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arias-archive · 2 months ago

Note

can u write a one bed scene between Grayson and Lyra which takes place right after the scene where they kiss in tgg

a/n: Hiiii! Yes ofc! I’m so SO SO sorry it took so long but I wanted to make sure I got this as perfect as I could for all the anticipation it built :) (there was also another anon who asked for a graysonlyra fic so I hope this is okay!). I really hope I didn’t let anyone down and once again, thank u for waiting and supporting <3

this is set right after the graysonlyra kiss in tgg!

warnings: swearing, panic attck, kissing, slight tgg spoilers?

description: 12 hours until the next game and what a coincidence the asshole got locked out of his room

tig masterlist | masterlist

catch me if you can (a graysonlyra fic)

Lyra thought about the danger of touch. She thought about all the reasons she had not to do this. But as Grayson lowered his lips, Lyra rose up on her toes, tilted her head backward, moving like a dancer, needing this—and him.

Her long-held memory of that kiss gave way to this kiss. And this kiss was everything.

His tongue coaxed her lips to part, slipping inside, sinfully exploring every inch, ravishing her in a way she never had been before.

He wasn’t a gentle kisser, but he wasn’t rough either. This kiss was greedy and passionate and everything she needed. Her lips tingled with the memory of their first kiss, but that was practically a peck compared to this.

She knew this was foolish, kissing Grayson Davenport Hawthorne when she had every reason to hate him. She wanted to forget about that for a moment, letting the kiss deepen while her thoughts ebbed away- with nothing but him plaguing her mind.

As she wrapped her arms around the back of his neck, she really didn’t want to stop. She felt like she was burning from the inside out and all she wanted was to burn with him.

They stood there, desperately fused together with the burning orange sunrise illuminating them. He held onto her waist, her chest pressed up against his in a way that made her want to get impossibly closer. He pulled away for a breath and her mouth instinctively followed him, pressing against his lips again.

She didn’t know how long they stayed like that, fused to each other but it was her who pulled away first, face flushed and breathless. But It was the sound of a couple of breaking branches that jolted her out of her fantasy.

She was still standing in the frame of his arms when they pulled apart, his fingers digging into the smallest part of her waist as if she could vanish at any moment. She whipped her head around, brown locks whipping her face as she searched for what could’ve possibly disturbed them. She saw nothing though.

Nothing except the charred ruins of the great mansion that one stood here, a skeletal frame bordering them. Nothing except the burnt remains of the papers containing her father's names scattering the ground.

She was surrounded by papers bearing her father’s name, someone had given her a ticket and it wasn’t the Hawthorne’s and Odette-

The realisation of what she’d been trying to actively avoid slammed into her like a truck.

And then the kiss just felt wrong, wrong, wrong.

Her lips burned with the intensity of it all, desperate to fall back into him but she couldn’t. She felt sick. She jumped back. Still high on the adrenaline from that kiss, she turned and ran.

Okay, maybe worse than just ran. She practically sprinted from the ruins, running towards the House, leaving the silver-eyed boy alone in the trees.

She heard him shout her name, she heard him sprint after her but she still ran. She was still reeling from everything that had taken place from last night to now. She was in shock that she ran away from the kiss without saying anything to him. What the hell was wrong with her?

She ran until everything hurt, and she was gasping for air. And then she ran some more. Her feet pounded against the dirt in time with her racing heart. But running was all she knew how to do at the moment. She needed to get away, from everything. She needed to think. To process everything and what would happen next.

She shouldn’t have kissed Grayson to push away those thoughts. And she shouldn’t have ran away after that. That was stupid. She didn’t want to use Grayson like that. Her heart ached at the thought of the asshole becoming a distraction for her. Something to use to solve the mystery of her father.

She might admit she cared about Grayson Davenport Hawthorne.

She was still dressed in her beautiful masquerade ball dress, the frothy waves of her skirt swishing around her as she kicked up stones and twigs and leaves in her wake. These were the wrong shoes to run in, she thought, as she felt her feet throbbing painfully.

She was so close to the House, just had to push past the overwhelming desire to stop and breath, when she felt strong arms wrap around her, her feet dangling off the ground.

“What the fuck?’ She exploded incredulously, glaring down at the freaking asshole who was holding her captive. She thrashed her body against his hold like a fish out of water. She already felt exhausted from sprinting all that way, and she really needed a drink of water but she couldn’t stop wriggling in his hold. Who did he think he was?

“Why did you run?” Grayson huffed, grappling for calm. He had a vice-like grip around her body and she couldn’t help but be reminded of the chandelier task, her body arcing into his instinctively-

Nope. She wasn’t going there right now.

She stared at him in disbelief, tightening the unsteady grip she had around his shoulders to balance herself. “What the fuck is wrong with you, asshole?”

“You’re the one who ran after we kissed!” He defended astutely, “Did I do something-”

“Put me down,” she interrupted him sharply, aiming a swift kick towards whatever body part she could reach with her beautiful ballet flats.

He lowered her down gently, before she could actually connect her foot with its intended target, letting her stumble back a few steps. He stood there, waiting for an answer to his question. He didn’t repeat it though, just let her answer when she was ready.

She bent over double, hands on her knees as she grappled for air and trying to make sense of her own emotions.

He didn’t do anything wrong. She really liked that kiss and she really did want his help in finding out the truth about her father. But it was his family, his grandmother, that had something to do with this. She couldn’t do this, she just couldn’t.

“No, you didn’t do anything,” Lyra finally replied, her gaze baring into the ground. She couldn’t bring herself to look into his stony eyes. Afraid the see the judgement there.

“Then why did you run, Lyra?” His tone was calm, like he already knew everything but was waiting for confirmation. She hated that he always sounded so self-assured. She hated that she was so uncertain again.

Like she was remembering that birthday all over again.

Her entire world had been thrown off-kilter again, sending her mind battling for possibilities to make sense of this twisted joke. “I’m sorry,” she mumbled quietly, eyes stuck to the ground in embarrassment. “This isn’t about the kiss. I just needed to think-“ She paused, unsure of how to explain why she actually ran when she wasn’t sure herself.

“If this is about your father,” Grayson said with unshakeable promise, “I vow I will help you find out what happened, Lyra. You have my word.”

Even just the mention of her father from somebody else’s mouth stung like acid. She nodded, her eyes still glued to the dirt floor as she straightened herself up.

Her unease still clung to her, her father’s names rattling around her head like gunfire. The coppery tang of gunpowder and blood coated her senses, preventing her from sucking in air.

Her vision blurred, her ears ringing like the aftermath of gunfire. She thought the situation could’ve gotten better now that she had the help of Grayson. She had someone on her team.

But she’d lived so long being the only person on her team that she couldn’t rely on someone else to help her. She didn’t know how.

Her sense of vision and hearing were impaired, her sense of smell clogged up by blood. But she hadn’t lost her control on touch. She leant into Grayson, digging her face into his shoulder.

His arms wrapped around her back and the back of her knees, lifting her up softly. She couldn’t hear the reassurances he was murmuring into her ear, but she could feel his comforting presence around her- reminding her that he was on her team from the start. Even though she didn’t want it.

She must’ve spaced out because next thing she knew, she was in her temporary room, fingers digging into the sheets beneath her, sobbing into Grayson Hawthorne.

Her sobs were ugly, ragged and breathless. She was just mumbling incoherent nonsense until Grayson shushed her.

He pressed a finger to her lips to silence her and Lyra’s temper flared. Why did he think he could just silence her?

Her furious gaze snapped to his, glaring into the endless abyss of gray. His lips twitched as if he knew that would get her attention. That just made her angrier.

“You will stay here with me,” he murmured, her brain remembering the words from the panic attack she had earlier on. When he had first seen her vulnerable. “Right here. Right now, Lyra.”

She liked the way he said her name. The way it rolled off his tongue with precision and charm and surety. The way the syllables bounced off his tongue, as if he savoured the very words.

She focused on that, on him, on where she was. Here and now

“When I was 13,” he started, his gaze locked onto her panicked eyes, a calmness that she didn’t possess right now. “My brothers hid glitter on top of my bathroom fan, then proceeded to cover the entire bathroom in glue.”

She snorted, lips twitching in amusing at the thought of a clueless Grayson wandering inside her bathroom and being met with a sparkly surprise.

He lifted her palm to his chest, pressing it against his steadily beating heart. It was calm and orderly, just like Grayson. So she tried to match her breathing to its pace, syncing up the him.

“I turned on the fan,” he continued, rubbing his warm hands against her arms, grounding here to the here and now. “Obviously glitter exploded everywhere and stuck to everything.” He still sounded so bitter about it that she actually burst out laughing, in midst of her tears.

Grayson’s lips tilted upwards after listening to her laugh, unable to stop the quiet chuckles eliciting from his own mouth. Lyra focused in on his lips, they were fuller than they should be, and sinfully beautiful. The memory of his lips pressed against hers tingled painfully, aching for more.

Grayson tried his best to control his amusement as he schooled his features back into a bored expression. “That isn’t funny,” he huffed with an eye roll. “There’s still glitter in my bathroom.”

She shook her head, her breaths slowing down, matching with his own calming pace. She pulled away from him, turning her face away as she dried her wet face. She was slightly embarrassed now.

But before she could ever let that embarrassment fester, his fingers found the bottom of her chin, tilting it up towards his face. “Don’t do that,” he murmured with a small shake of his head. “I’m on your team, Lyra.”

“Do what?” She asked after she cleared her itchy throat, unable to look away from his piercing gaze.

“Put those walls back up.” There it was again. The way he said her name. Like it was a prayer, whispered over and over again. She liked hearing her name come out his mouth.

She managed to drag her gaze away, eyeing the barely furnished room. She was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to crawl into bed and just sleep for a bit, but she couldn’t. Not until she properly apologised.

She wasn’t good at apologising though. Especially not to assholes like him. The words caught in her throat, refusing to push past her lips.

So she changed the subject with a breezy tone. “I liked the first story you told me,” she considered with a small scrunch of her nose. “The one about the cello and the kitten and the long sword.”

“And a crossbow,” he added. His hands never left her arms, soothing her even if she didn’t want to talk about it yet.

“You have to tell me how that happened-“

“I will not.” He replied firmly.

“Oh come on,”

They bickered and chatted for ages, Lyra slumped against Grayson’s shoulder as he just chatted on about whatever she wanted to hear next. His voice was grounding. It pushed away the sticky blood and the metallic tang of gunpowder and the burnt remains of those notes.

Eventually, Grayson stood up, pulling two keys out of his pocket. “I should leave now,” he said, dusting imaginary dust off his vintage suit, tugging at the sleeves.

He handed one key to her, her own room key which he must’ve taken from the trays back downstairs. She held it firmly, letting the cool metal of the intricate designs press patterns into her skin.

She wouldn’t beg him to stay, despite her wishes. It wasn’t in her nature to plead. She was fine now, better than fine. She was ready.

She nodded at his words, opening her mouth to apologise before he left but the words stuck to the roof of her mouth, heavy and weighted. He waited for her to speak but she couldn’t. She waved him off with a small smile, flopping back onto the bed.

He turned to leave, casting one last glance at the dark haired girl before gently shutting the door behind him. She strained her ears to listen to his retreating footsteps until they faded completely.

She didn’t know how long she lay on the bed, simply staring at the ceiling contemplating everything until she heard a firm knock at her room.

She furrowed her dark brows, sitting up with a yawn, hair cascading down her back. She needed sleep desperately.

“Who is it?” She called, stifling her yawn with her hand.

“Grayson,” the smooth voice replied back, so quiet yet so loud all at once. “Can I come in?”

She nodded before realising he couldn’t actually see her so she called out, “Yeah. Is everything okay?”

The door was pushed open as Grayson re-entered the room, walking with authority and power wherever he went. He shut the door behind her, arms crossed over his chest.

She raised a questioning brow, signalling for him to talk about why he was here.

He cleared his throat before speaking. “It appears that our lovely game makers have locked me out of my room,” he said coolly, his jaw ticking in annoyance.

“Oh,” Lyra replied with pursed lips, biting the inside of her cheek. Only now did she notice he was keyless.

She didn’t know what to say to him just standing there, basically asking for help even if he would never outright demand it. His way of relinquishing some control, she supposed. Dare she say even trust her a bit?

He had helped her, throughout the whole night and going forward. Hell, she was sobbing in his arms not too long ago. So before she could even stop the words from coming out her mouth, she said, “You can stay in here,” before hastily adding, “if you want.”

He assessed her and then the room, nodding once. “Only if you are sure.” His voice was monotone, but she felt the undertone of hesitation there too. It was almost comical to her.

She looked around the room, taking in the sparsely furnished room. There wasn’t a chair, or a couch, or even a rug for him to sit down on.

Only the bed. Where she too was planning to lay. But she couldn’t tell him to get out now. Not after kindly offering her room up.

So she wordlessly shuffled to one side of the luxurious bed, pulling off her ballet flats and disposing them beside the bed. She lay down, still clad in her beautiful ball gown, waiting for him to do the same.

He paused, as if waiting for something. A moment later,, he bent down to take off his own shoes and lined them up neatly at the foot of the bed. He robotically lay down on the other side of the bed, facing the ceiling, stiff as a board. As if he were laying on a bed of nails.

She rolled her eyes and couldn’t resist teasing him. He looked like a grumpy cat. “Everything okay, Hawthorne?”

“Splendid,” came his bored reply, his eyes meticulously tracing the ceiling.

“You look like you’re going to fall off the bed,” she stated, propping herself up into an elbow, nudging his shoulder with her other hand. “Move closer.”

He was quiet for so long Lyra wasn’t even sure he was going to reply but then he moved. Only slightly. The barest centimetre.

Lyra rolled her eyes again, poking his shoulder harder. “Never slept in a bed with someone before?”

His scowl only intensified, only adding to her own enjoyment. But he moved closer, albeit only slightly. She kept up her taunting and teasing until he was only a few inches away from her own position on the bed.

She lay back down properly, rolling over her other side to get comfy. Her eyes fluttered with exhaustion and she was eager for sleep to take her.

Just as she was about to drift off, she felt an arm drape over her midsection, clutching her closer to the warm chest pressed against her back. Her cheeks heated at the proximity. She could feel his heart racing, even through the layers.

She stayed like a statue at first, unsure of what to do or how to react. But she meant what she thought earlier. She did like Grayson. And she wanted someone on her team. To be in her corner.

So before she lost the nerve, she flipped around in his embrace and pressed a long, hard kiss to his lips, her tongue coaxing entrance to his mouth.

Sparks ignited from the contact, their bodies creating an unholy inferno daring to be burned out. He pulled her even closer, deepening the kiss fully.

Her fingers threaded through his blonde locks as his caressed her face, thumb rubbing her cheek softly.

This kiss wasn’t like the first, or even second kiss. This one was better. As if they had never kissed before yet had kissed a hundred times before.

It felt like two people dancing, moving simultaneously to the music only they could hear. It felt like a battle, each treading more deeper into greed.

This time it was her who pulled away for air first, his mouth following hers only to be stopped by her finger held against his lips, effectively stopping him.

She could see the protest flash through his eyes so she forced the words out her lips. So she could properly apologise, not the half-hearted explanation she gave earlier.

“I’m sorry for running, Grayson,” she whispered softly, her lips dewy with saliva. Her eyes bore into his eyes with sincerity, using her other hand to push hair away from his face. “It wasn’t about the kiss at all-“

He pushed her finger down impatiently, cutting off her apology with another kiss before pulling away. “You run, I run, Lyra.”

She grinned, wrapping an arm around his body as she let her eyes flutter shut. And for the first time in a very long while, she had felt safer than she had ever felt.

“Catch me if you can, asshole.”

#the grandest game #tgg #grayson davenport hawthorne #grayson hawthorne #grayson x lyra #lyra kane #lyra x grayson #lyra catalina kane #grayson hawthorne x lyra kane #the brothers hawthorne #tbh #one bed trope #graysonlyra #lyrason #graysonlyra fic #lyrason fic #jennifer lynn barnes #jlb

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blahblahblees · 9 months ago

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maybe lab rats bionic island chase x reader in which chase trains reader at the academy and over time they spend more time together training and start to fall for one another? (reader is in the red category) thank you!

ヽ｀、☁ヽ｀─── kiwi ミ chase davenport

✎ ·˚ ༘ ─── passionate about being the best and proving herself, chase davenport helps her train even more and falls for her in the process.

wc: 714

chase davenport x fem!reader (use of she/her pronouns)

tw: kissing (?)

a/n: ngl i had to do some research 😔 but to add, this prompt didn’t have any preferred pronouns used… in the future if it’s not stated if it’s a fem or masc reader i’ll use they/them pronouns :) in this case she/her is used

molecularkinesis — to have limited control of physical forces and to move and otherwise interact with objects and people of a certain number, size, speed and weight without physical contact and from a distance

THE DAVENPORT Bionic Academy had seen success in the few months that it’d been opened. Mr. Davenport had seen great progress with several of the students with the help of Adam (surprisingly), Bree, Chase, and Leo (another surprise). These students would soon follow in the lead of the siblings and help save the world with training they had received.

But one students wanted nothing more than to be the best. To prove herself. She wanted to be the one who stepped out of this academy with great success. She wanted Mr. Davenport to see her a someone worthy of being sent out on missions and coming back as successful.

Which is why she trained for days. She would train herself with the lessons prior and ranked up to be label in the red category. She was practically at the top of the leaderboard and she wasn’t going to let that slip from her fingers.

She would take the lessons she learned from Adam, Bree, Chase, and Leo, and continued to train without their guidance.

But one day, Chase happened to make his rounds around the academy and saw her training by herself, using her bionic against no one else but the practice dummies they continuously had sent out to them.

“What are you doing?” Chase called.

She turned quickly, sweat dripping down her skin as she faced him.

“Practicing.” She answered quickly.

Chase stepped further into the room, placing his tablet on a nearby ottoman and grabbed her hands and kicked her feet apart.

“When sparring, you never want them to know your next move.” He said, adjusting her hands. “Don’t be afraid to use your molecularkinesis. It’s a powerful thing that not many bionics have.”

She sighed, shaking her hands from Chase’s grasp.

“I’ve never used it before.”

Chase nodded. “Then we’ll practice, you and I.”

AND OVER time Chase found himself training her more than Adam, Bree, and Leo and that’s because he wanted to spend time with her.

She seemed timid, but confident in her own skills. And she was a great fighting. She had the agility and strength that most of the others had gain with the help of others, but she had it come to her naturally.

She was a great sparing partner and the flexibility that made for great combat. She could find herself becoming a leader like himself in no time.

But he didn’t really want that.

I mean, he did want that for her. She wanted that for herself. Time and time again, she proved to herself and the others around that she had the ability to be a leader… but becoming a leader meant that she didn’t really need the training anymore.

But Chase would push that aside when it came down to actually training with her overtime. His focus would be on her and her only.

“Remember what I said.” Chase said. “Never let them know your next move.”

She nodded, holding the staff the two of them weee using for today and took her position. She took in one last deep breath and stepped forward, the two of them now sparring.

She was able to sideswipe him with her staff. She stepped forward, jabbing the staff towards his as he swiftly dodged her shots.

He was able to tuck and roll his way around her, but as he began to stand, his back had been turned towards her.

She took the opportunity to take her staff and use it to knock the boy back down towards the ground.

Chase rolled over on his back, his hands up. “Good job.” He smiled.

She returned the small smile and held his hand out for her to grab.

He took hers in his swiftly, but used that as an opportunity to pull her down towards the ground, rolling the two of them over. Chase now laying on top of her.

“Never let them know your next move.” He muttered.

They were both breathing heavily, adrenaline still pumping through their veins from the mock fight. But as Chase looked down at her, his eyes intense.

Without a word, Chase leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. It was a gentle, tentative kiss at first, but as he pulled back, he started to apologize for his actions.

But before he could finish his sentence, she broke leaned up and pressing her lips to his once again. This time, the kiss was more confident and intense, as though she was trying to prove a point.

As they finally pulled away, both of them were breathing heavily.

"You don't have to be sorry.” She smiled.

Chase smiled back at her, relief flooding through him.

You never let them know your next move.

— lucy has something to say !!

i like this i think :)

but regardless, my requested are opened!

you should check out my rules and such before requesting and check out my masterlist to see who i write for!

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genderkoolaid · 5 months ago

Text

On April 27, 2023, an armed security guard shot and killed a Black trans man named Banko Brown outside of a San Francisco Walgreens. Brown’s killing sparked outrage. But San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins decided not to charge the security guard who shot him, saying that he acted in self-defense. And just last Friday, Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office announced that it supported that decision. This announcement has crushed Banko Brown’s loved ones, including those who say that his killing was an example of the conditions that unhoused transgender people face in San Francisco. KQED reporter Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez sits down with Brown’s chosen family, to discuss life as a homeless queer person in San Francisco, and Banko’s life before his death. [...]

Kazani Kalani Finao: [...] We just had amazing, great conversations. Just always sparring with each other, bouncing back with, like, fun ideas. He uses a bright, outgoing apartment. Conversation was always immaculate, always amazing. Of he was a visionary. The struggle not only brought us together, but like I was able to, like, really build a relation with him based on, like, his gifts. He was very creative, his swag, his drip, like he was a trendsetter to me. He’s definitely inspirational to me to like, you know, him, me younger to me, like I always share with him. Like, bro, you give me so much confidence, you give me so much courage for me to be me. He didn’t even know it. But again, he was just natural at that. Whatever I remember of him is his drips, sauce, smile, hugs, goofiness. [...]

Xavier Davenport: Banko never had a space of his own. Banko had been in and out of shelter, in and out of people’s homes, sometimes even some people’s own [SROs]. So let’s really break down what that really looks like when you are living in a one room space with another individual. You do not have privacy. Nine times out of ten, being a transmasculine identif[ied] person, especially being black, you have to render some type of services to stay there, whether it be sexual, whether it be drugs. So when we talk about black men and being fetishized, Banko dealt with a lot of that. And so those people would be the people to take him in. [...]

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez: And can we talk a little bit about Banko in terms of the safety? You know, obviously Banko went through the least safe thing you could imagine with the most terrible outcome you can imagine. What was Banko experiencing in terms of safety during this whole process? Xavier Davenport: Banko was actually experiencing a lot of issues with violence happening in some of the places that he was trying to stay at. Nobody’s perfect, you know, especially when we’re talking about community, right? People have all kinds of issues and trauma that they are that they’re trying to live through as well. I definitely know that there were a few times where, you know, he was upset from violent experiences that had taken place. And what we all do, right, we get upset, we want to do something about it. So, you know, really trying to calm him down to, like, see a different side of it, for him to just move through the trauma that he was experiencing. Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez: Yeah. And I don’t know how much you all followed kind of the public discussion of what happened to Banko afterwards. A lot of what I heard was a kind of a questioning of like, what did [Banko]’s trans identity or black trans identity have to do with the shooting, especially when the security guard themselves was was black. I wonder if you could talk a bit about for people who don’t understand what does [Banko]’s black trans identity have to do with what brought him there that day and what happened? [...] Xavier Davenport: [...] What what that all has to do with is when you are a young, black, transmasculine identified person, people see that he walks in, he’s dark skinned, he has a hat on a t shirt, he has a little bit of a, like a goatee or, you know, something growing in. And as another black man or being another man, there is a fight for power for who is the man. [F]or Banko, you know, the thought process is, you look like a little boy or you’re trying to pretend to be a little boy. Because let’s be clear, Banko had not had, you know, top surgery. He had not been going through that part of of medical transitioning. So you have a masculine person with visible breast coming at you. You are going to now struggle for your manhood. I’m going to show you who’s boss is something that for people that are even lesbians who are more masculine looking, [t]here is a struggle between men and any form of masculinity that they can see to them isn’t necessarily real. Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez: So it’s a it’s like a challenge. Xavier Davenport: It is a challenge. It very much is a challenge. I know this first experience. I have dealt with this my entire life. JuJu Pikes-Prince: And if I can just highlight that it’s true. And these are cases that’s not getting covered [...] of Black Trans Men getting killed. [...]

Xavier Davenport: [...] I would say what needs to change is the systems in how they construct homelessness. There needs to be shelters specific for transmasculine folks. There needs to be shelters for trans people, period. But trans men need their own space. There needs to be more black, trans masculine leaders. There’s nobody else that can speak about black transness except for black trans people. Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez: And how about the joy? What is your joy look like right now? Xavier Davenport: My joy looks like, you know, the rest of the work that I do. The Bay Area Transmasculine calendar is doing a second premiere of a calendar that we started last year with a group of Transmasculine folks to continue to ensure that Transmasculine folks are seen and can receive joy in seeing and having representation of themselves in all bodies, in all forms of trans masculine bodies, and in all forms of trans masculine and different cultures and ethnicities. Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez: That’s beautiful. JuJu Pikes-Prince: [F]iguring out the funding, figuring out where money can go to. I definitely believe that there should be more programs for black trans men, even from our community. My [femme queens, my dolls]. We need to serve our [kings], our [trans kings.] [Sorry], I’m getting emotional. And it’s because I’m thinking about the joy part. [L]iving and finding purpose. Picking up someone else’s purpose when they couldn’t find their purpose. And knowing that I’m here and I can also at least set some type of story for someone [...] and hopefully help another next person, next generation to continue to do this advocacy work.

#m.#examples of transandrophobia #murder tw #banko brown #survival sex work #transunity #racism #antiblackness #tdor #transandrophobia #transmisandry #anti transmasculinity #theory

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never-enough-novels · 7 months ago

Text

A Fine Suit

Grayson hawthorne x reader

Tagging: @lanterns-and-daydreams @hearthown @reminiscentreader @shuhuaspookie @f4iry-bell

A/n: I don't know I don't like the ending 😭😭 but I didn't wanna keep it in drafts anyway so here it goes. All comments and reblogs and likes are appreciated:))

It was the same as any other day. The sun was shining bright outside and Grayson was again busy and I was bored. Spread lazily on the bed trying to read my book, I thought of ways of curing my boredom.

I decided to get out of the bed, and started to walk towards the closet. I didn’t officially move in with Grayson yet, so I didn’t have much stuff to try and decided to see his closet, thinking it will only be a couple of suits and ties. I opened the place and oh boy was I so wrong.

Grayson Davenport Hawthorne, the man who was supposed to be the hawthorne heir, had 3 massive closets. 3. Closets. Massive ones.

Filled with suits of different colours. Different shades of grey, blue, black, tuxedos as far as the eye can see. All the suits hung with precision, each spaced exactly apart from the next .

Still trying to grasp the full scene I decided to open one of the draws and its filled with different shades of ties. On a whim, I decided to wear on his suits which I recognised knowing he wore it the most. I took the dark blue suit out a picked out a tie which I thought matched with it.

Laying them on the bed I started to change into change. His shirt came upto the top of my things and his trousers were comically huge on me. Rolling them up so it was easier to walk in, I left the suit for the last.

The fabric felt cool and smooth under my fingers as I slid the jacket over my shoulders. It was large on me, the shoulders broad and the sleeves long, but i felt a warmth enveloping me, not just from the suit but from the lingering scent of his cologne.

Laughing at my reflection in the mirror — a mischievous grin plastered across my face, sleeves hanging past my hands — i decided to complete the look with a tie. Just as I was trying to adjust my tie I heard the sound of the door opening.

How the hell did I not hear him?? Panicking as to what to do I decided to close the door. “y/n,love are you ok?”I heard him call. "Yes im fine just give me a second" I said while internally panicking. "What are you doing in my closet" was the last thing I heard before I heard him open the closet door. A moment of silence hung between us, shock and amusement evident on his face.

Grayson stood in the doorway, arms crossed, his lips quirked in a mix of amusement and surprise. "Should I be worried about my wardrobe?" he asked slyly while leaning against the door. Trying to hide the blush coming upto my face I said “I was bored so I decided to try your suits. Quite the collection you have here. I didn’t take you for a fashionista” I said teasingly. Silence hung between us as I saw him rake his eyes across my suit(technically his but whatever). “Do you like it?” I asked a bit apprehensively as I didn’t know what was going on in his head.

He Slowly walks towards me and pulls me towards him by my waist, “I must say the suit does look better on you than me” he said with a soft smile on his face. Smiling widely myself, " I absolutely agree with you. Maybe I should do this more often" looking down at the suit with the millions of ides running in my head. Holding my chin and pulling me more closer if it was possible,"As in much as I like you in this suit, I prefer it off you more" he murmured playfully, his lips brushing against mine.

“Then help me with that,” you replied, your voice teasing.

He didn’t need any more encouragement. His hands were warm and steady as he guided you back toward the bedroom

“Anytime,” he said softly, his eyes fixed on yours with a gaze that promised endless devotion and something else too. Pls the ending bleh I didn't know what the fuck I was doing

#the inheritance games #grayson hawthorne #the grandest game #the brothers hawthorne #the hawthorne legacy #the final gambit #grayson hawthorne x reader #grayson davenport hawthorne #jameson winchester hawthorne #jameson hawthorne #xander blackwood hawthorne #xander hawthorne #nash westbrook hawthorne #nash hawthorne #grayson x reader #avery kylie grambs #avery grambs #libby grambs

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boredomcure · 4 months ago

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Miss me? 18+

This is my first smut fic and first Inheritance Games/Grandest Game fic so please tell me if you like it. Constructive criticism is welcome. Enjoy!

Summary: Lyra has been missing her boyfriend and has very bored lately, lucky for her, she has a surprise waiting for her.

Taglist: Thanks to @alwaysthefangirl and @cherrys-writings for betareading!

Lyra sighed and flipped over on her bed. She looked at her and rolled her eyes. This day was going very slowly. Classes today were particularly effective at getting her to sleep and she had no motivation to go out or do homework.

She opened her messages and clicked on her boyfriend’s picture. She scrolled their conservations and smiled when she got to their most recent one three days ago. Normally their contact was several times but lately it slowed due to both their schedules and work not allowing them to talk or text at same time.

Her boyfriend, Grayson Davenport Hawthorne, a year ago if someone had told her that he would be her’s, the maiden (without a maiden hair on her head, Gray made sure of that) would start laughing and provide a long string of insults and jokes.

She leaned back and thought about him for a minute. The asshole had somehow managed to get her enamored with him despite her strong resolve to despise him. Damn that man and his arrogance, his mouth, his suits, his lips, his pen… Okay.

While the point is she missed him. She pressed the call icon hoping he would pick up. Nothing. She ran a hand through her hair and leaned back onto her pillow. A few seconds passed.

She groaned and decided to go out for a run.

*********

Lyra walked slowly to her dorm room, wiping some of the sweat off her face. The run today was especially long. Trying to out run boredom and loneliness and the idiots that had catcalled again. How many times did one have to hit someone with a ball before they got the hint?

One of the girls dorming near her looked at her strangely, a mix of amazement and jealousy. Lyra looked at her wondering what she was reacting to before putting the key in her lock. She pushed open the door. And stopped.

Because there he was. Grayson Davenport Hawthorne.

She ran forward and hugged Grayson. Kissing him on his lips and his cheek. He hugged her back tightly. She kept pressing kisses to his lips. She registered his mouth moving, probably trying to speak. She didn’t mean to ignore him but his lips were right there and she didn’t want to stop.

Grayson thankfully stopped trying to speak and kissed her back. First urgently then slowly becoming more soft and patient. They broke apart but kept close together.

“Did you miss me, Ms. Kane?” Grayson said, smirking already knowing the answer but wanting to hear it anyway.

“No, Davenport” Lyra lied. “I barely noticed you weren’t there.”

“Liar,” Grayson nipped her ear affectionately before kissing it. He tugged her head to the side so he could have better access to her neck before settling one hand on her waist and the other on her ass.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Lyra said, leaning back to look at Grayson’s face. A bone structure that could rival a Greek statue, his full lips and his beautiful blonde hair. He smiled softly at her for a second then the look that was usually reserved for his younger brothers (or anyone that pissed him off) came complete with an eyebrow arch. His eyes at the door where two girls were trying to pretend that they hadn't been staring at them a moment ago.

He went around and strode forward, his steps self-assured and intimidating. The girls left immediately, Grayson pulled the key out of the other side of the door before closing and locking it.

He turned around still looking irritated before shaking head lightly and smirking suggestively at her.

Lyra walked a few steps back, her lips curving upward wickedly. She tugged her shirt over her head and tossed it to the side. Grayson straightened and looked at her hungrily. His throat bobbed as he swallowed.

“Feeling hot?” he said, his eyes flickering up and down.

“Nah. I feel like playing monopoly.” Lyra drawled sarcastically.

“Oh”, Grayson said, “Is that so?”

He started to forward, reaching behind her to unclasp her bra. He cupped her breast and trailed his mouth down to grasp the other tit. Lyra grips his shoulders and between the efforts of his mouth and hand, she can’t keep quiet, soft whimpers and moans come out of her mouth. Gray palmed her right breast while he teased her nipple with his tongue and teeth.

She’s about to say something but he groaned and switched tits, alternating ministrations between breasts. Sucking, kissing, biting between them, set on torturing her. Lyra felt like she was on fire, the heat and warmth starting in her belly and spreading through her body. The flames reached her head, leaving every little room for reason.

Lyra moaned and pushed him back, she needed more. More skin, more of him. She pulled his suit jacket off his shoulders and unbuttoned his shirt.

Grayson smirked, “Eager?” he said.

She looked pointedly at his crotch where the bulge in front of his pants, where very clearly showed how excited he was.

“Not half as much as him.” Lyra said mockingly.

Grayson groaned and rolled his eyes.

“That was so bad.”

“Oh shut up.”

“Make me.”

With that he helped her take his shirt off and then undid his tie.

She kneeled to undo his belt, but he pulled her closer so she was against his bare chest and kissed her. He pulled her closer. And closer. They can’t seem to get close enough. She ran her hands over his muscled back before hugging himself closer.

The ache between her thighs grew. They were wearing too many clothes.

She broke apart from him. She went for his belt, this time she succeeded. She pulled the belt out of its loops and threw it, not caring where it went. Grayson took off his shoes then tugged his pants and briefs down. She kissed his chest going downward. Grayson’s abs flexed from the kisses, she ran her hands down his chest and bent her knees.

She kneeled between his knees and cupped his thighs. Lyra looked up and grinned.

She raised her eyebrows and smirked at him. “Eager?”, she teased.

“Nah. I feel like playing Monopoly.” He said, making his voice higher in an imitation of her own.

She pouted and frowned.

“I don’t sound like that.”

“You most cert-“

She stroked him once to shut him up. It worked. Grayson breathed through his nose to quell any noises. He always tried his best not to make any noises and luckily for her always failed. All the restraint and control he had usually left him during sex.

All the soft and intimate moments. His moans, his eyes closed in pleasure, his lazy smile when he just woke up. Lyra loved and cherished every minute of it.

Lyra breathed through her nose and then took him into her mouth. She looked up through her lashes at Grayson and saw his eyes closed and his head back.

She closed her eyes and sucked and licked while enjoying the rocking of his hips and his barely muffled moans; coming from him biting his lips to keep quiet. She moaned and hummed around him, bringing him closer to bliss.

Grayson groaned and said “I’m going to-. I’m close-”

She held him tighter and his hips jerked forward as he finished, moaning loudly.

Grayson pulled her up and peppered her face with kisses.

“Still loud as always.” Lyra said softly, her chest feeling warm and full. “You must have really missed me.”

Grayson smiled against her forehead and responded tenderly.

“You. Always.”

Lyra hugged him tighter and they stood like that for a minute.

Grayson spoke.

“Now that we’ve established that I’ve missed you. Would you like to change your own or are you in need of an incentive to amend your answer?”

Lyra ached at the thought of such incentives. She cleared her throat and said hoarsely.

“I’m afraid I currently don’t have any desire to change my answer.”

Grayson took advantage of her distraction and pushed his hand down her pants and panties.

Lyra gasped and her head shot up to make eye contact with him.

Grayson had a wicked smile.

“Well, we need to change that.”

#grayson hawthorne #lyra kane #grayson x lyra #Grayson Hawthorne smut #The Grandest Game #the inheritance games

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fandomsnstuff · 1 year ago

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this just started as me wanting to complain about the work it takes to prep a house to sell but now it's kind of an au

@taznovembercelebration

Day 15: vampire au/last

Kravitz is moving for possibly the last time in his very, very long life, and he ruminates a little on what got him to this point.

Read it on AO3

Barry drops another cardboard box into the growing sea of stuff in the garage. “One thing I wish I'd considered before becoming immortal was all the moving.”

“Tell me about it,” Taako says, writing his name on a piece of painter's tape and slapping it on a garbage bag of clothes. “One second I'm joining my hot ancient vampire boyfriend in his immortal curse, and next thing I know, I've moved fifteen times in the last hundred years.”

“We haven't moved fifteen times,” Kravitz skirts around him with another box. “This is only number ten.”

“That's still too many.”

He drops the box on top of Barry's. “It wasn't nearly this much work when it was just me in apartments and such. But four times the people, four times the stuff.”

Taako points at him, “this is the last time. New vamps, new start, new system. Taako can't be doing all this physical labour every couple of years for eternity.”

Barry leans against a stack of boxes. “Maybe this is why you deemed immortality a curse. You've been spending your eternal life doing one of the worst chores an adult can do.” Kravitz just shrugs. Barry says, “this'll be good. The land's nice and far from any prying eyes, and the house Magnus and Julia designed is beautiful.”

“No! More! Moves!” Taako chants.

“Okay,” Lup comes into the garage, “Magnus is on his way with the truck and reinforcements, so he'll start taking loads of stuff to the new house. Stager comes tomorrow, carpets get cleaned Wednesday, pictures Thursday, and we're in business by the weekend.”

“Let's sell this bitch,” Taako says.

A few months later, the old house has sold, and they're settling into their new, custom-built home. Kravitz is sitting out back, watching Lup and Taako argue about toppings by the pizza oven. His heart swells.

He'd been alone for so long. As far as he knew, he was the only vampire left. His life became an exhausting, monotonous dance of isolation. Running from place to place the moment he felt any whiff of suspicion in his direction. But then he met Taako. Handsome, wondrous, stubborn Taako.

Kravitz had wanted to run the moment he realised Taako had taken an interest. But when he started packing his things and looking for a new place, for the first time in centuries, he hesitated. Taako was the first interesting thing to happen to him in ages. Maybe he deserved to have a little fun.

“A little fun” quickly turned into deep, unavoidable love. So Kravitz tried to blow it up. He told Taako they couldn't be together, he walked away and blocked his number and ran. But Taako isn't so easily swayed. Through avenues that Kravitz is still in the dark about, he tracked him down and banged on his door until he was granted entry and an explanation. So Kravitz told him what he was. He told him they couldn't be together because Taako would age and Kravitz wouldn't and after a few decades he would be alone again. He didn't want to know a life of companionship if he was going to lose it in the blink of an eye.

And Taako laughed. He laughed until he had tears trickling down his face. He said, “you thought I didn't know? Babe, the moment you brought me home I knew. I don't give a fuck, all my friends are freaks.”

Kravitz met Taako's friends, and they all seemed normal to him. “Magnus?”

“Werewolf. And Julia.”

“Davenport?”

“Shapeshifter.”

“Merle?”

“Fae.”

“Lucretia?”

“Merfolk.”

Kravitz hesitates, because there's no way he's anything but human, but he has to ask, “Barry?”

“I'll give you three guesses.”

“...no.” Taako smirked. Kravitz stared at him wide-eyed. “There's absolutely no way.”

“Full blooded vampire.”

“Full blooded?!”

“The man has never had a drop of human blood in his veins.”

Kravitz pushed his hands into his hair. “I thought I was the only one left.”

Taako patted his back, “you just didn't know where to look.”

He looked at Taako. “Are you…?”

“I'm the only full human in the group.”

“What about Lup?”

“We still don't really know what she did, but she kind of Danny Phantom-ed herself and has been able to willingly shift to a phantasmal form for a few years now, so,” he shrugs, “she's human, but also maybe half dead? I try not to think about it too much.”

That conversation, as… mind blowing as it was, was the start of the rest of Kravitz's life. Taako made some very compelling arguments and convinced him to come back and try again. It was just under a year after that when he turned Taako. He was hesitant to do it, but was convinced when Taako reminded him that all his friends were immortal, and if he wasn't going to do it, he'd go to Barry, “and I'm not into him like that, so I'd rather not.”

On the back porch, watching the twins, Kravitz finally understands the concept of a forever home. Why spend eternity running when you could travel and have fun and do much more pleasant things than packing? And why not give yourself a soft place to land when you need to rest?

Barry comes outside and sits next to him, holding out a drink. “They're still at it?”

Kravitz takes it. “Yeah. Though they've moved from olives to anchovies.”

Barry chuckles and shakes his head. “I think they'll still be arguing about it when the next ice age comes around.”

Kravitz laughs, and they sit in a comfortable silence for a while. “Hey Barry. You've been around a while.”

“Sure have.”

“So you've been navigating life as an immortal for a long time. Like, almost as long as I have.”

“You've got maybe two hundred years on me, but yeah.”

“Then why the fuck did you let me move the four of us through ten houses in the last hundred years?!”

Barry laughs long and loud. He sighs. “Oh, my god,” he wipes a stray tear away, “I was wondering if you'd put that together.”

“Well?!”

“Oh, man,” he clears his throat. “You'd been on your own for so long, and set in your ways, and so afraid of being discovered, we thought it'd be best to do things your way for a while. To let you get used to us and the group and what have you.”

Kravitz narrows his eyes. Barry bites his lip like he's trying not to laugh again. “There's more. Spill it, Bluejeans.”

“Lup and I made a bet on how many moves Taako could go through before it got to him.” He takes a sip of his drink. “I won, for once.”

Kravitz considers this. “What'd you win?”

He smirks. “You don't want to know.”

“Ugh!” Kravitz stands. “Gross, I don't want to know about your sex bets.”

“I didn't say anything about sex!”

“A non answer is still an answer,” he turns to go back inside, “next time just lie and say money!”

Barry shouts after him, “this is your life forever now!”

#taakitz #blupjeans #taz #taz fic #barry bluejeans #taako #lup #taz Kravitz #kravit adventurezone #lup taaco #taz lup #blupjeans fic

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gothushi · 8 months ago

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cw: mommy kink, sub!luke

thinking about luke desperately needing a break, he’s overworked, tired, muscles sore and aching all over but he doesn’t complain to anyone, not even you, until stuart finally puts him on a two weeks rest.

he comes over to your apartment and just melts into your couch. you’re trying to talk to him about stuff while you clean up, but his replies are getting more mumbled, less frequent and you’re having to repeat yourself a few times to get an answer. you know, obviously. you can tell he’s been exhausted, needs to just be taken care of.

so, you finish making up dinner in the kitchen, sticking it in the oven to cook before you’re heading back into the living room. the tv’s on, remote held limply in his hand and his head tipped back as he’s barely awake.

“luke.”

“mm.”

“you awake?”

“mm.”

you laugh, because god isn’t he just adorable? he stirs as you straddle his lap, eyes fluttering as he looks up at you, jolting like someones mother awoken from a nap.

“mm.. what?”

“i didn’t say anything.” your arms loop around his neck. he drops the remote to the side and slides his hands along your waist.

“you didn’t?”

a small huffed laugh, “no.”

“oh.”

“you’re tired aren’t you?” his eyes flutter again as your hands find his hair, manicured nails scratching along his scalp.

“mmm… ‘m okay.”

“no one likes a liar luke,” you tsk, leaning down into his space, “why don’t you tell me the truth?”

dammit. that.. sweet cooing tone you use, so gentle yet firm. he swallows, an exhale through his nose as his eyes fall shut, “sorry… i’m exhausted… everything’s sore.” he’ll finally admit it to you with little persuasion. you sit and listen as he talks about it all, how he hurts, he just wants a break, so much stress is riding on him because he’s luke davenport and he just wants to be luke. even for one night.

“y’trust me, right?” you’ll ask, and his brows furrow because of course he does, which is his answer, “then just relax, okay?” you’ll lean down as you speak, nosing at his jaw so he tips his head back as you begin to kiss at the skin of his neck. careful to not leave any marks, you’ll suck lightly, licking his skin, smelling the scent of his body wash. a few noises escape him, little hitched breaths, quiet “mmm”s as you make your way down to the base of his neck. his hands squeeze on your waist, flexing a little.

after spending a few minutes kissing on his neck, you’ll move your hands down and grab the hem of his shirt, lifting it up and over his head. he allows it, watching as you toss it aside and lean back down to kiss him some more. nip at his collarbones, lick over the barely there pain. luke’s heart is starting to pound, cheeks flushing a bit, breathing slightly heavier now. he’s embarrassed, usually able to kinda control himself but his cocks already aching in his slacks, pressing against the fabric. you obviously notice, nuzzling up into his neck again, “lemme take care of you, okay?”

the question is accompanied by a roll of your hips and god, that feels good. he whines breathily, “babe–“

“shhh..” you hush him, tilting your head up to his do you can brush your lips against his, “i don’t want you to think, don’t worry about nothin’, i’ll take care of you.” the words make him wanna cry, he wants nothing more than that, he wants that so badly to just let go.

he finds himself naked within a few minutes, both of you bare as the tv light flickers over the otherwise dark living room. you’re grinding down on him so slow, a torturous back and forth as he whines and squirms. you’re already soaked, coating his cock in slick with a lewd noise that has his cheeks blushing. his fingers knead your hips, down to your thighs as he mumbles quiet words, “feels s’good..” “please.. oh, please?” “put it in” he’ll whine out, back arching as you kiss down his chest. you’re taking so long, kissing every inch you can reach whilst straddling him. your lips kiss and then you lick over one of his nipples and he gasps, his cock jumping against you. luke whines again, nails scratching at your thighs as he paws at you, “please, need it” he finally whimpers, a pathetic little noise that sends a rush of arousal through you and down his cock.

so you listen, taking your time to sink down on him nice and slow, “stay still” you have to order before he he can fuck up into you and ruin the rhythm. you know damn well he would, how badly he probably wants you push you over and fuck into you as he pleases. but he’s too tired for even that, poor thing. so he has to sit and wait, thighs tensing as you take an agonizingly long time to sink your pussy down onto him. you’re dripping down his balls, he can feel it, as his hands paw and massage your thighs.

“jesus– fuck, so good” “y’feel good,” “thank you, nnng–ah!”

you sit down fully, shushing him, cooing at him, “shh.. shh, i’ve got you, doesn’t that feel nice?” he gasps in response, nodding dumbly, pretty eyes staring up at you. his minds going fuzzy as you fuck down onto him, up and down, then rolling your hips, grinding onto him so smoothly it’s fucking torture. he pleads, all nice and pretty,

“go faster, ‘m begging..” “please?” “please, fucking– please!” pathetic whiny little moans leave him, pleading, his eyes starting to tear up.

“shhh it’s okay, i’ve got you love, mommy’s got you,” oh, that pulls the loudest moan from him, his grasp at your hips tightening as he starts to pant softly.

“mmmm, g’na cum, mommy–!” he gasps, whining, his head craning back. one hand on the back of the couch, the other cradling his jaw, you finally pick up the pace. he’s twitching inside you, he’s only gonna last a few more seconds—

“cum for me, cum for momma,” the dam breaks and tears spills from his eyes as he fills you up, sobbing out with a moan, writhing underneath your continuous movement. his hips cant up to fuck into you just barely, riding out his intense orgasm. the mere noises he makes sends you crashing over the edge as well, heart pounding in your chest at how he weeps, arms looping around your waist to hug you. he uses whatever strength he has to pull you flush to him, hugging you as he cries into your neck, crying for mommy, whimpering little ‘thank you’s. petting over his slightly sweaty hair, you coo and whisper, reassuring him, telling him you love him. his eyes are glassy, brain hazy, edges of reality blurred by your voice.

you’ll wipe him off with your shirt, getting him some water once he’s done crying, and you both eat dinner. bathtime and then a movie, him cuddled close to you and whispering a little ‘i love you’ as he feels nothing but absolute peace. phones on silent, nothing to do or worry about whilst you’re holding him. ♡

#dream team luke davenport #luke davenport #luke davenport x reader #sub!luke davenport

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noodyl-blasstal · 6 months ago

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Cool, Calm, and Collegiate - Chapter 2

Day 2 of Blupjeans Week! Today's prompt is: Alternate Universe.

Read below or on Ao3. Missed yesterday's? Find it here.

Barry works alone. He nods to Lucretia in the halls and Davenport too (when he’s not on fieldwork). He chats with Lucretia in his office sometimes, treats his research assistants with respect, and he has wonderfully professional relationships with his coworkers and correspondents. Especially Dr Tacco. Nine years of perfectly collegiate emails. She first contacted him to ask for a paper that was paywalled to fuck, and obviously Barry sent it; knowledge is for everyone. He wasn’t expecting the wall of questions he got back, but he loved it. It was nice to be challenged, nice to know someone actually read the thing! He emailed back and it was only natural to ask about her research. She told him, and it was fascinating, so then he had to email back again to ask more questions and since then… well… they hadn’t really stopped. It was nice, having someone who understood. He’d missed her when he lost internet in the fuck up around the move. In a collegiate way, obviously.

Despite that, Barry isn’t what most people consider a social guy. He researches all day (and, let’s be honest, sometimes into the night), goes home and cooks, calls his Mum, does his tutoring, his extra marking, his pet projects, then thinks about his research some more. He’s not lonely; that’s what people always think, but he has plenty of virtual connections, he chats with SkeletonReaper most days, well, less since the guy started dating someone, but that’s the way of the world and Barry’s happy for him. They still get to talk at least a few times a week, or, well, they did until the internet company screwed him over, but at least he got a small enough heads up to be able to warn Reaper and Lup.

What Barry doesn’t do though, what Barry hasn't ever done, is casually invite people over. He doesn’t just have friends in his living room at the drop of a hat, especially without a designated time of arrival (and, honestly, departure). In fact, now that he comes to think of it, he’s not entirely sure who the last person to be in his living space was apart from his Mum, Marlena. It sounds bad when he puts it like that. But he socialises! He goes to events for work, attends the awards nights, dances hard at conference dinners; but that’s all difficult. There’s expectations and a right way to act, and honestly it’s less exhausting just to get to write it down and not worry about anyone nudging each other and laughing because they don’t understand the joy of dance. Not that he’s still bitter about that or anything. It’s fine.

All that is to say, he’s not entirely sure what possessed him to invite Lup over. He just, well, he wasn’t done talking to her. He hasn’t been done hearing her thoughts for the last nine years… why start now? He’s still not entirely sure he can trust that it’s real. Dr Tacco is Lup, and Lup is just… here? In the flesh? And she’s so kind, so funny. He knew that anyway of course, but sometimes people aren’t the same as they are online. His brief foray into internet dating taught him that much. But Lup? She and Dr Tacco are like the same person. Largely because they are the same person. She’s here! Eight weeks of Lup just… here. He can show her his research, she can visit the lab! He can show her the models he made at his desk! She’s going to love it, and he’s going to love to hear her thoughts on it. Then there’s a thought, fleeing, barely there, easy to ignore: it's going to be hard when she goes.

Barry stands in the living room and rotates. There’s nothing obvious that shouldn’t be here, no socks strewn on the floor, no crockery graveyards (from when he gets really into a project), or particularly perilous piles of books around his desk. He re-folds the blanket, sits down, stands up again, and sighs. He can’t just lurk in wait, that’s definitely weird. Was inviting her here in the first place weird? Fuck. Well, it’s too late to do anything about it now. Saying that to himself definitely always worked and there’s no risk that he’ll be thinking about this at 3am for the next week at least… He needs to do something. Something turns out to be getting half way through wiping down the kitchen counters, letting his mind wander, cracking a particularly thorny issue of resonance identification, and fully abandoning the task to very quickly note it down before he forgets.

The doorbell rings an indeterminate time later, Barry jerks upright and immediately regrets it when his back gives a warning twinge. He’s too old to be hunched up over his books, he definitely knows better… and ignores that fact too often. Nevermind. He gets up, making the compulsory hurgh noise on the way, and shouts “coming!” into the hallway as he rushes to the door.

“Gross!” Lup yells happily back through the door.

Barry can’t help but snort out a laugh. She’s ridiculous, she’s wonderful. He’s not sure anyone has ever teased him like this before. “Thank you!” He says as he opens the door.

“I hear you’ve got the good stuff.” Lup leans up against the door frame dangling a mug from her finger.

Barry can’t help but grin. She's here! In his home. She actually came. She wanted to see him. The giddy realisation that Lup was here still hasn't faded.

“Come right this way.” Barry sweeps a welcoming arm out for Lup. “Kitchen’s just through that door.”

“Shoes?”

“Up to you.” Barry shrugs as if he doesn’t mind. He always feels awkward asking.

Lup hesitates for a moment, looks at Barry's slipper clad feet, and abandons hers by the door like he wishes he'd been brave enough to ask her too. Marlena had been lax about a lot of social rules, but shoes in the house wasn't one of them.

“So, what're we talking, Sild… Barold? Weird pod thing? Aeropress? Machine you stole from the coffee shop you wrote me soliloquies about before you moved?” Lup leads him to the kitchen as if she lives here.

Another fleeting thought. It'd be nice if she did… “Uh, well, there was this whole thing with, you know, whisky stones, I don't know if you saw? That company pretended they'd invented them…”

“Yeah, Taako was obsessed with the guy who figured that one out!”

“Well I also worked out how to make it hot and still get the flavour.”

“Also?” Lup leans back against the counter and raises an eyebrow.

“I mean… uh…”

“Barold, are you the coffee bandit?? You legally have to tell me if you are.” Lup's eyes are wide and she looks genuinely delighted.

Barry starts bustling through the cupboards so he doesn't have to deal with Lup looking at him like that. He could get used to it. “It wasn't a big deal.”

“Uh huh. Sure.” Lup's smile is evident in her voice, even if he can't see it. “Taako's gonna lose it. Will you autograph a mug for him?”

“I'm not autographing a mu…” Barry protests, but Lup pulls a marker out of her bag and hands it to him then nudges her mug towards him over the counter.

Barry ignores it and retrieves the sugar, various coffee beans, and the milk.

Lup nudges the mug closer again. “Oh please. He'll pretend to hate it so much. You can tease him about using it when you come and visit.”

Visiting… Barry hadn't considered that Lup might want to see him beyond this. Had assumed they'd go back to emails and this would be a nice time to reminisce about occasionally.

“To my good friend - Ta…” Barry pauses and asks, “... Double “a”?”

Lup nods. “Double a, one k.”

“...ako. Dream big, aim for the stars…” Barry pauses.

“...Your mentor and inspiration?” Lup suggests.

Barry snorts. “From what you've told me, he'll smash it.”

“...Yours, a coffee genius.”

“I'm not a…” Barry protests.

“We'll always have Coffee rocks.com.” Lup can't get that one out without laughing. Barry joins her.

“Okay, I've got it…” Barry carefully marks out the letters then turns it to Lup.

“Your biggest fan, Barry.”

Lup grins. “Perfect, he'll love it. Now that you've defiled my cup can I have a new one though?”

Barry shakes his head fondly and gestures to his mug cupboard while he starts The Coffee-nator running.

–

It's nice, sitting together in the living room. Lup tucks her feet up under her and he obviously has to spin himself round slightly to face her. She's here, Dr Tacco, Lup, just, sat on his sofa.

“This coffee is baller, you’re a genius. So where's the bond resonance identification work up to?” Lup asks, like she means it, like she really wants to know.

Usually Barry deals with people who just want a quick status report, but Lup's leaning forward and smiling and doing all the things that give him permission to launch into an explanation.

She listens, she asks questions, she asks really good questions, good to the point he has to go grab his notebook. Obviously Lup has to scooch over so she can see, they’re pressed thigh to thigh, book passing backwards and forwards between them, and it’s perfect. This is how it should be - teamwork. When she suggests a modification for one of his equations, he scribbles it down immediately.

“Woah.” Lup says quietly.

“Did I misunderstand?” Barry squints at his notes. Maybe he wrote it wrong.

“No, it's just… you know how it is, people are wedded to their own ideas, they'll give you the nod along then ignore it.”

“But you're a genius?” Barry says quickly, because she is.

There’s a pause before Lup schools her face back to her easy confidence. “Natch.” She shrugs. “But not everyone appreciates that genius.”

“They're missing out.” Barry turns to look her in the eye. “Are you being treated like that in your research roles?”

Lup scrunches her face up. “We don't have to talk about it. Anyway, tell me about the resonance monitor again. Can we add a fun dial?”

Barry knows a diversion when he sees one, but he's happy to be diverted.

By the time their alarms go off, warning them the welcome evening staff briefing is in half an hour (they'd both dutifully set them when they got the note paper out), they're neck deep in resonance equations.

“Shit! Time flies when you're doing theoretical maths.” Lup stretches. “Wanna walk over together?”

Barry performs a less graceful version of Lup’s stretch with a lot more back popping. “Sounds good.”

–

“I guess I'd better…” Barry indicates Lucretia.

“Sure.” Lup says easily.

“See you after?” Barry asks tentatively.

“Natch, we're not done reworking the fabric that holds this world together.” Lup grins and gives him a little wave before going to join some of the other temporary staff.

“Hi Lucretia.” Barry nods his head in greeting and eases himself into the chair beside her.

“Nice to see you.” Lucretia smiles.

At first he'd been a bit unnerved by her, but he quickly realised that, under the deceptively frosty interior, Lucretia was friendly, had a great sense of humour. She was also incredibly smart, but that went without saying.

“We’re just waiting on a few more then we'll get going. Are you ready?”

“As I'll ever be.” Barry jokes, Lucretia is kind enough to laugh.

Lydia and Edward are last to arrive, Lucretia is already part way through the introduction when they throw the doors open and march in. He assumes it's some kind of coordinated move designed to impress, but Lup snorts loudly and Lucretia doesn't break her stride, just points to the seats.

The twins sit in tandem, and glare at Lucretia.

“So, before we move on, any questions about the housekeeping? Has everyone managed to get into their accommodation without issue?” Lucretia asks.

The twins’ hands immediately shoot up in the air.

“It's all very quaint, darling really…” begins Lydia.

“...but there's simply just not very much space, and single beds? Really? We're all professionals here.” Edward titters.

“And as professionals, you're very welcome to rent off-campus housing if the free accommodation isn't to your taste.” Lucretia gives a small, firm smile, and her tone brokers absolutely no room for disagreement.

If Barry's not mistaken (and he really hopes he isn't), the twins sit up slightly straighter.

“Anyone else?” Lucretia asks the room at large. No one else raises a hand. “Excellent, in that case, I'll introduce my colleague Barry.” Lucretia gestures at him to join her.

Barry hates public speaking. Not because he can't do it, but because he gets excited about getting a chance to talk about something and then he has to figure out what people actually want from him. It's usually a shorter explanation than he wants to give (context is important to understanding!)

Barry clears his throat to buy a few seconds. Then scans the assembled educators. “Hello everyone.” He begins. Good solid start, no room for misunderstanding. “Thank you all for joining us this summer.”

Lup nods encouragingly and gives a small thumbs up. Ah yes… he's definitely mentioned how much he hates this in one of his emails.

“We have 3 goals at the IPRE Summer School. 1) Everyone learns something new (preferably a few new somethings.)” He adds the last bit in a stage whisper, the twins roll their eyes, but Lup grins. Maybe he can just focus on her. “2) Everyone has at least a bit of fun doing it, and that includes you. 3) IPRE is for everyone - if someone has been selected to join us this summer then they're here for a reason. We don't discriminate, and you won't either. That being said, if you do have concerns about any of the students, then please direct them to Madame Director.” He gestures towards Lucretia, who smirks and raises an eyebrow at the use of her most official title. He grins back, if there was ever a time for it, it was now.

Barry moves over to gesture at the table. “Every one of you has a personalised briefing pack waiting here. This will include all of the classes you'll be teaching, your full schedule - including some activity leading, and details of all the classrooms. There's also generic packs here about the resources that will be available to you for teaching - your lesson plans have all been approved of course, but we're not inflexible, although please check any substantial changes with Lucretia.”

Lucretia nods.

“Now, does anyone have any questions before you look at your packs? Lucretia and I will both be here in case you do once you've reviewed them.”

Barry waits. “No? Okay. Please collect your packs and take some time to review them.”

The twins push their way to the front, grab their packs and swan out with a “ta ta everyone” from Edward, and “Dinner reservations, you know how it is.” From Lydia.

Barry keeps his face as neutral as possible. It's probably not professional to show how much he dislikes their attitude, although, judging by Lucretia's face they'll be finding themselves in her office sooner rather than later.

The rest of the meeting passes easily, there's plenty of procedural questions to work through, but Barry and Lucretia cover it between them. By the time they're done everyone seems satisfied. They wave them off with a smile.

“Neeeeeeerd.” Lup says behind him.

Barry panics momentarily. Has he done something wrong? Was this some kind of elaborate trick to ease him into a false sense of security?

“This folder's really well put together. I just assumed it was you because the scheduling timetable looks like your usual format.”

“Oh. Uh. Yeah.” Barry nods stiffly.

“It's baller.”

“Baller.” Barry repeats. Okay, maybe it's fine. He did make the tables, to be fair, frankly, he's amazed she recognises his work.

“So. Wanna grab something to eat? I'm sure I'll get well acquainted with the canteen this Summer, but is there anywhere you'd recommend?”

“You want to go for tea? With me?”

“Obviously, we've got the whole of science to solve.” Lup grins like this is the most natural thing in the world.

Maybe it is. Maybe there's a universe in which Barry is a guy who just casually grabs food with a colleague and he doesn't bat an eyelid.

“Yeah, you're right Lup, we do.”

–

Dingus,

Remember the coffee guy you were obsessed with FuckCorporationsItsAWhiskyStone69420 or whatever his blog was, well, he's also Barry, who is of course Sildar. Anyone else you want me to check and see if he is? I've already asks and he promises he isn't you, Magnus, or Merle. I didn't ask if he was me though… fuck. Do I even exist?

In definitely unrelated news I had a lot of coffee. A lot of lot of coffee. So it's 3am and I'm wired and we're talking right now because you got off shift late, but you can hear this twice, fuck it.

Briefing sure happened. Teach Good, Don't Harm The Kids covers it. Twins still awful, as reported. Glad we retain our status as Best Twins To Ever Exist.

Love you,

Lup xxx

Thank you for reading! You can find day 3 here.

#BlupjeansWeek2024 #Blupjeans #TAZ Fic #The Adventure Zone #Barry Bluejeans #Lup

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orlando-living · 10 months ago

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Living in Orlando: Embrace the Magic of Central Florida

Smack in the heart of the Sunshine State, Orlando stands as a vibrant hub of culture, entertainment, and opportunity. From its world-renowned theme parks to its diverse neighborhoods and thriving economy, living in Orlando offers residents a unique blend of excitement, convenience, and charm.

Endless Entertainment: One of the biggest draws of living in Orlando is its unparalleled access to world-class entertainment. With iconic attractions like Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando just a stone's throw away, residents can immerse themselves in a magical world of fantasy and adventure whenever they please. From thrilling rides and captivating shows to immersive experiences and enchanting parades, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Orlando's theme park paradise.

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Cultural Delights: In addition to its theme parks and natural attractions, Orlando is home to a thriving cultural scene that celebrates diversity and creativity. From world-class museums and galleries to theaters, concert venues, and festivals, residents can immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of art, music, and culture. Whether you're attending a Broadway show at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts or exploring the vibrant street art scene in the Mills 50 District, Orlando offers a cultural experience like no other.

Living in Orlando offers residents a truly magical experience filled with excitement, opportunity, and adventure. With its world-class attractions, diverse neighborhoods, thriving economy, outdoor adventures, and vibrant cultural scene, Orlando captures the imagination and hearts of all who call it home. Whether you're a lifelong resident or considering a move to the City Beautiful, Orlando invites you to embrace the magic and make unforgettable memories in the heart of Central Florida.

#apartament #moving #realestate #orlando living #orlando lifestyle #luxury apartments #real estate #sweet home #orlando #apartment buildings #davenport

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orlando-lifestyle · 8 months ago

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How is Living in Orlando, Florida?

Living in Orlando, Florida offers a vibrant and diverse lifestyle, blending exciting attractions, beautiful weather, and a thriving community. As the "Theme Park Capital of the World," Orlando is renowned for its world-class theme parks, including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando, drawing millions of visitors each year. However, beyond the theme parks, Orlando boasts a unique charm and appeal that makes it an excellent place to call home.

One of the most attractive aspects of living in Orlando is its warm and sunny climate. With an average of 233 sunny days per year, residents can enjoy outdoor activities almost year-round. Whether it's exploring the city's numerous parks and gardens, hitting the golf courses, or simply relaxing by the pool, Orlando's weather creates the perfect backdrop for an active and outdoor lifestyle.

Orlando's cultural scene is also thriving, offering rich communities of arts, music, and entertainment. The city is home to the Orlando Museum of Art, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, and numerous theaters and galleries that showcase local and international talent. Additionally, Orlando hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from food and wine to music and film.

For families, Orlando is an ideal place to raise children, with top-rated schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, and a wealth of recreational activities. The city is also home to several colleges and universities, providing excellent educational opportunities for students of all ages.

In terms of housing, Orlando offers a range of options to suit every lifestyle and budget. From modern apartments and condominiums in the heart of the city to spacious single-family homes in suburban neighborhoods, there's something for everyone in Orlando's real estate market.

Overall, living in Orlando, Florida, offers a unique blend of excitement, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're drawn to its world-famous theme parks, its vibrant arts scene, or its year-round sunshine, Orlando has something for everyone.

#apartament #apartment buildings #luxury apartments #moving #orlando lifestyle #orlando #orlando living #sweet home #davenport florida #real estate #Davenport FL #Living in Orlando

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davenportapartments · 8 months ago

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What's The Best Apartment Complex in Davenport, Florida?

Choosing the best apartment complex in Davenport, Florida, can be a daunting task, given the city's array of options. However, one complex that stands out among the rest is Atlantica At Town Center. This luxurious apartment community offers residents a truly exceptional living experience, making it a top choice for those seeking the best of the best in Davenport.

Luxury Living at Its Finest

Atlantica At Town Center boasts a wide range of luxurious amenities that cater to residents' every need. From a large state-of-the-art fitness center to a resort-style pool with a sun shelf, there is no shortage of ways to relax and unwind. The complex also features a clubhouse with a coffee station and game room, outdoor gaming and picnic areas, and a pet park with waste stations and a doggy spa.

Stylish and Functional Apartments

The apartments at Atlantica are thoughtfully designed with modern finishes and amenities to create a space that is both stylish and functional. Residents can enjoy features such as wood-inspired flooring, walk-in closets, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and shaker kitchen cabinets. Select units even offer screened balconies or patios, pool and water views, double vanities, and more.

A Community That Cares

What truly sets Atlantica At Town Center apart is its sense of community. The complex welcomes residents from all walks of life and encourages them to embrace their unique lifestyles. With a focus on individuality and inclusivity, Atlantica is more than just an apartment complex – it's a place where residents can feel at home.

Experience the Best in Davenport

If you're looking for the best apartment complex in Davenport, Florida, look no further than Atlantica At Town Center. With its luxurious amenities, stylish apartments, and welcoming community, Atlantica offers residents a living experience like no other. Come see for yourself why Atlantica At Town Center is the best of the best in Davenport.

Atlantica at Town Center in Davenport, FL (863) 509–1406

The apartment complex featured in this artcile adheres to the principles of the Fair Housing Act. They do not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability in the leasing and management of our properties.

#davenport florida #orlando #orlando lifestyle #orlando living #moving #apartament #sweet home #luxury apartments #real estate #realestate #Davenport FL #Davenport FL Living

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picturejasper20 · 6 months ago

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what do you think about Dev dimmadome

The rich bully kid? I haven't watched the episodes yet but i do like what the series is doing with him. It isn't that original but is still cool.

It reminds me of Andrea Davenport, having parents who don't pay him attention and how he kinda just wants a real friend. The first episodes gave you an idea that he is like that, meaning it doesn't feel that it came out of nowhere.

I think my issue is that we still don't know enough about Hazel's friends to care more about them. The Fearless episode was great but i want to know more about them before the series moves to focus on Dev.

While i understand that the series has some episodes to go, in contrast AJ and Chester (Timmy's friends in the original show) had more defined personalities that you could easily tell them apart from each other. I don't feel the same thing with Hazel's friends yet.

#fairly oddparents #fop a new wish

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barry-j-blupjeans · 2 years ago

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For the ficlet starter lines, #3 (“the world doesn’t care”), maybe post-saving the world and day of story and song?

3. "The world doesn't care."

((find the prompts here! still accepting!!!))

In the weeks since Story and Song, Taako had been busy. Very busy, thank you very much. Everyone wanted a little piece of Taako and he could not blame them. He was great. But he was also just… kind of tired. Sort of, kind of, just maybe a little bit tired. Fame called, of course, but so did family. Which was a weird way to phrase it after ten years of being hundred percent sure he didn't have any family left, thanks a lot, Lucretia-

Anyway. He had gotten off-topic. He had been super busy. Interviews, talk shows, a surge of reinterest in the Taako line of products, all the good stuff. He had moved into the most expensive flat he could secure, mainly just to get off the moon as fast as possible. Turns out, if you saved the world, they'd let you live just about anywhere.

Lup moved in with him, natch, and by default, Barry came as well. The offer was open to (almost) everyone else, but Merle had said something about "getting back to his roots", which could mean any number of nasty things, and Magnus had already set himself up down in Raven's Roost. He had stopped by last week to go over blueprint plans, because Magnus was a goddamn madman who insisted they all lived close by. And that he built their houses, because of the aforementioned madman thing. He had left a roll of paper with them to "think about it".

Davenport, however, had taken them up on the offer for someplace to stay. And while Taako was hesitant to thank Magnus for literally anything, Davenport was a solid rock between Taako's constant coming-and-goings from their apartment.

The blueprints were stretched out on one half of the dining table, which they didn't usually eat at anyway. There were seven chairs here, but several were being used to pile things up on. Mail, mostly. A bag of Lup's glittery pens that she had rescued from the Starblaster. A box full of Davenport's belongings from the Bureau that they were all tiptoeing around. Frankly, Taako wasn't sure what to do with that last one, considering Davenport seemed to just be ignoring that it was there. He didn't really want to move it without permission, but he was also kind of tired of having to give that one chair a wide berth. It was a rather large box.

Tonight, Taako sat at the head, clicking a pen open and shut as he looked at the blueprints for the house for Barry, Lup, and himself. It was a bit of a mess. And by a bit of a mess, he meant they had started over three times but it still wasn't up to Taako's taste. The kitchen? Flawless. Impeccable. The bedrooms? Woof. And don't even get him started on that gods-awful hallway that led to the stairs. But with Barry and Lup out on a date night (which, from Taako's understanding, had something to do with arson, crime, and a chocolate factory), he could finally get some of his ideas down without interruption.

The door to the dining room creaked open behind him. Taako retracted his point. He turned to see Davenport already in his pajamas, his arms full of mugs Taako didn't remember ever purchasing. Or even having in the house.

"Oh, uhm," Davenport said. "I was gonna do- di- dishes."

"Feel free, my man," Taako said, turning back to the blueprint. It was more of a paper full of glitter and ideas, at this point. Magnus could figure it out. He heard Davenport shuffle his way through the room, going through the door on the other end. After a few seconds, he heard water running. Taako cleared his throat. "The dishwasher works, Dav!"

"R- right!" Davenport said. The water turned off.

(The dishwasher had never worked on the Starblaster. Taako was pretty sure that all together, it might have run for a month. By cycle ten, they had given up and resorted to handwashing everything. Magic might have been a decent substitute, but apparently it "left a taste" and "that's gross, Taako, just wash the dishes".)

A few minutes later, the telltale rumble of the dishwasher began. Davenport came back through the door. His pajama sleeves were pushed up to his elbows. He joined Taako at the table, hoisting himself up onto the chair that sat in front of his blueprints. They were much neater and more blueprint-like than Taako's.

They sat in silence for a while, each working on their own projects. Taako rolled a few sparkly pens toward him and Davenport made a sound of thanks. Taako pretended not to see his hand hesitate over the blue pen before he picked it up.

After a while, the grandfather clock Barry had insisted they have (they moved it here from his cave) began to chime. Twice, and then thrice, until it got all the way up to eleven. Taako crossed out the fourth unnecessary jacuzzi Lup had added. Three were enough, thank you. He was pretty sure none of them knew how blueprints worked.

"Taako?" Davenport said, breaking the silence. Taako hummed to show he was listening. "D- d- d- fuck, ha- hang on." Davenport sighed, burying his face into his hands for a moment. He had been having a lot of trouble with speaking since the Day of Story and Song. Mainly with D words, which Taako thought was a little extra cruel. After a moment, he started again, slowly and with intention. "D- do you ever feel like it's… unfair?"

"I mean," Taako said. "I feel like lots of things are unfair, Dav."

"You know what I mean, though," Davenport said.

"Yeah," Taako said. "I mean- yeah. I do feel like that." He paused his pen over a part of the living room, where notes from Lup and Barry were practically overlapping. "Why do you ask?"

"It just feels… wrong," Davenport said. "That this i- is, uhm, how we're gonna end it. Not that I'm not glad the Hunger is gone. I'm- I'm really fucking glad that it's gone, Taako, I just- wish I had g- gotten to be a part of the planning for it."

"Yeah," Taako said with a little sigh of his own. "I, uh. I get that."

"It's not f- fair that I feel bad about not being happy," Davenport said, voice near a whisper, like he was confessing some horrible crime. But Taako understood. Gods, Taako understood. "I'm- angry. And tired. And I miss-" his voice cracked, "…everyone."

Taako bit back a comment, a weird feeling sitting in his gut. Yeah, he missed everyone. Like, fucking finally he and Lup had other people they could trust. And they still did- he still did. But the circle had changed sizes so fast it might as well have imploded on itself.

There was anger in there too. Angry about what it came to, angry because he got it. He knew why she had done it. Angry because he could see the fucking reasoning and he still wanted her around, but it was so much easier to be angry than to sort out the rest of that bullshit. He wasn't- He-

Taako had never so desperately wished that he and Lup were the same person as so many people had treated them. Maybe then, he could express all the stupid bullshit he felt in a way that made sense.

All alone, he had had to build up his own circle again, first with boulders that came down into dust and then with concrete made from those mistakes. He learned, because he had to, that he couldn't trust anyone. And he had relearned, because he fucking had to, that sometimes you didn't get a choice on who you trusted, it just happened. Sometimes the person who knew you inside and out left, and sometimes she'd erase your memories, and sometimes he'd be sitting a few chairs down from you at the dining table and pouring your collective heart and soul out all over the glittery pens.

It was so, so easy to be angry. It is what got him through most of his childhood. The world didn't care. It would keep on existing with or without him. He had figured that meant that he shouldn't care either, but- but, but, but-

Davenport finally rolled down his pajama sleeves to wipe at his eyes. The back of Taako's throat burned.

The world didn't care. People do.

"Yeah," Taako said again. "Ditto here, Cap'n."

#taako #davenport #taz #taz balance #mine #asks #anon #ise cube writing #channeling all my angus nitw's into this #i believe in a universe that doesn't care and people who do <3

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