#GURL I AM SHOOK

[mysteriousrainsworld]

idk how to explain how this is making me feel, it’s just… in my bones… i’m pumping endorphin… and idek what that’s actually like

just the way it is written is giving me life 😭😭 young me and now me having their favourite types of fic merged 🫶

i have so much i wanna praise and talk about but i feel like i have no words left and id have to wait for the next chapters anyway 😭🫶

i just rlly want u to know i can clearly envision everything AND I LOVE IT im gonna eat this up so bad

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏: 𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝟏 - 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞

pairing: mafia! ot8 x undercover officer! reader (fem)

genre: mafia/organized crime au, drama, angst

w.c: 3.3k

ch. summary: after countless months of preparation and ensuing anxiety, you finally revisit the infamous Black Pirates, but from the other side of the law, and it’s almost as if you’ve never left.

ch. warnings: not too many….uhhh very light depictions of violence, a bit of blood, a bit of manhandling (not the sexy kind), mingi is unhinged (?) and has a gun lmao, no smut this time but just you waittttt

a/n: hi thereeeee i cannot tell you how excited i am to share this with you all 🥹 this is my first mini series and i’ve never tackled anything this big before so please be patient with me when it comes to updates~~ (also this chapter will be the shortest of them all given it’s the intro hehe) but aaaaaaa i’m so happy we can go on this journey together >w< now sit back, relax, and enjoy ~ and if you like, please pleasee share your thoughts and feedback with me <33

song rec: scene 1 - value ~ ateez, concrete jungle ~ bad omens

fic masterlist

“Are you ready for this?” 

All you could hear was your heart thumping inside your ears, unable to focus on your Commander in Chief’s loaded question, tuning into the sounds of keyboard tapping and faceless chattering about the current crimes and cases that were plugging up the figurative drain of your local prescient, rather than what he was saying to you. Were you ready to infiltrate one of the most prevalent crime families your law enforcement agency has come to know and loathe over the better part of the year? Not as their friend, but this time, as an enemy? They had half your city in the palm of their hands and were itching to take it over, pushing the drug and gun trade into overdrive, washing countless loads of dirty dollar bills, and in turn, leaving you and your agency to clean up the mess they left behind — and what a mess they always made. Bullets, bodies, and broken dreams. Crime and punishment. Officers, regulations, and yellow tape. An endless game of chess that nobody ever seemed to win. The perpetrators of this game, their faces never left your mind, etching their likeness inside the grooves of your memory even after being away from them all for so long, at least, until now — if you stopped being such a goddamn pussy and answered your boss. 

“Y/N…? You can back out if you need to…” He gave you an apologetic smile. “Given your history, I know it might be a lot on you. We can always put somebody else in instead.” 

“No..!” you suddenly protested, bringing a closed fist near your mouth as you forcefully cleared your throat. “With all due respect, sir, I’ve been preparing myself for this since you helped me…change course and join the academy.” Realizing you were digging your nails into your palms, you relaxed your grip, leaving red idents behind. “And, of course, when we realized what the Kim Estate was actually doing behind closed doors.”

“It certainly wasn’t tennis,” the seasoned man chuckled softly, leaning back slightly inside his fraying office chair, rubbing at his eyes from underneath his reading glasses, not aware of how prominent his eye bags were becoming. He let out a small sigh. “Y/N, I have a lot of trust in you. Going back into that world as an undercover operative is not a walk in the park under any circumstances, but this…they have proven to be unpredictable. I’ll ask you once more. Are you sure you can handle this case?” 

In all honesty, you were never too sure what you could handle, both in your professional and personal life, but the uncertainty never stopped you from diving in headfirst. And this, this case, being one of the dominos that would knock them all down, well…it was simply too delicious to pass up. 

You stood up, bowing your head to your superior, before giving him a knowing nod. “I’m ready, sir.” 

-

Your closest friend back in your police academy days and fellow undercover partner, Yeonjun, was the first person you spotted upon exiting your boss’ office, well, specifically his bright red hair, slowly navigating past the maze of desks and whispering coworkers to make it over to him, privy to the looks some of them gave you as you slipped past them — though it didn’t phase you anymore. Your past did not define you. At least, that’s what your therapist had been telling you the past few years. 

“Hey, partner,” Yeonjun greeted you with a smile, reaching out to hand you a paper cup full of freshly steeped coffee, leaning back to sit down on the crowded surface of his desk. “Tomorrow’s the big day. You ready?” 

You took the steaming cup, your jaw tensing as the bitter liquid hit your tastebuds. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be, Choi.” You always thought of someone else when you uttered that surname. He was the complete opposite of your partner here: calm and collected, soulless when he wanted to be and full of love the very next moment, ticking back between the two like a malfunctioning metronome. You hated him for it. 

“Hey, it’s just Yeon, now. Come tomorrow, I won’t be my normal sexy self.” He pulled his freshly printed fake ID out of his t-shirt pocket and held it up to your face, replicating the toothy smile he had inside the picture. “Well, still sexy, yeah?” 

Chuckling, you leaned in, studying the fake ID, impressed by how real it looked. “Very sexy, Yeon, but remind me why you dyed your hair red? Is it the quarter life crisis settling in?” 

Yeonjun rolled his eyes, tucking his ID back into his pocket. “Ha-ha, funny. I just thought I should look the part if I’m going in as some renowned hacker.” 

You pushed a few files out of the way to lean against Yeonjun’s desk beside him. “Have you been studying up on your skills then?” 

“Of course, I have. I know I joke around a lot, but I’ve  dedicated my life to this, Y/N…” 

You looked down at Yeonjun’s hand, the one that rested on the desk in between you, his fingers drumming against the surface. “Good, because they don’t play around…”

The drumming stopped. Yeonjun turned his head to look at you, a flicker of light inside his brown eyes, like he was trying to understand you. “Do you…ever think about your life before the academy? Before this? Do you wish you could go back?” 

You bit into your lip, gazing past Yeonjun’s hand at one of the files that contained information about the very people you would be betraying. “I…just want to be good. Do what’s right…That’s why I left all of that. It’s why I’m here now.” 

He leaned over slightly until his shoulder pressed into yours, using his pinky to nudge at yours. “Not many would do what you’ve done, y’know. Giving up their way of life for something like this.” 

You nudged back, staring into the half empty cup of coffee you were still holding onto. “Not many people are this stupid.” 

“Not stupid.” Yeonjun pretended to clink his empty paper cup against yours, giving you a soft smile. “Brave. You’re the key component of this entire operation, Y/N. That’s huge. You’ll make a difference. Isn’t that what this is all about?” 

“Maybe…you’re right,” you replied softly, once again distracted by the folder from before, the one that was slightly open just enough to reveal the image of a man with slick back hair, dressed in quaint Victorian style clothes, with a big bow wrapped around his neck. Kim Hongjoong, owner of the Kim Estate and leader of the Black Pirate Organization. You knew him all too well, and all his closest cohorts. Would they recognize you? You hadn’t seen them since you were a young girl, forgotten by most and lost inside a system that didn’t care about you, except for the ambitious young man that swore he would one day be sat atop his ivory tower with those that followed his path. And now there he was, living the high life inside his big shiny mansion, sipping on fine wine, while you were still forcing down bitter instant coffee day after day, surrounded by people that looked at you, but never really saw you for what you were, whatever that was. Maybe Hongjoong knew. 

“Y/N…? You’re staring off into space again…” Yeonjun whispered near you, getting up from the desk once you came back to Earth. “Anyways, it’s late, and we have a lot to do tomorrow. We should get going.” 

“You’re right, we need as much rest as we can get.” You stretched out your legs before standing back up, just now noticing that you were the only two left inside the workspace, the light from your Chief’s office still peeking out past the dusty blinds. Maybe your Chief knew. 

Packing up your briefcase, you smiled at Yeonjun. “Should I dye my hair too?” 

Yeonjun pouted, resting his own briefcase against his hip. “That’s my thing.” 

-

Particles of dust and dirt filled your lungs, joining the blood that you began to choke on. It hurt to breathe, but your body carried on supplying oxygen to your lungs, not giving you a choice in the matter. You rolled over onto your back to face the night sky, your teary eyes focusing on the twinkling stars and the bright blue moon that loomed over the town, storm clouds rolling past until they blocked out the pretty view. Heavy rain began to pour down, soaking you to the bone. Even though you were losing the will to live, you still held onto the silver pair of scissors that you used to prove a point, even though it might’ve cost you your life. That was still something. However, your dear mentor still stood over you, his neck being clutched tightly by his trembling fingers, crimson slowly slipping past them. 

“See what happens when you bite the hand that feeds you? Ungrateful brat,” he choked out in between shallow breaths. Frustrated, he let out a gurgled growl, tossing his bloodied shank onto the dirt road beside his feet. You could’ve sworn you saw tears slip down his flushed cheeks, but then again, it was raining. “I didn’t want to do this…but you gave me no choice.” 

His closest companion took a step forward to securely grasp his upper arm, urging him, “Sir, we need to get you to the nearest hideout. I won’t let you bleed out like this.” 

The disheveled man’s other trusted subordinate placed a gloved hand on one of his shoulders, squeezing into it with urgency. He surveyed you past his foggy glasses, pushing them up the slope of his nose. His eyes were once filled with a sense of endearment when he looked at you, but now, they held contempt. “She made her decision, sir.” 

The struggling leader turned his head to look back and forth between his dear followers, then at his men who all waited behind them, their rain-streaked faces contorted with conflicted apprehension. They stood perfectly still like statues, until the all too familiar sound of sirens rang out in the distance. That’s when they all scattered, like rats, escaping from the flashing lights and disappearing into the dark of the night.  

Your soon to be killer was the last one to leave, looming over you as though he was Death himself, beads of rain, sweat, and blood dripping from his chin and down onto your face below. “Just one question, darling…” He held his neck tighter than before, growing dizzier from all the blood loss. “Why?” 

A small, self-satisfied laugh painfully bellowed from your chest, causing you to grab at your stomach where it had been sliced into. “The blade cuts both ways, sir. I was just following your lead…” You weakly lifted your hand up in the air, as though you wanted to reach him, but simply couldn’t. “Why aren’t you proud of the monster you created?” 

The man began to beam at you, but the corner of his lips stretched to an unfathomable degree, as though he had carved a smile into his own face. He lifted his chin up just enough to rid himself of the shadow that was cast over him, his brown eyes now void of anything, simply black. Soulless. “Oh, darling…the monster was always there. I simply dug it up.” 

You suddenly woke up and sat upright in your bed, your entire body covered in a layer of sweat, leading you to desperately kick off the comforter that had trapped you inside the sweltering heat. Upon realizing you were no longer caught inside a warped memory from your adolescence, you looked down at your stomach, lifting up the edge of your shirt to see if your scar was still there, sighing softly when you saw the jagged patch of skin. 

Your past doesn't define you. He doesn't define you — none of them do. And, now, you had the opportunity to create your own definition, and get a little revenge while you were at it. 

-

“Do we ring the doorbell…?” Yeonjun asked from beside you, nervously shifting his weight from foot to foot, getting a bit dizzy from trying to take in all of the glory of the Kim Estate. 

You were too busy studying the faded stains of blood left on the stone floor below to notice how out of character Yeonjun was already behaving, not that you could blame him. A similar prick of anxiety was already embedding itself into your mind, but you waved it away as soon as it made itself present. “We may be entering a lion’s den, but we won’t behave like them. I’ll knock.” 

Yeonjun nodded swiftly, clutching the handle of his messenger bag tightly inside his sweaty hand. “Hopefully they don’t eat us alive.” 

You gently pushed a few strands of hair behind your ear, making sure you didn’t disturb the positioning of the micro earpiece that was sitting just behind your tragus. “They won’t, as long as we prove our worth.” 

You grabbed onto the obnoxious ivory door knocker, and just as you were about to make your presence known, you found yourself being yanked into the mansion by someone much bigger than you, Yeonjun’s squeaks of protest becoming background noise as soon as the man slammed you against the nearest wall. What felt to be the cold barrel of a compact handgun pressed up into the bottom of your chin with a click, your assailant’s focused, deep-set eyes boring into your own. “Is this how you welcome all your guests?”

“Not all of them…some I leave dead on the doorstep before they can even get a chance to beg on their knees,” the man muttered in a distinctly gravelly voice, a small chuckle bubbling out of his throat. Usually, the people he dealt with would be pissing themselves at this point, but it just seemed to be another day for this strangely familiar visitor. 

You could almost see your partner out of the corner of your eye, already on his own knees, his distinctively red hair being held onto by a nameless man in a 3-hole knit balaclava. It was then that you angled your head up slightly to get a good look at your old friend, feeling the barrel push harder into your skin. “Every guard dog has to have their fun, right? And, if you blew my head off now, well, where’s the fun in that?” 

“You’re right, doll.” The tall man’s plump lips quirked up into a smirk, slowly dragging his gun past your chin, down your neck, and along the softest parts of your body, poking and prodding at you in an attempt to humiliate you. “Should I see how many new holes I can give you? Fill them all with hot lead?” 

“At least buy me a drink first,” you said through gritted teeth, trying not to show any discomfort when he pushed the loaded gun roughly into your abdomen, directly into your scar, not that he could’ve known it was there. 

He seemed to enjoy your pained response, leaning his head back to let out a sudden laugh, one that was short and abrupt like a bark. “You’re one crazy bitch…” The man licked over his plump lips. “I like that.” 

It was just then that somebody else entered the foyer, their presence so distinctly powerful, the lot of you couldn’t help but notice before he even stepped foot in the room. “Is that any way to treat a valued guest, Mingi? I thought I trained you better than that.” 

Mingi immediately de-cocked the gun and brought it behind his back, tucking it away inside the waistline of his tailored pants. “I’m sorry, sir.”

Seonghwa patted Mingi’s shoulder with a gloved hand, giving him a small nod of understanding, before turning his attention to you and Yeonjun, the both of you cautiously standing with your backs against the paneled wall. “I do apologize for my guard dog. We try to keep him on a tight leash, but sometimes…he gets loose.” His shifting eyes formed half crescents. “You understand.” 

Yeonjun glanced over at you for guidance, and you responded with a small smile, before nodding your head obediently at Seonghwa’s words, Yeonjun following your lead. “It’s not a problem.” 

Seonghwa clasped his hands together, shaking his head slightly, a strand or two of raven hair falling past his forehead from where the rest of it sat perfectly still. He couldn’t seem to understand why he was experiencing a bout of deja vu. “Where are my manners?” He pressed his palm into his chest, and gave a small bow. “I’m Park Seonghwa, the second in command, if you will, here at the Kim Estate.” 

Yeonjun bowed back instantly, pushing his dyed hair behind his ears as he stood up straight. “My name’s Yeon. That’s what I go by online.” 

Seonghwa’s eyebrows raised up slightly. “Ah, I know you.” He chuckled to himself, glad that he was able to pinpoint the air of familiarity, but still annoyed that something wasn’t quite right. “You’re that hacker that’s going around and fucking with the local government, aren’t you?” 

Yeonjun was glad he didn’t eat too much that morning, otherwise he would’ve already thrown it up by now. He brought a peace sign up to his face and smiled. “That’s me, professional shit-stirrer at your service.” 

As more men began to trickle into the foyer to see what all the commotion was about, Seonghwa slowly turned his attention back to you, the true object of his frustration. It’s like he had seen you many times before, in a dream, perhaps? In the casino they ran behind closed doors? Or maybe you were one of the many playthings that were brought in to appease the voracious appetites of his degenerate cohorts. Either way, Seonghwa both loved and loathed the way you were already inside his mind, like you had already lived there, and your existence had simply been unearthed by the sands of time. 

“And, you are…?” he asked in a slow, calculated manner, his head tilting to the side. 

“I’m a diamond expert,” you explained vaguely, motioning to the large suitcase of supplies you were holding. “I can see the value of most things from a mile away, much like your dear leader.” 

Hongjoong was already aware of your arrival. You could feel it in your bones. 

Seonghwa brought a closed fist to his chin, nodding at your words, still not completely sure why he felt so uncomfortable. “But, who are you?” 

Your bubbling amusement was starting to rush to the surface, unable to keep yourself from smiling. And, just like that, you reunited with your dear mentor, except on opposite sides of the chess board. You were delighted everyone was there to witness the beginnings of your awaited rematch. “Why don’t you ask him? I think he’ll have an idea of who I am,” you replied giddily, prompting you to motion your head to the man that stood above the rest of you. 

You felt something stir within the men that looked at you, as though what had been hidden for so long had finally come to light. You weren’t a ghost, much to their surprise — well, at least, not yet. You were, of course, taking a gamble with your life, and your partner’s as well, but risks were meant to be taken, rules were meant to be broken, and strings were meant to be cut.

As though right on time, Hongjoong dug his nails into the mahogany railing of the expansive landing, his free hand unconsciously adjusting the bow that was wrapped securely around his neck. He understood the most out of all them. Value. You looked up to him, moving your fingers as though you were using a pair of scissors. 

“Remember now?” 

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© kitten4sannie, 2024.

[pablitogavii]

Boundaries

After seeing what happened to Pedri during his latest interview, I came up with a similar idea for Gavi :)

Pablo was doing an interview today with Residency and he was very happy he will get to engage more with his fans and answer some of their questions.

Everyone knows Pablo isn't much of a talker and doesn't like the publicity he quickly gained but this was a way for him to give back to his supporters.

"Welcome Gavi! one of the guys said and he shook his hand smiling and saying he was happy to participate.

"This is Avaline, she will interview you first" he showed to the girl who was smirking at Pablo before giving him a playful wink which already made him more uncomfortable than before.

Pablo was in an official relationship and everyone knew about it. After a few months, you guys decided to become official in order to avoid any gossip and guesses from all over the internet even though keep most of your relationship private.

"Um..o.okay" he said sitting down and the girl immediately moved closer saying they will share one microphone. He knew that you trusted him but he didn't want you to have to watch numerous videos of him sharing a microphone with this girl who was clearly flirting all along.

"Hay otro micrófono?" Pablo asked the guy who smiled quickly catching on and giving him his while girl just clenched her jaw. She wasn't giving up still always trying to touch Pablo while he was answering her questions.

"I think I and all the girls out there wanna know what's your type?" she smirked and Pablo heard the translation to her question playing with his shirt because he was very uncomfortable.

"Bueno. Creo que todos lo saben ahora que han visto a mi novia. Ella tiene un hermoso cabello castaño largo, ojos oscuros y la sonrisa más hermosa." [Well. I think everyone knows that now that they've seen my girlfriend. She has beuitful long brown hair, dark eyes and the most beuitful smile.] Pablo said using this as an opportunity to clearly show the girl he was taken and not interested in her.

"Yes but I'm sure there are other girls you find attractive also?" she said and now Pablo was really nervous shaking his head trying to change the topic but she just wouldn't let him.

"No. Yo... um, no miro a nadie más." [No. I don't look at anyone else] Pablo answered and the girl joked saying that he was just too shy to admit it on camera. She was really making him look bad and he was looking to the side thinking of the way to end this interview politely.

"Puedo tomar un descanso, por favor?" [Can I have a break please?] he looked at the guy not even looking to see what girl had to say about it. When the man nodded, Pablo quickly grabbed his phone and left outside. He called Pedri.

"Oi hermano? Cuando hiciste tu entrevista con Residency, ¿había una chica que te entrevistó?" [When you did your interview with Residency, was there a girl who interviewed you?] Pablo asked

"Si, tío. Y ella me pasó su número después." [Yes, man. And she slipped me her number afterwards.] Pedri said and before Pablo could respond he heard her annoying voice calling for him.

"Pablito! You know I really like shy guys.." she reached to touch my collar but I pulled away quickly shaking my head in disbelief that she would invade my space like that. This was defiantly crossing the boundaries.

"Don't call me that and stop making me uncomfortable. I am a taken man and I really need you to back off!" Pablo said surprised himself how direct he was but he needed to make things clear.

"Oh come on! I know footballers love to have some on the side..I won't tell if you don't??" she was still trying to get closer until Pablo rolled his eyes walking past her shocked face to the menager.

"Vine por mis fans, pero esto es muy poco profesional." [I came because of my fans but this is very unprofessional.] Pablo was mad now and the menager apologized saying the gurl will leave immediately and he will finish his interview with him instead.

After the said interview, Pablo came home and told you the whole story. You were cuddling on the couch listening to his story while munching on some fruits.

"And you really told her not to call you that??" you said with a big smile looking up at him really wishing you could see her face.

"Mhm..only mi amor can call me that" he said kissing your forehead lovingly and you smiled nodding your head.

"You're too sweet Pablito" you said and then he kissed your lips. Just when you were about to forget all about that topic did you get a notification that someone commented on your old photo.

"What did you say her name was Pablito?" you ask seeing the mean comment she left on your picture on Instagram. When Pablo saw that he wanted to immediately react but you asked him to just let it go.

"Let's not give her what she wants amor.." you say taking his phone from his hands as he sighs feeling awful that this was happening to you because of him.

y.n.bebe

Barcelona, Spain

date night outfit💕 tagged: pablogavi

comments:

pablogavi: perfectaa 😍

y.n.bebe: te amo muchisimoo❤️

aurorapaezg: wow hermanita! 😍😍

y.n.bebe: I have the best stylist 😘

pablopaezgfanclub: she's so gorgeous!!

y/npablofans: best couple!!

fcbarcelonawags: most gorgeous of the wags!!

mikkykiemeney: princesa 💛

y.n.bebe: te amo!!

avalineee: hiding her face cause she's ugly lmaoo! everybody knows pablo with her only bc he feels bad like he can do so much better!! check out my page besties ;))

pablogavifanss: attention seeker!!

gavirafamfans: this girl literally harassed pablo during an interview!

gavigavipablo: y/n is gorgeous!!

pablopaezgaviraa: and by better you think you!? pls pablo doesn't like all plastic girls with no charm! his girl is an angel and we all love her!!❤️

Even though Pablo promised you not to reply anything and give the girl any attention, he still posted the story that same night because he couldn't sleep without defending you 😊

pablogavi sotries

For those who don't know, this is my PERFECT girlfriend! 😍

SO many people reposted his story tagging the girl who hated you with quirky comments. It was a clear message since Pablo never writes anything in English. He wanted her to understand every word!

pablitoofans: @avalineee oh no he don't want you HAHAHA

y/npabloship: him defending his girl!! YES pablo!!

gavirafanclub: @avalineee beng mean to this angel is unacceptable but pablo is there to protect her always ❤️❤️❤️

The next morning, when he went to training he was happy that people were writing you love because that's all you deserve.

[justice4billiam]

So I know everyone's always talking about nsfw with Billy and that's great but what if a girl just wanted to be his bsf? She (forcefully) move dhim in with her and she gets him Christmas presents, and she bakes and cooks for him and just loves him like soulmates, but not romantically??? You think he'd like this???

Now that I've dumped my Brain on you hi I'm Lillie <3 you don't have tow rite this tysm!

Billy Hargrove x PlatonicFem!reader

Word count: 6,083

Warnings: Nothing too bad. Just Billy being Billy. So, cussing but maybe even a little less of himself actually.

Author’s Note: GURL, I am so sorry. I held onto this for SO long and I didn't mean for it to be over 6k words lmao I am so hard on myself when it comes to writing but I decided to just let it free. Nice to meet you, Lillie. ❤️ I hope you like it.

Platonic Soul...Whatever

“Get in here,” you snapped, yanking your best friend into the living room by the scruff of his jacket.

He’d been holed up in the spare room, hiding out like an antisocial pussycat.

Billy huffed, his eyes rolling, clearly pissed at the night you’d planned. But he kept his mouth shut, letting you drag him in without a fight.

You were in the middle of having a housewarming party for the new apartment you moved into last week and the whole gang was there much to Billy’s dismay.

“What’s going on?” you asked, keeping your voice low to keep it just between you two.

Billy was always weird at the get togethers, but he had been getting better at it. Friendly even. But today he was different. Something was eating at him, and it was worrying you.

“And don’t give me ‘nothing.’ I’m not dumb.” You shot him a look that meant business.

He scrunched up his face, lips pressed tight, and looked at you like he was weighing his words.

“It’s nothing,” he said at last. “Just… the usual crap back home.” He shuffled his feet, looking anywhere but at you.

“Billy…did he—” you started, your eyes scanning him for any sign of trouble.

He shook his head quickly.

“No, not this time. But I gotta head out early tonight, okay?” His blue eyes were hard when he looked at you.

To anyone else, it might look like anger, but you knew it was something else. Sadness. And it looked all kinds of wrong on him.

You wanted to dig deeper, but now wasn’t the time, not with everyone else around.

You gave him another once-over, didn’t see any harm, and nodded.

“Alright, Hargrove.”

He let out a sigh of relief, probably glad he didn’t have to spill it all.

You noticed his hand twitch toward his pocket, then drop. He remembered the no-smoking rule in your place. You couldn’t help but smile.

“Alright,” you said, fixing his jacket and giving him a pat.

“Go have your smoke. When you’re ready, come back in.” You winked, letting him know it was cool.

Billy’s head shake was subtle, his face drawn tight. “But, its colder than balls out there.”

It was early December, and the chill was just setting in—nothing compared to what was coming. But Billy always had a thing against the cold. You almost laughed, suddenly thinking back to last winter when he’d ended up ass-first in a snowbank outside your old place.

The guy never gave a damn about rules, but here he was, actually listening to you for once.

You sighed, half-exasperated, half-resigned.

“Fine, light up in the spare room, but for God’s sake, open the damn window.”

He gave a snort, that smug look taking over.

“Cheers, darlin’. The fine women of Hawkins will be singing your praises for saving my… assets from frostbite.”

Classic Billy, always with a line.

“Ewe, dramatic much?” you muttered, rolling your eyes as you headed for the kitchen.

————

As it grew late, the place began to clear out. Nancy and Jonathan, along with their group, were among the first to leave.

You couldn’t help but feel an excitement for Nancy and Jonathan—they’d just spilled they were heading to Emerson College in Boston after the summer.

Nancy’s grip was firm, her eyes like deep pools in the dim light.

“You sure you won’t come with?” she pressed, searching your face for a sign.

Jonathan was all half-smiles and shrugs as he stepped up beside her.

“We could hide you in a suitcase,” he joked, his arm finding its home around Nancy’s shoulders.

You let out a laugh, a short, sharp sound.

“I’ll stick to my own bed, but thanks,” you shot back, catching Billy’s eye for a moment. He was leaning against the wall, a silent lookout.

You weren’t about to ditch without Billy. He was anchored here until Max was done with high school.

That was the unspoken rule between you two. Max was in the dark, but you and Billy had spent a night diving deep into that conversation—his fears of leaving her to deal with Neil alone.

Billy and Max’s relationship had gotten better since that October at the Byers’.

They still snapped at each other like firecrackers, but that was just their way. You’d grown to love having them around.

Max was like the scrappy little sister you’d picked up along the way.

But Billy was different.

He was your solid ground, your constant. You didn’t need to spell things out for him; he just got it. He could dial down your stress with a glance, and you could temper his anger without a word.

It reminded you of something you’d read in a dog-eared book that you checked out from the library: platonic soulmates.

That was the label for what you had with Billy—no bullshit, no fuss, just an unspoken understanding that ran deep.

Billy scoffed at the soulmate idea, brushing it off as a load of crap. But when the book you’d been quoting mysteriously disappeared after that heart-to-heart, you didn’t need three guesses to know who’d snagged it. You let it slide, settling the library fine without a word. It was a small price to pay for the bond you shared with your so-called platonic soulmate.

“The offer’s open,” Nancy reiterated, her voice trailing off as she and the others made their way out.

Mike and Will managed half-hearted waves from the doorway, while El gave you a tight squeeze around the waist before moving on to Billy.

He tensed up, his eyes darting to you in a silent plea for rescue as El’s arms wrapped around him.

You stifled a chuckle. El was the only one brave enough to tackle Billy with affection.

Maybe it was her history with real monsters that made Billy’s temper seem trivial. Or perhaps it was her upbringing with Hopper, another man known for his temperament.

Billy cleared his throat, a hint of discomfort in his voice.

“Okay, don’t need all that,” he mumbled, gently disentangling himself from El’s embrace and stepping back.

His expression grew even more puzzled when El simply beamed at him.

Max stepped in, her arm around El, guiding her towards the door.

"Yeah, El, don't you know?" Max exclaimed, looking over her shoulder at Billy, mischief twinkling in her eyes.

"He's like the Grinch or whatever." She continued, her hands waving about as they walked to the front door.

"He doesn't want to be hugged and cared for because his heart will grow too big for his body, and if you haven't noticed, he already has to worry about falling over with all that hair on top of his head." Her smirk was infectious.

Billy shot Max a flat, unamused look, but you and Mike couldn’t contain your snorts of laughter, which you tried to mask with a cough as Billy’s gaze turned to you.

El, puzzled, studied Billy’s unruly mane and then glanced at Steve’s voluminous hair in the kitchen.

“I don’t see any problem,” she commented innocently.

‘If anyone should be worried, I think Steve would fall over first.’ She glanced between Max, Mike, and you, her eyes wide with uncertainty.

You rolled your eyes as you watched Billy smile smugly as Steve turned toward them upon hearing his name.

Steve looked over, his eyebrow raised in question.

“What’s this about my hair?” he asked, his hand automatically fluffing his locks.

Mike, clearly over the day, rolled his eyes.

“Let’s go, El,” he said, taking her hand and leading her out after the others.

“See ya,” Will murmured softly, his voice barely above a whisper as he followed behind, giving a small wave to the remaining group before disappearing into the night.

You caught a glimpse of his downcast eyes and wondered what could have made him so down.

Steve exhaled a weary breath, the kind that’s been through too many late nights and too early mornings. “Gotta head out,” he said, a half-hearted grin on his face. “New job at the Hunting & Camping store starts tomorrow morning.”

Your eyes narrowed, a quick glance thrown to Steve, then to Robin, who was playing cards at the kitchen table with Lucas and Dustin.

“What about Family Video?” you asked, your voice edged with a hint of suspicion, but it was Robin you were counting on for the truth.

You also worked at Family Video, but whispers of Steve quitting hadn’t reached your ears.

The thought alone was enough to unsettle you. Work with him was one of the few highlights in a job that could often be boring. You really hoped he wasn’t; you genuinely enjoyed working with your two close friends.

Robin didn’t even look up from her cards.

“Don’t worry, he’s still with us,” she called out, her voice steady over the clatter of the game.

“Royal flush!” She stood up, her shout a victory cry.

“Deal with it, boys!” she taunted, pointing at the boys who just shook their heads in defeat.

Lucas was all frustration and disbelief.

“How does she always pull this off?” he muttered, throwing his hands up in surrender.

Dustin’s chair scraped loudly as he stood, his face a mix of annoyance and admiration.

“She’s got some kind of magic or she’s cheating!” he accused, his finger jabbing in Robin’s direction.

Robin’s laugh was sharp and bright.

“I’m not cheating,” she shot back, her hands on her hips, her stance all defiance. “It’s just you two dinguses can’t play.”

A smirk tugged at the corner of your mouth.

“Take it easy, you three,” you said, the sarcasm dripping from every word.

You turned back to Steve, your expression softening just a bit.

“Two jobs, huh?” you said, the tease clear in your voice. “Looks like Harrington’s playing the adult card now.”

Steve’s smile was a blend of resignation and a challenge.

“Dad’s cut me off,” he admitted, a hard edge to his voice. “All about ‘earning my keep’ now. So, I’m doing it my way.”

You nodded, feeling that familiar tug of empathy.

Your own parents had given you the boot when you ditched the college route. They couldn’t wrap their heads around why you’d stick around this nowhere town.

Your fingers twisted together, the old sting of ‘failure’ creeping back up. But then there was Billy, his hand finding yours, giving it a reassuring squeeze. It was his silent way of saying, “We’ve got this.”

You looked up, catching Billy’s eyes. They were a clear, steady blue, like the sky after a storm. His smile was quick, a silent conversation passing between you two without a word.

“Well, anyway…” Steve’s voice broke through as everyone started to pick up their stuff.

The goodbyes were thrown around, even Billy’s nod to Steve was surprisingly chill, a small sign that maybe, just maybe, there was some common ground to be found. You clung to that hope, that small nod, as the night came to an end.

After the rest left through the front door, you caught Steve’s arm before he could leave.

“Hey, I gotta tell you, I’m really proud of you,” you said, your voice carrying the weight of genuine respect.

“It’s tough, starting new,” you added, a glance at the nearly empty space to signify you really did get it.

Steve’s smile was quick and sincere.

“Thanks, Y/n. Means a lot, you know? And hey, we’re overdue for that movie night,” he suggested with a playful wink, pulling his jacket closer as a cold draft slipped through the open door.

Your eyes fell on the new TV, with its built-in VHS player—Steve’s housewarming gift to you.

It was a generous thought, but it felt like too much. You’d insisted he take it back, but the bulky set remained, a silent testament to Steve’s stubbornness. He’d assured you it was no big deal, that it was better off here, getting some use.

You acknowledged his gesture with a nod, your face stoic but your eyes hinting at a silent vow to make the most of his gift with endless movie nights.

As Steve’s grin widened, he stepped out into the night, his laughter blending with the voices of Robin, Dustin, and Lucas as they disappeared down the street. You watched from the doorway, the figures of your friends growing smaller in the distance.

Billy’s voice cut in from behind, a dismissive edge to his tone. “Count me out for movie night.”

You turned, a smirk playing on your lips.

“Too bad, Billy,” you retorted, the playful challenge clear in your voice. “You’re coming, whether you like it or not.”

He was about to argue when Max’s anxious voice interrupted.

“We should go too,” she said, her eyes darting around, signaling something was wrong.

A wave of concern washed over you.

“What’s the rush?” you asked, your voice laced with worry. “It’s not even eight.”

Billy’s curfew was a constant shadow, ten o’clock sharp, a little later if Max was with him. You knew the rules too well, had seen the consequences on his skin—bruises and cuts he’d dismiss with a hollow laugh.

But there was that one night, the truth spilling out in the dark, his voice a low rumble at your window. “My dad,” he’d said, the words heavy with unspoken pain.

“Max, get your coat,” Billy’s voice was tight as he flung the door open again. He pulled out his cigarettes, his movements tense.

His hands shook as he tried to light one, and you stepped in, your hand steady, lighting it for him.

“Billy,” you said, your voice low, “everything alright?”

He glanced away, then back at you, a forced smirk on his face.

“Just gotta be home early,” he lied, smoke trailing from his lips.

You nodded, the unspoken words hanging heavy.

“If you need anything…”

He gave a small nod, a silent understanding.

“I know. See you later,” he said, and then he was gone, his figure blending into the night, Max following close behind.

You closed the door, the silence of the apartment heavy around you.

In the quiet, you made a silent vow to always be there for Billy, to stand by him as you had that night he confessed. It was a promise made without words, one you intended to keep.

————

The clock’s red glare read 1:27 a.m., the only light in the otherwise dark room.

The soft creak of the door was like a whisper, but it jolted you awake.

Rubbing the sleep from your eyes, you sat up, squinting into the darkness.

The light from the hallway cut a sharp outline around a familiar figure—Billy, the only other person with a key to your place.

“Billy?” Your voice was thick, still wrapped in the remnants of sleep.

As your hand reached out for the lamp, his figure moved closer, a shadow in the half-light.

“Don’t,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble, and his hand was on yours, guiding it away from the lamp. His touch was cold, sending a shiver up your arm.

“Are you okay?” The words were barely a whisper, concern threading through them as you climbed out of bed, reaching into the darkness towards him.

He sniffed, a sound so faint you might have missed it if the room wasn’t so deathly quiet.

“I’m…” he started, his voice barely there, then clearer, “No.” It was a stark admission, cutting through the silence.

“Oh, Bill…” you breathed out, your arms finding their way around his rigid form. Your hands rested gently on his neck, and you felt him lean into the embrace, his own arms wrapping around you.

A shuddering breath escaped him, betraying the facade of control he always tried to maintain. His head rested heavily on your shoulder, and you could feel the tension in his body beginning to unravel.

The silence was broken only by his occasional shivers, and you felt the dampness on your shirt where his tears had soaked through.

“We’ll get this sorted,” you said, trying to infuse your voice with confidence as you reached out to touch his cheek.

But he pulled back sharply, a quick intake of breath hissing through clenched teeth.

You flicked on the light, and the room was suddenly too bright, too real.

The sight made you pause—a large, open cut above his eye, blood running down, sticking to his lashes, pooling around his now swollen-shut eye.

He raised his hand, a silent plea for patience.

“It looks worse than it actually is,” he insisted, his voice strained. You noticed his lip, swollen and split, distorting his words.

You stood there, the gravity of the situation sinking in.

This was more than just a late-night visit; it was a cry for help. And you were determined to answer it.

“Let’s clean you up,” you said firmly, ready to do whatever it took to help your friend.

“We’ll figure out the rest after.” The promise was unspoken but as solid as the ground beneath your feet. You were in this together, no matter what.

Billy’s nod, small and pained, told you he understood.

After the long, meticulous process of cleaning him up with the first aid kit, the two of you now sat at the dining table, the silence filled with the soft clinks of the kit being put away.

The tension had eased somewhat, replaced by the quiet understanding that always seemed to exist between you two.

Billy’s face, now cleaned of blood, showed the stark reality of his life at home, but here, in the safety of your apartment, he allowed himself a moment of vulnerability.

You were just about to speak when an urgent knocking on your door cut through the stillness.

You exchanged a puzzled look with him before you got up to answer it, Billy close behind you as you did.

Max stood there, her eyes wide with concern.

“I had to make sure he was okay,” she said, her voice trembling slightly.

Billy’s expression hardened for a moment.

“What the hell are you doing out so late, Max?” he asked, his tone a mix of anger and concern.

Max’s gaze flickered to you before settling back on Billy.

“I couldn’t sleep not knowing if you were… if you were safe,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

You stepped aside, letting her in, and she moved directly to Billy, her small hand reaching out to touch his arm gently.

Billy’s initial irritation faded as he looked at his sister, his eyes softening.

“I’m here, I’m okay,” he reassured her, his voice more gentle than you’d heard in a long time.

The three of you sat around the table, a makeshift family in the middle of the night, bound together.

You watched them, the siblings who had been through so much, and felt a fierce protectiveness rise within you.

“We’re going to figure this out,” you said, your voice firm, catching both their gazes. “Billy’s staying here now. He’s not going back to that house.”

Max’s eyes filled with tears, but she nodded, a look of relief passing over her face.

Billy just sat there, his eyes on the tabletop, his jaw clenched.

You knew he was wrestling with the decision, the weight of years of abuse and control not something he could shrug off easily.

But you also knew that this was the only way forward.

“You’re safe here, Billy. This is your home now,” you said, reaching across the table to place your hand over his. “We’re in this together.”

Billy looked up, his blue eyes meeting yours, and in them, you saw the flicker of hope that had been absent for so long.

He nodded, a silent acceptance of the new reality.

Max stayed for a while longer, until her eyes grew heavy with sleep, and you set up the couch for her to crash on.

As you turned off the lights and headed back to your room, Billy followed.

The room was silent, the kind of quiet that feels heavy, almost tangible.

Billy lay beside you, his body a rigid line of tension and unspoken pain. The darkness seemed to press in closer as he hesitated, then spoke into the void between you.

“Are you sure about this?” His voice was a low rumble, barely more than a breath. “Me living here… and Max. What if something happens when I’m not there?”

The question hung in the air, and for a moment, you let the silence answer. You thought about the weight of his words, the gravity of the decision he was facing. It wasn’t just about him; it was about Max, too, about breaking away from the life he knew, no matter how broken it was.

“I’m sure,” you finally said, your voice a soft but firm counterpoint to the darkness. “You can’t keep putting yourself through hell. And Max… she’s safer with us than she is in that house.”

He was silent, and you imagined you could hear the cogs turning in his head, weighing your words against his own fears and doubts.

“And what about Neil?” His question was a whisper, but it might as well have been a shout in the stillness of the room.

You took a deep breath, feeling the resolve settle in your bones.

“We’ll deal with Neil if we have to. But you… you need to be safe first. We both know if you stay there, it’s only going to get worse.”

Billy shifted beside you, a rustle of movement in the dark. “I just… I don’t want to leave her alone with him.”

“Max won’t be alone. She’s got us, and she’s got you. And she’s always welcome here, anytime. This place is as much a home for her as it is for you.”

There was a long pause, and you felt the moment stretch out, a bridge spanning the gap between fear and hope.

“Okay,” he said at last, the word a small surrender to the inevitable. “Okay.”

You reached out, finding his hand in the darkness, and squeezed it. It was a promise, a vow made without words, that you’d stand by him, come what may.

The night deepened around you, but in that shared silence, a new understanding was forged. You and Billy, against whatever the world might throw your way. Together. And that was enough. For now, it had to be.

————

Your apartment was filled with holiday atmosphere, the first true place you both made your own. The smell of pine mixed with the smell of pasta sauce that was cooking, a new recipe you were trying out in hopes it would become an annual thing.

Christmas was right around the corner, and the excitement was as heavy as the garland hanging on the walls.

Billy was due back any minute from his second job at the auto shop, a position he’d taken up since moving in. The days were long, and the work was hard, but Billy told you he enjoyed the job. That was all that mattered, you supposed.

You had the day off and had spent it transforming the apartment to feel more festive.

Billy’s arrival was indicated by the sound of the door swinging open, his frame filling the entryway as he stepped in from the cold. His eyes scanned the room, taking in the festive transformation with a raised eyebrow.

“You’ve been busy,” he said, a smirk playing on his lips as he shrugged off his jacket, revealing the smudges of grease on his forearms.

“Yeah, but I left the tree for us to do,” you said, gesturing towards the undecorated tree standing in the corner.

He grunted in acknowledgment, a sound that was almost a laugh, and headed for the shower, leaving heavy footprints in his wake. You seized the moment to call Max, knowing she’d jump at the chance to join in.

When we finally sat down for dinner, the table was like a little patch of food surrounded by all the crazy decorations.

Billy’s first bite was met with a nod of approval.

“This is way better than Susan’s cooking,” he declared, the corners of his mouth turning up as he chewed.

Max chimed in, her voice muffled by a mouthful of pasta, “Yeah, beats the hell out of it.”

“If you keep cooking like this, I’m gonna end up fat,” Billy joked, patting his stomach, though his tone suggested he wouldn’t mind that outcome.

“That’s what the exercise equipment’s for,” you quipped, pointing towards the hulking mass of different metals that dominated half the living room.

When Billy first lugged his gym gear into the apartment, neither of you had really thought through where all of it would go.

The living room quickly became a makeshift gym, with dumbbells, a bench, a barbell, and weight plates claiming their spots among the furniture. It was a bit of a mess, but it was a lived-in mess, a sign of life happening in real-time.

You didn’t mind, though. In fact, you found a certain charm in the chaos. With the holidays approaching, you got creative, weaving tinsel and garland through the iron grips of the weights and draping festive cheer over the cold steel of the barbell. It was an odd juxtaposition, sure, but it worked. The living room was transformed into a space that was uniquely ‘you and Billy’—a little rough around the edges, but full of heart.

After dinner, the three of you approached the tree. Billy picked up an ornament, examining it with a critical eye before hanging it on a sturdy branch.

“Never had much use for these things,” he said, his voice betraying a hint of nostalgia he’d never admit to.

Max laughed, reaching for a trinket. “Come on, it’s not so bad. Looks good, even.”

The evening wore on, filled with the clinking of ornaments and the occasional deep chuckle from Billy as he recounted stories from last year’s Christmas you all celebrated together then too.

You noticed the way his eyes softened when he looked at the tree, the way his rough exterior gave way to a quiet appreciation for the moment.

It was a simple night, but it was laced with the promise of many more to come.

As you all stepped back to admire the now-decorated tree, Billy’s arm brushed against yours, a silent acknowledgment of the shared experience.

“Not bad for our first tree,” he said, and you could hear the unspoken thanks in his voice.

————

The oven’s chime signaled the cookies were ready, a sweet aroma mingling with the crisp winter air that Billy let in each time he cracked the door for a smoke.

He stood in the doorway, a barbell in hand, half-watching the MTV countdown, half-engrossed in his workout.

“You’re letting in a draft,” you said, pulling the cookies out and setting them on the stove.

Billy took a drag from his cigarette, the smoke swirling around him. “Well, if someone would let me smoke inside…”

With a playful roll of your eyes, you walked over to him.

“You know the rules,” you reminded him, standing close enough to feel the cold air he was letting in. “Besides, I don’t want our cookies tasting like smoke.”

He chuckled, the sound deep and warm.

“Wouldn’t want that,” he mockingly conceded, taking one last drag before you nudged him out the door with a laugh, quickly shutting it behind him to keep the warmth in.

You darted away, but Billy was quick, shoving the door open and dropping the barbell with a thud as he chased after you.

His laughter mixed with yours as you ran down the hallway, the playful chase a familiar dance between you two.

You ducked into his room, thinking you’d won, but a misstep had you tripping over something unexpected. Both of you tumbled to the floor, a mess of limbs and uncontrollable laughter.

“Clutz,” Billy teased, but there was no heat in it, just the warm humor that had become a staple of your interactions.

“It’s not my fault, it’s this—” you protested, sitting up to see what had tripped you. In your hand was the missing book, Platonic Soulmates. You turned to him with a triumphant smirk.

“I knew it!” you exclaimed. “You did take it!”

Billy scoffed, trying to maintain his innocent facade.

“Must’ve gotten mixed up with your stuff,” he said, but the sheepish look in his eyes betrayed him.

You shook your head, the smile on your face impossible to contain. Billy sighed, rolling his eyes in mock annoyance.

“Alright, maybe… maybe we’re like platonic… soul… whatever,” he grumbled, finally admitting to the bond you both knew was there.

The laughter had died down, leaving a comfortable silence in its wake. You both lay on the floor, the carpet’s coarse fibers imprinting on your skin.

Billy stretched out beside you, his presence a solid comfort as you both stared at the ceiling, lost in thought.

The world outside seemed to fade into insignificance, leaving just the two of you in a bubble of tranquility. It was a rare moment of stillness for Billy.

Then, his voice broke the silence, soft yet carrying a weight that filled the room. “Thank you.”

You turned to look at him, surprised by the sincerity in his tone. “For what?” you asked, genuinely curious.

Billy’s voice was gruff, a stark contrast to the softness of the moment.

“Thanks for stickin’ around,” he said, his eyes fixed on the ceiling as if he was addressing the room rather than you.

“Seems like everyone’s always after something. Neil… he wanted me to fall in line. People at school just wanted to ride the wave of whatever popularity I had. And the girls, well, they didn’t look much past the surface, did they? But you… you’re different. You never wanted anything but to hang out. That means something. So, yeah… thanks.”

Billy’s words hung in the air, raw and unfiltered. They settled around you, heavy with the weight of a life that hadn’t been kind. You felt a surge of something fierce and protective, a sadness for the battles he’d fought alone.

“You don’t owe me thanks, Billy. That’s what friends do,” you said, your voice low and steady, cutting through the emotional fog.

Billy’s gaze met yours, a silent conversation passing between you. His eyes, a clear blue that had seen too much, held a gratitude that was raw and real.

You both took a moment, a silent acknowledgment of the weight of his words. It was a pause that said everything without a single word spoken.

“You’ve got me, no matter what,” you said, the promise as solid as the ground beneath you.

After a deep breath, you stood up, offering Billy a hand.

“Come on, I baked you cookies,” you said, a gentle nudge towards the simplicity of everyday life.

Billy took your hand, rising to his feet.

“Alright,” he conceded, a hint of a smile on his face. He paused, a playful challenge in his eyes.

“So, about smoking in the house—”

“Nope,” you cut him off with a chuckle, already heading to the kitchen. “Not happening, Hargrove.”

He followed, his chuckle a low rumble that filled the room.

“Worth a try,” he said, the mischief still alive in his voice.

————

Christmas morning broke with a spirited truth that no holiday movie could capture.

The apartment was quiet, except for the soft hum of the heater and the distant sounds of the outside world waking up.

You were determined to share this moment with Billy, to give him a taste of something genuine and heartfelt before the chaos of the party preparations began.

You found Billy still buried under his blankets, his room a stubborn sanctuary of everyday life among the holiday transformation of the rest of the apartment.

“Billy, come on. Just one present before we start the day,” you insisted, your voice cutting through the silence as you tugged at his arm.

His response was a gruff murmur, an indication to his dislike to mornings.

After a bit of coaxing, he relented and followed you into the living room, his body language a silent complaint against the cold that greeted his bare skin.

The room was dimly lit by the soft glow of Christmas lights, the tree standing like a flare of the season’s good spirits.

Billy, hair tousled and eyes half-closed, slumped onto the couch, clad only in his red plaid sleep pants.

You joined him, draping a throw blanket over both of you to fend off the chill. Then, with a gentle motion, you placed a small, wrapped gift onto his lap.

He eyed the present with a mix of curiosity and a hint of that guarded look he always had.

“You didn’t have to get me anything,” he said, his voice still rough with sleep.

“Of course I did. You’re my best friend,” you replied, watching as he unwrapped the gift with hands that were more used to handling tools than delicate wrapping paper.

The keychain, a small silver house, caught the light as he held it up. It was a simple thing, but it was heavy with meaning.

“It represents us finding our place. Our home,” you explained, your voice low but clear in the quiet of the room.

Billy was silent for a long moment, the keychain turning slowly in his hand.

“I’ve never really had something like this,” he admitted, his voice a low rumble. “A place that actually feels like home.”

You smiled, feeling a warmth spread through you.

“Well, you do now. And we’re going to make sure it’s a damn good one.”

Billy’s smile was a rare sight, his brows furrowing as if he wasn’t quite sure how to handle the softer emotions.

He stood up, the blanket falling to the side, and shuffled out of the room with a gruff, “Hang on.”

You watched, curious and touched, as he disappeared down the hall. Moments later, he returned, something concealed in his hand.

“Got something for you,” he said, his voice rough around the edges.

“What is it?” you asked, leaning forward with interest as he sat down across from you.

“Just… give me your hand,” Billy instructed, his usual brass demeanor faltering slightly.

You complied, placing your hand in his, feeling the calluses on his palm—a testament to his hard work.

“Close your eyes,” he added, a hint of command still in his voice.

You rolled your eyes but did as told, a smile on your face. “Always so dramatic,” you teased.

There was a pause, and then Billy’s voice, softer now, “Alright, open.”

When you opened your eyes, you were met with the sight of a bracelet made of sea glass on your wrist. The colors were a myriad of blues and greens, like the ocean he so loved.

“You made this?” you gasped, your eyes lifting to meet his. He looked back at you, a mix of pride and something similar to vulnerability.

“It’s from that beach in California I told you about,” he explained, his fingers gently turning the bracelet on your wrist.

“That place was my escape, you know? And now, well, you’re kinda like that for me here.”

You sat up, touched by his words and the sentiment behind the gift. “Thank you, Billy. This means a lot.”

He shrugged, the corners of his mouth twitching up in a half-smile.

“Yeah, well, don’t get used to it,” he joked, but you could tell he was pleased.

In response, you reached out and pulled him into a hug, a gesture that spoke volumes more than words ever could. It was a thank you, a promise, and an acknowledgment of everything you’d been through together.

“Now come on, get ready,” you said, standing up and pulling him to his feet. “You’re helping me with the Christmas party food, whether you like it or not.”

Billy grumbled, a mock scowl forming on his face.

“You just like bossing me around,” he said, but there was no real annoyance in his voice, just the comfortable banter that had become the foundation of your friendship.

“Don’t be ungrateful,” you laughed, giving his arm a playful swat.

Billy’s laughter, deep and genuine, filled the room.

It was moments like these that reminded you why being Billy’s friend was worth every second.

[therealplaguedoctor]

Flordia Girl

(Part two of three, completed)

Logan Sargeant x reader

Part one

____________ ☆ ____________

____________ ☆ ____________

It was Friday, practice 1 and practice 2. I quickly got ready and arrived at the paddock bright and early. I chatted to some of the mclaren staff in the hospitality area. Before Lando and Oscar appeared out of no where and greated me. "Oh hi!" I smiled at the pair.

"Hey" Lando said first

"Sup?" Oscar said quickly after "so Lando here has practice 1 so I'm free for a while so we can hang out!" He smiled "I have a friend that's actually a fan of your so I'd like to introduce him to you" he smiled

I nodded and turned to Lando "good luck in practice"

"Thanks" he replied before heading to the garage to get ready

____________ ☆ ____________

"You know I still can't belive that you didn't ACTUALLY tell us your celeb crush!" Oscar complained

"Well I did narrow it down for yall" I said

"Saying that he is currently or was an f1 driver at some point DOESNT narrow it down" he complained

I laughed "well with yours and Landos reaction the whole internet seems to think that you do" I chuckled

Oscar just shook his head before he waved someone over in the paddock "Logan, mate, over here!"

Logan walked over and greeted Oscar before seeing y/n.

"Logan this is y/n" he smiled "You're a big fan right?" He said smirking knowing what he was doing

Logan started sputtering a little before he turned to me completely "uh hi" he smiled "I uh am a big fan"

I chuckled "I'm a fan of you to" I smiled "gotta have the American rep out in the track you know?" I said.

Logan smiled as we chatted. We didn't even notice Oscar disappeared as we chatted mostly talking about family and our life in Florida.

"So let me get this straight" he said "you grew up in the orange groves?" Logan asked

"Kinda" I chuckled "my childhood home was basically surrounded by the fields we used to play manhunt in the groves"

He nodded "that's sounds like fun" he smiled

"It was" I said "what about you?"

"Well when I was younger I mostly karted with Oscar but I love fishing" he smiled again "speaking of which where did he go?" He asked looking around for his friend

I shrugged "I think he got called by his team" I said looking over to where the mclaren garage is

He nodded and we continued chatting.

____________ ☆ ____________

Race day quickly approached it was Sunday already it felt like Saturday didn't happen.

____________ ☆ ____________

Y.n just posted!

Liked by Mclaren and others

Y.n Fit check! I think I'll rival Lewis in this! Sadly don't have a hat :/ but! I will be watching from the @/McLaren garage 😧. Like this feels like a fever dream! Thank you sm for inviting me 🫶🫶🫶. Anyways I got to get going lovelys! See you there!!

User21: GIRL THE FIT, YOUR DOG, YOUR CAR, AND YOUR GOING TO THE GP YOU ARE LIVING THE LIFE

User22: fr like girly please

User23: awww we love Dakota we need more pics of her!!

Liked by logansargeant

User23: HELP LOGAN LIKED THAT COMMENT

Ynfriend: gurl did you finally finish painting your car-

Y.n: I did! It finished Thursday actually!!

WilliamsRacing: You should stop by for a hat we got one that'll match 😉

Y.n: stop your making me blush 🫣

User 24: Williams admin and y.n flirting was not on my 2024 bingo card-

View more

____________ ☆ ____________

I pulled into the parking lot I checked my hair and makeup deciding that it was good enough, I grabbed my bag and stepped out of my car.

I quickly made my way towards the paddock gates almost running into Logan.

"Shit-" I said as I stop dead in my tracks to avoid the collision.

"Oh hey" he chuckled as he stopped and stepped back so we weren't almost colliding.

"Hey" I chuckled "wanna walk in together?" He asked

"Sure" I smiled but before I started walking Logan placed his hat on top of my head

"You said you didn't have a hat" he chuckled "now you have one"

I smiled up at him "thanks it matches the pants" I said as we then walked towards the paddock gates.

Many upon many of fans where there Logan approached some and I heard a few call my name I took some pictures with some people before I bid them a goodbye before walking into the paddock Logan quickly

____________ ☆ ____________

____________ ☆ ____________

I bid a quick bye and good luck to Logan as he walks into the Williams garage and I make my way to the mclaren garage.

I sat there with my headphones on and: lights out and away we go!"

____________ ☆ ____________

I gasped as I watch Logan crash and the safety car being called out. We were quickly told that he was okay.

But "LANDO NORRIS TAKES THE WIN" I hear over the chatter.

Lando just won his first grand prix and I was here to witness it.

____________ ☆ ____________

After the podium celebration I started talking to Oscar:

"Hey Oscar I have a flight that I need to catch so I have to leave here soon but could you give me Logans number?" I asked "after that crash I wanna tell him something but I have to leave"

Oscar nodded and all to quickly snatched my phone up and put in his number.

"Thanks" I smiled and said good bye before also saying good bye to Lando and congratulating him.

____________ ☆ ____________

____________ ☆ ____________

Y.n just posted!

Liked by logansargeant and others

Y.n Hey guys I know I was JUST in Miami but.... I am flying to the wild wild west 🤠for my (not so) extended family! Going to go see my sister and brother in law!! Can't wait to see my beautiful niece and nefew.

Also wish luck to Dakota! It's her first time flying! Anyways don't expect much posting from me but i do love posting here so there will still be some posts/updates 🫶🫶🫶

User25: omg safe travels!

Ynsister: can't wait to see you!!

Y.n: me either Dakota can't wait!!

WilliamsRacing: good luck Dakota 💙

User26: omg how can a dog be this cute!!

Mclaren: Safe travels for you and your pup!!

logansargeant: hope you arrive safe

User27: Logan we remember that prema video

logansargeant: ...no you dont

View more

____________ ☆ ____________

A few months later

"So Logan what do you plan on doing over this summer break?"

He shrugged "not to sure yet probably going to hang out with my family in Florida then also my friends in America that I don't get to see to often" he smiled

"You spend a lot of your time with your family no?"

Logan nodded "I spend a lot of my short breaks with family yeah. But this summer break I'm traveling well back to my family then getting some my stuff packed cause a close friend of mine wants to take me up in the mid west and show me around" he beamed as he talked about traveling

____________ ☆ ____________

Y.n just posted

Liked by logansargeant and others

Tagged: ynsister, ynfriend

Y.n I swear I think they just invited me out here to baby sit 🥴. I wouldn't mind if they didn't also have me helping herd the cattle! But it's good to be back I loved these early mornings and late nights with the horses

Plus I can't belive the small extra house on the property is still standing!! And looks so good now @/ynsister did such a good job with the upkeep and renovation!!

Also I didn't tag my brother in law cause he doesn't have an insta (???)

Ynsister: I swear we didn't JUST invite you for the babysitting and free labor!! We didn't cause we love you (they're just a plus!).

Y.n: and I thought you loved me 🙄

User28: omg that house is so cute and it's an extra one?! Y/n do you need a child please adopt me

Usee29: I knew she was a horse girl!!

Ynfriend: girl I have missed herding with you that last few months have been so fun!!

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____________ ☆ ____________

I looked around the airport as I held up a piece of paper that my niblings begged to make. I had sunglasses and a hat on to 'conceal' my identity, idea via my brother in law.

I watch thed crowed walk by scanning each face before I meet the eyes- more like sunglasses of non other Logan Sargeant.

He walked over and I smiled

"Long time no see eh?"

He chuckled "yeah, only about what? 3 months?"

"Just about" I said "Now let's leave before one of us gets recognized, I wanna take off this stupid hat"

Logan just nodded following me out to the old pick up truck I got in and started it. As he threw his luggage in the back

"Welcome to my old shitbox" I said as I buckled my seat belt before taking off the old hat and sunglasses opting to put on the cowboy hat on the dash. As soon as Logan buckled his seat belt, I pealed out of the parking lot and started driving.

____________ ☆ ____________

I pulled onto the dirt road that lead on the property "all this property is my family's" I said "the first house on the road is gonna be my sister's, she is the caretaker of all the land technically me and my brother also own part of it but we leave it to her cause she loves it more than us"

Logan nodded as I talked watching the fields go by as I drove.

"Then the next house after theirs is the old what we liked to call 'party house' we used to live there wherever we came up here and we partied there with basically the entire town." I chuckled "but the house somehow survived that so my sister remodeled it and that's where we'll be staying" I said pulling onto the gravel that serves as a make shift parking spot next to the 'party house'.

"Damn" Logan said "that house looks lovely"

I smiled "yeah Kylie did such a good job on renovations" I said "let's get you settled before dark"

Logan nodded and quickly grabbed his luggage as I lead him into the house and showed him his room and then left him alone to get unpacked.

____________ ☆ ____________

He walked downstairs and I greeted him, "Hey had you told anyone that you're up here with me" I asked

"No I only said that I was visiting a friend up west" Logan shook his head

"Oh okay, you good if I post some pictures with ya in the future cause tomorrow we are going trail riding and I wanna post some pictures"

Logan nodded "it's fine with me,"

"Good" I smiled as I slid some food across the counter to him "eat some this then we can shut everything down for the night"

Logan looked at the plate: steak, potatoes, and green beans "classic dinner?" He asked

"Always" I smiled as I munched on my own food

____________ ☆ ____________

I woke up early the next day. I walked down stairs and quickly started breakfast: pancakes, bacon, and eggs a simple and quick breakfast.

As I finish up making it and place the food on two separate plates. Logan walks down the stairs, and stretched. I looked over to him: his hair was messy from sleep, he didn't have a shirt on only wearing basketball short.

Damn. I thought to myself before I quickly looked away before he finished stretching and sat down on a bar stool.

"Morning" he mumbled as he sat down.

"Good mornin' " I smiled sliding a plate in front of him and sliding my own plate in front of the seat next to him. I walked around the counter and sat next to him. We slowly munched on the food, eating in a comfortable silence.

____________ ☆ ____________

I quickly saddled up the horses.

"Okay have you ever riden a horse before?" I asked him

"Uhhh, I have but it was a while ago"

"Okay so-"

After explaining it to him.

I mounted my horse "this is my horse" I said "her name is Jynx" I said "and that horse" I motioned to the horse he was standing next to "his name is Tex"

He nodded as I talked

"Okay try to get on him now" I said

Logan fell flat on his ass, I busted out laughing before saying "try again"

He huffed embarrassed about falling before jumping onto Tex.

"Okay," I laughed "walk beside me" I said starting Jynx towards the trail, Logan with Tex next to me lagging behind just a little

____________ ☆ ____________

logansargeant just posted!

Liked by Y.n and others

logansargeant: meet Tex 1 and Jynx!! As well as my home for this summer break! The Midwest is way more beautiful than I ever thought. Also thank you to my friend for letting me stay with her

User30: wait... IS THAT Y/NS HOUSE SHE POSTED ON HER INSTA

User31: THAT IS

User32: GUYS IS LOGAN A HORSE GIRL??

Liked by Y.n

User 33: bro is doing side quests on summer break

OscarPiastri: Oh so when I invite you to go riding with me you decline, but not when invited to by her 🙄

User34: what do you know oscar????

Y.n: look those are my horses :D

User35: WHAT

User36: YOURE WITH LOGAN RN?????

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____________ ☆ ____________

Y.n just posted!

Liked by logansargeant and others

Y.n: I love trail riding, so much funnnn! Not so fun when you're coming back to go to a different trail and you have to go and catch a loose calf tho 🥴

User37: tried to beat Logan to the likes AND I DID (by like 1 sec)

logansargeant: I'd like to have some photo credits :/

Y.n: okay okay, photo credits to: THE Logan Sargeant (better?)

logansargeant: (yes)

User38: SO YALL ARE TOGETHER

User39: wait r you 2 dating????

User40: No! They became friends after the Miami gp!! And also Logan said he was visiting a friend over summer break so just friends

User41: I think yall should be more than friends....

Liked by OscarPiastri

User41: WDYM OSCAR LIKED THAT COMMENT HUH????

____________ ☆ ____________

As we trotted on the road back to the house, I spoke "we'll take a small break and put the horses in the field" I said "my sister just texted me that she let Dakota out so you'll get to meet her cause she'll be at my door"

Logan nodded "I've seen her pictures she so cute"

"She's the best, she's really smart and she's so pretty" I smiled "and a little chaotic you know?"

Logan was staring at me as I looked forward, I didn't know he was looking at me "yeah" he said quietly as he smiled "I know"

____________ ☆ ____________

I held Tex's reins as Logan got off of him. Sending Tex into the field with Jynx.

"Okay" I smiled "those two should be fine for a minute as we take a break and eat" I said as we started to short walk to the house.

"Dakota!" I called the dog immediately perked up and sprinted towards me. "Hi girly" I smiled as I pet my dog as she wagged her tail aggressive and jumped up on me.

Logan watched a few steps away, as Dakota calmed down I motioned him over.

"Let her sniff your hand, she probably won't bite"

He put out his hand "wait- what do you mean probably?!?" Dakota sniffed his hand cautiously before wagging her tail and licking his hand.

"It's fine she likes you" I said standing up and dusting off my pants. "But she's known to bite people who end up being assholes"

"Huh?" Logan said "like actually?"

I nodded "yeah actually my ex was bit by her when he met her." I said "and he cheated on me" I shrugged "she has a sixth sense I swear"

"I'm glad she likes me" he said as I unlocked the door walking in, Logan and Dakota right behind me

"I knew she would" I smiled as I walked into the kitchen quickly making two sandwiches.

I didn't see this but Logan was blushing as I said that.

____________ ☆ ____________

Y.n just posted!

Liked by OscarPiastri and others

Tagged: logansargeant

Y.n: Went on another hike this time Dakota decided to join us! I totally didn't fall into the water btw

User42: Oscar beat Logan to the likes ha!

Ynfriend: did you fall in the water

Y.n: what noooooo....yeah I did.

OscarPiastri: I NEED TO SEE MORE OF DAKOTA

User43: he's just like us

logansargeant: you're forgetting the part where you dragged me in!!

Y.n: oopsy 🫢

User44: they're in love your honor

View more

____________ ☆ ____________

logansargeant posted a story!

[She fell in after this lol]

____________ ☆ ____________

"You know I can cook too" Logan huffed as I placed a dinner plate in front of him.

"But you're my guest" I smiled as I sat next to him "plus I love cooking," I said "so let me cook for you" I looked up at him locking eyes

We stare at eachother for a moment. Did he just look at my lips no he didn't you're just delusional. I thought to myself. After a minute I teared my eyes away from him as I cleared my throat. "We should eat before it gets cold" I said

"Yeah" Logan said softly

____________ ☆ ____________

Part 3 out now!

[j-eryewrites]

Hellooo, will you continue writing for A Sinner's Redemption

I am! Don't you worry. Now that my health has improved and my university is out for the summer, I finally have the time and motivation to write again. Just to prove my words, here is a snippet from the next chapter (which I hope will be finished tmr)

꧁___________꧂ 

Piper bit her lip, and her eyes fell on Ellie's sleeping figure. "All I've ever…Have you ever thought you were cursed?" Joel shook his head. "I think I'm cursed. Actually, I know I am," Piper scoffed.

"Cursed?" Joel questioned.

"To kill." Piper pulled her arm away from Ellie and stared at her shaking hands. In the light of the fire they only grew more red; A dark red that seemed to seep underneath her skin. She shuddered. "It's all I was used for in the QZ. It's all I've known." She couldn't bare to look at her hands any longer, instead resorted shoving them under her legs. "I'm cursed to kill when all I want is to save…but I can't." her voice caught in her throat. "I can only save Ellie. She's all that matters. So, as long as I can do that, I'll be fine."

"Kid," Joel paused. "Piper." The sound of her name drew her attention. "You are more than a sister. You can want something for yourself that is outside of Ellie."

Piper scoffed. "Says you. You've been on and on about Tommy. What about you then? What is your dream outside of Tommy?"

"I-" Joel began to refute Piper's words, but something stopped him. She was right. He'd started this whole thing for Tommy: picked up the girls, lost Tess, danced with death, saw the impossible, and all for someone who could be dead. Piper and him were one in the same. As long as their family was safe and happy, so would they be. But as Joel really pondered her question, the dream of the farm came back into mind. The farm with the quiet sheep, the peaceful life. Except now this dream had room for more, yet Joel wasn't sure if there was room for his girls in the first place.  

"It's getting late," Joel remarked, standing up again to patrol. This time, Piper didn't refuse sleep. Instead, she let the silence close in on her as the warmth of the fire cascaded over her body. The only sign of life was the slow rise and fall of her chest, the rhythm to which Joel stepped as he guarded his girls from the looming horrors of the night.

꧁___________꧂ 

Please comment below if you would like to be added to the tag list for future updates (of if I missed you).

Tag list:

@angelmenace

@mimi-luvzyu

@d4rno

@lizlil 

@winterschildren17

@bartokthealbinobat

@sunsumonner 

@lovelyygirl8

@homeslices

@guacala 

@emsownuniverse

@thetiredtoad0-0

@galacticstxrdust 

@jackierose902109

@stilllivindue2spite

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@severussimp

@lainekyuu

@rannifer

꧁___________꧂ 

[marengogo]

JIMINAAAAAAAAAAH!

https://x.com/miiniyoongs/status/1764162716938195014?s=46&t=Y1EJxYybNVJ2yYyhN2O57Q

Thank you for acknowledging the letters!

😭😭😭

Honestly I was going crazy while writing them, and I even wrote one right after my post. Honestly, don’t worry about me cause I AM NOT GOING ANYWHERE don’t know about the rest of this fandom, cause gurl, boi, enby…

I love you Park Jimin, and the rest of the boys, so so so much. I’ll keep writing letters and know that they are getting you all of y’all!

It’s funny cause @chikooritajjk was so happy to found out I wrote letters I actually, I was a bit embarrassed, not sure why but anyways… and they told me “you know they read them all, I know it will make them so happy” and they were right, I’m so shook to actually get a confirmation about this, Y’ALL HAVE NO IDEA!!

Anyways, need to bounce. I have things to do, places to be.

Love love love,

Marengo.

[osarina]

Hellooooo

AWWW I’m so glad you like my princezai AND ITS ADDED TO THE DAZAIVERSE, LETS GOOO HAHAHA, I’m still in the otome isekai binge, THERE’S SO MANYYY IM DROWNING

So yeah, typically in those manhwa there’s a og fl who’s either two faced and tries to steal the ml or a cinnamon roll who falls for the villainess instead of the ml hahah but gurl same if someone comes between me and princezai im bout to invent guns and go full America

So like I’ve been thinking bout it some more, expanding the characters like mori got to be the king, oda is probably dazai personal bodyguard, ango or kunikida is the aide to the prince (god rest their souls🙏), fyodor being the crown prince of the neighbouring kingdom, atsushi is the newbie knight butting heads with senior knight akutagawa, black lizard as one of the knight squads ,DUCHESS KOYOU, Royal doctor yosano??, ada can be still a detective agency?or maybe a informant guild haha idk, marquess paul from another kingdom who is chuuya long lost brother

Like maybe when chuuya was young he was kidnap from his family and used by a cult of dark magicians to summon a demon but instead becomes a vessel, basically canon but ~fantasy~ and escape to another kingdom and was raised as a commoner and rose through the ranks through his hard work, until he finds out he actually is a noble but in game he bonds over with the og villainsess over how the nobles treat them with cruel rumors (him being not of noble blood and her being a villainess/foreigner) hahaha could even have the villainess falls for him but cannot marry him as her family wouldn’t approve of her marrying a commoner and chuuya thinking whether he’s worthy of her like angst and why am i making this sad let’s stop but yeah reader definitely would stick with chuuya like he’s such a reliable guy you would want on your side, one of the first people that she can trust and maybe tell the truth in this new world where she’s at risk of getting a bad ending

For dazai, usually in the isekai , the fl would use her knowledge on future events and people to her benefit, I’m thinking dazai would get even more intrigued seeing how he predicts how things happen but because of the reader’s knowledge she turns the tide and dazai is shook 🫨🫨🫨cause he’s always right except when it comes to reader 😏, first he gets close to figure out this mystery but slowly falls for reader and fast forward to him on his knees hugging reader, begging her to marry him while she tries to shove him of with a stick. Also we can have prince fyodor coming in as a love rival, gotta have dazai fighting for his life here hahah

ALSO!! I had another version of this verse where instead dazai is the demon king that the fl is suppose to defeat, with chuuya as the crown prince and main capture target

So like prince dazai is for when reader isekai as the villainess

And demon king dazai is when reader isekai as the heroine

Like think of the angst potential, falling for the one you have to kill for everyone’s happy ending(why do i do this to myself) OR the comedy where reader is trying to defeat the demon king but he’s so different from the og game, he’s in love with me?? That wasn’t in the lore!! Or the reverse where reader gets isekai and is like screw the other love interest give me the hot demon hahah with dazai being confused?? Flirting instead of fighting ✌️✌️✌️

Jsjdjdjf dazai with horns 🤌

I need more art of dazai and chuuya in princely fancy smacy suits😭😭😭

(Also bsd otome game where??!! LET ME DATE THEM PLS, oh yeah there’s actually a fan dating sim for bsd ,have you seen it, it’s sooo cute lemme just give you the link)

https://ryartchus.itch.io/lamourameursault

My dude, recs?

I HAVE A LIST OF EVERY MANHWA I’VE READ

Have my own notes to keep track of all the manhwa haha

Okay okay, lemme give you the ones I think are real great

Who made me a princess

Death is the only ending for the villainess

The fantasie of a stepmother

Villainess with the hourglass

The ways to protect the female lead’s older brother

My in-laws are obsessed with me

The villainess flips the script

I’ll be the matriarch of this life

The antagonist’s pet

Shadow queen

I’ll be the matriarch of this life

The little lady behind the scenes

They say I was born a king’s daughter

How to get my husband on my side

Beware the villainess

These manhwa have anime adaptation so you can give them a try

* The reason why Raeliana ended up at the duke’s mansion

* My next life as a villainess: All routes led to doom

* I’m the villainess so I’m taming the last boss

Ahhh so these not isekai, but I really love them so maybe you can check them out 👉👈

-Remarried Empress (FL is the greatest like ever, I love her)

-Endo and Kobayashi’s live commentary on the villainess (interesting spin on otome game, very cute and fluffy moments)

-cursed princess club (really like the take on princess and curses)

Hahah I gave such a long list, but there are so many good ones, they barely scratch the surface of the manhwa rabbit hole I have fallen into

tumblr user chererrry ... you are going to be SOOOO pleased i think ... because i've been trying to figure out what my next project is going to be after civzai, and now i'm HEAVILYYYYY leaning toward an otome isekei series w princezai, knight commander!chuuya, and im conflicted as to what to make fyodor because originally he was going to be a prince from a rival kingdom but now i'm realizing he also fits that trope of like the high priest/mage love interest. i wanted to add one more love interest - nikolai, maybe? or tachihara/jouno? idk it's being thought up in the brain and i have quite a while before it anyway, but i had to share it with you because you're the reason it came to me. obviously dazai would still be the main love interest, but the others would have their time to shine.

OMGGGG yes i love having the ada as like an informant guild -- mori as the king, oda as the prince's personal guard, ango as the royal aide (and maybe a traitor???), DUCHESS KOUYOU !!!! SHE'S SO BEAUTIFUL - it reminds me of that one bungo mayoi card(fables) .. omg wait, i adore your background for chuuya actually. because originally i did want him to be the one that she went to first and trusted the most and you KNOWWWW i love angst ... and i imagine even i this new kingdom, he's ostracized a bit because people can tell something is up with him but they don't know what. dazai's the only one that treats him like a normal person until the og villainess comes along.

LOLLLLLL THE COMEDY DEMON KING ONE IM DEAD "THAT WASN'T IN THE LORE!!" that would be so cute actually i love that. people counting on this girl to come save them from some evil demon king but then she's like!!! wait a second .. why is he kinda ... LOLLLLL

i also started reading death is the only ending for the villainess!!! it's SOOOO good so far, i'm obsessed with it and penelope is soooooo pretty it makes me die. I'VE HEARD A LOTTTT ABOUT REMARRIED EMPRESS ACTUALLY, so even though that's not isekai, i'm probably going to read that one next when i have the time

[cassmouse]

UPDATE I DID IT IVE FUCKING WATCHED BOTH OF THEM AAAAA I AM HAVING THOUGHTS

First of all I adored these two as a kid and Fionna was like my idol and hearing her voice again is so weirdly comforting?

This show is single handedly healing my inner child!!

Cake going 'FUCK HIM UP GURL!' shook me to my core it was uncanny

fionna is as pretty as I remember from my small closeted lesbian experience

Also Marshal Lee is a fucking legend in this, I wasn't that nuts about him when I was younger but man he's amazing here lmao

AND THE SECOND EPISODE WITH SIMON? OKAY THAT WAS SO RIDICULOUSLY EMOTIONAL FOR NO REASON and that bit with the music and the WALKING THROUGH OOO WITH THE SUNSET IN THE FOREST AAAA

Im such a sucker for that sort of thing it was amazing

Long points short

That was AMAZING and LOVELY and THIS SERIES OH MY GOD I LOVE FIONNA AND CAKE SM

Best thing ever

[marie-is-seein-stars]

ice.cream

Chapter 1 🍨

Bombastic side-eye count: 2

"Hyunijn! Wake up honey it's time for school!" Hyunin's mother called from the kitchen. The delightful aroma of fried rice was enough reason of getting out of his comfy, cozy bed. "Hey, pack some extra so your brothers don't eat it all" Mom said smiling at him from afar, she was washing dishes at the sink. Kkami, the family dog, stared at Hyunijn. He was begging AGAIN. "Ah! Kkami Leave me alone!" Hyunjin whined. After the dog left him at the table, he packed up everything he needed for the day; his bento full of the extra rice, history, math, and English Lit. books. He walked out onto the porch and saw a girl with curly hair sitting on the bench for the bus stop. "She is just ADORABLE Hyunjin!"His best friend, Felix Lee, a freckled blondie remarked with the goofiest of smiles. They both sat down and the girl made some sort of noise between a yawn and a gasp. She looked up at Hyunjin and Felix, but blushed when they made eye contact. There was no doubt whoever these two guys were, they are HANDSOME, she couldn't help but try to make some coherent words but failed miserably when the bus pulled up, drowning her out completely. Out of the blue, Felix asked "Wanna sit?" All Y/n could do was nod and hope he didn't ask if that was a yes or no like all her old classmates did. He didn't, thank GAWD. Y/n trotted up the steps, making her curls dance along her back. Once they were all settled in their seats, Y/n took a deep breath for courage "I-i am in the Flower Class... are you?" At this sudden news, Hyunjin wasn't shook, nor was he shooketh he was JUNGSHOOK."YES, we both ARE ACTUALLY!!!!" That's when almost everyone in that bus gave him the BoMbAstiC side eye, I'm takin' bout that CRIMINAL. OFFENSIVE. SIDE--EYE. He quickly corrected his tone 'Felix and I are in that class, I mean" he blushed and smirked at Felix, who gave his usual goofy grin, "You two should date, you'd be an ITEM for sure." he whispered, his grin slowly turning into a smile. Once they unloaded with the rest of their fellow teenage gremlins, they headed to homeroom. "I gotta catch up on some work so..." Felix, being the ultimate hard shipper left the two alone. Just then, Hyunjin felt something clasp a bit tight around his arm. Looking down, he realized it was Y/n and that everyone in the room was BoMbAstiC side eyeing them. Suddenly, some girl opened her fat mouth and screeched "Gasp! why is that gurl touching on my mansssss?" Upon hearing this, it was obvious, she wasn't wanted here, her face flushed, and tears started streaming down her face. She rushed out the room without a word.

[pedrospatch]

here we go

"Well, your brain did a factory reset, so you kind of are seeing new people every day," Ellie joked at breakfast one morning.

AHAHAHA i’m sorry the way i cackled at the factory reset bit. i really loved the scene between reader and ellie, it felt SO natural and again i just really love your characterization of ellie! i’m so curious about ben and lisa i couldn’t tell if ellie froze because she was like WHOA does she remember them?! or because those two have some kind of story that’s going to leave us shook 👀

i also really loved the scene with maria. reader does care for joel but her frustrations about the situation and the way she kind of gets….idk if annoyed is the right word but i interpret it as she’s getting annoyed being asked about how it’s going with joel and don’t get me wrong, i love the man and i am ROOTING for her to remember but it’s so realistic that she feels that way. sure we know and love joel as the audience, but SHE doesn’t know or remember him and on top of that, the pressure she must feel? i feel for joel but man i sure do feel for her too

How the hell could one man manage to scare half the town the way Joel Miller did? You thought you were beginning to see a glimmer of the man underneath the hardened exterior, but what on earth drew you to him in the first place? What did your past self see in him that made you so enamored? And why couldn't you see it now?

it’s fine. this is fine. not heart wrenching at all.

"For what?" he snapped, and his tone took a sudden turn. When you met his gaze again, the warmth was gone, and in its place was a face of stone. "What does that matter?" he asked, his voice rising a little. "You're here, you did what you had to do. We all did. What's the point in rehashin' it?"

"What's the point?" you repeated, bewildered. "The point is so I can learn about myself. So I can figure out the person I became, the person you fell in love with!"

YES GIRL STAND UP FOR YOURSELF

(no and really who are ben and lisa and what is their deal ?! why is everyone so weird about them?! i didn’t miss anything right?!) sorry moving along.

he gave her books be still my heart. and wait did he almost call her baby?! i’m going to go cry now. it’s fine. no really, i’m fine.

You felt a stirring low in your stomach as you continued to watch, with your jaw slack and your breaths shallow. Joel finally reached out and grabbed the lead, then ran the flat of his hand slowly up and down the horse's nose, giving it a little scratch between the eyes, and you clenched your thighs together.

OH GURL MY THIGHS CLENCHED TOGETHER TOO that moment was so hot.

"Okay. What do you miss most about your life before?" you asked him out of the blue. His stomach lurched, his mind immediately filled with thoughts of a little girl with curly hair and dark brown eyes that once made him finally understand the true meaning of unconditional love.

no really i am not on the verge of tears AT ALL.

oh my god the way he just let her tell the story all over again. THAT TENSION WHEN HE LEANED IN JUST A BIT. HER FIRST TIME SEEING A CLICKER. THE DETAILS OF THE ACCIDENT.

JOEL GOING FERAL. POOR JESSE GETTING HIS ASS KICKED. READER CALLING HIM OUT. HIM TELLING HER ABOUT SARAH??????

okay this chapter was packed with SO much and if i didn’t have to walk my dog before it gets dark and a paper to write i’d pluck more quotes and moments from it but i just want to do this reblog while it’s all fresh in mind.

i love this chapter so much and tuhis series is chefs kiss!

i know who you are | 3. the accident

Pairing: Joel Miller x f!reader

Chapter Summary: You and Joel spend some time getting to know each other, but during dinner with Tommy and Maria, the truth comes out about your accident.

Chapter Warnings: language, angst, pining, sad!Joel, amnesia, slow burn, mild description of head wound/stitches, flirting, clickers, violence and some descriptions of injuries/blood

WC: 10.4K

Series Masterlist

Two Weeks Later

"This place is a lot bigger than I thought. I feel like I see someone new every day."

"Well, your brain did a factory reset, so you kind of are seeing new people every day," Ellie joked at breakfast one morning. Joel had been scheduled on early morning patrol shifts lately, so it was just the two of you before Ellie's classes started. You felt bad, but you grew to enjoy these mornings with just her. She was easy to get along with and she didn't pester you constantly about your memory loss. It was like she just accepted it for what it was and moved on. Joel, on the other hand, was a different story.

"What are you doing today?" she asked, pushing away her bowl of oatmeal.

"I have to go get these stitches removed," you said, your fingers coming up to brush across your injured scalp. "Couldn't come any sooner. They are so itchy."

She hummed and crossed her arms. "Surprised Joel didn't wanna come with you. He's been hovering over you non-stop."

"Yeah, tell me about it," you muttered. When you caught the playful glean in her eye, you backtracked. "Not that I don't appreciate everything he's done for me, it's just..." you trailed off, trying to find the right words.

"It's just a lot?" she offered, and you nodded, relieved that she understood.

"I didn't exactly tell him, either," you said, dropping your gaze to pick at your cuticle in shame. "Every time I go to the clinic, he scares the shit out of that poor doctor."

She laughed softly and stretched her arms out behind her head. "Joel does that to people. He comes off like a pitbull but in reality? He's just a golden retriever."

A slow smile stretched across your face as you absorbed her words, then burst out laughing.

"That is-" you began, cutting yourself off with another laugh, "the most accurate description I could ever possibly think of."

"I've known him for a long time, what can I say?" she said with a grin while throwing her hands up in the air.

Your laughter died down as you stared at the table, lost in thought. Glancing up at Ellie, you decided to see what else she might shed some light on.

"Do you know of a Ben and Lisa?"

She froze and looked at you quizzically for a moment before dropping her hands back down onto the table.

"Yeah, do you remember them?"

"No, no," you said quickly, waving her off. "I kept a journal. Y'know, from before. And I was reading it the other day and I mentioned them. Are they around?"

Ellie glanced around the somewhat crowded room before meeting your eyes again. "No, not today. They don't really come out much," she said, examining you carefully. "They have a small house on the outskirts of town. They are... homebodies, I guess? I think they've been in here, like, twice, since you guys arrived."

"So, they came here with me?" you confirmed, and she nodded.

"Yeah, the three of you arrived together," she said. Her eyes glanced up and saw a few classmates heading out the front door. "I better go, school's starting soon," she said, pushing her chair back and grabbing her backpack.

"Yeah, okay," you said, sitting back in your chair. "Thanks, Ellie," you called after her, and she shot you a quick wave before running to catch up with her friends.

You wished you had more time to ask her about Ben and Lisa. Were they together? Were they siblings? Friends? How did you meet them? What did they know about your past?

The questions were piling up as you let your mind wander. You didn't even realize Maria, Tommy's wife, had approached your table until she said your name for the second time.

"Sorry," you told her, shaking your head.

She smiled and pulled out a chair, joining you at your now empty table. "Don't worry about it. I wanted to check on you. How have you been feeling?"

"Better," you said honestly. "I haven't needed the Tylenol really, so I'm going to bring the rest back to Nick this morning."

"That's fantastic," she said, leaning forward. She regarded you quietly for a moment before speaking again. "Any luck on your memories?"

You sighed and shook your head. It was inevitable - everyone eventually asked you the same question, either morbid curiosity or genuine concern encouraging them. And you tried not to let it bother you, you really did. But you couldn't help but feel like a failure every time when the answer was no.

And then Maria asked the next question everybody always asked.

"How's Joel handling everything?"

You fought the urge to roll your eyes. Of course this was hard for him. It was hard for you, too, just in a different way.

"Alright, I guess."

"Are you two getting along? I know Tommy mentioned you were nervous-"

"Yeah," you said, cutting her off. "It was a little weird at first but it's not so bad now." You glanced around the dining hall, which was mostly empty. "Can you tell me a little bit about him? About us? I would ask Joel, but any time he tells me about some memory, I can see it hurts him. And I just can't stand to see that look in his eye again."

Maria gave you a sympathetic look and squeezed your hand. "I get it. It must be hard, I'm so sorry," she said, and you could feel the tears beginning to prick the corners of your eyes.

"I just feel like I'm always letting him down," you said, swallowing the lump in your throat.

"You're not. Hey, look at me," she said, forcing you to drag your eyes up to meet hers. "You're not letting him down. He loves you. You have no idea how much. That man has been head over heels since the moment you met. He'd do anything for you-"

"I know, and that's what makes this so much worse!" you exclaimed. "I'm sitting around that house all day - our house - waiting for my brain to fucking work and give him the person he's waiting for and I just can't! I can't-" you slammed your palms flat on the table. "I can't fucking-" you buried your face in your hands as you tried to conceal your tears. Maria rubbed soothing circles on your back, giving you time to collect yourself.

"Sounds to me like you're going a little stir-crazy."

You dragged a shaky breath in and nodded, letting your hands fall to your lap.

"What if we got you assigned some work around town? Something light, nothing too strenuous. Would that help?" she asked softly, and your pulse began to return to normal.

"Yeah, I think that would be nice," you said, flashing her a small smile.

"Your choice, then," she said, pulling her hand back, "what are you good at or interested in? I figure stables are probably not a good idea. Tommy said you were having trouble riding. Is there anything you'd like to do?"

You pursed your lips and thought for a moment.

"I'm not sure... can I get back to you?" you asked, realizing once again that you knew very little about yourself.

"Of course," Maria said before standing up from her chair. "You know where to find me whenever you think of something. Or if you just want to talk... I'm here, okay?"

You gave her a watery smile before whispering your thanks, then watched her make her way towards the doors. You sighed and looked around, realizing you were the only one left after the breakfast rush, so you pushed yourself to your feet and followed Maria's footsteps. You had a few more hours before Joel was supposed to come back from patrol, so you decided to walk over to the infirmary and get your stitches removed.

The streets of Jackson were mercifully quiet. Most people were working and the kids were in school, so you didn't run into too many folks on your way towards the other end of town. You wrapped your arms around yourself a little tighter. The chill in the air still lingered from overnight, making you shiver. As you walked, you looked around at the buildings like you normally did, trying your hardest to shake loose a memory, or at this point, even a flicker of a moment, but nothing came.

You trudged up the steps to the infirmary and stepped inside, grateful to be back indoors where it was warm. A little bell rang above your head, announcing your presence, and a moment later you heard Nick's footsteps coming down the hallway. When he lifted his head and saw you, his eyes immediately scanned the room, searching for Joel.

"All alone today?" he asked, then motioned for you to follow him.

"Yeah, Joel's busy," you said, and you swore you could see his shoulders relax.

"I know the feeling," he said, standing next to an empty exam room and holding his arm out to his side, inviting you to enter first, so you did. "I've been trying to get around to doing inventory for weeks, but I'm swamped. Can't seem to find a quiet day," he continued as he opened and closed some cabinets. He pulled on a pair of gloves and opened a drawer for some scissors before placing it on a clean washcloth next to the bed and putting his glasses on.

"Oh, speaking of inventory," you said, leaning to the side so you could fish the pills out of your jeans pocket. You held them out to him with a smile. "Didn't need them all."

"Excellent. Thank you," he said, plucking the baggie from your fingers and setting them down on the counter next to the scissors. "Glad they helped. And again, I'm sorry I couldn't offer anything stronger-"

"Don't be sorry, I understand," you said, then tucked your chin into your chest so he could get a good look at the back of your head. He began to carefully snip away at the irritating thread, taking his time to pull each and every piece out without tugging too much on your skin. You noticed aside from the two of you, the office sounded quiet.

"All alone today, too?" you asked.

"Yes, unfortunately," he said with a sigh. "My aide, Monica, got poached from me. They needed someone on patrol since-" he cut himself off and cleared his throat, and you frowned before you realized what he was about to say.

"Since they had to replace me," you finished for him.

"Yes."

Your lips pressed into a thin line as Nick continued to work away at your stitches. Another casualty in the hurricane that your accident seemed to cause.

"Hey, what if I helped you?" you blurted out, and his hands paused.

"You want to be my aide?"

"Sure. Well, do I need any medical knowledge? I don't know much, but I can help you with inventory or cleaning instruments or... whatever else you might need."

You could sense his hesitation without even having to see his face and you knew in an instant he was thinking about Joel.

"Maria approached me this morning about a job. She said it would be good for me and I agreed. But if I'm not qualified, I understand-"

"No, no, it's not that," he said, and you rolled your eyes. Of course not.

"Joel isn't the boss of me," you said after a moment. He stepped backwards and you lifted your head up to look at him.

"He's an intimidating man," Nick said by way of explanation. He snapped his gloves off and tossing them in the trash. "Why don't you run it by him first? As a favor to me?" he added with a half smile. You sighed and nodded before sliding off the bed.

"Sure, I'll talk to him when he gets back," you agreed, following Nick towards the front door. You thanked him before heading back down the street, your fingers gingerly tracing your closed wound before you shoved your hands into your pockets.

How the hell could one man manage to scare half the town the way Joel Miller did? You thought you were beginning to see a glimmer of the man underneath the hardened exterior, but what on earth drew you to him in the first place? What did your past self see in him that made you so enamored? And why couldn't you see it now? You were afraid the answer didn't so much lie with Joel, but with you.

You desperately needed to discover more of the person you were before your accident. Maybe then you would get some more insight.

When you got back to Joel's house, you decided to take what little quiet time you had left and read some more of your journal. As the sun rose in the sky, the day began to heat up a bit, taking away that frigid chill in the air, so you cracked a window in his living room and curled up on a worn out, but very comfortable, arm chair.

You flipped through the pages, your eyes landing on the last entry you read: Joel lied to me.

You never asked him about it. Either you were too afraid of the answer or you were too afraid he wouldn't tell the truth. At first, you tried to convince yourself that it was nothing. That maybe you had just gotten into a fight on that particular day and you were mad. But seeing how sporadically you had updated the journal, you got the feeling you wouldn't have written it unless it was important.

And why wouldn't you have elaborated? What could it have been? Something that was so serious, you didn't want to risk putting it down in writing?

You hadn't realized how long you were staring at those four words until you heard Joel's heavy footsteps climbing up the stairs of the porch. You snapped the book shut and looked up just as he opened the door. His dark eyes found you immediately and, as usual, you saw what you always saw - relief in seeing you again, the joy one had when they saw their other half, the attraction a man has for the one he loves.

Damn him and his expressive eyes.

"Hey," you said with a small smile, "how was patrol?"

"Not too bad," he replied, kicking off his boots. "Quiet. No infected. Me 'n Alex made short work of our route," he said, strolling over to collapse into the couch next to your chair. He rubbed his eyes with a deep sigh, his head resting on the back of the couch.

"Tired?"

"Yeah," he said, dropping his hand to his lap and rolling his head in your direction. "Glad I got tomorrow off. Maybe we can do somethin' together."

"Yeah, okay," you agreed. Maybe it would be a good opportunity to learn more about him without directly asking. His eyes drifted down to the journal in your lap and he jutted his chin towards it.

"Read anythin' interesting?"

Looking down at it for a brief moment, you thought about asking him what he lied about, but you ultimately decided against it.

"Yeah, actually," you said, flipping a different page open. "I wrote about a Ben and Lisa. Ellie told me we arrived together and they keep to themselves," you continued, looking up at him. His expression was unreadable. "Maybe I should pay them a visit one of these days. Maybe they can tell me a little about myself before-"

"Yeah, maybe," he said suddenly, then stood up to head towards the kitchen. You frowned, your eyes following him as he filled a glass of water. When he turned back to you, you were still looking at him, waiting for him to say something else.

"Why don't you give it a little time before you go seein' them," he suggested after downing his water in one gulp.

"It's been two weeks," you said quietly, "how much more time should I give it?" He shrugged and strolled back into the living room, leaning against the doorframe.

"What'dya wanna know?" he asked, avoiding your question. "I know you better than anyone. I can answer your questions."

"I didn't know you the whole ten years, though," you reminded him, unfolding your legs from the chair. "It sounds like they knew me longer. I just thought they could tell me how I survived-"

"For what?" he snapped, and his tone took a sudden turn. When you met his gaze again, the warmth was gone, and in its place was a face of stone. "What does that matter?" he asked, his voice rising a little. "You're here, you did what you had to do. We all did. What's the point in rehashin' it?"

"What's the point?" you repeated, bewildered. "The point is so I can learn about myself. So I can figure out the person I became, the person you fell in love with!"

Something flickered across his face for a brief moment before his eyes softened and his shoulders relaxed.

"You're right, I'm sorry," he said, the edge to his voice now gone. "I'll take you to see 'em one of these days. We'll go together. I haven't seen 'em in a while myself. It'd be good to catch up," he added.

"Okay," you said slowly, "thank you." He took a deep breath and angled his head towards the stairs.

"I'm gonna take a quick shower," he mumbled, and you nodded, your eyes following him up the steps until he disappeared around the corner.

Joel Miller was an incredibly difficult man to figure out. Just when you thought you knew who he was, he did something like that and it made you second guess yourself. You had determined that aggressive side came out when he was protecting the ones he loved. So who was he protecting this time?

"What'dya wanna do today?" Joel asked you around a mouthful of eggs from across your kitchen table.

"Um, I don't know," you said, pushing your food around on your plate uncomfortably. You thought spending time alone with him was a good idea, but when you woke up that morning, you felt nervous. "Did you have anything in mind?"

He sat back in his chair and wiped his mouth with a napkin. "If you were feelin' up for it, thought I could take you outside the walls a bit. Maybe teach you how to ride again."

You perked up at his suggestion. For some reason, you didn't consider leaving Jackson as an option.

"Yeah, that sounds great," you said with a grin, and his chest warmed at the sight. He missed seeing you smile. Then he remembered something that might make you smile again. He stood up quickly, his chair sliding back across the hardwood floor, and walked over to his backpack, still hanging by the door from yesterday.

"What are you doing?" you called after him, but he didn't reply until he reentered the room with his hands behind his back.

"Forgot I gotcha somethin' when I was out yesterday," he said, trying to bite back his smile. It didn't even occur to him until the last second that you might not like what he was about to give you, that maybe your tastes were different ten years ago, but it was too late now. Nervously, he held out two worn paperback books. You stood up with a curious look on your face and took them in your hands, your eyes running over the covers quickly before turning them over and reading the backs. He shifted his weight as he anxiously waited for your reaction, and when he was rewarded with another huge smile, he couldn't hold his own back.

"These sound great," you told him, glancing at the books again. "I love mysteries, this is..." you met his eyes briefly before shyly looking back down. "This is so thoughtful of you, Joel. Thank you."

He beamed with pride, thrilled that he was able to do something nice for you. "You're welcome, ba- ahem," he coughed, stopping himself from finishing his sentence. You looked back up at him, heat creeping up both of your necks. He cleared his throat and turned around, picking up your plates. "You're welcome," he said again, "thought you might be gettin' bored 'round here."

He rinsed the plates in the sink before heading towards the front door. You put your two books on the counter and trailed after him, the both of you sliding on your boots and jackets. Joel grabbed his backpack before opening the door for you and he followed you down the porch steps.

"Yeah, I'm definitely getting a little bored," you said, eyeing him up as you walked side by side towards the stables. "But speaking of that, I was talking to Maria yesterday and she suggested I get a job." His head swiveled over to you, lips parted in surprise, but before he could speak, you continued. "She said I can pick whatever I want, nothing too strenuous."

He nodded and looked straight ahead again, your words rolling around in his head. "Yeah, suppose that makes sense."

"Good," you said, pleased he was open to the idea. "So when I was at the infirmary yesterday, Nick mentioned-"

"Why were you at the infirmary? Were you in pain? Did you get hurt?"

"Joel, I was fine," you said with a huff. You pointed to the back of your head. "I had my stitches removed."

He stopped in his tracks, which made you skid to a halt. His arms reached out to lift up your hair but at the last second, he held back.

"Can I?" he asked over your shoulder, and you nodded. He gingerly lifted up your hair to take a look at your injury, which felt much better now that the stitches were gone.

"Made showering so much easier," you told him. He hummed and dropped your hair.

"Looks good," he said, and continued walking. "You shoulda waited, I woulda went with you," he added.

"It took ten minutes," you said, waving him off as the stables came into view. "But while I was there, Nick mentioned his aide got reassigned to patrol to fill my old position, so I offered to take her place."

"You wanna work at the infirmary?" he asked, and you shrugged.

"I don't know much, but he said I didn't need to. He just needs help around the office. Cleaning up, taking inventory, maybe help him with some minor procedures. Hand him tools and all that," you said, and Joel nodded slowly.

"Alright," he said, "if that's what you wanna do, sure."

And although you weren't asking for his permission, it felt like you got it, anyway.

As you got closer to the stables, the high pitched whinny of a horse in a nearby paddock caught both your attention. The horse looked smaller - younger - and was attached to a long rope, and in the center of the field holding the other end was a man around Joel's age. Even from a distance, you could see the clench in his jaw and the way his muscles strained to rein in the animal, but he was losing the fight. The horse was too young and too strong and kept pulling away, getting as far away from the man as possible before the lead went taught and the horse was forced to face the man again. Each time it happened, the horse let out a shrill whinny and stomped its hooves in the dirt, expressing its displeasure.

"That's Caleb," Joel said as you both paused to watch. "Must be breakin' in a yearling."

"Breaking in?" you asked, your eyes still glued to the horse, whose head was twisting around angrily, trying to break free.

"It means he's tryin' to tame her so we can ride her," he explained, and you nodded. You both leaned up against the fence and watched the beautiful animal rear up and then dig its hooves deeper into the dirt, dust kicking up into a cloud around them. Caleb was struggling. Sweat was dripping down his face as he tugged on the lead and shouted commands at the horse, but she was having none of it.

The horse's whinnies were becoming louder and more panicked. The whites of her eyes showed when Caleb attempted to get closer, his skin tight over his knuckles from holding onto the rope. Once Caleb got close enough, the horse swung its massive head around in the air then reared back again with all its might, pulling Caleb off his feet unexpectedly with a shout.

"Shit," Joel muttered. He gripped the top rail of the fence and hauled himself over before you could even process what was happening. You watched, eyes wide, as Joel ran into the middle of the field, his arms raised up high over his head to keep the horse from stomping on Caleb.

"Hey! Hey!" you heard Joel's booming voice shout at the animal, drawing her attention off Caleb. The horse charged at Joel, but swerved away at the last second. Joel turned around and gave Caleb a hand, dragging him to his feet before the horse made its way back to where they stood.

"Hey," Joel said, softer this time, but his arms still stretched out in front of him. The horse skidded to a stop a few feet away, snorting and pawing at the dirt, its long tail flicking back and forth. Caleb stood and dusted himself off before taking a few steps backwards to catch his breath, but Joel remained in the same spot. He stared down the animal, the two of them silently sizing the other up. Joel's voice rang out again, just as soft as before. "Hey, shh, girl," he said, relaxing his stance a bit.

You stood cemented to the ground, entranced, as you watched the stand off between man and beast. Joel didn't look scared. He barely even flinched when the horse let out another high pitched squeal. He stood tall and firm, refusing to back down, and patiently waited for the horse to come to him.

He left his arm outstretched as an olive branch, his eyes never leaving the horse. He murmured low, soothing noises until it took a tentative step forward. Joel nodded encouragingly and continued to speak softly, earning him another step.

You felt a stirring low in your stomach as you continued to watch, with your jaw slack and your breaths shallow. Joel finally reached out and grabbed the lead, then ran the flat of his hand slowly up and down the horse's nose, giving it a little scratch between the eyes, and you clenched your thighs together.

After a few minutes of Joel calmingly murmuring to the horse, he handed the rope back to Caleb, who expressed his deepest gratitude before carefully leading the filly back towards the stables. Joel turned back towards you, dusting his hands off as he walked. Your cheeks felt warm by the time he made it to the other side of the fence and climbed over.

"That was..." you trailed off, not sure what to say. He smirked at you as he leaned down to pick his backpack up. "That was really impressive," you finally squeaked out. Unbeknownst to you, he could see right through you. He'd known you for too long and he especially knew what you looked like when you were aroused. He eyed you up and down before nodding towards the stables.

"It's 'bout respect and patience. You get what you give," he explained as he wiped away some sweat that formed on the back of his neck. Your mouth went dry at the sight.

"H-have you done that before?"

"What, break in wild animals?" he asked, quirking an eyebrow at you, and you nodded. If he didn't already clock the way you were reacting, he wouldn't have said what he said next. "No. Only you."

You choked on your laughter and he grinned.

"I hardly think I can compare to a wild horse," you said, your cheeks on fire.

"You're right. Tamin' you was harder."

"I thought I was the one who confronted you about sneaking around? Which is it?" you teased as you followed him into the barn, the scent of hay and leather and the sound of horses gently snorting in their stalls invading your senses.

"Oh, you did. You just didn't like sneakin' 'round. Took a lot longer to make you fall in love and move in with me," he said. He walked up to a list pinned to a clipboard and scribbled his name inside an empty slot.

"Mm, and you really think you can do it again?" you asked, trying to sound doubtful but your smile gave you away. He glanced down at you, leaning against the wall for a moment, his eyes lingering on your lips and cheeks before chuckling.

"Oh, absolutely," he said lowly, and you felt your heart flutter in your chest.

"Alright, Casanova. Let's get a move on," you said, rolling your eyes and turning away, but not before he caught the excited glint in your eye.

Thank god for Joel's backpack.

That was the only thing separating you two as you clung to him from behind as he steered your borrowed horse through the woods. It was peaceful. Serene, even. It was hard to believe so many horrible things happened, and were still happening, in this world when you were surrounded by such beauty. And you might have been able to appreciate it more if you weren't so utterly distracted by your body's reaction to Joel. You couldn't imagine what you would be thinking and feeling if there wasn't a buffer between you. Had you been able to feel each and every strong muscle in his back and shoulders, or the heat rolling off him, or fully commit to memory his very unique and intoxicating scent.

No, luckily you had some distance, and by the time he reached the field he was looking for, you felt like you had regained your senses. You brushed off your earlier reaction to your hormones and nothing more by the time you slid down from the horse and joined Joel on the ground.

"It's so quiet out here," you remarked, looking around and shrugging off your jacket. By now, the sun had risen high enough in the sky to warm everything up around you, the frosty morning air long since melted away. Joel tied the reins of your horse around a tree trunk and took off his own jacket, slinging it over the saddle.

"We used to come out here a lot," was all he said, avoiding your eyes. You looked around again, trying to find something familiar. He could tell what you were doing and he shook his head.

"Don't try to force it, it ain't gonna do any good," he said, and you looked over at him, surprised.

"Sorry. I'm really trying," you said softly, looking down at the dirt. He looked at you sadly, just for a moment when your attention was on your shoes, then forced a smile across his face.

"C'mon, I wanna show you somethin'."

You followed him through the thinning trees towards the open field; the grass waist high as you hiked through it together, cicadas singing all around you as you walked. The sun was growing more powerful, but you weren't uncomfortable.

"This is my favorite time of year," you told him, and he glanced over at you. "It's not too hot, not too cold."

He smiled and looked straight ahead once again. "I know. You like warm days and cold nights."

"That's right," you said, pressing your lips together and wondering if there would ever be anything you could tell him that he didn't already seem to know. "You have a good memory."

"When it comes to you, yeah."

Joel held out an arm to stop you, your face angled towards the ground as you walked so you wouldn't trip. You looked up when you ran into his arm, first at him, and then at the scenery before you.

It was breathtaking. Somehow, without even realizing it, you were on top of a mountain. Or, close to it, anyway. Near the edge, you looked around and saw other hills and valleys surrounding you, green and lush and full of life. A flock of blackbirds swooped by straight ahead, and way down below, between all the jagged rocks, was a little lazy river.

"This is beautiful," you breathed, your eyes glistening. Joel studied your face while you were distracted, his eyes never once looking at the nature surrounding you.

"Yeah, I know," he whispered. You dragged your eyes away from the view and gave him a dazzling smile, one that made his chest ache, before sitting down at the edge of the grass with a sigh.

"Okay. What do you miss most about your life before?" you asked him out of the blue. His stomach lurched, his mind immediately filled with thoughts of a little girl with curly hair and dark brown eyes that once made him finally understand the true meaning of unconditional love.

"Barbeques," he choked out, hoping you didn't pick up on his mood shift.

"Mm, that's a good one," you said dreamily, still staring out over the edge of the cliff. "What was your favorite part?"

He felt himself relax a bit as you forced his mind to shift gears. "The music. The food. Just... lazy weekends, hangin' out with friends or family. Spendin' time with people I cared 'bout."

"What's your favorite barbeque food?" you asked, pulling your knees up to your chest and turning your head towards him.

He thought about it for a moment, his daughter's memory drifting back into the recesses of his mind. "Ribs. Or maybe burgers. Tough call," he said with a chuckle. You slapped the side of your leg and turned your whole body towards him excitedly.

"Oh, my god. Speaking of ribs. My brother - Matty - one time he was in an 'all you can eat' ribs competition," you said, a grin already pulling at the corners of your mouth. "He was like, 22 at the time and he could really pack food away. Like, really eat. It scared the shit outta my mom, she had no idea how he did it and still stayed so trim," you said, and Joel chuckled. "Anyway, he entered this contest and all of the other contestants were these, like, huge guys. I'm talking pushing 300 pounds huge, right?" you said, the excitement evident in your voice now as your eyes shone bright, making Joel smile even more. "So, anyway, one by one these guys are dropping like flies and my brother just kept mowing down all these ribs like it was nothing. It was down to him and one other guy and the other guy looked like he was about to tap out. The prize was like, a thousand bucks, and we were all getting so damn excited. He was gonna win!" you said, your voice getting louder the more excited you became. Seeing you that happy for the first time in weeks made Joel's heart feel like it was going to burst, so he played along and urged you on. "Then, Matty freezes. And I'm staring at him. And he's just staring down at his hands, and we're all like 'what the hell is he doing?' and suddenly - woosh!" you said with a giggle, using your arms for emphasis. "He pukes everywhere! It was so fucking much, Joel! And it was so disgusting, oh my god. People were running from their seats and dry heaving, and me and my parents are fucking dying with laughter," you said, your giggles growing louder the more you remembered. You wiped a stray tear from the corner of your eye as you continued. "Anyway, of course he got disqualified and he never could be in the same room as a rack of ribs ever again," you finished, flashing him a grin. But when you saw his expression, although he was smiling and giving you some obligatory laughs, you could tell it wasn't the first time he had heard that story.

"You knew that already, didn't you?" you asked, narrowing your eyes at him. He smirked and looked down at his hands.

"Yeah," he admitted, and you groaned. "But it's still a real funny story. I love the way you tell it."

"I wonder if there's anything I didn't tell you," you said with a sigh. He inched a little closer when he heard the despair in your voice.

"It doesn't matter. I love hearin' everythin' 'bout you," he said, and you gave him a little smile. "You could tell me a hundred times and I wouldn't care."

He kept saying that word. Love. Over and over, like it was nothing. You looked away, his eye contact too intense all of the sudden, and stared out at the beauty before you. But you could still feel the heat of his gaze on your skin. It sent a shiver down your spine. Your mind raced, trying to think of something else to say when he softly whispered your name. You tilted your head in his direction and the look in his eye caused you to temporarily forget how to breathe. He was staring at you like you were the only other person in the world. Like you were a siren, calling to him on the sea, or Aphrodite, knocking him to his knees in prayer.

No, no, no, you thought as he leaned in a fraction, his eyes flicking down to your lips. Too soon. Not ready.

A blood curdling screech echoed from somewhere behind you. Somewhere far too close for comfort. You froze, eyes wide and scared, but Joel whipped around and reached into his backpack, pulling out his revolver and knife.

Stay here, he mouthed, pressing a finger to his lips, and you couldn't remember if you acknowledged him or not before he crouched and disappeared into the long grass, leaving you all alone on the edge of a very dangerous cliff with some terrifying monster nearby. Slowly, trying very hard not to make a sound, you turned your head, searching for the source of the noise. As you scanned the field, the tall grass hiding Joel somewhere in its depths, you spotted it. It, being the only proper word.

It was hideous. Fucking disgusting. Half its face was overgrown with fungus plates, its mouth wide and wet and dribbling with blood, teeth yellowed and bared. It hunched over as it got closer and closer to you, snapping its jaw like a lion, trying to locate its next meal. You swallowed roughly as it got closer, its torn clothes and bent fingers coming into view. And the smell. The stench of death and rot filled the air, completely ruining the beautiful backdrop you were admiring mere minutes ago. Your heart slammed wildly in your chest, your breathing unsteady and your hands shook violently. You had nothing to defend yourself. You looked to your side, wondering if you could push it over the cliff if necessary. Where was Joel?!

Just as it was about to clear the grass and step into the clearing, Joel leapt up behind the creature and stabbed it in the back of the head with a loud grunt. It collapsed in an instant, blood spilling from its skull as Joel stood over the corpse, shoulders and chest heaving as he fought to catch his breath.

"Oh my god," you whispered, your trembling hands coming up to cover your mouth as you stared at the lifeless body. You hadn't seen an infected alive yet. And they were far more terrifying than you ever imagined. Tears welled up in your eyes that you quickly tried to flick away, but Joel already noticed.

"You okay?" he asked, his eyebrows furrowed with worry as he cleaned his knife off in the grass.

"Yeah," you replied shakily, still staring at the dead infected a few feet away. You slowly forced yourself to your feet and walked around it, only stopping when you were safely in the grass. With a grunt, Joel kicked the body closer and closer to the edge until it tumbled over. You winced as you heard its body faintly thudding and cracking against the rocks and branches below. He glanced over at you, your face screwed up with a mix of distaste and fear, and he sighed.

"Wanna just head back?"

"Yeah," you said, looking at the view once more before following him through the tall grass. "It was nice while it lasted, though."

The two of you trudged through the grass quietly, back towards the woods. He could tell you were shaken up and he inwardly cursed the clicker for ruining what could have ended up being a really nice day with you. A day where he thought he was making some progress. He made you smile and laugh and he definitely recognized that heated look in your eye back at the stables, but all of those memories suddenly seemed so distant. It wasn't until the horse came into view that he even remembered why he brought you out in the first place.

"You still wanna learn to ride?"

You looked up at him, your perfect lips parted ever so slightly. It made him want to grab your chin and press his mouth against yours so he could remember what you felt like again.

"Oh, sure," you said, glancing wearily over at the horse as you approached.

"Why don't you take the reins and I'll sit behind you," he offered as he untied the horse from the tree. "That way I can take over if you're feelin' too nervous."

"Okay..." you agreed slowly, realizing that meant he would be pressed up against you for the entire ride home. And this time, there wouldn't be a buffer.

He laced his fingers together and bent forward, offering you a boost. You got a good grip on the saddle and delicately placed your foot in his hands before he launched you upwards. You swung your leg over and shifted in the saddle a bit, looking down at the back of the horse's head. Its long ears flickered back and forth, trying to shoo away the flies.

You gasped when the saddle shifted slightly and Joel climbed up behind you. Your body stiffened and you stared straight ahead as he got himself comfortable. You tried to block it out, but when his arms wrapped around you from behind and took the reins from your grasp, you realized it would be impossible.

"This is how you wanna hold 'em, see?" he murmured softly in your ear, and you immediately felt goosebumps break out up and down your arms. He hadn't been this close before. Not even when he was examining your head wound. His exhale tickled the side of your neck and you realized his lips were dangerously close to your exposed skin. When it occurred to you that he had asked you a question, you blinked and snapped out of it.

"Yeah," you said, and you hoped he would think your hands were shaking because you were nervous to ride and nothing more.

"Now we're ridin' western, so when you steer, you wanna pull the reins across, like this," he said, demonstrating with his hands over yours, and just like that, the horse turned to the left. "And you just do the opposite if you wanna go the other way."

"Okay, makes sense," you replied, surprised you were actually following along.

"You want the horse to move, you gotta squeeze your legs. Gotta do it hard, though. It's a big animal, they can't feel you if you don't squeeze hard."

"Uh huh," you said, so you gave it a try. You squeezed your legs as hard as you could and the horse slowly lumbered forwards, and you squealed with excitement. "I did it!"

Joel chuckled behind you. You could feel the deep rumble through your back and the little puffs of air from his nose on your neck. It made you shudder, and you tried to pass it off like you were cold. The horse began to slowly walk back the way you came, through the trees and past a little stream, and the longer you walked, the more confident you became.

"This isn't so bad," you admitted, and you weren't sure if you were talking about Joel's embrace or riding the horse. You were growing used to his arms around you now, even though you didn't really need his hands to guide yours, you didn't say anything. It was... nice.

"How do I make it go faster?" you asked.

"Well, you can give her a little kick, or you can click your tongue. You remember how to click your tongue?"

You laughed a little and without thinking, you gave it a try. Clicking your tongue experimentally against your teeth sent the horse rushing forward. Just into a trot, but it still took you off guard. You gasped and leaned back into Joel's chest, looking to steady yourself so you wouldn't fall. You could feel him laughing behind you as he tightened his arms around your waist and gave the reins a gentle tug, slowing the horse back down to a walk.

"Not funny!" you exclaimed, but your smile gave you away.

He missed this. He really missed this. He missed holding you and laughing with you and spending time with you. What he wouldn't give to kiss you again. He ached for the way you tasted, the way you moaned underneath him, the feeling of your smooth skin under his rough palms. Every day that passed he felt like he was forgetting little by little, and the urge to remind himself, the urge to pull you into his arms and kiss you deeply and take you to bed with him was becoming more intense by the day.

But he had to be patient. He could be patient. You'd come around, one day. He was sure of it.

By the time you made it back to Jackson, you were feeling much more at ease. Maybe this is what you needed. Some time away with Joel, just the two of you, so you could learn more about him. You had to admit, you were beginning to see a very soft and sweet side to him that you only caught glimpses of in the past.

Before today, you hadn't been able to understand the attraction. He was good looking, you already knew that, but you also knew that couldn't have just been it. That wasn't enough to share a love for one another that he classified as rare and meant to be. Now, it was starting to become clearer. There was something inherently sexy about the way he handled himself. The confidence he had, which, at first, came off as cocky, you now viewed in a different light. After the way he handled the horse in the pasture and the clicker in the field, you were beginning to understand.

Joel Miller was a protector. He cared deeply and passionately for the ones he loved, and he stopped at nothing to defend them. Sometimes that love was misplaced as anger, and that's where he kept losing you.

He had asked if you felt up to joining Tommy and Maria at the dining hall for dinner, and even though you were a little tired from your outing, you agreed.

As you walked down the street together, he had to fight the impulse to hold your hand. He still noticed the way people looked at you, their curiosity over your now famous injury getting the best of them, but once they caught his eye they quickly averted their gaze. It angered him, he couldn't help it. He didn't want you to feel uncomfortable. You didn't deserve to be gawked at.

You followed Joel through the crowded hall once again, and just like before, the crowd naturally parted for him. He seemed to be making his way towards the back, towards the same table as before, only this time Tommy and Maria were already seated and waiting.

Maria greeted you with a hug and you gave Tommy a quick smile across the table before sitting down between her and Joel.

"Beautiful day out today," Maria said off to the side while Joel and Tommy talked amongst themselves.

"Yeah, it really was. I'm gonna miss it when the snow comes," you said, giving her a face. "Who's watching your daughter?" you asked suddenly, glancing around as if you could have possibly missed a small child running around.

"Oh, Dina offered to babysit, so we jumped at the chance to get out of the house," she said with a laugh. "Did you do anything exciting today?"

"Yeah, actually," you said, glancing at Joel, who was still talking quietly to his brother. "Joel taught me how to ride a horse. Well... re-taught me, I guess," you said with a small laugh.

"Thats fantastic. I'm glad you were feeling well enough to go out," Maria said with a warm smile.

"Oh, that reminds me-" you said, stopping yourself when Seth came over to take your orders. You just asked for what Maria was getting and turned your attention back to her. "I thought of a job."

Her eyes widened in surprise and she clapped her hands together. "Let's hear it!"

"I thought I could help out at the infirmary," you said, and she nodded along thoughtfully. "Nick was telling me his aide had to join patrol and he says he just needs someone to help do things around the office."

"That sounds like a great idea," she said, but you could hear the hesitation in her voice. When she glanced over at Joel, you connected the dots and sighed.

"He's fine with it," you grumbled, your gaze dropping to your hands.

"Fine with what?" Joel's voice asked from beside you.

"She wants to help out at the infirmary," Maria said, and Tommy grinned.

"Great idea, sugar," he said, "Nick could use the help. He's smart, but he's disorganized as all hell."

"I think it'll be good for you," Joel said, his knee knocking against yours under the table. "Help you get to know everyone a little better. Besides, if anythin' were to happen, you're in the right place," he added, leaning back in his chair so Seth could put his plate down in front of him.

"What do you mean?" you asked, picking up your fork and then scrunching your nose when you saw cherry tomatoes on your plate. Without even looking up, Joel speared the tomatoes with his fork and put them on his plate, then the three of you watched as he gathered his squash and gave it to you.

"I mean, if your head ever got to hurtin' again, then you'd be in the right place," he explained, looking up and licking the pad of his thumb. He frowned a bit when he noticed the table staring at him, and Tommy and Maria quickly ducked their heads to focus on their food, hiding their smiles.

"What?"

You dropped your gaze shyly to your plate and poked at the squash with your fork. "You know I hate tomatoes."

Heat crept up his neck a bit but he grinned. "The acid upsets your stomach," he said, and you chuckled to yourself, about to say something else when Jesse happened to walk by your table with some friends.

"Hey, Jesse!" Tommy called out, making him stop. He gave you all a quick wave before looking at Tommy expectantly. "Think you can join in on the 10am patrol tomorrow? Joel was just tellin' me he saw a clicker in that zone. Don't want any surprises like last time."

"Yeah, of course," Jesse said, then Joel frowned.

"Speakin' of last time," Joel said, his eyes drifting back and forth between the two men. "You never did explain how she got hurt on your patrol."

"That's right," you said, setting down your fork, "what happened? How did I fall? Was it the horse?"

Tommy and Jesse exchanged a nervous look. It was quick, but Joel still caught it. His jaw ticked to the side as he patiently waited for an answer.

"Uh, it was all so fast, and so much was happenin'," Tommy said, clearly floundering.

"Yeah, it's kinda hard to remember exactly," Jesse said, scratching the back of his neck.

"Well, try," Joel said, his voice dropping an octave. You turned your head slightly to look at him, not understanding why there was a sudden mood shift.

"We got ambushed by a small hoard," Tommy began, pushing his food around on his plate. "Thought we had it handled til a bunch more came outta nowhere," he continued, looking up to meet your eye now. "You were takin' down a runner, didn't see one comin' up behind you and it pushed you down. Knocked your head on a sharp boulder. Jesse 'n me took down the rest of 'em and that's when we realized you were knocked out cold."

You nodded, the story making sense as you remembered waking up to them yelling your name and their clothes covered in blood. But Joel wasn't satisfied. He knew they were leaving something out.

"That all?" he pressed, eyeing his brother. Tommy looked at Joel, a tense moment passing between the two before Tommy slowly nodded. He was about to open his mouth to speak when Jesse interrupted.

"It was my fault."

The whole table turned to look at him, taken aback. His hands were fidgeting at his sides as he avoided Joel's intense stare, trying to look anywhere but at him.

"I wanted to check out this department store. It was too big, we hadn't cleared the area, b-but we hadn't seen any infected in weeks a-and I thought we were good," he said, glancing up quickly at Joel, who was clenching his jaw and glaring at Jesse.

"What'd you need so bad from this store?" Joel seethed, and you saw Jesse swallow nervously.

"I-it's me and Grace's anniversary soon, wanted to get her something-"

Joel stood up quickly, his chair tumbling backwards, clattering loudly on the ground and silencing the room.

"So you wanted to get your girlfriend a present? That's why she can't remember a goddamn thing?" Joel roared, pointing at you. Tommy stood up and held his hands out.

"Calm down, Joel."

"I ain't calmin' down!" he shouted, and you jumped in your chair, scooting away from him and closer to Maria, who put an arm around you and urged you to stand.

"Let's go to the bar," she murmured, ushering you away as if she knew what was coming.

"I-I'm so sorry, Joel," Jesse stammered, tripping over his feet as he tried to put some distance between them.

"Sorry ain't gonna bring her back," he growled, rounding the table, his shoulders tight and his eyes wild. He reached out and grabbed Jesse by the collar before Tommy could react, and slammed him face first into the table. Food and cutlery went everywhere. People at nearby tables backed away but stayed to watch the fight unfold. Joel lifted Jesse up and smashed his face into the table again with a grunt, and this time you heard Jesse cry out in pain. You covered your mouth in horror as you watched Tommy try to pry Joel's hands off of him. "Wonder how many hits it'll take before you forget Grace. Maybe then we'll be even!" he shouted, pulling him back up by the collar. By now, blood poured from Jesse's mouth and his cheeks, mixing with tears as he tried to pull Joel's hands away. Just as Joel was about to slam his head into the table for a third time, you found your voice.

"Stop!!" you screamed, and by some miracle, he did. He still gripped Jesse's shirt in his hands, but Joel twisted his head around to look at you. Whatever he in your face made his fingers loosen their grip and Jesse stumbled backwards, collapsing into a chair as Tommy kneeled down next to him, trying to wipe away the blood.

Joel turned his whole body toward you, his face red and his chest heaving. His eyes were still crazed with anger but you could see it slowly melting away.

He took a step forward and you took a step back.

His eyes dropped to your feet, regret washing over him in an instant.

"Maria, can you gimme a hand?" Tommy called out, and she rushed over to help Jesse stand. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw them slowly leading Jesse towards the front door, no doubt in search of the doctor to help patch his wounds, but your eyes remained locked on Joel.

"I'm sorry," he murmured, not caring about all the onlookers still frozen in silence. But you did. You opened your mouth, then glanced around and thought better of it.

"Not here," you said under your breath, then stalked towards the exit, pushing your way past people until you felt the cool night air in your lungs.

You hurried down the street, wrapping your arms around yourself as you barreled home. You didn't turn around to see if he was following you. You knew he was. It was almost like you could feel him now. His presence draped around you like a scarf, surrounding you, engulfing you, suffocating you.

Storming up the porch steps, you flung the door open and walked inside, not bothering to close it behind you. You charged into the kitchen and paced around, your anger boiling inside you with nowhere for it to go.

"I'm sorry," he tried again from the doorway, trying to give you space. You stopped in your tracks and looked at him. His eyebrows were pinched together as he quietly waited for you to say something.

"Have you always been like this?"

His breath caught in his throat and he paused for a moment before replying. "Since we met? Yes."

"So you're saying I've caused you to act like a caveman when you hear something you don't like?" you shot back, crossing your arms defiantly.

"No, no, that's not - what I meant was, since you've known me, I've... had a temper," he said, quickly correcting himself.

You let a silent moment pass between you as you thought about what he said.

"It's no wonder it took me so long to fall in love with you," you said, and he winced. He looked away, trying to hide the pain, and you couldn't help but feel a little bad, but you stood your ground.

"It didn't bother you before," he mumbled, looking at the ground.

"Well, it bothers me now," you snapped, and he nodded.

"Okay, then I'll work on it," he conceded, looking up at you. "Happy?"

You snorted and rolled your eyes. "Thrilled."

Brushing past him, you marched up the stairs towards your bedroom and slammed the door shut behind you.

You could hear him moving around downstairs as you washed up and changed into pajamas, still seething at his behavior. How could you possibly fall in love with this man? You could barely figure out who he was - one minute he was soft and sweet, and the next he was bashing people's faces in. Even you could see it wasn't really Jesse's fault. The three of you would have agreed to check out the store together. Joel was just looking for someone to blame. It was immature and brutish and stupid.

Just as you pulled the covers over yourself, you heard a quiet rap on the door. You paused for a moment before rolling your eyes.

"Come in."

The door slowly creaked open and Joel slipped inside your room, glancing around at the bedroom you once shared together before looking at you.

"Can we talk?"

You furrowed your brow for a second before nodding, and he breathed a sigh of relief. He stepped forward and perched on the side of the bed, facing the wall so you could only see his side profile as he sat, deep in thought. You pulled your legs up so your chin rested on your knees and waited.

"I lied to you."

Your eyebrows shot up in surprise and you couldn't help but think of the journal - Joel lied to me - and wondered if this was it. If you were going to get your answer.

"When you asked me what I missed most 'bout... before. I lied."

Okay, so probably not the lie in the journal, but still, your interest was piqued.

"What do you miss most?" you finally asked, and he sucked in a deep breath, his eyes glistening as he stared at the wall.

"My daughter. Sarah."

Your heart clenched in your chest and your gaze dropped to your hands. A daughter?

A long silence passed as you slowly connected the dots. The way he was with Ellie. The anger. The journal entry about Tommy having a daughter. The softness he kept hidden away.

"She died on outbreak day," he began, his throat already constricting. "Died in my arms. She was shot and-" he sniffled and took a deep breath. "And I couldn't save her. I held her and watched the light leave her eyes and I -" he choked back a sob and looked down, still avoiding your gaze. "I've never been the same," he finally managed to get out.

You swallowed back the tears that were forming. How couldn't you see? Of course he was hurting. Of course he lost someone. Just like you lost your family, he lost his. Were you that selfish and blind that you couldn't see it?

"Joel, I'm so sorry," you said shakily, but he shook his head.

"Just wanted to explain why I'm... whatever," he replied, giving up and rubbing his face.

Your chest ached for him. He was in pain and you couldn't stand it. Inching forward, you wrapped your arms around his neck, tentatively resting the side of your head on his shoulder. His hand came up to cup your elbow and he tilted his head so it rested against yours.

"I'm sorry," you repeated softly.

"Me, too."

You stayed like that for a while. Extending small olive branches to each other as you sat with the weight of what the world did to you both, and you finally began to understand what might have brought you together in the first place.

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[stfxls]

MEMOIR : IN THE LOVING MEMORY OF MY LATE GRADE 9 ADVISER

Death is certain yet we don't when it will happen. That is the lesson we learned from the subject Introduction to Philosophy of the Human Person. Death of someone is the most unforgettable moment of my high school life that took the steering wheel of my ship and took change of another direction. Her death is the most devastating of all of my experience as a high school student. She was our Adviser in Grade 9 when I was in high school, she was really like an angel, she really took care of us amidst of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The first time I met her was thru a submission of my activities of my modules, since that time we had a lockdown before. My first impression of her is that she is a type of teacher who would always get mad of you, like a mother with a children of four. However she was different, her approach is like a soft touch of a pillow that caress your tired head. She was like "Magandang Umaga po mommy kayo po ba yung mommy ni Steven Dueñas?" she asked. "Opo ako po iyon huhu...pasensya na po kayo sa abala nako sorry kung na late ako marami pa kasi akong inaasikaso sa bahay!" My mom worriedly told my Late Former adviser "Oh don't worry po ayos lang po iyon, mamaya pa naman kami aalis by the way my name is Emerlinda P. Cerna and I am the Adviser of your child po it's so nice to meet you po" then she shook hands with my mom. Her smile was extends to her ears and her calm voice soothes my ears to the extend that my mind full of thoughts quickly fades away and my attention was transferred to her as she and my mom were talking to each other.

Mrs. Emerlinda P. Cerna was always there for me like every questions that I ask her thru personal messages on messenger regarding to her lesson, she always responds quickly. She's a very considerate person that she even accepts late outputs to be submitted in their house personally. As I arrive upon their house the one who greeted me was her mother, and I told her mom that "Good Morning po nandito po ba Si Ma'am Cerna may ipapasa lang po sana akong outputs po pasensya na po sa abala!" I told to her mom while feeling blue. "Ah sandali lang ahhh.....Emerlinda....may naghahanap sayo dito estudyante mo ata ire!" Her mom shouted. At last ma'am Emerlinda came out from the door and greeted me "Good morning nak kamusta ka? Bakit na late ka ng pagsubmit?" She worryingly asked. "Ma'am nagtrabaho pa po kasi ako sinamahan ko pa po sila mama sa pagtitinda po ehh pasensya na po ma'am!" My respond to her as if I am begging mercy in front of the almighty God. "Ahhh sige anak wait kunin ko lang itong Outputs mo tapos.....kasama mo ba si Mama mo?" She suddenly asked. "Opo ma'am Nasa labas po siya hinihintay nya po ako. Bakit po ma'am may problema po ba sa grades ko?" I nervously asked. "Wala naman anak actually Ibibigay ko Sana yung card mo sa mommy mo since hindi nga siya naka-attend ng teacher-parent conference." she calmly responded. Her statement were a mix of life and death situation to me it's because I don't know what is the condition of my grades. I called my mom to come over so that she could receive my average for the 4th Quarter and that is 95 and I am held as the only student who received highest grade in our class. I cry a river for that since it is my first time achieving that kind of title in all of my years studying, my mom also did she couldn't believe that I would be able to achieve "With High honors" at that time. Ma'am Emerlinda also cried and she said that she was glad that I became her student, that she is so proud of me, and she wishes me to do my best in the upcoming Grade 10.

During Grade 10 it was somewhere February of 2022 my best friend brought me the news "HOI BESHIIE NABALITAAN MO NA!?" She quickly approaches me and she was catching her breath as if she run in the never-ending road. "Oh sis...bat ka hinihingal abay mag hinay hinay ka kasi gurl...ano bang sasabihin mo ha? Bat parang nagmamadali ka?" I asked her with doubt. "BEH PATAY NA YUNG ADVISER NYO!?" She said. My ears didn't get it at first so I asked her once again "HA! ANO DAW!? PATAY!? SINO YUNG ADVISER NAMIN!? SINONG ADVISER BEH!?" I asked her in a high tone because of the shock that gave me. "BEH SI MA'AM CERNA YUNG ADVISER NIYO NUNG GRADE 9 DEDO NA SIYA!" As I heard those words in my mind, my mind says it's true but my heart does not believe to any words that comes out of her mouth. Because that is just impossible since I just recently talked with her a month ago, how does my best friend know about the news on my adviser's death. "OH ETO AYAW MO PA MANIWALA AHHH!" She then showed a Facebook post with my adviser where she was put inside of a coffin, lifeless. My Tears drops like a needle as if no one could hear me crying. I was running at that time towards to our house because I cannot take the news about Ma'am Cerna's death. I cried at that time since she was like a mother to me. All of those lessons that she taught me, were now be only memories which I will always cherish how I wish that she is still right beside me.

After hearing the news about her death, I wasn't able to attend to her lamay to mourn to her death since I was really busy with helping my mom with her business, but some of my classmates did, and they inform me that the cause of her death was because there was a connection in her brain that was severed which resulted to her demise. After her burial, I was able to visit their house and I notice her son which is approximately 3 years old at that time, and her husband carrying him, I felt pity for the family especially to her Son and husband which were devastated and felt really empty on those times and I said to myself that I hope they are able to get pass throught this dark times.

Because of what happened to Ma'am Cerna her death made a pathway to my chosen career in the future. Since I really love her and the way she taught me, that's why I wanted to follow the path she started and I will be the one to continue it as a token of my gratitude for her great efforts, In which it granted me an access to be a HUMSS student today. It's because of her that's why I wanted to be someone like her not because of the perks and benefits of being a teacher but to be a better instrument for kids and teens who will be soon the pillars of the community and the society.

[yukidiaries]

School teacher ratings PART TWOOOKQIJEI!?? ;?! 'NNVNNDJNFNNX !!!!!!!! 👹👹👹 not naming anyone so if any of people I know sees this they can sue me because I technically didn't say the names

Filipino Teacher: oh my god my worst subject yet holy shitttyhhj THE LOWEST GRADES I HAVE and BRUH THE PROJECTS OH THE PROJECTS SPECIALLY THE ACTING IT'S CRYFULL she's vvvvvery kind thooo I like her over the course of quarters her exam got easier so 8/10 I'm fine with lower grades YIPPIEEEE 😁😁😁😇😇😇🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳 she even teached class even though she has a growing womb on her PROPS TO TGAT, doesn't change the fact that Filipino class is so boring but I'm rating the teacher not the subject sooo

AP Teacher: YES YES YEAGHHHRHHHHHRHJD she's vvvvvery nice tooo her exams is possible and passable yeahhhdhh SHE EVEN CUTS A SHIT TON PARTS OF THE BOOK THE BORING ONES LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOO 9/10 I'm feeling generous I'm not gonna rate 10 unless the teacher is VERY VERY VERY TOO TOOOOO GOOD. YIPPIEEEEEE 🥳🥳 Ap is also fucking boring as fuck I don't even listen for the most times

Tle teacher: still the same though he got stricter ever since there was a college student trainee nothing much to say but he has a more feeling of professional not like I heard him say "do you have a problem passing the test?" He said it in such a concerned voice when the student answered barely to NOTHING on the test paper. Exams are still easy but it wasn't made by him soo... 8.5/10, decent and lowkey absent, nothing much to say.

Mapeh teacher: boi if the tle teacher was absent this man is NOT ON EARTH yeah he supervises the trainees. Gets mad for no fricking reason LIKE CHILL FOR A MOMENT, I KNOW BEING A TEACHER IS STRESSFUL BUT BIOLOGICALLY THEY ARE NOT YOUR CHILDREN. I'd say he's kind of verbally abusive. The basketball team for him was really good I don't know how he fucked shit up BECAUSE THEY LOST and he was PRESSURING THEM. like they were good CAN YOU PLEASE JUST BE A LITTLE SUPPORTIVE. THEY ARE STUDENTS THEY CAN'T BE A TROPHY BRO. OH AND NOT TO MENTION THE FAVORITISM, LIKE WHY AM I 99 I'M NOT EVEN THAT GOOD AND I'M LAZY WITH THE ACADEMICS MY CLASSMATE WORKED HARD FOR SHIT AND HIS GRADES DIDN'T EVEN LIFT ONCE. A WHOOPING 5/10 next pls.

Tle substitute college student teacher: She deserves a section here because BRO SHOOK THE WHOLE FUCKING SECTION. GETTING WRONG BECAUSE YOU DID PUT S ON YOUR ANSWER IS CRAZYYYY DAWG 😭😭😭😭 ABOVE HALF FAILED EVEN ME AT THE QUIZ AND SHE STILL THINKS WE HAVE A PROBLEM BECAUSE WE DIDN'T HAVE A GOOD GRADE 😭😭😭😭 she knows how to teach with real confidence but she also goes with the strict vibe like "pls don't be friendly with me because I'm a teacher and it's my rules." Personally I think this is queen shit right here but GURL THE S WRONG IS JUST UNJUSTIFIED. The tle teacher even asked to rate her 10 to 0 I didn't raise my hand but THEY ALL RAISED AT 10 BOI I KNOW YOU LYING— the boys in the back just holding themselves to raise their hand at five. I think the strict vibe is okay but there's just one time at the exam we were taking the test papers and girl was just sitting there. Using her phone. WITH VOLUME I CAN HEAR YOUR "DADDY'S HOME AUDIO" MISS (not sure if it's daddy's home but it was something like a tiktok audio not sure) that was just no, just no. Personally I'd rate her like uhhh... 8.9/10 it'd be 9.5/10 if she corrects the strict checking I'm sure when she becomes a teacher she'll get taught not to do that soon enough. (Monday is her test I'm sure she'll become a teacher then I'm 180% sure)

Math teacher: unprofessional. She's lazy, forgets to remind important stuff, messed up the test paper bad multiple time but she teachers the math nice so we can understand yeah! She's a very good vibe even though that 9.3/10 YIPPIE next

English teacher: I like the subject! The projects have so much potential for creativeness I even drew a manga on a whole karton for one project. I LIKE LIKE LIKE LIKE THE PROJECT WE EVEN HAVE TO MAKE A POSTERS COOL COOL VERY COOL I CAN SHOW OFF MY GRAPHIC DESIGN SKILLS AND WRITING TOO YIPPIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE I LOVE THE TEACHER THE PROJECTS HAVE A BROAD CHANCE FOR CREATIVITY EVEN THOUGH SOMETIMES I GET LAZY FOR IT BUT I PASS AN ASSIGNMENT BAD OR GOOD UNFINISHED OR FINISHED LIKE HECK YEAH THE LESSONS ARE NEVER BORING TOO THE TEACHER IS KIND HE ISN'T THAT HARSH AT THE COLLEGE TRAINEES EVEN THOUGH THEY MESS UP ALOT HE PROBABLY EVEN HELPED THEM TO MAKE THE LESSON MORE FUN THE LESSON ALWAYS STARTS WITH SOME SORT OF GAME ALSO I DON'T THINK HE'S GOOD AT ONLINE CLASSES BUT F2F CLASSES ARE THE BEST 10.2/10 YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Science teacher: oh god, I saved the best(worst) one for last, half of the students HATES HER HELL EVEN I DO LIKE WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN WHEN WE HAVE HAVE TO MEMORIZE THE FLIPPING PERIODIC TABLE WHEN YOU MAKE US BE WARY OF THE FUCKING ENUMERATIONS SURE YOUR EXAMS ARE EASY BUT YOU BARELY EXPLAIN STUFF IN THE CLASS, YOU BERATE A STUDENT PUBLICLY WHEN THEY DON'T DO GOOD. YOU MESS UP ALOT OF THE ANSWERS but yeah.... I guess we should give people a chance...... Some people ain't perfect..... But fucking hell are you serious. You give like a shit ton of homework you demand for it and then you don't check it in the end....? Come on man.... I think she's too old to be a teacher but she's trying her best. The exams aren't completely bad either now but I hold grudges in the past so 5/10 maybe I can forgive her

[lom-journal]

Sunday March 31/24-Arriving Burnaby

Peter and the gurls up around 5:19 a.m. and me up at 6:40 a.m. *****I took 2x T’s + Pink med for 7:00 a.m. + a full glass of water 💧! *** I had a Big Poop 💩! We are at Midway RV Park leaving today for Burnaby Cariboo RV Park in Burnaby B.C. The weather at Midway Park is Foggy 🌫️! But, the weatherman says Sunny 😎 with a bit of cloud ☁️! ****I had Another finishing Poop 💩 on the way back to Burnaby****We’ll try and get away early so we can do the drive and the border! We arrived back home to Burnaby Cariboo RV Park # 64 at 1:30 p.m. as Elena would this is your spot Peter! Peter unpacked some stuff from the car 🚙 but,no pop , he surprised me by bringing a 6 pack of coke from the car 🚘 ! Everyone came out to see us! Elena huggedPeter and shook hands ? And asked me how I am, so did Dave! Even Janette was there as we came in to the park! Dave got an army green 2 Door Jeep and his disability came with back pay! 💰! We have to unpack ! So far Wi-Fi, Outside rugs and stool for entering , coffee table! ****I took 2xT’s at 3:00 p.m. + Pink Pill ! I’m unpacking the blue box for the window stuff at 3:00 + Laundry drying! ##It’s 4:01 and I put together the pictures and the Dashboard!

[myawesomebeautifullife]

Finally, truly on step two

Before I begin. Major life update. I saw Charlie Puth live on July 7th, and let me tell you. This man has taken over my life like he has his own board on my Pinterest. He is so fine and talented. It's truly unfair. 🙃

For the longest time, I've felt stuck on life step #1. I've never graduated from college, which had been integrated into my brain at a young age that *that* is the only goal, if not the ultimate goal, and way of showing my worth. Personally, I do not agree with that at all. I can list a bunch of people who are not only successful but have benefited from not attending college.

Anyways why am I writing this post?

Reading the last paragraph of my last post really has me shook. I don't know what is happening around me, but I feel I am progressing forward. I feel like I've been living my life in step one to the point where I'm living on credit. I don't know how else to describe it, but now I am living from what is the start of the fruit of my labor.

Summer school, every day was a mini mental breakdown of Can I do this?! The answer is yes bitch. Yes, bitch. I got an A in my class! Sorry, I am going on a tangent. I got a fucking A+, like 97%, on a summer school class! Like what was supposed to be a 16-week class but is being done in 6 weeks! Also, let's not forget. I passed English 100 and wrote impressive essays! I have data to back up the fact that Yes! I can do it! I believe that is where this feeling of moving forward is stemming from. My advice to anyone. Write down your goals and start with step one today!

I've noticed that I have this annoying mindset that keeps running with anxiety in my head "I can't". Gurl bye! Please. I want to start weaving this mindset out of my head. I want to be like Dumbledore and take a wand to my head and pull that aspect out of me. If only it were that simple.

Maybe the next time I say I can't. I need to challenge myself and ask why can't I?! Who is standing in the way of what I want? Spoiler alert it's not someone or something I can easily shift the blame onto.

It's me, hi, I'm the problem, it's me.

I've officially decided to entertain the idea of dating. Notice how I didn't say I started dating. 🥲. I have terrible role models for relationships all around me, and letting someone in on my personal space sounds daunting. It's alright. Like I said before. Write down my goals and start today! Right now, I have sought external help, and it's going great. The gears are turning and ideas are coming along.

[writerleo86]

Terravenger - Season 5: Part Two - The Cyberian Empire First Encounter - Episode 417 (Do Not Copy)

   During the next morning, the counselor Mercury had met with his student Cheetah by the elevator of the Forest Area at the Academy.

   "How did it go?" asked Cheetah.

   Mercury stood with his arms folded before him as he reported "I monitored the Commander the entire night. Nothing did happen, especially during the dinner with the family at an Asian restaurant."

   And Cheetah informed him "I met Scorpio. Earlier last night, he had a chat wit' Granger. Granger's goin' on her first mission next week."

   Then Mercury shook his head and responded "You should continue monitoring Officer Granger for the time being. I shall stay with Commander Ravenstone."

   "Yeah, of course," said Cheetah.

   Mercury informed his student "I am certain this is the day when the Commander and his friends have their first meeting with Officer Granger."

   Cheetah gave a cunning grin and commented "I heard da Commander had two gurls eyein' him."

   "Yes," answered Mercury. "For many years, Engana Vega always fancied the Commander. And after their encounter, Officer Granger began to have her eyes fixed on him. Once she had learned about this, Doctor Vega began an intense rivalry with Granger for our commander's affections."

   "In other words," translated Cheetah. "Da gals were livin' in heat for our commander."

   "Focus on our mission Mr. Hall," ordered Mercury. "We must uncover what has shielded the Commander from remembering this certain event."

   "I know, I know!" yelled Cheetah. "It's just cool dat da Commander was like me back den!"

   "We are starting to learn more about our commander during our stay here," replied Mercury. "Tai was more like his father than we all realized. Let us hope that the Commander was just as energetic and strong as our late friend."

   Cheetah faced the counselor and asked "Ya miss him too, yeah?"

   An emotionless Mercury lowered his head and responded "I will do what I can for his father today. We must retrieve the reason why the Commander has lost his memory."

   And Cheetah agreed by shaking his head.

Terravenger -- Season 5: Part Two -- Episode 417:  First Encounter -- The First Appearance of the Machines

   Walking through the farmlands was the young Beau Ravenstone along with two of his friends.

   One of them was Martin Redbourne. He wore a white T-shirt with a large black pocket on the left side of the front. He also had on a pair of black jeans and short golden boots.

   The other was a tall boy with light skin, red eyes, short red hair, and an average figure. He wore a white T-shirt underneath a buttoned pink top that had short sleeves and a fine collar. He also had on a pair of long black pants and white shoes. And his MAF badge was placed on the front left side of his top.

   Beau had on a pale-brown shirt with short sleeves, tight khaki jeans, white socks, and gray shoes.

   The three friends talked amongst themselves while a silent Mercury followed from behind.

   "I'm having another party tonight," announced the red-haired boy. "But this is to gather money for a local orphanage. It's legit this time Boys."

   "Where will this party be?" asked Redbourne.

   The red-haired boy answered "It's actually gonna be at the Cafeteria in the Academy. Both the General and Commander signed off on it."

   "So dis party's a good cause," replied Beau. "You know I'm in. Dis is a great thing yer doing, Grendel."

   "Kaballa should come by too," implied Redbourne. "It would do him good to socialize."

   "Yer right!" Beau told him. "Sirbo needs to be out and about! I worry about him sometimes!"

   Meanwhile, Cheetah followed Sarah Granger who was knocking on the door of the Principal's Office.

   Granger had on a long-sleeved black shirt, tight white pants, short white socks, and gray shoes. And her long blue hair was tied into a high pony-tail.

   "Enter!" called a male's voice.

   The female student opened the door and walked inside. Both she and the invisible Cheetah found the commander Erich Sidney sitting at his desk.

   "Granger?" asked Sidney. "What can I do for you?"

   A scared Granger walked toward him and responded "We all may be in serious danger."

   The commander slowly stood up and asked "Danger? Here? Why would you say that?"

   Granger looked up as she told Sidney "I feel danger coming from deep in space. Scary and strong danger. You must be ready, Commander."

   "How can you know that for certain?" asked Sidney.

   Suddenly, a shocked Sidney stared into the eyes of the fearful girl.

   "You..." He implied. "You have the ability to determine what happens in outer space. You can sense anything that is near our planet."

   "Yes sir," answered Granger.

   Sidney walked to her and placed his hands on Granger's shoulders.

   "It is rare for someone to have that power," He responded. "From the moment I met you here in this office, I was able to sense a strong ki inside you. I just didn't know what it was, or how to describe it."

   And Granger explained.

   "I don't know how I can do this. But as they draw closer to the planet, the pain... My headache becomes worse than before."

   She placed her left hand on her head. And the blue-haired girl continued.

   "My headaches have gotten worse since I came to Midas City. I don't know what exactly this force is or where they come from. But I know... I know that this force... I know this force is nothing but purely evil."

   Sidney soon guided her to the chair that was in front of his desk. And the commander out on his desk as Granger placed herself on the chair.

   "I believe you," He told the girl.

   "You do?" cried Granger.

   A determined Sidney shook his head and told her "I will talk to General Scorpio and the admirals immediately. Then I will alert the other of the nine nations. And we will all get ready."

   "Sidney believed her from da start," claimed Cheetah. "He must know Granger's got amazin' powers!"

   At nightfall, the wise commander Sidney stood at the cliff of the Forest Area on the top of the Midas Academy.

   Sidney now wore a uniform consisting of a long-sleeved gray top with golden shoulder pads, golden wristbands, and different-colored designs coming from each shoulder. He also had his MAF badge placed on the front left side of his coat while another golden badge remained on the right side. He wore a pair of long gray pants, golden ankle pads, and black boots. And he had on a gray cap on his head that had a purple design on the front.

   He stood with his arms folded at the back as he stared at the sky. He soon spotted something floating down from the clouds of the dark sky.

   "And now they come?" He asked.

   Coming from he clouds were a storm of large crafts that looked like eyeballs with pale-blue irises and black pupils.

   "What?" questioned Sidney.

   And another person floated toward the ships.

   The calm general Scorpio spread his hands out as he called "Earth Release... Globus Aeternus."

   A large globe of golden light gathered around him. Then Scorpio formed both his hands into a circle which caused a storm of large waves to rise from the bright globe. Many of the projectiles had turned the large aircrafts that flew lower into sculptures of stone.

   After more of the enemy's aircrafts were turned into stone, two figures lowered from one of the large clouds along with more crafts.

   The figure standing before the other pointed their right hand down. A medium ball of blue energy soon formed from their right hand.

   The figure said in a soft male voice "Cobalt Ball."

   Then the ball of blue energy shot down. Sidney quickly formed a circle toward his mouth using his left hand and fired a large wave of fire.

   "Fire Release..." The commander called. "Boar Blast!"

   The ball of fire destroyed the blue energy which created a large explosion in the sky.

   Sidney blew out a barrage of small fireballs from his breath after he called out "Plum Blossom Flower!"

   The other figure threw their long weapon forward. A large circular frame opened from the weapon which blocked every projectile coming from Sidney.

   Meanwhile, the two soldiers from the future found the youth Beau watching the battle by the front entrance of the Midas Academy below.

   "What's going on?" He cried.

   Mercury informed Cheetah "The time of the Machines appearing on this planet has come."

   Cheetah lowered his head and claimed "Good thing we know da outcome! Terravenger wins dis round!"

   The counselor spotted a person walking toward the teenaged Beau.

   "Look!" Mercury told his student.

   "Who's dat?" asked Cheetah.

   The person placed their right hand on the forehead of the teen. And a large pale-violet light formed around Beau's eyes.

   "By the gods!" yelled Mercury.

   "Dis guy did it?" cried Cheetah. "Dis guy took da Commander's memory?"

   Once the light faded, the person lowered his hand. The teenaged Beau lowered his head as if he was in a trance. And the mysterious person revealed themselves.

   The person appeared as young man with fair skin and a pair of cold purple eyes. He had a well-built figure and a strong face. And the front of his short dark hair was slicked back. He wore a buttoned black shirt with a fine collar and long sleeves. He had on a pair of black dress-pants and black dress-shoes. And a pale-violet tie was wrapped around his collar.

   "So, it was this man?" questioned Mercury. "He wiped out the Commander's memory in only a short time?"

   As Beau fell to his knees, the mysterious man walked off.

   After that, a globe of blue light quickly gathered around them. And the large globe vanished along with both Mercury and his student Cheetah.

[asiananeurysm]

🙃🙃🙃