#But hell yeah get it Temy

[sharkrocket]

most people see our beloved hunk of a man comparable to an auroch Artemy Isidorovich Burakh™ as gay as all hell (i agree) but what do you think about bi artemy. emshen-walk-the-steppe with a gf and a bf. i like to think about that sometimes.

VALID AS HELL

Man needs to learn how to love? Man learns how to love twice as fast (that's definitely how it works right?)

But nah, but he's shown he feels a certain way about some people, so I can believe it's canon to a certain extent... If this man wants to walk the steppe with a gf and bf, I can definitely see that happening

[moonlightshadowsrescue]

-Po Town, Alola-

Two skull grunts are talking to each other, lounging around the base, “You think Nico got those eggs we found?” one asks the other.

The second one is about to answer when his phone starts ringing, “Who the hell—oh! Speak his name and he shall appear!” he happily answers it and the other skull grunt presses his head to the other side of the phone, “Nico! Alola! How you doin’—!”

“DO NOT FUCKING ALOLA ME MIKALA DID YOU SEND THESE EGGS TO MOONLIGHT SHADOWS?! AND WHERE’S KEANU I KNOW HE’S THERE TOO!”

Both skull grunts flinch at the volume of Nico’s voice and Mikala drops his phone, scrambling to catch it, “Oh yeah he got it.” he whispers to Keanu, “H-Hey now we can explain!”

“Please do before I fly out to knock your numbskull skulls together! I come back from the IPCAE event in Sinnoh and I find two eggs that Callie and Temis adopted?!”

“W-Well when you put it like that it sounds bad man…” Keanu whined.

“IT IS BAD WE ARE TALKING ABOUT TWO LIVING CREATURES THAT YOU JUST SENT TO ME!”

“We really didn’t know where else to send ‘em Nico! We just found ‘em, there were uh… the parents. They were gone when we found ‘em.” Mikala’s voice lowers, “Po Town ain’t a good place for them eggs Nico and well you left Skull to run that rescue center! You’re the best person we could think that could take care of ‘em!”

Nico’s voice goes quiet and the two grunts hear a heavy sigh, “What species?”

“Toxtricity.” Keanu replied.

“You sent me two toxtricity eggs…” Nico groaned and the two could imagine him rubbing his temples as he paced back and forth, “Arceus I’ve got so much research to do.”

Mikala and Keanu grinned at each other, “So you’ll take care of ‘em?” the former asked.

“Yes I’m going to take care of them, but you both better get your asses on the next flight to Johto! I ain’t doing this alone! And I’m only doing it until they’re old enough to get adopted, I don’t have room for more pokémon!”

“Right, right! We’ll tell the boss that we gotta come visit ya! We’ll be there as soon as can! You’re the best Nico!” Mikala cheered as Keanu ran off.

“Yeah don’t you forget it. Do not do this again you two. Do you understand me. At least not without talking to me first.”

“We promise Neeks! We’ll see you in a day or two, less if we can! We’re sorry, really… don’t mean to put you in the spot.”

“Just get here. ASAP.” Nico hangs up without another word.

[fenweak]

As requested! This rec list features Kazer Kid Fics -- Jonny and Patrick both with kids and babies AND as kids and babies, with a small dash of de-aging and a spoonful of mpreg. 

⭐ for my personal faves

My Other Rec Lists 🍭 Rec me a fic? 🍭

The Ones Where They Have Kids

No Capes by sorrylatenew ⭐ - j/p as parents; implied mpreg

Husbands. Dads. Retired superheroes.

The Reeducation of Misters Kane and Toews + timestamp by jezziejay - single dad Patrick, teacher Jonny  ⭐

In which Kaner sort of has a kid, and Mr. Toews doesn't know which of them is the bigger brat.

AU featuring teacher!Jon and hockey-player!Kaner. With bonus 'Hawks characters, love notes, pasta jewelry, Be Better Pizzas, pirouettes, a sprinke of angst and guest appearance by Derek Jeter.

trust your intuition (it's just like goin' fishin') by poeelektra - 1988 as parents

They’re on the periphery of the Home Wares section of Target, heading with purposeful stride toward Sporting Goods, when Gabe declares that he wants a doll for his “Been Good” toy.

Every Little Thing He Does (is magic) by jezziejay - single dad Patrick

Jonny Toews is a bewitching man who moves into a mysterious mansion in a small town. Soon, he opens Bell, Book & Candle, a curiosity shop full of candles, lotions, etc., and is enthralling the children of local police chief (Patrick Kane), who believe he is a witch (but not a bad one.) But not everyone in town is appreciative of their quirky new neighbor, and it may take a little bit of magic for him to truly become part of the community.

Under Cover by heartstrings - 1988 as parents

"Just get in the fucking blanket fort, Kaner."

Feels Like Family To Me + prequels by exmanhater - 1988 as parents

Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane plan, create, and obtain their family.

living next door to alice series by cinderlily - 1988 as parents

"It started with a phone call."Patrick and Jonny are suddenly given the opportunity to be parents. This is how they stumble through it.

some say love is a burning thing podfic by exmanhater - 1988 as parents

If anyone had told Johnny upon entering the NHL that thirteen years later he'd not only have a kid with Patrick Kane, but would be getting ready to go on a 'date night,’ he'd have said they must be smoking some pretty good shit.And then he'd have to wait a decade to eat his words.

In the Middle of the Night - 1988 as parents

Gone are the days when it took a cold, wet washcloth on his face to wake him up. Or: Five times Pat and Jonny's daughter wakes them up, plus one time they wake her up.

so show me family - single dad Patrick

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one. ~Jane Howard

Fill It Up With Love by Frosting50 - single dad Pat; implied mpreg

So Pat’s senior year doesn’t turn out exactly like he’d planned. He still gets his degree in accounting, but he also gets a little girl named Emma. She’s all fat pink cheeks, curly brown hair, and blue eyes. She might have Ryan’s chin, but she’s all Pat’s. And the first time she falls asleep on his chest, chubby hand curled around his thumb, skin so soft and sweet he damn-near feels bowled over with how much he loves her. He didn’t know he could love anyone so much; it makes his heart feel too big for his chest, and he knows that he’ll spend the rest of his life trying to give her the world.

peas & carrots by altri_uccelli - 1988 as parents

Unapologetic Halloween fluff, or: Jonny forgets what day it is, but Kaner's on it.

Can You Lyft Me Up? by Mullsandmutts - single dad Patrick

Even high profile athletes like Chicago Blackhawks Captain Jonathan Toews are forced to utilize paid transportation from time to time. An accidental "share my ride" selection on an app results in a life-altering ride with an mouthy Russian driver (Artemi), an unfairly attractive single father (Patrick Kane) and his adorable sassy (and color-matching-challenged) preschool daughter (introducing Molly Donna Patricia Amelia Kane aka Mo). Jonathan refuses to feel too sketch when he negotiates a plan with the driver to "accidentally" have more shared rides with his new friends. When Mo has a traumatic incident at day camp, Patrick's heart is broken and Jonny enlists the help of Temi and the ever-meddling Patrick Sharp to get smiles back on both Kane faces. Jonathan finds himself more and more drawn to Patrick but Patrick's fears of being a good enough parent for Mo and meeting all of her needs could keep them apart. Will Temi, the Sharp family and a trio of nosy aunts in Buffalo be enough to help Jonathan and Patrick realize what they could have together or will Patrick's stubbornness and Jonathan's fear of ruining their friendship keep them apart? Stay tuned to find out ....

Three by Linsky - i won’t spoil it 

Patrick doesn’t think he’s a pervert. But how would he know? Maybe a pervert is just a thing you are, and it doesn’t feel any different from being a normal person, until you do something perverted. Maybe that’s him.After all, he does have two names on his wrist.

All Your Memories by toewsandconfused - 1988 as parents; amnesiafic

Pat went to sleep a bachelor in the Trump Towers and woke up next to Jonny in the suburbs with three kids calling him Daddy. Struggling to figure out his new reality Patrick had ruled out dream, was banking on delusion because even though it meant he was losing his mind, it seemed safer than some kind of late-onset amnesia. He didn’t want to face that idea that this really was his life; that Jonny was his, that those beautiful kids were his, and he couldn’t remember any of it. The idea that the memories of their life together could be lost forever was too terrifying to deal with. Losing his mind was preferable to losing his memories.

Chelsea, Chelsea I Believe by empathapathique - single dad Pat ⭐

Patrick meets a girl his rookie year.

Don't Let Go by aohatsu - 1988 as adoptive parents

“So you were already with the boy you saved when the fire started?”Patrick pauses, but shakes his head. “No, there was an explosion—I don’t really know what it was, but then it was just me and Tigre, and it’s like, in a situation like that, you don’t really think? You just do. So I grabbed the kid and went through the fire escape. It’s not like I decided I wanted to save anybody, it was just the only option.”

Always Be My Baby by juliusschmidt - single dad Patrick

The thing is, you don’t just grow up once.

as careless as you are certain - single dad Patrick 

March through August, 2015.

the one with the baby yentas series by forochel

Tazer has a son and Kaner is his son's kindergarten teacher.

It's the Magic of Risking Everything by conformityissuicide - single dad Jonny

When Jonny is thirteen he meets a small kid from Buffalo at a hockey tournament.

Then he has a gay crisis, a baby girl, and gets drafted 3rd overall by an Original Six franchise.

When he meets Patrick Kane again at prospect camp he doesn’t feel anything but excitement.

And then it all goes to hell.

"of gifts and fireflies" by huntersandangels - single dad Jon

Patrick Kane hasn’t lived a charmed life despite money flowing through his veins. The journey he is currently on, though paved with good intentions, proves to be a harder challenge than he could ever be ready for. The people he meets along the way give him a much more valued gift than his grandfather could ever dream of giving him. 

I'm gonna love you til my lungs give out by arenadomatthews - 1988 as parents

“Papa, Dad, you guys are retiring today?” Bryan asks, looking up at his parents.“Yeah buddy, we are. Are you gonna behave while Dad and I are doing our press conference?” Patrick asks.

“Duh, Dad. I'm not a baby anymore,” he scoffs.

“He's right, Pat. He's our big boy now,” Jonny adds.

“Yeah, I'm going into 4th grade,” Bryan boasts pridefully.Patrick and Jonathan are finally announcing their retirement after 20 NHL seasons. However, their retirement ceremony will come with a twist: they'll be publicly coming out and revealing their family

Your Daddy's Aim Is True by thefourthvine; podfic by isweedan - cup wish baby! ⭐

patch it up by gasmsinc - 1988 as parents

Jonny stares at his daughter for a long moment. She stares back, eyes unwavering. She has Kaner’s baby blues, but at five she’s already mastered Jonny’s dead on the inside stare. Her kindergarten teacher claims she uses the unwavering look to bully other students into doing what she wants, and it’s something they should work on at home, but Jonny’s baby is a natural born leader, and he’s not going to get in her way of becoming the president, or, better yet, the supreme ruler of the universe.

Your patch,” says Jonny.

Baby, It's Hot Outside by toewsyourheart - single dad Pat 

 Jonny goes for a popsicle and gets a little bit more than he bargained for.

Take All That's Left - divorced single dad Pat

It’s been 6 years now, and he’s grown to enjoy the city since signing with the Rangers to follow Anna, who’d found a job in Brooklyn.

But Chicago; Chicago was Patrick’s first love, all his important firsts – it’s all been hers, and having to leave had been heartbreaking. Too many memories from Chicago were heartbreaking, and yet he always yearned for the city, always felt more comfortable walking her streets than any other place in the world. No other place quite felt like home the way Chicago did.

Isn’t She Lovely by windsthatwhisper + podfic by kanetcews (lavenderharry) - wish baby!

It's nine in the morning when Pat and Jonny stumble down the stairs, sluggish with sleep.

There’s a baby carrier on the kitchen island.

Jonny blinks, blinks again, then turns to get a cup of coffee.

Recreation, Entertainment, Art, or Sport by trademarkgiggle

of course jonathan toews can juggle

so show me family series by peeks, tazer - teacher Pat

“Just admit you like him.”

“Shut up, Sharpy,” Patrick says, before he rolls his eyes and tries to ignore the smirk widening on Sharpy’s lips. “Don’t you have your kids’ parents to bother?”

“No, my last kid left a couple minutes ago, so I’m totally here to watch you and Jonathan Toews make heart eyes at each other,” Sharpy laughs, waltzing into Patrick’s classroom. He immediately makes his way to see Sadie, who greets her dad with a hug.

(In which Patrick Kane is terrible at feelings but luckily, Patrick Sharp is a total bro.)

The Ones Where They’re With Kids

In My Blood and In My Bones + Nothing Sweet or Gentle by fourfreedoms ⭐

Patrick’s not really into dudes—he’s done that whole thing a couple of times—that’s rock-n-roll after all, but god, when Jonathan smiles, he looks really good.Johnny is a nanny. Patrick's a musician. They fall in love. Inspired by the movie What Maisie Knew.

the kids are alright

Patrick works at the sporting goods store Jonny takes his peewee team to for equipment.

given to us as free-flying souls by Mayhem10

Jonathan had never really considered himself particularly good with kids. He didn’t avoid them or anything and it’s not like they burst into tears when they saw his face, but he never was exactly sure what to do with them, these little people running around at waist height. It just wasn’t his area.So, of course, Patrick was basically the child whisperer.

(or five times Jonathan saw Patrick with kids and one time Patrick saw him)

Hide Your Face So The World Will Never Find You (Paper Faces On Parade) by huntersandangels

Jonathan Toews, farm owner and guardian of his nephew, is in desperate need of capable farm hands. Patrick Kane certainly does not fit the description but when a mutual friend confides in him that Patrick has lost everything he owned and is in serious need himself and offers Jonathan money to hire him, how can he say no?

Patrick Kane loves statistics and spending his money on thoroughly planned ‘adventures’ for his friends when he’s not partying away the rest of his fortune. If he wins the bet he can continue to plot freely but if he loses his extra curriculum activities have to stop. He agrees to go on an ‘adventure’ himself and settles in the Toews Farm posing as a farm hand. But as the time goes by, the less pretend it feels-and the more he enjoys Jonathan and Etienne’s company and the quite life in the farm; to the point where he’s not sure whether he wants to win the bet or lose...

Baby, You're the One by jezziejay ⭐

6k words of Jonathan Toews having feelings about babies. And feelings about Kaner. And feelings about putting a baby in Kaner.

The Ones Where They Are Kids

The Cat and the Fiddle series by james - childhood soulmates!

When Donna's son is four, he creates an imaginary friend.

i want to know what you know by sointimate - childhood sweethearts

Patrick is six years old and he's about to do the scariest thing he's ever done in his whole life.

Colorblind by july_v ⭐

Jon is five when he meets Patrick. It's also the time he begins to understand colors as more than an abstract concept.

How to become a man  series+ coda by liketheroad, mockturtletale

In which Kaner gets spontaneously de-aged into a six-year-old, and he and Tazer both have a lot of growing up to do.

Romper Room by james - de-aged 1988

Sharpie doesn't really think this should be part of his duty as alternate captain. Luckily, none of this is his fault. A.K.A., the one where Kaner and Johnny are five.

you ruined everything in the best way by thisissirius + podfic by exmanhater .⭐ - de-aged Saader

Kaner's looking down at the kid, though, frowning. He crouches down. "Hey, kid, where are your parents?

"The kid's bottom lip juts out and starts wobbling. Fuck, that means he's going to start crying, right?

"Oh shi—oot, kid, don't cry," Kaner says. "I mean, if you don't know where they are, we can find 'em?"

"Kaner," Sharpy presses. "That's Saad."

don't worry about your body - de-aged Jonny

No one said anything. Everyone stared at each other then down at the tiny human being that was standing where Jonny had been. Kaner felt his mouth go entirely dry, and his stomach drop out from underneath him.

What the fuck, man.

Can You Picture It? by RemyJane

In which Kaner turns into a baby and everyone besides Jonny seems to understand. Includes excessive cuddling, ridiculously adorable baby-Kaner, and feelings. Jonny eventually figures everything out.

Never Getting That Shirt Back by ice_hot_13 - de-aged Pat

Patrick is de-aged into a toddler, and when he's with Jonny, he isn't a holy terror.

Je T'aime by banks99 (Nodiggity15) - de-aged Jonny

“He won’t take a bath. He’s arguing with me. It’s like he didn’t even change at all.” Kaner’s not pouting, fuck you very much.

MPREG

I Got a Love (That Keeps Me Waiting) by svmadelyn ⭐ -mpreg!pat

There's a lot of different ways this summary could go, like:Patrick Kane gets more than a gold medal in Sochi.

Or, the classic: It's too late to pull out now.Or: Patrick Kane continues to thrive in high pressure situations.Or: Patrick Kane gets knocked up, goes to White Castle, and finds love, not necessarily in that order.

But, ultimately, all that really matters is this: Patrick Kane is keeping his baby.

private passions and secret storms (all the secrets series) by CoffeeKristin, Frosting50  - mpreg!pat

Jonny’s life is good - great even. He loves Patrick and their kids, and even if they don’t always have time for each other, he wouldn’t trade it for anything. But when Jeff Carter comes into his life, Jonny’s world gets turned upside down. It’s going to take everything he’s got to convince Patrick to give him a second - maybe even a third - chance.

Patrick’s blindsided by Jonny’s betrayal and putting his family back together is a lot harder than he expected when their past comes back to haunt them.Can love conquer all?

Forever & Always, My Baby You'll Be by windsthatwhisper - mpreg!jonny

Jonny and Pat's life is a cycle of curse words, late night feedings, and five minute handjobs in the hallway closet.

Aka, I wanted some 1988 w/ a baby feels so I wrote this blurb of a thing in about seven minutes.

efficacy by thirteentorafters - mpreg!patrick

“You,” Patrick says, jabbing a finger angrily at Jonny. “Are gonna fucking help me, dickface.”

Opening his mouth to ask what the hell is going on; Jonny’s eyes drop to Patrick’s stomach. Jonny is acquainted with Patrick’s naked body and the last time they met, Patrick wasn’t fat. Or paunchy. Except that doesn’t look like usual fat. “Oh fuck.”

“Yeah, ‘oh fuck’,” Patrick says, imitating Jonny’s tone. “You knocked me up, asshole. What are you gonna do about it?”

Forever & Always, My Baby You'll Be by windsthatwhisper - mpreg!jonny

Jonny and Pat's life is a cycle of curse words, late night feedings, and five minute handjobs in the hallway closet.

Looked So Fine (I Just Had To Speak) by svmadelyn - !!!! ⭐

Patrick Kane’s talking penis maintains a ‘to do’ list. It is as follows:1. Jonathan Toews

Phone Tag by hawkeytime (jayyloo) - mpreg!Jonny

"Hi mom. Sorry I couldn’t catch you, so I guess I’ll just, uh.. leave a message. See, the thing is… my super-potent sperm may or may not have managed to knock Jonny up. Okay bye."

"Yes, hello, is this Hockey Canada? I just want it written on the record, today, June 31, 2015, that my incredibly improbable unborn child with Jonathan Toews will be playing for America. Yes, I’ll hold.

"Or: Pat accidentally knocks Jonny up. A saga told in a series of voicemails

A Royal Baby - mpreg!Pat

A cough from the doorway cuts Seabs off mid sentence. Duncs is standing watching them, a particularly somber expression on his face. "Jonny, I'm sorry to interrupt but you have a visitor that you'll want to go see right away.""Now really isn't a good time," Jonny tells him, not even putting down his fork."Trust me Your Highness," Duncs says, "This will be worth it."

[Patrick and Jonathan think their time brief time together at the Olympics is all they can ever have. Patrick's ensuing pregnancy proves otherwise.]

sun sweet berries of the earth series by gasmsinc - mpreg!Pat; a/b/o

There is a spirit living in Patrick State Park.“Listen,” says Jonny. “I didn’t mean to step on your crown.”The spirit’s bottom lip wobbles.

Tame the Roads That Can't Be Tamed by Linsky - mpreg!Pat; a/b/o

Patrick’s flown a million times. He’s never gotten airsick before. Even on last year’s epic flight to Denver, when they hit massive turbulence and half the team was groaning over barf bags, Patrick’s stomach was fine. And maybe he’s sick, sure—but why doesn’t he feel sick the rest of the time? Why is it only mornings and—

Oh.

Oh, no.

Oh fucking no.

(Or: In which it is difficult to be a wolf in the NHL, especially when you're not that good at condoms.)

Carve His Name With Pride ⭐  - mpreg!Jonny

Jonny leaves behind a home, a house, and a hockey career the month after he learns that he’s pregnant.

Eyass - mpreg!Jonny

"I dunno," Kaner tells him. "Whatever you need, man. You’re having a baby! That’s a lot of work. I want to be here for you."

Somehow, in the dozens of conversations he’s had with teammates and friends and family in the past few days, no one has said those exact words to Jonny: “you’re having a baby”. He has to comb his fingers through his hair and take a deep, steadying breath to compose himself.

Kaner notices and smiles at him; a crooked, beautiful thing. “It’s pretty amazing, isn’t it?”

Heartburn and Survival by dedougal  - mpreg!Jonny

They were in Canada when Jonny found out he was pregnant. Afterwards, Jonny used that as a point in his bulleted list of arguments about why Jack should represent Canada but, to be entirely truthful, finding out in Canada - finding out anywhere - was pretty disastrous.

Three Cups and a Pup by Miss_Psychotic, nommedeplume  - mpreg!Patrick

The Story of Alpha Jonny and Omega Kaner getting their shit together and learning how to be Adulting Adults (Finally)

Chips and Cribs by whatislife - mpreg!Jonny

“What do you mean there are no chips,” Jonny asks from where he is standing by the island, hand resting on his stomach. “Weren’t they on the list? Did you not buy them?”(Patrick just wants to sleep.)

[afictionaladventure16]

Safe and Sound (Robert Downey Jr. x Daughter!Reader)

Chapter 4

Masterlist

Previously on Safe and Sound...

Warnings: none

Word Count: 1,100

“One!” Your dad yelled as you threw a punch over to his left hand, he sighed taking off his glove. You began to take off your boxing gloves, “you’re not giving it your all.” Every day after school, your dad gave you boxing lessons in the garage. He always said it was for self-defense but he acted as if your life depended on it.

“I don’t even want to do boxing,” you huffed, “it’s dumb.”

“It’s for your protection,” he said softly.

“I’ll be fine with a taser,” you mumbled as you took a swig from your water bottle.

“One day, you’re gonna be in danger and neither I or your mother will be there and you will have to rely on what we have taught you,” you raised your eyebrows at your dad's words.

You rolled your eyes, shrugging off the words that just came out of his mouth, they were a bit odd, “whatever, I have homework.”

“I’m gonna need your help with dinner later,” your dad announced.

You remembered about your project, quickly turning around, “hey, where are all my photos from when I was younger?”

He pondered for a second, “Attic,” he said with a soft smile. You thanked him before walking into the house.

“Be careful up there!” You heard your dad yell. You walked up the stairs, walking towards the door that led up to the attic. You walked up the stairs leading to the attic. Once in the attic, you began to rummage through some things, sneezing every once in a while from the dust that had been collected on the precious memories that your family placed in the attic.

“Gosh, we need to clean this place up!” You exclaimed as you sneezed for what felt like the hundredth time. “These are from when I was eight!” You said in frustration as you placed the pictures back into the box you found them, “these boxes aren’t even organized!” you exclaimed at the mess. 

You saw a shoe box on a top shelf, with your name written on it,  you sighed and reached for it, your fingers were touching the box, slightly moving it closer to you but before you could even react the box fell onto the floor. Causing all it’s contents to spill everywhere. You let out an annoyed groan, “stupid project! I better get an A on this damn thing!” You exclaimed as you bent down to pick up the papers that fell out of the shoe box, “I am putting too much work into this thing to get anything lower than an A.”

You piled up the papers, not giving it a second thought as you placed them in the shoe box. You grabbed the lid and was going to close them but you noticed the title of the page you placed on top of the pile. “Independent International Adoption?” you read as you picked up the paper, “what the hell?” You continued the read the papers, noticing your name on the adoptive child's section.

“I’m adopted?” You whispered to yourself. “This doesn’t make any sense,” you said to yourself. You looked through some more papers, it wasn’t until you got to a certain paper that you felt everything shatter. “Y/N Downey?” You heard your name being called downstairs. You quickly folded the paper and placed it in your back pocket of your jeans, you covered the shoebox and put it back where you found it.

You ran down the stairs to the second level of the house, running into your room to hide the papers you found. “Hey!” Your dad said as he entered your room, you quickly looked up and smiled, “any luck?”

You shook your head, “all I got was dust,” you let out a nervous chuckle.

“Well, I found this,” he said as he handed you a Polaroid, “it was from when you were four.”

“You don’t so happen to have anything from when I was younger?” You noticed your dads reaction, his breath hitched, staying silent for a few seconds.

“N-no,” he stuttered, “we lost a lot of pictures during the move to Mexico,” he said calmly. He cleared his throat, “anyway, I’m gonna need your help with dinner in like fifteen, okay? Think you can be ready by then?” You gave him a nod and watched as he walked out of your room.

You looked back down at the photo he handed you. “Lost the photos during the move,” you repeated as you let out a small scoff, “or I’m just adopted,” you said softly as you placed the polaroid on your desk. You just wanted to shower and take your mind off the things you discovered, but as you showered you couldn’t help but think about what you found. “Y/N Downey,” you kept repeating it quietly to yourself, you had to look up your name now. You just had to find out who you were because things were just not making sense.

You walked out of the bathroom, towel wrapped around your head, “Hey, y/n,” your mother said as she walked up to you, placing a small kiss on your temple, “how was school?” Well, I found out you and dad have been lying to me for the past what? Fourteen years? All because I had to find a picture for my school project, you thought.

You shrugged, “okay,” you walked into your room, “actually,” you said catching your mothers attention. She walked into your room, giving you her full attention for once in a long time, “there’s this project and I have to get a baby picture of myself but I couldn’t find anything in the attic.” You waited for her response, wondering if it would be the same as your dads, should you even call him that? Anyway, you had to see if they had a story for this. If they planned it. Were they ever going to tell you that you were adopted or just keep it a secret forever?

You couldn’t help but notice how your mother's eyes darted away from yours, a habit she did whenever she was nervous, “yeah, well, um, we were poor, sweetie. We couldn’t afford a camera at the time,” she said as she fumbled with her fingers. They were poor but they could afford to move? It didn’t make sense. All of this just wasn’t adding up.

You gave your mother a nod, she gave you a soft smile before leaving your room. Your parents gave you two different answers, their stories weren’t lining up and this project was beginning to reveal things. “I so better get a fucking A on this damn project,” you muttered to yourself.

Safe and Sound taglist CLOSES on May 20th

Permanent Taglist: @otomefan @dejaazaro @culturebay @kpopishilarious @fireproof-heaven @iloveyouthreethousand-o6  @weappreciatepower @whereyoustand  @white-wolf-buckaroo @spider-woman22 @unapologeticallymimi   @glitterquadricorn @lady-of-lies  @cassmoreiraxo @just4muggles @mellorine-paprika  @agirlruinedbybands @yougottalovefandoms @avngrsinitiative @lizlil

Safe and Sound Taglist:  @thejemersoninferno @ximaginx @star017 @majorlyextra @tonystarkismyboy @edgyhargreeves @blancastans @maaaaryx @jupiterspoet @endgameendsme @snowangle1994 @violaprovidence @i-am-a-complete-mess @choco-3-101 @foxxien @juliae03 @strangestarkk @galaxy-meteor @hunteress-temis @gracieismydog @barnes-mendes @stickyqueenbouquetsstuff @crimsonheartstuff  @a-baggins-of-bagend @imsarahsexual @ellabellabrushbrush @verymuchclosetedfangirl

[queenofthedramedies]

Mystic Falls: Bad Moon Rising: Ch. 8

Hello, my lovely readers. Run, kids, run in this chap. Also, check out my once a week—until Legacies returns—once-shots this week and until Legacies returns. On with the show…

Chapter 8: Nowhere to Run, Nowhere to Hide

                                                              Jos

Leaves blew in the light wind, coming from the south. Jos ran her hands up and down her arms, covered in a long-sleeved T-shirt. She should have worn a jacket, but she had to get out her house. She couldn't lay there, waiting for the nightmares to take her, or to hear the beginnings of Li's screams. So, she walked the lonely streets of Mystic Falls, trying to clear her mind.

Jos did not have a direction outlined in her mind; when she left her house at 12:39 a.m. All she knew is that she wanted to be far away from her house, and she could not go to Caroline's. If she went there, she would be reminded of trapping Hope there, and how it led to Hope's departure.

Shaking her head, Jos ran a hand through her short hair. It still felt kind of odd. She would just have to get used it. Just like she would have to get used to not calling Sandy the minute she felt sad, impatient, pissed off, happy, or only wanted to listen to the sound of the other girl's voice.

Now, her feet took her in a familiar direction. She glared at the gravestones which came into view. They'd made this into their space. All Jos had to do was close her eyes to remember their first time together, amongst their fallen ancestors, mostly Sandy's.

Jos shivered, and continued onward. "Jos," someone called. Jos turned and groaned.

"What are you doing here, Sandy," Jos snapped, her eyes falling on the gravestone of the Bennett-Gilbert's babysitter, Virginia. Jos rolled her eyes. Another victim of the lunatic fringe in this quiet town.

"I could ask you the same thing," Sandy retorted, and Jos did not look up when her ex came over to stand beside her.

"I'm just out for a little walk. Thought I'd take the scenic route," Jos replied, offering Sandy a sneer, her eyes sliding over Sandy's loose tank top and the hole over the knee of her jeans. Tearing her gaze away, Jos ignored the involuntary urge to jerk Sandy to her.

Silence settled between them. Sandy broke it first. "It was weird, what happened tonight, at the Gerard's." Her voice stirred the night and an owl hooted nearby.

"Yeah. Which part?" Jos retorted.

Sandy let out a groan. "Could you just stop! Just for one minute. Talk to me, Jos!"

Feeling Sandy's fingers latch onto her arm, Jos turned to look down into her ex-girlfriend's eyes. Those large pools of green. She examined the little flecks of brown that no one else got close enough to see. "Sand," Jos breathed. She lifted a trembling hand to Sandy's cheek. "I��"

"Yeah?" Sandy nodded, her lips parting, and Jos took a tiny step forward and then another. She could taste Sandy, feel the pressure of their mouths meeting, and losing herself in the feeling.

"There's something out there. Something dark. And dangerous. And it wants to drag us into hell," Jos said, dropping her hand. Her eyes drifted to the ground beneath their feet. "I'm scared, Sand."

"Jos," Sandy's arms moved around Jos, and Jos laid her head down on Sandy's shoulder, taking comfort in the familiarity of their embrace. "We'll fight it. Together."

"We need Hope," Jos said quietly.

Sandy pulled back. "No. We don't. We can do this." She took Jos' hand and intertwined their fingers. "We're strong. Incredibly strong. But we have to work together."

Gritting her teeth, Jos tugged her hand away, and moved away from Sandy. "Did you not see what that thing did to us tonight? It even took hold of Temis. And she's stronger than any of us!" She pressed her hands into her hair, raking her fingers through it, and let out a short scream of frustration.

Sandy winced and crossed her arms over her chest. "So, what, you want to bring Hope back? You know that she'll just drag Jacob back with her. Then what? Huh? Jos? What do we do then? Ask him how he likes his bar-b-que this summer? Should we invite him over for movie night? Braid his hair?"

Again, Jos felt the irrational desire to grab Sandy, and to kiss her until she shut up. Why did she have to be so smart? Why couldn't she be like Li, and to throw herself into the fray, and to hell with the outcome?

Maybe Jos should enlist her sister's help. It was Li who wanted Hope back home. "Jos, I think we can do this. Just the two of us." Sandy moved back into Jos' personal space, slipping her hands into Jos.' "One more time. We fight off whatever this thing is. And then, come senior year, you can pretend this never happened. Date whoever you want. But we need each other, here, and now. Are you with me?"

Inhaling, Jos felt the words "I love you" poised to spill out of her mouth, when the sound of footsteps approaching made her stop.

"Jos!" a familiar voice called out, and Jos turned, her eyes wide.

keep

[megatechcrunch]

The personal robot temi refactors robotic human behaviors we encounter in the “iPhone Slump,” and moves those back to actual robots.

When I was a child, I viewed as a child—viewed a lot of science fiction, that is. We were promised a future with amazing robots. As a child, I viewed that as a completely awesome possibility. Fully embodied robots with which we could talk, reason, argue, and possibly even trade jokes. Robots sophisticated enough to understand emotion. How cool would that be? Rosie in The Jetsons. Class B–9-M–3 General Utility Non-Theorizing Environmental Control Robot from Lost In Space. Maschinenmensch from Metropolis. Bishop 341-B in Aliens. Replicants!

That was a long time ago. Along the way, we got some amazing science fiction-ish tech marvels. For example, Steve Jobs’ “god phone”—which reeducated +2 billion people worldwide how to communicate effectively, or something. I only met Steve once, and he’s been gone for several years now. Even so, I encounter his ghost everyday: myriads of people slumped over, absorbed in swiping their smartphones, unknowingly mimicking Jobs’ edgy indifference to the world around—exercising their primary means of “communicating” with others. Yeah, I do it now, too.

What about the AI we’d been promised by futuristic stories? That raptured off to ephemeral clouds. Machine learning, disembodied. More closely resembling the “bodiless exultation of cyberspace” described in William Gibson’s Neuromancer novel. Heartless and sometimes horribly biased algorithms, carefully cordoned behind layers of firewalls. Secretly curated as “disruptive accelerators of synergies” by product managers hellbent on their drive toward GA. Digital innovation hubs of collaborative social multidisciplinary ecosystem working groups! Gobbledegoo exhaust from a strange new species of corporation hellbent on racing toward trillion dollar valuations. Nothing even vaguely close to the cuddly likeableness of Rosie the robot, zooming brightly on her castor wheels with antennae blaring.

That’s probably why I felt so captivated by the AI NY '18 keynote “Autonomy and human-AI interaction,” by Professor Manuela Veloso at CMU. Her team has developed CoBots—short for Collaborative Robots—which are capable of seeing, planning, and moving. One catch: based on CMU’s concept of “symbiotic autonomy,” those robots need help from humans. Often. For example, any time a CoBot needs to move between floors in the building, someone must help call an elevator. Because, so far, CoBots lack arms. Sarah Conner can sleep soundly. From the CoBot researchers:

Our CoBot robots follow a novel symbiotic autonomy, in which the robots are aware of their perceptual, physical, and reasoning limitations and proactively ask for help from humans, for example for object manipulation actions.

Through the CoBots, Veloso’s team is researching how humans can interact with AI. CoBots understand their own limitations, expressing need and vulnerability—two words about human-like characteristics rarely overheard in Silicon Valley, outside of VC strategy meetings. How refreshing! CMU’s outcomes may put a ding in the universe.

Over in the expo hall of AI NY ’18—or rather, all about the expo hall—I encountered another handsomely affective embodiment: temi the personal robot. Winner of the Top Innovator Award at AI NY ’18. Judges from our program committee evaluated the AI start-ups participating in this award contest based on:

overall market potential

value proposition: disruptive potential in industry and society

stage of development and time to market

I watched carefully as Danny Isserles, head of temi HQ in NYC, summoned temi the robot. Most immediately, the head tracking stood out: temi tilted its “face” upward to track Danny. Practically speaking, temi adjusted its tablet screen so that Danny’s face would be centered in the video camera perspective—but that seemed exactly like temi was glancing up to look at Danny. “Because temi cares,” was my immediate impression. Rosie would’ve been proud.

From that point, Danny began putting temi through its paces: making a video call, transcribing a conversation, playing music, suggesting restaurants in a particular area, etc.

At first, some people might only notice the parts: roughly speaking, part Alexa, part iPad, part high-end boombox, all rolling atop a Roomba and wired together with some software. However, that misses the bigger picture: temi refactors those aforementioned robotic human behaviors that we encounter in the “iPhone Slump,” moving those back to actual robots. When you get home from work, ditch your smartphone atop temi’s charging deck, then talk with people close to you, who aren’t currently nearby, via video chat while you do other things—fix dinner, play guitar, throw pottery, whatever. Hell, go play guitar with them. Because temi can follow you, keeping you in the video chat talking with loved ones while you’re living your life and not stuck slumping over some smartphone. This is particularly engaging for families separated by distance. Kiddos can talk with their parents or grandparents more naturally in video.

While the company behind temi has nine years developing robots for the DoD (e.g., med-evac bots) the origin story for temi happened closer to home. The company founder was visiting an elderly relative who wanted to serve him tea—walking slowly, hands shaking, focused on the serving tray and hot liquid so much that she nearly stumbled and fell. It turns out that older folks fall in their own homes most often while trying to carry things. Unfortunately, I had a parent in ER recently for that very reason. Now we have a personal robot, temi, that can carry things, follow people, and do much more.

There’s a $1,400 retail price for temi, which seems remarkable given how that costs so much less than the laptop on which I’m typing. The designers of temi decided that, except for its tablet, they needed to build every component—including 16 sensors for lidar, laser distance, multiple cameras, etc. Their software is based on Android apps, with an SDK in the works for release soon so that people can customize temi, plug-in other software services, make extensions for fully embodied connections.

My one chance encounter with Steve Jobs was when he’d been blocking the only path to the restroom at our mutually favorite Palo Alto coffeehouse. I asked politely, somewhat urgently. He glanced up from his smartphone distractedly and mumbled “Oh, sorry” then moved aside. Pretty sure that temi would’ve moved graciously without even needing to be asked. And served my chai latte at exactly 165 degrees.

h/t @wu_ming_80, @randerzander, @FloWi

Continue reading Winner of the Top Innovator Award at AI NY 2018: temi.

from All - O'Reilly Media https://ift.tt/2LsW73I

[moonlightshadowsrescue]

Mikala and Keanu stared at the door to Nico's home, eyeing each other nervously, "You knock." the latter shoved the former forward.

"Me?! Why the hell do I gotta knock!?" Mikala snapped, grabbing Keanu to put him in a headlock. The two argued for a moment longer when the front door opened, a very unamused typhlosion glaring down at them.

They quickly separated and laughed nervously, "'Lola Astro! How've you been?" Keanu asked.

Astro narrowed his eyes and grabbed the two, dragging them into the house while Prince pawed the door shut and Ban snickered at their dilemma. Nico's voice rang in from the kitchen, "Bring 'em in here Astro!" Astro let out a rumble in response and upon entering the kitchen, saw Nico cooking, "I'm finishing something up for Callie, then you two are in for it."

They nodded and waited patiently, watching Nico finish and bring the dark type pokefood into the guest room. A few seconds later he came back into the kitchen, walked over to them and punched them both in the heads (earning two yelps of pain), "That's for sending two eggs to me with no announcement you damn idiots!"

Mikala groaned, rubbing the spot on his head, "Yeah… we definitely deserved that…" Keanu nodded in agreement.

Nico watched them a moment longer before letting out a sigh, "Though I guess I don't need to drill that into you anymore. Now c'mere I haven't seen either of you since I left Alola, I'm well overdue for a hug from you both." he held his arms open.

The two quickly reciprocated the hug, "You look happier Neeks." Keanu said as he pulled away.

"I still miss Alola but I definitely feel happier." Nico replied, "Now then, I'd offer the guest room for you guys but considering Temis and Callie took that over for the eggs…"

"Don't sweat it man, we're fine sleeping in the living room!" Mikala waved off any protest Nico may have had.

"…well… fine if you both really don't mind. Before we catch up and get to planning out living spaces for two toxel… Squire!" soft footsteps approached the kitchen and Squire's head poked around the corner, glaring at the two who made Nico so angry, "Squire it's okay, I'm not angry anymore, these two are my friends from back home in Alola, would you mind meeting them?"

Squire looked between the three men before running over to Nico's leg to hide behind it, still glaring at them, "Well that's a start at least." he laughed.

"Who's this little guy Nico?"

"Squire, I adopted him from a friend in Sinnoh who runs a sanctuary. His name's Beau, I stayed with him during the IPCAE event."

"Aww, cute lil guy, I don't blame you for not liking us. We wouldn't like anyone who made Nico as mad as we did either. Lolo on our parts."

Nico rolled his eyes, "I think that's an understatement but come on, let me go over what I found with caring for toxel eggs and we can get started on getting everything." he clapped Mikala and Keanu on the shoulders and hobbled his way into the living room, seeing at Squire wasn't letting go. Keanu and Mikala following with wide grins on their faces.

They were so ecstatic to see how well Nico was doing.

[afictionaladventure16]

Safe and Sound (Robert Downey Jr. x Daughter!Reader)

Chapter 8

Masterlist

Previously on Safe and Sound...

Warnings: none

Word Count: 1,100

You noticed people beginning to get up from their seats as you made your way over to the side of the stage. Robert was already making his way down the hallway with a couple of security guards near him.

(Y/B/F/N) quickly made her way over to the security guard that was standing in front of the hallway, standing to his left so he would face away from the hallway entrance, “hey, there you!” She said loudly catching his attention. He raised an eyebrow at her and looked forward, “I have a question.”

“Okay?” He turned to face her, giving his full attention.

“Are you like hired by a private company or like are you only for Comic-Con? I’m asking because I’m looking for Security guards for my Sweet Sixteen and I have to say, I’m impressed by what I saw today with these security guards.” You restrained yourself from laughing at your best friends attempt at distracting the guard. You managed to sneak through to the hallway, feeling instant relief.

You weren’t too far away from Robert, you were walking slowly behind them for a bit trying to figure out what to say, how to grab his attention. “Hey!” You turned around noticed the guard that was at the entrance walking towards you, that would do it.

“Shit,” you muttered to yourself.

“Whoa, what’s going on here?” You turned around and saw Robert walking towards you guys.

“I am so sorry, Robert, she slipped through when I was distracted, it won’t happen again,” The security guard grabbed your arm.

“It’s okay,” Robert looked over at you, “it’s not good to break the rules, kid, I know from experience.” He let out a small chuckle.

“Robert, they need you in the green room!” A lady said from down the hall.

Robert sighed, “I’m sorry, kid, stay in school!” He said as he began to walk away.

Now was your chance to say something, anything, “I have information on your missing daughter!” You yelled out causing Robert to stop dead in his tracks.

He turned around, “what?” He asked in a confused matter, “what kind of information?”

“Like the fact that I am almost positive that I’m her.”

You could see the anger in his eyes, “that’s not funny at all,” he turned back around.

“I have the same birthmark on my finger! My right ring finger!” You held up your finger to show him, he turned around again. Robert couldn’t believe his eyes, the birthmark, even from afar it looked like his daughters.

“Robert!” His publicist called out once more.

“Come on, Robert,” One of his security guards said.

The other guard went to help escort you out, “Come on, kid, jokes over.”

She shrugs them off, “I have legs, I can walk myself out,” you said in an angry tone, the followed you out of the hallway, back the way you came. You let out a frustrated sigh as you walked out of the panel room. You looked around for your best friend, noticing her a ways down, leaning against a wall. You walked up to her, “What the hell, (Y/B/F/N)?! You were supposed to distract him!”

“Yeah, well, I ran out of stuff and I didn’t want to show him my boobs because they’re too small and frankly, I would just be embarrassed instead of proud, so opted out on that. Plus, he was a really nice dude, turns out he’s a father of two, happily married. It’d be kind of awkward to just randomly show him my boobs after he shared that information, you know? And I thought you must have gotten far enough, so I just left. Anyway, how’d it go?” She said with a huge grin.

You rolled your eyes, “how do you think it went?!” 

“Well, I’m assuming?” She shrugged, you let out another frustrated sigh and walked away, your best friend not too far behind.

~

Robert walked into the green room, he wasn’t sure how to feel after the small altercation with the young girl in the hallway. The birthmark looked exactly like his daughters, there could be a chance she was telling the truth but then how would they know?

Robert felt frustrated, he grabbed his phone to call his wife. She answered after a few rings, “hey,” he said softly.

“Hey, how’s everything going?”

Robert sighed as he leaned back on his chair, “It was good… There was this girl,” he began to say, “she passed through security while I was walking towards the green room.”

“Oh no, is everything alright?”

“I don’t know.”

“What do you mean, you don’t know?”

“She said she’s my daughter,” Robert said, “I mean, she had the same birthmark as (Y/N) and it got me thinking…”

“You don’t think, she might actually be (Y/N) do you?”

Robert stay quiet, he did have thoughts about it. Who knows? Robert just wanted to be sure, he was desperate to have his baby girl back home and all he wanted to do was to be sure it was or wasn’t. “Maybe,” he whispered, “I mean, we don’t know, Susan, she could be.”

Susan sighed, “well, where is this young girl now?”

“Security escorted her out,” Robert felt awful for letting security escort you out but he froze when you showed him your birthmark. There was a knock at the door, “Hey, babe, I have to go, I’ll call you later on tonight.”

“Alright, well, I love you.”

“I love you too,” Robert then hanged up the phone, “come in!” he called out. One of the security guards walked in.

“Sorry, Robert, but I believe you dropped your keys earlier,” he said as he handed Robert a lanyard with keys. Robert furrowed his eyebrows as he grabbed the lanyard. The security walked out before Robert could even protest.

“These aren’t mine,” Robert said to himself as he looked at the keys. Pondering about the keys for a few seconds, he then realized whose they were. He knew they were yours and he knew this was a way to be able to talk to you and maybe get some answers without freezing up. Robert just had to wait until the convention was over with to walk up to the Check-In desk to return the keys. Robert began planning on how to see you again, he needed to find out if you were (Y/N) or not.

Safe and Sound taglist is CLOSED

Robert Downey Jr. Character taglist is OPEN

Permanent Taglist: @unapologeticallymimi   @glitterquadricorn @lady-of-lies  @cassmoreiraxo @just4muggles @mellorine-paprika  @agirlruinedbybands @yougottalovefandoms @avngrsinitiative @lizlil @otomefan @dejaazaro @culturebay @kpopishilarious @fireproof-heaven @iloveyouthreethousand-o6  @weappreciatepower @whereyoustand  @white-wolf-buckaroo @spider-woman22 @coffee-habit @supernaturallover2002 @barnes-parker @therealmrshale @myinternetissoslow @myhippiehopes @benhardyswifeee

Safe and Sound Taglist:  @thejemersoninferno @ximaginx @star017 @majorlyextra @tonystarkismyboy @edgyhargreeves @blancastans @maaaaryx @jupiterspoet @endgameendsme @snowangle1994 @violaprovidence @i-am-a-complete-mess @choco-3-101 @foxxien @juliae03 @strangestarkk @galaxy-meteor @hunteress-temis @gracieismydog @barnes-mendes @stickyqueenbouquetsstuff @crimsonheartstuff @a-baggins-of-bagend @imsarahsexual @ellabellabrushbrush @verymuchclosetedfangirl @snakeswiftaylor @batfam16  @springholland @ohmygoditsanthonyedwardstark @heimdoodle @chari-a @alwaysbandslut @i-am-a-lil-bit-crazy @avengerbby @gracielou0518 @inthefandomhell @ellaorelizabeth @fabinaforever11 @fangirlingisajob

[queenofthedramedies]

Mystic Falls: Bad Moon Rising: Ch. 7

Warning: Possible Domestic Violence Triggers and please read the A/N.

Hello, my lovely. Okay, I have to address this before you read the chapter: Everyone has a worst fear of things they might do; this chapter addresses a number of the characters' worst fears. On with the show…

Chapter 7: The Evil that Men Do

                                                             Sam

Tonight should have been perfect. Sam's and Artemis's first ball. Just like a fairy tale. He would sweep in in a brand new tux, with a great line for his girl. Artemis would be giddy with delight. They would spend the night dancing, under the supervision of their folks, and the town's people of Mystic Falls. Still. It would be a night to remember.

And it was a night to remember. Especially when Artemis made the chandelier explode, and the lights flickered out. In the blackout, chaos had reigned. Sam had been knocked into a table. He woke up to find his mother checking his pulse.

Todd had a bad gash over his left eye, from saving Fanny from the shard that might have cut her throat. It took Mayor Donavon ten full minutes to calm his wife before helping shaking people out of the house.

Rebekah seemed shaken, apologizing to guests, and trying to make up excuses for what had happened. Marcel had taken Theo, Artemis, and James out of sight; so Sam did not even know if his girlfriend was okay.

Jeremy gathered Aunt Bonnie, and Cousin Sandy, together with Sam's mother, and Fanny. They'd left, after finding out from a sleep-deprived Hayley Saltzman that "No, Damon's not here. He walked out the door, right after the lights went out."

Elena had been quiet the whole car ride home, and Sam knew she was worried about where his father had gone to. She'd even called Alaric, to ask if he might have heard from Damon. No such luck.

About an hour after getting home, the sound of the key in the lock of their front door made Elena's head rotate. "Damon?" she called.

Damon came in, looking dazed. "Where in the hell have you been?" Elena shouted at him, before throwing herself into his arms and sobbing.

"Let's go to bed," Sam said, ushering Fanny upstairs.

Fanny did not say "Good night," instead, she simply closed the door, and Sam went into his room.

Picking up his phone, Sam called Artemis. He hoped she would still be awake. "Hello, this is Artemis Gerard. Please, leave a message after the beep, darlings!" she let out a giggle, and then the beep sounded.

"Hey, Temis. It's me. I wanted to make sure you're okay," Sam breathed into the phone, tugging his tie loose, and tossing it, into a corner before kicking his stiff new shoes off. Lying down on his bed; he sighed. "Call me. If you can. And call me, even if you're not supposed to. I need to know you're okay. Okay. Yeah. Um. Bye." Hanging up, Sam wanted to run to her house, and delete the message. He sounded like such an idiot. Slapping his hand over his face, he ran a hand through his hair, and heaved a sigh.

Two minutes later, his phone rang. "Sam!" Artemis cried into the phone. "Hi."

"Hi," Sam said, sitting bolt-upright, his fingers digging into the mattress. "Are you okay?"

"I believe so. Yes," Artemis sounded hesitant.

                                                   Read more