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widowshill · 6 months ago

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unhinged character ask game: can I get 1 + 2 for Vicki, and/or 2 +17 for Carolyn, and/or 2 + 7 for Roger? Please and thank you!

UNHINGED CHARACTER ASKS.

this ended up a little long, so posting it under the cut!

1. How do you think this character would fare in a zombie apocalypse? for Vicki.

optimistically ... ok? suffering, but alive? Vicki has a stubborn knack for survival ! she's dealt with almost every other supernatural phenomenon except zombies and emerged 90% of the time with her life (including vampires, ghosts, witches, warlocks, phoenixes, and Frankenstein's monsters, finally losing only to Jeff & the death knell of marriage, and [redacted] and the [redacted]) so I have confidence in her. her strengths are in her puzzle-solving and her general willingness to believe in the supernatural; she'd be one of the first ones to accept what was happening, and to seek the reason behind it / the best way out. she also tends to doggedly stay focused, and to not abandon ship, or abandon hope (even when it's reasonable to do so!). her biggest weakness in an apocalypse type scenario is that she's obviously no action heroine, and she will almost certainly find herself in Unfortunate Circumstances. luckily she has two shotgun-toting boyfriends at her beck and call, plus Joe if she needed him, plus Carolyn and her revolver (plus Liz and her firepoker, if we're really in dire straights). and Josette's help! who would certainly not let her die at the hands of her zombified husband.

which brings me to my next point. Vicki's downfall, or closest to it, would be if she lost a loved one to zombification — which certainly includes romantic partners, but also anyone she cared about. she would all but refuse to let them go, and she'd be unable to admit that's not them anymore; that they can neither be helped nor can she be with them. someone would have to force her to, and Vicki would be extremely resistant, not to mention basically paralyzed by grief. she'd get through it eventually — she's very resilient through her various traumatic situations — it'd be close to impossible without someone dragging her bodily through it.

2. Favorite hc for this character? for Vicki.

there's a broad group of headcanons that fall under the umbrella of "Vicki has never left Manhattan in her entire life, and now lives in the middle of nowhere in Maine" and a lot of those are fun (someone had to teach Vicki how to drive, and to swim; and Vicki's always going to be the one putting the bugs / rats / etc outside and never Roger) but I think my favorite one is thinking about Vicki's relationship to the stars and the night sky in Collinsport? that ... she'd be just knocked over seeing them for the first time — it's one thing to know the constellations academically, it's another to see them. she'd see such immense beauty in an ordinary starlit sky, but, gosh. a meteor shower? the northern lights? she would cry.

and it's not just ... aesthetics? that's one part of it, sure — the beauty-minded part of her, but. Burke, for instance, used to be out on the boats, he would know them like the back of his hand, and he'd be able to point out everything to her — even the ones that are different in this hemisphere at this time of year, as opposed to South America. and she'd have such an affinity with the idea that she's looking at the same stars that people did from that hill 200 years ago — that Jeremiah was guided by the same stars Burke was at sea — that, by the late 60's, they're so close to reaching out and touching them. she's not much of a space nerd (not to the extent that I could see David becoming), but from a scientific perspective ... starlight is the world's longest-traveling love letter, and every time you look out into space you're looking so many millions of years into the past, and Vicki would be besotted with that.

2. Favorite hc for this character? for Carolyn.

everyone already knows my real favorite headcanon (that Carolyn is a girl kisser and hasn't figured that out yet) but I don't know that I have anything to say about it that everyone hasn't already heard.

I think, hm. Carolyn is a little hard to pin down for me in the details, because we really get to know so little about her compared to most of the characters, other than she's got the hots for her relatives. and I really think part of that is how ... changeable -? Carolyn is. she has that quote to Vicki: "That's me! Up and down, in and out. Never the same girl twice." And she tends to act at such a distance from who she actually is, and how she actually feels. Burke has that quote pretty early when he's categorizing everyone by drink type: "Her daughter, Carolyn, well that's strictly soda. Well, she'd like to think it was something stronger, but it's always soda." And I think that sums her up very well: that Carolyn is always pretending, or wishing, that she's more grown up than she is, or more freewheeling, or more sure of who she is.

and for me I think a key part of my understanding of Carolyn is that she exists so much through mimicry — there's acting like Liz, when she's in the hospital and the running of the house and business falls to Carolyn's shoulders; and there's acting like Buzz, dressing like him, forming the image of Rebellious Youth; or Vicki, even, when she dons her little diaphanous nightgowns and huddles close from storms and ghosts.

but the main one for me, especially early on before she starts modelling herself more off of Liz, is Roger? and I guess this is where the actual headcanon comes into play: that for a young Carolyn, who saw the extent of her mother's suffering immured in her own house, suffering for — so she thought — a husband that abandoned her, of course she's going to idolize and model herself off of her young, charming, pretty, and (seemingly) happy uncle. who spends his share of the money with the intent to enjoy it — who goes out drinking, and dancing, fucking off to Boston, or Portland, or Europe — who keeps company with those beneath him, but still every bit the bitchy bourgeoisie. and who wholeheartedly rejected and resented the ties of marriage. Carolyn, as a young girl (and even in the present day as a young woman) doesn't get a glimpse into the intricacies of his personal life, and she mostly sees the performance and the markers of fulfillment, and what she comes to see as representative of a happy, well-lived existence as a Collins — absolutely diametric to her mother's self-imprisonment.

which is not to say that she doesn't love and respect Liz — she does! — but she doesn't want to live the way she does. she likes Roger, she finds him captivating, practically reveres him: that, for her, is the ideal. so particularly as she's growing into an adult, struggling with her own sense of self-definition, she absolutely turns to the image of her uncle, and scorns the domestic fidelity and duty that has gone so unrewarded in her mother.

17. What gives this character the most comfort? for Carolyn.

Carolyn's just like her uncle in that she is So So Clingy and Touchy. not just within their pseudo-incestuous relationship, although she probably touches/kisses/hugs/etc Roger the most, but speaking broadly, and especially once Vicki is there? I can think of so many scenes where she crawls into bed next to her, takes her hand, clings to her arm, puts her arms around her, even for comfort for things to which Carolyn is supposedly accustomed, like big storms, or the house creaking, or the ghosts dancing.

and some of that's attraction (at least, in my eyes, and you don't see her being quite that touchy with Joe, most of the time). but I think in general it's a testament to the pervasive sense of the Collins isolation (near total, at the beginning!). there's a little bit of physical affection between her and her mother, but not nearly to the level that there is between her and Roger: I think you get the sense that the two of them are both just desperate for attention and touch upon his arrival back in Collinsport, and they eagerly meet that need with each other ... and Vicki. there's a sense of more being permissible with Vicki, a woman her own age (such that she can climb into bed with her during a particularly bad storm — which she can't do with Burke, or Joe, or god forbid her uncle, not without severe repercussions). and Vicki (as she is with Roger) is in the position where she's inclined to be complacent with the family that employs her, and will give them attention when they ask.

which is to say — in the absence of a robust social network or circle of close friends, in various versions of unrequited relationships with men most of the time, having spent ten years alone with her mother who loves deeply but dotes and pets sparingly, a governess she can cling to is a godsend.

2. Favorite hc for this character? for Roger.

where do I start.

I think, probably, it's that Burke and Vicki are Roger's type — poor brunettes working for, or that have worked for, his family (really — for his sister, not for him). it's partly that Collins Family Propensity for getting involved with the help — is his interest in Burke any different from Elizabeth's in Ned or Bill, or Carolyn's in Joe? great (great) uncle Quentin's, or grandpa Edward's interest in cute little ingenue governesses?

but also, importantly, that Roger is so alienated from his own class — he's moderately-wealthy, college-educated, charming, cultured! but he doesn't socialize with the upper crust. instead of finding well-to-do cocktail parties in the summer colony, he's out drinking (and driving) with a fisherman on the boats and his captain's daughter fiancée in some shitty tavern — spiriting an orphan governess to the local dive bar, or the hotel coffee shop, or Burke's hotel room at one in the morning. and that's not just slumming it: I mean, that it amuses him and he'll return to the safety of society after the fact. there is no high class social world in which he feels safe; not, anyway, as an adult. just the solitude and static wealth of Collinwood.

and flirting with people like Burke and Vicki is partly, a measure of control, in a world where he has very little of it compared to Liz, especially: he gets to knock people around a little with the Collins name, and charm them with his status, and hopefully entice them to do as he wants. fun. but I think that Roger genuinely feels rejected by his own peers and class as an unworthy younger son (the sardine to the Collins family whales) and someone perceptibly queer and Leyendecker effete. he doesn't stick the landing of postwar American masculinity, he blew his money (and blew his fisherman), and he's dependent on his sister's help: there is no refuge for Roger in classically patriarchal networks of power (such as business, or his fellow alumni).

but that's all structural — and it's doing a disservice to his attachment to Burke and Vicki to not acknowledge the personal, even if, I think, their traits are shaped strongly by their circumstances. their work ethic, devotion, their genuineness, forthrightness, and their sense of independence. which I mean both in the sense of supporting themselves — financially and morally! — and their independence from any ancestors or expectation. Burke had a little more history to contend with than Vicki, but in many ways they were both blanks to be filled in, as opposed to any Collins heir who has their story shoved in as a paragraph between others. and all these things I think Roger both resents and admires in them, and he sees in Burke and Vicki a sense of future as opposed to a decaying past.

7. What’s your favorite thing about this character? for Roger.

unserious answer: his hands

serious answer: I really have to say his allergy to sincerity that has such deep, obvious cracks in it <3 I do love his moments of being a dick and throwing around bon-mots, but the best Roger scenes (to me) are the ones in which the persona fails, and you can see how very shaken he is. for instance: fresh from cartoonishly, Rochester-ly tormenting Vicki in the West Wing, he immediately falters when he sees just how terrified she is, and you can see the realization on his face that oh no. he genuinely cares about her. see also his switch from seemingly idly brushing off concern that she's disappeared, to panic-stricken at finding her tied up in the Old House — or gasping and bolting out of the room when she vanishes during the 1795 séance. same when David's and Liz's life are threatened in the Laura arc: he practically falls to pieces over them.

for all the bickering, and bullying, and emotional distance (and sometimes blatant dislike!) he props up between himself and others, he's full of shit and it's very obvious. this is not to say that Roger is secretly a bleeding heart and he just pretends to be selfish and insufferable (he is; though not to the same exaggerated extent). but rather that there is a certain number of people he finds worth caring about, to paraphrase, and those people he cares extremely deeply for, to the extent that it cuts him like a wound

#tortoisesshells #thanks for the questions; friend!#➤ answered. ┊ Collinsport 4099.#hc tag #➤ meme responses. ┊ boo !

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latoyalestrange · 2 years ago

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THE FOOL

p. pascal x reader

Masterlist | Playlist

Summary: Naela doesn’t know if she can take another five months of this. Mandatory bonding time on the beach helps replenish her sense of hope.

Words: 2.3k

Warnings: fluff, pedro being caring and cute af, not edited, smoking, alcohol, mutual pining

Taglist: @marvel-sw-lover , @lokislittle , @red-red-rogue , @babukat

comment if you want to be added to the taglist!

CHAPTER FOUR — METHOD ACTING

Naela normally wasn’t so excited to go to sleep. Friday night was different, though. Knowing she didn’t need to set an alarm was a weight lifted off of her shoulders. She couldn’t wait to go to sleep so she could wake up refreshed and on her own volition.

Except that’s not what happened.

Around 9:15-ish, the sound of someone knocking on her trailer door stirred her out of her very deep sleep. She was drooling and everything. She thought maybe if she turned over and tried to go back to sleep that it would go away. But when did things ever go her way?

Knock, knock, knock!

With a heavy sigh and a groan, she pulled herself out of bed and groggily walked over to the door. It took a few tries to unlock it, but she eventually swung it open. Oh shit.

Pedro, in a half-open linen button up, swim shorts, and a tote bag stood in front of her, his mouth slightly agape and eyes surely wide behind the Ray Bans he was wearing. His expression immediately made her realize she had forgotten to put pants on. To be fair, she was half-awake, and she was a hot sleeper.

“Um- hi…” she said with a tired voice, breaking the silence.

He looked around to see if anyone was looking. “Um, let me— let me come in so people don’t—“

“Right, right, thank you…” She stepped aside so he could come in.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.” He was more comfortable now with her alone and his sheepish smile returned.

“You’re okay, I needed to get up anyway, I think,” she replied unsurely, making him laugh. “What time is it?”

He dug his phone out of his pocket to check it. “Nine-seventeen. Did you get the text about Beach Day?” She looked puzzled, so he continued. “Last night they sent out a text, I think it was while we were here. I didn’t see it until I got back to my trailer.”

“Oh, that makes sense. I passed out after you left,” she chuckled.

“Yeah, you could barely keep your eyes open,” he joked.

She looked embarrassed. “You could tell?”

“Yeah. It was cute, though…” Struggling to find that right words, she just chuckled. They were quiet for a moment.

She cleared her throat. “Um, if you wait for like, five minutes I’ll get dressed and meet you outside,” she offered.

“Yeah, of course. No rush.” They just smiled at eachother before he turned to leave.

Naela had never seen herself get ready so fast. Within ten minutes, she had brushed her hair, changed into a bikini and put a tank top and jean shorts on top of it, put sunscreen all over herself, and took a few extra seconds to put her favorite lipgloss on.

Pedro was leaning against her trailer when she stepped out. “Ready?”

“Yup!” She answered cheerfully, sliding her sunglasses down to match his. “Is anyone else coming?”

He started to lead her towards the parking lot on set. “Yeah, Boyd and Joanna are waiting in the car. It’s supposed to be a ‘bonding exercise’ of sorts,” he replied with air quotes and a cheeky smile.

Soon enough they were getting into the SUV that was waiting for them and enduring a bumpy ride to a more private section of each in Puerto Escondido, Córdoba.

Surprisingly the sun was more forgiving that usual and the wind kept them cool. Naela could smell the salt even before she got out of the car. The sound of the waves crashing as they approached gave her a sense of relief that only being at the beach could.

As they were laying out belt towels under an umbrella, Boyd pulled out a frisbee.

“Let’s test out the water!”

“Oh, god, I’m terrible at this game,” Joanna groaned.

“Catch?” Pedro teased. She rolled her eyes.

“No, specifically the throw part.” The group laughed.

“Don’t worry, we’ll look stupid together,” Pedro added, placing a hand on her shoulder as he smiled.

“Pedro looking stupid? Never,” Boyd replied sarcastically. Naela laughed especially hard at that.

Pedro turned to her, “What, is it the mustache?” He contoured his puckered lips with his fingers, trying to make a “cool” face.

Naela giggled, then answered, “I won’t lie, it took some getting used to, but it’s grown on me.” She instantly thought of the moment he revealed his new look to her.

It was the first day of shooting, the day after the whole “manager-purposefully-withholding-contract-details” situation. She was in a funk, to say the least, but she hoped her makeover would lift her spirits. She had no idea what was in store for her, but sometimes change feels good, right?

She could feel the butterflies as she stepped up to the trailer door and swung it open. The first thing she saw was the stylists back turned towards her. Once she stepped in and looked into the mirror she barely saw a glimpse of Pedro before he put his script in front of his face.

She gasped, “Oh, let me see, let me see!” She could see his shoulders shaking as he laughed behind the paper.

“No, she’s not done yet!” The stylist straightened her back, then made a few more adjustments.

“Actually, I am.” She corrected him. Naela smiled, staring at the thick stack of papers separating them.

“Okay, fine…one, two, three,” He stammered out quickly before dropping the script into his lap. Her hand instinctively covered her mouth as it hung open. She was silent for a moment, unsure if she was admiring him or just in shock.

“Muy bonita?” He asked, smirking playfully. She nodded slowly.

“No, muy guapo, Pedro…y muy bonita.” They laughed in unison. Maintaining eye contact, he rose to his feet and she suddenly realized how close she was to the chair as he was sitting down.

Standing tall above her, he replied, “Gracias, princesa.” His voice was lower than normal, more gravely. She blushed as she stepped aside to allow him to pass. He lingered for a minute before turning to thank the stylist. With his back turned, she just stared as he left.

Naela…Naela…Naela!

“Sorry, what?” She blinked away her trance and shook her head.

“We’re gonna get in the water. You comin’?” Boyd asked as she noticed everyone shedding their cover-ups.

“Yeah, yeah, ‘course.” She nodded and followed suit, peeling off her fitted top and jean shorts. Feeling the breeze in places she normally didn’t, she felt exposed and a little chilly.

“That swimsuit is so cute!” Joanna chirped, smiling sweetly at her.

She mimicked her, “Aw, thanks.”

“Yeah, I was gonna wear something like that but I didn’t want to outshine you,” Pedro joked. Naela scrunched her nose at him and nudged his shoulder.

The group laughed at she retorted, “You could never!”

After a few minutes of practice, Naela was getting in the groove. She was throwing and catching the frisbee much more than she expected herself to.

“Naela!” Boyd called out, signifying it was her turn. He flicked the frisbee into the air, accidentally using a bit too much force. Naela tried to chase after it, winding up in a deeper spot than beforex and right as a wave was coming for her.

Just like that, it swallowed her whole and she was tumbling under the water. A few scary moments of this passed before she felt herself being pulled out of the current with ease.

“You okay?” Pedro chuckled, smiling down at her as he pulled her to more shallow water. She took a few deep breaths as the others gathered and she planted her feet in the sand.

“Yeah, I’m good,” She confirmed, a little embarrassed, but still smiling. Pedro stood right next to her, his hands still ghosting over her arm. Then, they traveled to the bundle of string on her side, which was coming apart. He retied it without question, making sure it was secure. She blushed and mouthed a “Thank you”, her nervousness keeping her from being more forward than that.

“Sorry, Naela. If it makes you feel better that dive for the frisbee looked cool,” Boyd added as they got closer. She chuckled, feeling a bit better.

“I was getting hungry anyways. I volunteer the boys to go get us food while we sunbathe!” Joanna cheered as she took Naela’s wrist and began walking back toward their umbrella. Pedro and Boyd looked at eachother, then the girls, seeing them smiling at eachother as they walked away. Who were they to say no to them?

“Sooo,” Joanna began expectantly as she plopped down on her own towel next to Naela. She turned, giving her a puzzled look.

“So what?” Naela asked, chuckling.

“So you and Pedro!” Naela instantly rolled her eyes.

“Ugh, don’t remind me. I can’t believe what Mike did wasn’t technically illegal.”

Joanna shook her head, “No, sweetie, you and Pedro. I see the way he looks at you.”

“Yeah, but we’re just acting then.” She replied, a little quieter now, feeling unsure. “Plus, I have a boyfriend, and Pedro knows that.

Joanna shook her head. “Sure, he knows. I just don’t think he cares,” she teased in a melodic tone. She giggled and let her head fall back, laying flat. “Just my professional opinion.”

“Oh, is it now?” Naela played along, laughing with her.

A while later, the boys returned with two boxes of pizza. (pretend there’s a pizza place here i couldn’t find one in my research) Joanna clapped her hands together as she sat up and made room for Boyd on her towel. Naela did the same for Pedro and they all gathered around the pizza boxes.

“Oh, wait!” Joanna perked up, jumping to her feet to get her bag. The group laughed as she pulled a bottle of white wine out of her bag.

“Perfecto, Joanna!” Pedro smiled and immediately reached out, offering to open it. She oblidged and Naela watched as Pedro put the cork in between his teeth. She noticed the familiar flutter in her stomach as she saw him use the trick she taught him and pulled the coke out with ease. He passed the bottle to her first for a drink. She blushed as she took it in her hands and took a casual swig before passing it on. Boyd had already opened the box and started on his first slice, so Naela followed suit.

Her first bite took her back to being a kid at the pool and being starving after swimming for so long. Then taking the heaviest nap of her life.

After a few moments of silence as they stuffed their faces, Boyd was full and took out a pack of cigarettes, offering one to Pedro, who accepted graciously. Naela watched as he put the stick between his lips and flicked his silver lighter, burning the tip with the flame. His brow furrowed, making for a tempting focused expression. He pulled gently on it as he pocketed his lighter. He exhaled and finally turned to face her, purposefully aiming the smoke away from her. He smirked and took the cigarette in his two fingers, holding it out to her.

She panicked for a second, unsure of what she should do. Before they could notice, she took it in her fingers and brought it up to her plump and soft lips. She inhaled slightly before immediately spitting the smoke out and handing it back to Pedro.

“Yuck,” she admitted. Joanna passed her to bottle as the boys chuckled. She took a generous sip to clear the taste out of her mouth. “I prefer weed,” she added. At this, the other three burst into laughter.

Looking at them, Naela felt special. She felt comfortable, safe. Especially with Pedro.

Ding! Naela felt her phone buzz as it lie next to her on the beach towel. The group’s chatter ceased as she reached for her phone.

Josh: Call me please.

“Oh, I’m gonna make a phone call real quick.” Naela said quietly as she looked down at her phone.

“No worries. Everything okay?” Pedro asked, meeting her eye with a concerned look as she stood up.

“Yeah, it’s fine, I’ll just be a second.” She mustered up a smile as she began stepping away. He nodded, mirroring her expression. Once she was a few feet away, she instantly dialed her boyfriends phone number. It only took two rings for him to answer.

“Hello?” He answered casually. Did you not just tell me to call you?

“Hey, you said to call you…” she trailed off apprehensively.

“Yeah, I just wanted to see what you were doing. You’re off today, right?” She really couldn’t tell if he was angry or not.

“Yeah, we’re doing group bonding stuff today—“

“Group bonding? Like what?”

“Oh, we’re just at the beach right now, we were playing some games but we took a break to eat.” Please don’t be mad about the swimsuits.

“Okay…sounds fun….well, what I really wanted to call and say was I’m sorry. I overreacted. I looked up some stuff about PR relationships and how they filmed intimate scenes and…yeah, I’m sorry. This is just part of your job.” Naela didn’t realize it at the time but getting the smallest ounce of bare minimum from him made her feel incredible. All he had to do was be nice to her and she would be fawning over him in a matter of seconds.

“Oh, it’s okay,” she responded, feeling a huge weight lift off of her shoulders.

“Thank you, baby. Just remember to call me when you can, okay? I love you.”

“Okay. I love you too.”

Maybe everything was turning out exactly as it was supposed to.

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admrlthundrbolt · 2 years ago

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How Did You Love (Polnareff x Chubby Reader)

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In the battle against Lord Dio, Polnareff might have met his match. Who is this beautiful yet sullen swordswoman?

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Hi you guys, I'm back at it again. Polnareff has to be one of my favorite characters. So it was exciting to finally write something for him. He's sappy as always, but when isn't this Frenchman a bit of a ham. Anyways, I hope you enjoy.

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Peering around another corner, Polnareff was annoyed at their enemies love of lavish things. I mean what kind of evil Over Lord needs this large of a castle! It was a maze of unnecessary twist. Though he and his comrades were infiltrating it, so maybe it was a good idea. He was giving this guy to much credit.

Rubbing his forehead, he gave a silent thanks to Jotaro. If it wasn't for the Joestar heir, then he would still be under the thrall of Dio. Being a dark mage, it was little work for him to persuade people to do his bidding. Such methods of persuasion included mind manipulation. Shuddering at what small amount of memory he had from his time under Dio's control. Those were definitely unpleasant times.

Movement from the courtyard ahead shook him from the past. Searching the area, he was surprised at what he saw. A full figured woman was strolling around the courtyard with an umbrella shading her. She was a radiant beauty, that he had never had the pleasure of gazing upon. Though her eyes were sad and familiar.

He called out to her. “Pardon mademoiselle, I seemed to have lost my way. Could you direct me to the owner of this manor?” He put on, what he believed, was his most charming smile.

You barely acknowledged him. “I do not enjoy conversing with liars, Monsieur.”

A shocked expression crossed his face. Had he really been found out this quickly? “I truly am lost, would you not take pity on a poor traveler?”

The glare you cast his way forced a shiver down his spine. Though he wasn't sure if it was one of fear or want, perhaps a mixture. “I have no doubt that you are lost. The lie comes from you stumbling onto this keep. It is well hidden, by magical and non magical means.” Facing him, you closed your umbrella and placed the point on the ground in front of yourself.

An uneasy feeling forms in the pit of his stomach. Taking a step back, he rest his hand on the sword at his hip. “It seems that i’ve been found out. What will you do with me?”

“Take care of you.” With that you tore you tapered katana from it’s scabbard, from within the umbrella. Crouching a bit, you arched the weapon towards his chest.

He dodged away and brought his own sword up for a rebuttle. Only to find it blocked with the umbrella head. Leaping back he tried to take a moment to gather himself.

You didn't give him the chance though. Rushing to him, you struck at him once more. This time he was expecting it. He perried the sword and brought his other arm up for the blow that followed. The force you put behind the hit shocked him. Looking at you, you would never guess that such a delicate flower had such strength. That was only if you ignored your eyes. They held a ferocity that he had seen in no other being. But the lingering sadness called out to him.

Stepping into him, you brought your face to his own. “Perhaps you need more persuasion.” Your lips were a breath apart at the exclamation.

His breath caught in his throat at the intimacy of the action. His chest heaving in enamor and exertion in equal parts. The moment of distraction was enough for you to get a slice into his bicep. Hissing in pain, he countered your next strike. “Why are you here? What could a man like him provide for a woman like you?”

Striding back, you scowled at him accusingly. While he was the first person in a long time to give you a decent fight. You didn't owe him any explanation. Still there was a part of you that was intrigued to know why he was asking. “For information. My brother is missing and he’s the only one who’s had any answers.”

His shoulders sagged at your response. “He’s lying to you.”

The fire in your eyes blazed anew. Bashing your sword into him, your volume rose to a level that he wasn’t expecting. “How would you know!”

A thick knot of emotion form in his throat, causing his voice to crack. “I worked for Dio once too. He told me he could help find my sister’s murderer. It was only after the Joestars saved me, that I realized how cruel he was.” Tears welled in his eyes as he forced out the next part. “Turns out that the monster who killed sweet little Sherry, was working under the same man who promised to find him.”

Your face had become a blank mask. Doing everything you could to hold your resolve. To hope against hope that this man was lying. But your eyes revealed it all. Blinking back the tears that were threatening to fall and full of a sadness that Jean Pierre knew all to well. “What am I supposed to do? “

It tore at his heart how broken her tone had become. “Join me, join us. The Joestars are just and fair. They will help you with your journey.”

A sudden cry of anguish left you. Lashing out, you disarmed him, and he allowed it to happen. “It can’t be that simple. Changing sides isn’t going to magically solve everything.”

Gazing at you, he saw that a few tears escaped down your face. Even crying your were still one of the most beautiful things he had ever beheld. “Its a better option than not getting results under a madman.” Holding his hand in your direction, he waited with baited breath.

Your body slumped as you sheathed your sword. Heaving a heavy sigh, you placed your hand on his own.

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He made light conversation with you, knowing that you wouldn't be in the mood for much more. Though when the subject swapped to the Joestars you seemed to get interested.

“So these Joestars have been fueding with Dio for over a century?”

“Yes and from what Joseph told me, his grandfather even considered Dio a brother.”

A sullen smile graced your lips. “He told me a story of his brother from the past. Though I'm sure it was just another way to manipulate me.”

He wanted to embrace you. Reassure you that he would do everything he could to reunite your sibling and you. Instead he spotted the rendezvous camp, that his friends were waiting at. Calling out, he waved his arms. “I’ve brought an ally.”

When you both got close enough to easily talk to the group, he turned towards you. As an introduction started to leave his lips, he noticed an odd expression on your face.

Eyes wide and watering, you brought a hand up to your open mouth. “Kakyoin.” You said it in a whisper, but he knew in that moment how much meaning the name held.

“Kakyoin!” You sprinted into your brother’s open arms. Tears of joy streaming down both of your faces as you embraced.

Your cheerful smile was the most beautiful sight he had the privilege of beholding. In that instance, Polnareff vowed that he would spend his life keeping you as happy as you are right now.

#jojo's bizarre adventure #chubby reader #jean pierre polnareff #chubby reader x Polnareff #dio brando #noriaki kakyoin #jotaro kujo #fantasy #alternate universe #magic #sword fighting #despair #love at first sight #happy ending

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sunkissedliterarylightofchrist · 5 months ago

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I saw the ask you got regarding your religion and I'm sorry that all that was said to you. It's really unfair of whoever posted it and does not reflect the fandom at all.

However, I did notice that you didn’t specifically address your views on queerness in that post. I was curious about your perspective on the topic as a Christian and how it relates to your beliefs. No hate intended, just genuinely interested.

I did see your take on transness and neopronouns which I do disagree heavily with, as somebody who doesn't use neopronouns. The world is messed up right now, and if something as simple as neopronouns brings a little bit of happiness to somebody, then who are we to care? If god really doesn't make mistakes, and god makes us in Her own image, then who are we to correct people who have lived their lives with this truth? Surely their gender identity is part of how god made them; part of gods plan. And the take of 'I will use their name so not to use their pronouns' isn't as respectful as you believe it is.

But I was hoping for your wider stance on queerness as a whole in regards to your religion. What do you think of people who are gay, lesbian, trans, nonbinary, and everything else under the queer umbrella, and how does it fit in with your Christian beliefs?

I am coming at this with pure respect; I'm just wanting to understand.

Hi! I assume you're talking about the hate ask that got left on my sideblog? If that's the case, I totally agree! ZR is a blast and I've yet to talk to someone who's really rude or hostile, except for that anon. Its a cool fandom! Probably my favorite, even though its so small! I didn't address my beliefs in that post because it did not seem relevent to the ask in question, but I am glad that you saw you could ask me over here what they really are, and that you did! Thanks for being repectful, it's a lot easier to engage in conversation with someone who is actually willing to hear what I have to say, even if they disagree, then someone who's just trying to punch me in the jaw!

So here we go.

I believe what the Bible says. The end-all and be-all authority. It is the Word of God, what God commands us to do, directly breathed out into a book that we can study to learn what His will in our lives is. It's truly remarkable! We don't have to walk through life blind and stumbling about who we are and what our place is in the world, we are told! So everything I believe about anything has its ultimate basis in Scripture.

So here is what the Bible says about homosexuality:

1 Corinthians 6:9 - “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God."

Leviticus 18:22, 20:13 - You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination; If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.

Romans 1:26-27 - For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.

1 Timothy 1:10 - ...the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine,...

There are more. But I think you get the gist here. Homosexuality and transgenderism and even saying you don't have a gender, and a lot of what the LGBTQIA+ movement stands for, goes directly against God's design. There are two genders, man and woman. We are called to have any and all sexual relations within marrige between one man and one woman. It's black and white. That hurts what our flesh craves, that's uncomfortable, and might even feel cruel, but it is how we are created to be. Man and woman compliment each other, and are created to work together as a single unit for our entire lives. That's how God decided it would be.

But note that God isn't slam-dunking on homosexuality because He hates it extra. A lot of the condemnation against gay sexual sin is listed among a list of sins that are all equally condemned. And actually, if you count it up verse by verse, the Bible spends more time talking about men who abuse their wives (physically, mentally, sexually) and how that's wrong over being gay or trans or any of that. Straight sin is no better or worse than queer sin.

Christian culture (which, trust me, is just dumb Western culture and almost none of it is actually Christianity as it is supposed to be) goes after this especially because they hate it more and use the Bible as an excuse. Which I hope you can see is wrong on all counts and by doing that they are sinning just as much. Anger against sin should NEVER result in more sin. Ever. So if anyone has ever used religion as a means to intentionally hurt you or your queer loved ones, I truly and deeply apologize on their behalf. God sees their sin too, and He is enraged at them for disrespecting His name and treating His law with contempt and passing it off as what He wants them to do. They will face justice for their sin, same as all of us.

And it comes to neopronouns- you're basically saying that you aren't a person, or something to that effect, it depends on the person. So as for it making somone happy... I disagree with that because of what the Bible says. Jeremiah 17:9, The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?

Our feelings and emotions and flesh lie to us all the time. If you're a runner, you know that! Your body is screaming at you that this is the worst thing ever and you are going to die if you don't give up right now, but then a chase comes on and you're able to sprint at top speed for thirty seconds and go, 'Huh, I guess I was able to do that.' Our bodies and minds lie to us, all the time. That's a big thing about mental health too- there are some days that there is nothing I want to do more than pack up and leave my entire life behind without telling anyone and intentionally hurt them by this. And then once in a while there are worse days when suicidal ideation gets the better of me and I'm standing at the edge of a river not that far from my house and contemplating drowning myself.

But I don't. Because my mind and body and feelings are deceptive. And I listen to God and what He says. Because what He says is always good, beautiful, and true. And far above me and anything about me. He is strong where I am weak. And I, in my flesh, apart from Him, am weak in everything.

It's the same here. It's the same with every other sin. My feelings are weak and changeable, and my body and mind work together to decieve me into desiring things that are terrible for me. And same with every other person ever. So wanting to do something just because it feels good or makes you happy isn't a good reason for doing a lot of things. Just because being called eir/ehm would make you happy doesn't mean its a good reason. Just because getting drunk would make you happy doesn't mean its a good reason. Just because mastubating makes you happy doesn't mean its a good reason. And this comes to gay relationships too, or being trans, or no gender, or any of that. Just because it makes you feel good doesn't mean its a good reason.

Is it because God hates happiness? By all means no! Look around! God created snow to play in and alchohol to consume and sex to have and other pleasures to read or watch or hear or more, and every good thing in the universe He created and He approves! He loves beauty and fun! I bet Jesus had some really good Aramaic puns he told the disciples! We have our joy in Him and what He has done, but even beyond that joy, because He is a good and gracious God, He has given us billions of reasons to be happy! Let us rejoice in that!

The thing about restrictions on anything ever is that they all have a place and purpose, and for every single one of these we can find the basis of why straight from His word. That's why true and genuine Christians, not those who puppet the name for their own ends or misguided beliefs, study the word. How can you know how to drive if you weren't taught how? Same thing with the Bible. It's all just really one big excerice in delayed gratificaiton. Delayed gratification is the ability to resist the temptation of an immediate reward in favor of a more valuable and long-lasting reward later. So despite our flesh craving things that feel good to us, we have to deny ourselves for His sake, because that is what He has commanded us to do. And while it might be 'boring' now and we miss out on 'good' (as defined by the world, which is wrong) things now, our reward is in Heaven. And our reason for this is Jesus. And there truly is no greater reason.

When it comes to anyone that is sexually confused, or with any sin ever really, its not how God created us. Life is not supposed to be this way. We were all corrupted by the fall and how sin has infected everything. While you might believe that you were 'born this way', its not. Its not who you were made to be.

But good news! GOD CAN FIX IT!

The only thing worth placing our complete and total identity in is Jesus Christ, the son of God, who willingly came down from heaven to earth to be born of a teenage girl in the grossest place possible, to walk the earth for thirty years and experience every hardship and be tempted with every sin, to then die in the most torturous way that humans have ever devised, all for a chance at saving and redeeming His children. Every day, the more I learn about Him and what He has done for me, how can I not deny my impluses to lie and lust and be lazy and succumb to how my evil mind wants me to hurt myself and every other sin? He made the ultimate sacrifice so I could have but a chance at life. So from the moment I put my faith and trust in Him and was saved, until the day I die, I am going to continually deny myself for His sake, because he denyed Himself of His rightful glory for mine.

That's why I'm a Christian.

So when it comes to talking to anyone who is queer, or engaing with any piece of media that has a lot of queer representation in it, I love them and treat them the exact same way I would treat any other person or fandom. With the diginity and love and respect that they deserve as people. Whatever labels they put on themselves or whatever they think about anything ever, I'll be kind and gracious to them like how Christ has called me to. But, I won't accept a sinful lifestyle as okay, no matter the sin. I won't accept the lifestyles of ANYONE who disobeys God, not matter what the sin in question is, because every single lifestyle or belief apart from Him is sinful. But I will never turn my back on them, or treat them with disrespect or even hatred, and with every single desicion I make I do everything in my power to do exactly what God has called me to do.

Now. If you read all of this and now decide that you hate me, or just disagree with my beliefs, and want to block me here and my fandom sideblog, that's cool. I get it, I really do. I'm just glad that you listened to what I have to say here.

Like I said in that post though, I don't really talk about my faith in Jesus Christ on there at all? And in my writing (mostly unpublished yet though lol) I plan to touch on it slightly, because that's just how my Five runs through her life, but it doesn't like... change my perception of the story really? I love it and enjoy it! So while being a Christian is an integral part of my worldview and all that jazz, its not like I'm going to go into the ZR tag with a megaphone and scream, "I HATE QUEER PEOPLE!!!" And also because... that's not true.

I don't hate someone who disagrees with me or lives their life differently than I do just because we're different. That is just as much of a sin. So look, when it comes to fandom in general, I don't think it is the best place and time to talk about the Gospel and how Jesus has changed my life unless it nautrally comes up, not because I don't want to share how Jesus has radically changed the human condition of emptiness and guilt and shame, but because it's not exactly the perfect way to talk about these things. I personally think its more effective to have a deep converstation about what the meaning of life is and our place in it with someone I know personally, and I have a good relationship with, than just making a post that says 'ur an evil sinner who's going to hell repent or else' in a fandom space.

Also because that's a lie. You, reading this, no matter who you are, are no better or worse of a sinner than I am. We both deserve to die for our sins. But what the difference between us as of this moment is, is that I have been redeemed by Christ. And you can too. I'm praying for you, and if you have any follow up questions or want to learn more, I am here.

I'm sorry this was so long, but thank you for reading it! It became long because there are just so many important things that needed to be said when it comes to this.

#sunkissedliterarylightofchrist #asks #anon #christian #queer #gospel #bible #theology #sin #human condition #fandom

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saiilorstars · 1 year ago

Text

Love, Ours Ch. 9: To Those Left Pairing: Steve Rogers x OFC, ft. baby!oc Story Summary: One-Shots/AU collection of Seren and Steve outside of their fics (Darkest Before Dawn, Alignment, etc.).

Story Masterlist ○ Seren’s Masterlist

Also available on Fanfic ○ Ao3 ○ Wattpad

taglist: @ocappreciationtag @arrthurpendragon @anotherunreadblog @maaaaarveeeeel @stareyedplanet @gloryekaterina @averyhotchner @foxesandmagici @kmc1989

[If you’d like to be a part of any OC’s works/edits, let me know!]

He'd always remember the first night they met. It was rainy outside but after a long mission, Steve couldn't see himself getting any kind of rest until he had his favorite pastries. Traffic was hell, it would be a lot longer in the rain if he took the motorcycle so, with an umbrella clutched in his hand, he walked all the way.

He opened the bakery door and shook the umbrella outside before quickly rushing inside. He closed the umbrella and started towards the counter. There was another customer at the front, her baggy green jacket drenched from the rain.

"C'mon, put it on my tab or something!" She was saying to the young cashier.

"Seren, you know well there's no tabs," the cashier smiled apologetically at the woman. "I can't give you your order."

'Seren' let out a groan, shaking her head. The hood of her jacket fell back slightly, revealing brown hair at the top of her head. "C'mon, you know I would never do this. It's the rain — I got caught in the middle of it — literally dropped my stuff — I'm sorry!"

The more she went on, the more it sounded like she went through actual hell so Steve decided to step in.

"I can pay for the order, Mary," he said to the cashier, someone who knew him very well as he was, of course, a regular there.

Seren immediately pulled her hood down and fixed her wide green eyes at Steve. "That's not necessary!" Her long brown hair was wet and strands were sticking to her face so she started pulling them off. "That's really not necessary! I know I look like a mess but trust me I'm usually on my stuff!"

Steve was amused with her alarm; at least she seemed genuine. Besides, he felt bad enough that she was soaking wet. "We all have those days." He looked at Mary again who seemed to be waiting for a final decision between the two. "I'm paying. And could you get my usual too, please?"

"Sure," Mary said and started inputting the order on the cash register. "To go as well?"

"Yeah." Steve said but he took a second glance at Seren and, on a whim, added two cups of warm coffees. "For here." It seemed like Seren's eyes were permanently wide. "If that's alright with you, of course, just while we wait…" Steve decided to say to lessen the pressure. He wouldn't want her to feel like she had to sit with him just because he was paying for her order.

"Y-yeah," Seren said nervously and while Steve went ahead and paid, she quickly combed her fingers through her hair in hopes that she could appear a little more presentable.

Mary chuckled as she saw the woman's panic. She sent Steve to the pick up side of the counter then whispered over to Seren. "You look fine."

Flushed, Seren went to go find a table…which wasn't that hard considering the terrible weather outside. Most people were doing take-out. She took off her coat and draped it on one of the empty chairs beside her. She grabbed a few napkins to pat dry her face then set them on the side as well.

A few minutes later, Steve came by with the coffee. He set her coffee in front of her then sat down across from her. "I didn't add anything," he warned her and reached for the sugar packets.

"It's totally fine, thank you," Seren offered her best grateful smile because it's literally all she had tonight. Not even a sad dollar was in her pocket. "Like I said before, I'm usually a lot more put together than this. It's a fluke, I promise."

Steve chuckled at her. "And like I said too, everyone has those days."

Seren ripped open a sugar packet and dumped the whole thing into her coffee. "It's Seren, by the way, and I'm very thankful for what you did for me."

"Steve," he introduced himself as he too dumped sugar into his coffee, "And you're very welcome."

"I will pay you back," Seren promised, stirring her coffee gently. "I swear."

Steve chuckled again. "It's fine, really. Not richer nor poorer because of a few dollars."

"Except it was a big order so it wasn't a few dollars at all."

"It's still fine. Were you having a get together tonight?" As soon as he asked, he saw a faint flush on her face.

"Not really…" she said quietly, though very embarrassed. How could she say that the whole order was just for her without sounding like…? "But I mean it. I will definitely be paying you back."

Now matter how many times Steve said it wasn't necessary, Seren insisted that she would.

"I just wouldn't feel good about myself," she said, and took a sip of her coffee. She hummed as the warm liquid traveled down her throat. She didn't usually get cold but tonight the rain was a nightmare.

Steve smiled at her again, taking in her pretty features. The rain hadn't done her wrong in any way.

They talked for a while, neither one bothering to check in with Mary about their orders. Steve found that it wasn't that hard forgetting about dessert as he got to know Seren more. She was sweet and funny and for some reason everything just felt comfortable. It turned out it was a small word because once upon a time, Seren had been a SHIELD agent like him. When it went down, she switched gears and entered the CIA.

"Not really as much fighting as before but it's better than a desk job," she gave a nonchalant shrug. She silently noted that she was almost done with her coffee. "Though I guess you really wouldn't know about that, huh?"

Steve knew what she meant and sheepishly looked at her. "So you did recognize me?" Seren nodded. "You didn't mention it in the beginning…" Usually people recognized him on the spot as Captain America and were never quiet about it, nor shy.

"Why would I?" Seren said, confused. "It wasn't pertinent to the moment."

A pleasant smile crossed Steve's face at that. "It wasn't?"

"No." Seren brought her coffee to her lips and flashed him half a smirk.

Mary finally called them about their orders, breaking their moment. Steve took a look at his watch and realized half an hour had gone by. The orders were definitely done long before now. Still, half an hour seemed so short. He looked at Seren as she placed her coffee cup down on the table, empty like his. Something in his stomach twisted. He needed at least another half hour with her...

But that wasn't possible and he knew it.

Seren started getting out of her seat and reached over for her jacket. It wasn't that much dry but it wouldn't matter as she was about to go through the rain again. "Thank you so much, Steve. Seriously. And you know I'm gonna pay you back."

"Yes, I know," Steve said with a playful roll of his eyes. "So if you're that determined, why don't we meet tomorrow then? If you're able to, I meant…"

Seren hummed as she considered the idea. In reality she was just joking because she knew what she wanted. "It's not going to rain tomorrow so…yeah, that sounds nice. Want to go to Central Park?"

"Sure," Steve said when in reality he had been about to blurt 'anywhere' instead.

They settled for lunch time then headed to pick up their orders at the counter. Mary handed them their respective bags and wished them a goodnight.

It was still pouring when they reached the entrance doors. Steve offered to take Seren home but she was adamant that she would be fine.

"I literally live like three blocks down," she said. "And I'm fast. Trust me."

Steve didn't feel right about it but he couldn't force her to let him come with her. He opened the doors and then opened his umbrella. Seren pulled her hood up and stepped out with him.

"Here," Steve moved the umbrella's handle into Seren's free hand before she could refuse.

"Steve, I said I'm fine—!" Seren laughed at his insistence and tried to give it back to him.

Steve's hand wrapped tighter around the handle, and over Seren's hand in the process. Now Seren was laughing nervously. His hand was super warm, not to mention strong, but it was the gentleness in his eyes that captivated her, the charm in them.

"Please, take it," Steve insisted. Seren found herself nodding at him like she was in trance. He was hesitant to let her hand go but he didn't have any other excuse to prolong it. He was still slow about it, letting their fingers brush against each other until finally it was just Seren holding the umbrella.

"Goodnight, Seren…"

"Goodnight, Steve," Seren said with what she would think was nothing but a dorky smile. God, everything about her that night had been such a mess.

But Steve hadn't thought so. To him, the night had been perfect.

Present Day

Steve woke up to the sound of a toddler's cries. Without a second thought, he got up from bed and went into the adjoining room where the cries resembled more like screams. A toddler with a beet-red face was sitting in the middle of his crib, crying his head off.

"Okay, c'mon up, bud," Steve reached inside the crib to pick the toddler up into his arms. He then grabbed the little blue blanket with bright yellow stars; Noel would want it as soon as he calmed down.

He returned to his room and tried soothing Noel with gentle bouncing before getting back into bed. But while Noel stopped screaming, he still continued to cry. And what was worse is that he was crying and calling for his mother. It was the same constant 'mama, mama, mama!' that Noel often cried when he was in-between naps and sleep, because that was of course when he needed his mother the most.

It broke Steve's heart just a little bit more than it already was. He was Noel's father, and he loved the little boy so, so much but even he knew that at the end of the day, every child needed their mother more. There was something that a mother provides that a father just couldn't. And this had been Steve's reality for many months now.

Steve brought Noel to bed with him, wrapping him up in his favorite blanket and setting him to rest on his chest. These days, Noel no longer wanted his pacifier. Every time Steve gave it to him, Noel would spit it out and if it didn't land far from him, he would reach it and then chuck as far as his little arm could throw it. Steve wouldn't put it behind Noel to have given up the pacifier as his form of retribution for not keeping his mother with them.

Noel's cries gradually lessened as he tired himself out and gained some kind of comfort from his father's heartbeats and then finally fell asleep. Instead of putting him back in his crib, Steve kept him with him. Just like the night before, and the one before that.

Past

One innocent meeting at Central Perk turned into another "get together", and then another one and then suddenly they mutually agreed they were going out on dates. There was no denying from either side that they needed to keep seeing each other. So whenever Steve wasn't on some Avengers mission and Seren wasn't on a CIA assignment, they were seeing each other.

It ultimately led to Steve's friends hassling him to make it official. He saw Seren all the time and when they couldn't, they did video calls. Seren was delighted with his old fashioned way of asking her if she wanted to be his girlfriend — his girl. But before she would fully say 'yes', because she wanted to with all her heart, she came clean to Steve about her true self.

"I'm not entirely human," she had whispered to him with heavy fear in her eyes. She explained her lineage to him, how her grandmother was from another planet and had sought refuge on Earth, how her mother was born on Earth to a human father…how she was then born…and that at the end of the day she was still part alien.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you before," she said, swallowing thickly. "I understand if you're angry with me and don't want anything to do with me."

But of course Steve was not angry. He simply wrapped her up in his arms, bringing her on his lap and kissed her, softly reassuring her that everything was fine.

"I mean, it would be slightly hypocritical of me to say anything when I'm Captain America and I work as an Avenger…" He said as a means to humor her and bring a smile out of her fearful face. It did, even though it was a small one. She nestled closer to him on the couch of her living room. "We're going to be okay," Steve promised her and pressed a soft kiss on her temple. "But I'd still like an answer to my question, you know, whatever it was going to be."

Seren's smile spread at the reminder. "I think you already know…"

"Maybe," Steve kissed her temple again, "But I'd still like to hear it."

Seren playfully rolled her eyes. "Yes — obviously."

After that answer, it was very hard to separate them both. If they weren't working, they were together. Even if it was early or late. In no time, Steve was bringing her to the Avengers' compound to see the place and meet the team.

"This place is so big!" Seren laughed throughout the tour. Steve had brought her into one of their training rooms where two Avengers were currently training. She recognized them immediately, having previously worked with one of them.

"Long time no see, Soul," Natasha said as they greeted her.

"You two know each other?" Tony Stark eyed the two women curiously.

"SHIELD," Seren and Natasha replied.

"It wasn't that small of an organization," Seren said with a shrug.

"Ah, so where were you when it was all going down?" Tony asked, prompting Steve to shush him.

Seren felt his arm wrapping around her waist. "She's here to visit, Stark."

"Well then, what do you think of the place so far?" Tony asked.

Seren hummed as she looked around the training room. "It's okay…" She set eyes on the targets set across them. "Oof, whoever made those shots…yikes."

Steve and Natasha laughed while Tony went into a ramble about his targets. Sure, the blasts were a little off but they were still good.

Seren seemed bemused and chuckled. "I'm happy to help you with target practice."

Tony scoffed. " Really ?"

"I'm good, I swear." And to prove her point, Seren raised a fist towards the target Tony had been practicing on and fired star matter. The entire target went up in dangerous star fire.

Tony deadpanned her for a long, hard minute while both Natasha and Steve did poorly hiding their laughs. "Nice girl, Cap," he muttered and took off. "I'm gonna bill you for that!" He called to Seren just before disappearing.

Seren made a face and looked up at Steve. "I don't think he likes me."

"Funny, because I'm liking you more right now," he remarked and dipped his head to kiss her cheek, earning a giggle from her.

Present Day.

Noel was in a full blown babbling moment and Steve had no idea what on earth the toddler was saying. Every once in a while he heard coherent words — among them mama, dada, no…but then he heard 'mon-mon' and he knew exactly what Noel wanted then.

In about an hour, he'd taken the toddler out with him for a quick pastry trip and returned home. He sat with Noel on the couch, giving him small pieces of his favorite treat: cinnamon rolls. Noel was delighted with each piece his father gave him, squealing for more whenever Steve happened to be too slow for his liking.

"Just like your mother…" He said with a dim smile as he wiped some of the crumbs off Noel's chin.

At the mention of his mother, Noel began to call for his 'mama!', clapping his hands together. "Mama! Mama, mon-mon!"

Steve's smile softened and he gave Noel another piece of a cinnamon roll. "Guess I'll have to finish teaching you how to say that. Noel, cinnamon roll?"

"Mon-mon!" Noel squealed again.

Steve shook his head. "Noel, try again. Cinnamon roll?"

With a giggle, Noel repeated his version of the word.

"Noel—"

The toddler let out a playful shriek and lunged towards Steve, quickly reaching for the rest of the cinnamon roll in his hands. He then attacked it with his new teeth. Steve laughed at the sight and pulled Noel on his lap.

"Yeah, alright, we can take a break…" He kissed the top of Noel's head then smoothed out his blonde hair.

Past

Steve gently pulled Seren's body closer to his. She rested her head on his bare chest, her fingers absent-mindedly making circles over his skin.

"You know, I should be going now…" Seren said for about the fifth time now without actually moving an inch.

"Stay…" Steve kissed her hair.

"I've been here all weekend, lovey. I'm sure your friends are so tired of me by now."

"Thor and Natasha love you."

"Mm, and what about Tony?"

"You know, I don't particularly care about his opinion, especially when they're always wrong."

Seren chuckled. She tilted her head up to see Steve. "I love you, but I do have a home to go to. My stuff is all there."

"I know that, I do, but why?" Steve seemed genuinely confused, which just made him look adorable to Seren.

She laughed again. "What do you mean 'why'? Because I live there?"

"Sure, but, what if you didn't live there?"

"Then I would be homeless, Steve."

Steve rolled his eyes and gave her a soft pinch on her side. Her body jerked and she yelped.

"What if you brought your stuff here so you could live here?" Steve said slowly and clearly. "Then we wouldn't have to worry about going back to our homes. Doesn't that sound appealing?"

Seren nodded without making opposing reasons. "But I mean…what about the others?"

"Seren, c'mon, if you're worried about Stark, he doesn't actually hate you. He just likes messing with you. He always messes with me, trust me."

"Oh, he better not," Seren said immediately, frowning as such. "I'll kick his ass right now."

"Not precisely right now, please," Steve said, giving her a look for her less than clothed situation. She rolled her eyes at him. "Seren, please? What do you honestly think?"

Seren sighed lightly and started to smile. "What do you think? I would love it. I would love to stay here, be with you, and wake up in the morning with you again and again. You don't seem to understand, I love you."

Steve did understand, but he liked getting reassured every now and then. "So, are you staying tonight?"

Seren nodded at him. "I called into work sick tomorrow. Told them I had a fever."

Steve chuckled. "A fever?"

"Real nasty one. Got the shivers and everything."

"Liar, liar, Miss Soul…"

Seren began to laugh as he gently tugged her off his body and turned on her so that he was hovering over her.

"We don't lie," Steve wagged a finger at her.

"Then I guess I'll have to go back to work tomorrow morning…" Seren warned him.

"The lie has already been said, the day is marked off…"

"Oh well!"

"Yeah, oh well…" Steve flashed her a smirk before diving down for a kiss.

Present Day.

Noel squealed with laughter as someone threatened to catch him down the hall. His running was at best a penguin's waddle and he'd almost fallen several times but his stamina was of course, super, so he ran across the whole compound without missing a beat.

Finally, Steve snuck up on him and swept the toddler off his feet. "Gotcha!"

Noel's laughter echoed through the building. "Mon-mon! Dada, mon-mon!"

"Oh," snorted Steve as he settled Noel on his side, "because you won?"

Noel nodded like he completely understood the question, and maybe he had. To this day, Steve wasn't sure exactly how far developed Noel was with both the serum and Celessian blood running through his body. Before, when Seren was still with them, they would often get curious and talk about it…but now it was the least of Steve's concern. Noel was healthy and developing fine and that was all that mattered. That was all that Seren would care about.

"Dada!" Noel slapped a small hand on Steve's cheek to get his attention. "Mon-mon!"

"You are your mother's son," Steve shook his head playfully, "You'll make up any excuse to get a cinnamon roll."

He started heading towards the kitchen with Noel. There was a box of leftover cinnamon rolls from the previous night and of course Noel recognized it the moment he spotted it on the aisle.

Steve set Noel down on the aisle and grabbed the box. Noel excitedly sucked breaths as he watched his father break a cinnamon roll in pieces. He could hardly wait for one when Steve offered him a piece.

"What, no dinner first?" drawled a voice from the threshold.

As soon as Noel heard her, he looked back and grinned. "Asha! Asha!"

Natasha walked into the kitchen and smiled at the toddler. "Look at you getting dessert before dinner…" She crossed gazes with Steve, her smile becoming a teasing one. "You are and have always been a sucker for Celessians, huh?"

Steve deadpanned her but not as much as he would've liked because soon Noel had started yelling for another cinnamon roll. Natasha smirked, her point proven.

"So, shouldn't the munchkin be asleep by now?" She checked the time on the clock. It was well past nine.

"Yeah, uh, he wanted to play and…like you said…I can't say no…" Steve watched Noel fondly while he chewed on his piece of bread.

"Mm, you know I only kid," Natasha said, "But it wouldn't be bad if you didn't feel guilty all the time."

"I'll stop when you stop," Steve remarked and looked at Natasha with the same smile as the one she wore.

There was a reason why out of the remaining Avengers, they were the only ones who decided to return to the compound and live together. They were the only ones who couldn't move on. They were the only ones who still sought to work and…just try to help…make things a little better.

"You still have this little guy," Natasha said, reaching over to tickle Noel's stomach, earning a giggle from the boy. He tried swiping her hand off and lucky for him, she stopped so he could keep eating.

Steve agreed. Noel was the only thing keeping him from losing it altogether. Every time he woke up, he had a reason to stay awake and not let the darkness swallow him up. For every giggle that Noel let out, Steve felt some comfort. If he could make his baby happy, then he wasn't a complete failure.

Past

Seren was in tears, her face red from both anger and frustration. Steve wasn't listening to her. He was so close to the stupid door, about to open it, all in the name of doing the right thing .

"Screw the right thing and listen to me!" she yelled at him.

"Seren, believe me, I am!" Steve exclaimed. "But you're the one who doesn't want to hear me out!"

"Because you're telling me that you're not coming back! You're telling me that you're going to leave me behind!"

"Because I have to!"

"No, you don't!"

"Yes, I do! I have to leave you because then otherwise, they'll be coming after you too! And that is the last thing I would ever want for you!" Steve said, doing his very best not to raise his voice. The last image of her should not be of her face after he screamed at her for something that wasn't her fault. This was all on him. He was the one who made the choice to help Bucky, condemning his friends to the life of fugitives.

He'd been very weak and couldn't let go of Seren then. For the past months, he'd been sneaking back to see Seren, having to be extra careful so as to not get caught but most importantly to not to get Seren caught.

"Seren, this is just getting too dangerous," Steve said. "We have to stop, as much as it hurts us. I can't drag you down with me. I love you too much to do that to you. Please. I have to go."

But Seren shook her head fervently, remaining hard on her stance. "You can't leave me. I can't let you. Because if you walk out right now, I don't know when I'll ever see you again…"

"Seren, I'm sorry. I really am, but I gotta do this. I have to go."

"Then take me with you," Seren said determinedly.

Steve started shaking his head at her. "No, you have a life. You have a job, you have a family—"

"None of it matters anymore!"

"What—?"

"It's not just about me anymore," Seren said, visibly gulping as she brought a hand over her stomach. "I understand what you want to do for me but it's not about me right now. I'm pregnant, Steve."

As she expected, there was a long, long , pause in the argument. Steve had practically gaped at her, mouth hanging wide open. He'd expected an argument from her, tears, and maybe even words that they would later regret…but not this . This was the last, very last , thing he ever thought would happen.

"This isn't how I wanted to tell you — God I never pictured telling anyone this kind of news like this," Seren let out a humorless laugh as she wiped some tears off her face. "But it's better than having you run off before knowing the truth. If you walk out that door and don't come back, you'll be walking out on your child too. I would never threaten you and I know I wouldn't ever have to because I know that you love me as much as I love you. That's why this happened." She rubbed her stomach. "Please don't leave us. We need you."

Whether it was the news, or her frail voice, or the tears in her eyes, it was unclear, but Steve left the door and strode back to Seren. He pulled her into a tight hug, to which she basically clung to.

"I'm sorry," he heard her whisper in her arms.

"No, no, you're not apologizing for anything," Steve said, cupping her face and tilting her head up. "You're so beautiful, and I love you. I love you so much." He leaned down and kissed her. "And I love this baby already so, so much."

"You believe me, then?" A few more tears threatened to spill from Seren's eyes. Steve wiped them off with his thumbs.

"I believe that we are about to have one very unique little baby…at a less than prudent time…" And at that, Steve couldn't hide his nerves. The news didn't change his circumstances. He was still on the run. "Seren, if you come with me…you'll lose everything…" He leaned his forehead on hers.

"I have everything I need right here," Seren whispered, closing her eyes with his touch.

There was nothing left to say. That night, Steve did not return to his team alone.

Present Day.

No toddler could have been happier than Noel when he smashed his birthday cake. Steve, Natasha and Chloe all laughed. Once cake bits started flying into Noel's mouth, the decision to smash or eat the cake became more of a struggle.

"Happy birthday, kiddo," Chloe I'd and helped Noel with another piece of cake on his face. "I won't be the one cleaning you up later."

Steve rolled his eyes at her but did take a look at his cake-covered son with some wariness. If there was one thing Noel loved, it was bath time and if there was one thing Steve didn't like, it was bath time. It was chaos, to say the least. But the everlasting giggles coming from Noel each time he smashed his fist against the cake and the wide grin on his face made it all worth it in the end.

Steve smiled at his son.

"What flavor even is that thing?" Natasha wondered as Noel joyfully shoved some of it into his mouth.

"Cinnamon," Steve replied.

"Of course," went Natasha and Chloe together with similar knowing smiles.

A little later, Noel has finally gotten his fill on cake and was now taking real notice of just how sticky he'd gotten in the process. What was fun and giggles had quickly turned into fuss and calls for help. It took a lot of wiping but they got Noel semi-clean enough to be held. Steve was now in charge of feeding him small bits of cake while Natasha and Chloe offered the toddler gifts.

Noel loved his new toys, and Steve truly appreciated the loud ones. It was Chloe who offered Noel a present that Steve took to heart.

"I changed the frame and everything so it can't be smashed," Chloe said as Noel and Steve tore the gift open.

As soon as Noel saw it, he let out a happy squeal. "Mama! Mama!" He recognized his mother in the picture. His not-so-sticky fingers hit the picture frame in his joyful screeches.

Steve was stark quiet as he held the frame and stared at it. For a second Chloe regretted her decision.

"I found it in my, uh, things and I thought you guys might want…" she sighed, "I'm sorry, I just thought—"

"Thank you, Chloe," Steve said, lifting his eyes from the frame to meet her gaze. She visibly relaxed with his words. "We love it. Thank you."

That night, when Noel was bathed and nestled comfortably in his father's arms, the two sat in bed with the frame of Seren's picture in front of them. She was younger than when Steve had met her in that bakery shop, with shorter hair and in a pretty flower dress. She wore her star pendant around her neck, the same one that had disappeared with her. Her star birthmarks were very visible on her neck and shoulder, two things she had always been so reluctant about.

From a glimpse, Steve saw the same birthmark on the side of Noel's neck peeking from his onesie. The toddler was idly rubbing his stuffy under his nose, an old habit from when he used to do it with his pacifier.

"Mama…Mama…" he said every once in a while, less enthusiastic unlike earlier. It was night now, and Steve knew that this is when Noel needed Seren most.

"I know buddy, I miss her too," Steve whispered and kissed the top of Noel's face.

Past.

Exhausted and worn out, Seren held her newborn son in her arms with such love and joy and bewilderment. Steve couldn't figure out what was so confusing in the beginning and chalked it up to the fact the birth of their son had not been the easiest nor the shortest. Seren had done everything and now it was his turn to do everything for her, and now their son. He wanted to.

"Seren, sweetheart, you should get some rest," he said as he gently sat on the edge of the bed. "You can hand him over to me and you sleep."

"I know but I…I don't want to…" Seren said, watching her son yawn in her arms. "He's so small…"

"He is," agreed Steve with a fond smile on the newborn.

"I love you, Steve," Seren looked up at him with matching smiles. But the same bewilderment came back to Seren's face, pushing the smile off her face.

"Seren, what is it?"

"Nothing bad, I just…" Seren gazed at her son again, "I love you, Steve, I do, and so much…I just didn't know that there would ever be someone else that would tip the scales." She adored her son so much, the words failed to describe the intensity of her love. "He's like a little extension of our love…"

"And that's why you're so confused?" Steve smiled, amused. He was sure Seren was still in dire need of sleep.

Seren shrugged lightly. "Call me crazy, I just never thought I'd experience something like this. I would rip the world apart for this little thing in my arms...with absolutely no hesitation."

"I'd never call you crazy for that. Truth is, you're right. I feel the same way."

"I thought of a name for him," Seren said abruptly. With all the mess of the birth, they had yet to make any name official. She motioned Steve to come closer and took his hand with one of hers. "What do you think about Noel?"

"Noel…" Steve tested the name out several times before deciding that he liked the ring of it.

"Yeah?" Seren smiled as Steve came around.

"I like it, yeah. Noel. What do you think, Noel?" Steve peered down at the newborn and swore that Noel had smiled at him.

"Noel Steven Rogers," Seren said and Steve's head snapped up at her. Her lips spread into another smile. He was adorable too. "What do you think?"

"I don't…are you sure?"

They never talked about how they would name their baby; their main priority had always been a full-term pregnancy, no complications, and most of all giving birth to a healthy baby.

Seren chuckled. "If I wasn't so sore, I'd be pulling you over."

Steve laughed and winced when their son made a fuss. "Sorry, bud," he leaned down and pressed a kiss on his forehead.

"So? What do you say?" Seren still waited for his answer.

"I like it," Steve nodded. "But the next one will be named after you."

Seren chuckled. "Let's give it some time, okay?"

"I'm in no rush." Steve took his hand out of hers to cup her face. He leaned over and kissed her. "Now how about that rest?" He murmured against her lips.

"Don't…" Seren pouted. "I don't want to let him go."

Steve laughed lightly then. "Honey, you need to rest. I'll be here with you and Noel."

"I know that…but I still want to hold him…" Seren shifted Noel so that his head rested over her heart. She gently soothed his back and kissed his head. "Now you can come over here—" — she told Steve and nodded at the spot beside them, to which he quickly obeyed and came to sit next to her, "—and everything will be just fine."

Present Day.

Noel was fast asleep on Steve's chest, his small hands gripping his blanket. Steve held the picture frame of Seren in his hand. He glanced at the empty spot beside him on the bed.

'And everything will be just fine…'

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rockinlibrarian · 10 months ago

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Post-Umbrella Academy S4 Reaction Part Four: On How to End a Story (obviously spoilery but under a cut)

Okay! I'm back and have a moment to write again! It's Field Trip Week in my real-life job which means I've been a LITTLE exhaused, and sunnymarbles has been having me dye their hair in sections each night which is taking some time as well (artists, you know). -actually I started typing this paragraph and got called to dye hair again because they're going out in public tomorrow so can't be having half-dyed hair. And I do still have work tomorrow (one last field trip!) so I ought to go to bed but DANGIT I'M SICK OF BEING INTERRUPTED FROM WRITING.

SO, when last I left you with my TUA S4 reactions, we discussed my favorite part of the season, so now it's time to discuss my least favorite part. As I said in my FIRST reaction post, I ENJOYED Season 4, right up until the very last moment.

The literal very last. Because until that moment, there was still time to turn it around.

Discussion about exactly why the ending didn't work for me, and me making shameless comparisons to Legion again, below the cut.

But see, the comparison is important this time, because both shows ended with the same cop-out twist: "Our characters have messed up SO BADLY that the only option is to completely erase the events of the show from existence!" The biggest difference, though, was that I finished Legion feeling peaceful, and thinking that if it wasn't a completely happy ending it was at least bittersweet. It was only later that I looked at the last episode and noticed the plot holes, the deus ex machina, the deliberate ignoring of earlier canon just to fit what they were trying to make happen-- it was actually a pretty messy ending.

But here's the thing-- the characters were ready. They'd all grown and learned lessons and forgiven trespasses and so forth. So I felt happy for them.

And the events of the show had been erased from existence, but time was happening over again, with the promise that THIS time things MIGHT go better. Not guaranteed. The fix-it I wrote for the end of Legion was merely putting the pieces in place to assure that.

But although the end of the Umbrella Academy was less messy plot-wise than Legion's ending, the CHARACTERS were still a mess, and that erased any feel-good feelings I could have had.

I suspect one reason I enjoyed all the rest of the season better than a lot of people was that my blorbo, Viktor, was the only one who hadn't backslid in his growth-- the only one doing relatively well, and, to be frank, the only one that really seemed to be doing anything useful to the plot in the course of the season. Everyone else was falling back on bad habits both tangibly and emotionally, getting into subplots that never reconnected to the main plot, and honestly most of them were back at the lowest points of their lives at the moment the Cleanse erased them. As I said in his essay, it would have worked if Viktor had made the ultimate sacrifice while saving everyone else, and that's because he would have been going out a hero. For everyone else it felt much more like simply giving up-- a hopeless suicide.

But again, I held out until the very end, the post-credits, hoping that they would at least, like on Legion, get a fresh start. Or if we could see them in the Afterlife working out their issues in a space that they couldn't destroy-- and it's not like this show DOESN'T canonically have an Afterlife where characters can hang out coming to peace with what their lives had been. The characters were not in the right place emotionally to end in a way that would leave the audience feeling good about it.

I feel kind of lucky that I'd already started noodling with a crossover where those characters really COULD work out their issues in...well, another universe, if not the Afterlife. Now it became all the more obvious-- the Hargreeves desperately need to end up at Summerland. They need therapy from people who specialize in people with superpowers. They need a peaceful place to chill together and reconnect into the family they kept threatening to be but somehow failed to be when the series ended. So I've got my little fix-it to work on.

But let that be a lesson for other creators. You can do an everybody-dies ending, you can reset the entire universe, but you've got to do it in a way that really involves all the characters and leaves us with a sense of hope. Otherwise, what was the point of the story you were telling? You have to end your story, not just let it fall apart. You have to convince the audience that this is inevitable.

Speaking of terrible endings, I shall now abruptly end this essay, because it's midnight and I have work tomorrow and I'm falling asleep at my computer. I will write more soon!

#the umbrella academy #on how to tell or not tell a story

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ilikereadingactually · 10 months ago

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The City in the Middle of the Night

The City in the Middle of the Night by Charlie Jane Anders

it's been quite a while since i actually carried a physical book around with me so much that it got this banged up! but once i started this one i didn't want to stop, so it went to the beach with me, got banged around in my bag and my hands across several modes of public transit (it's HARD to get to LBI without a car!!), and then got rained on when the sky opened up and we had not brought a beach umbrella. but! i finally finished it, once it was dry and i had time again after reading workshop manuscripts. and what a world to come back to, after flexing my brain muscles very hard for a week!

such WORLDBUILDING in this book!! it's truly astonishing, and probably my favorite aspect. every location on this alien post-generation-ship planet where humans have settled feels entirely lived in, whether it's ancient or it's only been a few generations. humans are hanging on by a thread, straddling the thin line of habitable space between eternal, searing daylight and eternal frozen dark, in ways that just feel so accurate to us as a species. they're erasing their own cultures in favor of assimilation, or they're reclaiming those cultures again, or they're partying all night, or they're living under an unbreakable tight schedule. students and pirates, scavengers and poverty and extreme wealth, melting pots and salad bowls of Earth cultures arranged in drastically new ways of life. it's so fascinating, and then there are also WICKED COOL ALIENS. aliens who communicate with psychic tentacles and share every memory! who build underground cities and don't have any need for individual names!! (this is a thing i have loved since being obsessed with Gargoyles as a child, i have a feeling it's come up in a review before.)

and leading us through this intensely wild and deep world are alternating POV protagonists Sophie—a shy scholarship student whose life changes forever when she takes the blame for something her crush Bianca did—and Mouth, a scrappy smuggler who's lost everything and keeps trying to find her way. i loved them both and was infuriated by them simultaneously, sucked in by all their lovely human flaws and foibles, Sophie's tenderness and her inability to see through Bianca over and over again, Mouth's stubbornness and singlemindedness even when she came around to better paths. there was so much going on here, and so much more i would love to know about how this world has progressed after the end of the book!! (but i do love a story that doesn't tie everything up neatly, and leaves the world and the reader with hope for the work yet to be done.)

the deets

how i read it: as i said above, a physical copy this time! it's been sitting on my tbr shelf for a while, i'm glad i finally got to it.

try this if you: dig really thought-out alien worlds and cultures and politics, love when people who feel like outsiders find their communities and callings, or like to yell out loud about intrigue and people frequently behaving foolishly for good reasons.

some bits i really liked: Sophie being extremely relatable

Every so often, Bianca puts on a dress made of iridescent petals, or violet satin, and disappears, along with a few others from our dorm. There's always some party, or banquet, that she needs to go to, to nurture her status among the city's elite. She stands in the doorway, the silhouette of an upward-pointing knife, and smiles back at me. "I'll be back before you know."

___

Every time I think I know what's wrong with me, I find something else.

___

Bianca asked if I trusted her, and I said yes, and I meant it. This thing with Dash is just part of whatever she's planning, and she's in control of the whole situation. I look at the taut line of her pale neck and exposed back, as she leans toward Dash, and I choose to see a harpoon gun, aimed and cocked.

#books and reading #booklr #bookblr #book recs #book reviews #queer sff #the city in the middle of the night #charlie jane anders

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justmywritingstuff · 1 year ago

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Speechless Changes Number 6 (Sneak peek)

Hey everyone! I know you were probably expecting the next and final chapter to Speechless Changes, but it's not done yet. It's the longest of all the chapters and is the kind of the ending--possibly not, I have an idea for a sequel, but haven't decided if I want to write it yet--so I want to make sure it turns out the way I'd like it too. It's just taking longer than I hoped it would to get everything written with life and all the fun stuff. So, sorry, no Chapter 6 for this update.

However, since people seem to like my work, I figured I'd give everyone a sneak peak to sate them until the final chapter is finished. So, here's a short sneak peek of the beginning part of the next chapter if anyone's interested.

(I promise I'll finish Number 6 as soon as I can guys)

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It’s a good day for Marinette, one of the best she’s had in awhile.

She had aced a test in school, watched Chloe fall face first into a muddy puddle, Alya called her her best friend, and she’s currently beating the hell out of some girl in a magic ox costume with her lucky charm—it’s an umbrella—while Claw is trying to get the miraculous. It’s a weird life, but sometimes it’s a damn good one.

The ox girl finally seems to fall back from the numerous hits, much to Shady’s displeasure—she was just starting to get into it.

Shady and Claw stand by her to make sure she stays down, Claw groans in annoyance and pulls out his staff to call someone.

She can’t help but ogle him as he does so, she loves this guy more than anything and he’s much more than a pretty face—but damn, she’s the first to admit he’s definitely a hot piece of ass, especially in the leather. She’s having a good day, but what would make it a fucking great day is the opportunity to drool over her attractive partner and get her daily dose of affection from those sinful lips of his.

The ox girl tries to get up, breaking Shady from her daydreaming. Shady sighs and hits her with the umbrella again, dazing her. Frankly, she’s amazed at how many hits to the head this girl can take and also the fact that the umbrella hasn’t broken yet.

“Hello?” She hears Betterfly’s voice coming from Claw’s staff.

“Where the hell is this lady’s miraculous?” Claw asks, exasperated.

“What lady? Oh no, are you two fighting another holder?”

“Yeah, ox girl.”

“Ox? That’s one of the Supreme’s favorites! Are you two alright? I’ll send reinforcements right—”

“Hell no, we’ve already got it handled. Where’s the miraculous? This girl’s covered in fucking jewelry.”

“Oh um nose ring, I believe?”

“Great. Hang on, you’ll get it in a sec.”

Claw leans down to the semi-unconscious ox girl and grabs the nose ring, handing it over to Shady as the girl returns to normal. Shady puts it into her yo-yo to send it to Betterfly.

The girl groans loudly.

“What was that?” Betterfly asks accusingly from Claw’s staff.

“That’s the ox.” Claw says. “I told you, we got it.”

“…Shadybug used her Lucky Charm as a weapon again, didn’t she?”

Claw sends Shady a look. “Uh no?”

Betterfly sighs, and she can practically hear him rubbing his forehead tiredly. “We’ll talk about it later.”

Claw hangs up his staff and Shady sighs, knowing that tomorrow probably held another long lecture about violence from Betterfly.

“Did you have to beat her with the fucking umbrella?” Claw says.

Shady shrugs and sends him a smirk. “She slapped your ass and made you uncomfortable. You would have done the same fucking thing if it was me instead.”

“…Fair point.”

She tosses her umbrella up in the air and does her miraculous cure. After all the usual things, damage is fixed, the girl thanks them for curing her disease but has a terrible headache, etc., Shady grabs Claw and leads him into a nearby tight alleyway to get them both away from any prying eyes as her miraculous beeps.

The alley is small, small enough that standing in it with backs to the walls would leave two people only a few feet apart. With how close the two of them choose to stand where they can feel the other’s breath on their face, though, it almost looks like the alley way is wide, but they just don’t understand personal space.

“You know Mothra’s gonna give you shit for today, cockroach.” Claw says with a smile as he plays with a loose strand of her hair.

“Yeah,” She answers, “but that’s tomorrow me’s problem.”

And she really believes that, she’s having a really good day today, so lectures and worrying about if solving problems with violence is becoming of a hero can be dealt with on another day.

“You’re in a good mood, Bug-a-babe.” Claw says teasingly. “I almost don’t recognize you without that pouty scowl on your face.”

She playfully punches him as her miraculous beeps again, signaling it’s final warning.

He grins and blinks like he’s realizing something.

“Something’s…different.” He says.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, fleabag.” She answers.

“Your suit.” He slowly brings his fingers down the side of her body and her breath catches. “I don’t know, it just looks…different somehow.”

“Oh? How?”

“Can’t put my finger on it, but it’s fucking distracting.”

She hums and leans in close, pressing her body against his as his gloved claws find their way to her hips.

“Distracting, huh?” She says. “Maybe I should just get the hell out of here then. Wouldn’t want to distract you from all your pretty boy shit.”

She starts to pull away, but his grip tightens on her hips before she can get far. It’s a dance they know, it’s usually done with a lot more punches and violence, but it’s a good day and she knows that he must be having a good day too to be so calm. On good days for both of them, neither of them feels the need to argue, it’s more playful and teasing.

“Oh no,” he says, “your spotted ass is stuck with me, cockroach.”

She blinks, taken aback at the familiar words she’s only heard him say once before.

~Flashback~

Swinging through the Parisian skyline wearing nothing but a bodysuit is not something she pictured herself doing, but feeling the rush of the wind in her face for the first time makes everything shitty about her life seem so trivial and forgetful…even the things that make her life hell seem so small in comparison.

Maybe that’s why the Supreme gave Marinette this Miraculous thing in the first place, he knew that once she got a taste of freedom from her shitty life she’d do anything to keep pushing—maybe that’s why he did a lot of things.

Marinette scowls to herself as she lands on a rooftop, what does she care what the Supreme does? He gave her power to do with as she pleases against some dumb butterfly guy, who is she to complain about such a great opportunity?

She flings her yo-yo at a weird pole to fling herself again. Why should she question any of this? So far, she hasn’t found any downsides to this superpowers thing.

Crash!

She crashes into something hard, getting dazed, and her yo-yo wraps itself around her and whatever it is. She groans and slowly opens her eyes to see a black mask attached to a not-unattractive face. She opens her mouth to scream at this guy in the mask as he groans and slowly opens his eyes, her mouth shuts as she’s meant with the most beautiful purple she’s ever seen.

He pulls his head back as soon as he sees her face, but she’s too mesmerized to really notice.

“What the…” The guy says. “Hey! Get me out of this fucking thing!”

The guy starts wiggling and Marinette realizes that their bodies are pressed together like something from a sex scene in a movie. She screeches as her cheeks heat up and quickly untangles them, her yo-yo bonking the masked guy in the head as they go onto a rooftop to have their feet on the ground.

As he rubs where the yo-yo hit him, Marinette finally gets a good look at him.

His hair is a weird green color, his eyes are a beautiful over-the-top purple, he’s covered in tasteful spikes and studs, there’s a bell around his neck for some reason, he’s wearing black lipstick, wearing perfectly form-fitting leather from head to toe, and has two cat ears on top of his somehow working-for-him mess of hair.

Hot damn are the only words that come to Marinette’s mind.

She chastises herself, she’s supposed to be wreaking chaos in the name of the Supreme, not ogling some eye candy who’s probably a huge asshole.

“That fucking hurt!” The attractive masked guy says. “What the hell is wrong with you, you psycho watermelon?”

And he’s got an attitude…hmm…maybe Marinette could spend a few minutes beating up the guy in skin-tight leather before she fucks up the butterfly guy. Not like she’s ever gonna see him again, how often would she get the chance to yell at a cat guy?

“I’m a fucking ladybug, asshole.” Marinette snaps back.

The guy rolls his pretty purple eyes. “You look more like a cockroach to me.”

“Yeah? Well, you look like a bag of fleas!”

“Hey!”

He grits his teeth and gets in her face.

“Cockroach!” He growls, pushing her.

“Fleabag!” She growls back, pushing him.

“Bug breath!”

“Fuzz face!”

They snarl at each other, and she grabs him by the collar, preparing to threaten or punch him. His snarl falls as he sees a large purple butterfly coming towards them.

“What the fuck is that?” He says.

“That’s an akuma, you dumbass.” She says, still holding him by the collar. “It’s attracted to our anger.”

“Then stop being angry, dammit! We don’t need that fucking thing over here!”

Huh, so he’s not a complete dumbass.

They both take a deep breath to calm down and the akuma flies away.

Marinette is suddenly all too aware that she’s still holding him by his jacket and that their faces are close enough that she can feel his breath on her face. She tries really hard not to think about how good his cologne smells or look at his attention-grabbing lips as she quickly pushes his (totally not attractive) face away from her.

He clears his throat and picks her yo-yo off the roof, holding it out to her. “Here, your yo-yo thing.”

Wait, why would he do that? He didn’t need to do that, no one had ever helped her for no reason before…he’s got something more to him under all that attitude, it seems, something that is grabbing her attention.

Her heartbeat picks up a bit as her hand brushes his when she grabs her yo-yo.

Oh no, that needs to stop right there. It’s fine, probably nothing, it’s not like Marinette has to worry about seeing him again, she can completely forget about it and—

“You must be that partner the Supreme is forcing me to work with.” He says. “I’m the cat holder, name’s Claw Noir.”

Fuck. Great, attractive asshole is her stupid partner.

She crosses her arms then eyes him up and down, trying to figure out the kind of person he is. Everyone she’s ever met had always either been afraid of her or wanted her to be afraid of them. Her guess is the latter, if his attitude is any indication, which is going to be a huge fucking inconvenience.

“Damn, do you ever pay attention, cockroach?” Claw Noir says, breaking her from her thoughts. “I asked what I’m supposed to call you?”

“I’m…” She pauses, remembering the Supreme mentioned secret identities, and tries to think of a name for her new super powered persona. “Shady. Yeah, Shadybug.”

“Shadybug? I think cockroach suits you better.”

He eyes her for a moment and something familiar flashes in his eyes, something she recognizes.

She blinks, suddenly overly aware of the guy in front of her. She can see all of it in his eyes, he’s broken and fucked up just like she is (which isn’t surprising since the Supreme obviously went after a specific kind of person)…anger and violence are how people like them communicate. But, that’s not what’s holding her attention. No, what’s holding her attention is the fact that alongside all that anger and pain she can see in his eyes is also that he isn’t afraid of her and he doesn’t want her to be afraid of him. She had never met someone who didn’t interact with her using some kind of fear, it’s…intriguing.

Her heart beats a bit faster at the thought, but surely, it’s just from the adrenaline.

…Right?

Well, maybe it isn’t, but if it isn’t then there’s a problem, she can’t let herself fall for an asshole like him, especially if she’s stuck with him. Not when she finally has some power.

Claw Noir looks her up and down again then sighs tiredly. “Great, the Supreme stuck me with a bitchy partner, just great.”

Does he already hate her? What the fuck is his problem? He doesn’t even know her!

So, falling for him won’t be the problem, not killing him however…well, that might be difficult.

She scowls and sends him a deadly glare. She swings her yo-yo and hits him in the stomach with it.

“If I’m so bitchy,” She says, “then give me your Miraculous so I can get a partner that isn’t such a jackass.”

He glares back, not intimidated in the slightest but still not caring if she’s afraid of him. The nerve on him. He growls and extends his staff swinging it at her but she dodges before he manages to hit.

“Oh no,” He says, “your spotted ass is stuck with me, cockroach.”

As they start throwing punches at each other between yells and spreading chaos through the city, she decides that if she’s stuck with him and he hates her for no reason, then she swears she’ll always hate him harder than anyone else.

~End Flashback~

…That was the day they first met forever ago. The day she fell for the guy under all that pain and buried all her want under endless hate. They’ve come so far from that day, so many things had changed, but some things would always be the same. That was the day she fell for the heart under his pain, the day that under all the hate and anger her heart had become his and has always been since.

#miraculous ladybug #fanfic #speechless changes #claw noir #shadybug #sneak peek

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salsakiyoomi · 2 years ago

Note

Hiyo! congrats on the 1k followers!!

I'm usually a lurker and more active on twt but Ive been easing back into tumblr again to post fandom stuff, theres a niche corner on tumblr where I got comfy in and I happens to find/followed you there! I hope I'll be seeing ur posts around! I want to throw a hat in this event for fun! Thanks for the oppertunity!!

Fandom: Spiderverse/JJK Name: Gato ヾ(•ω•`) About myself: I'm a 5'2/ 160cm, Taurus/Capricorn rising, 24yo bi INTJ-T I'm 88% introverted and I work from home so I don't usually see the sun unless it breaks into my house. I love natural documentary videos and random analyzes videos on yt if they last more than 2 hours (play in bg while I'm working) My taste in music is whatever yt auto play next, I'll listen to J-Rock, Kpop, indie to folk but I will also work in complete silence for 8 hours straight if i forgot to put on anything. ( the grind dont stop )

I'm pretty easy going and I definitely know what I'm doing @ work, I love to show people the rope if needed. Anything kind of socialize outside my job, I'll run out of wits. I've never flirt my entire life and I won't start now ( I might be aroace but its debatable lol)

Ideal type: My type of guy and gal is definitely the no-nonsense one who tell me straight up what they want. I can't say I'll give them the same treatment tho I'm not always honest with myself :))) but I'm deeply devoted and I don't do anything half way.

It's very difficult for me not to challenge any kind of authority figure on sign, I'm allergic to condescending people. Still I find assertive people very……..hot!! (please pair me up with one, itll be so funny)

Season: whenever it rain! Summer, late autumn Favorite trope: Shared room! team up! Hurt/Comfort, maybe a truce? or 'we both stuck between a rock and each other and we might not get out alive'

HONEYMOON MATCHUP WITH : MIGUEL O'HARA

— honeymoon :

– miguel was an asshole, a certified one at that — your first day at hq wasn't very thrilling with him throwing you nasty looks left and right, the worst part is, he didn't actually say anything rude or mean to you, but he wasn't all that friendly either, so when you came up to him with a scowl on your face and demanding that he tells you why he keeps looking at you like you just spilled the milk over, he simply looked you up and down and said something along the lines of 'just get back to work' not really offering much context or explanation before leaving you to head back to his 'office' and from that day on, you were sworn enemies — you couldn't stand his authority figure persona and he couldn't stand your stubborn self because you never abided by his rules, so everyday was to you was a back and forth argument with him, and it didn't help that you'd get paired up with him for alot of missions — talk about bad luck.

– slowly but surely, the two of you eased up to eachother, yeah it took like nine months but it worked out — your arguments started to turn from actual heated conversations to more of a fun back and forth bickering — miguel would deny it any moment you or anyone would ask him about it, say something about how he thinks it's annoying but the small grin on his face when he talks to you doesn't go unnoticed, no matter how much he tries to hide it — yeah, he's a tough shell, closed off and repulsive but he isn't all that bad after all, at least that how you were starting to see him — like hey, he brought you empanadas from the cafeteria with him, he doesn't do that with anybody else.

– soon enough, it's been a year and a half since miguel has known you — you still don't really know him that much but you settled for a truce and you warmed up to eachother. the day came where your walls were broken down and the rain was pouring over your head, seemingly amplifying your bad mood because it felt like such a cliche for it to heavy pour on the day you felt at your worst — but you were soon shielded from the icy cold droplets when an umbrella came over your head, and surely enough it was miguel who was holding it, he threw you a glance, his face the usual blank expression he worse but his eyes were soft, he mumbled something about 'don't want you catching a cold, you have a mission tomorrow' and the rest of the walk to your place was in silence, not the heavy kind, miguel wasn't a talker after all, but you appreciated his presence — no matter how silent it was, it was still comforting.

what's on the radio : art deco, lana del rey

a/n : had to pair your up with miguel after you said you didn't like authority figures 😭 i like a good enemies to lovers — although it's more like office drama but whatever — THE NAME GATO IS SO CUTE I LOVE IT SHSJWJSK, and yes so true the grind don't stop 💪💪 must keep going no matter what's the circumstances are ✊✊ i love miguel sm too also look at the way he's lowkey pouting in the second pic he literally looks >:c ahhhwhee i wanna play with his cheeks 😭 tysm for the request gato, hope this did you justice i also really love your blog <33

#i love your request sm omg dudee #also im a taurus too 😭#april baby #🤝🤝#1k event matchup #1k milestone #honeymoon match up event #atsv #atsv matchups #atsv miguel #miguel headcanons #spiderman 2099 headcanons #atsv headcanons

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quiet-girl-short-stories · 2 years ago

Text

Beach Boys

Fuck. The. Beach.

Was something Cassie was thinking the entire time in the car as Quana, Keris and Annabel--her aunt--and her son, Thomas, talked about who the hell knows what because that shit they were playing on the radio was so loud and the window was open!

How are they even hearing each other?

"Cassie?" She looked at her aunt. "I know you don't really want to go to the beach, but how about we get something to eat before?" Cassie shrugged. Don't you fucking ask me- "what do you want to eat?" You bitch!

"I don't really know, anything's fine," Cassie eventually said.

Annabel made a face like she was hoping for an answer. You can go ahead and screw yourself because you know I have no idea how to pick on the spot like this. Plus, it's like nine in the morning, anything I want won't even make sense and then you'll all judge me so I don't wanna hear it!

"Well then, would all of you want?" Annabel addressed everyone else in the car.

Quana nearly threw herself to the front of the car as she leaned forward.

"Tuna sandwich!"

"Right before the beach?" Thomas said.

"No, we should just get drinks, like coffee or something," Keris said.

"I really don't like Thomas drinking coffee." Annabel mumbled softly.

"He's older than us and you still treat him like a baby?" Quana laughed a bit.

"Only about stuff she doesn't want me doing," Thomas said.

"Well, a mom's gotta look out for their kids when they won't."

Thomas laughed and they all returned to likely not being able to hear each other as the woman on the radio really wanted the listeners to call and say that damn word!

No wants to go to this fucking concert!

...

Eventually, they did just get something to drink. Cassie opted on having something cold since it was Global Warming temperatures outside and melting in the sun wasn't an option for her; once they got to the beach, everyone set up their chairs and towels.

Meanwhile, Cassie just simply put up an umbrella and sat on the sand under the shade, until they got the rest of the chairs out.

She wanted no part of whatever this trip was supposed to be and just wanted to think about writing. Her drink was melting and dripped on her leg. She sighed thinking that nothing could make this worse.

"What are the odds?" She heard someone say. "Cassie at the beach?"

Now she turned her head and nearly passed out from all the blood that just ran to her head. The nude body of a popstar!? Terumichi came over and got under the umbrella as he removed his shades.

"W-why are you here?" Cassie managed to get out.

"I got a day off. Plus, I was thinking about spending the morning here, but I'm glad you're here because there's something I wanted to tell you."

As much as Cassie would have preferred him to speak with a shirt on, she remained looking to his face. "What is it?" She pulled her lips into her mouth after every sentence she could barely get out.

"Amai met up with me, and you'll never believe it, we got put in the same group together! That means we'll be debuting together!"

Cassie hated this. Not her having a new favorite boygroup to stan, no. It was the fact that two people she knew were becoming poplar entertainers.

"I-is he here?"

He nodded. Fuck! As she thought that, Amai called out to them and now her eyes were filled with the sight of two people who worked out more than they needed to. Cassie wanted to lie and say maybe she should be with her family, but the even the remote thought of talking in their presence made her gag.

Amai eventually got to them, showing off the perfect thing he called a body to her. "Dude, I thought you were joking, but I guess Cassie got out of her shell."

The fuck I did. "My aunt asked me to go with her."

"Your family's here? I should go and say hi then," Terumichi said while getting up.

"Dude, if it's who I think it is, that's not her actual family."

"Huh?"

"Yeah, Cassie was friends with this kid named Thomas in school, his family liked her so much they pretty much adopted her." Amai explained.

"Really? I didn't know that," he said looking to Cassie, "still, all the more reason for me to meet them!"

Amai seemed more than fine with that. "Then I guess I'll just slide into-" those DMs. "-your spot and keep Cassie company."

Amai did in fact sit down, but Cassie was already motionless from Terumich, so his presence was more than the same.

Terumichi instantly returned after seeing that. "No, you're not staying here alone with her."

"Why not? She might need company." Terumichi looked as if he was about to kick him, Amai sighed and got up. "Fine then." He went to leave and as he did gave a small wink to Cassie. She pressed her lips together in order to resist fangirling. "Maybe we'll hang out later?"

Cassie could barely give them a functioning nod, but they accepted her effort and started to leave together. When they were finally gone, she let out a breath and told herself things were looking up... well, more like down, but things were getting better!

She sighed and got up to throw away the cup she had just finished drinking out of and much like a sick fantasy, someone else she knew was there.

"Cassie?"

She turned only to see the bright yellow hair of her fellow writer. "Koto, why are you here?"

He snickered. "I should really be asking you that." Don't make me kill you. "But seriously, I'm here on a business trip... that's at least what Mr. Wry said this was." That was likely why Terumichi was here. "Oh, but a bunch of other guys are here too. They weren't invited or anything, but Mr. Wry said somehow this trip got leaked and now pretty much everyone is here."

"Who leaks a beach trip?"

"I said we don't know," he got close and whispered; "but Mr. Wry thinks it was Akuma." Of course, "but who cares about that, why are you here?" He moved the conversation onward.

"My aunt dragged me out here."

"Why are you talking with short stuff over there?" They both looked behind them and saw the bright red hair of Shugi. He smiled at Cassie and stood beside Koto.

"Anna? Sounds like something Anna would do though." He snickered while saying that, "but if you're free right now, maybe we could-"

"I'm not short!" Koto yelled.

"Come on, you're only a head over Cassie and she's pretty short herself." Again, don't make me kill you. "Still, I saw you talking to her and couldn't help but think you were flirting."

Koto's face turned bright red at that.

"No." His words deflated. "I wouldn't flirt with..." He trailed. "I-I mean not because I- but because... Ah!"

Shugi laughed. "Look at you!"

Koto growled a bit. "You're the one who never shuts up!"

"Way to clap back, but if you're done talking, I could give Cassie some proper company."

Cassie shyly touched her hands together as their attention returned to her.

"I-I don't really know why you're here, but I shouldn't be in the way of whatever it is." She tried to excuse herself.

"Even if there was a reason why I was here, it wouldn't be enough for me to ignore you," Shugi said that while putting his arm around her shoulder.

"Hey, Cassie doesn't like stuff like that."

"What, skin?"

"You know what I mean." Koto then pushed himself between them, moving Cassie to one side. He then took this chance to start pushing her back to the beachfront. "He's really annoying sometimes."

"Still here," Shugi said as he walked beside them, "besides, what makes you think you're any better than me? You might be pissing her off too."

Koto stopped. "You can see when Cassie's annoyed. She looked like it when you started talking."

Shugi glared at him.

You really can't tell anything on me, but okay

"Look, just let Cassie get back to her family and we'll both leave her alone okay?"

Koto said nothing, but while they were essentially eye fucking each other, Cassie noticed an extraordinarily pale body walking towards her.

No, this can't be happening!

Akuma got to her while Koto and Shugi were busy sizing each other up.

"I wonder what you're staring at?" Akuma said with a raised eyebrow.

He laughed sarcastically. "Good one, but you know me and the sun, not a good mix. I like how warm it is, but dealing with it isn't good for me." He paused. "Maybe I was a Demon in a past life and Hell was my home." God made a mistake on this one. "Anyways, why are you always surrounded by men that aren't me?"

I won't compliment you. "I was just confused to see a ghost out during the day."

Cassie sighed at the realization. "I don't know, I just go places." He laughed at her words. "But why are you here?" She asked.

"Didn't you hear? Ankara is having a business trip! I think he's really trying to work an angle on Terumichi and that other guy."

"So... you did leak this?"

"I can't say that, you might be an undercover cop." Denying is just as bad. "But maybe I should just stay by you so no other guy thinks to get near you."

Once more she had an arm put around her shoulder, this time she wanted to shove it off, but she instead just tried to walk away. Akuma however was on her tail and refused to move from her side.

"Why the fuck are you here?" Akuma spoke bitterly.

"Is that Akuma with another girl?"

Upon hearing that they both stopped, they turned and Cassie got a glimpse of the detail on Brayleigh's body, his shirt must have hated its job.

"Hey, I thought you hated the beach Cassie?" I swear to God, the next fucker who says that shit to me- "Still, I think you look really pretty though."

"Because I heard Koto was gonna be here, so I decided to go too. I actually invited Aki and Shugi here."

That's why he's here... but wait- Akihiko came over and joined them.

Her thoughts stopped instantly at his words that bled kindness. "Oh... well thank you."

"Complimenting someone is being whipped?" Akihiko rose an eyebrow.

Akuma let out a loud sigh. "Could you be anymore whipped?"

Like you aren't?

"Well, the way you said it made it seem like you wanted her outfit for yourself."

Akihiko just bit his lip and turned his attention back to Cassie, Brayleigh spoke up instead. "I only came over here because you looked like you were gonna take Cassie away somewhere."

"And that concerns you because?"

"I think my aunt is calling me, I'll see you guys later!" She nearly sprinted off and prayed that Akuma's big ego would be enough to allow her to escape.

"Because, I wouldn't want Cassie alone with anyone," Brayleigh said that with a smile, but they could all tell he could and would jump Akuma right now if he wanted and the thought of that caused Cassie to squirm.

She managed to get from Akuma's arms and spoke as she walked away.

She looked back as she ran, checked behind her, and then she looked forward again. She nearly ran into someone. Idiot! You see me running, why not move? She looked to apologize to the person, but her eyes immediately went down and saw, SIX? Her eyes went up and she said sorry almost immediately.

"N-no, I didn't hear anything about the leak until just now. I'm here on personal business."

"Oh, you're here? I really hope that leak didn't get that far."

She stood up and saw Ankara there in all his glory. She always wondered if a man in a suit worked out.

So is this how lawyers look too?

"No, they're just..." annoying as hell, "friends of mine. I'm really here with my aunt, her son and my friends."

He smiled. "Does that personal business involve those boys who were around you?"

Does that really concern YOU?

"Ah, I see. Well I'm currently taking a break, maybe you would enjoy a small walk back to your family?"

She shrugged. "I'd be fine with that."

Ankara was happy and began walking with her. "Oh, by the way," he began, "I was wondering if you used something like the beach to get your ideas. You're very good at describing scenery so I was always a bit curious."

Her head shook. "No, I actually hate the beach, but my cousin wanted to come and my aunt figured I should get out of the house."

Ankara chuckled. "At least she cares, but it's still amazing how you can give a perfect description of an area, especially if you dislike it." Cassie smiled a bit at the praise. "Oh and I finished reading your latest draft. You have the same issues as usual, but other than that, I don't really have any complaints about what you decided to write about."

Cassie looked at him fully. "Thank you for bringing that up! I was going to email you about it, but stuff got a bit hectic. You really don't think it's too ambitious?"

"Of course not. I have complete faith in you and even if this gets to be too much, what you have written will be good enough for at least a few months."

She couldn't help but smile. "Thank you so much!"

He returned the smile and Cassie felt like she had to jump into his arms... or something, but that was wrong and she knew it. Though, about halfway back to her umbrella, someone called out to her again and this time she saw Hayate and Chris.

How is it that all these assholes are here?

"Oh, it's Hayate," Ankara said.

"You know him?" Cassie asked.

"Yes, he used to work in the stunt department of our film studio. He works now as a teacher in the same department so he doesn't report to me anymore."

"Oh..." Was all she could say before they got to them.

"Mr. Wry, nice to see you... but isn't Cassie a little too young for you?" Hayate asked.

"I'd take offense to that, but me and Cassie aren't here in any way that's inappropriate." Hayate couldn't help but chuckle. "But I'll leave you now." No, don't! "Keep up the good work though Cassie," Ankara said as he walked off.

"Right..." She then looked to the two in front of her. "Before you say anything, can I ask why you two are here?"

"Oh, Keris invited us. She told us you would be here so that made it easy to know what we were gonna do today." Chris explained.

Cassie just closed her eyes. So you mean to tell me; Ankara is here on a business trip, he invited Terumichi who brought along Amai. Akuma leaked that this was even happening. Koto got word, invited Brayleigh who told Akihiko and Shugi about it and you two are here because Keris told you? This has to be a nightmare!

"But I really didn't think you even wore swimsuits," Chris said in her brief pause.

"I don't, but I had to," she said trying to hold back the obvious tone in her voice.

"See, I told you getting out of your comfort zone was a good thing. Look at how cute you are!" Chris used that as an excuse to touch her.

"I think Cassie should wear whatever she wants." Hayate spoke up. "That way she thinks of herself as beautiful and it'll only enhance what's already there."

Please don't start this cock fight.

"Who says stuff like that?"

Cassie was about to run off, but as she was stepping back, she felt someone's hands on her arms. She looked back and saw Akihiko behind her, as well as everyone else she just ran into approaching her. They all surrounded her and the sight of so many half naked bodies caused Cassie to panic. She just tried to move to no avail.

"A gentleman, I would assume."

Chris rolled his eyes at Hayate.

"Are you okay Cassie?" She heard Akihiko's concerned voice.

"I-I am but-"

"Maybe she just needs to sit down." Ankara proposed.

"Yeah, my lap would be a good seat." Akuma offered.

"You always say stuff like that you pervert." Shugi remarked.

"No, Cassie just needs to relax and I can help with that!" Koto happily said.

"She'd be a bit better if she could just sleep for a bit." Hayate added.

"On the beach? She doesn't need sun burn." Chris commented.

"Oh right, do you have sunscreen on, Cassie?" Brayleigh asked.

"I bet she wasn't even planning on stepping into the sun. Which means I need to take her back to the shade." Amai said.

"I doubt if she needs someone who's just gonna stare at her like a piece of meat, I'll take her back." Akuma argued.

"Look who's talking..."

"You're all wrong anyways, she really does just want to sit under her umbrella with her family." Terumichi spoke up.

"Who should stay with you Cassie?" They all said in unison, but by this point they had all begun talking over each other, so even if she could answer she wouldn't be heard.

Cassie felt like she would pass out soon, but made a mental note to never have all of them in the same room together.

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