#I transferred it to tumblr when the chapter came out

[shouldprobablybereading]

AITA for taking an overseas position without consulting my wife?

Throwaway in case my wife sees it.

I (51m) was recently offered the job of my dreams, it came out of nowhere but fits with everything that I have worked towards for the last 30 years. Really the opportunity of a lifetime and will allow me to actually make a difference. However I would be required to move out of the country very far away, with limited ability to travel back and forth. At first I was ecstatic and said yes pretty much immediately, but when I was speaking with my colleague on zoom he kept telling me that I was getting in over my head. And then my recruiter seemed to think it was weird how quickly I agreed.

My wife (47f) and I have been fighting a lot more lately. She keeps complaining that I am not involving her enough in my life and gets annoyed when I spend time with my friends. I’m starting to get the feeling she resents me for never becoming as successful of an engineer as she wanted to. Which is ridiculous since the truth is that she simply never had what it took, and I don’t think it’s fair for her to be angry at me. She also gets angry with me when I tell her this, for some reason. If I tell her about the job offer I am sure she will go crazy.

Thing is, if I don’t take this position I know they are going to ask my brother (47m) instead which I am certain would be a disaster. He is really successful in our field, but he is reckless and throws himself into things head first. With a skull thick enough that I would not be surprised if he could survive a rockslide. It feels like I have been babysitting him since we were children and I am scared of what he would do without my direct supervision. If they put him in charge I am sure it would burn to the ground. His wife died a while ago and he did not take it well, so he and his boys (13m & 17m) have been staying with us for a while to sort things out. Which is actually a reason why I am not as comfortable leaving, you see I am not comfortable with how much time my wife and he are spending together. They were friends before me and my wife met, it was how we were introduced, and while they never dated I am also not an idiot. You do not keep friends of the opposite gender and bring them to parties without there being some interest. I am afraid that if I leave they might start something.

My children (28f) and (21m) are both adults, so they are no real reason for holding me here. I have paid for both of their college educations as well as my son’s wedding last year. So clearly I have done everything that is expected of me. I would have done the same for my daughter, but she seems hellbent on getting her PhD and seems to get upset whenever I suggest that she should try to settle down. Which is actually really annoying because if I am actually leaving then I need her to have a husband who I can leave the family company to, as my son is the only person I know who is potentially more of a loser than my brother.

I don’t think I have done anything wrong, but my coworkers do not seem to agree. So am I the asshole? I just want to make a difference and be away from all of this mediocrity.

[glossysoap]

ready to comply v - изоляция

изоляция or isolation is defined as;

the process or fact of isolating or being isolated.

tags/warnings: pov change from 141 to reader, phantom limb/pain, talk of human waste (sorry), uncleanliness, torture, hallucinations, fake death.

prev chapters here!

word count: 2,876

🏷️: @viylikescats @warenai @briacreations96 @fullmoon-94 @breadboyye @kiroshang @zvdvdlvr @lunitalloronaa @itzzjxlyn @lonely-ofc @m0rganit3 @badbishsblog @wolfyland07 @angelsdemonsmonsters @unkn0wnd3ad @itstokyo-cos @c1rice @venusianlustt @bugonawall @wakusbonkus @blackrose4242 @blackgaladriel @lilpothoscuttings @thvxr @tapioca-marzipan @undercover-smutlover @nickangel13 @luvmeijii @atjamesbbarnes @h-leigh @writingmybeloved @chloeforde @divine--serenity @hunterbunter3000 (if ur name is striked out, it means tumblr wouldn’t let me tag, sorry)

When you assumed that the 141 wouldn’t send out a search and rescue team for you, you were right.

When you assumed that by the time the 141 discovered you were missing, that it would be too late, you were right.

When you assumed that they would be too preoccupied with the next mission to look for you, you were right.

That much was proved to be true when Shepherd uttered the words, “You know I can’t let you do that, John.” The General couldn’t send out his best soldiers to go searching for some medic that was probably already long dead by now. The General wouldn’t.

John chuckled without humor, shaking his head in disbelief.

“So what then, General? Because they were the only surgeon I trusted with my team!” He shouted, nostrils flaring.

Shepherd chose his next words carefully, still paranoid after being ambushed in that conference room and almost assaulted by the Lieutenant.

“So, we’ll hope for the best and prepare for the worst. We will have a list of potential.. replacements as soon as possible.”

John’s throat tightened and tears pricked his eyes but he didn’t let them fall. No, not in front of the emotionless, insensitive General, who John knew never liked you that much anyway.

So the Captain pressed his lips together and nodded to himself, before walking out of the conference room. He walked the halls of his base with a clenched jaw and a feeling of barbed wire wrapped around his throat.

Soon, you were also right about being replaced.

Corporate quickly pulled your name from any employee record or planners. Your name was pulled from payroll and all of your previous medical cases were sealed forever. Any of your current patients were transferred to a different surgeon, along with the medical plan you had created. Your room was even cleared of all of your belongings and put into a box - down to every last post-it note, picture frame and candle. The gold plaque on your door that had your name printed on it was even scraped from the wood, leaving it blank for someone else’s name.

Worst of all, was when the interviews began. Way too soon in the Task Force’s opinion. Laswell, Price and Shepherd had formed a panel including themselves and your previous medical assistants in order to find the best replacement. Price tried to ignore the sullen looks on your assistants’ faces when they were trying to find a new surgeon. You were their friend and mentor, after all.

Once they had finally found someone suitable for the job, the new surgeon moved into your medbay the medbay. They put their grubby little hands on it. They rearranged all of the medical supplies into a different order, one that made no sense compared to the way you organized things. Even the way they triaged patients irked the Task Force, it was all way too busy and chaotic instead of the coordinated way you triaged.

When it came to being treated by your replacement, 141’s hackles rose. They would glare daggers at the surgeon, tempted to refuse treatment from anyone other than you. No one could administer injections like you could. No one could insert an IV like you, they would always end up losing a vein or leaving the patients arm with bruises. Your replacement took too long to come up with diagnoses, leaving the team out of commission for longer than necessary.

At every single turn, the entire Task Force knew that if you were here, you would’ve put that “replacement” to absolute shame.

But when you assumed that the team would be better off with you gone? You couldn’t have been more wrong.

The atmosphere at the base shifted immediately after you were announced missing in action, and presumably killed in action.

It was an unspoken grief that neither Simon or Johnny could swallow, no matter how hard they tried. Where the warmth usually resided in their chest, a piercing ache replaced it, leaving a hole where you should be. The hole in their chest was always there, digging deeper and deeper with each passing minute without you.

Their throats went raw and tight every time they found themselves looking for you, on pure instinct. They would search for you wearing your scrubs in the medbay, only to find your replacement standing in your place. They would listen for the pitter-patter of your feet as they worked out in the gym, so accustomed to you talking to them while they lifted weights. They would listen and listen, expecting you to pop up next to them — only for you to never appear. They would find themselves walking by your door and slowing to a stop. They would raise a fist to knock on your door, only to stop an inch from the door when they remembered that you weren’t there.

Everywhere they looked, they were reminded of you. They saw pieces of you everywhere on base, pieces you left behind.

(….)

For days or weeks on end, you were locked in that room as you slept on that uncomfortable cot.

Days passed, you weren’t sure how many, but you knew they were passing nonetheless. It could’ve been two days, five days, or even weeks. You had no idea.

You were kept in that room with no water. Your stomach was constantly growling and aching for even a sleeve of crackers. Your throat was dry and sore, even swallowing hurt because of how thirsty you were.

The only nourishment you were granted was two protein shakes a day, tossed into your cell first thing in the morning. They tasted of protein powder and synthetic nutrients, making you cringe whenever you sipped it - though you did savor it as the only ‘food’ you ever got.

The shakes were the only calories you could rely on so that you didn’t starve to death in that cell.

The effects of dehydration had already begun taking it’s toll on you. Your head was constantly pounding and you found yourself pressing against your eye socket to try and relieve the migraine. You had already emptied your stomach multiple times throughout your imprisonment because of the nausea, the smell wafting from the buckets only making it worse. You were only thankful that you hadn’t started experiencing hallucinations.

You had no way of knowing how much time had passed because there were no clocks or windows. There was no sunlight to illuminate the room or tell you when the sun was rising or setting. There was no dusk or dawn. Just a cold, grey concrete room.

The lighting panels on the ceiling was the only thing providing light to the dreary room. The light never turned off, not even for an hour. You were thoroughly convinced that your captors knew you might use the light schedule to measure time, so they just kept the lights on. Every minute of every day. Burning your corneas and making it impossible to get any rest.

The room was filled with a disgusting, nauseating odor that stemmed from two buckets in the corner of the room. You were forced to relieve yourself in those buckets, the smell of your waste making you gag with almost every breath.

The only way you could ever sleep during that time was to pull your shirt over your head. At least then you wouldn’t have to see that bright light or smell that putrid odor.

In all that time you were kept there, you sat in the same pair of cargo pants and muscle shirt that you woke up in, never granted a shower much less freedom from this room. For days or even weeks, you were stewing in your own dirt and sweat. Your body reeked and your greasy hair was tangled up in a rats nest in the back.

You could only imagine what you looked like.

You had no socks or shoes, so your feet were adorned in scrapes and bruises from being dragged around weeks prior. From not having any access to a bath, much less a moisturizer, your feet were becoming dry and cracked. There were also scabs decorating the heels of your feet due to pieces of glass and debris scattered on the floor of the room. You winced and limped with any step you took on your bloody, raw feet.

Your body was sore, no doubt holding wounds under your skin. Sore burning wrapped around your right wrist and elbow, serving as a reminder of when those soldiers tore you from that redhead and dragged you into that room. You knew that if your left arm was still there, your real left arm, you would feel the same burning soreness mirrored there.

Your stab wound was messily stitched shut and bandaged over, still leaving you with sharp pains if you twisted or turned a certain way. Your neck was sore and bloody due to all of the needle pricks from off market drugs, steroids and sedatives.

Throbbing, stabbing pain radiated from your left arm shoulder all the way throughout your body. It was pain you couldn’t place — pain that you knew didn’t truly come from your shoulder, but that was the last part of your arm that remained. Logically, that was the only place it should be coming from.

It wasn’t just surface level pain either. It dove deep into your nerves that ran all through your body, shocking each one with a jolt of electricity that made you wince and whimper in pain.

It consumed every cell in your body. Lighting every blood vessel on fire, flaying your muscles alive. It made the nerves in your back and arms tense up, rendering you immobile until your body finally relaxed.

Sooner or later though, delirium would begin setting in. Forcing you to crumble from the pain and surrender to exhaustion, and letting your eyelids flutter closed.

Even in your unconscious state, you were miserable. Your heartbeat pounded in your already aching head. Your throat scratched with every inhale and exhale. The skin that met metal on your left shoulder was still searing as if you were being branded like cattle.

In some ways you were.

With every labored wheeze, your chest screamed in white hot pain that was reminiscent of the knife piercing your abdomen. The stitches threatened to rip open with any sharp intake of breath or involuntary muscle twitch. Every single scrape, bruise and gash that littered your body still screamed in pain while you slept. Your face was still screwed up in agony, brows furrowed and eyes clenched shut.

Your dreams were filled with light and warmth, blossoming safety and protection. You dreamed of your safe haven that lied solely in Johnny and Simon. Your dreams were filled with Johnny's warmth. His tan skin and cerulean eyes, crinkling with his booming laughter at some stupid joke you told him. His big arms that were corded with muscle, wrapping around you in a comforting embrace. His husky, accented voice that sounded like pure honey as he complimented you. Your dreams were filled with Simon's instinctual protection. Flashes of him braking hard in the Hum-vee, making sure to lash out a tattooed arm in front of your stomach to shield you. Flashes of him gently taking your chin in his hand and tilting your face after an explosive goes off, ensuring that your ears weren’t bleeding and no debris had hit your face. Flashes of him sweeping you off your feet and carrying you in his arms the second he sees you sporting limp on a mission.

In the dream, you heard their voices as clear as day. You welcomed it, even in the dream, because you feared that would be the last time you ever heard their voices.

“Bonnie,” Johnny's accented voice echoed in your head, a bit cloudy from being submerged in the rest of the dream.

“Lovie,” Simon's usually commanding voice had softened remarkably, as if he wanted to comfort you and drag you further into slumber.

Their voices continued overlapping in your dream, acting as a tether to your unconscious state. You hung onto every last word, every last syllable, desperate to be out of this hell hole. Even if dreaming would be your only escape, you would gladly take it.

In your dream, they would cup your cheek and wipe away the fat tears that fall down your face. They would pull you into their chests and let you bury your face in their vests, soaking the fabric with your tears and snot.

“We got you,” they would murmur in your dream, pressing kisses to the crown of your head.

They kept repeating that phrase, turning into a mantra of sorts, becoming louder with each repetition.

They became so loud in fact, that it pulled you from your state of consciousness and made you gasp awake.

“We got you, Y/N!” They shouted as you took in your surroundings.

What you saw made tears pool in your eyes. Captain Price, Kyle, Johnny and Simon. They were all storming into your room, dressed in their usual combat gear and sporting their preferred assault rifles. Racing over to your cot with concern etched onto their faces as they took in your injured state, tear stained face and your new arm.

Before they could make even two steps toward you, gun shots rang out from Russian soldiers.

“No!” You wailed, vision blurring and lips trembling.

Blood spattered on the walls and onto the floor as the bullets tore apart the bodies of the four men in your life. Their corpses bodies fell limp on the dirty floor, blood pooling around them. Their guts and intestines were spilling out of their stomach. You could see their muscle and fat, covered in a sheen of crimson.

You could only sob as you watched the life drain from the four men’s eyes.

Captain Price was still just looking at you, his lips freezing in a sad smile as his eyes glazed over. His hat was knocked off during the shooting, revealing his hair bloodied and matted. Brain matter scattered the surrounding area.

Kyle was staring up at the ceiling, eyes looking but not actually seeing. In addition to taking multiple rounds in his chest, his carotid artery was shot, leaving him to quickly bleed to death.

You screamed into your hands when it came to your last two boys, to the loves of your life.

Johnny was smiling, somehow. Even as his mohawk was soaked in blood and brain matter. Even as his face was splattered in his own guts, and blood was leaking from his mouth. He was still fucking smiling at you, his pearly whites now tainted by the crimson liquid. His eyes drove a knife through your heart and twisted. His once vibrant cerulean eyes were now empty and drained of any life. There was no emotion, no warmth.

Looking at Simon is what took that same knife that was buried in your heart, and thrusted it back in. Over and over and over. His mask had fallen off from the hitting the ground so hard. His honeyed eyes that once entranced you, enthralled you, were now rolled back into his skull. His face was revealed for anyone to see. Only it was covered in blood, every single inch of it. His bleach blond hair was drenched in crimson, the strands sticking to his forehead. His eyelashes that used to be so white and pretty were now covered in the same liquid as it dripped down his face. His mouth was open in a silent scream, blood trickling out of his mouth. His neck was torn apart, allowing you to see every muscle and tendon and even some bone.

Both Johnny's hands were outstretched, reaching towards you. Even when they were dead. Murdered. Slaughtered. They were still reaching out for you.

No pain in the world could compare to this. You clutched your stomach and screamed, trying to get rid of the pain in your heart but you couldn’t. You just kept wailing and gasping for air.

They were all dead.

Dead because of you.

No matter where you looked, there was blood. On the walls, on the floor, on the cot. Some had even splattered onto you.

Fitting, considering their blood was on your hands. Literally and figuratively.

You tried to close your eyes but all you saw was dead eyes and gaping holes, skin torn apart and muscle shredded to pieces. You tried to convince yourself that it was all just a dream, conjured up by your state of delirium. But every time you peeked your eyes open, your worst fears were just confirmed.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” You sobbed.

“I’m so sorry. It should have been me.”

Suddenly, the door to your room creaked open and in the blink of an eye, everything changed. The scene before you completely disappeared. All of the bodies were gone, along with all of the intestines and guts piled around them. The pools of blood were gone, the floor wasn’t even stained from it.

The room was exactly the same as it had been for weeks.

It was all a hallucination. They never came for you. They were never murdered right in front of you. They were alive.

You were going insane, but they were alive.

The relief that flooded your chest was short lived once you saw who opened the door. It was the same doctor who wielded the bone saw.

The doctor that dismembered you.

next chapter

©️ glossysoap 2024. please do not steal, copy, plagiarize, translate, or repost any of my works without my permission. do not steal any elements of my theme without permission.

[iamnot-crazy]

Stowaway Chapter 1

Trafalgar Law x Fem!Reader

Info: This is my first time posting a story on Tumblr and my first time writing a x reader.

Summary:

The reader is a slave to a nobleman due to her devil's fruit ability which allows her to control the emotions of the people around her. She flees to bump into Trafalgar Law and boards his ship.

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11

Context:

*Reader is a devil fruit user of the feel-feel fruit. This fruit allows the user to control the chemical balance inside of someone's brain to control their emotions. But it isn't easy to control and starts off as when she touches someone she shares her emotion with them. She starts wearing gloves laced with sea prism to avoid transferring her emotions to everyone she touches. later on, she will learn how to control which emotion she is transferring to someone without having to feel that current emotion. In the rare case of her being extremely upset, she can send out a cloud of emotions that can give a particular emotion to a large group of people but using that ability takes a lot out of her. 

*Reader found the fruit when she was 5 and playing in the forest with some friends. Her mother was very supportive and tried helping her control her new ability and when she couldn't she saved up to get her the gloves laced with sea prism so she could play with her friends again. Her mother died when she was 10 and her father remarried when she was 12. Her stepmother had spent all her father's and mother's money on clothes and jewelry leaving her father overworked and unable to provide for his hungry daughter. When the reader turned 14 her stepmother took her to Sabaody for a fun vacation with just the two of them. Her stepmother brought her to the auction house where the reader would be sold for a large amount for her devil fruit ability.

*The reader for the next 10 years would be a slave to a world noble, she would follow him around changing to help him feel relaxed or to force the other slaves to feel particular ways for him. She was treated better than the other slaves because of her ability and her master would rarely let her out of his sight as he constantly bragged about the perfect slave he found. 

*One day the reader was able to slip past her master and the guards and make her way to the harbor.  It took three days to make it to the harbor unseen. You couldn't risk getting caught and sent back knowing the punishment for escaping would be worse than dying of starvation.

Chapter 1

At the harbor, Trafalgar Law and the heart pirates were docked collecting supplies.  You were looking for a boat to stow away on and were ducking behind the supply crates and stealing the occasional fruit or two to munch on. You were hiding behind a stack of crates trying to pry open the one that said "APPLES" when someone sat on top of the crate closing your opening. You hissed and pulled your hand away and looked angrily at the man who looked at you questionly. "Is there a reason you are trying to steal my crew's provisions?" He asked.

"I just wanted an apple." You admitted looking away from the man. The man nodded and muttered some words before an Apple appeared in his hand which he stretched out to you which you greedily took. 

"What are you hiding from?" He asked as you devoured the apple. As you were about to answer your master's guards came down from the mansion and started shouting at people if they had seen a girl matching your description and showing your image. The man nodded in understanding, "So what did you do to piss off the noble?" 

You finished the apple leaving only the stem, "I stole something... But it didn't belong to him and he had no right to take it."  You stated as the Man brought another apple to his hand to pass to you. You took it happily not knowing why you trust this man so much, "I just need to find a boat to stow away on but I haven't eaten in 3 days and your crate of apples looked so good." He examined you seeing your beaten-up features, shaky eyes, and deathly skinny figure. 

The man sighed standing up, "You can board my ship and we can drop you off at the next island." Your eyes light up and you almost jump up in excitement but when your eyes landed on the guards you ducked behind the crates again. "But your trip will not be free you will assist my crew with their daily chorus." You nodded as he handed you another apple and you finished the second one he gave you. He looked over at the guards who were making their way closer to your location. "I'm going to transport you to my medical room on my ship don't be alarmed and stay there until I come and get you." He states before making a quick movement with his hand and you are teleported into a white room with shelves filled with books and medical supplies. 

You couldn't help but peek out the window to see the guards now approaching the man who just assisted you they exchanged words before the guards left and the man turned on his heels and began boarding his ship and exchanged words with a large polar bear in a jumpsuit. That is when it hit you that the man that you were speaking to was none other than Trafalgar Law. Seeing him speak with the large polar bear man that the captain of the Heart Pirates is often seen with and the large sword he carries around is what tipped you off. He was a pirate and you are aboard a Pirate ship.

Your thoughts began to swim on one hand he was kind to you and gave you apples and helped you escape your prison on the other hand he was a famous pirate with a bounty of 200,000,000 berries. You crouch down and hold your head in panic. The door slammed open and the captain of the ship walked in. He paused when he didn't see you sitting on the medical table that he transported you to and his eyes darted around the room till he saw you shaking in the corner of the room. He sighs and continues to walk into the room closing the door behind him, "I guess you realized who I am?" He asked as he walked towards the sink to wash his hands and pour you a glass of water, "I am not going to hurt you." He assured turning around and sitting on the rolling stool that was placed near the medical table. He rolled his way over to you and handed you the glass of water. You looked up to see his inked hands holding the glass and followed up to his eyes that despite having the largest dark circles beneath them looked kind and trusting. 

You took the glass of water and finished it in one gulp. Satisfied with you drinking the water he turned around and rolled his way back to the medical table. "Now if you don't mind I would like to conduct an examination." He gestured over to the table which you slowly walked over to and jumped up onto. You handed him the empty cup and he nodded before turning around to fill your glass up and grabbing his medical tools. 

"You are Trafalgar Law, Captain of the Heart Pirates?" You asked as he handed you the now full glass of water.

"Yes." He responded bluntly before gently pulling up your sleeve and placing a weird tool around your arm. The tool inflated causing a pinch in your arm as he listened closely to your heart rate. 

"Why did you help me?" You asked as he took the tool off your arm and wrote down something on his notepad. 

He looked up at you and you looked into his yellow eyes before he shrugged and spun around gathering another tool. "I don't know." He admitted before turning back and sticking his new tool into your ear looking closely before sliding over to your other ear, "What did you steal from that noble?" He asked as he wrote down something new in his notes. 

"It was something that belonged to my mother." You partially lied which the captain picked up on but chose not to pry. He gestured for you to open your mouth so he could look into it with his tool. 

He turned to his desk and wrote down some final notes before returning with a cup with two pills in it and another glass of water. "You have a very severe case of dehydration and a forming bacterial infection. take these and tomorrow I'll give you two more and you should start feeling better in 3 days." He stated as you took the pills and water with confusion you were so worried about getting caught that you didn't even notice how fatigued you felt which he seemed to notice just from looking at you. 

Unsure of what to say you looked up at him who returned to his notes and was removing his gloves, "thank you" You spoke softly not sure if he could even hear you. 

"You can stay in here for those 3 days there is a hammock that can be pulled out from the ceiling that you can rest in. I'll have my first mate bring you provisions tonight and I'll come by tomorrow morning." He got up and pulled the hammock down from the ceiling and pulled out some blankets and pillows from the closet. 

"You said earlier that I would need to assist with daily chores?" You questioned as he made the hammock comfy for you.

"You will but after you recover. We are going to set sail tomorrow morning and it's going to be a 10-day trip until we reach the next island. Once you recover I'll introduce you to the crew and give you a list of daily tasks." Tears began to fill your eyes you have no idea how you became so lucky to have found someone like him to help free you. 

Law turned around and made his way to the door but paused, "What is your name?"

You paused at that question you haven't heard your name out loud ever since you were bought by your master who just referred to you as slave. "It's... Y/N" You smiled saying your name out loud for the first time in 10 years. 

Law nodded, "Y/n." He said before closing the door. With the door closed you finally let the tears fall from your eyes and a smile covered your face, You were free.

***

Over the next three days, Law kept his promise of arriving in the morning to provide medication and to conduct a check-up to ensure you were recovering. Law would keep his visits brief conducting his check-up asking you if you are feeling better then leave. Bepo would become your number one company as he would visit you with food twice a day. You would ask Bepo questions about his captain and why he was being so kind to you and he would tell you it is because Law is a softy and can't turn away a patient. For the most part, you spent your time sleeping and recovering. Bepo borrowed a uniform from a crewmate named Ikkaku and showed you the shower room when no one was around so you could shower in private. While you showered you looked at the red tattoo that sat on your hip indicating your ownership and you whinced at the memory.

On the third day, you were itching to get out of the medical room. You folded up the blankets and attempted to put the hammock up but it was too high up for you. You then waited patiently on the medical table for the doctor to arrive and clear you to leave the room. 

When Law entered the room he looked exhausted rubbing his eyes. He jumped back a little when you cheerfully wished him a good morning and was sitting on the table kicking your feet. He laughed slightly before walking over to the sink, "I see you are feeling better." He commented as he washed his hands and began his routine.  

"I'm ready to get out of this room." You admit as he began his examination while you followed the movements without him needing to ask. 

He nodded and wrote down a few notes, "You still seem to have some lingering effects from the infection but you seem in good health now but don't take things too hard. Bepo has arranged a bed in the bunks for you to stay in until we arrive at the next island and I have given him a list of tasks you can do together." 

You nodded rolling your sleeve back down as he got up and led the way out of the medical room. You walk down the metal halls both scared and excited, if the rest of the crew is as kind as Bepo and Law then you know the next few days will be easy if they aren't then you fear that the next few days will be hell. 

The two of you walk into a cafeteria of sorts and around 20 crew members where eating their morning breakfast. All eyes darted to the captain when he entered the room followed by you and he instantly had their full attention. "Listen up, this is y/n they will be staying with us for the next few days until we land on the next island. I expect you to treat her well." He then walked out of the room leaving you with the crew looking up at you and you began to panic giving a quick wave. Everyone then turned back to their food and their conversations and you sighed in relief.

You sat next to Bepo who brought you into their conversation. He then showed you where you would be bunking which was the bed directly above his, and then the two of you got to work mopping the floors and cleaning the bathroom neither were hand tasks as the crew keeps everything clean for the most part. 

Over the next couple of days, you completed cleaning tasks around the ship and began to become closer to the crew. Ikkaku was the most excited about your visit as she was no longer the only girl on the ship Penguin and Shachi were much harder to befriend but it turned out they just wanted to haze you with a prank before becoming friendly towards you. You would take showers at night while everyone slept so that you could keep your mark hidden. Law being the insomniac that he is would be the only one who notices you sneak away to the showers each night as you pass his office.

When the tenth day arrived you were surprised to find yourself upset that you would be leaving but you were even more surprised to find Ikkaku, Bepo, Penguin, and Shachi standing in Law's office begging for them to "Keep" you as if you were a pet they didn't want to set free. Law kicked them out of his office stating that the decision is up to you not him. The four then pouted outside of the office when they spotted you on your way to Law's office to give him your thanks but you quickly turned around as the four started to run after you begging for you to stay. 

Before you could say anything to the group the ship began shaking. You fell to the wall to brace yourself while everyone around you pushed off the walls to head to the deck to find what was wrong including Law who jumped out of his office dashing down the hall. Once you recovered and got back to your feet you also began to run down the hall following the crew. You ran up onto the deck almost falling to the floor when the ship took another hit causing it to shake again but you held steady on the door frame. The ship was docked on a beach near a town and right out front was a line of Marines who were shooting at the ship and had a large cannon that was aimed at the ship. 

Law stood at the top of the deck using his powers to deflect the bullets while the crew got ready to jump off the ship and attack. You approached Law at the front of the ship who immediately shouted at you to get back but you ignored him as you removed your gloves. You reached your arms out and your eyes began to glow white and a cloud of mist floated out of your hand and towards the Marines who started to fall one by one as they inhaled the mist.

Law's eyes went wide as he watched you easily take out 50 Marines. When the last Marine fell your eyes fluttered back to normal and you began to fall. Law quickly caught you before you reached the ground and lifted you into his arms. You panted into his chest feeling dizzy and tired after using so much of your power.

The crew members jumped off the ship to investigate the fallen Marines and shouted out to their Captain that they had fallen asleep. Law stared down at you in amazement before ordering the crew to prepare to set sail before the Marines woke up. The crew followed their orders and the ship began to move away from the beach but not yet going underwater as Law and you sat on the deck to prevent any decrease in recovery that might be caused by going underwater.

After a few minutes, you finally caught your breath and Law gave you no time to begin asking you questions. "What was that?" he asked curiously as you sat up.

"The Feel Feel fruit. I can make people feel anything just by touching them." You showed your gloveless hand that had 5 dots on your fingers that glowed and shifted colors based on the emotion you were transferring. "I recently learned how to create the emotion mist but it takes a lot out of me." 

Law grabbed your hand curiously and examined it, "How does it work?" He asked.

"At first all I had to do was feel an emotion and touch someone then I learned how to control which emotion was being transferred and my hand changes colors based on that emotion will be transferred. For instance, if I feel sad it will turn black, if I am feeling happy and social it will be Blue, for calm it is grey."

"Like a mood ring?" He asked as he watched the lights shift colors. "What does Gold mean?" He questioned as your hand shifted to gold and stayed there.

"It means a large range of emotions too much for it to pick up on?" You reply but are surprised to watch him place all five of his fingers on top of the glowing dots. His eyes widen as he begins to feel your emotions and when your emotions shift to surprise and the color shifts to Brown his eyes mimic yours shifting in curiosity and surprise. You yank your hand back releasing him from your spell before any other emotions can be transferred to him. But emotions tend to linger so you shifted the color to grey and grabbed his arm shifting his emotions back to calm. 

He shook his head back and breathed calmly now feeling a sensation he had never felt before truly calm and relaxed. "Wow." Was all he could say as he closed his eyes relishing in the moment before it fell off him like a wave.

"Emotions tend to linger even if I were to pass out or end the connection they will remain until the person can calm down and their body starts producing its own chemicals again." You state placing your glove back on your hand knowing how addictive the powers can be. 

You watch Law take a deep breath before returning to his own emotions, "So you aren't just making people feel a particular way you are shifting the chemicals in the brain to make them think they feel a particular way. Interesting. I tried to do that with my Op Op powers so that I wouldn't have to use sedatives on my patients and risk a reaction but the process is extremely complicated with my abilities." He then got off the ground reaching his hand out for you, "Y/N would you please join my crew?" He asked.

You paused you have been used your entire life for your powers and the addictive nature that comes with them but you look up at Law curious and anticipating eyes. "Law...." You start but pause to take a deep breath, "I didn't steal an item from the Noble." You surprised yourself with the confession and you yank your eyes away from the captain looming over you. "I... I stole my freedom... I was his slave." You finally admitted and tears flowed down your eyes. Law noticed and bent back down to your level and pulled your face toward him so he could see your eyes shift black. "He used my powers to control his emotions and became addicted to them, I can't join your crew if that's what you want me to do."

"Y/N I asked you to join my crew because everyone has taken a liking to you. your powers are amazing but you never have to use them when you don't want to. If you join my crew I will never ask you to use your powers in a way you don't want to." You nodded believing his words, "However, because you were once a slave I suggest you take my offer. The world will not be kind to you and the world government will try to return you if you join my crew we can protect you."  He stood up and offered his hand again which you took and he pulled you up to your feet.

The two of you walked into the ship and as soon as the door closed the ship began to sink below the waterline. 

***

Next Chapter

[scoonsalicious]

Unwanted: Chapter 20, Uninhibited - Pt. 1

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Avenger!Fem!Reader

Summary: When your FWB relationship with your best friend Bucky Barnes turns into something more, you couldn’t be happier. That is, however, until a new Avenger sets her sights on your super soldier and he inadvertently breaks your heart. You take on a mission you might not be prepared for to put some distance between the two of you and open yourself up to past traumas. Too bad the only one who can help you heal is the one person you can no longer trust.

Warnings: (For this part only; see Story Masterlist for general Warnings) Language, vomiting, mentions of speculation of poisoning.

Word Count: 562

Previously On...: You confronted Bucky for sleeping with Jade. He was full of apologies and tears, but you'd had enough of both.

A/N: We now officially begin the third arc of the story! While the betrayal is done, there are still going to be a lot of dark themes that will be explored. You are warned.

NOTE! The tag list is a fickle bitch, so I'm not really going to be dealing with it anymore. If you want to be notified when I update, please enable notifications from my Blog page!

Banner By: The absolutely amazing @mrsbuckybarnes1917!

Thank you to all those who have been reading; if you like what you've read, likes, comments, and reblogs give me life, and I truly appreciate them, and you!

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The rest of the week was awful. You distracted yourself as best you could, practicing your dance routines on the pole Tony had reluctantly transferred to your new, temporary space. Thank goodness you’d kept yourself in shape over the years; you’d forgotten how much core and upper body strength pole dancing required. Yet the movements came back to you with ease, muscle memory that allowed your mind to wander, which wasn’t always necessarily a good thing.

You were still vomiting, though not as severely. One early morning, after nausea had pulled you from a restless sleep and you were hanging your head, exhausted, over the toilet bowl once more, you had the terrifying thought that Jade had been poisoning you this entire time, deliberately, to take you off the mission with Bucky so she could insert herself. You wondered, horrified, if she and Bucky had been in on it, together. If it had been their plan all along to get you out of the way.

You shook your head, dispersing the ridiculous thought. Bucky was careless with your heart, but you didn’t think he actively hated you. Emotionally, he obviously didn’t give a flying fuck how much pain he caused you, but he wouldn’t physically harm you. Carthage, on the other hand, well, you thought her entirely capable of such a thing. But how would she have the access without ensuring others were getting sick, too?

No, your overtired imagination was getting the better of you, and you were more than eager to paint Jade as the villain in any circumstance that might present itself. The truth of it was, she’d already done enough damage; you didn’t have to invent more.

You tried your best to avoid Bucky, but as Wanda and Nat had warned you, it was easier said than done. Though Tony had allowed you to restrict access to your new floor to ensure Bucky couldn’t follow you to your room, he still managed to always be around every time you ventured out throughout the Tower. 

He only tried to engage with you once, two days after your storage closet confrontation, but you’d turned and immediately walked in the opposite direction. Everything was too raw, the pain too new, for you to be near him at the moment. Just the sight of him broke you apart all over again. The sooner you were out of the Tower for your mission, the better.

You’d warned him that if he couldn’t stay away from Carthage, you’d ice him out in such a way that he’d long for the warmth of Siberia. It was only fair for him to experience the consequences of his own actions.

As your birthday approached, you felt even worse. Before everything had gone to hell, Bucky had talked about taking a trip, just the two of you, to celebrate, but like all his other honeyed promises, it turned out to be nothing but bitter lies. You resented him for taking away any excitement you’d felt for your upcoming party, for destroying your chance to feel an emotion even close to resembling happiness, even with something that had nothing to do with him.

So, you stayed confined to your room as much as possible, practicing and researching, hoping that, with enough time, you’d finally manage to bury all of the pain beneath enough layers of ice to numb yourself.

<- Previous Chapter / Next Part ->

[ellephlox]

Embers and Ashes

Pairing: Matt Murdock x Fem!Reader

Summary: It's not easy to keep a low profile when you've got the power to heal, but you've managed to carve out a home for yourself in Hell's Kitchen. By day you're an assistant at a literary agency, and by night you mend broken bones and bloody cuts. It's a double life that constantly forces you to question your morality, because the wounds you seem to magically heal don't vanish forever — they've got to eventually go somewhere.

But after you make the mistake of healing the wrong people, you become Daredevil’s next target, and suddenly your double life becomes far more tangled than you could ever have predicted.

Set post-S3. Slow burn Matt x Fem!Reader. Chapter one will be posted here on tumblr, but ensuing chapters will be uploaded to AO3. You can read Ch. 1 on AO3 here, if you'd prefer.

Warnings: Description of injuries and profanity.

Most normal people in the city dreamed of being an Avenger. 

You overheard them at work constantly, ever since it became increasingly commonplace for people to crop up with super-strength or freakishly accurate aim with a bow and arrow:

“I actually ran into Spider-Man this morning — the real Spider-Man! I begged him to sign my arm, obviously, because there was no paper around, and he actually did it! Look, right here. I'm going to get it tattooed after work.”

“Well, last night I had a dream that I was recruited by the Avengers. It was absolutely amazing, Debbie — Tony Stark wanted me to be his girlfriend! God, it was fantastic. He even let me try on his Iron Man suit.”

“Oh, I’d give anything to be enhanced. I’d want to be able to fly. Or teleport. Any power, really, if it could get me a one-way ticket to fighting with them.”

“But did you hear my friend got threatened by Daredevil the other night? That red horned suit is gone, though. He’s in that black suit from the days when we called him the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen. I’d love to run into that guy — he’s so strange, isn’t he? Handsome, in a mysterious way.”

At this point in these types of conversations you always tried to tune them out. Their rosy idea of enhanced ignored the things that you saw whenever footage of the Avengers was shown on the evening news. After the battle in New York, they raved about Captain America’s strength, that magic hammer of Thor’s, and the way Dr. Bruce Banner metamorphosed from a man into a monstrous hero, as though it were the best thing in the world to have super-powered abilities.

But when you had watched that footage on the news, after the battle was over, all you saw was the blood. The bodies. The expressions on the Avengers’ faces, of the anguish and turmoil they had witnessed. Being enhanced was a curse, not a gift, and you came to resent the word itself — not for the political controversies it provoked, but for its connotation. In the mouths of anyone else, enhanced was a good thing. 

But you knew. 

As you held the temples of the man lying in front of you, his skin burnt severely from his fingers to his wrists, you knew. 

He writhed, his hands flopping like gasping fish. They were scorched as though in a paisley pattern, leathery and swollen. Second-degree, if not third-degree burns, you thought, as the man jerked away from the light emanating from your own hands, but you kept your grip steady. Slowly the skin began to return to its normal color — splotches fading like they were diluted, heaves of scars sinking back and reshaping as though they had never been there, the energy of his wounds transferring into your hands and through your bloodstream. 

You knew, better than anyone, that every gift had a price.

 

TWENTY-ONE HOURS LATER

It was snowing, yet your hands were blistering. 

The plows hadn’t come through yet, and there wasn’t much foot traffic on this side of Hell’s Kitchen, so the sidewalks were thick with snow. Despite your best efforts to hop in the few existing footprints, snow kept falling down into your boots. Your toes were numb, and your ears felt like they were about to get frostbite; you weren’t dressed for the weather. There hadn’t been time to grab a hat and thicker socks when you left your apartment, because you were more preoccupied with the searing burns that were popping like budding flowers on the palms of your hands. They weren't yet to the severity of the burns you had healed on Lynch's hands the previous night, but it was only a matter of time before they began to worsen. 

Only one more block. 

It was past midnight, and all you wanted was to be in bed, curled up with your pillows and quilted blanket, but just before falling asleep, you’d felt the skin tear open on your hand as though someone were holding a blowtorch to it. It was unnerving. You'd estimated another eight hours, until morning, before the energy you had taken from Lynch's wounds would make itself known.

Clearly I was wrong. You seethed with irritation at yourself and at the fact that Lynch had burned his hands in the first place as more snow collected in your boots. A warm pair of socks would be really, really nice right now.  

But situations like this came with the job, even if most people didn't realize it. Whenever people discovered you were able to heal — and they never truly knew it was you, because you were careful to keep your identity obscure — they assumed it was simple. As though you could just lay your hands on someone’s bleeding wound and it magically stitched itself back up. Poof, problem solved! Sort of like all those Avengers your coworkers persistently chatted about. Yeah, if only healing were as easy as doing a few fancy finger movements to open up a portal into another dimension. Doctor Strange doesn't know how good he has it.

Because fancy finger movements definitely wasn't how it worked for you. It wasn’t even close. 

You inhaled sharply as another burn made itself known, this time higher on your hand. A quick handful of snow against the welt soothed it slightly, but not much, and you picked up your pace down the street.  Your destination was an unassuming brick building, wedged between a hardware store and auto repair shop. LYNCH FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, read the sign outside, underneath a layer of graffiti. It was one of your closest friends who owned the funeral home, and the previous day he'd sent you an emergency call for help, though you still hadn't heard the story of how he'd burned his hands in the first place. Not that it mattered much. You didn't ask questions very often; healing was your only responsibility. 

There was no one else on the street. There wasn't even much light, because most of the street lamps that weren’t burned out had been buried in a pale coating of frost. Your thoughts turned abruptly to the reports of the so-called vigilante Daredevil, who had reportedly been back on the streets lately. With what you had done in the past, and even with what you were doing now… well, you hoped you never crossed paths with him. Quiet streets like this always made you wonder if today was the day you’d run into him, but it had never happened. Sometimes you wondered if the media simply made him up as a fear tactic to keep crime off the streets of Hell’s Kitchen. 

You hurried inside the funeral home, searching for the only person who you knew would be up and about. Please, be here, please, please…

He was. “Grey,” the man at the desk said, surprise crossing his face when you burst into the crematorium. “I wasn’t expecting you.”

Grey . Just like the word itself, it was ash on your tongue. It wasn’t your real name. Years ago it had been bestowed on you as a code name, a way to keep your identity impersonal from the people you worked with. But it stuck, and now you could count the number of people who knew your real name on one hand. 

“Emergency visit, Thato,” you said, showing him your hands. “I’m sorry. I thought I could manage it until tomorrow, at the very least, but—” You cringed as another burn blistered forth, erupting on the pad of your thumb. “Ow. Shit.”

Thato got to his feet, wincing in sympathy. “Never apologize for this. It’s not your fault.”

You shook your head. “I should be getting better. Improving… this . And I’m not.” It was true. For years, you had been at this same level. If you healed someone — which wasn’t really healing , if you were being technical; it was more like taking their injury and transferring it elsewhere — you could only hold onto it for a short amount of time. 

Option One was taking that energy from the injury and transplanting it onto someone else — typically, a corpse. You had a strict policy for yourself to never inflict a wound from someone else that you’d healed onto someone who didn’t receive the wound in the first place.

Option Two was just holding onto that energy until it began to manifest itself on you instead. And that was never pleasant. 

Case in point: the damn burns on my hands right now. 

You glanced at the door to the morgue. “Please tell me you’ve got bodies in for cremation?”

“As a matter of fact, one arrived tonight,” Thato said, and he put his hand gently on your back to steer you inside. “Let’s go.”

The morgue was cold. Goosebumps pricked up your arms. Thato worked quickly, and within a minute he was pulling out a storage drawer. A woman, her body pale and lifeless, slid out in front of you. 

Even when the bodies were dead, this was never easy.  You averted your eyes, opting instead to look at the ceiling, and placed your freezing hands on the sides of the dead woman’s head, against her temples. Gradually, after a minute, your hands began glowing — not the yellow glow of the man the newspapers called the Iron Fist, nor the red glow of that Avenger you’d seen on television, Wanda Maximoff. Instead, it was a pale slate color, as though smoke itself had become a source of light. It was this color that earned you your nickname. 

“Grey,” your brother had told you, lifting your chin up roughly to stare you down. 

He wasn’t really your brother, but he might as well have been. You’d known him as long as you could remember. Kane was the one who raised you, who had been with you since... for a long time. “Got it? Here with us, that’s what you’ll answer to.”

“But my name is—”

“No. When you’re with us, you don’t use your real name,” Kane said. Of course, just like your name wasn’t really Grey, his name wasn’t truly Kane. “You use Grey instead, okay? Grey Arztin, if anyone ever asks for a last name.” He handed you forged identification papers. 

“Why Arztin?” you asked, reading the name, and fumbling over the pronunciation of the word. 

“It means doctor, in German. Come with me. I have people for you to heal.”

“But I’m not very good at it.”

“Then you need to practice that ability. It’s going to be your greatest gift someday, Grey.”

The energy pulsed in your own temples as it transferred to the corpse, and slowly you began to feel it drain out of you. There was no comparable feeling to this moment, when the build-up of pain was finally relieved from your mental storage space — your cache, you liked to call it.  And, suddenly, burns just like the ones on your own hands bloomed across the white hands of the dead woman — raw, fiery welts, discolored in the center and streaking from her wrist bones to her fingertips. They were identical to the burns that had stretched across Lynch's hands the day before, down to the charred bit of skin just below the thumb knuckle. When the energy was gone, you dropped your hands, and the smoky glow faded.

The few burns that had already marked your own skin were still there, of course, because your healing abilities could never fix what had been done to your own body — yet another shortcoming of your power — but they wouldn’t get any worse. It was over. 

The corpse was rolled back into her drawer. The family would never know that her hands now bore severe burns that hadn’t been there at her time of death. She’d be cremated tomorrow, Thato assured you. It would be as though you had never even touched her. Guilt curled in your stomach at her desecrated hands. Maybe she had been a pianist. Those hands might have been held by someone else, once upon a time — a mother, a lover, a child. She could have used those hands to climb mountains or type out a novel on a laptop or serve plates of food at a restaurant. 

Now, because of you, they were mottled and burnt. 

“She’s dead,” Thato reminded you quietly, once you were outside of the morgue and back at the funeral home desk. “She’ll be burned anyway.”

“I know.” You played with the edge of the desk. “I just always feel bad. It feels like I’m… spitting on her memory, or something.”

“It’s a price you have to pay,” he agreed. “But it’s in exchange for the good you do, each time you use your skill. You even bore some of the price yourself.” He nodded at the burns scattered across your own hands. “I don’t like to see you feeling bad, Grey. Anything I can do?”

You smiled. “It's okay. You already helped me. Thanks, Thato. Really.” 

I don’t want to keep doing this, you wanted to add. I’ve had enough of all this. The healing, the transferring of the injuries and scars and bruises, the role I’ve played in Hell’s Kitchen. I’m done.

You wanted to tell him, so badly that it made your chest feel tight. Thato had been your friend for as long as you could remember. But if you told him, then your brother would find out, and if your brother found out…

Well, Kane wouldn’t be very pleased with you. He'd see it as a failure on your part, or worse, a betrayal. But it didn’t matter anyway, because you couldn’t leave the organization. Not after everything Kane had done for you, and especially not while you were the one thing that stood between him and death every night that he risked his life. 

You tightened your jacket around your shoulders before heading back out into the night, towards your apartment. You took your time; your earlier exhaustion was gone, and with your hands bandaged now, you were able to appreciate the falling snow as it amassed silently, insulating the streets from the sounds of the city beyond. 

But you might not have had such a leisurely walk back if you’d happened to tilt your head upwards and look at the roofs — if you had been able to hear the footsteps above as someone followed you in the shadows, if you had known the man they called the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen stalked you, having listened to every word of the conversation in the crematorium.

[astrasng]

POISON || PROLOGUE

pairing: idol!jaemin x oc!reader

synopsis: In which their relationship started off with him dating her sister, however, little did Jaemin know she always loved him even if it meant having feelings for him from afar. Can Dami and Jaemin find their way to love each other, or will the future poison their plans?

a/n: hello to everybody! first of all, i was deciding for a long time if i should upload my fan ficton series about Jaemin (tbh i have more about others too) simply because of people on the internet not taking fictions well about idols. especially if it has an original character reader. but this is kind of an experiment to see how people here on tumblr take it in. so this is why this note is important in order for me to post more chapters. anybody who is reading this, please let me know in any kind of feedback if i should switch to simple reader pov or not. i spent a lot of time forming and thinking about my character, Dami, so please, let me know your thoughts about it!

important!: this is pure fiction, the act in this story is by my imagination and not based off true events. please do not copy the work.

thank you, and please enjoy! ♡

 “Call me when I should pick you up.” 

Says the voice on the other line with a big sigh, and before she could say any other objections why I should go home and work, I cut my sister off. 

“I told you, you don’t need to drop me home. I can manage myself too, and who knows, maybe one of my old classmates will drive me home?” I already know what she's going to say to that, just the bare thought of some possibly drunk old friend driving me home drives her insane. 

“Absolutely not. Call me.” And with a stern voice, she hangs up on me like she just shot the door in my face. Expecting this reaction, I just simply slip my phone back in my purse as I’m inching closer to the restaurant where my old classmates decided to hold a reunion after many years. I wasn’t personally fond of the idea of having a night out, but then my old seatmate called me and said that I’m expected to be there. I’m normally an extroverted person, but tonight, I had zero energy for this. A pile of unfinished work sitting in my office at home, just waiting for me to be finished, isn’t the best motivation to give me the vibes and energy for a night out. But on the other hand, I wanted to meet my old friends, so they won this time. Maybe I regret it, and curse at myself for not doing what I’m supposed to do, but it’s not my problem for now. 

I had thousands of scenarios of how awkward it’s going to be to meet everyone again,especially now that I’m alone. My best friend since school gave up on me at the last minute and said that she can’t make time for just a few hours of drinking and eating. Since then, I’m still sending daggers at her. 

The thought of her leaving me alone flashes back and my stomach jumps into a nervous knot as I take a look around the restaurant, checking if I’m at the right place. Looking through the glass, I see a bunch of people sitting around one table, giving me the sign that I’m at the right place indeed. Taking a deep breath, I dust off my clothes and open the door to step inside the cooled building from the torturing hot street. The pub inside looks neat and clean, with cozy lighting on the brick walls, comfortable lounge chairs and seats around the place with a couple of long tables and chairs placed all over. The place is quite famous for celebrities to hang out here and also popular students to have a get together from time to time. And it’s not any different now either, it’s almost crowded at every table as young people try to spend time with each other on a summer Friday night. 

“Oh my god!” A voice shrieks from behind me and I can’t help but whip around to check if everythings alright. But then the minute my whole body turns around someone practically jumps on me, almost knocking both of us over. “Dami! I can’t believe you actually came!” My old friend, Tina, who was a transfer student looks at me with wide eyes as I smile back at her. 

“Tina! It’s really good to see you here, I thought you went back home after graduation?!” 

“Well, that was the plan originally but then…” She giggles as she answers shyly and slowly, raises her hand up for me to see the ring sitting on her finger, shining in the dim lights. My jaw hangs low as I look at her again. “Seriously?! When did this happen?” I give her another hug quickly. 

“I met him after graduation and well, we’ve been engaged for a year now. He treats me so well, Dami. I want you to meet him sometime!” The sudden emotion from her squeezes my heart. I didn’t believe that anyone from school would still like me after many years, or even want to hang out again. School was chaotic for me, I never really cared about anything else, just studies and my own little world. My only true two friends always wanted me to socialize a little more, and I did my best but then I quickly gave up on that and went back to my own things. It’s not like I hate everyone in school, I simply didn’t care about them too much. While I watched Tina and Hyerin, my best friend, going crazy over gossip in school or boys I sat back and let them yap about those ‘problems’. I knew everything about everyone around me, their love life, their family dramas and you name it.

But they never really knew what happened in mine. 

I smile brightly at Tina as her eyes are shining from pure happiness as she talks about her fiancé, but then mine can’t help but wander somewhere behind her. My heart almost jumps out of my chest as I lay eyes on a specific someone, standing at the bar waiting for I assume a drink, his eyes scanning the place like it’s his first time being here. I suddenly want to drop everything and run home, even if it's two hours away from here I would do anything to get out of here. But for my luck, Tina realizes and pulls me towards the table where everyone is.

 It’s inevitable. 

It’s inevitable to meet and talk, because he was family once. He will recognize me, I can feel it. I can still feel his gaze on me from all those years ago when he was with my sister at the family dinner. It was probably nothing, but somehow it felt like everything. To me, at least. 

Suddenly,as two men come up beside him and one of them says something that makes him laugh, my own pulse jumps up in my throat. My hands are starting to get sweaty, my legs are getting wobbly and there’s a possibility for me to turn around and leave Tina right now, isn’t there? But no, because time slows down as he suddenly looks at us getting closer to them, and to the table behind them. 

Everything tunes out as his eyes find mine, his piercing gaze burning into mine as he doesn’t pay attention to his friends talking to him. It’s like meeting him for the first time again, but it feels different now. He changed so much. His hair is not brown anymore that reaches his eyebrows, but rather shorter as the platinum blonde hair decorates his features. The black blouse almost bursts on his upper body as he’s leaning on his elbow while he sips on his drink. His eyes never leaving mine. 

I feel the air running out of my lungs as Tina says something to me, shaking me slightly to rock me back to reality, but I can’t. All those memories flashback in my mind and I feel I might start hyperventilating if I don’t get any air. 

But then we’re suddenly in front of our table, and a bunch of people started greeting me and telling me how good it’s to finally meet again. My mind completely shuts off and all I can do is force a smile on my face when someone waves to me and tells me how good it feels to be back with finally everyone. 

But only one question floats in my mind. What is he doing here? Isn’t he an idol now with busy schedules? I wish someone could answer me, or him, but I know it’s impossible as I fell out with him and his friends. Once I had a great friendship with his friends whom he hung out with because of the amount of time my sister dragged me to meet up with them. I know for a fact these guys are not the same from all those years ago, they look more “intimidating” in some sort. Or at least one of them with black hair, who stands beside Jaemin all the time and now his eyes are locked on mine as he and Jaemin are looking at me from afar. He says something to the white haired boy and he nods heavily, making my pulse skip a beat. 

“Are you okay, Dami? You look a little pale.” Tina carefully touches my arm and I snap my gaze to her, forcing another smile. “It’s just a little crowded here. Maybe I’ll go and find the bathroom real quick.” She nods understandingly and sits down to her friends as I leave her there to wash my face and get myself together. I can’t possibly leave now, he saw me and probably, most definitely recognized me. It’s like fate wanted us to meet again and close our story. But what if I don’t want to? I don’t want to deal with that now, my life is on a straight and good line for once and now this? Maybe I really need to get home and never go out ever again. 

I open the door with a slight force and I happily take it in that the bathroom is empty, which means I can break down if I really need to. I shouldn’t be so dramatic over someone, especially if it’s your first love, but I can’t help my mind to think back to the moment from a few minutes ago. He looks handsome, so handsome that it’s not a good sign for me - I think when I splash cold water on my face, my makeup is thankfully waterproof. From all the thinking, I feel like someone is banging a pan on my head, making me slightly dizzy from the pain, so I splash again until I feel I cooled down a little. When I look back up I see my pale face with wide eyes staring back at me and I almost shriek at my expression. As I exhale, I take a dry towel and dry my face, dusting my clothes and fixing my hair to look presentable again. 

I open the door and like a flash, I hit something and I gasp, covering my mouth as I look behind the door to make sure everything’s alright. “I’m so sorry, I wasn’t careful enough-” 

As I look behind the door I see two pairs of eyes boring into mine once again and I feel my heart stop for real this time. 

“I see you’re still as clumsy as ever.” Jaemin’s deep voice sends shivers down my body and I feel like my stomach bursted into little butterflies as I take in his features again from up close. 

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

Dear Na Jaemin,

Why did you have to come into our life? Into my life? 

It’s not even a month since you started fancying my sister and asked her to hang out with you more outside school. Does your parents know about that? Do they let you date at such a young age? Why wouldn’t they, your mother knows my mom so I guess she approved, right? They love my sister, she’s the perfect daughter-in-law. I wish I could spend more time with you so I can show you I could be just like her too, but your eyes are only on her. I don’t blame you though. I understand.

Maybe you’re asking yourself why I’m writing this letter to you, I’m not even sure I’ll ever give this to you, but I'll tell you a secret. While you look at my sister with heart eyes and laugh with her at something very unfunny in my opinion, I do the same with you. 

My eyes can’t help but search for yours everytime you come over with your parents or you come to pick my sister up. I can’t help but smile whenever you’re smiling at something stupid, because I like your humor so much. 

I feel like I’m stupidly in love with you. 

Lots of love, 

Dami

as i mentioned before, please, don't be afraid to let me know what you think about this POV.

thank you for reading! ♡

[lilybug-02]

whn did you join tumblr

i jointed in 2019 when everyone was leaving and the site was burning and tought

yas this is looks good

so what about you?

HMM. I joined tumblr around the end of 2019. I knew it was a nice somewhat lowkey place to anonymously post and find friends.

I transferred over from the Steven Universe Amino. Deltarune Chapter 2 came out and I finally got back into Deltarune.

[zepskies]

Hey Lovely! For the ask game, I'm requesting #4, #7, and #24.

Thanks!! ❤️

Well hello there, friend! 🥰

Oh my, good questions...

Hahaa oh lord. I mean, how much time do you have? 🤣 I have entire files worth of ideas from different fandoms that I've even gone so far as to outline, but have never gotten around to writing.

I think the first ones that come to my head are two series ideas in the Smallville fandom:

Hanging By a Moment - Clark Kent x OC

Summary: The path of Clark Kent’s life changed drastically after he turned sixteen. It was choice, it was happenstance, it was destiny—all in one. He didn’t know it yet, but it was always going to be her.

(Yes, title is based on the song by Lifehouse. 😂)

Keep Holding On - Jason Teague x OC

Summary: Try as Jason might, he just couldn’t compare to Clark Kent. Not in Lana’s eyes at least. Elena is the casualty of war, caught in between.

Both sound very melodramatic now that I read the summaries next to one another. 😂 The main reason why I haven't written these, I guess, is because I feel like the Smallville fandom has mostly died out. Tumblr especially doesn't really support OCs as much as reader inserts, and these stories both needed to be OCs to give me the freedom to create as much backstory and character as I wanted to.

Oh a DEEP CUT you say? 🤣 Oh God, I've been writing since I was about 10 or 11 years old (and let me tell you, it was heinous).

I think my very first fanfic was for an anime called Rurouni Kenshin. It was an AU set in present time. It was that cliché thing where the heroine is sitting at a bar and is getting hit on, but she doesn't give the guy the time of day until her boyfriend (the main male lead of the show) shows up.

That character was known for being a spitfire, so she was good at putting people in their place lol. Her boyfriend is the more mild-mannered of the two, but still very protective, so I guess that's where the idea came from in my kid brain. I've long ago deleted that story off FF.net because it was so damn bad.

My first SPN fanfic, however, can be found here on Ao3. It's also pretty rough because I wrote it back in high school when I was first watching the show, first on FF.net, then transferred it over later to Ao3.

Another interesting question... 🤔

It can take me a bit to get myself into that creative headspace, but when I'm working on a one-shot, I tend to power through the draft until I finish it in a day, maybe two if it's long (5,000+ words let's say).

If we're talking about a series, I try to knock out at least a chapter at a time in one writing session, which could take me a couple hours or several more, depending on length and how detailed my outline is, if I need to do additional research, etc.

If I really have a good flow going, sometimes I can knock out 2-3 chapters in a day. I'll have a solid 1-3 hour writing session towards the beginning of the day, take a break for a few hours, run some errands, go on a walk, have a meal, and come back to it later. I tend to do the bulk of my writing in the afternoon and throughout the night.

Thanks again for asking these questions, lovely!! 😘💜 Always happy to answer.

[romaine2424]

Daily Blog June 21, 2023

Hi! Welcome to my first day of fandom blogging! I'm very excited about doing this and hope you'll join in on the conversation and really hope that you might start one of your own!!! So on that note, lets get going.

What I'm reading:

I'm currently re-reading The Changeling by @annerbhp. It's a canon rewrite of sort, with a big twist. Here's the summary: Ginny is sorted into Slytherin. It takes her seven years to figure out why. It's 182K from Ginny's POV. It does follow canon to a point. I read this about 6 months ago and I still think about it when writing Drarry. I now have to give Ginny a positive break-up with Harry. LOL No dissing her because she's such a badass in this story. While it's listed as Harry/Ginny, it really is mostly a Ginny story for the main story. There's follow on stories after this one that are fab too.

It starts with Year 1 and the house sorting. Ginny is surprisingly sorted into Slytherin. She at first thinks its a joke done by her twin brothers, but then reality sets in. Most of her family is devastated and she feels completely isolated. This is a Ginny you'll recognize from canon and then so much more. If you longed for more Slytherin background and lore than canon gave us, this you will love. And if you think Slytherin is dominated by the males...well this will give you a headcanon that you won't forget.

What I'm writing:

The Azkaban Letters, which I'm so far behind on I want to cry. It's a 2007 WIP I started right before HPDH came out. So it's canon divergent after HBP. I did edit the first 7 to be more in line with canon and post canon. My issue is I have too much in my head and too many ideas to get down on paper...er on the computer. When I stopped writing it in 2007, I had posted the first 7 chapters on The Hex Files. It came over to AO3 during the transfer and has been staring at me in the face since then. I'm now up to 16 chapters, which sounds like a lot, but there's 4 sections to the story and I'm in the middle of section 2. sigh.

Tumblr Posts of Interest:

@xanthippe74 on her blog has reposted her 2020 fic, Follow the Water in honor of summer solstice. If you have not read this fic, you are in for such a treat. Perfect summer fic. Give her post a reblog and fic some love!

@julcheninred posted on her blog yesterday that it was the 5th anniversary of Draw Drarry badly. I so love her block H/D art, and so happy we've had five years of her sharing them with us. Make sure to reblog to share the Drarry fun!

3. HDMpreg2023 has posted the reveals on A03. TWENTY fics in all. I only got to read about 1/3 of them, but whoa there are some serious gems. (If I find the Tumblr post for this, I'll add it.)

4. @lcdrarry has also posted their reveals! My apologies to the fest and authors/artists. I've only read a few this round but plan on diving into the treasure trove of Drarry. This was a new fest for me to watch when I came back to fandom. While I don't watch many movies or watch tv much anymore, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to follow/understand the stories as well as I should. I was wrong. Most I have found I could enjoy without knowing the source.

Tumblr Drarry Fic/Art Resource:

I'm guessing most of you follow @drarryspecificrecsdaily, but in case not, you should definitely follow! They post Drarry completed fics which have been posted on AO3 for the current day. I have found some amazing gems from this resource. Fics I haven't seen discussed or recced anywhere else and authors I haven't been blessed reading before.

Okay, that's it for Day 1! Hope you found something interesting. I'll be switching around the categories on a daily basis. Tomorrow, I'll be adding in Fic Rec from the way past. Feel free to comment. :)

[loonaticskr]

Welcome To The Official Loonatics KR Blog!

Account made by me @kervinfire

NOTE: Under construction and repost due accidental deletion

Has anyone remember @purpleluckystar popular Loonatics Unleashed fan fic reboot called Loonatics R (aka Loonatics Revamp). It was one of the best fan-fics out there for the underrated fandom wanting to have a reboot. It has featured revamped characters from the show. Rebooted backstories from our favorite Loonatics and it even has a compelling story and new characters that this fan-fic has to offer on Tumblr and DeviantArt. It even has the ask the Loonatics in the Loonatics R Blog from the characters that Purple revamped.

Everything was going great until this fanfic was canceled due to her health problems (I hope you stay safe Purple). Which means almost without warning. Purple almost tried to delete all the Loonatics R-related content including the fanart in Deviantart. When she announced that she would delete her Loonatics R blog I had to save the fanfic including the asks that Purple made and transfer all her Loonatics Chapters from my Wattpad. I decided to try continuing the fanfic but time is trying to stop me and it would be impossible to continue the fic alone. That is @draze-a came in.

In Discord, we talked to each other continuing the fic and making new characters. I even have @mysticinternetdinosaur to join alongside me including @segamarkiii and @loonamonium who join in the KR project and even DarthCraftus from Deviantart who now joins in the project.

With a crew like this. We will try our best to do whatever it takes to keep this fanfic alive. And the best part. She gave away all of her OC characters and now I now finally adopted all the characters that Purple made. from Loonatics R

So again. Welcome to the official blog for Loonatics KR...

If you are new here visit the original Loonatic R Fanfic that I save in Wattpad

And please help me give me donations in PayPal

Or at FundraiserMe

CHARACTERS (More characters and Links will be added soon)

Main Protagonists (Canon Characters):

Ace Bunny

Lexi Rabbit (renamed to Rabbit by Purple because she said that they won't be related)

Danger Duck

Slam Tasmanian

Tech E Coyote

Rev Runner

Allies (Canon Characters):

Zadavia

Other Characters Adopted and Owned from @purpleluckystar:

Alonso Gonzales

Boomer Goldfist

Caren

Dotty Bunny

Ella Rabbit

Johnny

Marina Quack

Nao Bunny

Upton Rabbit

Jason Raccoon

Con and Doyle

Professor Snout

New Characters Made From Loonatics KR Project Crew (More characters added soon)

Tiger Leaps - Made by @kervinfire

Cane Lupo - Made by @kervinfire

Rage Shards - Made by @kervinfire

Roary Roar Lyon - Made by @draze-a

Koale Hypaethral - Made by @mysticinternetdinosaur

Sam Soojin - Made by @mysticinternetdinosaur

Jett Reighland - Made by @mysticinternetdinosaur

Q & A

Q: What is Loonatics KR?

A: Loonatics KR (also known as Kervin's Revamp) takes on the same fanfic story of Loonatics R. Not just the KR version will continue the story for the unfinished chapter but it also brings more in a Snyder Cut-styled story that features new characters and new scenarios

Q: What is the purpose of why making the fic?

A: The purpose why I wanted to make this fic and take her place is because I wanted to keep the Loonatics Unleashed Fandom alive. Official Warner Bros continued to mock that show from Animaniacs, Teen Titans Go, and even New Looney Tunes. But this not stop me to prove that I am one of the people who have my love for Loonatics Unleashed. until its recognized for a reboot.

Q: This takes forever to make. When are you going to post it?

A: We can't promise when the release date will be. Sometimes making fanfic takes a lot of time. We completed chapters and retells but its best to keep it fully complete before we publish it again.

Q: Can I draw your characters from Loonatics KR?

A: I keep my characters protected and treat them like my creations. If you want to draw my characters (especially my adopts and the canon fan made revamps that I owned) Always ask permission and tell me what are you going to draw. Especially with my Discord friends

Q: What other sites will you use aside from Tumblr or Wattpad?

A: For the future, I may also plan to put it in Deviantart or Instagram

Q: Will your Asks remain open in Tumblr

A: There are not enough people asking for now so yes it will remain open

Q: Just in case what would happen if you quit the project or when you die while making the fic,

A: I'm not going to quit this project. This fanfic that I owned and am now in the making is everything to me. And even if WB already made a reboot I am going to make this my Loonatics AU (alternate universe). But when I say I would gladly let my project friends take place if I passed away. @draze-a would probably be the first one or @mysticinternetdinosaur

[starset21]

Disclaimer: I only own my original characters, I've done some research but there will likely be Navy/military inaccuracies, and I do not consent to the posting, translating, or publishing of my work to any 3rd party site, the only place it may be found is on tumblr and Wattpad under @.itswildflower

A/N: This story is heavily inspired by the hallmark movie of the same title and is very self-indulgent. I'm also trying a different format than I'm used to using so it may change in the future chapters. Hope everyone is having good winter holidays!

Looking for the other chapters? U.S.S. Christmas Masterlist 

Summary:  Kate and Jake take on New York City

Chapter 5: New York

“Oh! Look at this! Oh, I can't wait to see the rockettes and the the rockefeller Christmas tree, the decorations on fifth Avenue, but first, we gotta get New York pizza!” Elizabeth exclaimed.

“Okay, she's gonna wear me out. Now, the ship leaves at 8 P.M. on the dot. Don't be late,” Jackson reminded them.

“2000 hours. Roger that. I think the historical building is right up here,” Jake told Kate, taking her hand in his.

“Do you keep records of all the performances?” Kate asked the lady at the front desk.

“We sure do. The older ones haven't been transferred to the computer, though. We've had all kinds of personalities to perform for the troops. You said 1965?” she asked.

“Yes,” Jake nodded.

“The Polaris, right?” she asked again and Kate nodded.

“Do you see a Dorothy in there?” she asked.

“Oh! Here it is. It looks like Dorothy Milne. It lists her employment as a dance instructor,” the lady told them.

“Just like the journal says,” Kate whispered to Jake.

“She actually worked at the ovation dance studio right here in the city,” the lady told them.

“I could hug you right now,” Kate grinned and they headed out.

“We might just solve this Christmas mystery after all,” Jake told her, nudging her shoulder. 

“I can't believe it! The ovation dance studio is actually still around! Wonder if Jonah tracked her down there. I remember the last passage in his journal said…” 

"I saw Dorothy perform last night with the uso. She's breathtaking. It was like she was floating on air. I got to talk to her again after the show, and she's truly everything I imagined. Sweet, smart… But when I went to find her this morning, her brother said Dorothy left on the cargo plane. It's crazy, but I feel like I've known her forever. I have to find her after we dock in Norfolk."

“We might just solve this Christmas mystery after all,” Jake told her, nudging her shoulder as they headed into the dance studio. There were little ballerina’s dancing around the room.

“They are so sweet,” Kate couldn’t help commenting.

“Aren't they? Today's the dress rehearsal for our big Christmas show. Can I help you with something?” the instructor asked.

“Yes. Hi, I'm Kayleigh Wells of the Norfolk register newspaper. This is Lieutenant Seresin,” Kate introduced.

“Nice to meet you both. What's this about?” she asked.

“We're looking for a woman who might be a military spouse. Her name is Dorothy Milne. Apparently she worked here years ago,” Kate told her.

“Yes. Dorothy was my teacher as a girl. I eventually bought the studio from the owner,” she crossed her arms.

“Could you tell us more about her?” Kate asked.

“She, uh, moved to New York to be a rockette, but her dreams never quite panned out, so she worked here instead, and would sometimes perform for the troops with the USO,” the woman told them.

“Any idea where she was from?” Kate asked.

“Kansas City, I believe,” she told them.

“Do you have any idea if she was married to a pilot named Jonah?” Jake asked.

“I remember there was a pilot she met on an aircraft carrier. He came to find her after the ship docked. Surprised her with roses right here in the studio in the middle of class! But she had a boyfriend at the time who she said was planning to propose, so I'm not sure who she ended up with,” she told them.

“Any idea what Jonah’s last name is?” Kate asked.

“It was so long ago. After that Christmas, we were told Dorothy moved to California. But that's all I know. I'm sorry I couldn't be more help.”

“Thank you,” Kate gave her an appreciative smile.

“I think we could use a snack right now, have you ever had roasted chestnuts?” Kate asked Jake.

“No, actually,” Jake told her. Kate smiled and went up to a cart selling them.

“We'll take two,” she told the man and went to pull out some money.

“I got this,” Jake told her, handing the man money.

“Thank you. All right. Let's see what this is,” Jake said as they began their walk again.

“Mmm! Lot sweeter than I thought,” he told her after having one.

“Hmm. Kinda how I feel about you,” Kate teased.

“I'll take that as a compliment,” Jake laughed.

“So, have you ever been to New York before?” Kate asked him.

“When I was six my parents brought me here for Christmas,” he told her.

“Before the divorce?” she asked hesitantly.

“Yeah. It was our last Christmas as a family together,” he bit his lip and looked down.

“That's bittersweet.” Jake nodded.

“Yeah, but it was the best Christmas I ever had,” he looked at her.

“Well, I think it's nice that you have those memories. Whenever my dad would be home for Christmas, we'd always go to Picasso’s diner and we would get semi crispy bacon. It was kind of our thing. Semi crispy is the only way to go,” Kate told him.

“I know, right?” Jake asked and Kate laughed.

“That looks really familiar. New York model train museum annual Christmas show! I went there when I was here with my dad,” Jake pointed out.

“Yeah? Come on, you wanna go? It'd be fun!” Kate exclaimed.

“Uhh... I don't know…” he trailed off.

“Oh, come on! You said it yourself, best Christmas you ever had,” Kate taunted.

“All right, yeah. Let's do it,” Jake smiled.

“Okay. Perfect,” Kate smiles, taking his hand and pulling him along. 

“This really brings me back,” Jake says as they wander through the train exhibits. “You okay?” Kate asks.

“Yeah, it's just, uh… I remember my dad taught me how trains worked when we were here. And after the divorce, that's pretty much all we talked about trains, planes… Pretty much anything with a motor. You know, we never went too deep. Stiff upper lip, you know?”

Kate nodded. “My mom was the complete opposite. I think after my dad died she was just so heartbroken all she wanted to do was talk about him, but… I couldn't do it,” she told him.

“Why not?” he asked.

“It was too painful,” Kate shrugged.

“I'm sorry. He died from an accident, right?” Jake asked and Kate nodded.

“I was 16… The day everything changed,” she told him.

“My dad says he was a great man,” he told her.

“He was. And he loved us very, very much. So all the times he invited me to go on the Christmas tiger cruise, I should have,” Kate sighed.

“Well, I'm sure he understood. It's not easy being a Navy brat,” Jake tells her.

“Yeah, well, it's something I still regret to this day.”

“Look, don't beat yourself up over it. Believe me, I get it. All the moving around, the uncertainty… Our dads were gone for months at a time,” Jake told her, nudging her shoulder.

“Well, you're lucky yours is still around. You should cherish that,” Kate told him.

“I do. You know, he… He bought me this little red train…” Jake trailed off.

“Yeah?”

“At the gift shop here. Ahh. I drove that thing around on every surface of our house until the wheels fell off,” he told her.

“That's really sweet,” Kate smiled.

“I'll never forget that moment we picked it out together. Cost five dollars, but… Nothin' meant more to me than that train.”

Kate paused at one of the displays. “Do you still have it?” she asked.

“Got lost in one of the moves,” Jake shrugged.

“I'm sorry,” Kate apologized, she knew the feeling of losing something in a move fairly well.

“It's the memory that matters, right?” Jake asked. Kate nodded.

“Hey. Let's go check out the north pole train!” Jake exclaimed.

“You know what? I'm gonna get us some hot chocolate, but I'll meet you over there?” Kate asked.

“All right,” he smiled and headed over to the display. 

“This is flight 747 to JFK tower, comin' in for a landing,” a little boy is flying a toy plane around.

“Copy, flight 747. Proceed to runway one-zero-niner and wait for clearance. Psst!” Jake pretended like he was a tower operator.

“Psst! Copy,” the little boy responded.

“I brought Teddy here for the trains, but he's obsessed with flying,” the dad laughed.

“Smart kid. You know, Jake is actually a fighter pilot in the Navy,” Kate told them, walking up with two hot chocolates.

“Whoa,” the kid marveled.

“At your service,” Jake tipped his imaginary hat.

“Do you fly off aircraft carriers?” the boy asked.

“Sure do. But flying off the carrier is the easy part. Landing, that's the hard part,” Jake told him.

“That's so cool! I want to be a Navy pilot!” the kid exclaimed.

“Well, you certainly can if you put the work in. Here. This…” He pulls out a pair of wings that they give to the kids on the cruises from his pocket. “Is for you, eh?” he offered with a smile.

“Whoa! No take-backs?” the kid asked.

“No take-backs, buddy. Promise,” Jake smiled.

“You just made his Christmas. Thank you so much. Have a great holiday,” the dad told him.

“Merry Christmas,” Jake told them as they walked away.

“You know, you were really good with him. And did I just hear you say, "merry Christmas"?” Kate asked.

“Yeah, well, don't tell my shipmates,” Jake told her.

“Oh, no, they'd never believe me. Hey, we should probably go get something to eat, and I know a place that's gonna actually change the way you see Christmas forever,” Kate grinned.

“Mind games, huh?” Jake asked.

“It'll definitely mess with your brain. Come on,” Kate laughed and took his hand in hers. 

Christmas music played quietly in the background.

“Brain freeze!” Jake groaned.

“They don't call it the colossal Christmas cocoa for nothing,” Kate laughed.

“We don't mess around here. We take Christmas very seriously. Two burgers coming up,” the waitress told them.

“Thank you. I feel like I don't have a care in the world right now. Honestly, that's not happened very often,” she told Jake.

“That's how I feel when I'm flying my jet over the ocean, those moments when I'm at total peace. Until I realize I have to land on a ship that feels like it's the size of a postage stamp,” Jake laughed.

“Does that ever scare you?” Kate asked and Jake shook his head.

“I love every second of what I do. The adrenaline and the rush… I don't think I'm scared of anything,” he told her.

“Not even Christmas?”

Jake raised a brow. “Christmas? Why would I be scared of Christmas?” he asked.

“I'm just sayin', it… Kind of seems like you've been running away from it,” she told him.

“What do you mean?”

“Based on what you told me earlier, it seemed like maybe your parents got divorced shortly after your trip here,” she said simply.

“Yeah, well, after that, it was mostly mom and me at Christmas. Just wasn't the same without my family together. Just couldn't really see the magic in the holiday anymore,” Jake shrugged.

“I'm sorry.”

Jake waved her off.

“And I'm also sorry 'cause I totally judged you,” Kate apologized.

“It's okay. I know I can be a bit of a Christmas curmudgeon,” Jake nodded.

“A bit?” Kate teased.

“Mmhmm,” Jake laughed.

“Well, it's okay. If I wave my merry magic wand, maybe you'd think about embracing some new Christmas memories,” Kate tried.

“Hmm? Like what?” he asked.

“Like, you know, today, we… You made the little boy smile at the train show, right?” Jake hummed in response.

“He met his hero. And we saw the world's most adorable dance troupe, and I wasn't gonna say anything, but it appears that you actually took a bite of your candy cane,” Kate told him.

“I don't know what you're talking about,” Jake hid the candy cane.

 “I haven't had this much fun in a long time,” he told her.

“Good!” Kate smiled.

“You're amazing.”

Kate tilted her head questioningly.

“The way you made me imagine our day like a living scrapbook. You really have a way with words,” Jake clarified.

“Well, I'm a writer. So…”

“You're much more than that,” Jake told her, and it felt like he was looking into her soul.

Her phone started buzzing and Kate smiled apologetically before reading the text messages.

“It's my mom. Oh, my gosh, we have to go. It's 7:30!” Jake’s eyes widened and then they were both collecting their jackets.

“Uh, sorry! Forget the burgers!” Kate called to the server.

“Sorry. Here you go! Merry Christmas,” Jake added, placing money down on the table.

“Yeah, merry Christmas! Sorry!” The two of them ran out.

“Taxi! Taxi!” Kate yelled and it only took a moment before one pulled up and they got in.

“Pier 90,” Jake told the driver.

“We're almost there,” Kate groaned as they got stuck in traffic with 10 minutes till the ship left.

“We're never gonna make it. Maybe we should run,” Jake suggested.

“Run?!”

“Yeah. We can do it. Come on!”

Jake was handing the driver money and climbing out of the taxi. He took Kate’s hand and they began running.

“Go, go, go, go!” he encouraged.

“You're crazy! Whoa! Excuse us! Sorry!” Kate yelled as they ran by people.

“It's this way! Hi, Santa! Oh, wait. Wait, wait, wait, wait,” Jake had to stop and put some bills in the santa’s bucket.

“Merry Christmas!” he exclaimed as they took off running again.

“You barely made it, Lieutenant,” one of the sailors greeted them as they climbed aboard the ship.

“I can't believe we just ran 15 blocks,” Kate panted, trying to catch her breath.

“I know,” Jake laughed.

“Thank you for today. You know, for all the memories. The new ones.”

Kate smiled.

“You're welcome, Jake.”

[summerlycoris]

Is it really a birthday party if you wake up in a hospital?

Chapter 7- Are you waiting for a moment to leave?

Previous chapter- tumblr link

Current chapter- Ao3 link

Chapters in chronological order- tumblr link

There's mentions of suicide in this chapter. Nothing major, but if you want to skip it, start at 'His eyes were wide.' And finish at 'He didn't seem to know what to say, either.'

Turns out, what Mom had left to talk about, was whether Cassie should get a therapist to talk to about everything. That's why the physio had packed it in early- so Mom could go to see Cassie's case manager about this.

Cassie found this out when Mom took her into a little office a few days later, to introduce a ‘lovely lady’ to Cassie.

And Cassie was sure she was lovely. She looked lovely- except for the bags under her eyes- with her bright green eyes, short hazelnut hair, and sun-damaged face. But Cassie couldn't talk to her. Not about any of the stuff that was really bothering her.

Cassie pasted a smile on her face, and lied through her teeth- "Hello, I'm Cassie. It's nice to meet you."

The lady smiled, and introduced herself back. "Hello, I'm Ms Tyrian. It's a pleasure to meet you."

“Ms Tyrian…” Cassie had to fight not to giggle. “That's an interesting name.”

She’d seen that color, while looking through fabric swatches in the past. Technically purple- but it was really more of a red color.

Mom didn’t understand, but still seemed disproving. “Cassie?”

Meanwhile, Ms Tyrian seemed to take it in stride. “Yes, I know. It’s probably not the best color name for a therapist. Especially one who works in Hurricane sometimes- luckily, most people don’t put two and two together- no relation to the purple guy, trust me.”

“Although…” she grinned conspiratorially. “I won't lie- I respect his ability to keep kids quiet, when mine are bouncing off the walls.”

Now Cassie really couldn’t fight off her laughter. While Mom shook her head. “Too soon, Sophie…”

“Marcela, it’s been fifty years. And I’m not talking about the real missing kids anyway.”

Okay, maybe this won't be so bad. Cassie thought.

"Anyway, jokes aside. This meeting is mostly to, well, meet you today. If you've got anything on your mind, you can ask me about it, as well." She turned to Mom. "Marcela, did you want to step out for a bit and have a coffee? It'll be good for Cassie to have some privacy here."

"Oh, of course." Mom came up, and gave Cassie a quick hug. "I'll see you soon, okay." Then she was gone. And it was just Ms Tyrian and Cassie.

This room was set up with two lounge chairs that were set up like the chairs on talk shows. They were at a ninety degree turn from each other. There was a coffee table, with a cute plant on top in between the chairs. They looked comfy- but Cassie was in her own chair and couldn't transfer by herself yet. Instead of sitting near Ms Lavender, like intended, Cassie sat facing her head on. It felt odd, like she was being studied.

Ms Tyrian seemed content to just lean on the armrest of her chair, and fiddle with her cropped hair. All the while, watching Cassie. Cassie wasn't sure how this was supposed to work- was she supposed to speak first, or the counselor?

Ms Tyrian answered that question herself, by asking Cassie a question. "I'm guessing you like those games, what were they called? Freddyworld?"

"Oh no, they have a different name. I've never played them- but my dad did! He said they had a 'morbid sense of humor.' He'd let me watch him play them. My favorite was Sister Location. It, um, it wasn't my dad's favorite." She could remember her dad screaming at the screen, after the twentieth time failing Ennard Night. But Cassie had loved Circus Baby. She was so red, and cool, and cute. Circus Baby had been her favorite, before Roxy was introduced.

Ms Tyrian continued. "Your dad. I heard about what happened to him. It must've been difficult for you."

…and now they were getting into uncomfortable territory. Cassie did not want to deal with this today.

"Could we talk about something else, please." Cassie said.

Ms Tyrian seemed to get the hint. "Well, in that case, I have a question for you- do you have any goals you would like to achieve while here?"

Cassie really didn't know. "Um, mostly getting Mom off my back? I don't know… This wasn't exactly my choice." Cassie whispered that last sentence. But Ms Tyrian had heard it.

"I guess your Mom is a little worried about you. How have you been feeling, recently?"

I thought this session was ‘mainly to meet’ me?

Cassie was tempted to roll her eyes. "I've been feeling great, never better."

Ms Tyrian looked at her strangely, tilting her head. "Well, that's good news! Though, I heard you had a visitor a few days ago. An old friend of yours?"

Cassie couldn't keep looking at her. "Yeah, I did. There isn't much to say- Mom's already given you a crash course on this?"

"She did tell me that you had a best friend named Gregory, and that he'd gone missing over a year ago. Is that correct?"

"Yes. That's correct." She didn't want to talk about this. She really didn't want to talk about this. She could feel herself clenching her skirt in her hands, messing up the red sequins and turning them blue.

Ms Tyrian sat in silence for a bit, to see if Cassie would continue. When Cassie didn't, she asked a question- "What's your favorite memory with him?"

"My favorite- huh?" This threw a curveball for Cassie. She thought the next question would be something like ‘Do you really think he was here?’ Or ‘were you just so lonely, you were imagining him?’

(I'm not crazy I'm not crazy.)

"Um. I guess my favorite memory was just... His Mom was often busy, and his Dad couldn't take care of him at home anymore. He'd gotten too sick. Gregory would sometimes stay at my house.

"One day, my Dad took us all out to Sand Hollow State Park, for a weekend camping trip. Me and Gregory got to go to Jumping Rock for a swim. I was scared to dive in- I'm not good with heights… but he held my hand as we cannonballed into the lake. We all got to go fishing together- I didn't catch anything, but we had fun- we got to cook marshmallows on the campfire, tell spooky stories with Dad and Andy… it was really nice."

Cassie smoothed out the sequins in her skirt, turning them back to red. "It's not much, but I like it." She fought to keep her voice level.

Everything was silent, as Cassie kicked her legs and looked at the floor.

"That was a really nice story, Cassie. He must've been really special to you."

Cassie nodded. And no one said a word.

Until they did.

"Did you… want to talk about how you felt when he went missing?"

Cassie shook her head. She wanted out. Now.

But she didn't want to go back to bed, just to lie there thinking. She didn't want to go for a walk with Mom, who would ask her about everything. She wanted to just. Play, or draw, or do something.

"Could you take me to the playroom please? I don't want to talk anymore." Cassie asked.

Ms Tyrian thought about it. "We've only been here for about ten minutes. I can take you there, but I'll need to let your Mom know where you're going first."

She got out of her lounge chair, and went to go find Cassie's mom.

________

The playroom was nice.

It was colorful. It had toys. It had coloring sheets and drawing supplies on a table in the middle of the room. It had a tv set up against the far wall, with a couch (with a plastic cover on it) and an old video game console. Two boys were playing a racing game, and occasionally trash talking each other. A few girls were in a group, chatting. Two smaller kids were playing with dolls on the floor.

Cassie had come here a few times previously. But mostly played by herself. All the other kids seemed to already have friends.

Cassie was at the table, trying to draw something cool. She wasn't very good at drawing. She'd never been good at it. But she was determined to draw something cool. Like a motorbike with flowers all over it. The kind of bike she'd like as an adult.

But it turns out drawing a motorbike is really difficult. Especially when you don't know how. She gave up, scrunching up her attempt, and just stuck with the flowers. Anyone can draw flowers- just four petals around a circle.

She could hear Ms Tyrian and her Mom talking near the entrance. It was distracting.

She'd already heard that she would be having another session with Ms Tyrian when she got home from Salt Lake City.

Her flower only had three petals. Warped and misshapen. She scrunched up that paper too, with a frustrated growl.

Her right leg kicked under the table. Her left one just twitched and hurt.

She needed a different plan. She could color in but none of the coloring sheets looked cool enough.

Then Cassie had an idea- she could draw Roxy.

Could I?

She could! She remembered Roxy's face like the face of her hand. And she'd drawn Roxy okay in the past- or at least her head.

First, she started with big eyes, and beautiful, long eyelashes. All the better to put eyeliner on. She drew a snout underneath, making sure to add Roxys lipstick in the correct color. (She wouldn't be caught dead wearing orange! It needs to be purple!) Cassie added in Roxy's ears. And drew in her mane of hair, making sure to add the green forelock in, well, green. Afterwards, she drew in the face around her features. Then polished the picture off by adding in the stripes.

It… it wasn't perfect. Cassie had made a mistake with Roxy's snout and hair, and there was no eraser to fix it. Her face was also wonky, it had a Picasso-esque quality to it. Except this would be lucky to get fifty cents if I sold it!

Still, it looked like Roxy. Cassie was proud of her work.

"That's a really cool drawing." A boy's voice came from just beside her. Cassie nearby jumped out of her chair- she'd been so focused on drawing, she hadn't heard anyone approach.

She collected herself, and turned her face to the boy. He was also in a wheelchair, but his was not one of the hospital ones. It was dark green, and looked like it had two metal wheels on the left-hand side. Probably just to look cooler? He could move around by himself. She wasn't jealous at all.

He'd pulled up to the table, and grabbed a sheet of paper to draw on.

One of his arms- the right one- didn't seem to work right, it was bent up towards his chest, and didn't look like it could move much. He had curly black hair, brown skin, and dark brown eyes that looked like they were sparkling with joy.

Cassie broke her gaze, telling herself off for staring. And for not introducing herself. "Umm, thank you. My name is Cassie, what's your name?"

The boy looked up from his drawing. He'd drawn some stars over the paper, and what looked like a big, wonky snout drawn in green pencil in the middle. "Hello, I'm Lawrence. It's nice to meet you."

Cassie needed to pay attention when Lawrence spoke- she'd nearly missed his name, because he spoke kind of quickly, "it's nice to meet you too." A few seconds passed, as he continued drawing.

Cassie had some conflicting thoughts going through her head. On one hand, she could make a new friend. On the other, Lawrence could be like most of the other kids on the ward- gone tomorrow. Just recovering from sedation used in planned surgery, then going home the next day.

One day is hardly enough time to know anyone. "Hey, um, Lawrence? How long are you gonna be here for? I'm stuck here for another 10 days." She hoped her question wasn't too weird.

He looked up at her. "I've got about… a week here? I think? That's what Mom said. They had to fix up my leg, and want to keep me here to see if it worked."

"... Did it work?" She felt silly immediately after asking that question.

"Hopefully!" He said with a big grin. "Wanna see what they did?"

"Um, yeah. Okay." If this was surgery, he would probably be showing off a scar on his leg.

He wheeled backwards with his left arm, and spun towards her. Cassie pushed against the table to go back a bit. She couldn't turn well, so he pushed one side of her chair backwards, so she was facing him.

"Look at this!" He pulled up the leg of his shorts a bit, so Cassie could see the start of a big plaster on his upper thigh. "That's where the place they cut me open is." His right leg was held out straight, with the footrest extended.

"You broke your femur too? I've got a scar there, as well. From when they had to put a nail into the bone to hold it in place."

He scrunched his face up. "Kinda? I guess it's broken now? It hadn't been broken before the surgery."

Now Cassie felt bad. "... Did something go wrong?" She couldn't imagine how badly surgery must have gone, for a bone to get broken during it.

"Oh no, they needed to break it." He pointed to his right knee. It had a brace around it. His left knee looked slightly bent inwards. "My knee was facing the wrong way. It was getting really hard to walk. So they cut the thigh-bone" he indicated this with a chopping motion of his hand. " and straightened it. Then they put a plate in to keep it straight."

Cassie nodded. "Then, why didn't they fix this leg too." She pointed to his left leg.

"It's getting better by itself. It used to be worse on that side." He pointed to the left. "But the other leg-" he pointed back to his right leg now. "wasn't getting better- it was really bent. Here's where my toes used to be." He indicated it, by tilting his hand so that his fingers pointed inwards.

"What about your cuts?" He asked. "You said you have one too- do you still have a plaster?"

Cassie leaned away. "I can't show you mine! It's too high up- and I'm wearing leggings." Then she thought a bit more. "Actually, hold on. I've got one near my knee. Wanna see it?"

He nodded.

Cassie could hear an ‘a-hem’ noise from Mom. She turned, and both her and Ms Tyrian were looking at her.

Well, that's embarrassing. "We're just comparing scars, Mom! It's nothing weird!" Mom just tilted her head in response. Cassie turned away and rolled her eyes.

She needed to pull off her left moon boot, first. Then she rolled up the legging on that side carefully. Her leg still hurt, though. She grit her teeth, and got it over her knee. "There it is. I have one on my hip, and one here." She said, pointing out the areas. He leaned in close to see her knee scar. It looked faded, but still visible- they'd taken the stitches out while she was still in PICU. "They had to put a nail through my tibia- that's one of the big bones in the lower leg." She felt smart for knowing this- and thankful she'd read the pamphlets a few weeks ago.

"Wow, mine's gonna look like that? Once the plaster's off?"

"Um, probably? They may have to take the stitches out, first." She rolled her legging back down, and strapped up her moon boot again.

He nodded, and asked. "What happened to you? I got surgery because my knee was bent. But what about you?"

Cassie sucked in a sharp breath, as she tried to figure out what to say here. Keeping it simple was probably the best solution. "I fell from a high place. Broke both my legs- one worse than the other- one of my wrists" She held up her left wrist. It was still in a brace, so she probably didn't need to, but… "and I broke my back. I can still move my legs… kind of. But I can't walk yet."

His eyes were wide. He looked around, then leaned in close and whispered. "Did you… did you jump? My brother did…"

Cassies face would've gone white, if it could. "No no no- I fell. I would never- ummm." How do you answer a question like that? "I was in an elevator. A really old one. The wires snapped, and it fell."

He didn't seem to know what to say, either. "We-were you okay? Afterwards?"

Cassie saw the perfect opportunity to lighten the mood. "Nope- I died! You're actually talking to my ghost right now. Bet you didn't know you had the sixth sense before this moment, huh Lawrence?"

He looked at her with confusion and horror for a moment, until she couldn't keep her face straight, and burst into a cheeky grin. Then he shoved her shoulder- "Don't scare me like that!"

They both burst out laughing.

It took a while for them to calm down, and it took a bit for Lawrence to say something. "I like your skirt. It keeps catching the light."

Cassie grinned, and said "Thank you. It's got sequins all over it- red on top, blue underneath. If they're ruffled, the skirt changes color."

She ruffled it up, to showcase this, getting a "Wow, wish I had a shirt like that." Out of Lawrence. She felt proud of this skirt- she'd sewn it over the summer break, using sequin fabric. it wasn't the… easiest to coordinate with other clothes. And she knew that Mom wouldn't let her wear it to school- it was delicate, and distracting.

But when she pulled it off, she pulled it off.

"Thank you! I'd do a twirl, but I'd definitely fall over right now." She looked at his drawing, back on the table. "I like your drawing so far- is it Monty?"

"Yeah!" He looked really happy that she knew about it. "How did you know? I just started it."

"You were using green. And the snout is kinda wonky, like Monty's is in the cartoon."

"You like the cartoon too- who's your favorite character?" He asked. He was sitting on the edge of his seat in excitement. Honestly? Cassie was feeling the same way- it wasn't often she found someone else who liked any of the Freddys cartoons.

Cassie held up her Roxy drawing. He nodded. "Who's your favorite?"

"Mine's Monty!" He said, tapping his in-progress Monty drawing.

How can Monty be anyone's favorite? She thought. "Oh- what's your favorite episode?" She asked.

"I like all of them- but the best was the one where they all went to the beach, and Monty was teaching Bonnie how to surf. It looked like so much fun! What about yours?"

"My favorite one was 'The Big Race.' When Roxy was introduced. She had this snazzy racecar, and Foxy took everyone to the raceway to cheer her on… it was so cool!"

They continued gushing about the show for what felt like ages to Cassie. They talked about when Mangle was reintroduced, about the differences in the Portuguese dub and the English original, about the Easter special that only aired once, and was now only aired in Europe and South America. (They'd made a joke that people thought was referring to nine/eleven. FazEnt had to make an… interesting apology after that snafu.), about how the writing changed after they fired all the creative and got an AI to write the episodes…

("Ugh! They really screwed up the characterisation! Especially Chica's- making Chica into a health nut."

("Chica? Really?"

("Yeah! They only did it so that they could advertise Mazer-cise. You should have seen the arguments on the forum about it…")

But this conversation came to an end when Mom came to grab Cassie- "Cassie, we've got to get going now. You've been up for nearly an hour."

She looked between Mom, and Lawrence. Then back to Mom. "Do I have to go?" She whined.

Mom nodded. "You can't sit up too long- or you might hurt yourself. Cassie couldn't help but slump- I'm not a baby. But it's hard not to feel like one, when I'm constantly being put down to rest.

Lawrence helped make the situation a bit better, by saying. "How about I see you again tomorrow? We can keep talking about that Christmas special then!"

She perked up a bit. "Yeah, that'd be great. I'll see you then."

They waved to each other, as Cassie was wheeled away, back to her bed. But at least now she had something to look forward to- seeing her new friend again.

________

The next few days were quite fun.

Sure, she'd had to spend time doing her physio exercises, laying in bed, and waiting for glowing orange eyes to appear next to her while she's asleep…

But she also spent time with Lawrence. And that was enough to make up for all the other, bad things.

Scream-cryer had been discharged yesterday, so Cassie had an uninterrupted sleep last night. She also got to meet Curly for real- turns out her name was Alison. Alison had hung out with Lawrence and her for a bit two days ago. She'd also been discharged yesterday as well, which sucked. But at least they'd got to meet. She'd also been a fan of the Freddy’s cartoon, and they'd all swapped handles to the Fazfans forum. Cassie had also swapped phone numbers with Lawrence that day.

Right now, Cassie was in the cafe with Andy and Mom.

Andy had just gotten out of ‘being grounded’ (Having her fake ID confiscated and destroyed, and having her dad told what she'd been up to.) She still looked a little salty about it.

Cassie had learnt from last time, and ordered a grape soda. Andy had a milkshake, (‘Had’- she'd drank it all within ten seconds, and then got a bad case of brain freeze.) and Mom had her usual coffee.

The TV on the wall was, as usual, on the local news station. Cassie had asked them last time if they could swap to cartoons. But they didn't have cable here.

"I've been talking to your case manager last night- they'll probably be in to talk to you later- they said you've been doing a good job with your exercises, and they've confirmed you will be attending that clinic in Salt Lake City. They think you'll be able to go there in about a week, if you keep up the good work." Mom said, talking to Cassie.

Cassie grinned at that- she had been putting in a lot of effort into her physical therapy, and was glad she was getting results now. They'd even asked her yesterday to sit on the edge of her bed, and put some weight through her legs. ("This'll help strengthen the bones, while they're healing. If you do this, it'll help prepare you for weight-bearing when you go to rehab.")

"Lucky you, getting to skip out on school for another month." Andy said. Cassie stuck her tongue out at her while Mom was looking at the TV. Andy flipped her off in return.

"You say that as if you're not also skipping school- when are you going back to college?" Cassie asked.

Andy lay her head in her hands, and leaned on the table. "Tomorrow, actually. I'll be flying back for a bit, sorting out some things-" She got cut off when Mom shushed her, and pointed to the TV.

They both turned to look.

On the screen was a newscaster, standing outside the Mega Pizzaplex. In the corner was a girl's old school photo.

She had red hair, tied up with pale pink ribbons, tanned skin, and a smattering of freckles.

It was a picture of Janet Faraday.

Cassie knew, because they'd all had school photos done last year. For the yearbook- it was their last year of Intermediate school.

Her mouth went dry, and she couldn't take a breath. She didn't need to hear what they were going to say about Janet. It was already clear.

"Late last night, police found the remains of a local middle-schooler, Janet Faraday, age twelve, at the abandoned Mega Pizzaplex."

She didn't want to hear the rest. She looked at Andy. Andy's eyes were wide open, like a deer in the headlights. Cassie was sure her eyes were the same.

Instead of looking at the TV, or Mom. Cassie looked at the table and sipped her grape soda.

She didn't know what to say. Or what to think. She tried to block out everything, but still caught snippets.

"Potential copycat killer" "No known motive" "hacked communications through an old fan forum" "anonymous report a week ago" "police are investigating."

"Hey, Mom? I might head back home." Andy said, pushing back against the table.

Mom turned to Andy- "Wait, why? It's your last day here."

"Feeling kinda sick. I guess lactose intolerance, a big milkshake, and child murder don't make for a happy stomach. Cassie, I'll see you again soon." She said as she walked away.

"Andromeda, please-" but Mom's plea fell on deaf ears. Andy was gone, before Cassie could even wave goodbye.

Mom stared after her. "If she keeps behaving like this, people will think…" She whispered, then shook her head. "Cassie, do you want to have your drink elsewhere? There's that garden, it's quite quiet there."

Cassie started. She hadn't expected to be addressed suddenly. Her mind was miles away. "Yeah, that'd be great."

________

In the garden were a variety of plants. Most of them, Cassie didn't know the names of. Though she spotted a lone plumeria tree in a pot on wheels. They'd have to bring it back inside by December, before the weather got too cold. There were also some pink and white flowering hibiscus along the fence. They looked beautiful, but Cassies wished some of them were red.

Mom wheeled her over to a quiet place, near the hibiscus. There were some wooden benches there. Mom took a seat on one.

She looked really uncomfortable, smoothing out her pants legs.

"Cassie. You're going to have to be very careful." Mom said, worry lines running through her forehead. She looked older than she was.

Cassie nodded. She knew that- she would never fall for that trick again, that's for sure…

Mom sighed. "You don't understand. When you come home, I can't let you use the computer without supervision." She pursed her lips. "I'm not sure what to do about your phone…"

This surprised Cassie. "What? You're going to take away my phone? And the computer? How am I going to talk to Lawrence when I leave here? Haven't I been punished enough?"

"It's not about punishing you! Didn't you see the news report? They tricked that little girl through messages, like you. But they've also tried copying people's voices digitally, and leaving voice-mails telling people to meet them."

Cassie was dumbstruck. It's really moving quickly…

"... it was a miracle that the little boy's dad was home, and heard his own doppelganger trying to lure his son first…" Mom clenched her pants legs with her fingers. Cassie couldn't help but fidget, too.

"I just… I don't know what to do. I can't let them trick you again. But what's to say they won't turn up at our house to target you there? Should we go into witness protection? Would taking your phone even work? Or would it make it more likely you'll get stuck somewhere, unable to call for help…"

Again.

They sat in silence for a bit. Cassie bit the inside of her cheek.

"Mom, I… I think if it was after me, it would've… already found me."

She didn't want to think about what would've happened if it had "found her." But she kind of had to, now.

"It's not like hospital records can't be hacked. I've been here for weeks now. If it really wanted me dead, it would've just hacked their way into being considered my parent. Then came in while I was on the ventilator, and disconnected it."

Heck, It could've pulled out the ECMO tubes, and watched me slowly bleed to death…

Mom sobbed, burying her face in her hands. Cassie regretted saying anything. She wasn't physically close enough to grab Mom's hand, or give her a hug. She just whispered out "I'm sorry."

Mom let out a few more hiccupy sobs, then wiped her eyes and said "God, I feel so useless." She sniffled, eyes looking red.

They sat in an awkward silence for a while. Cassie wasn't emotionally close enough to her Mom, to know how to make her feel better. She just felt bad.

She sipped on her nearly forgotten soda.

Eventually, Mom stopped sniffling. "Well, you'll need a phone for Salt Lake City. So I can call you. Just… don't believe me if I say something like 'I'll meet you downtown', will you? If I come visit, I'll come meet you at the rehab center."

Cassie nodded frantically, and Mom stood up. She just looked miserable. It made Cassie feel miserable to see her like this.

But she didn't know what to say.

"I'll keep thinking about what I can do while you're away." Mom said. She grabbed Cassie and started wheeling her back inside. "I'm sorry for unloading all that on you."

"No- Mom. It's okay. Don't worry. I get why you're scared."

Cassie left her half finished drink in the cafe. Honestly? She didn't want it anymore.

Then Mom took her back to her room.

________

It was a day later. Cassie had been doing more work with the physio. More strength building. More working on her legs.

She'd gotten better at using her right leg again- she still needed the Moon Boot, and couldn't walk. But now she could put more weight onto her right leg without risking hurting it- as certified by a weight-bearing x-ray.

Her left leg was still useless. Slightly less useless, but still useless. In theory, she should be able to put weight on it- the bones should be healed enough. But she couldn't do the weight-bearing x-ray with it. Because it had buckled and nearly sent her to the floor, gasping in pain.

The physio was working on her left leg- moving it up and down with their hands, while Cassie sat on the edge of the bed, and kicked out the other leg. Mostly to have something to do.

She wasn't sure what she could do.

About that monster, anyway.

She'd talked to Andy about it over the phone last night, brainstorming different ideas on how to be safe in a post monster-escape world.

They'd come up with a few suggestions.

If it's an unknown number, it's not your friend calling.

If they ask you to a weird location, ask if you can bring an adult or a different friend. If they get weird about it, reconsider going.

Ask them something only you and them should know the answer to. If they can't answer or redirect, hang up.

Ask for a selfie. Check the dates if they send it, to make sure it's current. If they don't send one… you know the drill.

The main benefit Andy and Cassie had was that they knew what this thing looked like, and some of how it worked. It mimics people to lure them in. Then it kills them.

Other people- staff at the hospital, Mom, other parents and kids, had no idea how it worked. Only that someone was trying (and succeeding) to kill kids, was able to hack, and could maybe mimic voices? People were speculating it to be the same copycat as the recent bout of missing children- but that had stopped six months ago, with six total missing. Around the same time of that earthquake. Cassie and Andy were fairly certain this monster wasn't behind those missing kids.

("Gregory said it'd been down there for 'a really long time', and it'd been stuck behind concrete before I let it out. If it had managed to lure other kids down, it would've already been free, right?"

("Eh, maybe? They could've all got mangled by Monty before reaching the sinkhole. You said it yourself- you nearly died six ways from Sunday."

(Cassie had hummed into the phone, thinking. "I remember seeing video footage, while wearing the V.A.N.N.I mask, of a lady wearing my mask and chasing Gregory. He was one of those missing kids. Maybe she's the one that did it?")

They'd had no solid proof though. That conversation got them nowhere.

Her phone vibrated in her skorts pocket, just after she had finished up her usual weight-bearing exercise. It was too early in the day for it to be Andy- she should still be on her flight.

"Is it okay if I answer this?" The physio nodded yes, and Cassie checked if it was an unknown number. It came up with Lawrence's name. Thank goodness.

"Hey Lawrence, how are you?"

"Uhh, yeah. I'm good." He doesn't sound good. "Hey, Cassie. Did you want to meet in the garden for a bit? I just need to talk to you. In person."

This raised a bit of suspicion. "How about you come meet me here? I can't travel as easily as you can, and I'm supposed to lay down for a bit, anyway."

"Okay, but… where is 'here'?"

It took a second for Cassie to understand him. Oh, I've been to visit him once in the boys ward with Mom, and have seen him in the playroom. But I've never seen him in the girls ward.

"I'm in the girls ward. It's just two doors down to the right from the boys ward. Look for the pink butterfly on the door. If you see the operating room, you've gone too far."

"Okay, I'll see you in a few minutes, Cassie." Then he hung up. She apologized to her physio, for holding her up, then took off her back brace for a bit. She really only needed it when she was sitting, or moving. Or walking, but I can't do that yet.

The physio left, and Cassie kept her eyes peeled on the windows. They were a little tall- so she'd only be able to see the top of Lawrence's curly hair as he wheeled by them. If he looked like he'd miss the door, she'd yell out to him.

Soon, she could hear the familiar squeaking of his wheels, and see the top of his hair through the window. He didn't miss the door- coming through and spotting Cassie on her bed. She was just glad it was him.

He grinned when he saw her, and came over. She waved back, but felt a little… silly? Lazy? I should be sitting up for this.

"Hello Lawrence, sorry for being rude- I'm not supposed to sit up for a bit. Just got done with physio-stuff."

He shook his head. "That's not rude- I'll come up and join you."

Cassie quickly looked to the nurses station. It was between the girls ward, and the boys ward, and had windows facing into both wards (though, Cassie had never been able to look from the girls ward through to the boys ward- the nurses station was set up in a way where that wasn't possible.) All the nurses inside were chatting, or focused elsewhere. Still…

"I think if you do that, the nurses will get the wrong idea." She said.

He tilted his head. "What idea?"

Oh no, his parents haven't given him the talk yet?

"Umm, well, you see…" How should she word this? "Only moms and dads lay in bed next to each other." Saved it. She didn't want any weird rumors of them floating around. She didn't want to deal with Mom's sideways glances, or Andy's ribbing about it, either. She had to deal with enough of that when she and Gregory were friends.

He blinked a few times, and Cassie got really worried he'd ask something like "why?"

Instead he said. "The beds are too small for that- I meant, I'll sit at your feet. Hang on."

He pushed down the bed rail on his side, to get more room. Then stood up on his left leg, and used his left arm to pull himself onto the bed. He doesn't need a transfer board? Lucky… He then dragged up his right leg, so it could sit flat on the bed, with his left leg crossed beside it. "Ta-da! These beds are longer than they are wide, and you're short, so there's plenty of room."

"I'm not short!" She cried.

"Yes you are- you're shorter than I am." He replied.

She pouted for a bit, before saying. "Well, that's just because you're so tall!" Checkmate.

Lawrence tilted his head. "Am I?" Then thought for a bit, putting a finger under his chin. "Do you think if I jumped up, could I touch the ceiling?"

That got Cassie's brain turning too. She looked up at the ceiling, and tried to figure this out. "Hmmm, I don't know about the ceiling, but you could probably touch the top of the doorframe?"

He hummed as well. "I might try that…" then he remembered something, and his face fell. Cassie remembered how he'd sounded over the phone.

"Hey Lawrence, are you okay? You seemed really sad over the phone." She asked, keeping her voice low. Most people were out of the ward right now- only having someone down the other end playing on their phone- but it was still good to keep this private.

His eyes went wide, like a deer in the headlights. "It's just. Umm. You know the forum? One of the admins posted about a murder." Cassies face fell, too. "It was Janet. Do you remember her from school?"

Cassie remembered her.

They'd never really been ‘friends’, as much as ‘acquaintances.’ Janet and Setia had been best friends since forever- and they weren't looking for a third wheel. They didn't hang out with Cassie after school, unless they were working together on a group project. And that was different to hanging out as friends. Cassie had invited her to her birthday party last year. But Janet had been honest about not being able to go- she'd been signed up for summer camp, and it'd be running at the same time. Janet only got back from her camp the day before school started. Cassie's birthday was a week before then. So she'd never held a grudge against Janet.

They'd worked together frequently during Intermediate school, on group projects. Cassie, Janet, and Setia made a good team. No one would slack off, and they'd usually get an A on their work. Especially in drama class. When they performed an (admittedly pirated) version of Jack+Jill. It got featured in the school newsletter as an example of going 'above and beyond.' Cassie had done backstage work for that performance- making sure the music they'd made played at the right time, making the costumes. (They could have just used their regular clothes. But Cassie wanted their outfits to be special.) and helping the group paint the backdrop prior to the performance. While Janet played Jack, and Setia played Jill.

"Yeah, I knew Janet. We were in a lot of the same classes. What about you?" She'd never seen Lawrence in her classes before, but he lived in Hurricane and they were in the same grade, so he must have attended her intermediate school.

He looked a bit… embarrassed. "I… mostly had different classes than you guys do. But I know Janet from Band practice. She was amazing with the saxophone. She liked jazz music, and probably could've been part of a big, pro band after school… She was nice to me."

He fidgeted with his hair, twirling a loose coil around his finger. "I heard from one of her friends, they said she'd run away, to go to New York. So that she could chase her acting ambitions. Then later, on the news, they got a tipoff about a girl at the Pizzaplex. The police didn't believe it at first, a lady talking about a killer robot that chased her- but when they ran out of things to check, they checked there…"

They sat in heavy silence for a bit.

"What happened to her, that was nearly what happened to you too, right?" He asked. It was a rude surprise- Cassie had not told him about going to the Pizzaplex.

"How did you know?" She whispered. Her face hadn't been in the news, when discussing her case. Nobody should know yet.

He backed up a bit. "I didn't know- my Mom thought it was you, in the news. They'd talked about a different young girl getting lured in by her 'friend', falling and getting really hurt in the Pizzaplex. She would've been the same age as you, so it was probably you."

Her shoulders slumped. Great. So everyone's gonna know I was the silly girl who nearly killed herself at the Pizzaplex…

"... Yeah, that was me."

He didn't look at her, just down into his hand. "Did you see Janet there? That night?" He asked in a whisper. Cassie could hear the unasked question behind it- what happened to her?

Cassie hesitated before answering. Lawrence and her were friends, she hoped. But they'd only known each other for a few days. Would he run away screaming, and never talk to her again, if she told him what happened?

"Cassie." She looked up at him. He was now looking at her eyes. "Please tell me. I'm not stupid."

So she did. She told him about what happened to her, in low whispers. And told him that Andy had found Janet's body, and reported it to the police. She didn't need to tell him the details. No one needed to know that.

He couldn't look at her. She couldn't look at him. She could hear him sniffling.

"I can't believe it… just can't believe it…" he sobbed out, wiping tears from his eyes.

Cassie's heart broke, hearing him like this. He was usually so bubbly, bringing comfort to anyone who needed a friendly ear. But now he needed comfort.

She pushed herself up, so she was sitting. It was still hard to do by herself- part of the muscles she needed had been paralyzed, the rest were weak. But she did it anyway. She reached over to him, and put her hand on his shoulder.

He didn't say anything, just scooted closer to her. She wrapped her arms around him and gave him a hug, which he returned. She could hear him quietly sobbing against her ear.

They stayed like that for a while, until Lawrence's alarm went off, and he had to go back to his dorm.

________

It was two days later, and things were still a little awkward. Mainly, because they hadn't talked about it. She and Lawrence had been texting each other. But not about that day, and not about Janet.

It was Lawrence's last day in hospital. And Cassie would be going to Salt Lake City in three days. So, if they wanted to talk in person and clear the air, they needed to do it today.

Cassie had already made some plans- texting Lawrence, asking if he'd meet her in the garden. Asking Mom if she could take her to the garden, and leave her there for a bit. Mom had raised an eyebrow at this request, but had said she'd do it.

So now Cassie was waiting, in the garden. Near the benches at the Hibiscus trees. The plumeria tree sat nearby, waving in the breeze.

She'd had a lot of time to think- soon, it'd be time to act. She could hear Lawrence's wheels crunching over some lost leaves.

"Hey Lawrence." She said, waving to him. He pulled up nearby, and waved back. Which was kinda useless at that point- they were within arms distance.

Even though she'd been thinking things through, worrying about it for ages, the words still stuck in her mouth. "Umm. I'm sorry. For Janet. If I hadn't let it out, it couldn't have…" the last bit got caught in her throat. "I can understand if you don't want to be friends anymore."

He looked at her as if she was talking nonsense. "Why are you sorry? You're not the one who did it- that weird robot thing did."

"But I let it out-"

"If you hadn't, it would've just got Janet to do it. You know that, right? It would've kept fishing for people until someone ate the bait." He crossed his arms, as best he could.

The weight in her chest lifted slightly. "... I guess so."

"And I still want to be friends. Hannah and Chris don't like hearing me talk forever about cartoons. But you listen- and talk back about them. And we go to the same school- once you're back, it'll be great."

She smiled slightly, and said. "It'll be great to see you again too- I wonder if I'll have any classes with you this year? You could do really well in art class."

"Maybe? I have the same art class as normal kids. We might be in the same one? And you might be in my PE class now."

Cassie hadn't thought about it- but she couldn't see herself doing PE. Not like this, anyway. "Maybe, I don't think I'll do well with dodgeball this year. What is your PE class like?"

"It's only a small class- there's seven of us in it so far. Split between grade eight and nine."

Her eyes went wide. "That is a small class. How'd that happen?"

He looked a little embarrassed. "Um, it's because I can't walk good. I nearly broke my hip doing PE in Elementary school. The teacher asked me to run cross-country. Mom got really mad, and now they keep me in a different class."

"Oh, that makes sense." She said. She wanted to lighten the mood again. "Well, if you don't have to do cross-country in that class- I'm in!" She'd always tried to play sick on cross-country days in the past.

He laughed slightly. "I only got to be in middle school for a few weeks before surgery. You haven't even been this year, huh?"

"No, not yet. I've heard it's supposed to be hell. But it can't be that different from intermediate school, right?"

"No, most kids are just the same kids they were last year. If you liked them, you'll like them. If you didn't, you won't."

Cassie nodded. Well, maybe middle school wouldn't be that great for her…

"... Even if we're not in the same classes, we should still be able to hang out at lunch, hopefully. We're in the same grade." She fidgeted awkwardly. "I'm gonna miss you. When I'm away. It's gonna be so weird being up in Salt Lake City by myself…" because she would be by herself- Mom would have work. Andy has college. And Lawrence lives down here. She wasn't a baby- she wouldn't be homesick or anything- but she would be lonely.

Lawrence came up, a bit closer. "I'll miss you too. But you'll see cool things up there- there's the Zoo! If you go there, you might see a real alligator!" He had a huge grin on his face.

"If I go and see any alligators, I'll send you a photo of them, okay." He nodded at that. Cassie could hear the sound of footsteps over the lost leaves on the floor, before she saw who was coming. It was a lady, with brown skin and straight black hair, walking over to them. This has to be Lawrence's mom.

Cassie pointed her out to him, and he turned to face her. "Hey Mom, is it that time already?"

She nodded, and asked. "Is this your little friend you've been telling me about?" She seemed to smile with her eyes. Which fitted exactly how Lawrence had described his Mom- a warm, bubbly person.

Lawrence nodded, and Cassie introduced herself. "Hello Mrs Smith. I'm Cassie."

"It's nice to meet you Cassie, I got talking to your Mom just inside."

Her eyes went wide. "She didn't say anything weird about me, did she?" Mom was full of embarrassing stories that she loved to bring out when talking to other parents.

"Well, she did tell me a story about how you used to draw yourself with a pink pencil." She said. Cassie groaned and covered her face with her hands. "She let me know you two were out here."

"Oh, do I get to go home now, Mom?" Asked Lawrence. Cassie heard nothing. He turned back to Cassie audibly- wheels crunching over leaves. Cassie pulled her hands away from her face. "I'll see you again soon- have a great time up in Salt Lake for me!"

"I will! Have a great time in school!" She said. Then Lawrence followed his Mom out, out of the garden and out of the hospital. Cassie waving behind him.

She wished she could follow him. But her arms weren't long enough to reach her wheels.

She sat there, wondering what it'd be like when she left, until Mom came back out to collect her.

~~~~~~~~

Authors note- this chapter title is also from Frente’s Labour of Love.

[c-c-cherry]

I love your work so much but if it’s okay can I ask how you came up with Area Hysteria it’s such a good story with great writing did you have an inspiration while writing

The answer is actually multiple answers and with the help of multiple people.

You are one lucky anon because I just so happen to have the cradle of Area Hysteria civilization the moment it was conceptualized! If you're interested, you can see in these messages the moment the very skeletal concept was created below (I really hope Tumblr actually transfers these images over without them looking like ass):

Later that night, I started writing it (featuring Cry's silly joke)

And that was that.

Most of it after that was also formed in @cryran88's dms (the lovely lady in the pictures above us) or my silly little brain. @jjadegreen also had a fair share of helping me with the finer (and siller) details (they came up with the stop sign) when I was stuck, and even wrote out a small segment appearing next chapter. That, and quite a few people have helped me with information I just wouldn't have known otherwise, examples especially being hospital-scene related: @th0rnback gave me some very useful info about being on the visitor side of the ICU for example, and I recently just got in touch with a very knowledgeable ICU nurse from a previous ask on here!

Anyways moral of the story is to collaborate with people because good fun things are rarely made alone :)

[symmetricalkazekage]

Story time!! I had joined Tumblr years ago after a friend showed it to me, but I never really used it. But then my lovely friend @m1dnyt3-w0lf sent me a tmnt fic and I was swept up (I had fallen in love with tmnt again at this point).

We are currently in the middle of writing our own chaptered stories, beta-reading off each other, but I wrote her this last year for new years, and I just wanted to share it. She gave me her self insert character to use, so I present to you my Leo x OC fic (the first fanfic I've written since 2016 👀).

Feel free to change the name as you read, and please leave me critique.

Also tagging @turtle-babe83 and @thelaundrybitch because I really like your writing and you kinda got me back into writing 😖🙏🏽

The holiday season, Christmas. Just like all the previous years it had come and gone all too quickly. Eventually to a point where you didn’t even feel the holiday cheer anymore, all the while people around you were all festive. Your Christmas was spent working overtime, extra shifts, over 2 jobs. You didn’t really have anyone to spend the holidays with anyway, so you kept your self busy by working, sometimes pulling all-nighters. Everyone, coworkers and customers alike always asked the same question, “Why are you working, it’s Christmas!”; your answer always being that you could use the extra money coming into the new year. You always received pitiful looks, but you were numb to them now.

You were mopping the floors of the diner at your second job, finally closing after the late evening rush. Your mind flooded back to 6 years ago, to when you were kicked out of your home and your family. You were always the odd duckling in the family, but when you started bringing up that you wanted to pursue full time work instead of college, you were immediately thrown out. Everything you owned tossed into the snow, which wasn’t much. A “Good luck” was all you got from them. You had couch surfed for the few months left of high school before you graduated. A month later you landed a job in a warehouse that paid it employees’ good money. 2 years later everyone who helped you was repaid and you had moved into a small apartment somewhere in lower Manhattan in New York. You got a transfer to a closer warehouse and managed to picked up a night job at a diner 2 blocks away from home. It was a struggle at first, but now, everything was so natural to you. You smiled wryly to yourself in bitter triumph.

‘See, I can succeed without college,’ you muttered into the space.

‘Well, you’ve definitely proven that.’

Fight mode kicked in; you spun around swinging the mop with you ready to beat a bitch down! You relaxed when you saw your manager Jenny standing there with a grin and a bag.

‘Oh crap, sorry Jenny!’ you yelled frantically dropping the mop and fumbling with the handle.

‘At ease Ashley, I came to tell you that you can go home now. You’re already here 3 hours passed your finish time,’ she smiled taking the mop from you, ‘and I am more than capable to finish up here.’

‘It’s okay I’m nearly done anyway,’ you said reaching for the mop, only to have it pulled form your grasp.

‘I’m serious, missy. You worked through Thanksgiving and Christmas; its New Year’s Eve and you’re still working!’

‘It’s not a bother honestly!’ You tried to protest, but she just shook her head. You watched her walk behind the counter with the mop, only to trade it with your bag and winter jacket.

‘But it bothers me, do you really not have anyone waiting for you tonight?’ Your phone pinged answering her question. ‘Ah, so there is a someone is there?’ she winked.

You pulled out your phone. ‘Nope, just the phone company letting me know my bill is due next week.’

‘Aw, that’s a shame. You’re such a pretty girl, you really need a boyfriend.’

You just laughed as you pulled your coat on and headed for the door, wishing your boss a happy new year. The cold New York wind hit you as you headed home. Its not like you wanted to be alone, you just kept everyone at a distance for safety. Well, almost everyone. You looked up to the sky, watching the snow begin to fall again. You weren’t surprised when you saw a giant figure bound from roof to roof under the cover of darkness, it also didn’t surprise you when you saw the figure stop on the corner of your apartment building. So, he’s here again, is he?

You walked into your apartment, placing your bag on the couch. You stood there for five minutes before thinking “what the hell” and headed to your window, climbing back out into the frigid air and up the fire escape. You were puffing and heaving by the time you reached the roof, why am I doing this again?

‘Need a hand?’ That’s why.

You looked up to the face of the smooth voice. Of course, he would be here, it had become religious at this point.

‘Thank you, Leonardo,’ you said breathless reaching for his hand. It always astounded you just by the sheer size different. You knew you were short, but standing next to him, definitely made you feel it. And it made you mad. ‘Do you have to be that fucking tall?'

‘Do you have to ask that same question every time we meet?’ he laughed.

‘Yes. I. Do!’

He laughed again, and you melted inside. It was like music, and you felt blessed every time you heard it. And that smile, made your knees weak on sight. He followed behind you to the other side of the building where a table and chairs sat, mainly for those that hung their washing during the hot days. You set your still hot food down on the table top before you turned and leant against it. Looking up, you jumped a little to see Leonardo standing close to you. His brilliant blue eyes glowing in the low light of the night.

‘Why are you here again Leonardo, I’m sure you have better things to do.’ You didn’t mean it to sound so dejected, but that’s how you were feeling.

‘Crime’s been slow since it’s New Years. And how many times have I told you to call me “Leo”?’ he shifted closer ever so slightly.

‘I’ve lost count at this point.’ You turned your head to the side, he wasn’t even that close, but you could still feel the heat radiating off his body. ‘Also how are you not cold, aren’t you a reptile?’

‘Donnie says its because of the mutagen, Raph says its because the stress keeps me running, and Mikey says and I quote “It’s because you’re too hot to handle dude!” so I really don’t know.’ He laughed again, but from the corner of your eye you watched his shoulders slump.

‘What’s up?’ you asked walking around the table.

‘It doesn’t bother you that I’m a mutant?’ he asked.

Not this again. ‘No, it doesn’t.’

‘I don’t scare you?’ his head dropped; he was no longer looking at you.

‘No, you don’t. why are we doing this again?’ food forgotten, your face scowled. You could never understand his self-sabotage. It was completely on accident that you had seen him and his brothers, you were just chilling on the roof when they dropped in. You were surprised at first, but you simply tossed them some chocolate and wished them a good evening before disappearing back into your building. Since then, Leonardo had made it his goal to annoy you, visiting almost every night. Originally, he said it was to make sure you wouldn’t say anything to anyone. But now, he had probably listed every excuse in the book to be where he is now. At first it bothered you, but then, you began to warm up to him. And eventually, you heart had decided that he was the one it wanted.

“…do you really not have anyone waiting for you tonight?” echoed through your mind as you stared at the giant turtle in front of you. The longer you stared, the harder it was for you to hide the blush that was forming; even harder to resist the smile that was forming at the corner of your lips. I actually do this time. You didn’t wait for his answer, you just scooped up the snow into a ball and threw it at his face.

‘If I was scared of you, I wouldn’t have done that…’ you said triumphantly at his stunned face, ‘or… THIS!!’ you threw another snowball at his face, your smile full of sass and devious planning; your heart flipping with glee. New Year’s resolution: be happy for me for once. ‘So, what are you gonna do about it, Le-o-nar-do?’

He blinked before he wiped the snow off his snout, wiping away any self-doubt; replacing it with the most evil grin you’d seen on his face. It made you shiver with delight. He didn’t say anything, he just charged for you at full speed. You dodged him, skidding under the water tank. You quickly made another snow ball ducking out and pegging it at the back of his head. It hit him square, and you watched him shiver; snow must’ve gone down his shell. He turned on you again, giving you no chance to make more ammo. You ducked back under the tank backing out the other end with more snow in your hand. You ran out into the open with the new ball and turned ready to throw; but he wasn’t anywhere to be seen. Your eyes scanned every inch of the roof, stepping as quietly as you could with your guard up.

‘Boo.’

You spun and went to throw your weapon, but he was much faster, catching your arm like it was nothing. You dropped the winter ball; time seeming to stop around you as you stood mere inches from each other. The height difference meant you had to crane your neck to see him, but it didn’t seem to bother you this time. He lowered your arm, but his grip didn’t leave you; instead he began to gently massage small circles into your wrist. Those small motions made your heart race as you instinctively moved closer, as did he. You both began breathing heavily, creating smalls could between you from your hot breath. You both just stood there staring, in silence, as the world around you began the countdown into the new year.

‘What’s your resolution?’ you asked.

He smiled, pulling you in with his free hand and slowly dipping down. ‘To make you mine,’ your heart skipped, ‘what’s yours?’

‘To be happy,’ you whispered.

He chuckled softly, ‘Sounds good.’

‘And to kiss you finally.’

Before he could say anything, you reached up on your toes and planted a kiss against his warm lips. He froze for a moment, clearly shocked. You starting to thinking it was a bad idea, but you felt him lean in closer, pulling you flush with him. The world around you was full of cheers and “happy new year’s” as you kissed on the rooftop, feeling the happiest you had ever felt in many years.

When you finally parted, you were both dazed and breathless. He smiled down at you as you shied away into his chest, embarrassed that you had to be the one to initiate. He just laughed at you, resting his chin on your head as he wrapped you in his arms.

‘Happy New Year, Ashley,’ he whispered.

‘Happy New Year, Leo,’ you whispered back.

[mysteroads]

New Fic!

Realized I hadn't posted it on Tumblr, so here ya go! This one is a time skip back to when BJ just got back, before he's "settled down". Also my first foray into Barbara's POV! Heaven help me.

Summary: Beetlejuice is officially back in the Deetz/Maitland house! However, despite apologies all around and Rules, it's not all sunshine, holding hands, and singing kumbaya. Barbara especially is having a hard time warming up to the new house demon, and Beetlejuice isn't making things easier. But not to worry, because Lydia has a plan. What could be better for bonding than a bit of mayhem?

EXCERPT: Chapter 1: A New Perspective

Lydia came into breakfast with Beetlejuice floating behind her on his back, lounging with the same relaxed sprawl as a man on a swim lounge. Barbara, busy cooking breakfast, watched the demon with more than a little wariness as she nudged the sausage around the pan. 

Beetlejuice had been officially “back” for a week, and she couldn’t help the swirl of discomfort whenever she saw him. His reintroduction had been rough: two weeks of baffling family pranks followed by one gigantic prank played on Lydia’s school… with Lydia’s full knowledge and gleeful participation. 

Barbara still wasn’t sure how to feel about Lydia’s deception. Lydia, amazing girl that she was, could be a wild card. Barbara also realized that Lydia had yet to say hello, the girl’s full focus on the demon. She wasn’t sure how she felt about that either.

“Are you going to actually sit and eat breakfast like a normal person today?” Lydia asked the demon, her voice still slurred with sleepiness. Like most teens, she was not a morning person. 

Beetlejuice flipped around so he was sitting on air and struck a thoughtful pose. “Like a normal person? Now that is a deep thought, Lyds.”

“It really isn’t.”

“It could be.”

Lydia poured herself some orange juice, squinting at the glass with the concentration of a drunk demonstrating sobriety. “Beej, you’re too shallow to have anything deep, much less deep thought. Now sit down and have breakfast.”

He cackled, which made Barbara wince. The man— demon had a laugh that could rattle windows. Lydia transferred her squint to him, and when he grinned back, Barbara felt a thrill of alarm. There was always a bit of mischief in Beetlejuice’s expression. They’d learned that fast, even before the reintroduction. But now his yellow eyes were dancing and there was a tiny bit of malice in his smile. “You know, maybe I will sit down, since you insist, but normal? That sounds downright boring.”

He snapped his fingers and the world twisted. 

“Oh my goodness!” Barbara shrieked, dropping her spatula. At the same time, there was a thud and Lydia let out an “Oof!” of surprise.

They were on the ceiling. Or was the ceiling under them? Everything was the same, but… no, the room had flipped. Her spatula had fallen and hit the lamp, which was now on the ground, next to a very annoyed Lydia. Beetlejuice, smirking, pulled out a chair and settled himself. “Morning, Babs,” he said cheerfully. He picked up Lydia’s juice and gulped it down. 

“Beetlejuice,” she said, hating how her voice shook. “What did you just do?”

“You got eyes.” He looked around, so obviously pleased himself it made her want to smack him. 

“You need to undo it!”

“Do I, though? I’m comfy.” He turned to look at her, yellow eyes intense. “You’re comfy, ain’t you, ghost girl?” 

[ipsen]

“Sincerely, Sen” master post

The series is getting a little big so it’s Time.

All links will lead to the Tumblr post version. You can read and view the series on AO3 here. I suggest going in listed order, as most were written with the previous entries in mind.

Holometabolism

Summary: Eto, bleeding out and half a body, drags herself to the deepest part of Cochlea, where she knows he'll be. Once she gives him his crown to destroy the egg, she can finally leave (die) with nothing left unsaid. But fate is cruel, and memories are a loathsome thing, wont to pop up at the worst times. Memories of earliness, black coffee, and fruitful discussions. The fic that started it all! My first foray into TG fanfic. A story about carrying your sins to a brighter future, and being better than those who came before you. (This one doesn't have a Tumblr counterpart, btw; the formatting is far more important than the other fics, and I'd like for everyone to experience it when they read.)

Intangibility

Summary: Kaneki should’ve known what she was up to when she bought that haircut kit. But, like with most things, Eto was one step ahead. Something I wrote for TG week without this series in mind, but I felt it fit rather nicely into it regardless. A simple haircut, nothing more :]

Two Meals, Three Years Late

Summary: July 20th. Two and a half months since the Tsukiyama Extermination Operation. Two and a half months since Haise died. Two and a half months since Kaneki dedicated himself to his new path. His true path. His only path, ever since he was born into a world that refused to let him know happiness. He would be selfish. He would die. And he would be loved. But first, he had to deal with the thing sitting across from him. A oneshot prequel featuring Eto and Black Reaper. It was meant to showcase a hint of the arc Kaneki goes through to arrive at his persona in Holometabolism proper.

Just Go

Summary: In the sewers beneath Cochlea, Eto lays dying in Kaneki's arms. Chapter 1 of Holometabolism but from Kaneki’s POV. Sorta kinda. I like it.

Up Past Curfew

Summary: Just before her transfer to Cochlea, Eto receives one last visitor. Miscellaneous oneshot featuring Eto and Arima, expanding on the nature of their relationship.

If Only

Summary: Hinami's final moments in Cochlea. Another oneshot! This time exploring Hinami's thoughts and experiences in the new canon, featuring mid-skip Eto (and, if you read between the lines, a snippet of how her dating Kaneki re: the canon of Holometabolism has affected her.