#God I wish I could've fucking chewed him out then and there but I'm not fucking with a potential gang and that area had nasty ones.

[hexastitchimera]

RBed what I could of those who asked for help in my asks AND were vetted, but please. Pleasseeeee, if all you have is a GFM/dono link (little to no pictures/evidence otherwise) and explanatory text, I literally cannot in good conscience help you.

I have been scammed IRL before (including by "non-profits"; don't trust a freebie and vet thoroughly), and have accidentally retweeted donation/crisis scams in the past, only to be told on both occasions that the people in question genuinely, 100% didn't need the money.

Or, worse yet, were using it to cause even more harm, like money laundering; data acquisition, theft, and/or selling, etc.

I hate to ask for evidence, especially from people who are impoverished/experiencing severely traumatic events. But I'm barely scrapping by myself, and if I'm going to donate with money I could use to eat something nicer than the usual instead, it better be to someone who needs it so much more than I do.

[celestialhole]

Simon Riley x GN!reader headcanons

Warnings: Contains NSFW content below the cut, read at your own risk! Sorta proofread, random as fuck but here's your din din. Thinking about Simon Riley who uses his kids as weights for him to lift while working out. Just for fun. He likes hearing his kids laugh and giggle. Simon Riley who gets hella annoyed when your family/extended family buys so much crap for the kids. "The bloody hell they need this for? Don't we already have the damn pool outside!?" Simon looked down at the huge box in their living room, it was a goddamn bouncy house for the little ones. "I dunno Si. We can put it in the frontyar-" "WE ALREADY HAVE THE BALL PIT OUTSIDE!"

Never really celebrated his birthday before meeting you. You started giving him presents, taking him out, and taking him back to hotels (or your home) to ride him til' dawn. Now that you have little ones you all plan a small birthday party for him since he's old and grumpy. You give him one of his favorite desserts, have all the kids pile on him, and show him some love it resulted in him counting to 5 before chasing them all down while you record all of it.

Will fantasize about what life could've been like if his family were still here with him, what it could've been like if they had lived long enough to meet you. He's sure his Mother and Nephew would've loved you, and his brother would tease him n' say something like, "Now you know how it feels, it ain't as bad as you thought huh?" He wished to God he'd get to experience that in another lifetime. In my world, he doesn't celebrate Christmas and we know damn well why. If he's been with you for a long time he'll find a way to make something for you to make it special or he'll buy you something you mentioned wanting a few weeks or months back. But don't expect him to place a big ass tree in his apartment. If you manage to convince him to buy a tree he'll buy it and maybe a few ornaments he likes but the rest you're buying. Riley totally tore that bitch up and trust me, he tried to stop her but it was too early in the morning for that and he didn't want the tree anyways so he just sighs, puts some tea on the kettle grabs his reading glasses and his favorite book, and just relaxes on the couch as his military dog is tearing up your 350$ Christmas tree. "Jesus fucking Christ what happened in here!?" You stumbled over an ornament as you walked into the living room. Simon was chilling peacefully on the couch as Riley held a broken branch in her mouth and they both looked as if there wasn't a shit tone of ornaments and small pieces of the tree everywhere. It looked like a cluster fuck in your living room. "Tree became a chew toy," Simon mumbled. "I can see that.. And you didn't stop her?!" You narrowed your eyes at him. "Tried to, then it fell and I gave up," Simon took a sip of his tea and turned a page of the book he was reading. "Oh for fucks sake Simon.." You rubbed your eyes and leaned against the wall. He glanced up at you from the couch with an amused smile and looked back down at his book. "...This is what happens when we don't listen to Simon says-" "I'm kicking you and Riley out." You cut him off.

I see this man with an uncut shave because he's too lazy for that shit, however, if he notices he has a whole ass fucking jungle down there he'll trim it and then leave it alone for another 5 months. A solid 7 inches when soft and hard. Girth? Lots of it. Saggy balls. The type of man who doesn't notice when you get something done (hair, nails, etc). When you ask him if he notices anything different he'll immediately look at your ass to see if those squats did you any good. Speaking of your ass he loves your ass. Flat or thick he's smacking it when he casually walks past you. If you're plus-sized or just thicc it's even better. Don't ever bend over with this man in your perimeter. And it's even worse when you're in front of him and walking up the stairs cause he's staring hard at it. When you bend over he's smacking it, groping it, caressing it, and if he's really bold he's sneaking a quick hump against it. It's all shits and giggles till he's in that position. And you never hold back either. Now he doesn't trust walking up the stairs in front of you because you won't stop poking his ass and he hates it he loves you anyways. Call him daddy and he's not gonna speak or look at you for the rest of the day. You've made him spiritually nauseous good job. HE'S A BODY MAN BUT IN MY WORLD HE'S A THIGH AND TUMMY MAN! Also, I can see him being obsessed with ya nipple piercings if you ever got them. But nipple piercings are one thing, a genital piercing IS ANOTHER THING. Mutual masturbation is a must on the weekend mornings. He'll wake you up with pepper kisses to your neck while his hand is rubbing your tummy, when you wake up he'll gradually run his hands over your chest and pinch your nipple before moving his hand down to caress your arousal. He sucks the skin on your shoulder and neck to pleasure you and when you turn over to stroke his already hardened cock, he groans and moves his hips to slowly thrust his cock along your hand while his fingers slowly speed up. Now imagine his groans + his morning voice. This man loves you with every fiber of his being and tries his very best to make sure you know he loves you no matter what, so don't even think about asking him if he'll still love you as a worm. He'll keep you safely tucked in the pocket of his shirt and feed you noodles. He doesn't give two shits if you're hairy, plus-sized, or "unattractive". He'll cross the Amazon or even Antarctica to eat your ass I'm just saying. Don't protest or even speak, just bend over and let him have fun with his beautiful partner.

[eyes-inthe-skies]

can u rank all the saw movies? or at least the ones u saw (pun intended)?

Thanks for my first asked and for being my #1 fan of all time!!

Luckily I actually just had a conversation with my friend Abt this that sees me prepared for this task I'm about to overcomplicate.

(Post Script: God I went on for a while strap in gang)n

1: Saw X (possibly the objectively Greatest Saw movie. Tobin Bell is fascinating to watch bring humanity to this murderer, Shawnee Smith is so beloved and I LOVE the kills in this one. Top teir)

2: Saw 2004 (Classic, what's to be said that hasn't already been said. Carey Elwes does a rly bad American accent, Shawnee Smith makes Amanda the single most iconic woman in fiction just by sitting there. This movie caused me a lot of distress as a child and that fascinated me so thoroughly that I think it may have been a defining moment of my horror fanatasism despite not watching the full film till a decade later. I could go on.)

3: Saw 6 (I don't know if this is controversial or not, but Saw 6 is genuinely a high point of the series to me. I love watching William Eastons trap plot, which is not something I can say for most other Saw films. And that fucking ending man! Saw 6 is very personal to me in that I too would love to stab the man who killed my father with hydrochloric acid filled needles and watch him melt from the outside. Very fun scenes with John, Hoffman getting his mouth ripped open is hot, etc etc)

4: Saw 3 ( only reason this isn't 3 Is because Jeff makes me chew through pencils I hate this guy. People are NOT JOKING ABOUT THE YURI. ITS ACTUALLY REAL. I love love lOVED Amanda in this movie, I don't think I blinked the entire time, I love seeing everything crash down around her and John until there's nothing left but blood and bones and flesh, and not a single soul went to heaven that night, etc etc.)

5: Saw 4 (I don't know why but I love saw 4 actually, I think Hoffman, strahm, Perez and Rigg were all rly fun to watch. I love the spy x spy ass soap opera plot. I LOVED seeing Eric Matthews head get exploded between two ice blocks. FUCK YES. Again this trap plot I actually really dig which helps with the watchability of the thing, plus Hoffman hot who said that)

6: Saw 2 (I know this is insane I know I wish I liked this movie more but the only good thing is setting up Amanda as jigsaws successor, some nice time with John kramer being a cunty old man, and also establishing I hate Donnie whalbergs stupid fucking face. Don't at me.)

7: Saw 5 (I literally don't remember what happened in saw v. I had to look it up. It's honestly not the worst, Hoffman and Strahm are pretty enjoyable once again, but it's completely unremarkable, I don't have anything to say Abt this movie.)

8: Jigsaw (Trap plot makes me want to rip my own eyes out. "Plot twist" is dumb and falls apart. Fucking. Jigsaws Nephew. Whatever man.)

9: Saw 3d (Probably one of the worst actual movies I've seen. I love Larry coming back don't get me wrong, he's very cunty, you know. But they literally barely use him till the end, which is a mistake. The fucking Bobby Dagan plot could've been interesting but it wasn't due to him being not at all helpful and the end is genuinely maddening. Also I HATE THE HOME DEPOT TRAP GRRR GRR DO YOU JESR ME GRRGRE)

Spiral- I have not seen spiral.

[ourblued]

if there was anything astrid wanted to be, it was to be transparent in this. to let him know what goes on in their life, whether it be major, it be -- not that major. astrid thought that he deserved to know, if they were going to go further, right? right. deep down, astrid's trying their best to not go about things in the most immature way that they can, however, it's not that easy when there's guilt in their bones & all they're trying to do is tell him things that they've felt bad for. for example, this. the mess that their ex put in their head. " i just thought you should know. am i that idiotic for wanting to tell the truth to you? in case anything happened or if . . i don't know, you would think that i'm cheating on you. which wouldn't happen, " of course it wouldn't happen, astrid's too invested in this, in him, of all things. " . . yeah. " it comes out as sullen, with their eyes away from him for a second, shaking their head.

" i never said you were a waste of time -- ! i just mean, if this results in me getting led on by you, then i'd have to figure something out for myself. " words coming out like bullets, astrid begins pacing around the room once again, trying to get their thoughts straight, trying not to be so negative all the time. it's been a while, for astrid. for them to actually be happy with someone that likes being around them, it's all something they have to eventually get used to, in fact. either way, astrid wouldn't know what to do, seeing how most things are. considering the fact that they've probably messed this all up for them & there was no way to go back. it's like they can't focus on anything, not even the pacing's helping. because they feel like shit, because all of this could've been prevented if they just kept their mouth shut, but they didn't. " stop pretending? stop -- oh my god, journey. i literally tell you how i feel & that's what you have to say to me? next thing i know, you're probably just going to avoid it. " there's this short look of disappointment on their face, heart beating, wanting to ignore it, in fact. " no, he shouldn't have -- ! because i love you. because i have always loved you! why would i give that up? "

astrid wants to give up. tell him that he's won this argument, for the sake of not hearing words on words, though, it's just . . they don't want him to censor himself, they want him to be protective of them, not be so nonchalant, or tell them that they made a mistake. " it's not that i don't . . it's just that . . i wish you cared more or something. & meant it, showed it. " astrid shakes their head, thinking that it's so stupid to want that, but it's because they've never had . . something real before & they want all of it, the emotions, the arguing, the making up. " i do accept you! or are my words not good enough? you want me to prove it to you or something? " they're letting out, pausing their pacing just to look at him, chewing down on their lower lip. " . . fine. i won't. you can . . do whatever you want, feel however you want. " they're speaking, feeling as if they're walking on broken glass.

for a second, they're taking a deep breath, it's evident in the way that they're focusing on themselves, letting out a short sigh. taking all of their anger, possibly channeling it somewhere else for the moment being. " that's not true, journey. there are things we can do about it. but, you're right. let's just move on from it. i'm tired & i'm sure you are from all of this arguing. i'm getting a headache anyways. "

it's a light nibble on his lower lip as he's forcing a deeper reaction out of them, body nearly jolting as he's laughing. of course, it's funny to him. but -- they weren't acting like a brat, or at least, they don't see it like that, of all things. " i love you. i really -- really, fucking love you. " they're mumbling, hoping this would make everything better. god, they hoped it did, considering most. as he pulls away, astrid has a good feeling about this, fingers ruffling through their hair, eyes on the other.

"Ah. Yes?!" Journey made a face, not sure what Astrid was trying to get at, there. He wasn't wanting this, out of all things, to be an argument. And Astrid was wanting him to be angry by their actions, with an entirely different person that was not him. Journey couldn't help but feel that that wasn't exactly stable behavior. Frowning as they tell him he didn't know, he crossed his arms under his chest, eying the other. Not really enjoying that they were dismissing his ability to observe, like that. Journey inhaled sharply, turning his head to one side as he told himself that this wasn't exactly Astrid's fault. That this was just them trying to sort out the situation they had been in.

But that didn't mean it was any less stressful to have to put up with this side of them. He was getting angry, not because they had kissed a past lover, but because they insisted he react in a way that pleased them. His breathing picking up, he shook his head, trying not to let these thoughts get to him. He had to focus on the other, first. Even if they were being extremely troubling for him right now "I appreciate you telling me, Astrid. I do. But this didn't have to happen…" He was talking about this argument. At their next accusation he felt his chest sting, the words seeming so spiteful from their lips. Journey's breath caught in his chest, his heart stinging "I do feel things other than happiness, Astrid. You've seen that…"

Of course, he was always calm, he had to be for his own health, more than anything. Journey held his arms crossed under his chest, still. Letting the other go on "So, do you think I'm a waste of time to you because I'm not showing you negative emotions?" Journey asked them, a questioning look on his face, not sure why they needed those reactions so much. He felt a hot flash of anger or a moment, his nails digging into his arms, biting down on the rage threatening to explode on the other "I don't want to lose control like that, Astrid. I can't!" He's listening still as they go on. Closing his eyes, taking in another few, deep, focused breaths, to balance himself "Then stop pretending and start allowing things to happen. He kissed you, who gives a shit… You shouldn't have. Alright. You know that. He shouldn't have done that--" He stops.

Bringing his left hand up to his chest then, messaging it gently " You have to stop standing in the way of yourself, Astrid. Live your life. If you don't like me maintaining my emotions. I'm sorry." Pulling his hand away from him then, he drops it down, staring at them "I'm right here. I will be that, not just because you want it. But because I'd want that two. But, you have to accept me for all that I am. Flaws and all. Just like I would do for you. If my lack of expression is a flaw to you… If I am…too happy, for you…" Breaking, he coughed a little bit, then continued "…But I am what I am…You aren't going to tell me what I should be…"

Taking in a deep breath, he feels the focus return, getting control over himself again. The slight trembling in his hands halting, he stares at Astrid still, listening to them "Yeah, some people do. But I don't. I'm okay with you acknowledging what happened wasn't something you liked. But don't bring me into it, if you only want me to get angry with you about some guy I haven't met kissing you. I wished you hadn't. But I can't do anything about it, now. Neither can you. We just have to keep going. I forgive you, okay. You're not stupid, you made a mistake…It happens. I still-… I like…" Feeling his throat closing up, shyly he looked away, lost for words for a moment.

Holding his hands together then he lift them up slightly to his midsection, toying with his fingers nervously, blood rushing into his head, his heart slamming into his chest "Ah-…Hehh… I-" He swallowed thickly. Then shook his head "No-" That's not what he was trying to do "I don't think you didn't! I - I just-" Pausing he lift his left hand to drop his head into it, cupping his head gently, his nails scratching through his hair "Fuck!" There it was again, like a hot iron rod, the anger shot up again.

Grabbing onto the back of their neck he smirked against their lips, pressing more forcefully against Astrids own, another laugh escaping him as they deny his statement of their being a brat. He broke from the kiss briefly as he shook his head "I love you back." Journey states, despite his being angry over this, he was still able to control himself, despite it wanting to break loose, but he was reaching his limit here. Hoping this would at least calm the situation down. Slowly, he pulls away, licking his lips a bit, eying Astrid before taking a step back.

@ruinedtendencies

[helloalycia]

overstepping [one] // jane banner (Wind River)

summary: after getting several voicemails from your colleague and best friend with her asking for your backup, you attempt to call her back, only to get no answer.

warning/s: mentions of rape, murder and injuries.

author’s note: this is a two parter because i finally watched Wind River and it broke my heart but also lizzie was v cute and i felt the need to write this, hope you like it x

part two | masterlist | wattpad

"C'mon, work you stupid phone," I complained for the millionth time, before standing on the chair to get a better signal.

When I saw the bars in the corner of the screen increase, a grin appeared on my lips. I loved my parents, but the fact that they lived in a remote cabin in Tennessee with zero signal was not my favourite thing.

When the bars remained, my phone decided to actually be helpful and receive all the messages, calls and voicemails I missed. I did a brief flick through, noticing nothing was too important that couldn't wait for me to return to work. As an FBI agent, I rarely got time off. And now that I had taken a two month vacation to spend with my parents, I was adamant on enjoying it, even if I was missing work a smidge.

Next were the calls, which I noticed were mostly from my colleague and close friend, Jane Banner. I furrowed my brows, realising she'd left me several voicemails, too, which was strange since she knew I was on a break from work. What could be so important?

I sighed, glancing down at my uncomfortable position standing on the chair and leaning above the wardrobe. It was the only place in the house with decent signal and the only other place that wasn’t in the middle of nowhere was twenty minutes out. Telling myself I'd just listen to one voicemail to make sure everything was okay, I played the earliest message.

"Hey, Y/N. I'm sorry, I know you're on a break, but I just had to talk to you," it began, and Jane sounded troubled. "I was in Vegas, as you know, but I've been called out to a reservation in Wyoming where this poor girl was–" She paused, releasing a shaky breath. "She was raped and left to die out in the cold. I thought I could send in another team to take a look – y'know, usual protocol. But the coroner won't rule it a homicide and you know what that means."

I swallowed hard, knowing exactly what that meant. If it wasn't ruled a homicide, no backup would come and we had to move onto the next case. But if this girl was raped and left to die, the rapist was still out there and wasn't getting caught by the FBI.

"I can't just leave it and go," Jane continued quietly, with that recognisable passion for her job evident in her voice. "I have to do what I can. But I... I can't do this alone. It's not like other cases, Y/N. It's different out here. And there's only so much their police department can do. I know you're on a break, but I was hoping that, maybe, you could come out here and help me? It's the Wind River Indian Reservation. That's it, I guess. Bye."

The message ended and I found myself chewing on my lower lip anxiously, unable to think about anything other than Jane now. She'd worried me with that one voicemail alone – I couldn't imagine what the others said.

She was usually so good at dealing with cases, but this seemed different. She sounded shaken up, attempting to put on a brave face by the sounds of it. What was so different about this case? She didn't need me. She was capable.

Curiosity got the better of me and I played the second message, ignoring the discomfort in my arms as I stretched to maintain the signal. It was left a day after the first one.

"Hey, so I just remembered that you said you don't get much signal up there with your parents," she began apologetically. "I don't mean to– shit, it's so cold..." There was a pause, a noise in the background, then she continued, "Sorry, just turning up the heating. Anyway, I was saying. I don't mean to intrude on your break. I just– I'm hoping you'll find signal and hear this because I could really use your help. I think we've got a lead on who may have done it. It was hectic today. Really could've used that backup."

She chuckled dryly at her attempt at a joke, but all I felt was guilt. She sounded exhausted within a day of being there.

"I hope you get this," she finished with a sigh. "I should go. Got a busy day tomorrow. Hope you're doing okay. Bye."

I wasted no time in playing the next message. Three days into her case.

"I don't know why I keep sending these," she began with a hoarse voice, and my heart clenched at the sound of it. "You clearly aren't getting them in time. But it's easier talking to you like this than not at all."

It went quiet, so quiet that I thought she may have finished and forgot to hang up. But then she spoke up again, a whimper escaping her lips.

"It's so hard," she admitted. "We've covered worse cases, but this one... everything about it makes me uncomfortable. Something doesn't feel right. I've got a lead – we think it might be the boyfriend who did it and we're gonna see him tomorrow. But I don't know."

I frowned, squeezing my phone tightly because I didn't recognise the girl speaking as my friend. This girl sounded broken and I wondered what she could have discovered that made her like this.

"I've got the police department with me for backup," she said with a sniffle. "And Cory, he's a hunter whose been helping me with the case. They're all gonna be with me tomorrow. But I wish you were here, too. You always make things easier."

The lump in my throat wouldn't disappear no matter how many times I swallowed it. She made things easier, too. Always. And all I wanted to was be by her side and be there for her like she always was for me.

"Sorry about this," she said with a watery laugh, and I could imagine the embarrassed smile on her face as she did. "I sound like such an idiot. Never mind these messages. Just enjoy your break. I shouldn't be worrying you like this. See you when you get back."

The message ended and I checked to see if there were anymore, but to my disappointment, there wasn't. That message was from a few days ago and she hadn't sent anything since which was concerning in itself.

Trying not to panic for no reason, I called Jane. Hopefully everything was okay and I was being stupid. She was a fully-trained FBI agent. She could take care of herself. Right?

The call rang and rang, but nobody picked up. One missed call. No biggie. She probably heard it and couldn't find her phone or something. So, I tried again.

More ringing and no answer. Okay, no big deal. Just try again.

Another call and no answer. The chewing on my lip became more intense. Why the hell wasn't she picking up? Was she still working the case?

I waited an hour, trying again at ten minute intervals, unable to fight my concern. But there was no answer every time and I realised that I couldn't sit and wait for her to call back. Not after how she sounded in those voicemails.

No, I had to go there. She needed backup.

—

Wyoming was way colder than I could have prepared for.

I mean, technically, I prepared for nothing. I bid my parents a goodbye, threw some random clothes in a bag and caught the next plane over there. I tried for Jane's phone constantly, knowing she was never one to ignore me for this long, but there was no point. She wasn't answering, which could only mean so much.

When I reached the reservation, I had no idea where anything was or what I was looking for exactly. I just knew that as soon as the taxi dropped me off in the centre of town, I didn't know where to go.

There were a lot of locals hanging around, so my first port of call was to ask them if they'd seen Jane around – or Agent Banner, as she may have introduced herself. I showed them a picture of her on my phone, described her with vivid detail, but they just stared at me like I was crazy. I was starting to believe I was at one point, until I stopped by the convenience store.

As worried as I was for Jane's whereabouts, the chill in my bones was real. Especially my hands, which I was certain would fall off any minute. So, I decided to buy some gloves and also ask the cashier if he'd seen Jane around or heard anything of her. Whilst I was doing that, a customer caught my attention, probably having overheard my conversation.

"Did you say Jane Banner?" he asked with a quirked brow, interrupting my purchase. "The FBI lady, right?"

I nodded quickly, facing him. "Yes, that's her! D'you know where she is?"

He nodded casually. "Yeah, she's in the hospital. That big shootout that happened a few days ago, right?"

My stomach dropped. "The what?"

"The shootout," he repeated, not aware of the concern in my face. "At the drill site. A bunch of officers were killed and the FBI lady was one of the only one left standing." He tutted as he shook his head. "Very lucky that one."

A shootout? The hospital? Only one left standing? No wonder she hadn't been answering her calls.

"Can you– do you–" I stopped, clearing my throat and trying to stop freaking out. "Which hospital?"

After getting the address from him, I caught a taxi to the only hospital in town and prayed to God that Jane was okay. The one thing she'd asked for was backup and I couldn't even give her that. If I'd just looked at my messages sooner... fuck.

Getting past the front desk and to Jane's room was no issue at all. A quick flash of my FBI badge was enough for the receptionist to give me the details and wave me through. My heart was constricting in my chest the longer it took. What if it was really bad? What if that customer's intel was outdated and Jane was– no. I couldn't afford to think like that.

Upon finding Jane's room, I spotted an older man leaving through the door, being careful to close it behind him. I didn't recognise him at all.

"Excuse me," I called, earning his attention. "Is that Jane Banner's room you just came from?"

He seemed surprised, glancing over his shoulder to make sure I was speaking to him, before nodding. "Yes. Sorry, who are you?"

I pulled my badge from my pocket and showed him, though I doubted anyone would take me seriously when my eyes were watering at thought of Jane being severely injured.

"I'm her friend," I said, swallowing down the lump in my throat before lowering my badge.

"Oh, you're the backup that didn't come," he said with realisation.

My eyes flickered to the floor guiltily. He wasn't exactly wrong.

"I didn't mean it like that," he added quickly. "Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you."

I shook my head, lifting my eyes to meet his. "It's okay. I should've... I should've been here." It went quiet as he didn't know what to say, so I looked to him halfheartedly. "I assume you're from the police department, one of the ones who helped Jane."

"Not exactly," he said, before putting out his hand for me to shake. "Name's Cory. I'm a hunter by trade."

Returning his handshake, I recalled Jane's voicemail. "Oh, yeah, she mentioned you... thank you for helping her out."

When I couldn’t, I added in my head.

He offered me a small smile and I couldn't find it in myself to return it. I must have looked like shit, since he gave me a pitiful gaze.

"You want me to catch you up before you go in?" he asked, nodding to Jane's door. "She's okay by the way."

I nodded, sucking up a breath. My nerves were eating away at me the longer I didn't see Jane – half of me was terrified of what I'd find, and the other half was afraid she'd be upset or angry because I left her to it, even when she pleaded for my help.

Cory and I took a seat down the hall and he proceeded to explain about the case and how they found the guy who raped that poor girl. The shootout was the worst bit, making me shiver with discomfort. Apparently, Jane had gotten blasted with a shotgun, puncturing her torso and neck despite the vest she wore. All of the officers with her were killed and by the sounds of it, Jane almost was, too. But Cory managed to take out the criminals and the rapist himself. When he was finished telling me, I had no words.

"She's a bit shaken up, but her surgery went well," Cory reassured with a short nod. "Does she know you're coming?"

I shook my head, voice thick with emotion. "She wouldn't answer her phone. I guess I know why now."

Cory nodded, rubbing the back of his neck before sparing me a consoling glance. "She talked about you a lot. I think it'll cheer her up seeing you. You should go."

My eyes met his, teary and stinging with unshed tears. "Thank you so much."

He shrugged bashfully, but he didn't realise all that he'd done. I gave him a small, tight smile before standing up with a sigh. No point dwelling anymore – I had to see her.

Pushing my selfish feelings aside, I sucked it up and approached Jane's room. She would either want to punch me or not, but either way, I had to see if she was okay. And so, when I opened the door slightly, heart racing in my chest, said heart jumped in my throat at the sight of her.

She was laying on the bed with wires stuck in her and, only from what I could see, bandages were covering the side of her neck. I thought she was sleeping at first, but then her head tilted towards the door curiously, and bright blue eyes widened with disbelief.

"Y/N?" she asked, raising her eyebrows. "What are you– how did you get here?"

I closed the door behind me and hesitantly approached her bedside, unable to stop my eyes from soaking in the sight of her. She looked so feeble and vulnerable and unlike how I saw her last. Then, Cory's words came back to me and I began to imagine the worst scenario of her getting shot, blood seeping from her wounds, the life draining from her eyes...

"Y/N," she called, and I looked to her startlingly, hoping I didn't look as troubled as I felt.

"Sorry," I said, clearing my throat. "I, er– the messages. Voicemail. I heard them and tried calling you back, but..."

She pursed her lips, exhaling with a wince and looking up at the ceiling, as if suddenly remembering she left messages in the first place.

"I'm sorry I didn't come sooner," I said quietly, guilt seeping back in.

"No, no, don't be," she said, and I just about noticed the pink dusting her cheeks. "It's not your fault. I shouldn't have interrupted your vacation like that. I know you said you wanted a break and–"

"Jane, no, don't even say that," I cut her off, reaching for her hand in an instant. She looked my way, eyes flickering between mine nervously. I squeezed her hand gently and said, "I should have been here. You needed me and I– I didn't come. Maybe if I had, this could have ended differently."

She tried to smile, but I could see the discomfort in her eyes. "It's not that bad, honestly. It just looks bad."

I pressed my lips together, eyes falling to the bandage on her neck. Even though it was big and covered her wound, I could still make out the bruising around it from the impact of the shell. I didn't imagine the torso wound looking any different, and that thought alone made me regret leaving her alone. It was very much as bad as it looked; I knew that and she knew that.

Her lips trembled as she avoided my eyes, her own tearing up. I pushed away my guilt momentarily and changed the subject.

"So, I met Cory. He seems like a great guy."

She didn't say anything as she seemed lost in thought. Either that or she was trying not to cry in front of me. I hoped it wasn't the latter, since the last thing I wanted was to make her feel uncomfortable.

"You know," I said, when she wouldn't speak, "I'm pretty sure I told you to stay safe before I left for my vacation."

At my poor attempt to lighten the mood, she cracked a small, tight smile, but a smile nonetheless, and my racing heart slowed down momentarily.

"I'm glad you're okay," I said, now that I had her attention again, and she looked my way with a softened expression. "Kind of okay. But you know... okay."

Thankfully, she knew what I meant and her hand tightened around mine.

"I'm glad you came," she returned, and I couldn't look away even if I tried. She was always able to trap me with a single gaze.

With a tug of her hand, she motioned for me to sit on the edge of her bed, so I did. And then she began to ask me about my vacation, what I'd been up to this past month, how my parents were... basically anything and everything except for the case. And it was understandable, since she was reminded of it all the time. If I could be a form of escapism for her, so be it. It was the least I could do.

We spoke for hours until the nurse came in to let me know visiting hours were over and I'd have to come back tomorrow. With a regretful sigh, I got up from my seat on her bedside and stretched my limbs.

"Where are you staying?" she asked, a slight frown on her lips.

I smiled awkwardly, realising I didn't think that far ahead. "I'm not gonna lie, I don't know. I came straight here. There's gotta be a hotel or something in this town, right?"

She nodded and flicked her hand to the shelves on the other side of the room. "You should stay in my room in the inn. Key's in my bag over there."

"Oh, I don't have to do that–"

"Y/N, it's not like I'm going to be staying there anytime soon," she cut me off, smiling halfheartedly. "Please."

I chewed on my lip and nodded, giving in. When I grabbed her keys from her bag, I stopped by her bedside and gave her a supportive smile.

"I'll back first thing in the morning, if you don't mind," I said, and she finally gave me a smile that reached her eyes.

"I'd like that."

I nodded, resting a hand on hers and squeezing comfortingly. "Goodnight."

—

Though I knew Jane was okay, I still couldn't stop myself from thinking about her all night. The sight of her wounds and the broken expression on her face was enough to keep me awake. And the guilt that came with it all... why couldn't I have just picked up my damn phone?

As promised, I returned to Jane's hospital room the next morning, this time bringing some breakfast snacks from the hospital cafeteria since I knew the food would be much better than whatever they were serving her. Judging by the content expression on her face when I gave it to her, I was right.

When she finished eating, she was able to sit up slightly and move over on her bed, urging for me to join her and watch some TV with her. There was no way I was going to turn down that offer, so I slid next to her and kept a packet of sliced apples between us as we watched whatever was playing on the TV.

About halfway through watching, she spoke up randomly, taking me by surprise.

"When are you leaving?"

I tore my gaze from the screen and realised she was staring at me with intense green eyes.

"When you're well enough to," I answered truthfully.

She looked down to her hands. "You don't have to stay with me. You can go."

I studied her profile, knowing it was the wrong time to appreciate how stunning she looked even when she was makeup-free, sporting a bed head and tired.

"Do you want me to go?" I asked softly, afraid I may have overstepped.

She was quick to shake her head slightly, finally lifting her gaze to meet mine with glossy ones. "No."

I nodded, trying very hard not to smile, cleared my throat and grabbed her hand. "Then I'm not leaving. I'll be right here until you get better and I can take you home."

A ragged breath escaped her lips as she nodded in response. We both looked back to the TV and I noticed she didn't let go of my hand, her fingers warm to the touch and giving me goosebumps at the contact. But I wouldn't have had it any other way.

[punkscowardschampions]

Janis & Jimmy

Janis: do you want me to do it all or Janis: [is Irish work, thus easy for her and like ??? for him] Jimmy: 👍 Jimmy: [is literally just doodling like the angsty art hoe he is] Janis: [does it 'cos you know when teachers pair you up for stupid worksheets and you're like what is the point we can do this alone tbh, also does pronounciation guide for him 'cos trying to keep busy but also cares] Jimmy: tah Janis: nbd Janis: we're meant to have a convo now so Janis: least pretend yeah Jimmy: no point, he can recognise my accent miles off Jimmy: I'd actually have to do it Janis: oh, true Janis: just wait and see if he's arsed then, I guess Jimmy: 👌 Janis: what did you do last week Jimmy: fuck knows in this class Jimmy: ain't followed a sec since I got here Janis: it's stupid they make you take it Janis: never going to use it, we won't even Jimmy: they'll look stupid when I drag down the average Jimmy: un🍀 Janis: sister's friend bigfoots in this class so we had no hope anyway Jimmy: 🤞 I won't have to sit through too many more of 'em Janis: yeah? Jimmy: always the #dream Janis: oh Janis: 'course Jimmy: [goes back to doodling] Janis: [leaves it a while, tapping her pen on the table 'til the teacher tells her to stop 'cos always a thing] Jimmy: [is chewing on his pen cos always a thing like you gonna get ink in your mouth boy] Janis: did I miss anything, like Jimmy: like? Janis: there's always some melodrama in this place Jimmy: there's your answer then Janis: 👌 Janis: cool Jimmy: 👍 Janis: I ha Janis: sorry, ddin't mean to hit send Janis: [you know when you deleting and you accidentally do, such a thing] Jimmy: like you said, nbd Janis: yeah well Jimmy: ? Janis: don't you even care a bit what I was going to say now Jimmy: nah Janis: okay Jimmy: unless you wanna liven up this class with the fake break up we never had Jimmy: probably bit late though Jimmy: 💔💔 Janis: stop Jimmy: [stops by just ignoring her & defacing the worksheet with 🎨] Janis: [snatches it and rips it up, says 'it was real for me' out loud before being sent out by the teach, everyone like 'oooh!' and #living] Jimmy: too real for you Jimmy: I got that Jimmy: 🎻🎻🎻🎻 Janis: [in seclusion after shotuing at the chill teacher like soz sir] Janis: fuck you Jimmy: fuck me 'cause you're a massive dickhead, alright Jimmy: always is Janis: no fuck you for saying it isn't real Jimmy: I didn't Jimmy: but could've Jimmy: should've Janis: no you shouldn't Janis: don't lie Jimmy: don't fuck off for ages then come back & tell me what I should do Janis: lying ain't gonna make you feel better about it Jimmy: nowt will Jimmy: so who cares Janis: me Jimmy: tweet it, babe Jimmy: or better yet send some more snaps & forget about it Janis: go on Jimmy: I ain't the one trying to go anywhere Jimmy: nowhere to go Janis: I mean keep going Janis: giving you the option, you said Jimmy: I know what you meant, I ain't that thick, remember, just northern Janis: do it then Jimmy: stop telling what to do Jimmy: who the fuck are you Janis: exactly Jimmy: exactly Jimmy: leave it out Janis: it'll make you feel better Jimmy: nowt will Jimmy: already said that Jimmy: I know you're probably chatting to loads of lads right now but try & keep up Janis: you haven't even got started yet, come on, what else Jimmy: piss off, Janis Janis: again, yeah? maybe Jimmy: 👍 Janis: is that the best you can do? don't be a pussy Jimmy: 🙄 Jimmy: my dad's got better insults than you Jimmy: don't bother Janis: I ain't, this is about you Jimmy: no it ain't Jimmy: it's nowt to do with me Jimmy: if it were we wouldn't be chatting Janis: you need to say it Jimmy: you need to Jimmy: so go on Jimmy: if you're so desperate Janis: nah, it has to be you Jimmy: 💔 gutted Janis: Fucking do it, I did my part Jimmy: deal's off Jimmy: don't have to do nowt for you Janis: that's all I needed you to say Janis: needed to know Jimmy: it's top that you got what you need Jimmy: 💕 Janis: don't worry, everyone will know it was my fault Janis: not like they ever wanted anything less Jimmy: yeah 'cause I really give a fuck Jimmy: what everyone knows or thinks Janis: yeah you don't give a fuck about anything, that's your thing Janis: say you never did and it's back to how it was Jimmy: I gave a fuck about you Jimmy: & enough of a fuck about my brother & sister not to chase after you Jimmy: but go on Janis: who am I gonna tell? Jimmy: I don't care Jimmy: I'm telling you 'cause you've forgotten who I am in a week Janis: No I haven't Jimmy: then you're just trying to hurt me, alright Jimmy: go on with that too Janis: that's the opposite of what I'm trying to do, I'm trying to make this easier Janis: the more you hate me the better it'll be Jimmy: that's your thing, yeah Jimmy: tah so much Janis: didn't say i was fucking good at it Jimmy: good job Jimmy: I can't fake that I agree Janis: why are you faking anything Janis: love me or hate me, we're past that shit Jimmy: habit I suppose Janis: well stop Jimmy: make me Jimmy: you don't get to do this Janis: what don't I get to do Jimmy: how I handle shit is up to me Janis: you ain't Jimmy: 🎻🎻🎻 Jimmy: I'll run away next week Jimmy: hang on, I can't Jimmy: 💔💔 Janis: I didn't Janis: I told you Jimmy: fuck you Jimmy: I don't wanna hear it Janis: tough Jimmy: what are you gonna do? shout at me like you did sir? Jimmy: 🙄 Janis: maybe Jimmy: go on then Jimmy: never get enough of that Jimmy: you & my dad can do a rota Janis: yeah I'm your Dad Janis: you wish Jimmy: 👍 Jimmy: dream come true that Janis: you're welcome Jimmy: yeah Janis: what do I do now Jimmy: what are you asking me for? Janis: you've had your heart broken before yeah Janis: i don't know anyone else who has Jimmy: & I told you nowt helps Janis: I ain't asking for it to stop but what do I do Jimmy: do what you like Jimmy: it don't matter Janis: good one Jimmy: you told me not to lie Jimmy: there it is Janis: i know but it doesn't stop it being bullshit Jimmy: everything's bollocks Jimmy: nowt's gonna change nowt Janis: not true Jimmy: shout at another teacher Jimmy: me Jimmy: fuck off again Jimmy: it don't matter Jimmy: you're still gonna feel how you do Janis: if you could stay gone, i think it'd work Janis: but you never can Jimmy: I'm counting down the days Jimmy: I'll let you know Janis: you're not gone, you can't Janis: i can't either Janis: one per family i dunno Jimmy: not yet, like I said 🤞 Jimmy: soon Jimmy: & I'll let you know how it works out Janis: nah Janis: I don't mean from here, from me Janis: and you won't Jimmy: we'll see Jimmy: or I will & you won't see me, like Jimmy: sorta the point Janis: is that easier Jimmy: nowt's easy Jimmy: how many times Janis: that's not true Janis: it was easy Janis: before Jimmy: for what like a week? Jimmy: don't count Janis: not then Janis: before you Jimmy: soz Jimmy: I didn't ask to show up either Janis: no you're not Jimmy: I just said so Jimmy: very sorry to be in this shithole actually Janis: poor you Jimmy: tah Jimmy: don't worry I'll 🎨 about it Janis: worry, about you, why would I do that? Janis: all fake this, so you say Janis: thank god Jimmy: 👍 Janis: I just wanted Janis: who cares, right Jimmy: right Janis: 👍 Jimmy: 👌 Janis: I wish I hated you Jimmy: likewise Jimmy: but wishing is bollocks anyway Jimmy: never once got nowt I tried for Jimmy: 💔🎻💔 Janis: I can easily make that happen for you Jimmy: you can't Jimmy: & like I said, you don't get to Janis: yes I can Jimmy: no Janis: yes Jimmy: shut up Janis: make me Jimmy: you're in seclusion Jimmy: so unlikely Janis: like you'd do anything if you were here Jimmy: like you'd make that challenge if I were Janis: yes I would Janis: I've been telling you, do something Jimmy: just Jimmy: let me feel how I fucking do, alright Janis: not stopping you Jimmy: but stop Jimmy: this Janis: why, you really wanna be in there with all them Janis: get kicked out Jimmy: they ain't gonna put me with you if I do Janis: excuses Jimmy: no but why would I bother? Janis: like it's difficult Jimmy: like it matters Janis: whatever Jimmy: I don't care about any of this Jimmy: don't you get that Janis: prove it then Jimmy: & do what Jimmy: bust you out & then Jimmy: ? Janis: show me how little you care Jimmy: alright fine Janis: cool Jimmy: [literally can't reply cos leaving class to bust into seclusion & kiss her really angrily & passionately & just like ILY & miss you so SOMEONE FILM THIS ON YOUR PHONE SO EVERYONE KNOWS]

[funny-relatable]

WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU ARE RUNNING OFF TO

Cashier: *waiting nervously at bus stop* Why is this stupid bus always so late. It's either early or ridiculously late. Why can't it ever be on time. Fuck. I'm so paranoid. I feel like I did something wrong. I should've checked on my co-worker. What if they're seriously hurt.

Old Man: You've been talking to yourself for about fifteen minutes straight, kid. I usually ain't one to complain, but I was enjoying the silence before you started whining.

Cashier: Eek! Where did you come from old man?

Old Man: Over yonder. *points at liquor store* I've been sitting in this here bus stop since before you arrived, but you kids today don't pay attention none. I could've gutted you in a second if I wanted to.

Cashier: Are you going to gut me?

Old Man: No. At least not now. *lets off a threatening chortle*

Cashier: Oh my god!

Old Man: I'm messing with you, kid. I'm a religious man and it ain't in me to even harm a fly. Holy lord! *violently stomps his foot on the ground*

Cashier: What's wrong!?

Old Man: There was a maggot there. I hate maggots. Damn things freak me out.

Cashier: You said you wouldn't hurt a fly, but you'll stomp on a maggot?

Old Man: Never said I was pro-life.

Cashier: *begins to walk away*

Old Man: Where ya going, kid?

Cashier: I can't trust you, old fucking man! I'd rather walk home then stand around with you.

Old Man: Good thing you told me you were walking home so I can follow ya there. *chortles*

Cashier: Shit! *starts running*

*streets lights burst and the old man screams*

Cashier: SHIT! *runs and hides in an alleyway* What the fuck is even happening to me? I shouldn't have left early. I should've checked on my co-worker. This is some form of karmic retribution.

???: NO IT IS NOT, HUMAN.

Cashier: Who the fuck's there!? Where are you!?

???: YOU CANNOT SEE ME BUT I CAN SEE YOU VERY CLEARLY. I CAN SEE ALL PERMUTATIONS OF YOUR FUTURE, AND NONE WOULD END WELL FOR YOU TONIGHT.

Cashier: What?

???: IF NOT FOR MY INTERVENTION, THE OLD MAN WOULD HAVE BECOME INTERESTED ENOUGH IN KILLING YOU TO HAVE TRIED IT OUT. IF NOT, YOUR BUS WOULD HAVE COLLIDED INTO AN ONCOMING TRUCK, KILLING YOU INSTANTLY. AND LET US SAY THAT YOU DECIDED TO CHECK UP ON YOUR FRIEND AT YOUR PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT. WELL, IN THAT CASE YOU WOULD HAVE MET ME MUCH EARLIER. I AM NOT GOING TO PRETEND THAT I HAVE ANY GOOD INTENTIONS FOR YOU HUMAN.

Cashier: You're saying that I was doomed no matter what?

???: HMM, NOT NECESSARILY. I WOULD SAY THAT YOU ARE IRREVOCABLY DOOMED AT THIS MOMENT, AS I HAVE TOTAL CONTROL OVER YOUR FUTURE AND NO INTENT TO LET YOU LIVE.

Cashier: But why? You don't have to kill me. I'm sure you could let me live.

???: I AM HUNGRY. SORRY, BUT I ONLY GET TO ENJOY A MEAL ONCE EVERY FEW CENTURIES. THINK OF IT THIS WAY, AFTER I FINISH EATING YOU, I WON'T HAVE TO EAT ANYONE ELSE FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS. YOU ARE DOING SOMEONE ELSE A COURTESY TO WHICH I AM SURE THEY WILL BE VERY GRACIOUS.

Cashier: I don't care about anyone else! I don't want to die! Please, I have a family that will miss me!

???: I DO NOT KNOW WHAT A FAMILY IS. GOODBYE, HUMAN. OR AS THE FANCIER HUMANS WOULD SAY, BONER APE TITS... I THINK.

*thousands of maggots crawl out of the shadow and onto the cashier's body meticulously chewing away pieces of flesh as they crawl along*

Cashier: No! It hurts! I don't want to die! Someone help me! Help!

Amorphous Blob: *watches quietly as the cashier froths at the mouth and quietly flails on the ground* HUMANS ARE SO MENTALLY FRAGILE. FEEDING OFF THEIR FEAR IS SO EASY. AS IF I WOULD EVER LET MY PERFECT CATERPILLARS CHEW ON DISGUSTING SULFURIC HUMAN FLESH.

Amorphous Blob: *burps* OH, EXCUSE-AND-MWAH. SUCH A DELICIOUS DINNER SEEMS TO HAVE MADE ME UNCOUTH. GOODNESS, I WISH MY SIGNIFICANT OTHER WAS HERE TO EXPERIENCE ME SPEAKING THE ROMANTIC FANCY HUMAN LANGUAGE TO HIM. *pops open locket containing picture of some guy*

Amorphous Blob: OH, MY ONE HUMAN LOVE. MY ONE REASON TO EXIST. HOW MY ICHOR QUIVERS FOR YOU SO. YOU ARE SO HANDSOME, SO GENTLE, SO KIND. I BELIEVE IN FANCY HUMAN LANGUAGE THEY WOULD REFER TO YOU AS "SAY MAGNET FEET". *sigh* I MISS YOU SO MUCH, MY DEAR.

Amorphous Blob: *slips locket back into its goo* BUT I MUST BE GOING NOW. I HAVE A MISSION I MUST COMPLETE. OFF I GO TO- *spots a woman's clothing store across the street* GOODNESS, THAT FACILITY LOOKS POSITIVELY GLAMOROUS. I WONDER IF I COULD... NO! I NEED TO STICK TO MY QUEST. I HAVE ALREADY TAKEN ENOUGH BEAUTY PRODUCTS TO KEEP MY VAIN THOUGHTS SATIATED. BUT... WHAT ARE BEAUTY PRODUCTS IF I DO NOT HAVE PRETTY CLOTHING TO COMPLIMENT THEM? IT WILL NOT HURT MY QUEST IF I TAKE THE SMALLEST DETOUR TO FIND SOME GLAMOROUS FASHION TO IMPRESS MY LOVE WITH.

Amorphous Blob: BESIDES, I AM A PRINCE. PRINCES HAVE TO LOOK GOOD. NO ONE CAN LOVE A PRINCE THAT LOOKS LIKE A COMMONER. *rolls towards the beauty store*

Cashier: *lies braindead and gargling on their own spit*