed, bringing Tara with you, making her instantly cuddle into your side. You did as your mom asked though, you left the door wide open.

“So,” you said softly. “That was unexpected,” you chuckled. “Not how I imagined you meeting my mom.”

Tara turned, burying her face in your chest. “God, I’m never going to live this down.”

“Nope.” You ran a hand up and down her arm. “Don’t worry, she likes you.”

Tara smiled, turning her head to lay on you. “I like her too.”

Taglist: @lilbitdepressed27 @fanboy7794 @noooodlessstuff @tatumrileyslover @alexkolax @canvascoloredin @xxxtwilightaxelxxx @youralphawolf72

[stareaterau]

Chapter 1 episode 1

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Index

---

Let's start with a familiar face, shall we!

CW: violence And the mention of blood and injury

Read below↓

Or AO3

The heat is unbearable. Scar wakes, wheezing out a hot breath that circles in his sealed helmet, fogged by the last of his moisture. A building headache pulses behind his eyes. He reaches up to rub the soreness out, but his gloves clank uselessly against the visor. He blinks, squinting through the harsh light. His first instinct is to rip the helmet off for the relief of fresh air, but as his eyes adjust, he doubts it’ll make a difference.

He’s in a desert. The dusty and cracked ground stretches all the way to the horizon. Nothing about this place feels familiar, in fact, the bright orange gradients in the sand look alien. He has no way of telling if the air here is breathable, and though it’s tempting, testing it isn’t worth the risk. The sheer lack of life in the landscape certainly doesn’t bode well in that regard.

He tries to think back to how he got here, but there’s nothing. He doesn’t remember falling asleep outside. Definitely not here, and definitely not with his helmet still on.

Reflexively, he reaches for his communicator, but it’s not there. With rising anxiety, he pats down the rest of his person. His gun, enderchest and communicator are all gone. The only useful thing he still has left on him is the helmet on his head.

That’s concerning. He keeps those things on him at all times. It’s mandatory. As much as Scar would push the rules, he can’t deny the sense in keeping his gun, enderchest and communicator at all times. Even with his reputation, he wouldn’t just wander into the wilderness with none of his gear. He’s more competent than that at least, right?

There are no constructed landmarks nearby to use to figure out where he is, and he won’t be able to figure out the star system he’s in until the sun has set. At least whoever left him here had the decency to leave him with his helmet on. He can panic about being stranded, while puffing recycled air.

He thinks for a moment that maybe if he stays put the Vindicators will come looking for him, but that idea is quickly squashed by the realization that he’ll probably die of heatstroke before they realize he’s gone. His best bet is to walk until he finds some sign of intelligent life… or run out of oxygen in the process.

Not the most optimistic reality, but nevertheless Scar picks himself up, bushes the desert dust off his clothes, and scans the horizon for the most promising direction. Hoping, desperately, that he's not about to get himself even more lost than he already is.

With a sigh, he squints at the horizon with his hands on his hips. He finds cracks and grooves in the sand that open up beneath him to form long ravines. The gouges in front of him seem to open up into larger trenches that follow a relatively straight path, a much better scenario than splitting into maze-like passages. He nods approvingly. It’s his best bet to make his way down into the ravine. It’s depth is about double his height, which should still provide some shade from that glaring sun.

He spots a relatively safe way to get down— a sandy slope built up against the otherwise harsh stone. He walks tentatively towards it, but stops at the sound of a beep. Looking around for the cause of the noise, he sees a collection of rocks protruding from the sand, but no movement. He checks the soles of his boots too, in case he stepped on some kind of device hidden in the sand, or maybe a small creature, but he sees nothing there, either.

He’s probably just imagined it. Continuing on, he hurries down towards the slope, desperate to escape the heat. The sound of sand scrapes against his leg braces as he slides, and he keeps a hand pressed into the sand behind him to stay steady. He manages to avoid slipping as the sand shifts below his feet, but only barely.

The shade cuts the temperature in half, and Scar sags with relief. The ravine is just as lifeless and empty as the surface, albeit far more claustrophobic. The curving, orange walls hide the vastness of their expanse from view. Scar’s footfalls echo down the chasm. He’s not sure if he prefers the company of the extra sound or if it just makes him feel more exposed. Everything is so empty and open, and an almost perfect mirror to the clear sky. The entire atmosphere radiates with a yellow glow, as if the sun takes up the whole sky. Maybe it does. Out of the corner of his eye, Scar finally detects movement— a shadow across the dusty scenery, but he reacts too late, and looks up to see the shadow is gone, and the sun’s still bright.

He walks for at least five minutes before another beep is heard again, except this time it doesn’t stop there. Quickening, it takes about thirty seconds untill the next one, forcing Scar to accept he hadn’t imagined it.

He listens, face wrinkled with concentration. The beep isn’t coming from anywhere around him. It feels like it’s in the back of his head. Whatever it’s trying to tell him, he can’t figure it out.

He turns to his left, kicks a few stones, tests if the sound reacts. Maybe it’s something hidden in his jacket pocket. He rifles around in them, remembering they’re all empty, and goes back to struggling to understand the pattern of the beeps. It keeps slowing and quickening— even when Scar is walking in a straight direction, so it can’t possibly be leading him to a fixed place, and he tried waiting a few minutes after each beep, just for nothing to happen, so it can’t be warning him about anything.

Frustrated, Scar tunes it out eventually, and focuses instead on making his way through the desert. He'll be glad to find anything other than rocks, sand and the sourceless beeping at this point. At one point he sees movement again, another shadow darting across the ground. It looks almost like a bird, but Scar can’t be sure, the shape vanishing almost as soon as he notices it. It’s like it’s evading his view, like it’s trying to make him second guess himself.

Scar groans. It’s been a long trek through the winding canyon. The sweat drippin into his eyes taunts him— he wishes more than anything to be able to wipe it from his brow, but alas, Scar’s not quite desperate enough to risk removing the helmet.

Almost on autopilot, he trudges on, trying to think through the heat about what it could mean. He racks his melting brain for more things that might cause beeping in your head, or what it means. Scar’s so caught up in his thoughts that he almost misses the beeps getting faster, faster than they had gotten before. When he finally notices, he stops in his tracks, snapping to attention as it continues to speed up.

He doesn’t notice the winged figure swoop down until the impact pushes him to the ground.

Scar screams, head ringing as his visor smacks into the earth. He struggles, trying to roll over to face his assailant, but he’s immediately pinned to the ground by long, dark talons. The figure stares at him through their own helmet, like his except for the visor, which is split into two deep, dark, void-like eyes. They make no sound as their wings spread out, blocking out the sun with their feathers. A glowing blue knife held above their head.

"No wait- wait!"

The figure ignores his pleas, bringing the weapon down. Scar barely manages to deflect the stranger's aim, the knife sinking into his shoulder instead of his heart. Choking back a yell and instinctively shutting his eyes to the pain, he didn’t feel the blade being pulled out, nor see the figure grabbing their own shoulder in confusion.

"What?“ Head swiveling wildly, they balk. “Where?"

Scar shifts on reflex under the weight of the stranger, but this only brings the attacker’s attention back to him, their grip tightening. Without anything to defend himself with, his gun missing and this stanger holding a clear advantage, Scar scrambles for leverage.

He wasn't given time to collect himself as the stranger brings down the hilt of their weapon into his visor, shattering the thick glass.

Scar flinches back as the glass slashes into his cheek, but by some miracle misses his eye.

He pants, unable to catch his breath,helplessly expecting another hit— but the stranger stops. Scar is finally given a moment to reign in his panicking senses, and focuses on the vacant eyes of the stranger’s helmet. Thoughts swim in his slightly concussed mind, and he fishes one up at random.

"...Are we done fighting now?" Scar asks with a nervous laugh, trying to keep eye contact despite one eye now being exposed to the desert sun.

The stranger doesn’t answer.

They’re no longer putting all their weight on him, and eventually slides backwards to a stand, gaze still locked on Scar.

Grateful for the temporary relief, but still cautious, he shuffles slightly to check how the stranger will react. Once he’s sure he isn’t about to be whacked again, he shakily folds his legs under himself to stand, only slightly wobbly, wincing from his injured shoulder.

"So…” Scar tries again, “I think it’s fair to say the air is breathable here."

Scar coughs as he pulls off his helmet, doing his best to avoid the broken glass. The stranger, eerily quiet, considers Scar for a moment, then reaches to take off their own helmet, revealing eyes as deep and dark as their visor, with the same soulless look.

The person in front of Scar is painfully familiar, but he doesn’t skip formalities.

"Well, hello there!" He puts his hand out, but the stranger does not shake it. Their eyes remain locked onto his own, like they’re studying them.

Scar meets the gaze for a while, then his eyes wander to the blood on their face.

"Oh, your cheek-" he gasps, pointing towards it.

They do not move to check their face, pointing to Scar instead.

"Well, same." the stranger mumbles, their voice strained.

"Oh!- " Scar reaches for where the visor had cut him. He'd almost forgotten.

He looks back up at the stranger, to find him pulling a very uncomfortable face. And it clicks.

"Wait- I recognise you."

[evolv28]

Ease Anxiety: Exploring the Best Wearable Devices for Anxiety Relief

In today’s fast-paced world, anxiety has become an increasingly prevalent issue affecting millions globally. While there are numerous methods to manage anxiety, technology has introduced innovative solutions that provide support in our daily lives. One of the most promising advancements is the development of wearable devices. These devices offer practical and immediate relief, making them a valuable tool for those seeking to manage their anxiety more effectively.

Understanding Wearable Devices for Anxiety

Wearable devices for anxiety are designed to help individuals monitor and manage their anxiety levels. These devices come in various forms, including wristbands, smartwatches, and even neckbands, all equipped with sensors and technology to track physiological indicators such as heart rate, skin conductance, and breathing patterns. By analyzing these metrics, wearable devices for anxiety can provide real-time feedback and interventions to help reduce anxiety symptoms.

How Do Wearable Devices for Anxiety Work?

The core function of wearable devices for anxiety is to monitor physiological signs that are often associated with stress and anxiety. When the device detects an increase in these signs, it can initiate various interventions to help the user calm down. For example, some devices for anxiety might prompt the user to practice deep breathing exercises or provide soothing vibrations that mimic a comforting touch. Other anxiety relief devices may utilize biofeedback, guiding the user through relaxation techniques based on their current physiological state.

Key Features of Anxiety Devices

1. **Real-Time Monitoring**: Wearable devices for anxiety continuously monitor heart rate, skin conductance, and other vital signs to detect when the user is experiencing anxiety. 2. **Biofeedback**: Many anxiety relief devices use biofeedback to help users understand their physiological responses and learn how to control them through relaxation techniques. 3. **Guided Breathing Exercises**: Devices for anxiety often come with pre-programmed breathing exercises that can be triggered during moments of high stress to help calm the user. 4. **Customizable Settings**: Users can often personalize their anxiety devices to better suit their needs, including adjusting sensitivity levels and choosing preferred intervention methods.

Popular Wearable Devices for Anxiety

There are several notable wearable devices for anxiety available in the market, each offering unique features to help manage anxiety. Here are some of the most popular options:

1. **Muse Headband** — The Muse headband is an innovative anxiety relief device that uses EEG technology to monitor brain activity. It provides real-time feedback through a connected app, guiding users through meditation sessions to reduce stress and anxiety.

2. **Apollo Neuro** — The Apollo Neuro wearable device for anxiety delivers gentle vibrations to the body, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. It’s designed to help users build resilience to stress over time, making it a powerful tool for long-term anxiety management.

3. **Spire Stone** — The Spire Stone is a small, discreet anxiety device that clips onto your clothing. It tracks breathing patterns and sends notifications to your smartphone when it detects tension, encouraging you to take deep breaths and relax.

4. **Feel Wristband** — The Feel wristband is an anxiety relief device that measures skin conductance, heart rate, and skin temperature. It uses this data to provide real-time feedback and personalized recommendations through a companion app to help manage anxiety.

5. **Evolv28** — Evolv28 are wearable devices that help to reduce stress. Users wear the devices on the neck, which uses ultra-low magnetic field tech. Also seamless app integration and science-backed trust, it redefines your experience — a style-tech statement.

Benefits of Using Wearable Devices for Anxiety

Wearable devices for anxiety offer several benefits that can significantly improve the quality of life for those who struggle with anxiety. Here are some key advantages:

Anxiety Relief

One of the primary benefits of wearable devices for anxiety is their ability to provide immediate relief. When an anxiety episode occurs, these devices can quickly intervene, helping users to calm down and regain control. This immediate response can be particularly beneficial in high-stress situations or during panic attacks.

Enhanced Self-Awareness

Anxiety relief devices help users become more aware of their physiological responses to stress. By monitoring heart rate, breathing patterns, and other metrics, users can better understand their anxiety triggers and learn how to manage them effectively. This heightened self-awareness is a crucial step in developing long-term coping strategies.

Non-Invasive and Convenient

Wearable devices for anxiety are non-invasive and can be worn discreetly throughout the day. This convenience allows users to receive continuous support without disrupting their daily activities. Whether at work, school, or home, anxiety devices can provide a consistent source of comfort and reassurance.

Personalized Anxiety Management

Many anxiety relief devices offer customizable settings, allowing users to tailor the device to their specific needs. This personalization can include adjusting the sensitivity of the device, choosing preferred intervention methods, and setting personalized goals for anxiety management. This tailored approach ensures that each user receives the most effective support for their unique situation.

Integrating Wearable Devices for Anxiety into Daily Life

To maximize the benefits of wearable devices for anxiety, it’s essential to integrate them seamlessly into daily routines. Here are some tips for incorporating anxiety devices into your life:

1. **Wear the Device Consistently**: To gain the most benefit, it’s important to wear your anxiety device regularly. Consistent use allows the device to accurately monitor your physiological responses and provide timely interventions. 2. **Use Guided Exercises**: Take advantage of the guided breathing exercises and other interventions provided by the device. These exercises can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms that you can use even when you’re not wearing the device.

3. **Track Your Progress**: Many anxiety relief devices come with companion apps that allow you to track your progress over time. Use these tools to monitor changes in your anxiety levels and adjust your management strategies as needed.

4. **Combine with Other Techniques**: While wearable devices for anxiety can be incredibly helpful, they are most effective when used in conjunction with other anxiety management techniques. Consider combining your device with practices such as mindfulness, regular exercise, and therapy for a comprehensive approach to anxiety management.

5. **Stay Informed**: Keep up-to-date with the latest advancements in wearable technology for anxiety. As the field evolves, new features and devices may become available that can further enhance your anxiety management strategies.

Challenges and Considerations

While wearable devices for anxiety offer numerous benefits, it’s important to be aware of potential challenges and considerations:

Dependency

There is a risk of becoming overly reliant on anxiety relief devices. It’s important to use these devices as a tool to support your overall anxiety management strategy, rather than relying on them as the sole solution.

The Future of Wearable Devices for Anxiety

The field of wearable devices for anxiety is rapidly evolving, with ongoing research and development leading to new and improved products. As technology advances, we can expect to see even more sophisticated devices for anxiety that offer enhanced features and capabilities. Here are some trends and innovations to watch for:

Enhanced User Experience

As user experience design continues to improve, future anxiety devices will likely become even more intuitive and user-friendly. This could include more comfortable and discreet designs, as well as seamless integration with other digital devices and platforms.

Accessibility and Affordability

Advancements in technology and increased competition in the market may drive down the cost of anxiety relief devices, making them more accessible to a broader audience. Additionally, efforts to raise awareness and education about these devices can help more people understand their benefits and how to use them effectively.

Conclusion

Wearable devices for anxiety represent a significant advancement in the field of mental health technology. By offering real-time monitoring, personalized interventions, and convenient, non-invasive support, these devices provide valuable tools for managing anxiety. While they are not a cure-all, when used in conjunction with other anxiety management techniques, wearable devices for anxiety can significantly improve the quality of life for those struggling with anxiety.

We can look forward to even more innovative and effective anxiety relief devices as technology evolves. By staying informed and open to new developments, individuals can find the best solutions to meet their unique needs and take proactive steps towards better mental health and well-being.

Stay Connected for Feel-Good Updates and Order Now

Excited to experience the transformative power of Evolv28? Order now and be among the first to embark on this mindfulness journey. Stay connected through the website, where you can subscribe for feel-good updates, gaining access to valuable information, tips, and exclusive content enriching your understanding of mindfulness and mental wellness.

[staceyny]

Tips to Manage Panic Attacks during Pregnancy

5 Actionable Tips to Manage Panic Attacks during Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be a time of joy and excitement, but it can also be a time of stress and anxiety for some women. Panic attacks, characterized by sudden and overwhelming feelings of fear and physical symptoms, can be especially challenging for women who are pregnant.

Here are five actionable tips that can help you manage panic attacks during pregnancy:

1) Practice Deep Breathing Exercises

Deep breathing exercises, such as the 4-7-8 technique, can help to calm the body and reduce symptoms of panic. This technique involves inhaling for a count of 4, holding for a count of 7, and exhaling for a count of 8. Practicing this technique regularly can help to prevent panic attacks and reduce their severity when they do occur.

2) Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

If you are experiencing panic attacks during pregnancy, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider. They can rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms and can also provide you with support and guidance. They may also suggest therapy or medication options.

3) Exercise Regularly

Physical activity can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels, which can reduce the likelihood of panic attacks. Aim for moderate-intensity exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.

4) Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and yoga, can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and panic. Mindfulness techniques can help you to stay present at the moment and to focus on your breathing and body sensations, which can help to reduce feelings of panic.

5) Create a Safety Plan

Create a safety plan that you can follow when you experience a panic attack. Include things like deep breathing exercises, positive affirmations, and activities that can help to distract you. Keep it handy so that when you do experience a panic attack, you'll know what to do.

It's important to remember that panic attacks during pregnancy are treatable, and there are many options available for addressing these conditions. It's important to seek help from your healthcare provider if you are experiencing panic attacks during pregnancy, and do not hesitate to reach out for additional support.

Seek Professional Help

One treatment option to treat anxiety and panic attack is Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES), which involves using a device that delivers a small electric current to the brain. CES has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety, as well as other mental health conditions such as depression and insomnia.

To learn more about CES and how it may be able to help overcome anxiety and panic attack, you can visit the CES Relief website and contact them for more information. A licensed professional practitioner can also be a valuable resource for information about CES and how it may help you.

CES Relief

1875 N Lakes Place

Meridian, ID 83646

(208) 846-8448

Disclaimer: This is not professional advice and is simply an answer to a question; if professional advice is sought, contact a licensed practitioner or doctor in the appropriate administration.

[rikisniffles]

chapter fourteen [西村力] my first love was a boy ✧ NISHIMURA RIKI (NI-KI) X M!READER

SYNOPSIS — l/n y/n is a member of boynextdoor under hybe/koz. being an idol has always been y/n's dream, and ever since it became true he has been more than happy. despite being an idol, he doesn't know many other idols outside his group. when he runs into his seniors, a seemingly never-ending spiral of embarrassing moments occurs.

disclaimer !! : every idol in my stories is a character and does not always reflect the actual person (i do my best but for entertainment purposes, it may be off)

— fic masterlist / info

chapter fourteen - worn out

warning: written part (625 words), slight angst, smallest suggestive joke from taesan at the end (nothing too bad)

Ni-ki lays with his head resting on his pillow. His hair, wet, sprawled across the soft fabric of his pillowcase. His body is heavy. Lack of sleep, a good meal, and a full schedule are catching up to him. His lower limbs ache as he raises his legs, bending to stretch them out. Pops and cracks emerge from his bones.

Closing his eyes, he lies there. Despite the exhaustion, sleep won't come easy to him. His muscles and bones ache with soreness from practice, stages, and whatever else he's had to do this week. He feels weak. He grabs the blanket's fabric under him in his fist, gripping it in frustration.

It's lonely here. Ni-ki enjoyed the silence whenever he had it, but not so much at night. He grew up cuddling his sisters to sleep, which turned to sleeping in a room with his hyungs. Then when they got their own rooms, they were too busy to be there. He was always sharing a hotel room with someone. He was never alone.

For the first time in a while, he's in a room by himself. He knows he should enjoy it but he can't.

And he's too proud to go to his hyungs for comfort.

Ni-ki's eyes shoot open when his phone vibrates under him. He reaches a hand under himself, searching for the small device. The notification was nothing important, but it reminded him of what Sunoo had said to him.

His finger hovers over the contact of his friend. He hasn't talked to Y/n in days, he wants to, but both of them have been too busy.

After a few minutes, he finally clicks the call button. Bringing the phone to his ear, he breathes out a sigh. It keeps ringing as Y/n doesn't pick up. The phone goes silent and embarrassment fills him. He puts the phone down.

Vibrations shake his hand. Y/n was calling him back almost right away. Relief fills him but he still shakes from anxiety.

"Hey!" Y/n greets with enthusiasm as Ni-ki picks up, "Sorry, I meant to pick up but I didn't get to my phone in time-"

"Hey, who is that?!" A younger voice yells from across the room. Shuffling comes from the other end as the voice gets closer. "Hiiiii Ni-ki~" Woonhak teases, his voice suddenly louder as he speaks into the mic.

"Shut the fuck up, Woonhak." Y/n drops the phone on the bed while attempting to push Woonhak away from the phone. "Get away!" Y/n sighs as his groupmate laughs to himself.

"You still there?" Ni-ki asks, chuckling.

"Yes! I'm sorry..." Y/n's voice muffles as he whines into a pillow, embarrassed because of his friend. "So, what's up?"

"Oh," Oh yeah, he has to say something... "Just..." He thought about lying, "I missed you." He couldn't lie.

He smacks himself internally as Y/n goes quiet. The phone mic doesn't pick it up, but Woonhak is covering his mouth as giggles threaten to escape. Y/n takes the phone off of speaker mode...

"R- Right..." Y/n's voice shakes, "Yeah, we haven't talked in a while."

Ni-ki hums, "How's your comeback prep going?"

"Good..." Y/n bites his thumbnail, "Hopefully. I just got back from practice... This is hypocritical of me, but shouldn't you be asleep? It's really late."

"Yeah..." Ni-ki subconsciously yawns, "Shouldn't you?"

"My hyung was getting food delivered."

"Ah..." Ni-ki nods, "I was going to ask if you wanted to come over since we are both up but you're right it's late and-"

"I'll be over." Y/n answers quickly, shocking Ni-ki with his urgency.

"Don't you have to eat?"

"Don't worry about that, leave your door unlocked. I'll sneak my way in."

Ni-ki doesn't bother to fight back his smile, "Okay. See you soon."

"See ya!" The phone hangs up.

previous | next | home

— koki's note ★ ; GUESS WHOS BACK!!! and I'm back for real this time lolol, ill be posting regularly again 😚😚 hope yall missed me, might post another one today as an apology... i just started college and I'm ngl I'm kinda stressed... but I'm back on schedule so I should be able to post more regularly now :) have a fantastic one!

[natashaslesbian]

Sleepy Bear

Summary: Natasha finds an unusual way to help you sleep

Word Count: 1.1k

Parings (Natasha Romanoff x Reader)

Warnings: none I believe :))

————

You had no idea how long your girlfriend had been doing this for you. Sleep had never come easy to you, only did you get a rest when your exhaustion would force your body to shut down. Your thoughts leave you restless each night, the anxiety had always been there. Your mom started you in therapy when you were 7, the nightmares should have stopped by then. She tired everything, your mother, each week was a new medication. Your dad on the other hand, he couldn’t have cared less. It was him who marched you into the hospital demanding they scanned your ‘daft brain’ as he put it. There was nothing to be found. Years of therapy only brought the diagnosis of anxiety, much to the disappointment of your father. Dr Grey was a nice lady, but she couldn’t quite solve your problems. You were too young to put your anxiety into words, you just knew it made you too scared to sleep. You stopped therapy after your mom died and your dad refused to pay, you were left to your own devices.

You met Natasha 2 years ago at the coffee shop you work at. She fell head over heels the second she laid her eyes on you, not that she’d ever tell you that. You had your eyes on her too, it took you months to realise that she was purposely going out of her way to visit the shop multiple times a week. It started with lasting looks and then lingering touches when you passed the redhead her iced caramel oat milk latte. Soon you were slipping her extra cookies and then one day she slipped you her number, you never looked back after that day. After a few months you finally let Natasha come over to your apartment, she was horrified at the state you were living in, sleep was the last of your worries. Your dad kicked you out after you told him you were gay, you took what you could and found the cheapest little studio available. The paint was chipped all over, the cooker didn’t work and you were on the verge of eviction. The widow was desperate to move you into the compound, despite your discomfort at the idea. Eventually you agreed to take residence in one of the spare rooms, and surprisingly you settled in straight away. Your life fell back on track after that and you and Natasha had grown closer and stronger than ever, you even shared a room now, Natasha had to move the ring in her bedside draw to Clint’s room.

A slightly sharp corner had you stirring slightly, the assassin quick to flash you a worried glance. You settled again straight away, rolling your face into the cold window. The day you had finally told Natasha about your anxiety was a relief, you cried for hours that wednesday. Since your mother, no one had been so kind. You were so afraid she would run a mile, but she sat with you for all those hours, just holding you. Nat promised to spend every sleepless night with you, lord knows she had her own problems when it came to sleep, but you somehow found comfort in each others restless nights. Often you would take turns in reading to each other, some nights you would go for a stroll around the grounds of the compound. But your favourite form of medicine was the car. Natasha would wrap you up in her fluffy blanket and strap you snug into the passenger seat, the gentle hum and sway of the motor would eventually lull you into a slumber. It took months for your girlfriend to convince you to even try the idea, you hated it at first, what did she think you were, a baby? “I know you’re not an actual baby, but your my baby” she would say “let me take care of you” how she even thought of the plan was a mystery to you and you definitely didn’t want to admit it was working.

Natasha pulled into the 24 hour gas station, the car coming to a scratchy stop. “Mm, Tasha?” You mumbled, half asleep still. “I’m here sweetheart, I just need to get some gas” she said “would you like some snacks? Or do you wanna sleep a little longer?” Your belly rumbled right on cue “choccy biscuit” maybe you were still a baby at heart, “one pack of chocolate biscuits coming right up” the beautiful red head said, oh how you thought her locks were just gorgeous. “You’re so pretty” you whispered, eyes only half open “thank you baby” Natasha laid a kiss on your warm lips and you couldn’t stop the little squeal that escaped you. She wasn’t gone long enough for you to miss her, considering you continued to doze in her absence. You heard the familiar commotion of your girlfriend climbing back into the drivers seat, you peeled your eyes open to give her a sleepy smile “here you go sleepy bear” your favourite biscuits were deposited into your lap and you whispered a small thanks.

You contently nibbled for the 45 minute journey back to the compound, while Natasha quietly sang along to whatever trash was on the late night radio, you always thought they played the worse songs during the early hours of the morning. A quick glance at the clock told you it was 2:36am, Natasha had been driving you to sleep for over an hour, there was nothing she wouldn’t do for you. “I love you” you said, breaking the silence “I love you too y/n” Natasha replied, a bit unsure at why you were suddenly all mushy. “No” you continued “I really love you” a red light gave Nat the chance to flash you another worried look, she softened when you saw your eyes glistening back at her, and the smile engraved on your face “you’re welcome baby girl” you swear she could read your mind. With the conversation at a happy standstill you decided to close your eyes again, just for a little nap until you were home.

When you stirred again, the rough car seat had become your plush mattress and your head was laying comfortably on your pillow. It quickly became Natasha’s as she climbed into bed with you “can I have my own pillow sleepy?” She giggled “no” you sighed, carrying the sound to the end of your breath “it smells like you” you mumbled “but I’m right here?” The widow kindly shot back “oh yeah” you said, eyes still tightly shut, you still failed to roll back over though. “You’re not gonna move are you?” Natasha said, you shook your head against her arm and she didn’t hesitate to haul you up into lap, her arms wrapped tightly around your waist and your head perfectly slotted into the crook of her neck. “Sweet dreams y/n” Natasha wasn’t sure how much longer she could keep that ring locked away.

————

I wrote this when I couldn’t sleep and I almost cried

-Astara

[fantasticsandwich]

yandere influencer x fem! reader (pt 2)

Don't you know you're the apple of his eye?

Your fingertips were raw from constant nipping, the consequence of a nervous habit that resurfaced whenever your textbooks lay sprawled open like the wings of a fallen bird. Molecular biology had become your latest adversary in the quiet battleground of your small, well-lit room. Your eyes darted across diagrams and text while your brain fought to corral the stubborn facts into memory. They spun around, lines at a time, before coiling into helix lattices. You stared at the wall, watching as the facts floated across your vision like cell clusters inside the vitreous.

“Adenine pairs with thymine,” you muttered under your breath. You chewed on what was left of your nail, wincing slightly at the sting, but it was a pain less sharp than the prospect of failure. The glasses perched on the bridge of your nose slipped down, and you pushed them back up with a knuckle, not daring to smear the pristine lens with sweat-glossed fingers.

The sudden buzz of your phone shattered the stillness. It vibrated against the wooden surface of your desk insistently, the noise disproportionately loud in the silence. Cillian was the first person you thought of, and with him in mind, a wave of anxiety rolled through your chest. If it was him, calling you out for one of his impromptu gatherings, how could you say no without igniting his subtle ire?

Sighing, you ignored it. If he said anything, you would pretend to have been asleep.

“Focus,” you scolded yourself, yet your hand betrayed you, reaching for the device. The screen lit up, casting a glow on your tense features as you swiped to read the message.

‘Hey Y/N, can we meet? - Rian.’

It wasn't Cillian. Relief mingled with curiosity, loosening the tight knot of worry in your stomach. But why would Rian want to meet so suddenly? A simple inquiry, yet it stirred a flutter in your heart that felt oddly like hope.

Your fingers hovered over the reply button, pulse quickening at the possibility of an impromptu meet-up. A meet-up meant stepping away from the books and into a moment that was unplanned, untailored, something you hardly allotted time to.

"Sure, where?" you typed back, thumbs almost slipping on the screen in your haste. You pressed send before the seeds of doubt could take root, before you could convince yourself to decline for the sake of study or appeasement.

⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅

You found him waiting on O’Connell. The bridge was pulsing with Dublin's lifeblood, tourists snapping photos, street performers drawing crowds, locals weaving through it all with purposeful strides.

You saw him, but you were distracted, mesmerized by the crowd indifferently swimming around, swallowing you whole. You wished you could've delved into all of their psyches; mentally or otherwise, it was impossible to know what was wrong with someone. Some people were saints. Some were the worst people alive. Some were average. Some knew what they were and longed to appear otherwise. You were delighted by humanity’s infinite potential. Whether good or bad, humans held an even capacity for both. Someday, you would have to save the life of someone who didn’t deserve to live. You wondered what kind of person you’d become then, when your morals were upheld by a code.

Being in a crowd offered a wonderful sense of anonymity. You weren't anyone. You didn’t belong anywhere, but not one member of the numberless throng knew that. Momentarily, you were granted the chance to become anyone. Not an aspiring doctor. Not another student obsessed with owning nice things. All you wanted to be was at you friend’s side, enjoying the evening.

You stumbled through, eventually reaching Rian. His gaze fluttered to the pavement, then he moved to reach for his wallet. You snuck over, moving until you stood directly behind him. Hands creeping up to his shoulders, you pressed down, stifling a laugh when he jumped.

“Hey!”

“Shit, Y/N,” he hissed, fumbling with his wallet.

“Are you hungry?”

“No.”

At that moment, his stomach growled.

Laughing, you patted him on the back. He permitted your hold to linger, your arm resting across his shoulders as you embarked into the throng, mindlessly stepping. Their stroll led them to a small bar tucked into an alley. A flickering sign with streaks of balding neon designates its name, but you paid it no mind and entered. Inside, the atmosphere was cozy, dimly lit with amber bulbs that cast a comforting glow over the wooden tables.

Passing a line of arcade games, you choose a spot near the front, on barstools that overlooked the street. Still, you were attracted to the machine’s blaring lights like a moth. You wanted a plush toy from the claw machine and knew that you, for some reason or another—due to a lack of skill or luck—would not receive it. As the eldest child, you were accustomed to sowing the seeds of desire yet and never reaping. But it was for the better; you were greedy and would demand more.

“What are you looking at?”

Sharply inhaling, you spun around to face him. Rian peered at you from behind his phone screen, then set it aside, face up.

“Nothing,” you said. “Those machines are really bright. It’s distracting.”

“Yeah, I guess so,” he said, squinting. It really was blinding.

Settling at their table, Rian sank onto a stool, defeated. It creaked beneath his weight, and he winced.

“I’ll get us drinks,” said you, already rising.

His arm shot out in protest, wrapping around yoru wrist. “No, let me.”

With a huff, you tugged yourself free. “You invited me out, so it’s my treat.” Rian could not afford to squander his hard-earned cash on you.

“Isn’t it usually the other way?”

“Who cares? You’re getting free food. Don’t question my benevolence.”

Your bank account’s sum would dwindle, but someday, you’d make it back tenfold and treat Rian to something better than a shitty pub without even bothering to look at the price. This thought was your bleeding wallet’s only solace.

Reaching the bar, you ordered two pints. He swiftly delivered them from the tap. Cheering, you sipped at the froth spilling over the edge. You set a hefty glass before Rian and wiped your mouth on your shoulder.

“Sorry for the sudden call,” he abruptly said, his hands finding the security of his pockets as he spoke, “I just felt like seeing a friend today, and you’re as friendly as the lot gets.”

“No problem. I’m glad for the distraction. It feels like ages since we’ve last seen each other.”

“Yeah, really. Life gets busy. School, work, family… Between everything, It’s impossible to find a moment just to breathe.”

Not to mention how he juggled two part-time jobs, but Rian wasn’t one to complain.

Humming along, you traced the rim of your glass. You were vaguely aware that you should’ve gotten another to supplement living off of your mother’s income, but after last semester, you were reconsidering your ability to work and maintain your grades. At the very least, you’d work in the summer, and since your mother refused to take rent, would find other ways to help around the house. Maybe you should’ve already started looking for a co-op to boost your application for med school.

“It really is,” you said, shaking your head. “I thought so, too. I haven’t seen you or Connor in forever. I hate how, even though we attend the same university, it feels like we’re living in different worlds.”

Secondary school was unfounded hell, all seven layers of Dante’s inferno at once. While you didn’t recall those days fondly, you longed for its simplicity. There was a practiced ease to each day, comfort in only having to devote your time to your studies. Even now, you only had to focus on hitting the books and attending class, but because the responsibility to learn had fallen on you, you found your resolve wavering. Only the prospect of becoming filthy rich one day spurred your ambitions.

And grades too, you supposed. Most people claimed grades weren’t important, but those very same figures wouldn’t schedule appointments with a doctor who struggled through undergrad coursework. While it wouldn’t be evident upon entering an office, anyone could tell a doctor’s educational prowess through their conduct.

“Tell me about it,” you sighed, adjusting your glasses with a habitual motion. Your arm grazed the table on the way to your lap, stirring the contents of your cups. Your gaze was drawn to the rippling, amber liquid.

“Have you been keeping well with your studies?” Rian inquired.

“Trying to,” you said. You chuckled, a hollow, biting sound. “Can’t understand shit, but molecular biology isn't going to learn itself.”

“Speaking of misunderstandings,” Rian ventured cautiously, his fingers playing with the condensation on his glass. “Are you... I mean, I could be wrong, but from what I hear around campus, is there something going on between you and Cillian?”

The question struck you like a wave, causing you to inhale sharply. Your mouthful of beer went down the wrong pipe, and you choked, sputtering as you tried to regain your composure. Your eyes watered as you reached for a napkin, dabbing at your lips.

“Why would you ask that?” you managed to cough out. Bringing a hand up, you hit your chest, dislodging the liquid from your lungs.

Rian's gaze was steady, though not unkind, as he took a slow sip of his beer, buying a moment before answering. He set the glass down with a gentle thud, the sound muffled by the chatter and music surrounding them.

“I guess I’ve noticed how he's around you. It’s like… like he's always trying to keep close to you, you know?”

You studied Rian’s expression, noting the earnest furrow in his brow.

“No, we’re not anything. Only friends, and Cillian is just… complicated,” you began, voice trailing off as you searched for the right words. “But speaking of complicated,” you ventured with a cautious smile, “how are things with your girlfriend? I know you’re long-distance, but you haven’t talked about her in a while.”

Rian’s expression softened, but his eyes darted away for a moment before meeting yours again. He fiddled with the edge of a coaster, his fingers tracing the damp outline left by his beer glass.

“Ah, well, we haven’t spoken much lately,” he admitted, a note of shyness betraying his usual warmth. “It’s kind of on a pause, I guess. But it’s alright. Life's been busy. Busy, or maybe I’m not good at juggling.”

Sometimes, you thought Eve was a grand ploy invented by his madness. A girlfriend who lived in Malaysia and only met him through an exchange program last year? You didn’t recall meeting such a person, but supposedly, they struck up conversation because Rian was learning Indonesian, and they kept in contact to continue as language partners. It didn’t make sense to you, but what did you know? You were studying biomedical science, after all. You knew all the heart’s functions except for one.

“Really?” You responded with good-natured curiosity, though your mind was elsewhere. A buzz from under the table jolted you out of your reverie. You glanced down discreetly, the familiar ding of a text notification causing your heart to skip a beat. It was Cillian. Your fingertips brushed against the cold metal.

“Y/N?” Realizing your distraction, Rian’s brows knitted together.

“Sorry,” you said quickly, giving him an apologetic grin. “Just lost in thought for a second there.”

Another buzz, more insistent this time, sent a ripple of anxiety through you. You could almost hear Cillian’s voice in your head, his voice with each chime. Hey, hey, hey. Answer me. Why aren’t you picking up the phone? Your grip on the cup tightened.

Rian took a sip of his beer, his eyes not leaving your face. In the brief silence that followed, you were crushed beneath the weight of his unspoken questions, the air thickening as your phone continued like a beehive, its screen emitting a faint glow from beneath the cover of the table. You angled the device slightly, squinting to read the string of texts as you typed out a hurried response. Your thumb fumbled over the autocorrect suggestions, fingers flying too fast for your mind.

“Did I call you out at a bad time?” Rian leaned in, genuinely perplexed, the soft light casting shadows across his face. “You seem to be somewhere else.”

Embarrassment flushed your cheeks as you tucked the device away, hoping your smile might mask the sudden rush of guilt. “Ah, no, it's not that,” you managed to say, your voice a pitch higher than usual. “Brother’s home alone and doesn’t know how to cook. I’ll get him some Chinese after. You know how it is.”

Instead of answering, he shrugged and downed the rest of his glass’ contents in a single long gulp. Your heart clenched with gratitude. You offered a nod, a silent thank you, before redirecting the conversation to safer, shallower waters.

Across from you, Rian reached for his glass, the ice within clinking like a subtle chime. He took a slow swig to scoop any dregs into his mouth, chewed on a piece of ice, then set the glass down with measured care. His hand moved through the air as if to dismiss an irritating gnat.

“Summer brings all the pests,” he said, swatting at the air. “You shouldn’t bait flies. They’ve got germs and they’ll make you sick if they linger.”

Your mouth was dry. “I’ll… I’ll keep that in mind.”

Hugging yourself, you watched the night drift past, viewing the crowd, pinpointing people to imagine the lives of. You spied yourself in the reflection, your image superimposed across the glass. Your lens reflected the light, making your eyes round discs.

What were you doing here? What were your goals with Rian?

He was always a joy to hang out with, but like all good things, he was received in moderation. He took just enough courses to be considered a full-time student and whenever he wasn’t committed to his studies, spent his precious free time trapped at a part-time job. His pay covered his tuition. His grandparents from the countryside sent him a meager allowance for food. Whenever they went out, he eyed the prices. He’d offer to pay at dinner, but no one ever permitted him to snag the check, knowing better than to take advantage of his needlessly giving nature. Without parents, he struggled more than a regular student ought to, so you tried to take care of him, the boy who was like the younger brother you’d always wanted. You weren’t doing a very good job, but Rian was nothing if not determined to squander his loyalty on someone like you.

You had sparse conversation, commenting on things between bites.  While not particularly close with Rian, he was easy to read and transparent. You soon developed a good groove in the conversation, permitting it to falter when you finally lost interest. Otherwise, you ordered chips to eat in silence and neatly stacked the trays when finished. While you wiped the table down with a napkin, Rian discarded your trash in a rubbish bin.

Checking the time, you realized y ouhad been out for just over an hour. You could’ve extended the plans. You still had a small balance set aside for discretionary spending, but the week was yet to end, and you feared that Cillian might impose an abrupt photography session, which meant visiting a new resturaunt, which would be followed by a trip to his favorite cafe.

If you’d gone out with him instead of Rian tonight, you could’ve expected to extend the excursion by an hour and for your account to be wiped. He knew all the trendy, fashionable stores, and in the company of someone like him, you felt compelled to also look your best. You could do little about your physical appearance, so through fashion, it was.

On the way out, you passed by that claw machine again. You glanced longingly at the contents. Although the quality was questionable, the little duck perched atop the lot was adorable. You paused to stare at your reflection in the mirror. Your face looked puffy and beneath the harsh lights, the bags beneath your eyes visible. The breeze had died and the night air was humid, so baby hairs stuck to your forehead. Retrieving a clip from your purse, you stalled. You scooped the strands between your thumb and forefinger, attaching the clip. You laughed at yourself. Your bangs stuck up like a palm tree.

“So that’s what you were looking at,” said Rian, slotting himself at your side. His reflection joined yours. “Want me to win it for you?”

“No. It’s all luck, no skill.”

“That’s because you’re not skilled.”

“You know these things are practically scams, right? The claws are always too weak to grab anything.”

Rian’s lips curved into a smile, his features illuminated by the neon colors dancing across his face. “Maybe,” he conceded, tucking a stray lock of wavy hair behind his ear. “But it’s still worth a shot. What if I win you something?”

“Then I’ll be genuinely impressed.”

You winced when he inserted a bill. He maneuvered the claw around, eyeing an ugly thing. You stood at the side of the machine, eyeing his trajectory. The machine gave two turns with each payment. During the first, Rian managed to snag the creature. Seized by the head, it precariously wobbled before slipping out and falling back into place. The second was just as dismal.

Rian clicked his tongue. You begged him to stop, but he fed the machine bill after bill. He shrieked with every failed attempt, yet on on the eighth and final turn, the claw held fast and secured the creature.  Your mouth fell open as the prize dangled precariously during its journey toward the drop chute, landing with a dull thud. It was still for a moment before he lifted the plexiglass and snatched it up.

“Yes! Did you see that? I beat the machine!”

Gripping it by the neck, he presented a scraggy bundle of coarse thread and lopsided proportions. You weren’t quite sure what it was meant to be. Similarly, it wasn’t the one you had your eye on earlier. Nevertheless, you profusely thanked his efforts and rewarded him with an awkward embrace.

“Let’s take a picture with your new friend there,” Rian begged. His phone, a device older than most, its screen littered with scratches, was already out of his pocket and in his hands. “I want to show off my skills.”

You grinned. “You’re going to brag about one measly win?”

“It made you smile. But if you don’t want to, that’s fine.”

“No. It’s alright. It’s just one picture.”

You hugged the toy close to your chest to muffle the furious pounding of your heart as he snapped the photo. With its head skimming your cheek, you caught a whiff of its cardboard stench and felt a hole beneath one of the arms. The material was coarse against your cheek. You gritted your teeth and grinned. You wouldn’t complain because Rian was overjoyed to provide something for you, so you chewed your tongue.

Instead of the shoddy object, you reveled in the sentiment behind it, knowing your momentary happiness was worth losing out on several lunches because he valued you more than himself.

Backing up, Rian framed the shot with shaky hands. Just as the shutter clicked, someone jostled him from behind. With a grin, he turned the screen toward you, displaying your blurred visage.

“Rian, it’s all hazy,” you protested. The lights in the back were supernovas, streaky lines illuminating your silhouette. Your figure appeared smeared across them like a watercolor painting left out in the rain.

“Doesn’t matter.” He shrugged, pocketing his phone without a second glance. “It’s just a picture of us—well, you and the… Whatever the fuck the ugly thing is. I know you’ll love it. You’ve got this way of loving things no one else could.”

You would. You had to, because no one else would offer the care you did.

You could’ve deluded yourself into feeling special, but it was all for show. He was smiles and kindness, yet above all, Rian was desperate to keep others at his side as if they were pieces of art to be displayed. Such was natural for people of his nature; those who were alone and despised the fact would always try to appear otherwise, and at all costs. Rian would toil and squander his precious time and money to please you, because if he didn’t no one else would. He was an indispensable person, eager to assert his value. That was his sense of selfishness.

Knowing all that, would you still plead for the stupid toy again? Of course, and without delay. The harsh truth to the world was that that happiness could only be achieved through vanity. Humans were vain and selfish; no person was inherently selfless. Those that were, were without good reason.

[storiesofsvu]

Prince Charming

Anthony DiNozzo x fem!reader Warnings: language, smut eluded to, maybe a tiny hint of insecurity but not really, just anxiety in a brand new relationship. Love Tony? Get added to the taglist here!

At the shrill sound of your alarm your hand darted out faster than you could think, quietly smacking the device to silence it. Doing your best not to shift the bed too much, you cracked an eye open, looking over to Tony in the darkness of the room, watching him for a couple of minutes. He was still sound asleep, laying on his side, arm reaching out to where you’d been cuddled up and he looked unbelievably peaceful. Most unfair of all was just how cute he looked, not needing a single moment of touching up or priming to be his normal dreamy self, completely unlike you.

Which is of course, why you were up early and setting that extra alarm just to make sure you didn’t miss your chance. Moving impossibly slow you slipped from under the blanket, forgoing slippers to not make any extra noise as you tip toed from the bed and into the en suite, silently closing the door behind you. Letting out a soft breath of relief of making it this far, you flicked on one of the small lamps as to not draw attention to yourself yet. As your eyes adjusted and you were met with your reflection you grimaced, not wanting to be bare faced in front of your new boyfriend yet you’d slept in your makeup, a rookie mistake. On any regular night that was bad enough, but considering the activities prior to sleeping the night before, you were incredibly thankful Tony wasn’t seeing you like this.

There was an internal debate over make up wipe versus fully washing your face, part of your brain thinking the water would be too loud, the other half arguing opening a new pack of wipes would be just as bad. In the end you had to settle for both, washing away the dirt and grime while using the wipe to get rid of the smudged eyeliner in the creases of your eyes. Letting your skin dry you quickly pulled a comb through your hair, getting rid of any of the big knots and finger combing through a couple of curls in hopes that they’d be practically perfect beach waves in a moments time. You certainly weren’t going to forget about brushing your teeth, scrubbing as hard and quick as you could to make sure your breath was perfectly fresh before swiping on fresh deodorant. You glanced toward the bedroom, pausing your tasks for a moment to listen and thankfully all you could hear were Tony’s soft snores. You had just enough time to wipe on some tinted moisturizer, hiding the couple of blemishes that were already coming in from sleeping in your makeup and a quick coat of mascara to brighten up your eyes. Finally you grabbed the bralette and matching panties you’d stashed in a drawer before your date, slipping into them, tugging the lacy fabric until it was perfect and with a satisfied smile, you flicked out the light.

Opening the door you hesitated in the doorway, listening to the sound of silence before tip toeing back across the room and sliding back into your side of the bed. As carefully as you could you nestled in beside Tony on your side, adjusting the pillow so your hair wasn’t a rats nest and you could ‘wake up’ facing him looking closer to perfect. You slipped under his outstretched hand and he let out a quiet grunt, arm wrapping tighter around you and pulling you toward him. Your breath caught in your throat for a second until a hint of his cologne hit you and your entire body relaxed, a small smile on your cheeks.

Just as your eyes fluttered shut and you thought you might actually fall back asleep again his lips brushed your forehead, feather light once, and then a second time more firmly. His hand came to brush back a few pieces of your hair, trailing down the side of your face to cup your cheek, thumb stroking across your skin before he kissed you gently.

“You know, you don’t have to do that.” He murmured, voice thick with sleep.

“What?” You feigned a yawn, letting out a soft sigh as you opened your eyes, catching him gazing down at you with a happy grin and you felt a heat creeping into your cheeks.

“Well for starters I’m pretty sure I got you fully naked last night.” His fingers snuck under the strap of your bralette, free hand shifting the blanket down around your waist, “though I will admit I do like the look of this.”

“Got up to pee, felt weird walking around naked.” You fibbed with a shrug and he chuckled, leaving another kiss on your forehead.

“Fixed your make up too.” This time his lips landed on yours again, humming into the kiss, “and I believe I detect hints of peppermint.”

“Ugh. Fine.” You grumbled, swatting against his bare chest, “just stop.”

“Hmm?” He asked, lips pressing against the corner of your mouth, “you want me to stop kissing you? My oh so beautiful girlfriend?”

“I look a mess in the mornings.” You groaned, rolling over in his arms and his grip tightened around you, yanking you back to him.

“No, I’m not letting you go, its too early to get out of bed.” He rubbed his stubble against your neck and you shivered, scrunching up your shoulders in an attempt to get away from him, “absolutely not, you’re stuck here now.” He insisted, his fingers beginning to tickle at your sides, pulling small laughs from you as you struggled in his arms.

“I need to pee!” You squealed, trying to grab hold of at least one of his hands so you could dart from the bed.

“Okay, okay, okay.” He finally surrendered when you got a nice elbow into his ribs and you darted from the bed.

You could feel his eyes on you as you crossed back through the room, lingering on your lace covered frame before you slipped back under the covers and snuggled back into him. Tony eagerly wrapped an arm back around you, leaving a kiss on the top of your head.

“Better?” He asked and you giggled.

“Much.”

“Why didn’t you just pee when you were up earlier?” He asked, shifting his head back to look at you and you grimaced.

“I didn’t want to risk waking you up.” You shrugged, chewing on your lip.

“Hey..” his voice softened as his finger curled under your chin, tilting your gaze back up to his eyes, “what’s goin’ on with you this morning? All this being sneaky, cute underwear, minty fresh teeth?”

“I already told you; I look a mess in the mornings.”

“So what? It’s not like I look like prince charming.”

You let out a huff, burrowing your face into his chest, “somehow you always look like prince charming.”

Tony laughed softly, his hand cupping the back of your head, fingertips scratching your scalp soothingly, “I’ll accept the compliment but I really don’t think that’s accurate, you’ve got rose tinted glasses on.”

“Exactly!” You huffed again, “everything’s so new and fresh and fantastic and without any flaws. I couldn’t risk waking up with my face all smeared, messy hair looking like a troll. That’d scare you away.”

“Oh sweetheart….” His hand curled around your cheek, turning your face up to see his smiling one, “I don’t care if you think you look like Godzilla when you wake up, you’re my beautiful Godzilla.”

“Nice analogy.” You half grumbled and he laughed.

“I mean it.”

“Really?”

“Absolutely.” He kissed the tip of your nose, “baby you have me completely and totally wrapped around your finger, you know that? I don’t care if I wake up and you’re snoring away with drool crusted in the corners of your mouth, I’m still smitten.”

“Ew..” Your nose crinkled and he laughed.

“I mean it.” He caressed your cheek softly, gazing down at you and you felt yourself utterly melt at the admiration pouring from his eyes, he wasn’t kidding, he was completely smitten and nothing else mattered but waking up next to you.

“You’re such a softie.” You giggled, leaning up to kiss him as your lips curved into a grin, a sense of joy spreading through you as you felt his lips do the same.

“And this softie meant it, it’s way too early to get out of bed.” He wrapped a sturdy arm around you, pulling you tight to him and you let out a little squeal as he practically crushed you into his chest.

“Well I’m awake already…” you mumbled against his torso, feeling the vibration as he laughed, rolling over to grab the tv remote.

“Pick something.” He suggested, handing it over to you as he let his grip relax a little bit.

You let out a happy sigh, half curled into his side as his arm stayed around you and you began to flick through the channels until you found something satisfactory. Tony’s hand trailed up and down your back, occasionally fidgeting with the lace of the bralette, twisting it around his fingers before letting it go and moving his hand upwards to play with your hair.

“I could get used to mornings like this.” He murmured softly and you hummed happily, turning your face to his.

“Me too.” You smiled and his hand cupped your cheek again, moving in to kiss you tenderly, his lips moving with grace against your own until you pulled away and his brow furrowed.

“What?”

“You may look like prince charming… but you have terrible morning breath.” You winced slightly and then burst out into a giggle and the feigned aghast expression on his face.

“Oh come on, the one time I forget to brush before bed.”

“Hey, dentists orders, twice daily.”

“I was a little distracted.” He smirked, free hand gently groping at your ass, “how was I supposed to be thinking of teeth health with someone as stunning as you next to me.” He leant in for another kiss but was met with your finger tip pressing him away.

“Tony….”

“Fine.” He playfully rolled his eyes, choosing instead to leave a kiss on the top of your head before heading to the bathroom to take care of the situation. The sound of running water echoed into the room and you let out a very happy sigh, sinking deeper down into the pillows as happiness radiated through your entire body.

Yes, you certainly could get used to mornings like these.

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