#BUT we've got a few-days break from taking care of the dog and my mind. is at peace for now

[ichorblossoms]

may the universe grant me the time and brainpower to work on at least one these wips this next week augh

i need to draw my fucking fellas.......please

[orionsstory]

that kind of devotion | anarcia (7)

yayy chapter seven is here :) as always, don't forget to check it out on ao3 !! and leave a comment if you liked it teehee

---

For the next two weeks, Marcia found herself texting Lotus every waking moment. During breaks, during dinner, any free time she had was spent laughing at her jokes or smiling at a picture she sent. She got to find out she loved ducks (through the several pictures she sent of the ones at the nearby park- Marcia didn't mind though) to her favorite song (Boss Bitch by Doja Cat, a song Marcia had found herself listening to nonstop lately). If she was lucky, Lotus would even call her after her patrol, and the two would talk for hours. They mostly talked about their day and the investigation, but sometimes Marcia would slip in a story about her growing up, or Lotus would tell her a story about Sasha. The two had grown much closer in the past two weeks, getting along like a house on fire.

Even now, she was sitting on the couch texting Lotus. She giggled at a text the other girl had sent before she was drawn out of her thoughts by someone nudging her leg. "I need to sit down too, you know." Luxx rolled her eyes as she sat down, handing Marcia her food. "Put your phone down and eat, you've been glued to that thing lately. It's your one day off and you've ignored me the whole morning!"

Marcia takes the food from her, "I'm sorry! It's just so...exciting! We've pretty much gone from talking a few times a month to every day, it's hard not to be so engrossed."

"Aww, she's down bad." Luxx teased her.

"No, I'm not down bad. I'm a lover."

"Marsh, that's the same thing."

"It's totally not! Well...maybe a little. Whatever..." She flushed in embarrassment, rolling her eyes. Luxx chuckled at her,  "Isn't that sweet, you know I haven't seen you this excited over a girl since that one in college...what was her name again?" Marcia cringed at the memory, she had to admit she may have the tendency to fall for people quite easily, but Lotus wasn't the same.

"That's not the same thing. Lotus is different."

Luxx raised her eyebrow, so she continued, "She shows genuine interest in me. She cares about my theatre stuff and how my day is. She texts me pictures of cute dogs she sees because she knows I'll love them. She's...thoughtful. Also, she didn't forget my name after one date, so she's already leagues ahead of Caitlin."

Luxx laughed, "Oh my god, I forgot about that! What did she call you again? Maria?"

"Miriam. She said she knew it was some old lady's name."

"Oh my god, she was awful. I'm so glad that lasted like, two weeks."

"You and me both. Anyways, what were you thinking of doing?"

"Well, since we're all getting together after your show tomorrow, I figured we could just lie low today. We could go to that coffee shop you like and people-watch."

Marcia was sold. "You know me so well, Luxx."

"Of course I do. We've been friends for like 10 years, it'd be sad if I didn't. Now let's go, I want to get a good spot before it gets busy."

-

They arrived at the small shop, setting their items down on the counter facing the biggest window. Marcia took a seat, taking out her drawing supplies as Luxx went to grab their drinks. It had been a while since they had been able to do this- they used to do it all the time in college, watching the people pass by and wonder about their lives while they worked on essays or assignments. They would wonder about their own lives, and what the future would be like. Marcia likes to think her younger self would be proud of where she is now. It makes her smile.

"One tea with honey for you...and an espresso for me!" Luxx hums as she sits the drinks down, sliding onto the seat beside Marcia. She brings out her own drawing materials, peering out the window.

"I missed this. Feels like it's been forever since we've done this."

"I know, it feels like we barely have time anymore. I guess that's what it means to be an adult."

Luxx nodded, her pencil sketching across the page. "Such is capitalism. Ugh, I'm so antsy to get this collection done. We're almost ready to go into production, so my stress is mostly over."

"Oh, I'm excited to see the collection! You're taking me to see the show, right?"

"Who else is going to be my plus one?" She laughs, taking a sip of her drink. "Oh yeah, that's good. Fuck, I've missed good coffee. The office coffee is so shitty, Marsh. Oh my god, it's horrible."

Marcia smiled, opening her own sketchbook as she began sketching some of the people outside. "For a luxury brand, you would think they could afford a better coffee machine." She laughed, scribbling in a woman's dark coat. "Maybe they'll get you a new one for Christmas."

Luxx rolled her eyes, "Please, don't give me hope. Irene keeps saying she's going to fix it and improve it herself but we've been so swamped she hasn't had time yet." She looked up for her next target before selecting a man with a dog. "Look at that dog- isn't it cute? Ugh, I wish I was better at animals. It looks like a rat."

Marcia leaned over to look at the sketch, rolling her eyes. "It looks great, you're being dramatic. That is a cute dog though, what a baby." She cooed, snapping a picture of it before she sent it to Lotus. "How is the collection going anyway? Weren't you guys almost done like, a month ago?"

"Well, we were going through final revisions, but they decided to scrap some of the looks so we had to come up with some new ones. I'm hoping this will be the final round though. I've got some of the early concepts for designs in here though." She answers, flipping through her sketchbook to show Marcia some of the designs. 

She always admired the other girls' aesthetic, Luxx's usual grungy and dark designs had seemed to translate perfectly to spring fashion. Desaturated colors and skirts with purposeful rips and tears turned a skirt into the shape of a flower, an impressive feat. Marcia had seen Luxx make gorgeous designs that weren't her aesthetic, but these ones were special. She always loved it when Luxx could show her passion through her designs.

"Dark forest...what a theme, right?" She softly chuckles, flipping back to the sketch she was working on. "I like it though. I think it'll be our best collection yet."

Marcia proudly smiles, returning to her own sketch of some scenery. They sketched in comfortable silence for some time, Marcia having stopped sketching the people outside and started sketching Lotus. She didn't mean to, it was just sort of a habit at this point.

"That's really good, is that Lotus?" Luxx asks, leaning over. Marcia nods, her face tinged red. "Is she coming to your performance tomorrow?"

"No, but she's coming for my first night as Elle. I'm really excited, I hope she'll like my performance- I've been working so hard on it. God, I hope it goes well, what if I choke?"

"You won't choke. You were like, born for this. You're gonna kill it."

Marcia smiles at her, "Thanks, Luxx."

-

Luxx volunteered for dinner duty that night, allowing Marcia a moment to herself. To debrief, to prepare herself for tomorrow. She felt the nerves creeping up, like they did for every show she had done. She had to remind herself that it was going to go well, that she was going to do well. She focused on the warm water of the shower that was beginning to turn cold- maybe she had been in there longer than she thought.

She stepped out of the shower, wrapping her hair in a soft pink towel before beginning to dry herself off. It was nice, and for a moment she felt calm as she blow-dried her hair, the muffled music of Ariana Grande playing in the background. 7 rings was interrupted by the ringing of her phone, Marcia clicked off the hair dryer as she answered the call.

"Hello?"

"Hey, doll." Lotus' voice came from the other end. "Are you able to talk?"

Marcia hummed, "For a little bit- Luxx will kill me if I miss dinner." She wrapped her soft pink robe around her as she left the bathroom and entered her bedroom across the hall. "I thought you're usually on patrol around this time of day?"

"I am, but it's always a slow start. Thought I'd talk to you until I get a call."

She softly smiled, "Well, I won't complain about that. How's your day been?"

"Pretty standard. I'm hanging out with my coworker soon, but other than that nothing of note. But enough about me- you're gonna be on Broadway tomorrow! How are you feeling?"

"Nervous. Excited. I can't tell- I think it's both." She chuckled, "I know I'll probably do well, but it's just those pre-show nerves, you know?"

"Nah, I know you're gonna crush it."

"But how do you know? What if I...I don't know, trip and break my arm or something."

"I think you'd still perform, even if you had to be in a cast. Don't worry. Besides, isn't the saying break a leg?"

Marcia softly sighed, a smile creeping onto her face as she rummaged through her dresser for her pajamas. "Yeah, it is...and you're probably right. I'm way too excited about this. I just can't believe it's finally happening!"

She heard a faint buzzing on the other line, vaguely recognizing it as the sound of a call.

"Do you have to go?"

Lotus sighed, "Yeah. I do. I'm sorry. Hey- break a leg tomorrow. You're gonna kill it."

Marcia smiled. "Thanks, I will."

She heard Lotus laugh, she could practically see the other girls smile in her head.

"Atta girl."

-

The next morning was a blur. She remembered waking up to a 'break a leg ;)' text from Lotus and eating breakfast with Luxx, but time seemed to fly by after that. Her usual subway ride seemed to take five minutes, and their rehearsal that morning felt like it had happened in a second.

Now, she was in the dressing room with her castmates, all giddy and excited for the show. She applied the last of her blush and made sure her costume was perfect, waiting in the wings with the rest of the ensemble for the first number to start. Many were excitedly whispering to each other, the air in the theatre felt electric.

"Who's here for you tonight, Marcia?" One of her castmates and friends, Plasma, asked her.

"My friends and one of my cousins- we're going out afterward. What about you?"

"Some of my friends- and my mom, she flew in from Texas to be here. I can't believe it's opening night!" She excitedly shook Marcia's arm, causing her to smile.

"I know. Oh! There's the house lights, we're going!" She excitedly whispered, taking her place in preparation. She felt the anxiety returning to her chest, taking a deep breath as the curtains drew open.

They began their first number, which went as perfectly as it could. Marcia hit all the right steps, all the right notes, and stayed in character the entire time. She felt the anxiety in her chest dissipate after the first number, it turning into a feeling of joy. She felt good going into the second number, which turned into feeling great for the entire first act. During intermission, she and Plasma celebrated their success, which meant excitedly talking about the show while they made costume and makeup adjustments for the second act.

The second act also went spectacularly. She could tell the entire cast was bringing their all, and the audience could too. Every time the audience laughed or cheered her drive became stronger, causing her to perform even better. By the time curtain call came, she was exhausted- but proud. As she bowed with the rest of the ensemble, she could hear Luxx's cheers above the rest. She couldn't see her group because of the house lights, but that was enough to put a smile on her face. 

She's able to get out of her costume and makeup fairly quickly, only delayed by her and Plasma geeking out about the show- releasing the remainder of the energy they had for the night. Eventually, she gathered her things and left, signing some things for a few fans at the stage door before spotting her friends.

"MARSHALL!" Luxx squealed, tightly hugging the other girl. Marcia giggled as her friends swarmed her, excitement filling the air. Jan raved on and on about her vocals and dance moves, her cousin was a fellow theatre nerd and they often spent their childhood watching different musicals (and poorly reenacting them). Robin, although less experienced in the theatre world, complimented her performance and gave her a bouquet- which Amethyst almost crushed as she pulled the group in to take a photo.

Marcia feels elated as the group returns to her apartment, giving her time to change into a sparkly mini-dress. She quickly shot a text to Lotus before coming back out, rejoining the girls who had also changed. They took a quick shot of some tequila they had lying around the house before heading to the nearest gay bar.

-

"My girlfriend said she and her friend are a few minutes away," Robin yelled above the noise, trying to keep Amethyst from getting swallowed up by the crowd. "I'm making them get us drinks- what does everyone want?"

The girls shouted out their various drink orders to Robin, drowned out by the club's music. The lights strobed and Marcia could feel her body vibrating from the bass. She danced with Luxx and Amethyst, letting herself go and focusing on having fun- she deserved it, after all. She felt her legs growing sore, but it didn't bother her. She would regret it in the morning, however it wasn't anything she couldn't deal with.

They only stopped dancing when Robin squealed, throwing herself into the arms of a girl who had just walked up. "That's Aura," Amethyst shouted so they could hear, the other girls nodding along. "Who's that beside her?" Marcia asked, referring to the girl who had appeared beside Aura.

She was wearing a short red dress and a leather jacket, and her long light-colored hair was straight and worn down, with some bobby pins to keep her bangs back. She looked like she had some darker streaks in her hair, but she couldn't be too sure with the blaring club lights. From what Marcia could see, she had a pretty athletic build and a scar over her left eye. She felt like she knew the girl, but she couldn't place her finger on why.

"I guess her friend," Amethyst whispered in her ear, "She's hot, right? Is she glaring at us though?" Marcia turned her attention back to the other woman, Amethyst was right- she did seem to be glaring, but she couldn't even clearly see the girl because of the flashing lights.

"Can't tell."

Aura and Robin finally broke apart, allowing Aura to shift her attention to the other girl.

"Oh! This is one of my friends, Anetra!" The other girl nodded her head in greeting. "She doesn't bite, she just has chronic RBF." Aura laughed, Anetra rolled her eyes and playfully elbowed her. Amethyst introduced herself first before Marcia did- she noticed the girl's eyes widen a bit before returning to normal. That was strange, did she recognize her too?

She was going to talk to her more when Aura pulled her away to go get the group's drinks, putting a pin in her plan. That was fine, she'd just talk to her when she returned. However, Anetra didn't return. Aura came back alone, balancing the drinks in her arms.

"Where'd Anetra go?" Luxx asked, taking her drink from Aura.

"She got a call while we were waiting at the bar- came back and said there was an emergency and dashed out. She seemed stressed about it."

"I hope she's okay..." Marcia worried, "Poor girl just got here."

"I'll check up on her later, she's a tough cookie so I'm sure she'll be fine."

That was the last they talked about it, the rest of the night was a blur as they danced and drank until their feet hurt. Marcia tried to tone it down so she wouldn't feel as miserable tomorrow, which worked to some degree. She and Luxx left around 1 am, both deciding to be somewhat responsible. She quickly changed into her pajamas, almost passing out the instant she hit the bed. She shot off a goodnight text to Lotus, who still hadn't answered her last message, which was odd. She worried something may have happened, but she pushed that thought to the back of her mind- she was just paranoid.

[bandedbulbussnarfblat]

I had a rough week last week. Tuesday my dog gets sick, so I look up her symptoms. And bc I'm a crazy person, my mind automatically latched onto the worst possibility. So I spent three hours crying hysterically and having panic attacks bc I was so scared she would die. Then Wednesday I had to take my dog to vet and was still super stressed out. Thursday and Friday I have to deal with medicaid and disability paperwork. Saturday I had a panic attack so bad that I couldn't stop it and had to text my brother to come help me (he lives with me. we're too poor to live without a roommate, and we've basically lived together our whole lives, so it was whatever). Sunday morning I have a panic attack and can't leave my house to play my weekly dnd game bc the thought of spending hours with other people away from home was...bad. Sunday night, I got completely (and irrationally) terrified of being alone. I was so afraid that I called my mom, and of course she offers to come over. And I'm freaking out so bad I let her, even though it was late and I know she has to get up early for work. (She only stayed until my brother got back around 10:30)

BUT, today is a new day. I managed to get my blood work done today, and talk on the phone to my case worker, and pick up a pair of contacts from my eye doctor to wear until my order comes in. And I didn't have a panic attack. I mean, I still had to have my dad take me, bc leaving home alone isn't something I can do right now. (Mentally or physically. My brother's car broke down, and since he's the one who has a job, he's been using mine. i stg it's like a fucking family curse; every time someone is already in a financial bind, their car will break down.)

So I have decided to take the next few days to just relax. My two besties that I've been friends with since middle school both have kids with autism and they said I'm probably going through autistic burn-out. I'm pretty sure I'm autistic and my doctor thinks I'm somewhere on the spectrum, though on the lower support side. I'm gonna play bg3, and unwind. And try to work on some fic. (bc I have the next chapter of 16 Days damn near finished, and it's the last chapter that ties up the current plot, then there's an epilogue that takes place later that played out like a movie in my head, so writing it will be a breeze.)

Side note, did y'all know that some school systems still use 'high/low functioning'. I've had to say to my coworkers that autistic people would prefer not to use those terms. But it isn't surprising; one of my cousin's kids was literally diagnosed with Asperger's. Which has fallen under the autism spectrum disorder since like, forever ago. And also there was a TA in the autism classroom I worked in once who literally told me that autism was caused by demonic possession. I'm so glad I left the school system. Bc I eventually was going to fucking explode with rage after the way my kids were treated. (My students, not my actual kids. I don't have or want any)

Working in EC has really shown me how little the school system actually cares about helping the disabled; they will cut corners and do shit that 'technically' meets a kid's IEP, but doesn't do a damn thing to help them. And if you say something like, 'i don't think that counts' your coworkers will not be happy. But to a certain degree you can't be too mad, bc there is literally not enough time or resources to meet every child's needs, bc they cram as many kids in one EC classroom as possible, hire the minimum amount of TAs required by law and expect one teacher to be able to magically meet all their needs. My last job had 3 kids in wheelchairs in those tiny ass mobile units schools started using, that literally did not have room to move around, unless the other students stood up to let them get by, and sometimes even move their desk. We had multiple kids with autism. One of them stimmed by screaming, another was triggered by loud noises.

This post kinda went off on a tangent. Anyway, heads up to any parents who have kids starting school, make sure you get a copy of your child's IEP. If you think they aren't being serviced, contact your local Board of Education, and tell them that you have a child with an IEP who isn't receiving adequate services. Then threaten to sue them if they don't start providing your kid their services. It does not matter if you can actually afford to sue them or not, an IEP is a legally binding document. You have the right to sue, and most of the time the threat alone is enough to kick their ass into gear.

[invisibleraven]

"You worked so hard and it shows." for Ray and any of his many children plz and thank?

Ray hummed as he searched through the fridge for the leftover pasta he was sure was there this morning when he looked. But even after almost tearing the place apart he still couldn’t find it.

He sighed, resigned to either cooking or ordering in. Given the music drifting in from the studio, he figured pizza might be a good idea. He didn’t mind feeding the cavalcade of teens that seemed to follow his daughter around like ducks, but yeesh sometimes it was hard on his grocery budget.

He drifted out to the garage, lingering at the door for a moment, smiling despite himself. It was good that there was music in the house again. He had missed it when Rose passed, and even more when Julie’s seemed to die right along side her mother.

That was the reason he didn’t mind the boys that were currently eating him out of house and home. They brought Julie back to herself, so what did a few extra groceries matter? Plus this way he knew they were eating healthy and not scrounging for food or eating street dogs again.

“Hey guys,” he said with a knock once he heard a break in the music. “I’m thinking pizza tonight. What dietary restrictions am I working with this week?”

“I’m good with pork,” Reggie called. He usually only kept kosher when his MeeMaw was visiting or around certain high holy days, but Ray could barely keep track of those, so he trusted Reggie to let him know.

“I’m still not doing meat but cheese is cool,” Willie replied and Carrie nodded along. They were both vegetarians, and occasionally Willie went vegan, so it was always good to ask.

“Luke is going to eat vegetables and like it,” Julie said, glaring at her boyfriend as if daring him to pipe up.

“No mushrooms?” he pleaded.

“Fine, but only because Flynn is allergic,” Julie stated.

“Thanks Jules!” Flynn called from the loft where she was obviously on the phone, probably trying to get the band another gig.

Alex just gave a thumbs up to pizza, he was the easiest to please, and Ray knew what Julie liked by now, so he went off to order. Marvelling later at how fast so much pizza could go missing, shaking his head at the teenagers.

But he didn't notice how Julie picked the bill up from the floor where it had fallen. Missed the hushed band meeting, only telling them to get their homework done while we went to watch the game with Carlos.

The next night the gang was over, Julie went to her father. "We'll take care of dinner tonight."

"You don't have to do that mija," Ray replied. "I don't mind cooking for you and your friends, or getting you guys food if you want."

"Nope, it's our turn," Julie insisted. "You just sit back and relax, we've got it."

Ray threw up his hands and told her to watch the guys with the oven-and the knives, and did as she asked, sitting back with a book he had been neglecting. Even if he found his mind just a little distracted by the noises and occasional singing from the kitchen.

"Suppertime!" Julie bellowed up the stairs, just so Carlos would hear it over his games. Smiling at Ray as he eased himself up from the couch, and hoped that there was some Pepto in the house, just in case.

The table was set, with spaces for everyone-even Rose's reserved spot, all set and ready, like she would waltz into the room and ask why they weren't eating yet. Ray sniffled at that, but didn't stop smiling; it didn't hurt anymore, not like it used to.

Then Ray took notice of the food sprawled all over the counter. Each of the kids had contributed a dish, so it was a bit of a mish-mash, but it all looked delicious.

"Wow hijos, you worked so hard and it shows."

"Thanks Ray!" Reggie beamed, always appreciative of a bit of fatherly attention. "Dig in!"

So he did, getting a bit of everything, each dish being introduced by the kids. Luke rubbed the back of his head, showing Ray the tray of brownies he had made. "I'm not a great chef but I'm a decent baker, and my mom taught me the recipe."

"Well we did need a dessert," Ray replied, thanking him. And resolving to get teh recipe from Emily, because those were deadly brownies.

Ray was full by the end, and patted his stomach, once again telling the kids how grateful he was. "But what brought this on?"

"I know it can't be easy-or cheap feeding us all," Julie replied. "So i asked everyone to help out to make food for you for once. We bought all the supplies ourselves, and we'll even do the dishes."

"You're our surrogate dad, it's the least we can do," Reggie said, blushing a little.

"Thank you all, so much. But you're all kids, you don't need to waste your money or time doing this for me," Ray argued. "I really don't mind feeding you all."

"We have more than enough money from gigs and merch sales," Luke pointed out. "Besides, it was fun."

"We can't do it every time, but maybe a couple times a month, we could do this for you," Alex offered. "It's only fair."

"Well I'm not going to say no. Especially to you guys doing the dishes," Ray said with a laugh. "Just make sure to do your homework before going home."

"Sure thing Ray!" Willie said, giving him a thumbs up.

Ray grinned, watching the kids-his kids really, work together to clean it all up, and didn't even leave the kitchen when they started to sing. Yeah, he could get used to this.

But he was definitely sneaking another brownie before bed.

[bucky-bucky-bucky-bucky]

Do You Want to Die Together? | Bucky Barnes x Reader

Hi, friends! This is kind of the inverse of Darling, You Will Bury Me Before I Bury You ♥️

I am emotionally unwell :) I wanted to write something with lots of feelings, and actually teared up a bit while I wrote this.

As always, send your comments, requests, and/or comments my way!

Tag list: @beefybuckrrito @everything-burns-down @shadytalementality @rainbow-unicorn-pony @mandersshow @emetophilily @breakablebarnes 💘💘

Warning: Mention of death

"I'll love you til the day I die- So don't die today, please don't die today. Everything but you is an ugly lie- That's not how you pray, that's not what you say. If I'm here when you're gone I'll fall apart- Stop your crying now, stop your crying now. What's the point of life without my heart- You're not dying now, you'll survive somehow."

"What are you staring at, Barnes?" you asked teasingly, taking a break from your book when you noticed Bucky's unflinching gaze. He'd stared at you, almost without blinking, for quite some time. He loved the way the orange light from the sunset made your hair glow and your eyes twinkle as you sat in your favorite reading chair. He watched as your delicate fingers played with the corner of the page you were reading, gently folding it and unfolding it as you waited for his response. His eyes moved over you, taking in your form as though it were the last time he'd ever see you.

"Nothin, hon. Just you..." he answered simply, but you sensed ripples in the still waters of his voice.

"Buck..." you groaned, shutting your book and turning toward him. You matched his gaze, waiting for him to open up and give you a look inside his head. "We've talked about this, babe. Come on, I need you to communicate with me," you murmured, nudging him in the right direction.

His head dipped down and he stared at the ground, nodding as he let out what seemed like a pained sigh. The familiar tinkling of his metal fingers playing with his dog tags filled the silent air, and you knew there must really be something on his mind.

"It's morbid...I'm sorry- I was just with Sam and some others a few nights ago, and one of them made a comment about Nat..." he muttered, still looking down.

Your inhale caught in your throat at her name, and you felt involuntary tears sting your eyes. It felt like just yesterday Nat had been sitting on your living room couch, twisting your hair into intricate French braids-and now she was gone. Wanting Bucky to continue, you nodded, not trusting your voice.

"I was just thinking, because, ya know, my family is long gone- my parents, my-my sister...all my friends from when I was young, too. And then I thought about Steve, and Tony, and...then I thought about you," he almost whispered. Slowly, he raised his head and met your gaze, revealing the tears traveling down his cheeks. "I never thought I'd be here to see so many people I care about go. But they're all gone. And I don't know how long my life is going to be, but..."

He leaned back against the couch and raked a hand through his hair in a not-so-gentle fashion, taking a deep inhale as he did so. He opened his mouth to continue, but then snapped it shut, not quite sure how to say it. "You're worried that I might- I might die before you..." you whispered, and he nodded, making a few fresh tears roll down his cheeks.

At the sight of his tormented expression, you got up and made your way over to him, taking the spot next to him on the couch. He couldn't quite look at you as he continued to speak, knowing that he'd crumble completely if he did.

"I can't lose you. If I have to be here without you, I just- I can't, sweets. I can't do that. I'll- I'll fall apart..." your hands flew to his face, taking his cheeks in your gentle grasp and finally getting his eyes to meet yours.

"Hey, hey- you don't have to worry about that. As of right now, I don't see myself going any time soon..." you whispered, stroking his cheeks with your thumbs. He nodded, but the anguish didn't leave his eyes.

"But what if something happens? Like an accident or you get sick or-"

"You can't think like that, Buck."

"I can't help it...baby, I don't know what I'd do without you..."

You nodded and leaned back against the couch cushions, pulling Bucky down with you. He laid his head on your chest and listened to your familiar heartbeat, praying that it would beat forever.

"We live a really unconventional life," you murmured, "Hydra holdouts, super villains from space, Flag Smashers...it's uncertain. Either one of us could lose the other tomorrow..."

He nodded, wrapping his arms around you tighter as he thought of just how stacked the deck was against your relationship.

"So we just have to enjoy this- each other- while we can..."

[countrymusiclover]

14 - Kyle's Final Mission

(Picture from Pinterest, not mine)

Military Lovers

Tags @casedoina @mads-weasley @mrspeacem1nusone @misshalstead

He winced lifting his left hand to my face wiping away my tears as he let some slip from the pain he faces. "Hey, lisen to me baby. This is not on you...all that matters is we're safe...you and me." Resting my forehead on his I sigh in relief that we're together again.

"Do you Y/n L/n take Jay Halstead to be your husband from this day forward?" A minister asked as we stand in a clearing in the woods surrounded by friends and family. "I do." Jay is then asked the same question with a grin plastered on his face. "Do you Hay Halstead take Y/n L/n to be your wife from this day forward?" Jay started to respond until we heard Kyle bark as an answer making us all chuckle. He's laying down in the grass near my parents. We decided to do a small wedding a few days after Jay got discharged from the hospital by Will. If we've learned anything through out adventures with Kyle. It's that we have to live everyday not knowing what tomorrow will bring. "With that said I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Jay slowly cupped my face in his hands smiling leaning down kissing me. I wrap my arms around his neck kissing him back. He tilts his head to the side deepening it as everyone started clapping having us break for air. My mother ran over hugging me sobbing happy tears as I hugged her tight. My father gives my husband a pat on the back. Will walked over giving Kyle a treat before hugging me. "So, what will you do now Y/n?" He asked as I intertwined my hand with my husband's, leaning on my other leg as to not put too much pressure on my hurt leg. Kyle lays down by Will's feet making his brace visible to me. When he got thrown into the wall by the Afghanistan guy it resulted in a few broken ribs. So he has to wear it for a few months, he's took the physical pain like a champ though.

"A little while go Will you offered me a job. I'd like to accept if that's still on the table." I tilt my head to the side grinning at my brother-in-law. The day I worked in the hospital I realized that helping people helps me deal with trauma. It gives me a way to forget about what happened in Afghanistan for a short time. I know the nightmares of death will play in the back of my mind always. But at least this way I can helping people, plus the little kids loved interacting with Kyle. "Like I said it was always there. We can do an application later after the honeymoon." The repetition was loud and everyone danced the night away until I see Kyle laying on a rock ledge with the sunset glowing off his fur. Sitting on the rock I don't care that I'm getting my dress dirty. Draping my arm over his side he lays his head in my lap. "I couldn't have imagined any other dog by my side. No one except you, Ky."

Foosteps approached behind us before I felt Jay's arms wrap around me from behind joining us on the rock ledge overlooking the riverside. "You know I don't think I would have met you if it wasn't for him." He mumbled into my hair feeling me lay back into his chest. "I don't believe that to be true. I think the universe gave me Kyle and he had a mission to bring us together." I intertwined my right hand with Jay's turning my head around and kissing him lips to which he kissed back with a grin. "Well I'm glad I was his target, Mrs. Halstead." Brushing my nose against his I mirror his grin. "You're the best assignment I ever had, Mr. Halstead." Kyle rolls over on his back climbing into our laps, snuggling in for some cuddling which we were more than happy to offer. Laying my head on Jay's chest I smiled finally having both my boys in my arms. We weren't separated anymore. Worrying about if the other was dead or not. For the rest of Kyle's life he now only had one mission left. He had brought us together, now he got to be a normal dog again. He got to be loved by Jay and I.

Military Lovers readers,

I am pleased to say this is the end of this story. I loved hearing feedback and getting to write Kyle's character. It would mean a lot to me if you all checked out my other works on here :)

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[rocketmuse]

I thought I'd share my playlist for the anniversary of the boathouse kiss. :)

Song translations, MANY thoughts, and timeline under the break.

Noise warning for song 19, Hinahanap-Hanap Kita. 4:23 to the end. Loud high pitched beeps.

YouTube music version to be made soon.

Translations for foreign songs:

Ewan [Dunno] — Apo Hiking Society — Filipino/Tagalog

Amour plastique [Plastic love] — Videoclub — French

Panalangin [Prayer] — Apo Hiking Society/Moonstar88 — Filipino/Tagalog

Hinahanap-Hanap Kita [I'm Looking For You] — Rivermaya — Filipino/Tagalog

This is a collaborative playlist made with my friend.

Thought Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy would be a good starter song. Something about the music. Represents a good start of Alec persuing Maurice, like, hey, I can be yours... Whatcha doin'?

I added Puppy Princess because of the chorus but I know some people don't like that song so... You can skip if you'd like. KISS MEEEEE KIISS ME WITH YIIR EYESSS CLOSED . ALL I WANT IS YOU YEAH YOU. TELL ME I'M NOT FUNNY TELL ME I'M LEGIIIIT

Ewan. OH MY GOD this song is so them. Alec cares for Maurice, and doesn't like not being taken seriously or being treated badly and brushed off.

"I don't know why you're like that, you're difficult to talk to and you're a snob" COME ON IS THAT NOT THEM — Just a smile from you, and I'll be in heaven. Please give me a response, anything but "No idea"... What a perfect representation of Alec's continuous persuit of Maurice, always talking, always trying...

I could go on with every lyric.

Edit: I just realised this song fits so well for Alec's letters and meeting at the museum. Must resist the urge to add the same exact track twice.

So about Touch Me... Some of the lyrics apply better in other versions. Spotify just has this version tho. Touch me, just like that.

All I've Ever Known. Maurice discovered so much that night about touch and sharing and being with someone. He wants to be with Alec. "All I've ever known is how to hold my own, but now I want to hold you too. [Hold you close, I don't wanna ever have to let you go. Hold you tight, I don't wanna to back to the lonely life.]" Alec opened up his eyes and he'll never be the same.

Can't Help Falling in Love With You. 'Did you ever dream you'd a friend, Alec? ... Someone to last your whole life...' 'Alec, you're a dear fellow and we've been very happy.'

I'd Like To Walk Around In Your Mind was added from Maurice's perspective. Perhaps it fits Alec too...

I think Love At First Sight has the double meaning of the literal title, as well as "wouldn't you like to kiss her" perhaps being... Something Maurice would hear.

I Don't Dance. Based on this post/edit. Please watch this video oh my God.

Pink in the Night. Alec yearns for Maurice in the boathouse. He hasn't come. He hears his heart breaking tonight.

Every lyric is perhaps pulled straight from Alec's brain, to be honest. I remember seeing a post with this song in other contexts with them too. So yes, a few meanings.

Amour plastique. Alec reminiscences on the night in the Russet room. Why hasn't he come?

In my mind, everything goes wild. I lose myself in your eyes. I drown myself in the vagueness of your loving gaze.

And at night I cry tears that stream down my cheeks. I think of you only when the days ends, only when my sad demons descend upon my mind, into the bottomless abyss.

Waiting in the boathouse at night, when the day ends.

I ring out in kisses all down your chest. Lost in the avalanche of my heart astray. Who are you? Where are you?

The moments of then repeat in his mind. Where is Maurice?

I suppose Hopelessly Devoted To You and I'm A Fool To Want You are self explanatory. Maurice should really come... Alec really toughed it out, 2 days he spent in the boathouse, really wanted to see Maurice, really knew they had something, and doesn't want to be treated like a dog. Generally, his 1st letter.

Moon Song. My friend said they added it as a general love song. — Why do you treat me like this? Why didn't you come to the boathouse? — Alec's 2nd letter as a whole. Plus bits of 1st.

And you pushed me in, and now my feet can't touch the bottom of you. ... So I will wait for the next time you want me, like a dog with a bird at your door.

Ewan would fit here tbh.

Panalangin. My only prayer in this lifetime: to be beside you, to be together with you, that's my prayer.

"I since cricket match do long to ... place both arms round you and share with you, the above now seems sweeter than words can say."

And this heart won't allow if you will be away from me, my love, please listen.

It also fits the end of museum.

I Want You. Maurice, can you come to the boathouse already? Alec has no power to teleport you there. I hold one card that I can't use.

I found you. I found the door, but when I stepped through, there was no floor. He found Maurice, bit he's not being here for Alec.

You're coming back And it's the end of the world We're starting over And I love you, darling And I am done, dear

Alec wishes this would happen. Also, he does come back later and they love again over, and "it is finished".

Credit for suggesting the next two songs goes to @beatle-capaldi!!! He also wrote was in quotations!

English Summer Rain

The Most Radical Thing To Do

Hinahanap-Hanap Kita. 1st letter, he's looking for Maurice. Thinking about them together.

In my thoughts and dreams, in every turn of destiny, I look for you. Also applies to that hotel/post-hotel feeling. I look for you, even if I try to forget you, saying goodbye, looking back...

Wildest Dreams. They think a lot of each other. They share once more. But they must say goodbye. Alec saw this coming. Maurice hopes that Alec will remember him like this.

I Hear a Symphony. Alec truly opened up Maurice's eyes. Maurice was meant to be with him. He helped Maurice, changed his life. But now Alec is leaving on ship... Or is he? The symphony leads into...

An orchestral sountrack. The Boathouse. Unfortunately the Maurice soundtrack is not on spotify. It's on my personal YouTube music version. I added it because it just captures the boathouse the only way the sountrack itself can.

The Word of Your Body (Reprise). MLM people have moment of romantic tension, which culminates in confessions of love. Just had to add it. "Haven't you heard the word of your body?" perfectly describes Alec gifting and showing Maurice the wonder of truest physical affection and love. He lets Maurice be okay with himself, and again, changes everything. Every lyric is perfect.

Also, sorry JBW, I like other versions more... Too bad Spotify is mean.

I See The Light. Yeah. Every lyric. Maurice is Rapunzel. Movie Blond too. Both the morning at Russet room and the museum. And the world has somehow shifted. All at once everything is different, now that I see you. "By now they were in love with each other consciously."...

Suddenly Seymour. Suddenly see more, yeah? Clive = ass and someone gives him affection for once, wow! Sidenote, I want to sing this with them and their accents... Suddenly SCUDDER...

Helpless. Musical theatre songs seem to be good retellings of their love story. It's why they belong in post boathouse. Summaries and retellings. They're also good at conveying love they'd feel for each other in general, all times ever. Like loving men, retelling a story.

I'll Cover You. Cute love song feat. gays. I like to imagine them dancing around, declaring their love and devotion for each other. Walking and dancing around like in the original scene, sometime post canon. In my own imagination, I thought of Alec as Angel and Maurice (Christopher) as Collins.

Video Games. They must love spending time together. I thought this to be Maurice POV. Only worth living if somebody is loving you I mean, come on.

It's you, it's you, it's all for you. Everything I do. I tell you all the time, heaven is a place on Earth with you.

Un sospiro. I headcanon that Maurice picks up the piano and plays for Alec. Perhaps he picked it up bc of/after Clive, but now can play it for someone who gives a shit.

Something about the melody reminds me of them. And then it gets more intense... A bit like the passions of love, showing up in sharing and touch and more, too.

Liebestraum. I mean, it means love dream/dream of love. I just had to. Also I just like Liszt.

Take Me Up With You, Dearie. This song is just so sweet... So soft... Edwardian to boot... I love how quintessentially 1909 it is. Discovered it in a YT video. The thought of them getting married makes me cry. This song in general makes me want to cry, it's so romantic, tender, and exudes my favourite era...

Let us float, float, float through the clouds, and just have a lot of fun. We'll go up, up, up as two and then come down as one.

Put Your Head on My Shoulder. We Belong Together. I always imagine Maurice and Alec slowdancing to songs that come on the radio together, when the 1950s hits... Alec probably rests his head on his shoulder as this plays and they dance...

I'm using a lot of ellipses, am I secretly Rupert Graves?

Welcome to the 70s and 80s. They love dancing together and being with each other. Now, Panalangin can be a happy song. My only prayer for this lifetime ... To be together with you. And this heart won't allow if you will be away from me.

Just the Two of Us. What a nice, vibey song. Great title, great scenario of them dancing to this...

Tiny Dancer. Your Song. MLM people in the 70s + Radio, being happy and in love with each other. — I just thought I should add some Elton. A different friend, and I, like him. Maurice sings to Alec, "And you can tell everybody this is your song." That I put down in words how wonderful life is with you in the world.

Electric Love. Fun fact: this song got me to share the playlist. Got me thinking about them and their anniversary again. The funky busy instrumental describes well their passionate love. The highs of electric LOOOOOOVE describe the intensity of them.

Alt text continued: themselves together under and the love. And the love. The song has its own tension and it perfectly pictures their own tension. So yeah, this is THEIR song quite literally.

Sorry if my music taste is perhaps basic. I just made it for when I hear songs that are Them.

Falling for Ya. Alec falls for Maurice. "I saw you when you first drove up, Mr Hall..." Something about Maurice, right? Plus really nice vintage vibes with the music. The bit about Into your arms and it's a secure sure sounds like Maurice. Awh, they're falling for *each other*...

Rainbow Connections. Gay and bi people. Marriage. Everything that Maurice and Alec went through to get here, where they were meant to be. Clive. Working for Clive. Leading up to now.

All the things that had to go right, all the things that had to go wrong, that lead us to the place where we were going all along.

On the YT version there's a soft/jazzy cover of Panalangin here. Because they're old and spending time together and being happy. What a throwback, a defined meaning in their lives over time.

Still Into You. After all these decades... Old and grown, together... True soulmates... Two men can defy the world... Maurice and Alec still roam the greenwood. Imagine Maurice meeting Alec's mom in this context. If only.

Postmodern Jukebox cover, because they are a quintessentially 20th century couple. They exude vintage.

Some piano playing for Alec. Soft, tender, romantic, emotional, true. Feels like nighttime. Feels like Maurice and Alec. And a throwback to the pre 1914 world as well. Claire de Lune feels like... A credits of life piece. Time spent in the early 1980s. Nocturne feels like that too, but more romantic. Smidge less nighttime. Ah yes, Gymnopédies. The truest credits feel of them all. None of these actually are credits for Maurice and Alec, but I struggle to find the word for this feeling. But yeah. These all have Them vibes to me. Piano of the time just does I suppose. Glad to be reminded of them at any time.

What a long playlist. Like going through almost their whole lives together. 1:52 hrs. Almost like a movie. Imagine that. A full movie of THEIR lives... But leaving to the imagination was a good thing. Led to this such action. Thank you E.M. Forster.

Timeline:

1. Pendersleigh

4. & 5. Russet Room. Night, then Morning

9. Cricket

10. Boathouse Nights

18. The Museum

20. The Hotel

21. After

23. The Boathouse

24. They Still Roam the Greenwood

I just like to imagine them dancing to songs on the radio, for decades to come...

[jinxthequeergirl]

Softie

Quentin smith x Goth! Reader

Requested by anons and @aristocracy-y :

⭐quentin and the abrasive goth girl from school end up as lab partners and he comes over to study and he discovers she’s actually soft and sensitive?? pls i crave quentin content (if u don’t wanna write this just anything for quentin is fine

⭐My love for Quentin knows no bounds, and a soft, slow make out is literally all I can think of rn

⭐OML you write for my baby! Could you maybe write some Quentin nsfw, if you don’t write that then something soft and fluffy

Warning: swearing, sorry I don't write nsfw but its super fluffy so that makes up for it ig, also i think its safe to say this is quite sometime before fredrick fucked him up.

And sorry for taking so long im trying to get back to actually posting things so please enjoy!!! Sorry that its just sort and sweet.

~~~~~~~

"Sick drawing." Quentin looked up at the you who was standing next to him putting your bag down and taking the seat next to him.

"Oh uh thanks." He said offering a smile.

"I'm y/n, Your new lab partner." Quentin took you all in as you shook his hand. He'd heard about you, seen you in the hall. Nothing about your goth aesthetic exactly sreamed friendly. Kris and jesse would say things about you. "Careful she'll hex you!"

"Wow who's funeral are you going to? Oh sorry that's just how you dress."

You spent class paying attention to the work taking notes and before he knew it class was over. "Uh..so when..or really were do you wanna study so we can do the lab right tomorrow?"

"Uhh my dad's got a teacher meeting thing tonight...I don't have to be home for a few hours.." She nodded as she put her things in her bag. "Yea alright..my house then...I'll meet you after school at the end of the front steps?"

"Yea..sure thing."

At the end of the day you met him exactly where you had said to, but he was accompanied by his friends. "Watch out quentin she might hex you!" He he elbowed jessy as he walked away from them to meet you.

"Sorry about th-"

"Let's go." You bit out grabbing your bag and started walking he quickly followed.

"They're jerks." He said as you continued to lead the way through your neighbor breaking the silents. "They're your friends?" You said.

"Doesn't change the fact that they're absolute dick holes sometimes." You glanced back at him with a smile, before walking up a drive way.

"Penny! Cherry!" You yelled as you opened the door. You where both greeted with the sound of barking and quick feet running down the hall. "Y/n!" Your face lit up as you got to your knees and greeted the girl and dog as they ran into your open arms.

"Hey kiddo!" The dog salked up and licked your face causing you to laugh. "Uh Cherry this is Quentin...he's gonna help me study for biology, Quentin this is my sister Cherry and our dog Penny."

He offered a small wave. "Hi! Are you y/ns friend? She doesn't bring a lot of those home." Cherry asked Quentin as he fllowed the two girls deeper into the house, He only laughed nervousely and you hit her shoulder. "Shut up dork!"

Sbe laughed. "Go do your homework!"

She burried down the hall to her room. "Oh! Dad said he'll be home by eight thirty! Maybe nine!" You rolled your eyes and lead him to the kitchen. "Thanks!" You then turned to him. "Sorry I should've mentioned something about the two of them..." He shrugged and pet penny while taking a seat at the counter.

"I don't mind, She seems like a good kid." You smiled. "She is...do you want something? We've got chinese leftovers?" He laughed. "Sounds good."

The rest of the night was spent within your bedroom attempting to study only to find neither of you took good enough notes to answer the study questions.

"Well I can just look it up in study hall...you can hang out here for a while if you want..." You offered him noticing he'd gotten up from the desk chair to look at the bulleten board filled with pictures that hung on the wall by the door.

"Is that your mom?" He asked pointing to a family photo. "Uhh yea...Penny l/n...she died a few years after cherry was born...we got penny and named her after her..."

"I get that...the whole mom being dead thing." He admitted still staring at the photos, He finally turned to you. "You knkw I meant what I said about my friends-"

You waved him off. "No need to say sorry I'm used to it."

"So then why do you-"

"I like how it looks....It's the only thing I felt comfortable in was clothes like this...kt's not actually true to who I am." You explained quickly. He moved to sit next to you on the bed. "Then who are you?"

"Who do you think I am?" You challenge.

"Well...from what I've seen here tonight. I'd say you're a softie... You like being around people, like making friends, your sentimental, a family per-" you held a hand up to his mouth.

"Got it, you've spent to much time with me today." You said with a laugh moving your hand.

It was quiet for a second. "You know I know somethings about you too." You said.

"Like?"

"Your the reserved one in your friend group, but also out spoken when you get the chance...sweet...kind." You said looking at him. He looked you up and down and leaned forward.

"And you're thinking about kissing me.." You teased before moving closer to him yourself and kissing him.

His hands mobed to your waist as yours cupped his cheeks and climbed into his lap. "You're absolutely right on the last one." He said as you pulled away briefly, you laughed lightly and slid your sweater off and kissed him again.

He wrapped his arms around you and leaned you back on the bed deepening the kiss.

"Y/n! Cherry! Penny!" You quickly pulled away again upon hearing your fathers voice from the front door.

You both let out a slight disapointed sigh but laughed. "Maybe some other time." You winked before kissing him quickly and pulling your sweater back on.

"Hey dad!" You said coming down the hall and hugging him as he let go of cherry. "Hey!..oh I didn't know you had comapny I would've bought more food."

"No, sir I was leaving..my dad will be home soon anyways." Quentin said reassuringly. "Dad this is my friend, Quentin." You introduced the two of them. "Well nice to meet you Quentin, you're welcime baxk here anytime kiddo! Y/n doesn't get a lot of friends around here." He said jokingly, you hit his arm as you walked quentin out the door.

"Goodnight, thanks for having me over." He said.

"Anytime." You smiled and kissed him once more before going back inside.

[hackink]

Step Dad

A short story

I hear thrashing and screaming, I yearned for it to end, never did. That quite sucks not gonna lie.

I'm the big one, it's like I'm the chosen one in my family, could be both good or bad. I've got to take care of my siblings, like all the time. The big responsibilities always point in my direction. It's not all bad, I do have my fair share of fun. But for that same reason, I must set a good example. I can't really act the way I wanna most of the time, usually I've make-up on my face, covering the skin before it. It's kinda complicated.

This one time, my parents came into my room, they introduced me to someone, he was a tall white man, and was fairly well clothed. He was wearing these really nice shoes, and had a suit on that looked like it cost buck. I shook his big hand, it felt soft, and a bit warming. We talked for about 30 minutes, he was a fairly nice person, and my parents seemed to like him as well.

After that time was over, my dad went to the room, and grabbed some suitcases out from the closet, as he rolled them by, I felt my heart drop. They explained everything.

Quickly, I put my make-up on, before it was too late, it was. Once I saw my little brother and sister hugging the leg of my dad, begging him to stay, I washed it off naturally. 'Who is he to take the place of my dad?' This thought lingered in my head that night, I took some sleeping pills.

I avoided the man, I didn't want to talk to him, if I saw my mother close to him, I'd turn my head, cause I know how violent I can get. There was this one time, where I walked into the kitchen to get a snack, was playing Minecraft with my siblings, and there I saw the two, hugging and kissing. I, at that moment, remembered how my dad taught me to drive, how he taught me to build a nice dog house for our pet dog, which had died upon my dad's exit. I remembered every single second I spent with my father, the amazing role model he was, and snapped.

Back in the 8th grade, one of my good friends was playing bloody knuckles with someone. He totaled him. He then turned to me, and held his fist up, I didn't last two punches. He told me to start punching the walls at home, bit by bit, so that it wouldn't hurt and my fists would become stronger. In two months' time, my knuckles along with my punches, had become stronger than most boys in my school. I beat my friend, the only time I did too, cause he trained after that as well, and became much better than me. Though, I did beat just about anyone in school at bloody knuckles.

I clenched my fist, and I dropped my phone. This man was innocent, I just hated the fact that he wanted to replace the man who could never be replaced, ever. I felt like letting him know. I had never punched anything as hard as I could, since it'd probably be the end of my fist, but boy do I gotta say his cheek was soft. He fell to the ground and hit the stove with his head, my mom started to scream and push me back, each little shove she gave me, let me know how much she liked this man. They all hurt. I hadn't seen her do that with my dad in the past year, and he gets to do it in the first week? I couldn't settle with that, I ran out the house, and went to my grandma's house, where I began punching the tree in order to not break down in tears.

She gave me some hot cocoa, and let me spend the night there. She felt like she always had, like my grandma, so I felt comfortable, silently I sobbed. The next morning I got up and took a shower, my hands had a bunch of wounds in them from punching the tree bare fisted, and they really hurt to clean. They were also shaking, 'maybe I cracked a bone or something?' I didn't really care, my adrenaline wasn't going down anytime soon.

I was taking a jog outside around the house to clear my mind, when I see a tall man, with some really nice shoes, and a bruise on his cheek come by. 'Your mother sent me to get you.' I ignored him, for his sake. He sat down in a chair, and patted next to him, signaling for me to take a seat. I was thinking it was a bad pun, was he here to mock me? His face was so infuriating, the fact that it wasn't six feet under was pissing me off. On my next lap around the house, I kicked his chair over, his suit looked expensive. He smiled and chuckled, 'kids these days are quite funny.' Why? He must be a psycho, my reaction would be to get mad, or confused at least!

He began to jog alongside me, this man was starting to tick me off big time. I stopped running, grabbed his tie, and said 'Get out, and I mean out, you lay another finger on my mom and I'll kill you!' I tripped him, and continued my jog. I'd feel guilty, but I can't for someone who got my father kicked out of the house, nobody deserves to live after screwing with my family.

I returned home later that day, still a tad hesitant because of the incidents the day prior. My mom asked me to help her cook, she was making shrimp. She gave me the basic rundown of what she had going, and started cutting vegetables off to the side, we started talking about the usual, how much I annoyed her, and how my siblings were idiots. I hear the door open, and I get ready for disappointment, 'Hello everybody!!' it's a... playful voice?

'Where's my food you peasants?' My eyes lighten up, followed by tears. I rush over to hug my dad, started to sob in his arms. He had a black bag, that had chips in it, he always brought chips back home from time to time. He lied it down on the table, and not long after, my siblings came running and crying. 'Dad why did you leave!?' My little brother cried as he hugged him, my sister on the other side. I felt a sense of family, something I haven't felt in a long time. Through the open door walked a other entity, the tall man. I then snapped back into life, and became a bit sad that I wasn't seeing my dad every day, or that he wasn't showing me something. I didn't feed him, I let him eat a microwaved frozen food, I could not give a damn about his existence. Well, that's a lie, I'd prefer if he was gone.

A couple weeks went by, I was kinda getting used to ignoring the tall man in my house. One good thing is that I never saw him getting intimate with my mom. Could've been good or bad, cause I couldn't punch him, bummer. He was always at work, your typical nine to five corporate slave. So when he was gone, I'd spend time normally with my family. I video chatted my dad every day or two, and just talked about life, sometimes he'd show me how to wood work via video chat. I could live with this.

One day, he came back with a few boxes in his hands, and a letter, or at least that's what it looked like. He opened the boxes in front of my sister and brother, as well as my mom and I. Inside the link box, there was a super high quality drawling tablet, the exact one that my sister always wanted, and cracked jokes about. She took it and ran to her room to use it. In the blue box, there was this laptop, one that my little brother was talking about gettjng for ages, and wouldn't shut up about how good it was. He said thank you and ran to his room to use it. I was pissed, he was trying to buy us into liking him, and it was seeming to be quite effective. He opened a my box, it was keys to a car, specifically the car I always told my dad I was going to get when I got money, and got us out of this house, into a nice house. He always said he was gonna buy it for me, I felt conflicted.

'I know we've had our ups and downs, but I really do want to get along with you as my child, or maybe even just a friend.' I saw my mom out of the corner of my eye, she was tearing up, of happiness. I came back to my senses, and went back to my room, slammed the door shut. I knew I had let my mother down, there were like twenty different emotions circulating through me, they were wreaking havoc. I began to punch the walls, I started screaming, it was probably audible from miles away. I felt weird, something I had never felt before. It didn't seem healthy, but I didn't care. This feeling was new to me, I felt like dying over and over, but even then, that might've not been enough to suppress the pain. I remember thinking to myself, 'I'm gonna kill him, he will die!'

That night, I asked him to come talk to me outside. He looked excited. We went outside, and I took him to the back of the house. I had an itch on my lower back. 'So, what's up?' I didn't reply. 'You're uh, quite the mysterious one aren't you?' He chuckled a bit to himself, I didn't move a muscle. He began to talk about what he had for the future, how he was gonna move us out in like a month, and buy us everything we wanted. 'That's what my dad's gonna do.' I mumbled quietly. 'I beg your pardon?' He replied. I couldn't take it anymore. 'My dad's gonna buy us a house, he's gonna move us out!' I pulled out the pocket knife from the back of my pants and stabbed him in the chest.

His blood came rushing out shortly, I began to scream and cry, 'You will never be my dad!' I stabbed him time and time again, he didn't move after a while. My dad walked up behind me and patted me on the back, along with my mother, sister, and little brother. We spit on him together, and we started to chant, it was a happy chant. We danced around his corpse. I started to sweat intensely, my family began to fade away, still chanting, it turned louder and louder. They began to float away, I dropped to my knees, and the tall man was laughing at me, he pointed and laughed. I started to laugh, with tears running down my face, I took the knife and pointed it at me, that's when I heard the voice. 'Wake up! Jesus Christ you've been sleeping all morning!'

My mom woke me up, I got up and went to the table. I got a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and began to eat. My mom walked outside and began to talk to my aunt, 'So, I was able to get this puppy sold for about $150!' I overheard some of their conversation, I wanted a puppy. My dad walked in with a bag, 'Hello my dear children! I am awesome for I have brought the goodies!' I look inside the bag, and tell him that he forgot my hot chips. He quickly runs outside. I take the bag over to my sister and brother, where they get their bag of chips, and start munching away. Once I finish my cereal, I get ready for school. I brush my teeth, and put on a sweater. My mom passes by me on the phone with her sister, talking about something, I couldn't quite catch it. As I open the door, I see my dad chasing after my baby sister, who's face is covered in mud, and laughing away. 'I'm gonna brush your hair so hard!' He yells at her, I giggle to myself. My aunt is outside my house, playing jump rope with my cousin. I wonder who's winning. My sister walks past me, and looks at me. 'Another bad dream?' she asks. 'Yea, this one was hectic.'

[obsessivestar]

Steamy Love (A Tom Hiddleston x Reader) Part 20: ~Together~

Summary: Now that you're sleeping in Tom's room, the guest room is open. Time to see a good friend, but not before Tom gets his fix.

Warnings: *Slight lemon thrown in at the beginning.

Read it on my Wattpad: @/HiddlesStar

Word count: 1'920

Tags: @theoneanna @midnightdragonzero @drakesfiance @kcd15 @ihthr @deviantsendbyreallife @bookgirlunicorn

The first week of you and Tom publically being together was a rather amusing, yet positive one. Tumblr was still not over the public kiss, and your best friend certainly wasn't over the fact that you were in the same house as him, never mind sharing a bed.

"How long have you been sleeping in his room?" Your friend asked through your headphones, currently in a Discord call with them.

"Couple weeks now, really.." You smiled somewhat. "The other room is just kind of the guest room now.."

"Well, now I have a reason to visit for a week!" Your friend spoke in a happy tone. You'd really like for them to come down, actually. While you enjoyed the friends you were making here, you missed (BF/N).

"I can talk to Tom about it when he gets home, if you really want to come down." You gave a soft smile. Tom had gone out for Betrayal related business, so you were home alone.

"Does it feel weird referring to him?" Your friend asked curiously.

"Kind of, even after the last couple days.." You chuckled. "I don't even like using his last name. It feels to official and professional, like its a stage name.."

"It's his real last name, right?" They asked.

"Yes, of course it's his real last name. It's just, like...I call him Tom or Thomas or Big Dog, but if I use his full name, it's like I'm talking to a completely different person."

"It's like you're one of those female interviewers that just endlessly hit on him throughout the whole interview." Your friend joked, immedietly getting you to laugh.

"That's so accurate!" You laughed.

"Right?" Your friend laughed along with you.

After the long chat with your friend, Tom returned home with a couple pages of paper and some groceries he had decided to grab while he was out. You met him in the kitchen and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek before helping him put some stuff away.

"How was the meeting?" You asked him, seeing the little smile on his face.

"We've made quite a big decision, but I'm excited for it." Tom admitted, his smile growing. "We'll be performing at the Harold Pinter for a couple months."

"Ooh, starting when?" You asked, getting his help with some of the top shelf stuff in the cupboards.

"March." He replied. That was rather convenient. You and Tom are supposed to wrap up filming just before Feburary for this film, so that gives him a nice little break before going back to work. That'll also give you two a chance to spend some real, quality time together. It already sounded wonderful.

"The theatre is back at home.." Tom smiled. "Will be nice, being able to sleep in my own bed."

"Bet you miss your dog, eh?" You smiled, getting a soft smile returned from him.

"I do." Tom nodded. "He's a good boy."

It didn't really occur to you now what him going back home meant. While you've come together now, your real homes are in different countries. Different timezones. When the time comes for you both to return home, would the relationship really last?

"Speaking of missing, I was wondering if my friend could come down for a couple days next week?" You asked, sitting up on the counter once all of the groceries had been put away.

"That's...(BF/N), right?" Tom asked, leaning against the counter somewhat beside you.

"Yeah! It's just...I haven't seen them in a while. They're super chill. They're not gonna freak out when they see you." You smiled, making Tom chuckle slightly.

"I'm not against it. This is your home, as well as mine.." He replied, moving more to be in between your slight open legs. "Though, it may be hard to keep my hands off you while they're here.."

You smirked, wrapping your arms loosely around his neck. "That just sounds like something you'll have to deal with, big dog." You teased, getting a grin from Tom.

"Then you won't mind if I take you up against this very counter, right now?" He offered, your smirk turning into a rather surprised, and nervous gaze.

"Ah--" You chuckled nervously. "Th-That's s-so sudden."

"Mm. Maybe.." Tom hummed. "But if I won't get to ravish you for nearly a week, I should...feed my cravings while I still can.."

You liked the tone in his voice. He was rather friskier than you imagined.

*************Lemon lol****************

Next thing you knew, you were up against the kitchen counter, facing away from the much taller male with your trousers and your panties in between your legs, Tom's body pressed up against you from behind. His hips grinded up against yours with his length sliding in and out of you at the perfect pace, his low moans let out in your left ear. You never thought this position could be done well, but Tom definitely knew what he was doing. You could feel his pleasant heavy breathing on your neck, feeling him nip at your ear and cling onto your neck, his strong hands holding you up some.

In just a few moments, he finished deep inside you, a sudden loud moan escaping him as he tensed up against you. The warm feeling made you release a bit as well, a weak whimper leaving your lips. He carefully pulled out of you, somewhat relaxing against you. A little snicker escaped him. "F-Fuck, I can't get enough of you.." He panted, carefully helping him turn you so he could pull you into a deep kiss. You gave a warm little smile, cupping his cheeks and kissing him back. God, this relationship was both like a porn video and a genuine rom-com romance rolled in together.

************K ur good it's done************

You made sure to mention it to your friend the next day that they would be able to come visit, definitely not mentioning what had happened in the kitchen. In the next couple days, you helped them find the perfect driving route and entertained them as best as you could as they updated you on they're little road trip to you. Eventually, near the end of the weekend, your friend arrived at your front door. You greeted them with a big hug. You really missed them. You haven't seen them in months.

"Hey!" You smiled happily, pulling them into a big hug. "What's uuuuuuppp?"

"Heeeyyyyy!" Your friend chuckled, pulling back after a moment. "It's been too long, girl!"

You heard Tom come around the corner to see who had arrived, seeing you and your friend greet each other. When your friend pulled back from you, they noticed Tom, kind of taking a moment.

"Oh God, hi." They chuckled, placing a hand on their chest.

"You promised not to freak out." You pointed at your friend, giving them a disapproving, but playful look. That got a little chuckle from Tom.

"I'm not freaking out." Your friend gave a slight nervous smile. "You cannot get mad at me for needing a moment. Do you see who's in your living room?"

"Yes. My boyfriend." You chuckled, looking back at Tom. "My scruffy little man."

"He is getting a little scruffy, actually." Your friend pointed out, pointing at him with a friendly smile.

"Ah. Thank you for noticing." Tom smiled, stroking the facial hair that had begun to grown around his mouth and along his jaw. His hair was even starting to grow and curl up at the back of his head. It looked really nice.

Tom walked up to meet your friend as they got their shoes off, holding his hand out.

"Hello, I'm Tom.." He greeted them, though they already knew his name.

"I'm (BF/N)!" They chirped, politely shaking Tom's hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Tom smiled. "A good friend of (Y/N)'s is a good friend of mine.."

Your friend couldn't help but smile brightly. They were probably a bigger fan of Tom than you were, before you became close with him. I mean, you didn't even recognize him when you first met.

"Let me show you your room!" You spoke to your friend, helping them with their bags as you led them to the guest room. Once you were both inside, your friend closed the door

"Girl, you get to wake up to that?" Your friend spoke in a soft tone, wanting to stay quiet.

You chuckled. "I know. He's so hot.." You agreed. "I still can't believe it sometimes.."

"Holy shit.." Your friend fanned themselves comedically, making you laugh. "Is he growing all that hair out? For real?"

"He said he wanted to change up his style. I really like it." You nodded, helping your friend go through their luggage so they could take out anything they needed later without having to go digging for it.

One of your friend's favourite hobbies is photography. In fact, Another reason why they came down was to find some nice sight seeing areas. Maybe she'd even take some pictures of you. Or, better yet, of Tom.

"I really wonder how long it'll all grow." You spoke, still talking about his hair.

"He kinda likes to change it up every now and then, eh?" Your friend smiles, getting up to help you with their photography equipment. You gave a soft nod. "He's been getting a lot of compliments whenever he joins my streams. He really likes the chat."

"I watched a video that were, like, stream highlights of you two. Y'all are cute."

"We really are.." You nodded with a big smile. "He's great. I honestly feel like he makes me feel things that I've never really expected to feel in my whole life..."

In more ways than one.

"Oooh, think you're falling for him?" Your friend asked with a playful little push. You gave a soft, bashful laugh.

While you knew they were being playful, hearing the question aloud actually gave you a strange feeling in your stomach.

You haven't thought about it much, but you've been with Tom for nearly 2 months now. You spend plenty of time together on and off set, you make mad amounts of love nearly every day and you feel genuinely cared for. He's treated you like royalty lately, and you've truly never felt or seen this level of devotion and passion in a relationship before. Not Ever. Not until now.

"I'm..." You paused for a minute, giving a soft smile. "We haven't really gotten there yet, but...I really care about him."

Your friend returned the smile. "Well, y'all are cute. That's all that matters right now." Your friend replied, focusing all of the attention on their luggage for a little longer.

"Yo, (Y/N)?" Your friend suddenly spoke up again after a couple minutes.

"Yeah?" You looked at them, raising a brow.

"What the hell is 'Leg Day'?" They asked, looking rather confused.

Your cheeks immedietly got a little pink. You had remembered in the last live stream you did with Tom, he mentioned the infamous High-Rise 'Leg Day' inside joke you two had created in regards to the first love scene where Laing lifts Charlotte's legs up. He had referenced the joke while talking about how Zero Suit Samus fights in Smash Bros. Ultimate. He didn't explain it, though, keeping the inside joke as an inside joke.

"Umm.." You paused again. You really weren't sure how to explain it, or even if you should explain it. It was a bit...personal.

"Well...it's..."

[kayoiwritingarchivies]

TITLE: We’ve met before, haven’t we? (Part 1)

CHAPTER TITLE: ラッキーナンバー8 (Lucky Number 8)

WARNINGS & RATINGS: No warnings apply, Teen and up rating.

FANDOM: Overwatch

SUMMARY:  These three have met the supernatural, whether they wanted to or not. It's a small world after all. (Or rather, this is the story of how three people keep running into the supernatural, and had favours and boons repaid.

The first time Hanzo met something…not natural, was when he was 10, lost in the streets of Tokyo City, his parents and Genji nowhere to be seen.

“What the hell you doin’ here kid?”  a voice, hoarse and croaky sounds from behind him.

Hanzo turns, to see a turtle like creature, with a large bald spot on the top of its head, surrounded by black, waterlogged hair. The bill was a bright, cheery yellow, which was a strange contrast to the green scales the rest of the body is covered in. Its limbs were long and gangly, with webbed fingers and toes on the end. It’s standing in the river behind him, water reaching its chest.

“Who…who are you?” Hanzo asked, not entirely sure of what the creature is.

“I’m a Kappa kiddo. Youth these days, always so uneducated, never teach the proper things and-hey! Why in the name of Sujin can you see me?” The kappa says, pointing at Hanzo in an incredulous manner.

Hanzo gives a shrug.

The Kappa blinks, before continuing “Anyway, what are you doing next to by River kid? I have a half mind to drown you.”

Hanzo blinked, before replying “I got lost. I don’t know where my parents are…”

The Kappa sighs, before coming out of the water and beginning to walk. “I can help you kid. Just…get me some fish as payment, and we’ll call it even, ya hear?”

Hanzo nods, before following after the Kappa.

(He finds his parents at a police station half an hour later. His parents buy him sashimi, and Hanzo gives a few slices of salmon and tuna to the Kappa, who cackles and leaves with a “Take care of yourself kid!”. Genji asks who he gave the fish to, and Hanzo just replies with a quiet grin.)

-LINE BREAK-

The second time Hanzo has met the supernatural, was in Hanamura, looking for Genji. He’s already visited the arcade, and several bars, finding nothing. He’s about to give up when a girl wearing a kimono appears, several plates surrounding her. Her hair is black and her skin is a deathly white. She’s translucent and she’s beckoning him.

“Come.”  She says, skipping away. “Follow me please. I can help you, just follow me please.”

Hanzo, with nothing left to lose, follows the girl and her floating plates to the older parts of the city, where his brother, drunk and passed out (And missing his shoes for some odd reason) on the ground. The girl giggles, and says “Far too much sake. Like my old master!”

Hanzo looks at the girl, and her floating plates and asks “What are-” before catching himself halfway, not wanting to seem rude.

The girl doesn’t mind, because she replies “I am an Okiku, the plate counting ghost.”

Hanzo blinks, before saying “Do you want something in return?”

The Okiku looks shocked for a second, before whispering “If I could get a plate, I would be rather happy. I like counting them.”

Hanzo breathes, and picks up Genji, but not before buying a plate and giving it to the Okiku. She giggles and whispers a “Thank you very much” in his ear before running off, probably to count her plates or to find someone else to serve.

Hanzo shifts Genji and drags him home.

(Later, the Okiku comes back, embarrassed, and says “I forgot to tell you, but you must be careful!”  Hanzo doesn’t understand. Genji has started to wake up, muttering about someone named Mercer and blaming him for mixing sake and whiskey together.)

-LINE BREAK-

The third time, is a whole year after killing Genji, and he’s lost in the Black Forest of Germany when he senses something…off.

He turns, bow raised, pointing at a hooded figure, a lamp in their hand, who says “Who are you, and why are you here?”

Hanzo is about to say his real name, but instead goes for a nickname instead. “Dragonstrike. My name is Dragonstrike.”

The hooded figure tilted their head, as if pleased. “Clever. Not giving your real name.” They pull the hood back, revealing androgynous features and pointed ears, hair, blond and short, eyes ever so slanted and cat like. They seem to glow without the hood covering their face, their own, soft yellow mixing with the oil lamp’s orange.  “I won’t give you my name either, but I can tell you what I am. I am an elf, one of the rare few you will see. You may call me Archer.” They whisper.  

Hanzo cocks his head to the side before asking “Are you fae?”

The elf chuckles, and holds the lamp a little higher. “You can consider me so, but we are much lower then them. You have been doing your research, haven’t you?”

Hanzo nods, lowering his bow and slinging it on his back.

“A noble weapon you wield there Dragonstrike, although lacking in comparison to ours, sung from the very trees that you see here.” Archer says, turning. “Come, follow me. I will lead you to the edge of the forest, and from there, you can make your way to the nearest city.”

Hanzo hurries to follow, asking his own questions. “Sung from trees?”

Archer laughs, peals ringing clear and true, and says “We sing our bows from trees, for why harm the tree when you can coax it, grow it, and sing it out of the tree?”

Hanzo ponders it for the moment, before asking, “Is your bow made in such way?”  

Archer nods, with a quiet “Sung from an ancient oak, named Blitz geschossen, or Shot Lightning in the common tongue, it is yet to be give in to my shots. But tell me about your bow, Dragonstrike.”

“It’s made out of steel, and it has been named Stormbow. It is yet to break.”

“Storm bow? An interesting name.”

Hanzo doesn’t reply.

They reach the edge of the forest, and Archer stands there, their lamp still lit as Hanzo steps into the field, drinking in the cool night air.

“I hope we meet again Dragonstrike.” Archer says, pulling their hood over their features.

Hanzo nods. “And you as well, Archer.”

(Hanzo returns a month later, only to find a quiver left in the grass, and a note written, reading “Keep your arrows in this, Dragonstrike, for your arrows will not deplete and will never break, and will always hit their mark. I only ask for a payment of food in return.”. Hanzo takes the quiver, leaving a few dried nuts and berries in return. They disappear the next day, a note reading “Thanks.” left behind.)

-LINE BREAK-

The fourth time, it’s deep during the Null Sector Uprising within London, the air buzzing with electricity, and Hanzo is regretting coming to the city.

He’s walking, bow drawn, careful to avoid the sensors of the Null Sector Omnics, when a small being flies into his face.

It’s a girl, about the height of his hand, hovering there on insect like wings, hair dark and short, and she’s wearing a dress that resembles an upturned lily.

“Help!” She seems to whisper, flittering in his face. “Come help, please!”

Hanzo considers for a moment, before replying “Lead me.”

The fairy loops around his head, before flying down the street, Hanzo running to keep up. She turns into an alleyway, and Hanzo follows, only to see a pair of children, a brother and his younger sister curled up in the corner. They both had pointed ears, yet, unlike the elf he met in the Black Forest, their features were more human, and they didn’t have the grace of one.

“Changelings.” The fairy he follows whispers. “Changelings who have lost their human mother and Father.”

Hanzo slings his bow on his back, and crouches down, and asks “Can I help you?”

The changelings huddle closer together, before the boy mutters “Hungry. Tired.”

Hanzo pulls out two ration bars from his pouch, offering them to the changelings. “Here.” He says, the older brother instinct kicking in. “Have them.”

The changelings quiver for a moment, before taking them, opening and devouring them hungrily, the girl breaking off a sultana bit and giving it to the fairy. She giggles, and eats the offered fruit.

“Can you walk?” Hanzo asks.

Both nod, and get up, the older brother picking up his sister, the fairy flying to sit on his shoulder.

Hanzo leads them out of the alleyway, leading them to the subway systems, escorting them out of London.

(A whole two months later, he chances of the trio again, the three of them living in Scotland. Hanzo entertains them, letting them hear his tales and adventures. “What an interesting life.” The brother says, smirking. The sister nods, and the fairy giggles, before saying “It could save you.”)

-LINE BREAK-

The fifth (and most definitely not the last) time he’s encountered the supernatural, was right after Genji revealed he was alive.

And it really wasn’t Hanzo’s fault. He wasn’t really expecting a large dog like sprit to launch it self and headbutt Genji in the gut, causing him to fly back onto the balcony, while the-was it even a dog? -gave a yip and stood next to Hanzo, panting.

“I am the Inugami of the Shimada Clan. Hello Hanzo-san.” The Inugami said, nosing Genji. “I made him come back! Yay!”

Hanzo sort of just stood there, while Genji groaned, and got up, looking around. “What…what happened?”

Hanzo, torn between telling Genji that he got head butted by a spirit dog, and telling him that he must have the worst luck in the world, it wasn’t hard.

“I don’t know. Maybe you made some Yokai mad, Genji.” Hanzo muttered, quiet enough for Genji to hear. The Inugami yapped, and plodded behind Hanzo saying things like “I’m going to follow Hanzo-san! And Genji-san! Yay!”

Hanzo resisted the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose as Genji jumped away again, now fearing for his life.

Hanzo went back inside the shrine to back up, as well as gather his arrows. (He might be using the enchanted quiver the elf gave him, but he is not wasteful.)

Then her turns to leave the castle.

(The Inugami follows him to the gate, where it stopped and asked if Hanzo will come back next year. Hanzo ponders it for a bit, before nodding, knowing the guards often enjoy Hanzo coming every year. Then he turns to leave for the nearest train station, hoping to find a train to Tokyo, hoping to meet the old Kappa. He’s already seen the Okiku earlier in the night.)

-LINE BREAK-

The sixth time, it’s on Route 66 in America, walking down a dusty path towards a diner, when it bumps into him.

It seems like a normal snake, if it weren’t for the golden horns spiralling from its head, as well as the fact it easily reached its torso.

The snake hisses, and looks up, only to see Hanzo staring down at him. The town is mostly empty, no one noticing whatever Hanzo was doing.

The snake hisses, and tugs on Hanzo’s sleeve, trying to pull it somewhere. Hanzo, with no other choices, follows behind the horned serpent, confused at what it’s trying to show him.

Turns out, it’s a bird, one with lightning rippling down its body, a wing at an odd angle, and its squawking in pain, as it tries to move. It stills upon seeing Hanzo and the horned serpent, and silently holds it’s broken wing towards him, as if asking for him to fix it.

Hanzo, with experience of fixing bird wings from when Genji would bring him injured birds, pulls out gauze and finds a few dead branches, sets out to place a splint on the wing.

It takes a few moments to set the wing, the bird silent, and when Hanzo is done, the wing is in a splint, and the bird flaps it experimentally, thunder booming with every flap. It makes a happy sort of noise and flies off, a single feather landing in Hanzo’s hand.

(He sees the bird again, who now has introduced it self as a thunderbird, involving a lot of squawking and it pointing its healed wing towards a totem pole and the picture of a thunderbird in the book that Hanzo carries about legendary creatures with it’s beak. Hanzo finally gets it after a while, and the thunderbird seemed pleased that Hanzo understood, despite it being unable to speak.)

-LINE BREAK-

A seventh time happens in Watchpoint: Gibraltar, Hanzo finally joining Overwatch. While his brother is happy along side his teacher, The Shambali Monk Zenyatta, others were less trusting or cool towards him, which Hanzo didn’t really minds.

However, what he does mind is the balls of blue fire hovering several centimetres off the floor, and the fact that Hanzo is the only one that sees them, but Solider:76 has been staring at empty hallways and walls a lot, although that maybe just him being old. But then D.va does it too, and talks about voices she keeps hearing.

But, in the dead of the night, Hanzo pushes the thoughts aside to follow the balls of bright blue flame down the corridors, towards the bowels of the watchpoint.

There, the air was musty and the floor was covered in a layer of dust that rose up wherever he stepped. The walls were covered in peeling white paint, patches of steel from when the paint had chipped away reflecting the glow of the fire.

Hanzo continued to follow deeper until he’s hit with the smell of salt and water.

He presses on, stepping into a hidden cove under the watchpoint, and the fireballs have all but disappeared. He looks around before seeing the water beginning to bubble, and a man’s head pops out.

“Hello.” The man says, showing off fanged teeth, gills flared on his neck. “I am Hombre pez, the fish-man, and I want to make a deal.”

Hanzo pauses for a minute, before saying “Why should I? Someone told me I shouldn’t make deals with the supernatural.”

The fish-man cackles, a jarring and waterlogged sound, wheezing before saying “Clever boy. Listened to advice, did you? Clever.”

Hanzo cocks his head, confused.

The fish-man answers his question. “I asked the Will-o-the-wisps to guide you here, they owed me a favour, and here you are. I’m only asking for a favour, human.”

Hanzo looks at him, before saying “How can I help?”

The fish man grins, fanged teeth showing, promising lies and nightmares, and says “You need not to know now. When the time comes, archer, I will tell you, but not now.”

Hanzo nods, and gets up to leave the cove. The fish-man goes back beneath the water, and the Will-o-the-Wisps disappear, one by one.

(Later, Hanzo finds a fish scale, iridescent in a thousand different colours and smelling of sea salt and water, and a note written on dried kelp, reading “Keep it safe. Keep it close.” Hanzo doesn’t know that these kinds of scales are not freely given to humans, and it’s a talisman meant to bring luck at sea. Hanzo doesn’t know that, and instead, tucks it into a pocket, keeping it close.)

-LINE BREAK-

The eighth time is back in Japan, near an old abandoned Shinto Temple, a team consisting of Lucio, D.va, Hanzo, Genji, Soldier:76 and McCree, fighting against a hoard of Talon agents, Reaper in the lead.

They’re fighting a losing battle, 6 against a large number of enemies, and D.va has just lost her mech and McCree’s metal arm has been blown off by Reaper, Soldier:76’s visor had been destroyed, leaving Hanzo, Genji and Lucio tired and holding the line.

Then Hanzo feels the hairs on his neck stand on it’s end, and he turns, to see a ball of bright blue fire hit the centre of the Talon agents, exploding. Then a woman appears, wearing a kimono, white hair and 9 fox tails, a pair of ears on her head. She’s holding two balls of bright fox fire, fury in her eyes and rage fuelling her flames.

Lucio, McCree and Genji looked confused, The Solider seems angry and D.va has her mouth opened. Hanzo, is standing there, bow drawn, when he hears the woman speak.

“Send your dragons out, archer. I grow weary of these men coming to my temple.”  She speaks, and Hanzo nods, firing his dragons at Talon. Fox fire follows after spiralling in a helix shape, burning everything in their path.

Reaper and the rest of Talon flees, and Hanzo’s teammates tend their wounds, while the woman turns to Hanzo, speaking again “I am a kitsune of this temple, a guardian of this gate. You and your friends may stay if they so wish. No harm will come while I am here.”

Hanzo nods, and runs back to his team.

(When they leave the temple, a ball of fox fire follows after Hanzo, leaving a prayer slip in his hand. He looks it over, and then looks at the writing on the front. It simply reads “lucky”, and Hanzo ties it to a nearby pine tree. When he does, his soul feels lighter, and he hurries after his teammates.)

[punkscowardschampions]

Junior & Nancy

Gay nerds

Junior: Nance, how on earth are you tackling this art project? To say I'm discombobulated is an understatement that isn't getting me an A any time soon! Nancy: 😕 sums it up in a way. Obviously I can fall back on the twin thing but is that too safe? 😩 But we couldn't be more different Junior: 😖 Like, I love how vague and open to our own interpretation it is...but also I fucking hate how vague and open to our own interpretation it is! 😢😂 No one would blame you; least of all me, 'cos I was tempted- being the sore thumb I am when counting our ten- and I've not even got the twin angle everyone is so about in all areas of art tbh Junior: If nothing else, Buster is a willing participant in a photo op always? Junior: Ooh, you could get something matchy match from your childhood photos (I know they exist) and splice it with portraits of you now...Think that elevates it Nancy: You've put your finger on it. Nancy: But I don't think you're so right about the lack of blame 🤔 even with the boy/girl straight/gay redhead/brunette angle it still feels ??? Nancy: Basic 😒 Junior: I get you Junior: Meant to become the next Magritte in just 4 weeks, like !!! Junior: Well, I've heard at least 4 girls from class saying they're going to do a heavily made-up portrait next to a #nofilter #naturalbeauty one so Junior: We'll do better than that by default but I'd like to come up with something vaguely original still Junior: Miss' sanity relies on us lowkey, no pressure 😷😜 Nancy: I had that passing thought let it go though 😜 Nancy: You could text her Nancy: 😕 yes pressure Nancy: What to do? Junior: I like to keep it in professional hours Junior: for her sake, she gets a bit amorous when she's had a glass o vino after work Nancy: 😮 she does? Nancy: can I bribe my way to top of the class by raiding the cellar Junior: That was my second suggestion 😏 Junior: Take one for the team please 🙏 Nancy: but she's straight STRAIGHT Nancy: couldn't be enough Nancy: back to the mindmap Junior: Damn straights 😒 Junior: if all else fails, we can put this grade next to our last Junior: break the fourth wall, v meta Nancy: our school gets the one bohemian who is Nancy: put her next to the sterotypical art teacher Junior: did you mean my mother? 🤔 Junior: her, the engineer, hilarious 😂 Junior: Mum'd be up for it, you may borrow her Nancy: I might yet Nancy: when's this due again? Junior: we've still got 3 weeks, don't worry Junior: just trying to get it over and done with here Nancy: I should Nancy: The Tempest essay is due soon Junior: Don't remind me, even the gayness can't make it enjoyable, like many a teen show 🤷 Junior: Could combine? Somehow? Umm Junior: The supernatural characters and the humans...why yes, I am clutching at straws Junior: This term is killing me Nancy: If I'd get away with handing in some shots instead of an essay I would Nancy: not happening Nancy: 😩 Nancy: What ideas have you had? For the juxtaposition...forget the tempest Nancy: burn that Junior: If only, 1000 words=1 photograph, no contest really Junior: again, if only Will had 💀 Junior: The idea I can't get out of my head, even though it has been done to death so is BEYOND basic, is mashing up a classical art piece with something modern and pop culture...to say something about me (eww!) Junior: Tbf, they usually use Renaissance or very very famous art pieces so I could win points by using some relevant surrealism/ going beyond calling Mona Lisa #flawless Junior: Its all I've got Nancy: I think it's good Nancy: Let's both run with overused concepts and make them not basic in our way Nancy: act like we planned it Nancy: nobody has to know we had no other ideas Junior: Absolutely 😎 Junior: Total confidence is key, comes so natural to the both of us, like Junior: I think worrying about being 'original' is the true hack thing to do here anyway 💅 Nancy joined the chat 13 hours ago Nancy: 😖 yes Nancy: stealing that all Nancy: now if you could keep it going and give me some thoughts on shakespeare to plagiarize 😜 Junior: If I could, I would but even SparkNotes isn't helping me Junior: shall we peruse the best film/stage adaptations? maybe tomorrow night if you're free Nancy: I've seen the 2010 version a few times for obvious reasons Nancy: but yeah the others not so much Nancy: we need to do something that isn't me asking my mum for help Junior: Oh, babe 😂 that's the real tragedy here, you doing that to yourself Junior: maybe I'll borrow her and she can do mine for me Junior: still down for a movie night obviously Nancy: 🙉 Nancy: Lead female character Nancy: Shakespeare should've Nancy: Please do take her Nancy: mum swap 😂 Junior: As much as Bill LOVED any excuse for a drag show darling... stick with the evil queens and witches 😘 Junior: Let's do this, full family swap! Let them drive you insane for a bit whilst I live the life 😬 Nancy: Switch that around both my parents are so type A Nancy: Plus you've got all the brothers and sisters to dodge behind Nancy: Buster takes more heat off than most but he's still just one boy Junior: well, mine would refuse to be bound to a type, just as annoying I promise Junior: Its true I can mostly fade into obscurity with all their shenanigans, yet it still somehow isn't the case, just 12 nosy people in your business instead of the usual 2, with a disinterested brother flexing off in the background Nancy: 🙈 Nancy: I'm not having kids Nancy: Don't care if the future wife is frantic Junior: It is an issue that divides all of us tbh Junior: I don't think I'd mind one, to put all my efforts into Junior: but unlikely Junior: unless I co-parent from the sidelines with your wife Nancy: weirder scenarios have come about Nancy: I'd prefer a kitten Junior: steal one when you come over Junior: Ma'd probably notice but really, do we need so many? Nancy: Gran's such a dog person can I get through the door Junior: True, true Junior: Always living on such extremes this fam Junior: I don't know 😏 Nancy: look at me and my brother ultimate homo and hetero Nancy: embarrassing Junior: 😂 Junior: I'd love to suggest he doth protest too much but lbr Nancy: dad's never been prouder 😂 no teen pregnancies for his little girl Nancy: shakespeare would write that Junior: Who are we putting our money on to go first Nancy: that's harder than it sounds Junior: Rio is obvious choice but I sometimes think Grace might go insane and come along and take the claim Junior: *Shudders* Nancy: change the subject I beg you Nancy: I'd rather hear about your attempts to avoid your secret admirer who's a girl and hopelessly 💘 Junior: well, I would rather pretend that was not a thing 😬 Junior: as your brother once eloquently put it, when he was very pissed, 'i could clean up and get untold amounts of pussy' Junior: and that's that on that Junior: considering getting a face transplant 'cos my off-putting demeanour is not doing enough 😒 what problems to have, eh? the privilege of it all! 😂 Nancy: maybe we should go under together Nancy: moral support and potential discount Nancy: if I get told I don't look gay one more time I'm returning my badge Junior: well, where is your crewcut and tank top, like? 🤔 Junior: out here confusing the masses like that, idk Nancy: 🙉 Nancy: Not an identical twin playing tricks either how dare I Junior: why can't you just get in your box and like it, god damn it Nance! Nancy: unrelated except about boxes but should I get some new kit for this project or am I just stalling Nancy: a memoir Junior: any excuse 😜 Junior: but yes, do it Junior: i'm using it as excuse to go 'round all the best art galleries in town again so Nancy: Can I tag along Nancy: they're so quiet it's everything Junior: Naturally Junior: We're art students, we've gotta act like it, I'll keep the pretentious commentary to a minimum if you keep the equally as pretentious 'grams down too 😘 Nancy: I'll try Nancy: The feed wants what it wants though Junior: Can't argue, just leave the real money outta the shot Junior: Gotta leave my fangirls wanting more, like 😂 Nancy: That I will promise Nancy: Not trying to be mobbed by straight girls Junior: You mean you resist the lesbian stereotype of LOVING that too?! Nancy: Somehow it's managed Junior: no mean feat, one of the few gays in the village Nancy: Don't clap it's too loud 😂 Junior: *Finger clicks like this a slam poetry night* Nancy: Thank you Nancy: [sends a selection of childhood pictures] how early years can I go before everyone's rolling their eyes Nancy: Thank you too mum for these. Why did you do this to us? 🙈 Junior: Awww what 👼 Junior: This is how I like to remember Buster, before it all went wrong... 😉 Nancy: 👶🥕 Nancy: The glory days Junior: Weren't they just? Junior: At least you didn't have an extra older sister to dress you up, that's worse...the photos I could bring out, good lord 🙄 Nancy: 😜 And I wasn't that sister. You've welcome Buster Nancy: 🍀 Junior: *Whispers* Can we agree he needs SOMEONE to give him a makeover tho Nancy: I volunteer you as tribute Nancy: I've tried Junior: Maybe next family gathering Junior: if he shows Nancy: Bide your time Nancy: birthday present failsafe idea Junior: the amount of birthday celebrations in this fam is unholy Junior: We have a better social life than I would ever wish for, ugh Nancy: don't make me think about it Nancy: I'm sharing and it's made no difference Junior: wouldn't want you to miss out on all that good good attention we all crave 😂 Nancy: 🙈 Junior: Speaking of attention, have you heard the latest gossip that has piqued our peers? Nancy: You tell me Nancy: I can't think of anything off the top of my head Junior: Mark Colm Junior: a massive gay? Junior: I can't make up my mind if they're just hysterical and he's just a bit camp Junior: or there's something in it Nancy: He's one of us Nancy: Definitely crushing on the headboy I've seen him looking Junior: Isn't everyone? Junior: Even the teachers, complete popularity contest got him that position Junior: Interesting, though... Nancy: Besides me in my minority of one Nancy: And Sian would never Junior: Sian Gaffney? She's never gay! Thought you didn't do straight girls, you're reaching there Nancy: 🙉 not her she's dating the oldest Keenan lad Jake? Blake? idk Nancy: She'd love to ride half our class anyway Junior: Ohh you mean Mrs Kelly, duh Junior: yeah she's one of the only decent teachers about, doesn't seem like she goes in for all that popularity politics Nancy: No she doesn't Junior: Seems like a good place to while away a lunchtime Nancy: don't tell everyone how fun it is there'll all wanna join me Nancy: not ready to say goodbye to my happy place Junior: I think your secret is safe from the masses, even if I suddenly got uncharacteristically chatty Junior: Even the ones that don't take the piss and are relatively decent human beings Junior: still rather go get a nandos or whatever it is they do Nancy: Yeah I'm an open book if anyone asks 😂 Nancy: I'll stick with the one stereotype I'm okay with embracing, my eager vegetarianism Nancy: No offence lads Junior: Its all kale and charitable acts with this one Junior: No ulterior motives at all 😏 Nancy: just a rich girl with more wealth than she can give away 😜 Nancy: nothing else to see here Junior: mhmm okay 👌 Junior: we'll pretend I don't know you better than that Nancy: Hey you don't know everything Junior: True Junior: are you in the mood for telling? Junior: 🤔 Nancy: Sometimes Nancy: Can't put it all in my art Junior: not if you don't want Miss to think you're trying to tell her something Junior: flattered but straight, like Nancy: She's not the one Nancy: She'll be flattered to hear Junior: Indeed Nancy: When there is someone it'd be nice to talk about it Nancy: Sometimes like I said Junior: Well, you know where I am Junior: When there is someone Nancy: But I wouldn't know where to start Nancy: I can't put words to it ?? Not the right ones Junior: That's not just you Junior: If I'm to understand all the songs and poetry professing they too have no words Junior: Can but try 🙂 Nancy: Helpful Nancy: What about you? Headboys to one side. Any crushes? Junior: No, no Junior: No point, is there Nancy: Doesn't mean there's a way to stop yourself Nancy: Wish I could just No at myself Junior: I don't know, I don't find it too hard Junior: but you're out so its different Junior: I wouldn't want to go out with anyone...even if Mark is a gay Junior: what would he want with me Nancy: You're a catch Nancy: Out or not he'd be punching above his weight to have you Junior: I don't think there's any point being with someone if you can't be open with it Junior: Being a dirty little secret isn't going to feel good for either party Nancy: For some people it feels worth it Nancy: Just to be with, or around them Junior: Perhaps Junior: Safe to say I don't feel that deeply for any lad here so yeah Junior: keeping on my shelf for now, like Nancy: There's a junxtaposition, us on our respective ledges Nancy: I can't remember what being happily single is like Nancy: Another lesbian stereotype for the list Junior: Don't, how depressing 😂 Junior: I am not about that angsty teen art life Junior: How do we get you a lady? Junior: Do we have to hit the clubs? Nancy: 🙈 Nancy: No no no Nancy: Give that up for a bad job and worse idea Nancy: I'm too picky Junior: You're speaking to me Junior: vowed a celibate here Junior: we can do this for you Nancy: We can't Nancy: Leave me in my rut Junior: Fine fine 😋 Nancy: I'll be in my dark room angsting 😂 Junior: Noted Junior: I'll drag you out for museums and Tempest film marathon tomorrow, yeah? Junior: 'Til then madame Nancy: Looking forward to it Nancy: Stay inspired 💚 Junior: Stay golden 💛