#I think I’m gonna do a bright pinky orange color :)

[thiscoulddecay]

dyed my hair last night 🕺 I’m going blonde slowly so I can go back to bright colorful hair I’m so excited

[sunshinejihyun]

Green Apples || Kiro

Author’s note: Look, this was supposed to be a cute simple Halloween fic but it turned into something much more. I’m not even mad about it though. Um this isn’t edited so if you see any mistakes, no you didn’t.

Summary: A stolen night with a masked stranger on Halloween leads to something more when you find out who’s behind that mask.

Warnings: some drinking

Word count: 5011

Masterlist

After filming had ended for the day, Kiki and Willow had grabbed your arm and pulled you out of your office and back to your apartment, ignoring your protests. “Guys, I still have work to get done!”

“Not on Halloween you don’t! It’s the first year my kids are old enough to be on their own and I’m partying. I need you guys there as my wing-women!” Anna reached into her leather top and pulled her bosom up, smiling at herself in the mirror before fluffing her hair. She was dressed as Catwoman, the leather and latex that was sticking to every single one of her curves made her look younger than she was. If you didn’t know her, you would have guessed her to be mid 20’s, not in her 30’s. “Now hurry up girls, your costumes are on the bed.” Kiki and Willow jumped off your twin bed and assessed the costumes before starting to discuss who would look better in what. Peering over their shoulders, you snuck a peak at the costumes. “I think Willow would look best in the Wonder Woman costume,” you quipped. They both turned around to hear your explanation, eyebrows raised in question. “Kiki and I are both short. Willow’s taller and her legs would look killer in that skirt with those thigh high boots she wore to the company’s Christmas party last year, let’s be honest.”

“Oh my gosh! Boss is right, Willow. You’ve gotta wear that, it’ll look so good!” Kiki pleaded, clasping her hands together and doing her best to pout at her friend.

“Well I can’t argue with my girls, can I?” Willow asked, reaching for the costume and started stripping from her work clothes. “Oh man, guess I won’t be breathing tonight.”

“We don’t need to breathe, we just need to look hot.” Anna turned from your makeup mirror and all three of you gasped at her. The dark smokey eye and bright red lipstick made her look even more pale than normal but the shimmer she had highlighting her cheekbones made her look extraordinary, like she was an ethereal being.

“Anna, you look amazing!” You exclaimed, dropping the costume you had in your hand. “Oh my gosh, I would never be able to tell you have two kids! I won’t be surprised if you leave the party with someone tonight.”

She winked and blew a kiss at you. “That’s the plan babe! Now come on, you guys need to get dressed!”

Glancing at Kiki, you saw her eyeing the Harley Quinn costume so you grasped the green costume. “I think you’ll look really good as Harley, Kiki. Willow and Anna can help do your makeup!”

Kiki took the costume into your small bathroom and you shrugged off your clothes. “Can someone help me zip?”

“Sure babes, come here.” Anna gestured for you to make your way over to where she was perched on your makeup table. Pulling the zipper up on the costume she squealed. “Your butt looks amazing in this costume. Definitely the best choice!”

You shrugged your shoulders, smoothing down the spandex covered with leaves. “I don’t even know who I’m supposed to be!”

“I’m not really sure either, all that matters is that you look hot!” You and Anna giggled and Kiki walked back into the room, twirling around in her costume.

“Kiki, you look amazing! Come here hun, let me do your makeup!” Willow gestured her over and Kiki skipped over puckering her lips obscenely and making Willow sigh out in annoyance. “Never mind, you can do it yourself.” She teased.

Anna wordlessly started to dab a pinky-orange lipstick on your lips and you sat down, letting her get to work. “And…” Anna brushed something on your cheeks, stepped back, and grinned down at her work. “Perfect!”

Turning to look in the mirror, your jaw dropped. The makeup she had done made it so you didn’t even look like yourself. You looked sexy, like someone you’d see in a magazine, or at least on TV.

“Boss! You look amazing!”  Kiki yelled out, running over and wrapping her arms around you, careful to not smudge either of your makeup. “We all look amazing. We all better be leaving tonight with a man or woman on our arms or so help me God, I’ll give up on love forever!”

“Don’t be so dramatic!” Willow threw her hair over her shoulder. “Now ladies, are we ready to go?”

Anna handed each of you a mask that would cover your eyes, but not one of the lame plastic ones, these were each individually gorgeous, made to go with your costumes. They were lined lace, gemstones, and colors that complimented the outfits. The masks mixed with everyone's smokey eyes and bright lips really brought every costume together and brought butterflies to your stomach. Despite originally not wanting to go, you actually found yourself looking forward to a night off work with the girls.

The party was already in full swing by the time you and the girls entered the bar. The bass was vibrating the floor and purple lights were flashing in time to the beat of the music. Anna left your side almost immediately, blowing a kiss in your group's direction before setting her sights on who you can only assume was a handsome man in some scrubs and a plague doctor’s mask.

“Well, she wasted no time,” Willow observed, grabbing her beer off the bar and taking a short drink.

Kiki suddenly stopped in her tracks. “I. Love. This. Song!” Each word was enunciated  and she tugged on Willow’s arm excitedly. “Come dance with me, Boss can hold our drinks.” Kiki shoved her drink in your hand and dragged Willow away, leaving you alone near the bar, two drinks in your hand but neither of them yours.

Watching them dance from the sideline had you smiling, they were never like this at work and it was wonderful to see both of them having the time of their lives. It almost made you forget that you weren’t out there, but your attention was pulled away from them quickly when someone came and stood by you.

“So many people to kill, so little time, huh?” Your skin prickled when the voice filtered through your ears and you turned to face the man, coming face to face with him. He was so close to you that you could smell sour apple candy on his breath.

“Excuse me?” Your eyebrows raised and you took a step back.

“It’s uh, it’s a line that Poison Ivy says to Batman in one of the Batman and Robin films!” The man exclaimed, reaching under his black mask to scratch an itch on his face. “I thought it’d be a good opener because I’m dressed as Batman and you’re dressed as Poison Ivy. We’re supposed to be nemeses but I don’t think I could fight someone as pretty as you.”

Despite not knowing who was speaking to you, you found your cheeks flushing and you were grateful for the lights in the bar flashing bright colors, it was easier to hide the rouge starting to form. “Sorry,” you laughed and closed the distance between you and your new acquaintance once more. “I’m not actually a fan, my friend picked out the costumes.”

“Which one? Harley Quinn or Wonder Woman?” You wished you could see more of this man’s face that was hidden under a dark mask. He was charming and his piercing eyes felt like they were reaching in your soul and spreading warmth and happiness within.

“Wow, you do pay attention. Neither, my friend dressed as Catwoman picked them out. I think her goal was to find the tightest outfits in the store, and in which case she definitely succeeded.” You took a drink of Willow’s beer, she wasn’t around and it’d probably be gross by the time she came back anyway.

“Of course I paid attention when the most gorgeous woman I’ve seen walked in.”

“That was such a line.” You rolled your eyes, a smile playing on your lips and the guy burst out laughing.

“I know! I can’t believe you thought I was serious. I just wanted to see if you were someone who fell for cheesy lines like that!” His smile was gorgeous and the sound of his laugh stirred up butterflies in your stomach. It’s been forever since you met someone who made you feel like this. “Do you want to dance?” He held out his hand, head tilted towards the dance floor and without thinking too much, you set down the drinks you were holding and grasped his hand.

He pulled you into the middle of the crowd and spun you around before pulling you close, so close that you both were chest to chest, and started moving his hips, your usually uncoordinated body easily following in his lead. “Wow, you’ve got some moves!” The music was louder than it was by the bar and you couldn’t tell if he had actually heard you, but he had a smile settle on his lips.

After dancing to a few songs, he led you back to the bar. “I’m gonna get a water, you want anything?”

Raising your eyebrows in question, you settled on the barstool next to him. “Not drinking tonight?” He shook his head no. “Alright, one water for me too please.”

“Thanks,” the guy told the bartender when he set down the two bottles in front of the both of  you. “So,”

“I usually don’t make a habit of dancing with people I don’t even know.” You laughed, gulping down some water. “I don’t know what came over me, it’s like you’re intoxicating.”

“Believe it or not, you’re not the first to say that to me!” The guy leaned in, resting his hand on your thigh. Normally, you’d shy away from a touch like that but after being pressed up against his hard body for the past 7 songs on the dance floor, this touch seemed more innocent than before. “I’ve never connected with someone like this before.”

“Boss!” Kiki came running up, cheeks flushed and dark red lipstick smudged. “Have you heard this song? It’s Kiro! Come with me, we all have to dance!”

You glanced at your current dance partner who rolled his eyes at the mention of Kiro. “Don’t tell me you’re a Kiro fangirl? I’d have to take back what I just said to you.”

“Kiki, I think I’ll sit this one out. You’ll just have to dance even harder with Anna and Willow to make up for it, but I’m sure you can do it!” Turning back to the man who was staring at you, an intense look in his eyes, you smiled. “I personally like Kiro’s music, but I don’t go crazy about him like some people. I honestly think he deserves some privacy to just be him. Everyone expects too much of someone who’s only 22.”

“I never thought of it that way. I just know some people who go crazy for him and… it makes me uncomfortable!” The man held his hand out to you once more. “Do you wanna go outside, get some air?”

You rationally knew that it wasn’t the smartest decision to go out on your own with a man you just met, but looking at him with the charming smile he had only used on you that night, you felt your heart make the decision before your head could catch up. “Absolutely.”

This time when you grabbed his hand, he squeezed it affectionately before interlacing your fingers. Your hand was sweaty and you wanted to pull away to wipe it off but he wouldn’t let you, instead just opting to hold on tighter.

The cold October air on your cheeks soothed you and helped cool your body temperature. Without thinking, you took off your mask and patted down the sweaty area that it was resting on. Turning towards the man, you saw he had stopped in his tracks, mouth slightly open, and was staring. “You’re beautiful.” He whispered, reaching out to brush a piece of your hair behind your ear.

Looking down at your feet, so small compared to him, you fought off a wide grin. “Yeah, sure. I’m sure I look great with makeup running down my face right now.”

“No seriously,” his hand reached under your chin to tilt your eyes to meet his. Although you hardly knew this man, you haven’t seen his full face, and you didn’t even know his name, there was something about him that made you feel so safe. Like being wrapped in a warm hug after being out in the cold for long hours. “To me, you are so beautiful.”

“You don’t even know me.” You whispered, your faces so close to one another. His blue eyes so clear in the night were searching your face, taking in the new features he hadn’t seen before.

“I don’t trust easily, but there’s something about you…” His eyes landed on your lips after glancing at them a few times before. “Can I kiss you?”

You nodded and stood on your tiptoes, closing the small gap between the two of you. Despite not seeing him eat a piece of candy since you had met him earlier that night, he still tasted of green apple candy. He cupped your face so tenderly, like if he were to hold you a little too tight, you might break. He pulled back before pecking your lips once more. “Can you tell me who you are?” Your nose was still brushing his as you both tried to catch your breath.

“Promise me it won't change anything about tonight?” He took your hands and guided you to grip the fabric mask that’s been on his face since the moment he met you. “Please,”

“I promise,” his eyes were pleading and you felt yourself wanting to melt into his touch, to do nothing but reassure him that your connection was too strong now to care about who he was or what he looked like. “I can promise you that with my whole heart.” His hands, still covering your own, helped you grasp the mask, pulling it over his head. A shock of blond hair fell out of the dark fabric and when he brushed it out of his eyes, you gasped. “Kiro?”

“Shh,” his hands moved to cover your mouth but you quickly intercepted them and linked both of them with your own. Both of your masks were discarded on the cold ground, but they were forgotten. “No one can know I’m here.” “But-” you cut yourself off, stopping yourself from bombarding him with tons of questions. “I’m just-”

“Shit!” Kiro swore, ducking down to grab his mask off the ground. “That’s my agent. He will kill me if he sees me.” You saw the man Kiro was pointing at and he narrowed his eyes at the pair of you before starting to make his way over to the both of you. “I… I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I have to go. Umm… you know how to get a hold of me, so I hope I’ll get a message from you soon, Miss Ivy.” Kiro pressed a kiss to your cheek before taking a deep breath and running off.

“Excuse me miss, who was that guy you were just with?” Kiro’s agent approached you, an apprehensive look on his face.

You panicked and said the first thing that came to your mind. “My boyfriend. Who are you?”

“Oh, sorry, I guess I got the wrong person.” His agent distractedly walked off in the other direction and you sighed, heading back inside the bar.

As you were entering, you bumped into Anna, her arms wrapped around the man with the plague doctor mask that she was eyeing earlier. Now, his mask was off and your assumption was right, he was handsome. “Oh, hey babe!” She let go of him and stumbled over to you, throwing her arms around your neck. “You’re so pretty. I’m going to go home with this nice man his name is Brandon from the bar, so if I don’t show up to work on Monday tell the police that, preferably that cute one, Gavin. It’d be nice to be rescued by him.”

You glanced towards the man who held up his hands in surrender. “She’s got my address and number, she was gonna send it to you guys, I’ll make sure she sends it on our way over to my place.”

Nodding, you patted her head gently. “You be safe okay, sweetie? I’ll see you on Monday.” She pressed a kiss to the same cheek Kiro had kissed only a few moments earlier and you felt anger bubble in your chest. Your last physical touch from him was wiped away in a quick moment by a drunk friend. Selfishly, you never wanted to wash that cheek again, to always remember the moment; but even if it wasn’t still there physically, you had all the memories you had made with him that night.

After watching for a moment that they actually got in a cab, you headed back inside to find your other two friends. You found them where you left them, on the dance floor and grinding against two masked men. They looked tired now, and you didn’t hesitate to grab their attention. “Hey, I’m tired, want to head back to my place and we can have a sleepover?”

Kiki and Willow said their goodbyes to the two men they were with and followed you outside. “Boss, we thought you left with that cute Batman!”

You bit your lip and glanced at the place on the sidewalk where no longer than 20 minutes ago you were kissing Kiro. “Yeah, but he had to go home. It was really sudden.” Feeling your eyes prick with tears, you dug your nails in your palm to distract yourself. “I didn’t even give him my name.”

“Oh hun,” Willow linked her arm through yours, closing the Uber app on her phone. The car coming to pick you up would be there any second. “I’m sure you’ll run into him again. Loveland City isn’t that big.”

Glancing wistfully in the direction that Kiro had headed after kissing your cheek, you sighed out before climbing in the back of the silver car that had pulled up in front of you. “I hope so,”

The rest of the ride back to your apartment was quiet and you and Willow had to drag a sleepy Kiki into the elevator. The rest of the building was asleep except for you guys, and as soon as you all had changed into comfy clothes, you collapsed on your small bed and fell asleep in a tangle of limbs.

Monday morning, you showed up at work, your spirits still low. Even though you had only spent a few hours with Kiro, no one had ever made you feel the way he did and you longed to feel his soft hands pushing hair out of your face once more.

“BOSS! You are NEVER going to believe who just called and asked to be on the show!” Kiki rushed into your office, eyes wide and chest heaving.

Sighing, you turned away from your computer. “Who?”

“Kiro! Or, well technically, his agent called. But Kiro wants to be on the show!” Your heartbeat sped up at the thought of Kiro walking into the filming studio and seeing you for the first time since your shared moment. “His agent said that he used to watch the show growing up and wants to show his love for it. Please Boss, we HAVE to schedule him on the show.”

“I’m sure I can change a few things around to fit him on. When is he available?” You opened your calendar and waited for Kiki to continue.

“Next week?” She sheepishly smiled. “I kinda already booked him. I’m sorry, I was just so excited!”

You rolled your eyes at Kiki and fought to keep a smile off your face. “Okay, I will figure out a plan for a show with Kiro on it. Now shoo, go do your work!”

Kiki squealed excitedly and exited your office and as soon as you were sure she was out of earshot, you let out a very similar squeal. You only needed to get through 7 days and you would see Kiro again.

The following Monday, you didn’t stop at the office before going to the filming studio, instead opting to spend some extra time on your hair and makeup. You still looked nothing like you did halloween night, but you felt a little more put together and that was important on a day with so many unknowns. How would he react when he saw you? Would he be happy, or would he play it cool and pretend like he had never met you before?

You were so caught up in your own fantasies of Kiro pulling you into his arms and kissing your senseless in front of all the cast and crew that you bumped into a solid chest, a soft ‘oof’ escaping their mouth.

“Oh my god, I am so sorry I wasn’t looking where I was going.” You bent down to pick up your papers that scattered everywhere and the person bent down as well, helping you gather them up.

“No it was my fault, I was looking at this comic and-” he cut himself off as your eyes met his own. “Wait a second, Poison Ivy? You work for Miracle Finder?”

“Yeah um, I’m actually the owner of the company?” Despite daydreaming up millions of scenarios where you ran into Kiro again, you didn’t think you would have physically run into him.

“I had no clue. Um, how are you?” He handed you the rest of your paperwork and when his fingers grazed your own, your whole body was on fire. He had such an affect on you, one you couldn’t even begin to describe. “You never messaged me.”

“I wanted to, believe me.” You shifted your weight from one foot to the other. “I just wasn’t sure if it was a good idea since we’re going to be working together. And besides, I knew I was going to see you here eventually.”

“I’m really happy to see you,” Kiro admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “I can’t stop thinking about you.”

“Me neither,” you agreed, gesturing to an empty greenroom. Kiro went in first and you followed a few seconds later.

Kiro took your hands in his own and gazed steadily down at you, his blue eyes never wavering from your own. “I don’t have much to say, but I’ve never felt like this with anyone and I don’t even know your name. We only spent a few hours together but you made me feel more alive than performing on stage does. I want to get to know you, if you’d be willing to give me a chance.”

Reaching up to cup one of his cheeks in your hand, you stroked the soft skin and Kiro leaned into your touch. “I’d love that. I’d love to be able to see where this connection takes us. I feel like I’ve known you for years.” Kiro grinned and leaned closer to you, and you reached up and kissed him softly. “Green apple, again.”

His eyes widened and he looked panicked for a moment. “I’m sorry if you don't like it. I can start stealing sweets with a different flavor that has just been my favorite since I was a kid. I-”

You cut him off with another kiss. “No, it’s perfect. Very you.” Glancing at your watch you shooed him out of the room. “You were due in hair and makeup 5 minutes ago, but I’ll see you out while we’re filming.” Kiro went to leave but you grabbed his arm gently. “It’s MC, by the way. My name.” “MC,” he repeated it over and sent you one of the sweetest smiles you’ve seen from him yet. “Beautiful, just like you.”

Blushing, you pushed him in the hallway and waited for a few moments before checking to make sure the coast was clear and left, walking towards the filming crew. “Boss!” Kiki rushed up to you and you jumped at her voice. “Have you seen Kiro? He looks so cute today!” She paused for a second. “Come to think of it, he kinda looks like the guy you were with on Halloween. Ohmigosh! What if you kissed Kiro on Halloween, how crazy would that be?” You laughed to keep yourself from answering her. Kiki would freak out if she knew just how correct she was.

You were relieved when Willow called Kiki over to clarify a few things about shooting before it started. Kiro was already on scene, dressed in a tight black turtleneck with a red and black jacket over it. He looked good and you took that moment while he wasn’t paying attention to admire him, the way he stood so sure of himself, how his easygoing smile made everyone around him seem at ease.

Kiro caught your eye as you were looking him over and he grinned and winked at you before raising his hand in a wave. You blushed and waved back, his grin widening before turning back to the director.

“Did you find your Halloween mystery man?” Anna appeared at your elbow and you pushed your bangs back from your forehead. “I seem to remember some similarities between Kiro and that man, they look at you the same.”

“Yeah, I think I did.” You replied, not taking your eyes off the blond who was now talking to an animated Kiki. He looked a little nervous and you made your way up to them, gently squeezing Kiki’s shoulder. “Hey, I think someone in the film crew is looking for you, they need you to run an errand.”

Ignoring her protests, you turned Kiki in the other direction. “Maybe you’re the real superhero,” Kiro’s fingers brushed yours before pulling away. “Saving the superstar from crazed fangirls.”

“Nah, I’m not a superhero. Just someone who wants you all to herself.” You admitted and Kiro’s blush made your heart soar.

“Oh you do? So then, what do you say to having a little impromptu date after filming today. I have a secret base I like to go to, no one knows where it is, not even Savin.”

“I say, I’ll meet you outside afterwards.” You couldn’t keep the grin off your face and you were sure you looked ridiculous but you didn’t care. Kiro made you happy. “Filming’s gonna start any second,” you gestured to the camera crew finishing up positioning everything. “You’re gonna kill it, superstar.”

Moving to join Anna, Kiki, and Willow to watch the filming, Kiki started pestering you with questions about Kiro. “You looked so close to him that you could smell him. Boss, please please tell me what he smells like!”

Without thinking about it, you answered. “Green apples.” “Ask her what he tastes like.” Anna teased, nudging your side.

“BOSS! Did you lick Kiro?” Kiki grabbed your arm and Willow gently removed her hand from you. “Oh my god, did you bite him?”

“He’s obviously her Halloween mystery man, did you see how he looked at her?” Willow flipped her hair over her shoulder. “She kissed him.”

Flushing bright red, you lowered your voice to a whisper. “Yes, Kiro was the guy I met on Halloween, but please don’t make a big deal about it!” Kiki was speechless, her mouth was opening and closing like a fish, not sure of what to say. “And before you ask again, he also tastes like green apples.”

With that you walked off, going to sit in a greenroom to answer some emails and send Minor a list of things he needed to get done by the end of the week. Afterwards, your eyes felt heavy so you laid your head down on the couch and closed them, just for a few minutes.

You woke up to a gentle hand brushing hair from your face and whispering your name softly. “Wake up.”

Opening your eyes, you met clear sapphire ones and you immediately bolted up, heartbeat hammering in your chest. “I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to fall asleep for so long. Did I keep you waiting?”

Kiro’s hand moved down to cup your neck, his warm hand comforting on your skin. “Filming just ended. Your friends let me know you were in here.”

Standing up and stretching, your shirt rose above your pants and you flushed as you caught Kiro eyeing the bare skin there. “I just need to check in with everyone real quick and then I’m good to go. Are you okay waiting for a few moments?”

“I’d wait for like, 9 days for you. I did it once, I can do it again.” Kiro winked at you and walked you out of the greenroom. As you checked in with the crew, everything was under control and about to be wrapped up for the day so you made your way over to your three friends.

“I’m heading out, I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

“Yeah, heading out with Kiro!” Willow sang out his name and the other two laughed at your blush. “Have fun, don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”

“I’m just glad that’s not Anna saying that,” you teased the older girl who snickered along with you.

Bidding your friends goodbye, you made your way to the doors, and Kiro was standing there waiting for you right where you had collided with him hours earlier. He held out his hand to you. “Ready to go?”

Glancing back once more at your friends, they gave your encouraging smiles and thumbs up and you looked at Kiro, meeting his eyes, before gripping his hand tighter than before. There was nothing you were more sure of in that moment than him. “Yeah, I am. Lead the way.”

[starrybbarnes]

high flying, pt. 1 | [b.b]

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x superhero!Reader

Summary: you’re working with the avengers, working behind the scenes. unbeknownst to the team, you have powers (that you’re not good at using). you plan to keep it a secret, until a cute boy comes into your life.

Word Count: 1164 (and it’s just the beginning!)

Author’s note: i’ve found the motivation to write again, and given the circumstances right now, I know you all would like some reading as well. keep an eye out for the next part, it will be posted sooner than you think! as always, feedback is greatly appreciated! :)

Warnings: some swearing, some exposition to get the ball rolling, nothing too crazy (i hope!) it’s a bit long, but it gets better from here

It also helped because you had superpowers. Which is something you didn’t put in your resume. 

No one knows, actually, simply because you haven’t honed your strength. From the times you practiced at the beach, you knew you could do some type of manipulation through magic and also kind of fly. You say kind of because you can only get 1 foot off the ground. And you don’t want to try for higher.

You also don’t want people to know because then you’d have to feel the wrath of Tony Stark. You weren’t ready for that type of responsibility just yet. And you also weren’t ready for Stark to make it a big deal. You also felt foolish feeling like a wizard when you’d make things appear out of thin air. 

So you’ve kept it under the radar for 5 months now, and you’re proud of it. No one has suspected a thing, and you’re quite relieved.

However, a tall brunette with blue eyes might have taken interest in you, so there’s that.

Bucky was an absolute sweetheart, and was very happy to take you in when you first started working with them. You guys hit it off really well, and Bucky has found different excuses to come to your office while you’re working.

And you don’t mind that one bit, but it’s definitely cut time on your self-training. So you’ve made it a challenge to see if anyone would notice you manipulating things under their noses. 

And you got an absolute thrill out of it. You would magically add an extra orange to the fruit basket, make Steve’s canvas levitate, or change the time on the Avenger’s floor. The latter was your best trick. 

Then one time you went out to eat with Bucky. It was sort of a mini-date, but both of you were chicken to admit to it. You were both really shy, so it was grueling for the Avenger’s to see the both of you make no progress.

As you and Bucky were walking down Central Park, you would secretly use your magic to have flowers appear at random spots. It was a dangerous challenge, but you had been getting better with your powers. 

Bucky saw some white tulips (that you ‘planted’) and picked one and gave it to you. You blushed beet red, and whispered a thank you. 

The two kept staring into each other’s eyes, and you took it upon yourself to use your magic to nudge Bucky closer to you. It actually worked, and Bucky placed a chaste kiss on your forehead, his eyes gleaming brighter than ever.

“Isn’t the park during the spring just… magical,” Bucky sighed as he started walking again.

You stifle a cough. Shit, you thought, I’m caught red handed. Let’s fake it ‘til we make it. 

“Oh, psh…” you gushed, “this is how it usually is when we hang out together. Just a regular shmegular day at Central Park.”

Bucky chuckled at your response, he really was gone for you. And he just thought it flustered you when he said that. His charm never wears off, he proclaims. 

As the two of you near your guy’s favorite pizza parlor, you saw a group of kids pointing and making distressed faces above them.

“Those kids look like they need some help,” Bucky insisted as he started walking faster towards them, and you struggled to pick up the pace. 

The 3 girls were surrounding a bare tree, and there was a bright yellow kite. The girls made eye contact with you and Bucky, and profusely started signaling to come their way. 

Bucky surveyed the tree: it was too slender to climb, but too high to easily reach. Luckily, since this was next to the pizza parlor, he informed the girls that he was going to get a step stool. As the girls nodded, Bucky went inside and sure enough, the owner had a stool.

The girls cheered as Bucky grabbed the kite and showered him with gratitude. 

“Anything for my princesses,” Bucky replied with pride, “Y/N, I’m gonna go inside to get these ladies some food and then I’ll set up our table as well.”

The girls squealed with delight, and prompted more ‘thank-yous.’ You decided to stay behind and chat with the girls, and they seem to have one similar thought in mind:

“Your boyfriend is really handsome!! Are you going to marry him soon?”

You started smiling and sheepishly explained that no, Bucky is not your boyfriend, but yes you did like him a lot. They responded with asking to be a part of the wedding party should it ever happen. 

Bucky came back with the pizza and he went back inside, as he knew you just wanted to watch the girls before they departed. Once they finished, the girls were about to leave but you stopped them.

“Before you girls leave, I just want to ask one thing: what’s your favorite color?”

All three of the girls exclaimed “purple!” and you smiled. You then signaled them to come closer to you and you started crouching to their level.

“Alright, I’m about to give you guys something, but you better keep it a secret,” you whispered. 

The girls shook their heads profusely and pinky promised they wouldn’t tell a soul.

So then as you told the 3 girls to bring out their hands, you started to conjure up some flowers, and you manifested three mini bouquets of fresh lavender and white pansies. The girls screamed with delight and hugged you tightly. They kept exclaiming it was their luckiest day ever.

They bid their thank-you’s and goodbyes as they skipped down the street, back into their apartments not too far from where you were standing. 

You smiled, another success with your magic powers. You were so caught up in the tender moment that you didn’t realize that as you walked into the parlor, that Bucky had seen the entire interaction.

And his mouth was wide agape. 

[ericsonclan]

Color Me Pink

Summary: Marlon gets ready for the day and notices something that shows that the competition with Renata is far from over.

Word Count: 2786

Read on AO3:

Marlon gave a tired yawn as he got dressed; it was just another morning like any other. Another day where he would go to school and try to pass classes. But now there was something else that came with each school day: his competition with Renata. As luck would have it he had somehow fallen for the same girl as her. Once the two had learned of this fact, neither of them would budge and instead made a deal. They would have a competition and try to woo this girl. Whoever won her heart first would get the girl.

Marlon had no idea why Renata was going after Sophie though. Well, that was a lie. How could someone not fall for Sophie? She was smart, beautiful, funny, kind, her eyes shone extra bright whenever food got brought up. Marlon gave a happy sigh at the thought of his crush but soon snapped himself out of the moment. He had to get out of the bathroom so his siblings could brush their teeth or take a shower before they all had to leave for school.

With another sleepy yawn, Marlon reached up to wipe off the steam on the bathroom mirror. His fingers brushed through the condensation and slowly revealed his image but something about it was off. Marlon’s eyebrows knitted together in confusion as his hand wiped the mirror faster until it was completely clear. The reflection in the mirror made Marlon’s eyes widen in shock. There was no way…

Renata hummed happily as she sat at the dining room table with a big bowl of cereal, her legs excitedly kicking underneath the table. So much so that her leg ended up colliding with the table, causing Prisha’s orange juice to nearly fall over. Prisha made a panicked yelp as she caught the glass just in time, saving a piece of paper she was jotting stuff down on. She took a deep breath then shot over a look at Renata.

“Hehe, whoops! Didn’t mean to almost ruin your homework, Prish.” Renata smiled and stuffed a spoonful of cereal in her mouth before talking again. “Whad homework diwd you not fimish?” Renata’s words were muffled by the food that struggled to stay in her mouth.

“Eat your food first before asking a question, and this isn’t a homework assignment, it's something for the school musical.” Prisha gave a long sigh then resumed her work.

“Ooo! That’s cool! That reminds me - Mom, can I join the dance club at school?” Renata looked back at Carley who was busy flirting with Lee while fixing his tie. The two seemed completely lost in their flirting as Carley leaned forward and captured Lee’s lips in a warm kiss that quickly turned into another one.

“Mom… Mom... “ Renata tried to get Carley’s attention but it wasn’t working.

“Lee!” Clementine spoke up from her spot at the dining room table. The sudden yell made Rosie stand up on alert and give a low bark.

“Hmm? What’s up?” Lee looked over at the table where most of his kids sat.

“Renata wanted to talk with Mom,” Clementine explained as she tossed a piece of bacon in her mouth. Bits of the bacon didn’t hit the mark though and ended up landing on Aasim’s tutoring notes that he was prepping for a certain redhead that he swore was just a friend.

“What’s up, Renata?” Carley walked over towards her middle daughter who opened her mouth to speak when a scream from the upstairs bathroom drew everyone’s attention.

Loud footsteps erupted from the second floor before a series of frantic thumps echoed on the stairs. Seconds later Marlon appeared, only wearing his jeans and a sock that was half on his foot and flying around wildly with each step he took. But that wasn’t the thing that made his family look at him with mouths slightly ajar. It was his mullet that was now a soft pink.

“Why the fuck did you dye your mullet?” Mitch’s eyes focused on his brother’s hair as he ate a piece of toast he had burned to hell and smothered in butter and jam.

“I don’t know, why did I?” Marlon’s eyes wandered over to Renata who gave a smug, playful smile.

“The world is full of mysteries. But didn’t you hear? Soft pink is in!”

Marlon’s frown deepened. “First you changed my alarm, then you caused my pants to rip at school and now my hair is pink! Y’know what? I’m still winning this!” Marlon pointed at Renata then whisked around and stormed back up the stairs.

“Really, Renata? Is it all worth it?” Aasim glanced up from his notes at his older sister who was busy high fiving Mitch.

“Well, considering that Marlon has been pulling similar pranks on me, yes. Yes, it is worth it,” Renata leaned back in her chair and tilted her head back, immediately noticing Carley there.

“I have to go to work but we are going to talk about these pranks. Both you and Marlon are escalating this way too much,” Carley looked at her daughter, her hands on her hips. Renata glanced away, not wanting to add any potential fuel to the fire.

“Your mom is right,” Lee walked forward, placing a hand on Carley’s shoulder with a smile. “After school today we’re going to sit down with you and Marlon.”

“Okay,” Renata gave a small nod, looking sad for a split second before smiling once more when she realized she still had breakfast to eat. Soon the rest of the morning prep was done and the six siblings set off for school. Prisha and Clementine led the way down the hall talking about this and that when all of a sudden Clementine noticed Louis walking the opposite direction. Both of them shared soft smiles at each other.

“Hey, Clem! Ready to see my skills in action during music class?”

“I can’t wait,” Clementine held Louis’ gaze as his smile grew. He then proceeded to spin around and walk backwards to still be able to talk with her.

“I can’t wait to finally hear you play!”

“Gonna have to keep waiting because no way I’m playing an instrument today,” Clementine gave a playful smile back at Louis.

Louis held his heart in mock pain. “You pain me, dear Clementine. Alright, but one day I will!” With a final wink Louis turned around and continued down the hall.

Clementine gave a small, happy sigh and was about to resume her conversation with Prisha when she noticed her older sister’s smile. “What?”

“Oh, nothing. Nothing at all,” Prisha’s lips held a teasing smile which made Clementine’s embarrassment grow but not as much as it did when Renata jumped into the conversation.

“So, when’s the wedding?’ Renata poked her head out from the back of the pack, causing her dark purple shirt to sway as well as some of the jewelry she had on.

“There’s not going to be a wedding,” Clementine replied, looking back at her younger sister.

“Guess you’re eloping then,” Marlon added into the teasing, although most of his energy seemed to go toward shaking off his nerves at all the eyes staring at his soft pink hair.

“Not before you and your mystery girl, Pinkie,” Clementine shot back a smile and Marlon frowned before he focused on seeing if his sports jersey could make his new hair work better or not.

“Speaking of mystery girls, here comes Aasim’s,” Renata jogged forward to be next to Aasim in order to tease him more.

Aasim’s eyes wandered over towards Ruby who was walking down the hall with Jesse and Violet. Ruby was talking happily with Jesse about the idea of visiting the horse stables and going horseback riding together while Violet seemed more focused on her loose shoelaces that she wouldn’t bother to tie. Jesse continued to speak with Ruby, giving a warm smile to his litter sister before he felt eyes on him and looked over towards Aasim.

Aasim immediately pretended to be finding a piece of paper from his notebook. Jesse’s aura was always intimidating so he’d rather not be on the bad side of him. While Aasim was busy trying to find a piece of paper that didn’t exist, Prisha was busy stealing a glance over at Violet who seemed to be doing the same to Prisha. Although perhaps that was hopeful thinking on Prisha’s part. At least that's what she told herself as she watched the blonde for a moment longer.

“Oh?” Clementine’s voice made Prisha look her way to see her playful smile. “Who’s having the wedding now?”

“That’s preposterous, I was simply…” Prisha couldn’t think of any good excuse which only made her siblings tease her more. All of them except for Aasim who was busy waving goodbye to Ruby, both of them blushing a bit when they locked eyes.

Soon the siblings split off and went their separate ways. Marlon tried his best to not let the eyes on him make him nervous but he couldn’t help it. As he worked to open his locker he heard a familiar voice that made his heart pitter patter.

“Heya, Mar! Ready to kick this school day’s ass!” Sophie leaned forward and gave a smile to Marlon. Marlon felt his heartbeat quicken and he tried to work to open his locker faster in case Sophie saw his hair and hated it. “Oh! You dyed your hair?”

Sophie’s words made Marlon freeze. “Yeah, I know it’s-”

“Super cute!” Sophie smiled at Marlon, her eyes focused on his soft pink hair. “It looks kinda badass too!”

Marlon couldn’t believe what he was hearing; his heart was pounding in his ears as he struggled to find the right words. He was in the middle of trying to figure out what to say when his eyes caught sight of Clementine and Mitch. Clementine was busy giving a thumbs up while Mitch seemed to be pressuring Marlon to go ahead and kiss Sophie. Both of his siblings’ actions made Marlon’s nerves grow. Snapping his eyes away and back to his locker he opened it. “Thanks,” Marlon gave a smile towards Sophie who immediately returned it.

“You wanna walk with me to my first class? I think it's on the way to yours,” Sophie’s offer made Marlon happy.

“I’d like that,”

“Say no more!” Sophie spun around and began to fidget with her baseball cap for a second before leading the way.

Marlon sent a look back at his siblings and waved them off, telling them silently to cut it out. Once he was partially successful, Marlon jogged up to join Sophie on the way to class.

The day flew by and lunchtime quickly arrived. Marlon had snuck off to go on a tree climbing adventure with Sophie while Renata focused on wooing the girl she was sure she and Marlon were competing for: Minnie. It only took her a moment to find the redhead sitting on the steps of the school with her guitar. She was busy tuning the guitar and strumming it before sneaking in a small break where she would toss a french fry in her mouth. Renata beamed and immediately made her way over there.

“Hey, Minnie!” Renata sat down beside the redhead with a playful smile.

Minnie, startled by the sudden voice and flustered by Renata’s presence, failed to toss the french fry correctly and ended up hitting herself in the eye. “Ow, fuck,” Minnie blinked wildly for a few seconds.

“Oh no! Are you okay?” Renata asked with concern.

Minnie closed her eyes for a second and took a deep breath. “Yeah, I think so,” She opened her eyes and felt her face grow extremely hot when she saw how close Renata’s face was to hers. Her eyes traveled down to Renata’s lips for a second before scooting back and clearing her throat. “What are you doing here? Not that I don’t like you here!”

“I saw you and I thought you could use some company. Plus I always love hanging out with you,” Renata kicked her legs lazily back and forth and gave a casual, flirty smile.

Minnie felt her heart flutter at that and she resumed her focus on her guitar. “I’m just playing my guitar, so I hope that's not boring,” She began to pluck at a few strings.

“Nope, it's not boring at all!” Renata shuffled closer to Minnie and listened thoughtfully as Minnie began to play. Both of them were enjoying the simple joy of the moment when things took a turn as Renata opened her lunchbox. As soon as she lifted up the cover a small explosion of pepper shot up and got in Renata’s nose.

“Ren! Are you okay?” Minnie placed down her guitar to check on Renata who gave a smile.

“I’m fin-” Renata was cut off by a series of small sneezes, the force of which made her head shake a bit. Minnie watched on, finding Renata’s sneezes cute, but snapped herself out of that to offer Renata a napkin.

“Here,” “Thanks,” Renata’s hand brushed against Minnie’s and the two locked eyes for a moment. Quickly Minnie pulled back and grabbed her guitar, starting up the song she was writing once more. Renata smiled over at Minnie then resumed enjoying the music. Turns out Marlon had also enlisted the help of Mitch. Well played. Renata glanced over at Minnie then looked up at the sky. It seemed that everything had worked out though. Renata gave another sneeze. Well, sort of.

The rest of the day flew by and soon the Everett siblings were on their way home. Both Marlon and Renata seemed rather smug even though they were about to have a talk with their parents about their pranks. They had each taken huge steps today with the girls they thought were one and the same. It would only be a matter of time before things took a romantic turn and when they did Marlon and Renata were sure they would rub it in the other’s face.

Sophie walked up to her room, a happy smile resting on her face. Today had been amazing, spending all that time with Marlon, going on that tree adventure with him, seeing him with that cute new hair. It was official: she was definitely falling for him. How could she not with how nice he was, his smile, the way he always seemed to really care about what she was saying?

Sophie sighed with contentment as she opened the door to her room. One day she’d get up the nerve to confess to him but for now she’d just continue to be great friends with him. She was so lost in thought that Sophie failed to notice Minnie until she tripped over her, landing harshly on her butt. Sophie looked over to see Minnie wrapped up in a blanket burrito.

“Happy or sad burrito?”

“Happy,” Minnie wrapped herself further in the burrito, trying to hide her somewhat goofy smile.

“That’s good. Is it because of that girl? What was her name again? Renata?” Sophie smiled when she saw her twin get even more flustered. “You have to introduce me to her! I don’t know how I haven’t met her yet, but she's gotta be great if she's turned you into a five foot eleven inch burrito blanket of happiness.”

“She is,” Minnie’s eyes traveled over to her sister. “I think I might have a crush on her.”

“Holy shit! Is that what you’re experiencing?” Sophie teased Minnie who rolled over to bump into Sophie. The two began to laugh when suddenly a knock appeared on the door and James poked his head in.

“Hey, I was wondering if you wanted to play some more Stardew Valley-” James stopped when he saw Minnie in the burrito blanket. “Happy or sad?”

“Happy! She has a crush!” Sophie had a teasing smile on her face as she nudged Minnie playfully.

“Shut up, I know you have a crush too! On that mullet dude,”

Those words seemed to shut up Sophie as her eyes grew large.

“Really? You two have crushes too?” James walked forward and sat down with his sisters.

“Wait, ‘too’?” Minnie popped her head out of the burrito blanket.

“Holy cheeseballs! Is it that guy playing soccer that you spotted when you were taking nature shots?” Sophie asked excitedly.

James tried his best to hide his blush at the mention of his crush.

“A soccer guy? How come I didn’t hear about this yet? You gotta spill!,” Minnie pressed James for details and soon the three siblings were all chattering away, each of them talking about their crushes while the other two cheered them on.

[pickledbeefwastaken]

The High School Dance Fic Nobody Asked For - Chapter 3

Also available on AO3

Link to Chapter 1  Link to Chapter 2

Let me know what you want to see happen next! I don’t have much of a direction in terms of plot right now, so I’m open to suggestions. 

Klaus was the first to the door, pulling it open for Dave this time, winking at him as he passed through before following. Klaus made a beeline for two seats at the counter, near the end. He had clearly been here before, and from the way that the woman behind the counter greeted him, he’d obviously been here lots of times. Dave took a seat on the stool beside Klaus, resting his hands on the counter in front of him while he looked up at the case of donuts, neatly lined on yellow trays. There was row after row after row of golden donuts dripping with glaze, elaborate twists, maple bars, powdered donuts, sprinkles of every shade, donuts iced in every color. They even looked fresh.

“Hey, Agnes?” Klaus called, summoning the attention of the sweet older woman behind the counter. She wiped her hands on her apron and came to stand in front of them.

“You two look awfully handsome. Are you just coming from the school dance?” She asked kindly, “Can’t say I’ve ever seen you in a dress shirt, Klaus.”

Klaus nodded, shrugging as he plucked at the collar of his white shirt, “The dance was okay. I picked up a stray there,” he said, shooting a teasing smile at Dave, “I think I pull it off, don’t you?”

Klaus straightened his button up shirt a bit, lifting his chin primly for Agnes’s evaluation. She chuckled and nodded.

“Very handsome, kiddo. What’ll it be for you two boys tonight?” She asked, already turning to pick up a set of tongs and some plates.

“I’ll take the usual raspberry and a coffee, please,” Klaus asked politely, turning to look at Dave expectantly.

“Umm, just a plain glaze, please, thank you,” He requested, knowing he’d never sleep if he got a coffee, “Could I also get an orange juice?”

“Sure thing, sweetie. Coming right up,” Agnes replied, going about getting them their orders.

“You would be a plain glaze kind of guy,” Klaus said, drawing Dave’s attention away from the case of glistening donuts.

Dave could see the glint in Klaus’s eyes—something teasing and challenging, like he was daring him to defend his basic choice. He just smiled, leaning forward to rest his crossed arms against the countertop.

“And you would be the type to order the messiest donut in existence.”

Klaus snorted, “Touché. You know me too well, Davey.”

Dave didn’t though—he wanted to, absolutely he wanted to know everything there was to know about Klaus, but there was generally such a wall around him that it was hard to know anything for sure. He had his assumptions and guesses, but that’s all they felt like—guesses. Klaus was unpredictable. He wouldn’t be surprised if Klaus surprised him even on the points that Dave was most sure about. Klaus was contradiction and mystery, but he was also distance and guardedness. He had flawless defenses built up around him, sometimes sarcasm, sometimes humor, sometimes ferocity, sometimes he’d make it look like he’d dropped his defenses and you’d be met with the brunt of his undivided attention which was wholly intimidating. He was a master of diversion and deflection and even when Dave thought he saw something real, it wasn’t sure if it was real or pretend.

Agnes came with his donuts then, setting them down before turning to pick up the drinks and bring those over as well. It’d broke a moment he hadn’t realized he’d been lost in, staring at Klaus like he was trying to puzzle him out, Klaus looking right back with an almost smug expression—something that taunted Dave into wanting more while telling him, “good luck finding what you’re looking for”. He glanced at his donut and took a sip of his orange juice while Klaus wasted no time digging right into his food. He picked up the powdered donut with both hands and tore it in half, nearly spilling the raspberry filling everywhere. Dave watched in near horror at how messy and chaotic watching Klaus eat was. By the time he’d taken just one bite, he had powdered sugar on every finger, his lower lip, and the tip of his nose and managed to get raspberry jelly running down his pinky.

He tried not to stare, picking up his donut like a sane person, between just two fingers to minimize stickiness, and took a careful bite. Klaus though, he ate his food with no shame whatsoever, humming at the taste and licking up the side of his hand, which made Dave blush watching that pink tongue run across his skin.

“You have a little something on your nose,” He commented, lips curling into a fond smile that he had absolutely no chance in Hell of fighting.

Klaus smiled too, not even a little bit sheepish. He turned in his seat to face Dave a little more, lifting his chin as he swallowed. Dave watched his Adam’s apple bob down the column of his throat and dragged his eyes back up to Klaus’s face. “Gonna get it for me?” He asked, eyes fixed on Dave’s. He knew what he was doing.

Dave rolled his eyes playfully and reached over, holding Klaus’s face still with fingertips against his cheek, brushing his thumb back and forth across the tip of his nose to brush the dust away, but before he could pull his hand away, Klaus tipped his head up a bit more, tongue peeking out to drag up the pad of Dave’s thumb. Dave’s breath caught audibly and he clacked his mouth shut, freezing as he looked at Klaus with wide eyes, cheeks quickly growing redder and redder. He looked worried around the donut shop, wondering if anyone else had seen that, but Agnes had gone to the back and they were the only customers around. While Dave’s head was turned, Klaus had taken full advantage and closed his lips around Dave’s thumb.

Dave’s eyes shot back to Klaus and oh God, that was an image he was not going to forget anytime soon—the full heat of Klaus’s green eyes staring right back at him with his pink lips on Dave’s thumb. Dave’s breath left him like he’d been punched in the gut, staring back at Klaus with wide eyes as he bit down on his lip. Klaus ran his tongue just once against the pad of Dave’s thumb before pulling his head back, releasing him, looking at him with a sly, shit-eating grin.

“Thanks, Davey,” He said innocently, turning to take a sip of his coffee.

Dave was certain he was blushing up to his hairline, stomach flip-flopping and heart beating hard in his chest. Agnes returned then and Dave quickly lifted his orange juice to take a gulp, more so he had something to hide behind, doing a much worse job than Klaus at playing it cool. He felt inexplicably guilty and exhilarated, like he’d just gotten away with robbing the place right under Agnes’s nose.

Klaus reached over to put a hand on Dave’s knee, probably to remind him to play it cool, to calm down, that they were okay, but he hadn’t been expecting it and he was still very keyed up from a moment before and he ended up choking on his orange juice a little. He sputtered, setting his cup down and lifting a napkin to his mouth as he turned away from Klaus and coughed hard enough to make his eyes water. He could hear Klaus laughing behind him, bright and effervescent as he rubbed Dave’s back apologetically.

“Oh dearest, you alright? I’ll get you some water,” Agnes said, hurrying back to the sink. Dave turned and wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, glaring playfully at Klaus who was grinning from ear to ear, looking exactly like the Cheshire Cat. He was obviously pretty pleased with himself.

“I’m going to get you back for that,” Dave said lowly, just before Agnes returned with a glass for him.

Dave thanked her, voice a little rough before taking a few sips to soothe his throat.

“Anything you can do, I can do better,” Klaus sing-songed beside him, an obvious warning that any retaliation on Dave’s part would begin an all out war.

Dave fought a smile—He would so absolutely lose whatever this war was—trying to make the other blush? Flirting? He wasn’t sure exactly, but he didn’t care. Whatever it was, he wanted to play. The thought of having Klaus teasing him, trying to get him to turn red, was equal parts terrifying and exhilarating. He would be embarrassed as all Hell, sure, but it was so worth it.

He pulled out his wallet and put some cash on the counter before finishing his glass of water, clearing his throat. Klaus meanwhile, was wiping his hands clean on a napkin, taking another gulp of coffee. They both got up at the same time, clearly on the same page about it being time to go.

“Thank you, Agnes!” Klaus called, waving goodbye to the woman. Dave waved politely as well, holding the door for Klaus this time as they stepped out into the cool night air.

Dave was breathless, from Klaus's little move in the donut shop, sure, but also from the cumulation of the entire evening. Everything from Klaus talking to him near the punchbowl to now felt like a fever dream, something that might disappear if he blinked. There was a very real part of him that was afraid he'd wake up at any moment and all of this would be gone. He looked at Klaus, who was already looking at Dave with a pensive expression.

"You look troubled," Dave commented, reaching out to poke the wrinkles between Klaus's eyebrows in an attempt to loosen them up.

Klaus huffed indignantly but his lips with tilting up at the corners, "Just lost in thought, that's all."

Dave nodded, continuing to walk beside Klaus back toward the truck at a slow pace, "You gonna share with the class?"

Klaus drew his gaze away then, looking at the ground a few feet in front of them, pursing his lips as if considering whether or not he was going to let Dave in on whatever was going on in his head. Dave watched, glancing back to the sidewalk ahead of them periodically to ensure he didn't trip over something or drift off the curb, but otherwise kept his eyes expectantly on Klaus's profile. Eventually, it seemed like Klaus came to a decision because he stopped walking and turned to face Dave entirely. Dave stopped too, mirroring his position.

"I like you, Dave. And it's weird, I don't usually like people—not like this," Klaus stated decisively, pausing with his mouth open like he was going to continue, but clicking it shut soon after, deciding against it.

Dave could feel his heart begin beating faster in his chest. He was pretty sure his palms were sweating too. He looked back at Klaus, feeling exposed and vulnerable as Klaus awaited Dave's response. He wasn't sure how Klaus kept such a composure about him when for Dave, the admission felt like it had wrapped around his heart and pulled. His nerves were awake and all he could hear was the sound of blood rushing in his ears. He swallowed hard, not knowing what kind of raw, vulnerable expression was on his face, but he was hopeless to try to shape it into anything else.

"I really like you too, Klaus." Dave said, voice soft and honest.

Klaus's lip quirked up a little, "Yeah?"

"Yeah. A lot. I have for awhile now."

Klaus moved then, stepping in closer, right into Dave's space so they were nearly chest to chest. He brought his arms up to wrap around his neck, much like they were arranged back at the dance when the slow song had played. He looked directly into Dave's eyes and the power of Klaus's attention on him made him feel like he was growing and shrinking at the same time. He brought his hands to Klaus's waist, sliding them around him securely, pressing his palms to Klaus's back.

"I'm going to kiss you now," Klaus announced, voice quiet as his eyes softened and fell to Dave's mouth.

Dave unconsciously licked his lips, leaning his head forward to press their foreheads together, smiling a little. His heart was full out sprinting in his chest now.

"You'd really make my night if you did," He responded in a whisper, lip quirking up.

That was all the permission either of them needed and they both moved in at the same time, noses sliding past each other before their lips made contact. His heart studdered in his chest and a rush of butterflies fluttered through his stomach and he sighed softly against Klaus's plush lips, kissing him again, capturing his top lip between his own. Klaus shivered against him and Dave smiled against his lips, breaking the kiss after another few seconds.

"You're good at that," Klaus commented breathlessly, face breaking into a wide smile as he rested his forehead back on Dave's.

"Yeah?" Dave asked in surprise, gaze falling sheepishly away from Klaus's, "I'm glad, I don't exactly have a lot of practice to draw from."

Klaus laughed softly and hugged him tighter, "I'd never know. It was probably my favorite first kiss ever," he said, nudging Dave's nose gently with his own, trying to get him to look up again.

Dave complied, bringing his gaze back to Klaus who smiled again, "You're cheeks are awfully pink. I'm definitely winning," he commented, expression going teasing and coy.

Dave laughed, not expecting that comment. He narrowed his eyes competitively and brushed a hand down Klaus's back to rest on his hip, thumb brushing the bare skin between his shirt and his pants. Klaus bit his lip in response.

"Not for long," Dave warned, to which Klaus laughed, wiggling out of Dave's grip.

"You'll have to catch me first!" He called, already running down the sidewalk.

Oh, it was on.

[whyamiinopmhellagain]

The Wrath of the Dragons

Metal Bat Reader Insert

**Trigger Warning, Major Character Death, Skippable Brief Torture Scene, Grieving**

This is for my friend, @opmheadcanons​. This gets heavy, I hope you like it. And thanks to @fatherwhump​ for letting me dump samples on you.

I also want to put out there. If anyone else is struggling, please, reach out and let me write an insert for you. Writing is a way for me to deal with my inner demons, and allowing me to project my struggles onto yours, and sympathize helps me cope. Please, do not hesitate to ask!

Their heart is pounding as they watch a pick-up truck collapse onto the civilians below it. All of the ability to give warning and spread information is now destroyed, so nobody knows where they are supposed to go, or what they’re supposed to do. It doesn’t matter anymore. Giant, scaly beasts were storming the city, knocking over buildings with their talons as if they are toddlers enjoying the terror they caused, knowing there is much glory to gain.

They keep running, even though their legs are slowly turning into jelly, and their vision is beginning to blur. Suddenly, someone grabs them by the waist. They wanted to squirm out of their grasp, but their legs had already been overworked. The second they get comfortable with their fate of being captured, they feel their capture push their head up so they both could lock lips. It was bruising, and rough, but it was passionate and familiar.

“Sorry to do this to you, sugar.”  He looks them dead in the eyes. “But, I wanted a chance to say goodbye, in case I don’t make it out of the shit show.” 

“You will.” They force themselves to say. “I love you, Badd.” 

“I love you too, (Y/N).” He starts to leave the alleyway. “And bye the way,” He shouts from halfway down the street. “Tell Zenko she’s gonna take over the world!” 

“I will baby!” They poke their head out from the alleyway. 

“Now, get that pretty little ass of yours outta ‘ere!” He smiles back at you, as he charges straight towards the seven dragons in the sky. 

Selfishness was eating them up inside. They desperately wanted to bring him back to their embrace, and kiss him one last time. Their mind drifts off to a time when he comes back; battered, beat up, and bruised, but safe. His eyes scan the crowd for them. When he sees them, he comes barreling over, kissing their face. They bring him his little sister, as he watches her cry of joy. The crowds begin to scream as he leans in for a tender, loving, kiss that says “I’m so glad you’re okay, and happy you’re in my life.”

A rusty pipe lands right next to them, causing them to realize where they are. They sprint off to see where he went. The orange beast’s flames turn the nearby park, and everything in it, to ash. The yellow one bashes a nearby office building with its tail. The green one roars, sending violent sound waves that harshly permeate the area.  

“ATTENTION HUMANS!"  The red beast growls. “If you want us to leave, you must agree to our terms!” Time stops for a minute. 

“Okay!” Badd shouts from the distance. “You punks have caused enough destruction already! We surrender! Whaddya want?”  

“We demand a sacrifice.” It continues. “It must be a powerful member of your species. He must be able to give us power, so that we can sacrifice it to our king. Then, and only then, will we leave.” A gasp spreads around the room. 

Badd takes a glance around at the surrounding area. City T had just been annihilated. So has City X, City V, and City W. There was nothing left of them but debris, ash, and corpses. City S was next. 

He knew what he had to do to stop them. 

“Alright, I volunteer.” The people part the way for their savoir to walk into his fate. Tears start welling up in their eyes. Their mind is begging him for him to not do this. Stay with them, just for long enough to grow old, start a family, watch Zenko graduate, get married, quit this stupid job, or for just one last, proper kiss goodbye. 

“Thanks for the ice cream, Badd.”

“No problem, baby. You deserve it.” He swings your arm over their shoulder. “You deserve the world. Hell, the universe!” 

“I thought I deserved the universe!” 

“You do too, Zen.” He picks her up with his other arm. “I’m going to do everything to give it to you. Both of you.” 

They don’t move. 

“Alright! I’m here!” Badd shouts. As he stands, the largest beast comes down, its royal purple wings softening his landing. One of its claws probes Badd’s chest. He presses it harder and harder, and they know Badd is doing his best not to scream.

“If we take this one, we can stop our slaughter for the next ten billion years!”

“Really, your majesty?” The red one says.

“Hey Scales, can we get on with this? Do you need me or not?” 

“Yes, we do.” The beast propels himself upwards. As the crowd awaits the event, Badd slowly raises his bat. Once his arm is fully extended, he lifts his pointer finger, pinky and thumb. The monarch of the beasts throws his arm back, charging a purple orb.  

“Stay strong everyone!” Badd addresses the crowd. 

“I’ll always be with you!” He stares directly at them. 

The orb comes crashing down, muffling his screams. All of the beasts have gathered to see their sacrifice writhe in pain. Badd can’t even see his shaking limbs as they give out. He feels his skin burning, as his cries of pain become weaker and weaker. He knows that his muscles and bones are next. He doesn’t waste his energy trying to save himself. He just thinks of the happy moments in his life on Earth, and the reason he was doing this. 

His gut told him it would all be worth it. 

----

The orb disintegrates, and nothing is left of the S-class hero. 

“HUMANS! WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR TRIBUTE! WILL WILL NOT BOTHER YOU FOR ANOTHER 10 BILLION YEARS.” The purple beast takes to the skies, and the rest follow. They sprint over, shaking and panicking to find something, anything remaining of their love. 

“NOOOOOO! WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE HIM?” They sob over the area where he should be laying. 

---

They lie in his queen sized bed. Everytime they tried to roll over and go to sleep, they couldn’t stop themselves from glance over to the other side, expecting to see his ruffled, black mop, the mesmerizing rise and fall of his chest, and his bulky muscles finally relaxing next to them.  His soft snores would normally bother them, but today, it would put them to sleep. It would give them the closure that everything would be okay, and that tomorrow, they would wake up in a cuddle puddle with his sister in the middle. He would kiss their nose and forehead, and recount the tale of his glorious victory of taking down an above dragon level threat as he made them breakfast. This couldn’t have happened. He couldn’t have been gone. Dragons don’t come from the sky demeaning sacrifice! He should be alive! He deserves life more than most of the heroes! He was 17! He had a very healthy and happy relationship! A bright future! A sister to care for! Instead, his sister was wrapped up in their arms, protecting them from the grief as long as they could. She had already seen enough, and she was only ten years old. The death of parents, and then her brother, the sweetest, kindest, toughest man they had ever met, was going to take a toll on this young girl's mind. She was tough, though. She fought for what she wanted. She was the spitting image of her brother, with a touch of her own grace She would make it through this. They knew they had a new job.

They needed to soften the blow as much as they could. 

---

Zenko had woken them up crying. 

“(Y/N)! I can’t sleep!” Zenko sniffles. 

“Me either, Zenko.” They lie. 

“I want my brother back!” She wails into their chest. 

“I want him back too, love.” 

“I want him to take me shopping! And make me mochi! And cake!” 

“I understand Zenko, darling. But, you have to get some rest.” They stroke her hair lovingly. It was the exact same color as her brother’s.

“WHY (Y/N)-chan, WHY?” They go quiet for a second.  

“You deserve the world. Hell, the universe!” 

“I thought I deserved the universe!” 

“You do too, Zen.” He picks her up with his other arm. “I’m going to do everything to give it to you. Both of you.” 

“He wanted to give us everything.” They look down at her puffy eyes and red cheeks, hugging her closer.

“Let’s make him proud.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This for you, Forrest. I haven’t had the personal experience of grieving in my life, so I kind of went with my gut on writing this. I’m sorry if this is inaccurate, let me know, and I’ll fix it. You write some of the best headcanons for the fandom, and your little shitposts bring me joy. I understand that sometimes I may come off as annoying in private messages, but you seem very chill, and have quite a bit of wisdom to you. This makes your super enjoyable to be around.  Feel free to talk at any time. Thank you for all the good you bring. We’re happy to have you here! 

Requests Open! *Unedited*

[beautifulbuckys]

Cleaning week

Word Count: 2.3k

Warnings: None

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Y/N

A/N: This is for the wonderful @stanclub‘s 3k celebration! Congrats to Amanda, she deserves it!

With every movement of your arms, the sweater covering your torso grew itchier. The olive green dyed wool rubbed upon your arm, causing red patches to litter your arms. Despite the uncomfortable factors of your sweater, you loved it. The crisp fall air ventilated the heavy sweater. It was warm, yet cool simultaneously. The sweater's color was unique, and fun to wear. The best part about it, however, was that it was a Christmas gift from Bucky.

Your boyfriend was currently inside washing the dishes from your breakfast. You could still taste the lingering cinnamon on your tongue. From where you were standing, it wasn't hard to notice how rough Bucky was being while scrubbing off cooked on dough. The cinnamon rolls Bucky made were always your favorite. It was a morning surprise for you.

"Baby," Bucky whispered as he kissed your temples. "I need you to wake up before breakfast gets cold,"

"Okay," You mumbled, opening your eyes slowly. You saw his gorgeous face hovering over yours. Strands of brown hair fell from his face, framing it perfectly. His blue eyes shone in the morning light. You saw the strands of dark blue pop from the light blue. His eyes were an ocean, like ones you'd visit in the summer. The oceans on the beaches Tony would bring you to. They were the eyes that reminded you of team bonding at the poolside. Those eyes were the eyes you'd look into when you were scared. They were the eyes that loved you.

You eventually got up. It felt like forever to you, sluggishly arising from your soft bed. Your feet landed on the chilly wood floors. You didn't feel like getting dressed, walking into the kitchen as you were. As soon as you entered the room, delicious sents flooded your senses. The perfect balance of sweet and spicy was engulfing the room.

Over breakfast, the two of you discussed chores. You family was coming down for the weekend to visit. They were meeting Bucky for the first time, it was a big deal. They were a little weary when you told them you were moving in with Bucky, reasonably. They'd never met him, so they were scared for your safety. So ever since the week prior, Bucky has been in cleaning mode. He vacuumed once a day, which was typically a weekly chore. Bucky cleaned out the fridge, something you hadn't done in months. The countertops were clean after every meal. Every shelf was dusted and rearranged.

You tasked yourself to rake the leaves, desiring to be done before the weekend. Your Dad was a garden guy. He took good care of his lawn and garden. You figured you'd spare Bucky the stress, assigning yourself the chore. You understand gardening, for the most part.  It was a menial task, but not the worst. The bright orange and bold gold of the leaves surrounding you was calming. The small crunch they made when you stepped on them was entertaining. However, it was more alarming when you heard the 'entertaining' crunch approaching behind you.

"Surprise!" Bucky shouted, throwing leaves at you when you turned around. The leaves fluttered to the floor, a number of them sticking to your sweater.

"Bucky! I just raked this whole area," You scolded. You weren't genuinely upset. It was more of an 'I'm annoyed with you but you're too cute to be mad at' type of scold. It was a type of scold that Bucky earned a lot. You'd make sure he heard you playfully scoff when he brought Sam in the house after 10. Bucky felt the eye roll if he ever left his dirty clothes in the bathroom. He was used to it, but it was still effective in proving your annoyance.

Bucky wrapped his arms around your waist and kissed your nose. You could smell the spice in his breath, not that it's a bad thing.

"Sorry hon', didn't mean to. Need help?" Bucky asked with a grin on his face, placing another kiss on your forehead. He must've gotten a leaf in your hair, you felt his metal hand move from your waist and pluck something off your head.

You shook your head, denying Bucky's help. The bags under his eyes signified to you he was tired. He'd been tuckering himself out the past week. Bucky denied himself breaks while cleaning around the house. You couldn't remember a time he sat down for more than three minutes.

Bucky tilted his head at your denial. "Mmm, too bad," Bucky stated, departing you to find another rake in your shed. You giggled, getting back to work.

He soon returned with a taller rake than the one you had, a worn-down red handle to match some of the leaves. He whistled, raking leaves into one big pile. You two would talk every once in a while, making small talk. You guys didn't mind the silence, but small talk helped get the job done faster.

"If you could only have one color apple, which one would it be?" Bucky asked, raking around a small tree in your backyard.

"By color, do you mean like red, green and yellow?"  You shouted, being about fifty feet away from him, closer to the house.

"Yeah!" He replied, pushing a mixture of dead grass, twigs and orange leaves into his pile.

"Hm, probably yellow. They're sweet but not too sweet. They're not sour either, which is perfect!" You added, plucking a few leaves that found their way on your sweater, off. There were a few on your jeans too. You bent over, taking two off the knees of your distressed jeans.

Bucky made a disgusted face. His nose scrunched up, his eyebrows furrowing.  "Yellow? Seriously? Is it too late to move out?! Those are the grossest ones, Y/N! Green is the way to go, I'm a sour apple kind of guy,"

You chuckled, resuming raking the spacious yard.

This apple conversation later evolved. Who knew?

"Okay, Buck, if you like green apples so much, do you think green apple candy is good?" You ask, relatively closer to the brunette.

"Green apple candy is the worst, Y/N!" Bucky responded, with a playful mock of disgust. "It's too sweet. A green apple is sour, it should stay sour!"

"Bucky, it's sweet because it's candy!" You suggested. You knew that Bucky knew that's why it was sweet, but it's all for the sake of conversation.

Bucky shook his head, circling the tree to rid of the leaves at the base.

Other conversations arose, he questioned you about modern technology. You quizzed him about 40's music, a thing you loved to talk about. Bucky smiled every time you asked if he heard a specific song. He loved how infatuated you were with his time and pop culture. It was something admirable about you.

"Did you hear the song 'Rum and Coca-Cola', Buck?"

"Who was it by?" Bucky questioned. Maybe if he heard the artist name, it would ring a bell.

"The Andrews Sisters," You replied, picking up a few larger sticks and adding them to a nearby pile. It was in your head that you could have a small fire when your parents arrive.

Bucky shook his head with a small smile. "No, I don't think so. I might need to hear it to see if I know it. You can't rely on my old brain to remember something like that,"

"Whatever old man," You laugh, throwing some leaves at Bucky. He rolled his eyes, sticking his tongue out at you. He threw leaves back, which was a bad idea. You two had ditched the rakes and were now chucking small piles of leaves at each other. The you in ten minutes will be so mad.

Raking took hours. It's closer to three o-clock when you step back to admire your work. The yard was essentially barren! Bucky was going around, picking up a few strays from the ground and placing them in a plastic bag. You guys made three big piles. One was near the shed, and it was slightly larger than the third step of your patio. Another was near the small tree in the back of your yard. The last pile was in the dead center of your yard. Bucky held the plastic bag in his hand, waving when he noticed you were watching him. You grinned, returning the wave and walking up the patio steps.

"Where 'ya going, dollface?" Bucky asked, sneaking up behind you and placing the bag on your grill.

You chuckled, wrapping your arms around his neck. "I was wishing to go inside for a minute. Why do you ask, my love?" He beamed at the pet name.

"You're missing out on the best part of leave raking, Y/N!" Bucky sighed, planting his hands on your hips. "The only thing more fun than raking leaves is jumping in them once you're finished ranking 'em!" He let go of you, finishing his sentence. He pulled himself away from your arms. Bucky stood still waiting for your response.

"James," You warned. This provoked Bucky to depart from the old, wooden patio. Watching Bucky sprint to one of the piles was entertaining. His hair was flying behind him, the brown locks blending in with the dying grass surrounding you. You observed him barreling towards the pile near the tree. He jumped in, making leaves float above the pile, and settle on the ground and back in the pile. Your jaw dropped, he had the nerve to do that. "Bucky, what the hell?!" You watched Bucky's face. He had the widest grin on his face, he looked happy.

You sauntered over to the pile. You weren't angry, more amused than anything else. "You've got some balls to do that. We've been out here since nine!" You laughed, with a bit of annoyance and a smidge of happiness.

"Dollface, I pinky promise on Steve's life that after we're done, we'll clean it up. Hell, I'll clean it up!" Bucky mused.

You had an idea. You're gonna scare the shit out of Bucky Barnes. You shook your head no, turning on your heel. You walked about 10 steps towards the house until you turned back around and booked it towards the pile. You leaped into the bundle of leaves, making a small flurry of leaves float around the two of you. Bucky smirked, realizing you hopped on top of his chest. You giggled, leaning down and placing a kiss on the lips.

"Wanna get off of me, babe? I wanna show you the coolest thing ever." Bucky said, looking at you with admiration. His smile was wide. His white teeth popped out from the warm colors surrounding his face. The ocean that was his eyes stuck out from the oranges and reds underneath him. Everything about this moment was perfect, but you had to get up.

You lifted yourself off of Bucky, laughing as you did so. You wiped a few golden leaves that stuck to your sweater. Bucky made a hand motion for you to get out of the way, so you took a few steps backward.

Right before your eyes, you saw Bucky Barnes, your boyfriend, no a backflip into the pile of leaves.

"Holy shit!" You shouted, immediately covering your mouth in case any neighbors heard. It was too late if they did hear, though. You felt your eyes widen at the sight of Bucky's trick. He got up from the leaves, chuckling. His hair was full of orange, yellow and red leaves, it was like a wig.

"You're going to be the death of me, babe," You deadpan, plucking the leaves out of Bucky's hair. He mumbles something about you loving it while you take the remaining leaves.

"You, mister," You point to Bucky, "Are going to rake this up. I, Y/N am going to go make us some glasses of tea so we can relax" You check your watch. "I'll probably get a start on dinner too,"

It was nearing five now, by the time he finishes and dinner was done it would probably be six. If you add a shower into the equation, you two would be dressed in PJs and watching a Halloween movie at eight-thirty. Better start now.

Bucky nods, understanding what you're saying. He made the mess, he's going to pick it up. "What's for dinner?"

You start walking away, pulling a leaf from underneath your belt. "You'll find out when you come inside, leaf boy,"

Bucky shook his head as you walk away, chuckling at himself. You're going to be a tough cookie after all he made you deal with today. For all he knows, you probably have leaves in your sweater. What he'd give to find out.

Bucky was almost done when you hung out of the kitchen window.

"Dinner time!" You cheer out from the warmth of your house.

Bucky came running in, stomping off his boots in case they got mud in them. You giggled at the simple act, he'd been doing that ever since you educated him on mud tracks. He untied them and arrived in the kitchen, sliding a bit on the floor due to his mix and matched socks. He reached over you to grab two paper plates from a shelf and placed them on the counter. Did he smell the lovely smell of tomato and cheese, plus an interesting vegetable smell? It was pizza night.

"Looks amazing, babe," Bucky says as he kisses a kiss to your shoulder. You mutter a thank you while cutting out pieces for the two of you. They weren't perfect slices, some of the triangles being smaller than others. Though, it was hard to deny that it looked terrible.

The pizza was a hit. Bucky had almost all of it. He would've eaten all of it if you'd let him. However, you needed food to eat. The night concluded in watching a movie on the couch. Tonight was your choice, and you wanted to watch something spooky. 25 minutes into 'Beetlejuice' and your pajama-clad boyfriend was passed out. You heard the wind blowing when realization hit you like a truck.

You never put the leaves in the bag.

It was windy.

You'd need to do this all over again tomorrow.

[hardyimagines]

Summer In Italy

Reader is spending the days with her family at their 17th-century villa in Italy. Reader meets Tom, a handsome scientific student who's working as intern for her father. Reader and Tom discover the beauty of awakening desire. ( Smut/Heated Scenes )

Reader is 17, Tom is 38! ( requested )

Plot based on ‘Call Me By Your Name’.

Part 2     Part 3      Part 4 

———————————————————————

Part 1 of 5

The scent of bread was thick in the air as you made your way down the cobblestone road. Your curious eyes ran along the towering buildings that bordered one another. Each one was rocky, old, falling apart in various different places, but still just as sturdy as it was when it had been built. Your wandering eyes settled on the tall green sign that clearly displayed the word ‘Bakery’ along the front of it in wide, white, block letters, no doubt used to reel in passerby’s. You gave the shop a lingering look, nostrils flaring at the tempting scent, but you didn’t give in to temptation so easily.

The basket you cradled on your arm was packed full of treats, a grocery list settled on the top of the bagged fruit with check-marks to signal what you’d purchased for your mother. You tipped your head south to study the cursive letters, examining the page to ensure that even though the checks stained the paper, that you’d actually bought the item and hadn’t merely made a mental note. You lifted the slip of paper, torn in the corner from your mother’s poor ability before crumpling it up and shoving it into the pocket of your high-waisted shorts.

Along the road and toward the end where the street broke off into a left and a right turn, you kept going forward and toward a tall, black, iron gate. Your fingers lifted to twist the lock, undoing it momentarily so you could slip through the opening before you locked it back and continued on your way. The gate brought you to an alley-like space, small and confined, but straight forward. You lifted yourself off of the ground and on to the curb, doing your best to maintain your balance as you wobbled on the narrow walkway. Your yellow-colored sneakers were murky from the puddles you’d been stomping through all day, sunset beating down on you brighter than it had been when it was high in the sky. Your shoes looked orange in the bright glow, stained with black speckles here and there, but still worthy of being kept and worn.

Exiting the path through the alley, you made your way toward the field of never-ending trees and tall blades of grass. Though this was your least favorite part of the walk, it was necessary and cut your journey in half. Your fingers crossed as you adjusted your grip on the basket in hand, eyes clamping shut as you inwardly hoped to avoid all traces of poison ivy and nettle. It was highly unlikely for you to find any in these parts, but since your last experience with both plants — you were scarred and always paranoid.

Your feet pushed off the ground hurriedly, sending your body into a full blown sprint. The fruits in the basket wobbled angrily, shaking in their captor’s grip as they bounced off of one another. You glanced down, ensuring that none of them were going to accidentally fall out of the basket.. they weren’t. Pushing on, you leaped and skipped and bolted through the tall grass and various trees before heaving a loud sigh of relief when you reached the other side.

You were completely out of breath. Beads of sweat marked the length of your face, giving you a radiant glow which one might think was highlight from makeup or a natural, beautiful hue, but no it was just the sight of exhaustion, seeping from your sweat glands to stain your flesh with the salty droplets. You wiped at your forehead with your forearm before slowing your pace down considerably and continuing on toward the villa at the end of the road.

The houses were different colors than the buildings. The workshops were different shades of brown, rusted and old, but the homes varied from dark shades of orange to soft shades of blue. The basket swung at your side now carelessly as you took in the sight surrounding you. Your fingertips absentmindedly traced the seemingly endless row of daisies that bordered the street. The pedals were soft beneath your touch, tickling you almost from their tender brush.

You let out a quiet hum, a sound of content and relief at finally arriving back to your home. The cars parked in the driveway were unfamiliar, but no questions arose. Your father was a busy man, business meant all kinds of people would show up to the house unexpectedly. You were never too surprised. Skipping past the line of white cars, you studied them momentarily before making your way into the wide entrance.

“Mom!” Your voice floated throughout the house. Removing the tan bandana from its tied position in your lengthy locks, you dropped it on the table beside the pile of keys before making your way down the corridor and toward the kitchen. Your sneakers left a muddy trail from all the water you’d been clumsily carrying with you for the journey, but you remained oblivious. “I got the food!” You shouted once more.

“Darling, your mother’s getting the laundry!” Your father’s, Edgar, mellow voice met your shout. You looked briefly toward the arch to your left, ears twitching to see if he would speak again. He didn’t. You heaved a soft sigh before prying out the small bags. Opening each one, you drew out its contents and tucked it away in its rightful place. Drawer after drawer slammed shut, the cabinets creaked when you pulled them open. Your final place was the cupboard and it was no quieter than the rest. “Muppet, why don’t you come in here for a second! There’s some people I want to introduce you to!” Your father’s voice sounded again.

The initial annoyance that bubbled in your belly made you want to decline his demand, but when you pondered doing that — you figured you might embarrass him and these could be very important clients. With a gentle sigh, a very quiet sound, you lugged the fridge open and grasped a bottle of ready-to-go orange juice before making your way through the arch and into the den.

The space was wide; open, large windows bordering the length of the walls. You briefly peered through the glass and down at the waves that crashed against the side of the rocks. It was only when the sound of your father’s chair, scratching the floor, filled the room that you looked in his direction.

“Y/n.” He moved around the oval shaped table and approached you with an extended arm. The watch on his wrist was cold as it grazed your skin. “Honey, this is Randal.” He ushered toward the bloke perched on the arm of the sofa.

Randal was bald. No more then 30. He had black eyebrows, a pointed noise, hollow cheeks. His skin was tanned considerably and his eyes were golden, a seemingly impossible color. You briefly wondered if he was wearing contacts. Your sweet smile was one that he returned before he downed the remnants of the wine in his glass. His lips closed around the olive, attached to the side of his cup before he stood and made his way toward the built-in bar so he could refill his drink.

“And this,” Your father spoke again. “this is Eugene.” You rotated around, following the direction of your father’s hand once more. The ring on his wedding ring finger glistened beneath the ray’s of the sun as it managed to briefly shine through the wide window.

Eugene was small. Maybe 20. He wore glasses and a tucked in shirt. He had sandy locks, brown eyes, and a sturdy stance. He seemed kind, but manipulative, eager. You squinted momentarily before bidding him a nod as a greeting. He sent you a tip of his hat, the type a cowboy would venture out in, entirely too out of place. He didn’t move from his spot, he shyly fidgeted, unsure of what he was meant to do. You made the decision for him by turning away.

“These are my employees while we’re here, babe, so you’ll want to get to know them.” The man twisted in the slightest so he could squat down and resume working on the unfinished project that stood tall on the table. You didn’t know what it was — and you couldn’t even take a guess.

“Am I not being introduced?” An out of place accent thickly cut into the mix. It was deep, warm, a sound that made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. You straightened in the slightest, afraid to twist around and see who’d so confidently made themselves known.

Your father wore a smug smile and then a cocky tint in his gaze before he lifted the wrench closest to him and briefly pointed it in the direction of the newest member of the little meet and greet. “That’s Tom. Thinks he’s gonna be a big fuckin success one day.” Your father evidently found amusement and humor in mocking the man who’d just entered.

Tom was taller than you. He had brown hair and blue eyes. His mouth was full, pink, a complete and utter beauty to ogle. He had cheeks that were tempting to touch, so soft in appearance despite the stubble that coated his jaw, cheeks, and the area surrounding his mouth. You straightened further before twisting around to face the bloke. He was the only one you spoke to.

“Thinks.. or knows?” You inquired as he approached. He wasn’t shy in the slightest, you decided as he weaved around the counter that was in his way and approached you until his hand could brush yours. It did so in a polite manner. He opened his palm before allowing the large thing to wrap around your own, securing your hand in a very different greeting than the others had done. Your eyes dropped to his hand, noting his permanently bent pinky.

“I’m not a fortune teller,” His lips curved upward in the slightest before he released your palm. “but I’ve got a pretty good feeling..”

“Y/n.” You could tell he was letting the sentence drift because he didn’t know your name.

“Y/n.” He filled in the blank, tasting the name on his tongue once and deciding that it was enough for him to determine that he did in fact like the way it sounded.

“Tom is going to be staying with us for the summer.” Your father piped up again. He set the wrench down on the table, unbothered when it noisily clattered against the surface. His eyes lifted to the two of you, brows high and lips pursed. “think we might have to give him your room, honey. The spare doesn’t have any air.” He stood. His hands pushed into the deep pockets of his trousers, drawing out the slips of paper he would need for the rest of the day. Randal and Eugene approached the table to inspect the pages. They wouldn’t be staying for the summer, they weren’t as needed or as curious as Tom.

The man was tempted to argue that you really didn’t need to give up your room — but this was how all scenarios played out. He would insist he’d be fine in the room with no air and you’d be sweet and bat those lengthy eyelashes and insist that it was alright.

Internally, you swore because your bedroom was your private space and you didn’t want some man in his 40’s taking it. But externally you sent your dad an understanding smile before moving away from the four of them and back to the window. Your palm pressed against the surface, residing against the clean pane momentarily before you let out a breathy sigh.

“I think I’m going to go down to the pool for a bit.” You spoke softly. Lifting your hand to the chain that hung around your neck, you pinched the jewel absentmindedly before sending a lingering look in the men’s direction. The only one staring was Eugene, but you could feel the heated gaze belonging to Randal as he shyly did his best to look over at you without being so obvious. Tom was enraptured by the work your father was doing, no interest at all in the 17 year old stood in the corner. He was 38, he couldn’t be wasting his time with girls your age.

The floor creaked beneath your retreating footsteps and once you’d left the room, you let out a puff of annoyed air. Making your way toward the long staircase, you placed your palm on the handrail and used it to help lift yourself on to the steps. Scrambling up the length of them and directly toward your bedroom, you nudged the heavy wood open with your foot before vanishing inside. The door slammed shut noisily, but not as loud as it would if you were angry, before bouncing back open because of its inability to close all the way. Dropping down on the edge of your bed, you let a breath of annoyance pass from your lips before you glanced around the room and made a mental note of what you’d need to bring with you to the spare room.

The bubble in your belly was already sprouting tension. You knew you’d be annoyed for the remainder of the day, if not week, because you’d have to sleep in the one room in the house that the air vents didn’t cover. You rolled off the bed and moved to the corner. Grabbing your tall basket, you began to shove your necessities into the thing. Clothing, your diaries, your radio, shoes, whatever you didn’t want to have to come back into the room for, you clutched and shoved it into the basket before taking it across the hall and into the adjoining room.

You left it there, still jammed full of your belongings, before you made your way back across the hall in order to put on your swimsuit. Hauling off the button down blouse you were clad in, you tossed it into your laundry basket before slipping out of your shorts. The belt that was hooked through the loops on the fabric was swiftly tugged free before discarded on the bed. You let out a soft hum as you slipped out of your shorts, black laced underwear following directly after.

The air in the room was cool, drawing goosebumps from your warm skin as you did your best to hurriedly drag on the orange bikini on your dresser. The pattern was floral, pretty, it complimented your skin because of how bright it was. You beamed momentarily before grabbing the striped towel from your closet and then sauntering off.

The glass door that led to the patio was drawn open before it slammed shut behind you automatically. Your feet — still clad in the murky sneakers, padded quietly against the rocks as you stepped on the path of stones. The pool was hidden in a mass of trees, tucked away at the backside of the villa. It was your favorite place to go. During the day, you could be alone with your thoughts, jotting down poems and ideas you had and when the sun bid the world farewell your boyfriend, Daniel, would come over so that the pair of you could nightswim.

The boy was already waiting. He had thick, black locks. They were shaggy and lengthy, hanging in front of his eyes incessantly. He would push the dark strands out of his green eyes, revealing the deep pools to you. He had a permanent upward curve of his lips, mouth thin, but not too small. His lips were a darker shade, a red that was enchanting to stare at. He was a sweet boy, tall and lanky, like a spaghetti noodle. You’d been dating him for seven months and you still wouldn’t call the feelings that you held for him ‘love’. You merely cared about him a significant amount.

Daniel was already in the pool, submerged in the blue water. It sloshed against the edges creating a soft, peaceful sound as he moved from one end of the pool to the other. Your sudden appearance made him grin. You could see, so clearly, that he thought you were his happy ever after. His love and adoration radiated off of him, as if he carried his own rays. You didn’t think you’d ever truly love the boy, but your heart told you that it would do its best and try.

Inside, Tom was stood at the piano in the corner, pad of his thumb gliding along his tongue as he went over the instructions laid out on the top of the instrument. The piano had nothing to do with the work that the four men were working on, but it was a very nice, wide surface to use as a table.

“Evening, gentleman!” The soft sound of your mother’s, Rose, voice carried into the room they were working in. She had curled, blonde locks. Strawberry shaded. Her lips were painted with the new cherry flavored gloss and her cheeks looked like she’d stood in the mirror and slapped them twenty times each. Her favorite color was red. And she made sure the whole world knew it. “Edgar! Honey, where’s Y/n?” Her voice was like a sing-song, up and down in pitch. It dripped with her curiosity.

“Down by the pool, my love.” Edgar was on his back, buried beneath the contraption they were working on. “Randal.” He extended his arm, fingers wiggling as he waited to be given the wrench. Tom was lost in the way his pencil slid along the paper, making marks here and there where it was necessary and Eugene was assuring Randal in keeping a strong hold on the thing so it didn’t topple over.

“Well she needs to come in soon! I told you to stop letting her venture out until after supper.” Her tone was exasperated but because of its softness, it was impossible to tell she was upset.

Edgar sighed quietly before lifting his head. His little girl had just left. He was going to slide out from underneath the built project, but both Randal and Eugene halted the man.

“You’ve got to tighten the bolts! It’s going to collapse- that’s the whole reason you’re under there!” Eugene squirmed before looking toward Tom. “You go get the girl, he’s clearly unable to do it.”

Tom wore a pair of glasses low on the bridge of his nose, peering down at the paper in front of him. His hand stilled, eyes moving over his shoulder so he could inspect the men. Were they really talk to him? Why did he have to go fetch you, you weren’t his kid. Edgar wore a look of plea, hopeful that the bloke could do him the small favor and run down to the pool to retrieve his little girl. Tom sighed gently before setting his pen down. He gave the paper in front of him a lingering look before he pushed off his forearms and moved to the corner. He supposed he’d do it but only because Edgar was teaching him — and allowing him to stay in his home. He’d seen you slip out the glass door earlier so he headed toward the exit.

“Follow the rocks- they take you right to the pool. It’s a little ways away, but you’ll get there!” Edgar’s breaths were heavy from his attempt to rush and finish what needed to be done, but all of the men, including Tom, knew that the current task would take at least another 30 minutes to complete. Tom set off out into the evening air. Minute by minute, the sky darkened and the air grew to be just a little chillier. He didn’t know where he was going, but the rocks only went in one direction and he swore he could hear the soft sound of sloshing water.

Through the trees and at the end of the rocky path, the pool was situated. You were submerged in the water, arms looped around your boyfriend’s strong shoulders and legs securely hooked around his thighs. You gripped on to him tightly, shallow breaths hitting the side of his neck as he did his best to thrust his hips in the water. The pool did its best to restrain him, drawing heavy whimpers from your lips when you begged for him to go harder and he found himself incapable. Having sex in the pool wasn’t ideal, but you weren’t going to bring him back to the house. That was far too risky.

The sound of branches snapping could be heard from a few feet away, drawing your attention to the corner. Daniel’s grip on you was firm though, entirely too secure. You whimpered from frustration, attempting to pry yourself out of his grasp before whoever was approaching could see, but it was too late. By the time Daniel had realized you were trying to get away from him, a tall bloke turned the corner. It was evident what he’d just walked in on. Daniel was red in the face, breathing heavily and you were struggling to tie your bikini top. Daniel was quick to lug his swim shorts back up and send you an apologetic look. He didn’t know Tom and he didn’t do good with confrontation so without much thought, he lifted himself out of the pool and hurriedly grabbed the towel off of the pool bar. He sent you one more look, an apologetic expression that he knew you’d forgive. You swatted your hand. He was so pathetic. Why was he running off as if he’d been caught by your father opposed to an intern.

You sighed quietly before moving toward the steps. Daniel didn’t bother saying anything at all before running back toward his house, leaving you unfulfilled and annoyed. Adjusting the swimsuit that was now fastened in its rightful place, you brushed past the man, elbow skimming his chest accidentally.

“Did my father send you out after me?” You inquired, not bothering at first to bring up what he’d just seen. Locking the towel around your shoulders, your lashes fluttered, droplets of water drying in place on the thin hairs as he studied you. You received a short grunt from the man. “He can never seem to come out here himself.” You whispered before lifting the towel and tying it around your locks.

“Would you rather your father have caught you doing...” he pointed to the pool, narrowing his blue eyes as if that would make you stiffen or feel threatened.

“I’m old enough to have sex.” You shrugged in the slightest before peering up at him as he seemed to ponder how to reply to you. You took the time then to scrutinize him. He wore a pair of denim jeans and a button down that told you he’d never even been to Italy before. His clothing, though it looked good on him, made him look like a foreigner. You smiled lazily. You weren’t from here either, but you dressed the part.

“I didn’t say you weren’t. I just think no father would want to walk in on their daughter.” He lifted his gaze to the surrounding trees as they shook. “It’s time for dinner.” He told you firmly before waiting for you to twist around and head that way. He was sure you already knew, seeing as he clearly wasn’t the first person your parents had sent out in order to retrieve you. You said nothing else before turning around and heading back toward the home. Your barefeet picked up speckles of dirt and leaves as you walked, trying your hardest to stay on the stepping stones, but it was impossible to avoid all the twigs. Tom was directly behind you, eyes scanning your small form as you skipped and hopped and avoided whatever you could.

Your hand wrapped around the silver handle when you reached the villa. Twisting the thing, you nudged it open before halting in the doorway. You craned your neck around in order to study the man, ready to ensure that he wasn’t going to tell your parents about what he saw, but before you could ask, your mother poked her head out from the kitchen.

“Honey, get some clothes on, its time for supper.” She told you before stepping across the hall so she could tend to any glasses that needed to be refilled. You sucked in a sharp breath of air before looking back toward Tom. There was a silent question in your gaze, but he wasn’t a mind reader so as you ascended the steps, he gave you a longing look of curiosity. It lingered before he made his way back into the den to resume with the paper he’d been so thoroughly working on earlier.

Rose had set the table. Six plates surrounded the dining area, fork, spoon, and knife set out beside each dish in case it was needed. She filled each glass with ice cold water and then dished our plate fulls of salad and chicken. The tablecloth that lined the oak wood was a baby blue, stainless and newly purchased so as she passed, she brushed her fingers along the material, silently hoping that nobody spilled anything on it.

You were stood in front of your smudged mirror, combing out your wet strands of hair that were drying under very humid air. You smoothed down your strands before taking half and clipping it back and out of your face. You were dressed down in a romper know, a green colored suit that embraced your figure snugly, but had length and class to it — very appropriate for dinner. Your sneakers had been left by the pool, toppled over crookedly beneath one of the lawn chairs and you let out a heavy string of curses at the realization that you’d have to traipse back down there in the morning to retrieve the shoes.

Twisting around on your heel, you slipped on your black flats before making your way out of the room and down the stairs toward the dining room. Everyone was beginning to pile in all at once. Edgar took his place at one end of the table, leaving rose to sit at the other end. Two seats resided parallel to one another and you knew, deep down, that Randal and Eugene were going to bark at one another and fight over who got to sit beside you so you purposefully dipped into the room behind Tom and took the seat directly beside his own.

His blue eyes flickered to you, wondering why you’d been so quick to grasp the seat, but he said nothing verbally. Lowering himself down into the creaky wood, he looked toward the men on the opposite side who wore disappointed looks at losing the chance to sit beside you during dinner. You let out a quiet hum before setting your hand on your fork. Lifting the cutlery, you sunk the sharp tongs into a leaf of lettuce before beginning to eat the first part of the meal.

Edgar was eager to boast about the new project, bouncing from topic after topic of seemingly the same thing. Only the boys participated in the conversation; each one sharing little snippets of their input now and then. Tom was the quietest of the bunch, Eugene was the loudest. Edgar chortled about this and that and you wore a look of confusion, head shaking in the slightest at their sense of strange humor.

“You guys are nerds.” You whispered out in a teasing manner before looking toward your mother when she cleared her throat. She was just as quiet as you. Her lips twitched upward, making it evident that she found your comment funny. The men all wore looks of mild distaste.

“Nerds?” Eugene piped up.

“Ah, she doesn’t know what she’s talking about.” Edgar chimed in. “Everyone’s a nerd to her, she doesn’t understand what we’re talking about.” He tossed a small tomato in your direction but you were quick to avoid the flying food.

“Hey!” You lifted the same piece and flung it back. Tom leaned back in his seat to avoid the food that flew from one side of the room to the other and Rose winced each time it traveled.

“Honey!” She halted her husband. “I don’t want to get any dressing on the tablecloth.” She pleaded before looking toward you. “Truce for now, okay?” Her words told Tom that a food fight was a regular occurrence. He almost smiled at the fact, but he hid the expression by continuing to eat.

Edgar pointed toward you, eyes narrowed playfully. “This isn’t over.” He assured you before dropping the tomato on to his side dish of untouched food. He didn’t like tomatoes, so it was in his discard pile.

The rest of dinner went by smoothly. The nerds halted their scientific conversations and discoveries. Your mother shared small looks with your father. And you, well, you’d managed to eat all your food for once because the woman at the end of the table had made a full meal you enjoyed.

After dinner was done, you helped your mother clean up all the scattered plates and rinse off the remaining food. Most of it was sauce from the dressing and grease from the chicken, so you took the glasses to the sink and scrubbed them until they were void of any mess. Tom was positioned on the sofa in the den, legs folded and eyes latched on to the booklet he cradled. Edgar was leaning over the piano, seemingly filling in the blanks on the paper that had been passed around the room all day. Eugene and Randal had already gone home so that meant it was time for you to head to the guest room and settle down for bed.

The mattress was hard beneath your body as you collapsed on top of the thing. It was stiff and ridden with dust, but you didn’t complain. There was no point — nothing would change. Staring up at the dark ceiling, you let out a quiet hum before reaching for the lamp in the corner. Cutting it on so you could instead write in your journal, you rolled on to your stomach and bent your knees. The pen that was attached to the side of the booklet wrote swiftly. Curving along with your hand and gliding along the page without fault. You were lost in the words that you stained the paper with, ankles rotating lazily.

Tom let out a gruff grunt and then a heavy puff of air as he tried his best to shut the door that would seal him away in your bedroom. You could hear his struggle from over your shoulder as he tried not once, not twice, but three times to get the jammed thing to shut. You lifted yourself up on your elbow.

“It doesn’t close!” You called out loud enough for him to hear. “It broke last year..” The man traced the wood with his fingertips before opening it and slowly making his way across the hall. Poking his head into the room you now stayed in, he inspected the length of it. It was definitely hot. Too dark to see any detail apart from what the dim lamp lit up. You sent him a soft smile before closing your journal. “Guess your luck ran out. Youve got air, but no privacy I’m afraid.” You wrapped your arms around your knees, inspecting the man as he came to a halt in your doorway.

“What makes you think I like privacy?” His voice was quiet. The last thing he wanted was for your parents to think he was some creepy old git sneaking across the hall to chat with their daughter. He leaned against the wall, studying you as you wiggled on the bed.

“You did just slam the door three times to try and get it to close.” You pointed out before standing from the bed. He noted the amusement in your gaze before folding his thick arms over his chest. You moved to the basket in the corner before pinching your pajamas and lifting them from the place that held all your belongings. He let out a quiet grunt at your words, unable to think of how he could defend himself against it. “So,” You tipped your head to one side, clutching your clothing to your stomach. “Did you tell my dad what you saw at the pool?”

Tom’s brows shot up. Confusion piled in his stomach as he looked down at you. His head shook. “It’s not my business what you do with your boyfriend and I don’t think your father would be too happy if he found out from me.” He grumbled. He sensed that you were playing with him. The way you wore a smirk and then once he said he was tattling, it morphed into a snide grin. “Plus,” His eyes moved away from your own. “I think you’re old enough. I’d be a hypocrite if I said I wasn’t doing the same thing at that age.” His hand lifted to his cheek, scratching at the stubble that resided there. You giggled quietly before folding your arms and retreating back over to the bed.

It was weird, how natural it felt to talk to him, but you didn’t let your thoughts wonder. He was much older and even though he was very nice to look at and easy to talk to, you knew it wouldn’t be wise to let your suddenly racing heart grow attached to him. He pushed off the doorway and looked over his shoulder before letting a quiet sigh leave his lips.

“Well, I’m going for a shower.” His hand curled around your door. “And I’m going to close this since you’ll be able to see straight into my room.” He grumbled. His voice was soft, almost shy, and you swiftly drew your bottom lip in before nodding once along to his words. That was understandable. He didn’t want to flash you.

“Goodnight.” You told him softly before lifting your pen once more. You began to write again. This time much quicker. The remainder of the page was about the man across the hall and all the feelings he’d made bubble in your belly in such a short span of time. You knew the feelings were wrong to feel and he would never ever return them, but you could still jot them down.

You’d remember him always as the forbidden intern you longed to get to know.

———————————————————————

End Part 1 of 5

Part 2    Part 3      Part 4

A/N: Remember when I uploaded Escape and there was a bunnnnnch of disagreement on the age gap? I would like for all hate to be kept to yourself! It’s just a story. I put at the top that there is a significant age difference — please don’t read any further than this chapter if you don’t like the age gap! I won’t be changing it like I changed ‘Escape’!

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[bakugou-loving-hours]

19. Free Prompt- High, how are you?

Pairing: Kirishima/ Bakugou, barely

Rating: Mature

Word Count: 1929

Summary: Bakugou gets stupid when he’s high, but he’s kinda stupid when he’s not high too. At least when reading Kirishima.

Additional Tags: drug use, extra long ficlet because I done goofed on day 16, alternatively titled: Let’s Be Honest With Ourselves, We’re Way Too High To Drive

High, How are you?

“Is this like…” Mina’s mouth hung open, “... like, a… uh…”

Sero snickered from the floor.

“Stop, listen,” her eyes drooped closed and her mouth lazily grew into a smile.

“Like one of those fuckin… ah… those things ya know?”

“Yeah,” Kirishima answered her. His own lazy smile growing, a giggle slipping past his lips.

“No, no,” she threw out her hand and waved him off. “The ones with… uh…”

Bakugou huffed. Everything was so slow. So lazy.

“Fuck,” she laughed.

“Just give up,” Kirishima dropped his head into her lap.

“God, it's like I… uh…” she cut herself off again.

“Numbed your brain,” Bakugou supplied. Feeling just as numb from the neck up.

“Yeah. That,” she laughed.

Bakugou leaned down from his chair and held the joint up to Sero's lips.

“Take a fuckin sip babe.”

Sero's eyes shot open like the scene from the horror flick they watched the last time they all did this.

He took a quick drag and held it. Closed his eyes again like he was dead to the world.

Only after Bakugou passed the joint to Kirishima did he finally let it out. A thick stream of smoke the only indication Sero was even breathing.

“I'm gonna make beefaroni,” Kaminari sat up from his spot on the floor. He managed to get to his knees, wobbling and then pausing before flopping back down. “On second thought, I'm just… gonna continue laying here.”

“Smort,” Kirishima blew smoke toward Mina's face.

She blinked and then scowled down at him, “Just pass it you pain.”

“So touchy,” the transfer was seamless. Years of practice while high certainly helped.

“Here,” Bakugou threw something in Kaminari's general direction.

The reaction time was less than stellar. Kaminari's arm jerking a good minute after the bag landed next to his head.

It took another full minute before he finally gripped it and brought the bag to his face.

“Oh Bakubro. You really know how to treat a boy.”

“Just dont eat all of them.”

Kaminari opened the bag of hot cheetos from the wrong end, emptying a handful out on his chest and dropping the bag next to him.

“Isn't bright orange supposed to stop us from eating something?” he raised a single cheeto and stared.

Sero let out a small laugh, “I'm in danger.”

Kirishima threw his arm over the front of the couch, resting his hand flat on Sero's face.

Sero sighed.

“Breath through the gas mask buddy and you'll be fine,” Kirishima said.

Sero shot a quick thumbs up.

“I think he meant the cheetos Kiri,” Kaminari crunched down.

“No way, why would the cheetos be in danger?”

“No, the color,” Bakugou chimed in.

“Are you saying the color is in danger? Now that just doesn't make sense.”

“Kiri I swear to God,” Mina handed the joint back to him. “Sometimes I feel like you do this on purpose.”

“Mina, that's supposed to go to Kaminari,” Bakugou sideyed her and leaned back.

“No… I'm pretty sure it goes to Kiri,” she responded.

“Yeah,” Kirishima coughed, sending a puff of smoke toward Bakugou's face.

“You guys always do this. I'm getting the Big Gulp.” Bakugou stood with a bit of a wobble, but managed to keep his footing. His eyes crossed and then un-crossed as he focused on the walk to his room.

“You know,” Kaminari kept talking as if Bakugou were still there, “the Big Gulp is a bright color too. Does that mean we shouldn't eat it?” He stared at another cheeto, eventually throwing it back and crunching down loudly.

“I would hope you don't try and eat it,” Bakugou came back with the piece in hand. “It's silicone. Gotta be hell for your digestion.”

“But the question still remains,” Kaminari pointed a cheeto at him. “Are cheetos any better?”

“No. You know what would be better?” Kirishima lifted his head and stared at the wall just past Kaminari's head. “Taco bell,” he said with every ounce of seriousness he could muster.

“Oh goooood yes,” Kaminari dropped his cheeto hand onto the floor beside him, with a loud thunk. Orange dust settling into the cracks of the wood.

“I knew this was coming,” Mina plucked another joint from the box on the coffee table. “Like clockwork. Kaminari gets hungry. Bakugou placates in a rare gesture of solidarity. Kirishima goes big. Kaminari agrees no matter what vomit inducing idea Kirishima has.”

“Then,” Kirishima held his lighter up to the end of Mina's joint. “Then you know what comes next, Spiderman.”

“A mad dash to find someone sober enough to drive us,” she breathed in deeply.

Bakugou coughed, bringing the big gulp to his mouth. “Or we could just…”

“Or we could just order in, Bakugou will suggest,” Mina interrupted and waved the joint around like a pointer.

“But…” Kirishima counters only to be cut off by Mina again.

“But! We'd have to pay for delivery and we’re broke college kids,” her whining mockery of Kirishima's voice cuts deep and he leers.

“How can you remember entire conversations but not what you were trying to say earlier?” Kaminari asked the hard hitting question.

Mina laughed, her eyes trying too hard to stay open.

“Well it just be like that sometimes,” Bakugou mused.

“It truly do,” Sero whispered from his spot on the floor, eyes still closed, chest still ominously still.

“What I want to know,” Kirishima took a big drag in “is how we're getting that Taco Bell.”

“We're all gonna say we're too high, argue about who's the highest, and then eventually ask your bitch roommate if he'll drive us,” Mina listed like it's been done too many times before.

“We're too hard on Tetsu,” Kirishima interjected. “He's decent enough to do our quesarito runs at least.”

“That's just cuz he wants to get in your pants buddy,” Kaminari threw a cheeto to get Kiri's attention.

“Jokes on him,” Bakugou interrupted. “Kirishima is super straight.”

Mina whipped her head around, nearly dropping the joint onto Kirishima. Kaminari even got up on his elbows and Kirishima just open mouth stared.

Sero shot up, awakening from his near coma, like a vampire sitting up in a coffin.

“What?” he asked.

Bakugou looked from face to face, “I…”

“I knew you were an oblivious gay Baku, but I didn't know you were this bad.”

“Shut up!”

“Let it be known,” Mina spoke over him, “Bakugou would be a lesbian if he weren't a gay man.”

“What does that even mean,” he squinted at her, which was just a mistake because now his eyes kept trying to close.

“It means,” Kaminari pulled another cheeto out and pointed it at Bakugou. “It means, the popular trope that lesbians can be friends with someone for years and not know if they're also a lesbian let alone into them, can be applied to the situation at hand. You, Bakugou, would be a lesbian if you were not a gay man.”

“Christ you guys are fucking stupid,” he leaned back into the Big Gulp.

“He need some milk,” Sero drawled on his way back down to the floor. A loud thunk signaled the end of his obvious consciousness.

“Bakugou's dumb high brain aside,” Kirishima had his own joint now and was waving it around with every word. “I’d blow a guy for some Taco Bell right now.”

Bakugou sputtered, choking out a smoke filled cough.

“Text Tetsu,” Kaminari threw another cheeto.

Bakugou kept coughing. Mina eventually extended her arm to slap his back.

“I don't think Bakugou likes that idea,” Sero whispered.

“Nope, text Tetsu,” Bakugou’s eyes were wide. “Get the… the Taco Bell.”

Kirishima turned on the couch, shoving his feet up and his head down. Eventually moving upside down with his head resting on Sero's stomach and his arms stretched out under the coffee table.

“Kaminari my friend,” he stretched further. “My phone’s by you I think.”

Kaminari threw a cheeto at him and squinted, “sounds like a you problem.”

“Sounds like a lotta hooplah to me,” Sero whispered from under Kirishima.

“Buddy please,” Kirishima whined, stretching just enough to nearly unseat himself.

“Cannot. Too scared,” Kaminari deadpanned.

“I just want Taco Bell,” Kirishima closed his eyes and wiped his face with his hand.

“Do you know the number? You can use my phone,” Mina held out her overly stickered pink iPhone to Kirishima while swapping the Big Gulp for her joint with Bakugou.

“Oh true,” Kirishima grabbed the phone from her hand and started typing.

“Oh,” Bakugou started mumbling to himself. “It's cool you know the fucker’s number, in case of emergencies I guess.”

“Emergency dick,” Mina pursed her lips.

Mina's phone lit up in Kirishima's hands and a trap version of the traditional Nokia ringtone started playing.

“Oh he's calling,” Kirishima’s eyes were fighting to stay open as he swiped the screen to answer the call.

“Yeah it's actually me,” he laughed into the phone. “Yeah… Yeah Taco Bell again… well maybe next time you can smoke with us… as a reward for being such a sweet roommate.”

Kirishima's smile was not lost on the group as he finished up the call.

“Oooh, Kiri has a crush,” Kaminari singsonged into his nearly emptied cheetos bag.

Kirishima side-eyed him and a small smile grew on his face.

“No crush my man, just game.”

“Yeah right,” Bakugou scoffed. “You have as much game as my left pinky.”

This time Bakugou was confident, he didn't misjudge. Only… they were all staring at him again.

“Bakugou,” Mina laid her hand on his arm. “Your experiences are not universal.”

He looked from Mina to Sero to Kaminari and then back to Kirishima. Squinting his eyes in an attempt to understand how he got Kirishima so wrong.

“I don't understand,” he whispered.

Kirishima sat back up, head back and feet squirming next to Sero's stomach. He handed Mina his joint and leaned forward to get off the couch.

“Maybe this'll help you understand.”

He took the joint from Bakugou's hand and pulled hard. He rested both hands on either side of him and blew the smoke directly into his open mouth.

“You're supposed to breath in,” Mina popped her head into his line of sight.

He knew that.

“I know that.”

Kirishima raised his eyebrows and smiled, “Let's try that one more time Katsuki.”

He took a long pull in, rested his hand back down with the lit end up, and then leaned back into Bakugou's space.

The onslaught of smoke and hot breath nearly had him forgetting to breath it in again, but then Kirishima rested his other hand on Bakugou’s arm and it sent a jolt down his spine. He breathed in too quickly and overloaded his lungs, which sent him into a coughing fit. Luckily he somehow had the forethought to shove his head into Kirishima’s neck instead of cough directly in his face. But that presented another problem when he inhaled Kirishima’s cologne.

“I think you murdered Bakugou,” Kaminari threw a handful of cheetos at Kirishima’s back. “ Aw fuck, that was my last handful.”

Bakugou bunched his hand into Kirishima’s shirt and pushed him back.

“Told you he’s got game,” Mina said under her breath. “Kind of like…”

“Oh my god shut up,” Bakugou coughed out, another wheeze that wracked his body.

Kirishima pulled back and threw himself over Mina and back onto the couch.

“Oh my god…” he looked up at Mina. “It’s like…” and her eyes went wide in recognition. “It’s like…” his hands came up to his ears and curled over. “It’s like nya.”

“I hate you all,” Bakugou wheezed.

[nowitsdarkfic]

chapter twelve (the parents are not amused)

November 28, 1988. Boston, Massachusetts.

“So this is the place?” I ask her.

“This is it. Pretty posh, isn't it?”

“God damn, I feel so poor just looking at it.”

We're sitting at the curb right outside of this big three story house in the suburban part of Boston. I killed the engine and now we're sitting here in silence: there are rich amber lights lighting up the windows on the second and third levels, and the whole house itself is comprised of pale, cleanly scrubbed brick. The pointed roof of a turret shoots up from behind the dark main roof and I can make out the faint glimmer of a witching window—one of those windows tipped over at an angle—embedded underneath the gutter facing the street. The front lawn is groomed even with winter encroaching upon us. There's a cobblestone walkway winding up towards the front step, through the still present sprouts of green grass and weaving around the neatly groomed evergreen bushes: right outside of her door stands a low white picket fence with a rickety looking gate which I'm sure locks on the inside. A large oak tree in the front yard looms within a few feet of the windows of the bottom floor.

Meanwhile, the sun has gone down, leaving the sky painted a rich navy blue color without any sign of stars to be seen. At least the glare is gone now. Angeline tucks a lock of blonde hair behind her ear before turning to me.

“Okay, so run the plan by me again?”

“This is Maya's car,” I tell her, patting the edge of the steering wheel.

“Right.”

“She returned here to the house. I'm sure of it. So what'll happen is you'll go up to the front door and tell her or whoever answers that you're from the New York Times, and you've found her car, and you're bringing it back to her.”

“Okay. But that leaves us without transportation, though.”

“Not necessarily. See, you said Dominique and Matt are in a park back over in Wellesley?”

“Yes.”

“I know a way back there without breaking our feet. While you're there at the door, I'll sneak around the side of the house and see if I can find Maya. She's comfortable around me—I'll speak to her and I'll see if she fesses up to me the full truth. Think you're up for it?”

“I think so… but how are you going to sneak around back?”

“Those bushes you see in the yard here.”

“What if someone catches you?”

“Angeline, I'm part Iroquois Indian. I guess you could say I'm—more or less used to the earth and besides, it's getting dark. I doubt anyone's gonna see me. So what do you say?”

She sighs through her nose and turns back around to look out the window and then the windshield.

“It's either this or a phone interview,” she says in a soft voice.

“And I'd think the latter is gonna quite difficult,” I point out to her. I know she's nervous: I am, too. The butterflies in my stomach are a sure sign that I don't know how this is going to play out. But it's worth a shot if we're going to find out the truth of Maya. She then nods her head.

“Okay,” she finally says. “Let's do it.” I raise my pinky finger, the one with my silver ring on it, for her to hook hers around. She locks for a second and then climbs out of the car. I follow suit right as a light gust of a sea breeze blows through my hair.

“This street smells like potatoes,” I remark, looking around the place.

“Most of the streets in this part of town in fact do,” she assures me. “No idea why, either.”

I round the front of the car and, once I reach the curb, I bow my head to stay out of sight behind the fence. Angeline reaches behind the top of the gate to release the lock: once it's open, I duck behind the nearest bush right in the middle of the yard. I linger there as she steps ahead towards the front step. I close my eyes for a few seconds as I hear the heels of her boots clanking on the cobblestones. I try to steady my breathing but I'm shaking, I'm absolutely shaking. I hear her footsteps halt right on the front step and I make a run for it, keeping myself low to the ground all the way to the side of the house.

I don't hear her knock on the door. I'm in a full on sprint to the side of the house. The soles of my boots are aching me. It's times like this I wish I had on my Chucks. Once I'm there, I lean against the corner and open my mouth wide to let out a sigh of relief.

God. I can't remember the last time I was this nervous.

Actually, yeah, I can. It was the first time I ever recorded with Anthrax. Recording “A.I.R.”

I think. Never mind, it's not important at the moment.

I hear the doorbell ring, one that sounds like those big wooden wind chimes the size of dinner plates.

I open my mouth to let out a breath, one as quiet as I can make it. I close my eyes as I press myself as far as I can go right up against the wall.

“I don't think they're even home, Joey—”

But before she can say my name, the front door opens. I hold perfectly still as chills run my spine.

“Yes?”

I know that whispered voice laced with that British accent anywhere.

“Um—are you—Maya?” Angeline asks her.

“Yes.”

“Um—I found your car in New York and I found out it belongs to you—I work with the New York Times, so it was easy to find you here in Boston—are—your parents home?”

“My father's home,” she answers as I turn my head to the left to find the other edge of the house. I nibble on my bottom lip when I hear her say the word “father.” This might be where I meet him.

“Okay. I was just curious—”

Without another sound, I make my way down this thin patch of grass, still keeping my head bowed low so as to stay down in the shadows. It's quite a venture to the back of the house. But once I reach that corner, I take a glimpse around the corner to see if there's a back door. There is in fact a slit on the wall right in front of my face, but I don't know if it's a door. There's also a door on the outside of the turret. I peer over my shoulder to make sure there's no one behind me first, and then proceed on to the turret.

Thing is I don't know if it's locked or not. I set a hand on the doorknob and hesitate.

Silence on the other side.

I turn the knob so slowly because I don't want to cause a racket.

It's not locked.

I push it open to the smallest crack to where I can still look inside of the back of the house. I can only see a lush scarlet carpet on the other side. Silence, which means they're either still at the front door or there's something waiting for me on the other side.

But I push the door open a little more so as to take a peek inside. I lift my gaze to the ceiling and a void. I push it open even more to find the void over my head is nothing more than the view into the spiral staircase leading up into the turret. I turn my head to the warmly lit corridor to the left of me. No one there, but if I hold my breath and pay close attention to the silence, I can hear Maya's voice on the other side, like a delicate whisper on the wind.

I think it's safe to come inside so I put my left foot in first, followed by my right.

There's a little clink sound right behind me that catches me offguard.

Oh. It's nothing more than my pinky ring on the doorknob.

Christ, I need to calm down.

Careful not to make any more noise, I close the door behind me.

And that's when I hear something in front of me shuffle from behind the stairs. I gasp and lurch back to the door.

“Can I help you, son?” a gruff voice asks me. I stop and look over my shoulder to see an older man with a slicked back pompadour of hair that's the color of rust, glassy eyes that seem to sink back into his skull, a straight nose, a cupid's bow in his lips, and a little indentation in his chin. He's tall, quite a bit taller than me, and a hell of a lot heavier than me: he's wrapped in a shiny white coat. Odd for a house coat because it looks like it's made of vinyl. He's got these bright orange rubber gloves on his hands. He looks like a scientist, but for all I know, he might've been doing dishes just now.

“Uh—” I feel my throat close and my stomach turn. Fuck, what do I do.

“Yes?”

“Uh—I was just—wondering—if—Maya was home?” That's the first thing that came to mind.

“Maya? Yeah, she's at the front of the house right now.” He speaks with a soft voice and with a clear American accent; I notice the black framed glasses folded at the collar of his coat. “May I ask how you know my daughter?”

“I'm a—uh, friend of hers.” Immediately regret saying that.

“Well, why'd you come in the back? You could've come in through the front door. You didn't have to sneak in this way.”

“I just—felt like it.” What the hell am I saying. Shut up, Joey.

But to my surprise at that, he chuckles in response to that.

“You just felt like it? I like that. Really, I like your attitude.” He keeps chuckling and I relax the muscles in my stomach, which I find were totally tense up to that point. I adjust the lapels of my coat and push some stray curly tendrils of my hair back from my shoulders.

“Relax, son, we're all family here,” he assures me, cracking me a smile.

“—yes, I have a room back here,” that soft voice flies into the corridor, and Maya enters in from the far end of the corridor to my left. She gasps at the sight of me.

“Joey?” she calls out to me in a delicate whisper.

“Maya,” I reply to her, and like a baby horse, she ambles over to me. She still has no color to her face and the scar on her forehead is as prominent and bright as ever. Angeline appears from behind her with a befuddled look on her face. I nod at her and she shrugs at me. Maya puts her arms around me, tighter than her grip has ever been towards me.

“Joey? Is that your name?” the man asks me.

“Yeah. And that's—” I gesture down the corridor, and he directs his attention there. He wags a finger at her.

“Angeline, right?”

“—yeah.” I'm just as confused as her.

“I thought I recognized you.” He shows her a big beaming smile; meanwhile, Maya lifts her head from my chest to return to the man. “Where are my manners, I'm Mike.” He extends his gloved hand for me to take and we shake: on the inside of the rubber, his fingers are hard and narrow, and knobby at the knuckles. His grip is a little too strong but for all I know, it could be because I was an intruder in the house. He wasn't expecting me after all; so there's a part of me that's glad he's got those gloves on.

“Papa, should we invite Joey and Angeline to dinner?” Maya asks him.

“I don't see why not. A friend of yours is a friend to me. They can meet Molly after all, too, honey pie.” He lifts his gaze to the two of us. “Speaking of which, dinner will be ready in a few minutes. The smart kitchen just has to make a few finishing touches.”

“Smart kitchen?” Angeline repeats as she approaches me.

“Robotic kitchen. I crafted it out myself and programmed it to make dinner and dessert.”

“Well, that's… nifty.” I try to show a smile but I can't really shake the fact I was that close to having my ass handed to me on a silver robotic platter myself.

“It really is! Come dine with us for the evening.” He gestures for us to follow him and Maya down the corridor. Meanwhile, Angeline comes closer to me and I breathe another sigh of relief.

“Man, that was close,” I confess to her. “I thought he was gonna release the hounds on me.”

“Pfff, you're telling me. I thought Maya was going to have a stroke when I told her you were involved in finding her car in New York City.”

“What the hell's going on?” I ask her in a whisper.

“I have no idea. No idea at all.”

“I thought you said he's a curmudgeon.”

“He was. Full on. When I tried to interview him that one time, he was very rude. Like he refused in the worst way you could think of. So you know—this is weird.”

“Maya looks like she's about ready to go into an anemic coma, too,” I admit. “I really hope she eats something.”

“We should do something,” she suggests.

“Joey? Angeline? Are you guys coming?” Mike hollers from down the hall.

“We are!” she exclaims with a tilt of her head, and then she returns to me.

“Again, we should do something.”

“Well, what should we do?” I demand to her in a hushed voice.

“I don't know—duck out the back door here and make a run for it.”

“In these boots? I don't think so.”

“You snuck across the yard in those things—you don't think you can run?”

“Sneaking and running are two completely different things, 'kay?”

“Oh, and you also said you wanted to look for something in here, too,” she recalls with a gesture to me.

“Yeah, I do. Well, let's—make the case for them. I'm not really hungry after all that fish and root beer in the pub, but let's do it.”

“Yeah, let's give these people a chance. Maya does like you after all.”

“Mike also didn't kill me, either.”

We double back down the hall to the other side: on the way, we catch a view into the spacious, clean kitchen with a white linoleum floor and pure white tiles all over the splash backs under the cabinets. There's no one in there, but I do see a bright blue light on the light over the faucet. I also spot an odd feather shaped thing on the front cabinet underneath the sink, and I think of Brick. Oh, my GOD, Brick! Jesus, I hope he's alright. And I hope the Greys are doing their best him, too.

When I'm done here, I'll run back to Oswego as fast as I can to see if everything is alright.

Once we reach the other end, we find ourselves in a vast, spotless dining hall with a high bright lit ceiling and a light, silver metal table that stretches over the floor. Maya tugs back the black metal chair with a high back before she turns to me.

“Oh, Joey,” she stops me in place. “Sit here.” I swallow and take my seat in the metal chair, and then she sits next to me. Meanwhile, Angeline goes all the way around the far end of the table and doubles back to the other side of the table, right across from the two of us. Maya taps on my arm; I glance over at her reaching into the inside of her coat and taking out something.

“Hold out your hand,” she whispers to me, and I do. Her fingertips are as light as a feather as she places the arrowhead pendant into the palm of my hand.

“That's for knowing where to find me.”

“Thank you,” I whisper to her as I drop it into my coat pocket, and out of the corner of my eye, I see Angeline leaning forward, as if listening in on us. But I take a second look to find her setting her handbag down on the floor.

“Thank you,” she retorts back to me, and for a second, I think she winks at me.

“Okay!” Mike declares from the far left end of the table. “Who wants drinks?”

“I'll just have water,” I tell him.

“Me, too,” Maya adds.

“Cup of coffee,” Angeline replies. “With a little cream.”

It was just like in the cafe in Seattle: these tubes shoot down from the ceiling over our heads onto the top of the table and flatten off once they reach the surface. The ones in front of me and Maya fill with water before closing off to just the right height so as to resemble a glass. I catch a speck of black in my water.

“Um—” I call out to him, pointing at my glass. “There's something in my drink.”

“What's it smell like?” Mike's like a superhero there on the other side of the table with his hands pressed to his hips. I pick up the glass and hold it up to my nose.

“What's it smell like, Joey?” Angeline repeats as her tube tapers off and morphs to form a mug filled with coffee.

“Kinda sweet. Like sugar.”

“Molasses!” he hollers. “To which I say, welcome to Boston! On the menu tonight, we have pan fried mutton with stuffing and green beans, courtesy of Maya.”

Ugh. God. After she stuffed me the other day, I don't think I can stomach another round of that, especially with something as rich as mutton. I don't think I've ever tried mutton before. But I'll try the stuffing and the beans, though.

But much to my surprise, the plates emerge in front of us from the table top covered in what looks like dried powder. There's a pile of what resembles chili powder on the left side of the plate, and right across from it sits a pile of pale white and green lumpy powder. I glance up at Angeline, who's scowling at her plate.

“Looks like spices,” I remark. “But without all the sumptuous spice.”

“Unless it's dehydrated,” she replies, never lifting her gaze from her plate. “You know, like what they give to astronauts or what you'd take with you on a nature trip, but I don't think that's what it is.”

“All the nourishment from those articles of food superconcentrated into superfine particles, freeze dried, and made proper to eat with nothing more than your own hands,” Mike explains in a single breath. “All the yummy goodness but without the mess.”

I glance up at Angeline again right as she raises an eyebrow at me. I look over at Maya, who's all but inhaling her powder.

“Mike, when's dinner ready—” I recognize that down home accent right behind me. I turn my head to see her taking off her yellow slicker. She gasps at the sight of me.

“Joey! I didn't expect to see you here,” Molly greets me with a bewildered look on her face.

“I should tell you the same thing,” I retort to her, feeling the butterflies whir up inside my stomach once more; I show her a nervous smile as I raise my glass to her.

“I came back for the next week for an extension of Thanksgiving,” she explains, setting her slicker down on the table next to me.

“I returned Maya's—car,” I sputter out, bringing the sweet smelling glass to my lips for a sip. And then I turn to Angeline across the table right as she's taking a drink from her coffee. “Uh, this is—Angeline from the New York Times—”

“Molly, what have I told you about leaving your jacket on the table?” Mike scoffs, still on the far end of the table.

“Oh, come on, Mike, I'm just putting it here for a second. You know I'm gonna hang it up.”

“Well, you should've done it when you came in through the back door!”

I turn to Angeline as she's taking another sip of coffee.

“Dinner and a show,” I note to her, and she nods at me with a nervous smile.

“Oh, Mike, don't be petty!” Molly shouts from right next to me. “Especially with two guests in the house!”

“Petty? Petty?! You didn't hang up your damn coat!”

“Like I said—!”

“You want me to show it to you?”

“Oh, Michael, don't do this…”

“Come with me, Molly.”

“Don't—”

“I said COME WITH ME!”

I wince at his raising his voice. Molly turns back to us.

“I'm so sorry,” she quips to me in a quiet voice.

“No, no,” I insist, but it is a little awkward now. She scurries away from me; I turn back to Angeline right as she's finishing her coffee.

“That was quick,” I remark.

“Wasn't even hot.” And I stick out my tongue and point my finger into my mouth. I then turn to Maya, who's pretty much vacuumed up the contents on her plate, as she's picking up her glass.

“How embarrassing,” she whispers aloud right before she takes a big drink. She holds the glass out from her face and sighs again: I catch a whiff of green beans on her breath. “I've had enough. Will you both excuse me—”

“Yeah, of course,” I assure her, and she climbs out from her chair right as Mike's shouts sear in from down the room. I return to Angeline.

“Can we make a run for it now?” she asks me, picking up her handbag. I reach into my pocket for the arrowhead.

“I've got a better idea. Climb over the table this time, too. Y'know, so you don't have to go way the hell down there—”

[hazysaturn]

diablo | nct dream

it was a dismal wednesday morning, and you were walking at a snail’s pace toward your locker. after manuvering through the crowd and receiving a few comments for walking so slowly, you made it to your locker near the end of the hallway. you got your combination wrong two times, sucking your teeth each time before throwing the door open and tossing your rain-soaked coat inside. you also dropped your chemistry binder and it hit the metal bottom with a satisfying thud. you swung the locker shut and behind it was haechan, leaning against the wall like he’s been there for an hour. 

your body flinches out of its own accord and he chuckles at you, but his eyes are full of excitement. a bright and warm amber shine lit up his eyes in a way that you haven’t seen before. (but since it was haechan, it wasn’t that surprising). 

“why do you always do that? i always stand here to wait for you,” he said, and you rolled your eyes. 

“i know, but you never say anything. how am i supposed to know that you’re right there if you’re acting invisible?” you replied back, and he just smirked at you. 

“i don’t know, by seeing my feet or something?” he suggested, before waving his hand in the air. he grabbed and pulled on your wrist, jerking your body closer to his in a swift movement. 

“i have to show you something,” he whispered, “can you come with me to a classroom real quick?”

the breath that hits your face when he speaks is hot, but the warmth radiating from his body is even hotter and you’re not sure if it’s only because you’re cold or he’s abnormally warm, but you brush it aside. haechan rarely has anything secretive to say because he’ll usually just speak it aloud, and the fact that he just wants it to be in between him and you just makes your curiosity peak higher. 

“sure,” you said, and as soon as you do he starts to drag you away to whatever empty classroom he’s found to tell his secret. 

“what classroom are we going to?”

“mr. hallman. y’know, the one that’s getting fired. i think his room is vacant,” he said in front of you, twisting around a corner. 

the two of you go up a flight of stairs to the third floor and make it through the middle of a hallway before haechan abruptly stops. he peers into the classroom and nods before opening the door, finally loosening the grip on your wrist. 

the lights of the classroom are off and he makes no move to turn them on, but when you try to, he stops you.

“don’t turn them on. i have something to show you,” he said, and you watch him in fascination when he moves a desk against the door so that it couldn’t be opened, along with a chair. 

“haechan, what are you doing? are you gonna try to murder me or what?” you asked, and he laughs yet again. he beckoned for you to follow him to the back of the classroom and you do, leaning against the cabinets. 

“so, what’s the secret?” you asked, and he grabbed your hands out of nowhere, gazing deep into your eyes. the same gleaming color is still in his eyes, seeming more luminous and alive than it did just a few minutes earlier. 

“promise that you won’t scream.”

“what?” you asked, “is this something to scream about?”

“maybe. just promise,” he said, holding out his pinkie. you latched yours with his for a second to seal the deal. a sense of confusion and suspense fills your veins and you’re almost dying in the inside to know what the hell he wants to show you. 

“okay,” he breathed out, a giant grin beating out all the other features of his face. “i found out that i could do this yesterday.”

he clasped both of his palms together and rubbed them, before pulling out the left one and holding it out. 

you don’t understand what’s happening, but all of the sudden there’s a wave of heat hitting your face and a ball of red fire is erupting from his hand. 

“what the fuck-” you sputtered, holding your hand over your chest, “what the fuck is that! are you shitting me right now?”

“i’m not,” he said, the fire still clear as day in his palm. the flames danced around his hand and cast various shadows in the darkness. you warily take a step back from him. 

“does it, does it hurt?” you asked, and he shakes his head. 

“i don’t know how it happened. i was just trying to play overwatch with jeno and then my controller caught on fire and i realized that it was coming from my own hand,” he explained, and you realize that your heart is beating at a way faster pace than it usually does. 

“you know,” you said, nerves engulfing your laugh to convince yourself that this wasn’t absolutely crazy, “when i call you a devil spawn, i didn’t mean that you were one literally. This is like the mythology shit I read about for literacy.”

“I guess you were right all along,” he giggles, before putting his unlit hand against his chin in thought. 

“But Son of the Devil,” he said, and snapped his fingers with brilliant orange flames surrounding them.

“Has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?”

[asexual-snowman]

Weird dream...?

So there was a video game I was playing at the beginning and the longer I went without dying the further my checkpoints were? Anyways the game was pitch black, 3rd person, obstacles and gravity esisted. I collected these purple boosters that flashed white after collecting them. I flew higher everytime I collected one. Afterwards I turned on a never ending playlist of the game and fell asleep to it. There was a lot of blue around me, too. (that's important) I then woke up in the dream. Everything was seemingly normal except for what seemed like a hallucination that kept happening every minute. I decided to do some research on this game I was playing in an infinite loop. I found it was something called ‘Super Block Man’ (there was no blocks like just casual squares kind of thing. My character was also a bird I think.) The company that made this game was called something like Les Lesata or something like that. The creator was originally from Taco Bell and for some reason after finding out the name, the entire mood becomes terribly bad and horrifying. I go back to sleep in the dream, and after waking up, I am extremely weak. Everything is hazy and I see this square head, rectangle torso, legs, and bendable rectangle arms, he’s glowing a bright blue but nothing is illuminated around him. It then gets to my brain that he wants to be saved. So I- omg... I jump into my Xbox 360! Not my Xbox One. (This is about half of what I remember.) After jumping in I meet the other 5 block people. Same structure, different colors. The first is called Peach, I don't know his real name. He’s a color that I literally can't describe, I have never seen this color before but it looks kind of like red. The second is Orange. Same thing but I know this orange color. He also is appearantly in love with Peach. Next is Lemon, literally acts like a dickhead he’s just rude and is a bright yellow. Next is Lime a bright green polar opposite of Lemon. Blueberry was skipped, and last is Pinky, bright pink, attracted to Peach, the only female and is the only lustful one. Did I mention that Orange is a total sweetheart? 

I’m wearing my blue dress with nothing else on in this world. It's a mall on the outside but my school on the inside. It turns out my music teacher killed these block people, they were originally alive and she corrupted them and trapped them. I think I was the blue guy even though I’m female. I tried not to die blah blah it’s just hiding from my teachers. Then there was this locker scene that involved my friends, let’s call them Uraraka, Sero, and Kaminari to hide their identities. So Uraraka knows that I'm not supposed to be in this world. So she hides me in this basically closet long locker, Sero puts his backpack on my face to cover it, and Kaminari pretends to pick his nose and closes the locker. A few seconds later my friend, (let’s call her Tsuyu because of identity) opens the locker then immediately closes it after seeing Kam picking his nose.

Yeah, I think I’m gonna turn these block people into my own OCs now.

[sye216-fr]

Lair review for Klazomaniac #286157

@rarewubbox​  I’m really sorry that it took me so long to get to this review!! my general writing muse decided to take a vacation the past few days and I had to hunt it down and wrangle it before i could get myself to write anything. i hope you like the review even if it took like a week for me to get to.

aleele here was the first dragon i really noticed, but that’s mostly because the blues of the ghost flame apparel drove my eyes to her. i really liked the contrast between the low-saturation dark hues of her colors against the blues of the apparel. it really makes her visually POP. i also like how the candles are actually incorporated into the lore in the bio? a dragon with a weird entourage of ghostly floating candles is mysterious indeed. contender for cool mom of the year. also, if she’s your random progen, congrats on getting an XYY!! talk about good luck.

another darkly colored fae yes, but the faes in ur lair are Good. this guy got my attention with all that purple. he looked like quite an interesting foresty fellow from the thumbnail, and then i got in there and read the little bit of lore in his bio and all of a sudden all the apparel made him Sinister. i love a good maniacal power hungry nature-fueled villain character. the small amount of lore in the bio just made me want to know more, like hear about some of his particular escapades. does he bother the rest of the clan or does he work in secret? inquiring minds would like to know 👀

oh MAN i love the foreboding quote in this boy’s bio because it immediately gives him and his outfit the most EERIE atmosphere. the plague primal eyes especially add to that. he didn’t look all that plaguey from the thumbnail so when i read that quote i was thrown for a loop and then i scrolled up and saw his eyes and was like “oh. im Terrified.” i like how the nightsky silk scarf and the cornflower bee give this sort of delicate look, then you see the armor pieces and the furious claws and you gradually realize this is not a dragon you wanna be messing with. i sure as hell ain’t gonna be caught staring someone down whos got eyes like THAT. he comes into the room and im already gone

in my previous lair reviews ive gone on a bit about that Fire Aesthetic which i like so much. this girl has DEFINITELY got a good hold on that. the accent matches SO well with the black iron plates it’s unbelievable. the fire and the lava are almost exactly the same color and it looks fucking fantastic. plus the steampunk pieces give that clunky heavy metal feeling that’s so good in the fire aesthetic. plus the mauve spines add a nice little dash of pinky-purple to match with the shadow eyes, like a tiny dash of sprinkles on top of the lava sundae. i wanna shake her hand but the superheated lava coming from the black iron plates would burn my hands and i would be okay with it.

i think observer here might be my fave dragon in ur lair. the fest skin is, of course, gorgeous on him (i love the glowing mushrooms of the shadow aesthetic). but not only does it look nice, it makes sense to his title as scavenger?? like mushrooms are agents of decay and renewal that make use of what’s left behind, and scavengers look for things left behind to find and use again. the skin on top of the black birdskull pieces really give that effect. also can i just say the soil primary works wonderfully with that skin?? it really does look like the mushrooms on the skin are growing out of dirt. perfect combination of skin and colors.

i may not have a lot of snappers in my lair but i can appreciate a good High Quality Bean when i see one. i really love how well the peacock goes with the cyan-y accent beads in the celebration sage set, the white looks really good next to the light parts of the outfit too. plus orange+brown next to peacock just looks good period? it’s a nice combo of colors for this dragon. i like how her title is celebrationist. i want her to organize a party for me bc something else me it would be one hell of a party.

listen i had no idea that this specific part of the blue range could work SO well with the sweetheart lace set but i feel like i’ve seen the light..tiger+stripes may not be all that popular lately but i really like how it looks on razor, especially with stonewash+teal. these two blues play nice together, and then the sweetheart lace pieces kind of make me think of decorations on a cake? like the little roses look like icing roses. and then his eyes being that rich earth common brown just pop right out. a lot of people laud matching eyes on a dragon but tbfh sometimes non-matching eyes can add a real nice dimension in the color palette, especially on spirals since their eyes are so big. i wanna be friends w him.

okay first: i like the idea of having a series of dragons named after each holiday?? it’s a cool idea for representing each flight as reps in your lair. next: a lot of people say crackle is a bad gene but i am under the impression that crackle can look DAMN AMAZING if you get the right gene/color combo. and here? the eldritch crackle on top of double fire looks just like lava. if there were a dragon that ever looked like a pure concentration of fire, it would be with this specific combo of genes and colors. it works SO damn well that the effect is perfected even with a small amount of apparel. i looked at this dragon and immediately went “she is Lava.” i love her. burn me up.

(i know brightshine technically comes after flameforger but flameforger caught my attention first cough) light is another aesthetic i’m fond of and this is DEFINITELY a good-ass light dragon. i had no fucking idea murk irishim could match well with colors like ivory and gold but holy FUCKING moley that’s a nice combination. the highlights on the murk shimmer next to the brightness of the ivory crystal just makes the murk look like a really dark metal? like really tarnished bronze. and the intense gold of the sundrapes do a great job of calling to attention the veins of REALLY intense golden yellow that run through the ivory crystal. she’s so shiny. i wanna polish her but she probably doesnt need it..

[sunflowersandrockstars]

Only Angel part 2

Angels POV

After 15 hours of driving, we finally made it to L.A. I’m not gonna lie, L.A is beautiful, at least the good side of it. My mom rented us a decent two bedroom apartment right in the middle of the decent part of L.A. Not right in the bad part but not too far from the good part. I know as soon as we get settled I’m looking for a job. I’m eighteen years old and about to enter my senior year of high school. All I know is after I graduate I’m getting far from my mom. I know that sounds harsh, but when you have a mom who moves her kid pretty much every year to a different state because she had a bad fall out with a guy, you’d want to leave too.

“And here we are! Home sweet home.” My mom smiles as she pulled into the parking lot of a run down apartment building. It was far from fancy but not too trashy looking. The building was made of brown and red bricks, with a burgundy flat roof top. It was two stories high and had thin, rusty metal stairs leading up to the upstairs apartments, which is were our apartment was located. Apartment 107.

I jumped out of the van and stared at the building that is now my home. “How far is the school from here?” I questioned my mom. “It’s not in walking distance if that’s what you want to know. L.A is a big city and the school is located on Wilson avenue, which is 20 blocks from here. So a bus will come get you” my mom explained. Great, a big ass school filled with thugs and snobby rich kids. Yay.

“Is this the school you went to mom?” I asked as I lifted the back to the van. “Yes it is my dear. It might be a big school with a lot of kids, but it’s a great school. Just give it a chance Angel. Just give L.A a chance and I’m sure you will love it, ok?” She pleads. I roll my eyes and sigh. “I don’t really have a choice do I?” I say. My mom sighs and starts unloading things to take up to the apartment. I follow behind her with the first box I will sit in my new room.

After getting everything where it belongs, I sit on the floor in my room. The people who lived here before must of been hippies, because the color of my walls was an orange-yellowish kind of shade, matched with puke green colored carpet. There was one window in my room, and it is tiny as fuck, so I can’t even enjoy the view of the back parking lot, which had two beat up cars and a dumpster accompanying it. What.a.bummer.

I pull out my phone and scroll through my FaceTime history. I click on the one person I actually want to see at the moment. It rings until his handsome face pops up on it. “Hello beautiful! How was the trip to the city of Angels? Wow you do belong in L.A.” Charlie laughs.

I laugh at his dumb comment, god I miss him. “It’s was ok, besides the part where I told my mom off.” I sigh. Charlie frowns. “ Babe, I know you have a hard time with your mom, but just remember how lucky you are to have your mom. You only get one mom and your mom cares about you, even if she doesn’t show it a lot she does.”

Charlie’s mom left him when he was three. It’s just been him and his dad since then. I guess that’s why me and Charlie have such a great bond. We both have a parent who didn’t want us.

“I know char, she just irritates me so much when one of her boy toys leaves her, means we have to leave the state. It’s not like he’s a psycho murderer who will follow us and kill us.” I say frustratedly. Charlie’s beautiful laugh flows through my phone. “You are something else.” He smiles.

Charlie is so beautiful, with his sandy blonde curls, and bright blue eyes that go great with his pale skin. But I will never let him know that I think that. Charlie only sees me as a friend. And we wouldn’t even have a chance now that I live 1,347 miles from him. I’d rather have him as my friend than nothing at all. We talk for a while before my moms calls me to help her. “Well I guess that’s my que, I’ll talk to you later Charlie, ok?” I smile. “Pinky Promise?” He smiles as he holds his pinky up. I laugh and do the same. “I promise.” We hang up as I get up from my shabby carpet floor. I make my way to the living room to see my mom unpacking. From where I am standing she looks older than what she is. Dark curly hair put up in a bun. Her normally bright, tan skin under her eyes are colored black form lack of sleep. I remember what Charlie said and took it into consideration. I do only have one mom, and she does try. I should at least give her that.

I walk up to her and sigh. “Need some help mom?” I smile. She looks at me and smiles while pushing my light wild curls out of my face. “I promise baby, life will be better here. I will make sure of it.” She says. The smile on my face does not reach my eyes.

I hopes so mom, I hope so.

[elfstuck]

War in the Chessfields

I have realized that, no matter how busy my life gets (guys, guuuuuyzzz, it’s Night of the Nocturne right now and I could be searching for Strange Chests that might contain the new Smirch gene!), I really need to get farther along in Homestuck because it’s starting to creep into mainstream politics. (He was told about Homestuck, and then he started reading it.) Also, Chibipaw says there is “good stuff’ coming up soon (that’s as much detail as my anti-spoiler policy allows) and I need to hurry up and get to it.

So... where did I leave off? Oh yeah. NinjaJade had taken out the wearer of my future cosplay project, but had missed PM sailing off into the sunset (moonset? Prospitset? Do they even have a sun on these planet-things?), so she’ll have to get the ring back to her later. To expediate that, Jade marries herself.

Oh wait. The four dots. Agh. I mean, aside from being equally spaced in a way that would make them endlessly annoying to wear, they... they may signify the four fingers. Homestuckians have four-fingered hands. I’m not sure if I’ve noticed this before.

Jade is immediately overwhelmed with the Spirit of the Ring: she gains wings, a tri-pointy hat with horns, tentacles, and a fake through-the-body sword. So... an amalgam of all the sprite encodings so far.

Next panel, turns out she was only thinking that happened. It doesn’t work that way on humans.

Elsewhere (dammit, I should’ve stuck with the last post a few more panels so the POV shift happened at the beginning) we have yet another WV. This one is WARWEARY VILLEIN who is either an animated stick-man, or is waving a stick on a banner: crossed beams, ragged red-and-purple robes and a white sash. He/it has a bucket on its head with the familiar Sburb spirograph.

Next up (aagh) is something with flash and sound. This is probably the Cool Thing Coming Up Soon that Chibi told me about. eep. Flash takes forever.

WV is being told to “Rise Up,” which is probably not supposed to make me think of Hamilton as this was written several years ago. But those words are gonna be attached to that song for a long time.

I click to the next screen. I am faced with this:

And I remember two things: (1) Firefox always thinks Flash is out of date, because every time Firefox updates ANYTHING, it decides Flash is out of date. My Firefox is a couple of editions behind (I’m not “updating” to Quantum that will kill several of my beloved extensions), so I’m going to see this A LOT. Sigh.

And (2) aaaaagh my laptop does not have a “print screen” button. It had a “print screen” macro that stopped working. (I have an Alienware laptop. WHODAFUK decided that a gaming laptop didn’t need a “print screen” button? Like, is that now an obscure and rare function? I STILL HAVE A CAPSLOCK BUTTON. I DO NOT NEED A CAPSLOCK BUTTON; CAN I REPLACE IT WITH PRTSCRN? (I typed that without using the capslock button, because remembering to un-capslock is always worse than just holding the shift button with my left pinky and using the wrong finger for “A”, and I guess “q” and “z” but those don’t come up as often.)

Quick check to the Alien “TactX” command center... huh. Print Screen is working now. It wasn’t last week. Yay, I guess? (Someday, I will once again have a boyfriend who speaks fluent Linux, and this time, I will get him to TEACH IT TO ME and I will defenestrate my laptop.) Anyway. Here we go.

3x3 chessboard; the kings move a bit, and then run into each other and the whole thing turns white silhouette. This means this is a meta-story-thing, related to the previous Grand Chessboard event, which I have mostly forgotten. (I have the link saved, though, so I can watch it again anytime. It’s on my schedule. “1. Run out of Stucky and Stony fanfic. 2. Rewatch Homestuck chess scene.” Blame dsudis for the delay.)

Clownsprite image appears. Chess pieces keep moving in the background. I have to screencap several times to get a good picture of the chess pieces (sometimes there’s only one visible) and the sprite with the pretty shade of aqua in the middle instead of white. I’m sure you’re all thrilled that I’m focused on the important parts of the story.

Next, he flickers and I fail to s’cap the transition between that and the full-layout chess set.

Please, someone tell me that someone makes these chess sets. That several people make these chess sets. Tell me the are sold with the label, “This Is A Chess Set, Not A Collection Of Marital Aids. We Promise.”

Birdsprite appears. (At least, I think that’s birdsprite.) Oh wait, no, that’s catsprite in the princess outfit. It is lavender, Rose’s color. Or one of them. Does that mean the davesprite will be red? (Do I really need to screencap all of these? Probably not, but this is as much for my entertainment as anything else. Also, I want to be able to reread them and figure out what I was thinking.) I considered re-trying to catch one with a darker purple circle or other higher contrast, and decided not to bother.

The music seems nice enough, what I can hear of it before I hit stop so I can screencap. (If you’re new - various suggestions have been made on how to deal with the Flash bits in ways that aren’t “stop & screengrab every couple of seconds.” I have nixed all of them. I enjoy doing this one fragmented piece at a time.)

And then the scene changes: the board is replaced with a WHOLE PLANET BOARD.

Rose and John’s sprites are in the upper corners, starting with top right and moving widdershins. Widdershins is a destructive direction; they are unmaking the world. (Erm. As obscure as Hussie gets sometimes, I have doubts that that particular bit of symbolism applies here.)

Aaaand here comes the davebirdswordsprite. Orange, not red.

 Davesprite tucks away into the bottom left corner, continuing widdershins, and the cubeworld backs off or is replaced by a round world, very bright and faint, with VERY BRIGHT FLASHING blue lines around it. (Same blue lines as above. They just got brighter.) Then the planet darkens (this is what happens when you stop the Flash every second or two; you wind up  giving far too much import to transition scenes.)

Imma make a prediction: Jadesprite is due to make an appearance. (Does Jade have a sprite yet? Something with a pumpkin?)

BUT NO! The world gets bigger, moves closer, until it FILLS THE WHOLE SCREEN! Then it fades out to white, and gradually (well, gradually if you’re stopping every time something moves or flickers), we get a new scene:

Aww, the rolling hills of Chesslandia, with its famed pixeltrees. We float over the landscape until we reach the castle. (Or maybe, “a castle.” I dunno. Maybe there are hundreds of castles in Chesslandia.) The pixelgrass fields bring color to the landscape, and a couple of pixelfolk play hide-and-seek in the tall grass near the aqua river.

Well, it’s got a turret and banners, and that kinda says “castle,” along with the whole, y’know, chess kings & queens motif, but that looks kinda small for a castle. Also rather isolated. Why build a castle if there’s nothing near it to defend? I see that there are people, but no town. Is the castle all that remains? Am I looking upon the desolate post-apocalyptic wasteland of Chesslandia?

We pass the people and zoom in, seeing the yellow banner waving madly in the gale-force breezes near the castle turret. This is, apparently, to introduce the army of Chesslandia, because the scene whites out again, and then switches to the marching hordes.

I am probably not supposed to think their little ± symbol reminds me of a leviathan cross, a.k.a. the Satanic cross. (Hey, if I make a CD cosplay outfit, can I have a purple banner with a pentagonal ± symbol on it? Or is he not part of this army?)

Then we pull back to see the huge crowd of them, and they fade, and a different banner fades in: this one is purple - and behind it is a yellow-clad army.

AAAH! The yellow flag is for Prospit, and that’s the Dersian army marching on it. And the purple banner here is Derse, and the Prospit army - complete with the same ± symbol - is marching. Here, have some Prospit army:

This isn’t because you need the picture, but because I captured the flash at that point so I can watch them marching and waving weapons, with the sky flickering in the background. It’s very soothing. Wish I could capture it as a gif.

And then... FIGHT! Armies meet on the battlefield! Sparks fly from their blades, which are apparently made from different metals. They both wear stripey shirts and chessboard tabards, of different color combos.

Guys. Gals. Whatever. Readers. I have been cheated. I thought Homestuck cosplay was limited to “t-shirts with a zodiac symbol + horns & weird sunglasses,” or “one of these four kids (also t-shirt with symbol).” There is AWESOME cosplay opportunities in this series. Nobody told me.

I mean, they told me about the tentibulges, because my friends know where my interests lie (or squirm, as the case may be), but even the friends who knew I’d done 6+ years of RenFaire didn’t bother telling me, “omg you should see the amazing costume options, and also, they wouldn’t be impossible to make!”

(I mean, I’ve looked into WV’s costume, but it looks difficult and too hot to wear at most conventions.) (See how I focus on the important parts of the story?)

Spaceship takedown attempt. Or maybe this is a drop ship. Looks like there are many such ships. Anyway, we see battles, and it pulls back to show the larger scene, and the horrors of war:

Well, the horrors of neon, purple-vs-yellow war. ... Is that a giant horse shadow with tentacles on its back?

Why, yes it is. Knight vs... King? Queen? We’re back to the chessboard, with only a tiny hint of a pixeltree in the corner to let you know this is the large-scale war happening above the ground. Then we get this:

I’m not sure what’s going on here, but they’re too cute to pass up. There are 9 little fellows, so they’re not “pawns.” Then a giant black chesspiece stomps into the center of them and they fall aside, scattering (I didn’t catch that picture), and then... the WV banner thingie is raised again.

That makes it seem like we’re wrapping up this storything, because that’s the image that we started on. It slowly pulls back to show an empty Chesslandia with a flower stand, waving a red banner.

The pixelgrass has return to the fields, although the pixeltrees have not. Or maybe they just don’t grow here.

AAuugghhh nooo... that was a picture of the past. Now, the lovely flowerstand is in ruins; fire everywhere, and a lone derseling wanders the war-ravaged fields of Chesslandia. :( We pull in tight to his grief-stricken, bleak expression (don’t ask how I can identify that from two white dots on a black circle; I just can) and then he (or she) oversees the huge battle on the fields below.

Woe. Woe has come to Chesslandia. Woe, and fire. Woe, and fire, and pixels.

Zir face is shadowed by woe and fire and pixels.

Zie is not looking nearly as woeful in this image. Hrrm. Then we see the Black Queen rise...

Then we zoom in again, this time to the scepter, which is full of clouds and the spirography thing:

This is all getting a little too “Men in Black,” with the world in a marble and all that. Are we going to zoom into the scepter again, to the center of the spirography symbol, and find ourselves moving into John’s balcony?

Well, no. We do zoom in, into the world and the cubeworld and such, but we get a black-and-white image of something shadowy flying over Chesslandia.

We zoom in again, and we see... not Spades Slick, despite the cut on the eye. That other character with the same appearance.

It flies with malice (don’t ask me how I can identify malice from that), but is faced with a lone Dersian defender:

We cut back to the war on the ground, the clashing swords and all that, but the combatants move aside. And this had better wrap up pretty quickly, because my printscreen macro just stopped working. (WTF? If anyone knows how to give advice on this, plz contact me.) Anyway. They move aside, and then snap into line.

Our lone Dersite with the tattered red banner leads them through the pixeltrees toward a set of checkered ruins.

Elsewhere, PM lands, and notices the missing ring. White Queen is not happy. There’s another huge scepter waving. White Queen flashes white all over, and shrinks - and hands the scepter to PM.

Looks like PM is in line to be the new WQ. However, the handoff is spotted by someone who is Definitely Not A Member Of The Midnight Crew.

Meanwhile, the Dersite hordes march to confront the Black Queen. Our purple-robed hero(ine) glares, and then looks upward, sees the flying not-a-bird person overhead. The Spadesy-person waves a swords and slices through the black scepter.

(I think I figured out the screencap problem. It won’t work if I have the Flash selected. Which is stupid. Really stupid.)

Black queen, missing her scepter and its four spinny baubles, also shrinks.

Heartsy spy leaps out and attacks the new white queen. (Gonna knock her into next week. This is a problem, because next week is a massive international holiday and it’ll be hard to find time to liveblog.) White scepter goes flying over a waterfall.

We see, inside the white scepter, the purple-robed defender, and it pulls back to see the world, and then the scepter itself, which lands by the banks of the aqua river surrounded by pixelgrass.

(That picture’s superfluous; it’s not relevant to the story. It’s here becaue I think it’s pretty.)

Aaand now I should watch it again and get a sense of the whole story instead of stopping every two seconds to ponder the meaning of each cut scene.

***

Two minutes and 15 seconds of flash that takes me an hour and a half to write about, all the while worrying that Tumblr’s going to have some weird hiccup and lose the whole thing.

So: back queen dead; white queen deposed by losing her marbles; new manager of each; war possibly stopped at the moment. White scepter maybe recoverable and could be combined with Jade’s ring to fix it. Black scepter broken; would need something else to fix. (Superglue?)

Jade has not yet entered the chessgame at the macro level. Jade needs to install Sburb and get into the game.

[cutiecrates]

Cutie Reviews: NMNL Oct 19

For this month Tokyo Catch has been running a promotion, where if you spent enough money to equal or value past 600 points, you receive a free Crane Game ticket per-day. I was disappointed to learn these couldn’t be stacked, but I figured may as well get use out of them by practicing. Now, I only found out about this like a week ago, and would you believe the other day I actually won something in one try?! I was completely stunned, I really wasn’t expecting that to happen. 

I won’t spoil what it is though, when it comes in the mail I’ll take a pic :3 I’ll give you a hint though, it’s Pokemon related~

Meanwhile, I’m sure you see the 2 boxes here, right? If you’re new to the blog or missed the explanation for this “incident”- basically, Tokyo Treat accidentally sent me 2 of the same box (the copy came about a month later I think). I contacted them about this and they told me it was a mistake on behalf of their database, but I was free to keep it. So they are the same, but some variations are different.

“Are you ready to celebrate Halloween? In Japan, everone loves dressing up and even though scary and spooky looks are popular, so are the cute and colorful ones. That’s why we’ve included makeup, skincare, and more inspired by Harujuku, the trendiest place in Tokyo! We hope you’re excited for this month’s spooky beauty box!“

Contest

This month, the contest was based on Pumpkin-themed products for the face; such as eye shadow, a sleeping pack, and some duo pads for cleansing.

Glam Gift

Meanwhile, Kuromi has returned in the form of the special box in NMNL with a little of everything. I love the pouch and hand cream ♥ 

Horoscope

Of course, for Halloween this months featured “characters you should dress-up as for Halloween“. Which one did you get from this list?

Aries: Sailor Moon Taurus: Marilyn Monroe Gemini: Maleficent Cancer: Cruella de Vil Leo: Merida Virgo: Hermione Granger Libra: Hello Kitty Scorpio: Wednesday Adams Sagittarius: Harley Quin Capricorn: Elsa Aquarius: Zombie Alice Pisces: Ursula

I was so excited to get Hello Kitty ♥ You guys know how much I love her, although, I do wish they had included more anime/manga/video game characters.

Acupressure Face Mask

This is a great item if you’re going to be spending Halloween indoors or want to work on your glowing complexion. All you do is put it on for 1 minute a day and rub over the pressure points (I could be wrong, but the box has a picture of someone doing it), then you take it off. It has two sets of straps for a comfortable fit.

This is a product by Lucky Wink, the same people who made those adorably massage kitty pads we got a couple months back. Because I love cats I really like the concept behind these items, and I really like to use the kitty paws. I’m not 100% sure how I feel about this because it actually kind of hurts a little (I use the tighter straps though, if I use the loose ones I don’t feel like it does anything), and the skin around my eyes feel a bit tightened afterwards. But at the same time, I don’t hate it, and it looks like it has been having some effect on the skin. I also like that it doesn’t feel inconvenient to use.

Pumpkin Rejuvenate Mask & Bling Cat Eye Patch

We are lucky to get 2, really cute face masks this month. First up is this natural mask by Esfolio, made from pumpkin (and several other plants) to improve skin elasticity and glow, while leaving out harmful items like MIT, CMIT, parabens, mineral oil (I actually thought that was supposed to be good), and silicone.

I really like this one! It smells a little like flowery pumpkin (its a very faint pumpkin smell), and even though I wiped off most of the product, it adheres to the skin amazingly. This is always something I look for in a face mask because I find they work a lot better than the other ones- the ones I usually have to lay back for while using to make sure they stay on. With winter still in the process of passing, my skin has been needing something like this as of late, and its been feeling pretty nice since I used it a few days ago.

This is suggested as a “1 a day mask“ worn for 15-20 minutes. If you can find it I would recommend picking up a few.

♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

Our other mask is once again for the eyes, and shaped like a cat :3 perfect for Halloween. By Tony Moly (a brand I really like!), these masks will moisturize, soften, and brighten the skin around your eyes, it’s the purrfect partner for the acupressure mask~

This one has a strong lotion-ish scent I found to be pleasant, and it’s kept on the same amount of time as the previous mask, 15-20 minutes. I decided to use this after the acupressure mask and it felt so soothing, I really liked it. My eyes were feeling tired and tight by that point, and I felt like they were more awake and comfortable afterwards.

I would recommend both of these masks, they both earned S+ (which is even better than an A) in my books!

Nail Stickers

Our next item is by a cute (patent pending) nail sticker pack from the brand Mew Girl. As you can see, this is our first variant in the box too; my original came with the juicy orange sheet, the copy got pinky flowers. Besides these 2, there was 5 other sheets we could get featuring their own funky, colorful, or sweet high quality stickers.

What I think is really fun is that not only do we get the little stickers, but we also have a sticker of the sheet name, and the frame image is also its own sticker, so you could use it for a journal, or just to draw a fun picture or add some flare to an item if you wanted.

The stickers are easy to peel and I really like them, the only issue I have is that I had to pretty much destroy the clear wrapping over one of the sheets just to get a closer look at it. I really don’t know why it was so hard considering how delicately I was doing it, but it was like glued to it, so it ripped apart with little effort. I think it will be okay though, because I keep my nail stuff in something away from all the dust and cat hair.

I plan on using them very soon when I do my nails; so keep an eye out for that in some upcoming pictures ;3

Happy Halloween Bath Powder

After a long night of enjoying the holiday or to take your mind off of things, we get this packet filled with a bright orange bath powder. It’s moisturizing for the skin and includes extracts of peach and vitamin E, and includes a delicious aroma of milk and Japanese tea.

Honestly, I don’t get that smell at all. To me it smells exactly like... have you ever tried those “healthy alternative fizzy water drink machines” where you add flavoring?. It smells like the orange soda flavor; I could pinpoint the scent immediately, but I really like it.

For as vibrant as this product is, there isn’t any sort of skin stainage after using it (at least none I could see, I only used a little of it in the sink, but I kept my hand in it a long time), and my skin felt pretty smooth and soft. You also get a lot of the powder and the scent lasts a good while afterwards.

Fate Grand Order x Sanrio makeup palette

I think I said this in the last review, but while I’m not big on crossovers, I really like any that involve Hello Kitty or Sanrio :D I was really intrigued, and excited, when I saw this fun item. As you can tell, both boxes came with Merlin, but there was also Mash Kyrielight, and Gilgamesh. I know nothing about this series, but I think out of the 3 choices (namely the palette colors), I definitely would have chose Merlin so I’m glad I got this one. But I kinda wish maybe I got 2 different ones.

I’ll just say now that I don’t know FGO, I heard of it but I never checked it out or anything. So I know nothing about this character, but they look interesting. I really wish we got more makeup items based on game/anime/manga series~

I love how this looks like a book, it’s so cute. I also like how the packaging has a little window on top, to demonstrate the colors inside. I didn’t include a demonstration pic like normal because the product is extremely light, so it didn’t show up well in the picture. My observations include:  

Lips - the product barely added color (and I tried to apply a good amount of it). But it is smooth, it isn’t greasy like most lip x cheek products.

Cheeks - much more visible, you only need a little to blend for a rosy cheek look. It feels very light and again no grease.

Eye-shadow - extremely light, the two darker shades are just barely visible, but you get a love shimmer and its perfect if you like soft, natural shades. Again, it’s very light feeling too.

Keeping this in mind, I like this product. Not only because of the cuteness factor, but because I’m someone who prefers the shimmery softness and natural/cute pink hues, so it’s a pretty good palette for me. The makeup is light enough to avoid feeling like its being caked on too.

Pop Devil Color Treatment

Not gonna lie, this item confused me a bit; but I love its pastel coloring and cute character design. This came in 3 variations based on Korean trending colors at the time: ash pink, ash lilac, and ash violet.

Okay, so what confused me is that this is described as being a hair colorant while treating the hair as well. According to the book, you just apply it to damp hair and leave it in 5-15 minutes, then wash it out really well. As far as I know this does not color your hair. I’ve tried it multiple times and saw no difference, but to be fair to the product I don’t know if you’re supposed to be use the ENTIRE thing in once, or if there’s something we’re missing in the instructions.

However, as a treatment item, the hair I tested it on (I did test both colors btw) feels really smooth and soft, and its shinier; it just feels a little bit more healthy than it did prior to using it. It has a strong smell though (I can’t really describe it) and by the 10 minute mark of letting it set, I was beginning to feel a little out of it. The scent lingers after you wash it (as of now it’s been almost 4 hours), but its much more bearable by now.

Momocos Fruit Gloss

This is our final item, and if you’ve been here before you might recognize the pink and blue tube. Because a few months back in KiraKira Crate, we were given the Momocos Fruit Gloss :3 I REALLY like it, it’s one of my favorites to frequent because the wand feels nice, its smooth on the lips, and it smells wonderful~

For this month, besides the Cherry one, we could also get the Mango gloss, Orange, or Peach. Because I already had cherry, I sorta wish I got 2 different ones because I’d love to be one step closer to having a full collection (I’m sure its on the Japan Haul website tho, so I’ll probably be doing it soon enough ;3). But at the same time, it doesn’t hurt to have a spare. By now mine seems so dull in comparison, and the colors have began mixing.

However... I think this new one might also be broken somewhere. When I opened the box I saw spillage in it, and the tube is a bit sticky. I can’t find any sort of damage and it was sealed- but somehow it came out. What’s also funny is that the wand has a gradient, while my other one is vibrant pink.

The mango one is equally delicious in scent and taste, but I feel like out of the whole line it would be my least favorite. It’s not as good as cherry, and I’m pretty sure I will like the other 2 more... maybe when I get them I’ll do a small blog comparing them. 

♥ Cutie Ranking ♥

Content - 4.5 out of 5. I loved everything, and all of the items work and only a couple of them are one-time uses, which is another quality I like. But I was a little disappointed that we didn’t get anything that was... mysterious, spooky, fun, like our prior Halloween makeup boxes. I also wish we got more variety as to where the items are used, like before.

Theme: 2.5 out of 5. Sadly I feel like this suffered. We honestly only got a couple items that bring to mind Halloween, while the rest just sort of... accent it. Like people link Cats with Halloween, but these items don’t make me think of Halloween, they make me think of cats.

Total Rank: 8 out of 10. The items are really good and I love each one, but I’m missing the variety. I like “all over beauty“, why should only my face feel good? The theme was spot-on for the month of October, but the items weren’t. As a side note though, since my Birthday is in October, I like how I got a lot of items that involve things I like. I would strongly recommend this box, unless you wanted something with a stronger Halloween vibe.

♥ Cutie Scale ♥

Palette - As sheer as the product is, I really like it. It’s very sweet looking, and the packaging is super-cute~

Eye Mask - It felt so good and it smells even better.

Bath Powder - I was a bit shocked by the vibrant (almost blood colored) colorant, but it smells yummy and it felt really nice on the skin.

Pumpkin Mask - It smelled good and it clung to the skin perfectly, which doesn’t happen often with face masks for me. I kinda want to get another one.

Acupressure Mask - It kinda hurts a bit to use, but like I said, I don’t hate it enough to not want to use it again. 

Lip Gloss - As much as I like this brand, and the products; considering one made a mess (but its still usable) and I’m not extremely crazy about the mango one... its not my favorite.  

Hair Treatment - It feels really nice in the hair, but unless I missed something it won’t actually change your hair color or tint or anything. It was kind of a letdown.  

Nail Stickers - I just feel like I’m less-likely to use this one. I really like them though.