#I’m not reaching most of them but at least I figured out how to shower three times a week instead of twice a month

[iliketomatosauce]

progress with ssri

[slickfordain]

Arlecchino x GN!reader | Mother

Wholesome-themed, fragile!weak!reader, reader is NOT strong/I do not write strong readers, Arlecchino is father, you’re “mother” (doesn’t matter what gender you are you’re still mother), I don’t write top/dom readers, only bottom/sub

“Is that… A crimson moon..?”

Lumine, who was at her frozen moment, trembled upon— not the harbinger— but the moon in the background, as if she recognized that background from a flashback she had…

Before she could even react however, her soft gasp escapes her lips— once Arlecchino flash-forwarded towards the traveler, her cold gaze glaring down at the “little” girl who wasn’t as strong as she was.

With the woman’s hand reaching out, she was sure to take a hold of the traveler’s shoulder to at least end the fight— to even tell the traveler that she isn’t that strong, but, with Lumine frozen in fear and Lyney calling out for his Father, something happened that caused Arlecchino’s actions to suddenly falter.

“!!” With the traveler alerted, Arlecchino winced once her ear was pulled by her….

Spouse…

“Arlecchino the Knave! What is the meaning of this?!”

There you were, saving everyone’s lives unintentionally by pulling on the woman’s ear, making Arlecchino falter her form back to her outfit and grunt in a small “pain”. Lynette widened her eyes, and Lumine looked so lost and confused…

“Mother?!” Freminet stammered out, making Paimon shriek. “What?! Mother?!?” Paimon looked so pale she immediately fainted, if it weren’t for the traveler catching Paimon in her arms. “Paimon…!” The traveler was free from the hardened strings…. She looked up to take a good look at you…

You were a person with [Hair color] hair color…. Your figure wasn’t strong, nor did it look as if you could survive anything… So— how did you manage to drag the Knave’s ear so easily? Was it purposely? Did the Knave know this upsets you that she gave in?

“Young woman you better explain this instant, or I’m not letting you sleep on the bed, but the couch!” You insisted with an annoyed face expression, the Knave who was so tough in front of others- suddenly softening her gaze again and even gave a small “gasp”. “Oh… My love, you couldn’t possibly mean that…” She coo’ed, cupping your cheeks gently. “No no no, it’s all a mistake, I wouldn’t kill them… You know that— the kids were just training with the famous traveler…”

Arlecchino side eyed the children almost immediately, even the traveler.

“Isn’t that right, children?”

“A-Ah…” Freminet winced slightly backwards, but the three siblings positioned themselves in a straight line. Lowering their heads down. “Y.. Yes of course, Father did not harm us…” Lyney expressed, although it was false.

You raised an eyebrow, before smiling with a gentle ease. “Hm~ oh, was that so?” You let go of Arlecchino’s ear, in return, Arlecchino resisted on showering her beloved with gentle kisses. “My apologies… I must’ve gotten carried away then…” You sighed, placing a hand on your hip, introducing yourself to the traveler… While the NPCs, the family who were attacked, backed away in slight fear.

“My name is [Name], my “husband” has told me so much about you, dear traveler…!”

You stuck out your hand, having the most gentlest smile.. It made Lumine a bit scared how on Earth did you manage to marry a psychopath who could kill anyone if she wanted to… Perhaps Arlecchino didn’t truly mean anything intentionally…?

Even though Lumine didn’t like being called a kid since she’s like billion years of her age— It was completely fine somehow.

You looked so nice too… She’d be asking for a death wish if she made one single wrong move with you.

“I’m… I’m the traveler, yes, nice to meet you too… [Name]…”

Lumine shakes your hand in return, carefully and not too long— instantly removing her hand from yours which made Arlecchino hum in amusement…. But then flinched when you suddenly pulled her ear again. “Oh— Oh dear, what is it now…?”

“You still haven’t returned home in 5 minutes.”

You deadpanned, making Arlecchino suddenly remember she promised you that…. Oh no. “A-Ah— m-mother wait!— Ow ow ow!” Lyney and Freminet hissed in pain, Lynette grumbling and squirming as the children followed you in a tow, your one hand singularly tugging them around so forcefully.

“H-Huh? Already?! Hey wait!!” Paimon awoke, floating on the sky already to try chasing you, but stopped. “But what about that battle we had?!”

…

“I don’t think it’s any use, Paimon…” Lumine uttered with a trembling body… Arlecchino’s eyes- they reminded her of something she saw in a flashback with Dainsleif….

But… She didn’t want to think too deeply about it… And her arm…. It’s almost similarly to Dainsleif’s cursed arm….

[rishiguro]

HAIKYUU CHARACTERS AND HOW THEY BREAK YOUR HEART

ft. oikawa; sugawara; atsumu; ushijima; kita

OIKAWA TOORU: makes time for everyone but you

you tried to ignore the sting in your heart, tossing your phone on the mattress. at this point you were setting yourself up for the hurt and yet you couldn’t stop yourself from watching his stories. and he was always out and about, meeting various people — friends, colleagues, family, coworkers, anybody. just not you. you were always left behind, barely seeing your boyfriend, only getting a few texts. you knew he had a lot on his plate but would it kill him to spend some time with you, or just acknowledge your existence? you sighed. surely he was just busy, right?

SUGAWARA KOUSHI: forgets about his promises

“i’m so sorry,” he immediately said as soon as he saw you all dressed up, “i forgot” you pressed your lips into a thin line, nodding slowly. “i figured. i’m going to take a shower” before he could say anything you rushed past your boyfriend, shutting the bathroom door behind you before stepping to the sink, washing your flushed face as the tears started to fall. you shouldn’t even be surprised — and honestly you weren’t really — but you were disappointed. he didn’t mean to forget, at least that’s what you had been telling yourself. but there was only so much you could take and slowly but surely you reached your breaking point.

MIYA ATSUMU: always puts his work before you

you shook your head as you put your phone away, politely asking the waiter for your check. by now you were basically used to the pitiful glances and hushed whispers behind your back, so you skillfully ignored them when leaving the restaurant. with every step you took towards your car, you could feel the cold creeping up on you as your heart grew heavier and heavier. you knew what you were getting yourself into when you decided to get together with him, but it didn’t hurt any less when he stood you up — when practice ran longer than expected, when he decided to get some extra training or when he was too exhausted to even send you a message.

USHIJIMA WAKATOSHI: always confuses you with somebody else

“i got you your favorite” he held up a take out bag with a warm smile on his face. “thank you,” you said with your most convincing smile on your face, which immediately dropped as soon as he left your field of view. as soon as you recognized the logo on the plastic you felt your heart ache. you wanted to give him credit, he was trying, he really was, but you couldn’t help but feel hurt — whatever he got, it was never what he thought it was. his friend’s favorite snacks that you didn’t like, his best friend’s favorite movie that brought back bad memories or his ex partner’s favorite food.

KITA SHINSUKE: uses your insecurities against you

with hurt visible in your eyes, you turned around, quickly making your way into your bedroom. “you can’t just simply walk away when things aren’t going your way—,” you heard him shout behind you before you slammed the door and as soon as you were alone, the tears began to fall. you loved him and you were convinced that he loved you too. he even told you so daily and made you feel like the most important person in your life. and he failed to realize that you weren’t him — he couldn’t see how his bluntness hurt you or how his supposed honesty only broke you. how much more could you take before you completely shattered?

reblogs are appreciated

[visionofhope04]

Viper (Part 1)

Batfamily x Batsib!Reader

Part 1 (here) Part 2 (coming soon!)

Ages(probably not accurate, just go with it please): Alfred (Immortal), Bruce (45-ish), Barbara (30), Dick (29), Cass (26), Jason (26), Stephanie (21), Tim (20), Reader (18), Damian (16)

Warning(s): cursing, explosions (not detailed), speak of poison and poisoning, (very) minor violence

Part 2 of this headcannon

A/N: Sorry this took so long 😭. So in the preview I posted I said I'd try using third person and they/them pronouns. It hasn't been working out which is why I didn't post this sooner, I'm sooooo sorry :( I've switched it back to using you because I figured it's still inclusive. Hope you guys enjoy this tho! I’m ngl I had a heart attack bc I thought this draft got lost to the void and I was abt to post it.

—

Your boots pounded ferociously on the concrete as you ran and made a sharp right turn into another alleyway. He wasn't far behind you, it would only be a matter of time before you were caught. You had to lose him, fast. Your heart beat against your ribcage, your breaths came out in pants from your nose. You were sweating, and not just from the physical effort. Despite being a trained assassin, you were nervous. Getting caught would change everything, but you were confident in your abilities. However, that did little to stop the lingering feeling of dread you felt every time he got a little too close. You sped up and turned right again into a narrow alley. The Red Hood, who was chasing you, did not expect this and couldn’t slow down, and passed the alley. Frustrated, he backpedaled and ran down the alley he saw you go into.

He reached the end of the alley and slowed to a stop. The alleyway opened up to an empty street, and there was no sign of you anywhere. All he saw was the odd stains on the alley’s walls, a dumpster, and garbage bags strewn about. He lost you.

“Fuck!” He exclaimed, then kicked the dumpster for good measure.

You jolted in your hiding spot, hopeful he wouldn’t notice the extra weight when he kicked it. Your heart began pounding harder, as if it was trying to escape your body, if he found you, you honestly thought it might. Blood rushed in your ears as you waited with bated breaths. Would he open it? Find you? Compromise everything you’ve worked so hard for? You wouldn’t go down without a fight, but with the Lazarus pit in his blood and not much of it in yours, you doubted you’d be able to take him with strength alone. You’d have to be smart about it, as always. Though you didn’t know how your poisons would affect someone the Lazarus pit had such a strong hold on, you’d stupidly never tried it before. You doubt your mother or grandfather would’ve approved of it, as they would’ve been the ones you tested it on (never Damian, you’d never do that to your precious little sibling), but the knowledge would’ve been helpful at the moment. You desperately hoped that he wouldn’t find you, so you wouldn’t have to find out on him. You didn’t want to kill him after all, he’s a part of Damian’s new family. You couldn't ruin your little sibling's chance at a family, at least one of you could find happiness.

After agonizing moments that seemed like years with your overactive brain, you heard him mutter a few more profanities and his footsteps receded. You held your breath as you waited and observed the sounds you heard. Water dripped from somewhere, most likely a roof, and then rustling. Your heart began to pound harder, assuming he was searching, only for you to hear a quiet ‘meow’ and instantly relax. Once you were sure no one was there, you carefully lifted the dumpster lid and peeked. No one. Perfect. You slinked out of the dumpster and grimaced at the smell. Gross, yes, but it worked. It wasn't by far the worst place you've hidden in, but you'd definitely need to shower as soon as you got back to your hideout. The things you do for this job. You trudged in the direction of your current main base of operations, taking great care to stay out of everyone's sight, especially Oracle's.

—

That was your first run-in with Red Hood. It took him longer than expected to figure out what was going on. Took him even longer to find you. You didn't mind though, it gave you more time to work with. It wouldn't be long before Red Hood kept failing to catch you and decided to involve the Big Bad Bat, though. With Batman would come Robin, then Red Robin, and then Nightwing. If Robin found out, it would ruin the whole plan.

The plan was simple, really. Take over Gotham's underground unnoticed, gather members and create a gang, find a perfect time to cause a gang war to distract the Batfamily, and then Talia would initiate her plans to take over Gotham while the bats are busy. Well, that's what the agreed plan was. You'd always been a loose cannon. Since Red Hood had been so close to catching you, the "unnoticed" part had been foiled, albeit a bit later than anticipated. 

"Hey boss, what brings you in today?" Your loyal henchman, Hopper asked you.

"We've got a job to do. Grab some explosives. We're sending a message."

—

“These places feel haunted.” Willow, another one of your most trusted henchmen, said as she placed one of the four explosives into place. 

“It’s probably the Joker’s victims’ souls, he loves warehouses, like typical villains. Maybe they’re here to warn us, ‘Don’t go into the basement, that’s where we’re buried!’. Or maybe they’ll kill us, who knows.”

“This isn’t a joke, you’re scaring me Tina!”

“You guys done?” You ask impatiently, but reluctantly slightly amused.

“Yup.”

— 

"Seven simultaneous explosions have just been spotted around the perimeter of the city."

"Head to the site closest to your current location. If you're paired with someone, split up. Oracle, call in Nightwing and Red Hood if possible. Do not engage with anyone, survey the damage only. "

"Yes sir!" Chirped Spoiler.

— 

After two hours, at 3 am, everyone returned to the cave.

“I take everything I said about explosions back, I hate explosives.”

“Welcome to the club, Timmy! I’ve hated explosives ever since-”

A chorus of groans resonated throughout the batcave, “We know, Jason!”

“You’re not special Todd, most of us here have died in one way or another.”

“Yeah but have you-”

As Damian and Jason began bickering and the whole group headed to the lockers, Dick pulled Bruce aside. 

“B, I didn’t want to say this in front of the others, but I think something bigger is going on. I found these objects around the warehouse I investigated.”

Batman took the bag Nightwing offered and observed the strange objects. Metal letters. Two A’s, one I, one L, and one T.

“It spells Talia.” He observes.

“She would never do something like that if she was behind it, and she wouldn’t leave a calling card, especially not in that form.”

"I know. Hmm. The damage seemed deliberate. It only destroyed the warehouses on the edge of the city. It caused minimal to no damage to surrounding properties."

"You're saying whoever did this is sending a message, about Talia." Nightwing inquired.

"Precisely."

“But who would do this? And why would they warn us? And what exactly are they warning us about? They must be close to her to have an idea of what she’s planning.”

“We’re going to find out.” He says, then turns to Tim, who had just exited the lockers. "Red Robin, check all security footage at all explosion sites and around them, report back all your findings."

Red Robin nods and heads to the Batcomputer to get to work.

—

Dun dun dunnnnn! So how'd you like it? It's been a while since I've wrote anything and it's because I hit a MAJOR writing block. Hope you enjoyed! I was fighting with these tags fr

Tags: @shakespear-picaso-lovechild @rosemary1225 @azazel-nyx @chevelledahuman

@snowcatlove

@danonered @cantbecreative

[stubz]

late shift

Shuttle for Mars is departing now. Please keep hands, feet, tails, and other appendages clear of the yellow line.

‘Nice, finally get off work on time for once! Man is it empty, way less busy than the 5:45 one…

Are they sleeping? Please tell me they’re sleeping…’

“Snnrk…”

‘Oh good they are, oooh lots of empty seats next to them! Nice.’

The young human sits across the large figure and looks around.

‘Wonder why everyone else is sitting so far away from this guy? He’s not that much scarier than a Alteauh…OH! He’s an Orc! An actual Orc, oh this is so cool! Wait. Calm down, control yourself. Orc’s are people too, not some exotic animal in a zoo….he’s sooo cool looking tho!’

The human smiles and takes out their headphones and listens to some music and take in the view they see through the shuttle’s windows. From time to time they peek at the orc, can’t helping themselves from people-watching him.

Like what most humans imagined, he was huge. Easily more than 7 feet tall, with large calloused hands bigger than their head. He had large tusks but unlike the stereotypes he was well trimmed with well relatively kept hair. It would have neater had there not been dust in it. The orc wore dirty cloths and work boots. Beside them what looked like a tool box and bag.

‘Must be a construction worker or works in a trade’ they mused

‘Poor guy, he’s gotta be exhausted to sleep here. At least he gets to go home now.’

The shuttle shakes and with it so does the sleeping giant. Rocking side to side.

'That's not good.' They nervously slide off their headphones.

The turbulence increases until the sleeping orc leans too far and starts fall face first off his seat.

“OH SHIT!” Diving to their knees they manage to catch his head and shoulders.

“Mm?”

“You okay?” Damn he's heavy!

“Mmm…sorry.” Rubbing the sleep from his eyes he slowly got back into his seat, the turbulence now gone.

“No worries, I just didn’t want you to hit your head.”

“Heh, wouldn't be the first time I’ve done it.”

after rubbing his eyes a bit more and a crack of the neck he looks at them, brain finally working to some degree.

“…wait. You caught me?”

“Uh-huh”

“But you’re so small! Are you hurt?”

“You're not the first sleeping giant I’ve caught. I’m alright.”

“I am so sorry for that. I just finished working a 12 hour shift fixing the 1st and 3rd engine rooms and couldn’t help myself from dozing off.”

They whistle. “12 hours? No wonder you’re tired! If I were you I’d be in a coma.”

“Ah but surely you have a difficult job yourself. How else would you be able to catch me?”

“No, nothing like yours! I just work at a youngling centre.”

“The one on the ship?”

“That’s the one.”

“...YOUR ONE OF THE BRAVE WARRIORS WHO RISKED THEIR LIVES TO PROTECT THE CHILDREN??!”

“…you’ve heard of us?”

“Every orc and warrior worth their blade knows of your valiant deeds!! Tell me, what is your name??”

“Kim, uh and you are?”

“Fenrir. It is truly an honor to meet someone of your bravery and intelligence."

"Likewise! I've heard that the orc species are a true warrior race."

For the rest of the trip the two talked. Kim sharing how her and Max built such a safe room in the centre, which lead to the two realizing how similar each other's planets are.

"You have wind whirlpools as well? I thought they only existed on Bantor!"

"Well we call them hurricanes and tornadoes but yeah. Do you guys have hail?"

"Not where I grew up but nearby farther up they get a week or two of light hail showers during the fall. What about animals? Do you have reptiles bigger than an adult with large teeth and live in rivers? We call them darthrang."

"Oh we call them crocodiles!"

"Amazing! To think that your species live in a world much like mine!"

When the shuttle finally reached it's destination the two went their separate ways. A few days later they meet again, this time on the later shuttle. They sit and talk and create a routine of sorts where they became each others travelling companion for the trip to Mars.

One day however, Fenrir stopped coming. The human was saddened as she enjoyed his company but was soon surprised when seeing him at the centre.

"Kim! I've been transferred to stay on the ship so I won't be taking the shuttle to Mars anymore."

"Oh...well, as you know I only go home at the end of the week so maybe we can hang out now. Like eat lunch together or have a drink after work...or something like that!"

"Actually we'll be seeing each other everyday now. But if you don't get sick of me then yes, lets each lunch together."

"Great! But why will I be seeing you everyday?"

"Because after telling my family about you and the centre they've enrolled my nieces and nephews and younger siblings here...and I offered to drop them off and pick them up."

It was then that Kim noticed the dozen of orc children hiding behind Fenrir. The tallest and what looked the eldest of them stepped forward.

"Hello, I am Athea, uncle Fenrir said your one of the ones who saved the centre."

"Yes, my name is Kim. It's great to meet you AtheaaAA!" The orc girl pulled the human into a tight hug, lifting the adult woman off of her feet.

"Thank you for saving Nova." she mumbled into her chest.

'Ah, the Captain's daughter' Kim thought. "I was just doing what any teacher would do."

After a moment the human was put down and lead the children into the centre. The day went well. Fenrir's young family members were quickly won over by the humans, first with the saving of the centre, then with how they understood how wonderful their planet was rather than terrifying or deadly.

They were also greatly intrigued by how such a small species could survive in a planet that was thought to only be habitable to orcs.

"How can you carry us?" asked Thor, one of Fenrir's youngest brothers. "We're much bigger than a human child."

"Yeah but your not bigger than my cousins who are teenagers. Also just last month I had like 10 kids climbing on me. Two were tighalaxes."

"Your joking!"

...

"It that tumpon?!"

"Hm? We call it maafe, but it's also known as peanut stew, do you want some? It doesn't have any meat in it though."

"Guys Max has tumpon!! Can you tell Fenrir where we can buy the ingredients?"

"Of course. Finally I'll finish what gran gave me without having to gain 10 pounds."

And thus the first day ended on a high note! Now if only Kim could figure out why the children looked at her and nodded while talking to Fenrir...

So this based off of a post by @llamagoddessofficial about humans meeting actual space orcs. Sadly I can't find the actual post. but yeah, here u go, space orc and human meet cute

[zepskies]

Lost on You - Part 12

Pairing: Soldier Boy/Ben x F. Supe!Reader

Summary: 1983 is a big year for you. You’re finally chosen to join the ranks of Payback, led by the most (in)famous supe in the world: Soldier Boy. He’ll never admit that he’s trying his damndest to figure you out. You’ll never admit that he’s actually growing on you. But the problem with this game is deciding who’s the predator, and who is prey.

AN: And here we go, with our Avengers: Civil War moment…

Song Inspo: “I Go to Extremes” by Billy Joel

Word Count: 5.1K

Tags/Warnings: Violence, blood, and death. Angst, peril, hurt/comfort, and fluff.

🎵 YouTube Playlist || Spotify Playlist

🎙️ Series Masterlist

Part 12: A Fire in the Blood

Ben walked into the kitchen the next morning in search of coffee and food. He added some grounds to the coffeemaker on the counter and grabbed a bagel from the fridge, then slammed the door shut.  

“All right, get the fuck out,” he said, as if to an empty room. “I’m gonna lose my breakfast before I even eat it.”

Slowly, Charlie and Donna stood up from behind the kitchen island. Both of them looked wrecked. Her hair was wild and disheveled. He had dark red lipstick smudged all around his mouth and neck. Their clothes were bundled in their hands, but they needed no further prompting to run butt-ass naked out of the kitchen. Ben shook his head.

“Fucking animals,” he muttered.

But he didn’t blame them for being bored.

Meanwhile down the hall, Donna pulled Charlie into the shower with her. She got him to start washing her hair while she bathed the rest of herself with a bar of soap.

“He took it a lot better than I expected,” she said.

“Well, he’s probably known since at least last night,” Charlie said, smirking. “The man’s got super hearing, and you didn’t exactly keep it down.”

She reached back to smack his thigh teasingly. “That’s not what I meant. I just thought he’d raise more hell.”

She actually frowned at the thought. Part of her had indulged with Charlie because she thought it might piss Ben off, but to her surprise, he didn’t seem to give much of a fuck. In the past, he once snapped a man’s wrist for touching her ass at a gala. In fact, he’d ruined a lot of perfectly good hookup opportunities for her by being his jealous, caveman self, even though he was whoring himself out with any willing female.

So now, either Ben hated her that much, or…he actually did care about you.

Ben answered his cell when it rang. It was a familiar number.

Arthur. This better be fucking it.

“Did you find her?” he asked.

“Yeah, I found her,” Arthur said, with a grim sigh. “You’re not gonna like it.”

“Where?” Ben demanded. His hand clenched on the phone, threatening to crack the frame.

“Nottingham, West Virginia. It’s one of Vought’s most high-security labs. I didn’t even have clearance to know about it when I worked there,” he said. “It’s easy to miss though. Somewhere between a national forest and a couple of cemeteries.”

“Good enough for me,” Ben said. He finished his coffee in one quick slurp and headed over to his room to get the rest of his suit on. He was only half dressed.

“I hope you find her. Now I’ll be fucking off to Belize. Stan’s probably already got eyes on me,” said Arthur.

“Don’t you worry about Stan. After I get Sirena, I’m chopping the head off the fucking snake,” Ben said angrily.

“Okay, well, good luck to ya.”

After hanging up and lacing up his boots, Ben headed out of the room and down the hall. He banged a fist on the bathroom door, hard enough to rattle its hinges.

“Suit up, kids! We’re headed out.”

Arthur’s directions were direct enough. Donna had to park her car somewhere along the main road, but it was another mile or so before Ben finally found what they were looking for: a solitary building that looked like a nondescript farmhouse from the outside.

“This is their top secret high-security lab?” Charlie said. “Looks abandoned.”

“That’s exactly how they want it to look,” Ben said. It reminded him of the lab in Siberia. He was willing to bet that the lab itself ran several stories and floors underground.

Once they stepped out from the safety of the trees, gunshots rained from above and up ahead. There was a line of armed guards emerging from the front and the back of the building, while a helicopter descended from above.

Donna took out most of the guards on the ground, while Charlie shot his guns at the helicopter and took out the glass in the windshield. Ben threw up his shield at it, causing irreparable damage to the vessel. The pilot was forced to initiate a crash landing.

The helicopter doors opened, revealing Black Noir. He grabbed another man and jumped from the helicopter. The other man screamed, but the landing was swift. Noir made sure that Mindstorm landed on his feet, more or less, while the helicopter carved into the ground behind them and combusted.

Ah, the gang’s all here, Ben thought grimly. It saved him the trouble of hunting those two down as well.

“So it’s true,” Mindstorm said, taking in the sight of Ben with both astonishment and dread.

“Hey, Dan,” said Ben. “Looking rough.”

It was true. The man appeared to be a shell of his former self; thin, with lines of age around his eyes and across his forehead, his skin pale and splotchy. A decade of paranoia and reclusion hadn’t done much good for Dan. Noir must've scrounged him up from his hiding hole, like fishing out a rat from the sewer.

“Look, we don’t have to do this,” Charlie tried. “Just let him get Sirena out of there. After what you guys did, she doesn’t deserve that.”

Ben glanced at his former sidekick. He actually seemed sincere.

Too bad Noir wasn’t about to go for it. He had Vought’s dick so far up his ass, he wouldn’t likely take a shit without Stan Edgar’s say so. He crouched into a fighting stance and unsheathed his katana. The rest of the guards poured in to flank around him and Mindstorm.

Ben rolled a crack out of his neck.

“Fine. If it’s a war you want, it’s a war you’ll fucking get,” he said.

Noir started charging at him first, but Donna shot off a fireball in his direction.

Chaos ignited from there.

Something’s wrong. You felt it, with so many energies converging high above you. It must’ve meant that you were underground, yet again.

There were still men in the compound itself. You now felt their energies being stuffed out, closer and closer in your direction.

Ben? You wondered. You stood up from your cot in nervous anticipation, wrapping your arms protectively around yourself. After Vogelbaum dropped his news, you’d spent the entire night battling your shock, followed shortly by your panic.

No matter what they did to you now, there was no way you were going to let them hurt your child.

Ben…

More than anything, you wanted to see him. You wanted to tell him that his dream was coming true, whether he was ready for it or not…

But there was something coming, and it wasn’t him. You would’ve felt it if it was him. By the rate the men were dying somewhere outside of your cell, however, it was getting closer to your cell. For some reason, you just couldn’t identify the energy signature itself.

You got your answer when your cell door forcibly opened. You gaped in shock.

“Countess?” you said.

She was panting for breath, but she whipped a sweaty lock of red hair out of her eyes and reached out a gloved hand for you.

“Come on, before I change my fucking mind,” she said.

You were still in shock, but you managed to break yourself out of it to follow her out of the cell. You had to stop short though, as an entire unit of Vought security came pouring into the hall with raised guns.

You opened your mouth and began your siren song. Within seconds, every man curled in on themselves as they screamed in pain. Some of them managed to rip their helmets off as they gripped their heads. Tears of blood dripped down from their eyes, and they all soon fell into lifeless heaps.

You stopped singing, and your eyes faded from glowing violet to their normal hue. Donna looked at you, both stunned and wary.

“Don’t worry. It doesn’t work on women. Even frigid cunts like you,” you said with a grin.

She smirked back. “Come on then.”

“Where’s Ben?” you asked, joining her in hastening down the hall.

“Up there fighting,” she replied, pointing up to the ceiling. “You’re about fifteen floors down from the outside world.”

“Fucking figures,” you muttered, but your heart swelled to know that Ben was here, and he was all right. Your hand went to your lower belly on reflex.

“Wait,” you gasped, as something occurred to you. “We need to find someone.”

“What the fuck do you mean? We need to get out of here!” Donna said.

“There’s a kid somewhere in here, and I’m not leaving without him,” you snapped. You began opening doors where you sensed a presence inside. Most often it was a lab technician or other employee, and Donna vaporized them.

You opened one door and found Dr. Vogelbaum. Finally, you saw him react with widening eyes. You felt his fear.

Donna eviscerated him too, in a bloody mess of limbs.

You grimaced at the gore, but you paused, noticing a thick file on the man’s desk.

THE HOMELANDER PROJECTwas stamped at the top in large red letters. You picked your way through the mess and grabbed the file. Then you and Donna continued heading down the hall.

There at the end was a red door. Something about it called to you. You reached out with your awareness, and you felt a familiar male energy, young and scared and alone.

You beckoned Donna over. The door was heavy and locked, but the two of you worked together to twist it open by its large circular handle, like the hatch on a submarine. It swung open with a creak, and inside the room was a bare white cell, not unlike yours.

A young boy sat against the wall, arms wrapped around his knees, wearing a white shirt and plain gray sweatpants. He was blonde and blue-eyed, and he felt familiar to you on-sight.

“John?” you said, stepping inside the cell.

He tilted his head, like he recognized your voice. He said your name uncertainly as he got up to his feet. 

“Yeah, it’s me,” you said, approaching him with cautious steps. “I’m getting out of here, but I want you to come with me.”

John looked reluctant, even as he glanced at your outstretched hand.

“Vogelbaum is gone. He can’t hurt you anymore,” you said. “John, please, let me help you.”

After a moment of his indecision, John reached out and carefully grasped your hand. You led him out of the cell, and encouraged him to stay close to you when you and Donna started back towards the elevators.

The three of you rode all the way up to the top level, where the sounds of an epic fight raged behind the doors of the building. Still, it was a familiar balm to your frayed mind to step outside those doors and find a bright sun beating down on a dusty clearing. Beyond it was layers of forest trees.

Donna said that her car was about a mile in that direction, but before you guys could attempt to get to safety, Noir landed right in front of you.

“Irving—” you said in warning.

Donna raised her hands, prepared to blast him into pieces, but John threw the first punch. It landed squarely in Noir’s chest and had him flying several feet away, into a nearby tree. Your mouth fell open in shock as you gave the kid a wide-eyed look.

John smiled up at you, in a—Did I do good?—kind of way.

“Holy shit,” Donna muttered.

You huffed a short laugh and laid a hand on his shoulder. “Good job, bud.”

You shifted your attention to the rest of the battle, and it caught on Ben with a gasp. He was striding toward Mindstorm with his shield held in front of him. He backhanded Mindstorm in the face and quickly got him pinned on the ground.

Charlie was already lying unconscious, trapped in his own mind. Donna went to try and help him, while you started running headfirst toward the other two men.

“Ben!” you shouted out.

He glanced up at you on reflex, but it proved to be an unfortunate distraction, giving Mindstorm the opening he needed to reach out a hand and touch Ben’s forehead. His eyes closed and he collapsed to the ground.

“No!” the ragged yell tore from your throat. You knew full well what Mindstorm was capable of.

You rushed forward and tried to capture Mindstorm with your siren song. It managed to hold him in place, making him grip at his temples with strain. You knew you didn’t totally have him under your spell, however. Not until you knelt down in front of him and grabbed his face with both hands. Your eyes illuminated brighter as you focused all of your power on him.

Mindstorm fought it tooth and nail, but ultimately, the pull of you was too much. He screamed as blood trailed down his face from his eyes, nose, and ears, until his voice faded, and his blue eyes became unseeing. When you released him, he slumped into a heap.

You fell back onto your ass and heaved for breath. All the while, you stared at his unseeing eyes. Part of you felt sick with yourself. The other part felt vindicated, and a little more free.

With a gasp, you remembered Ben. You turned over and crawled over to his body where he laid unconscious in the dirt and dead leaves.

Fuck. You shouldn’t have killed Mindstorm. He was the only one who could’ve brought him out of this.

Unless…

An idea struck you, and you knew you had to try. You shuffled onto your knees and took Ben’s face carefully in your shaking hands. You closed your eyes.

Focusing your powers on his being, you entered his mind. You waded through waves of darkness as they lapped at you, trying to draw you in. But you were a brighter light. You went deeper, layer by layer.

You began to see moving images, like scenes from a reel. You saw his father, berating him. You saw the moment Compound V was injected into his arm, immediately filling his veins with pain. You saw his mother’s funeral, a day marked by falling snow and a stoic set of Ben’s young shoulders.

You saw so many days and nights at the facility where you both were kept, but one in particular struck at your own heart—the day Dr. Eisenstein had you brought you into Ben’s cell and slammed you down on the table in front of him, prepared to inject an unknown experimental serum into your body.

Ben’s face seemed angry on the outside, but this deep inside his mind, you felt his anger, as well as his fear, and his desire to protect you.

You weren’t sure it would work, but you needed to get his attention somehow. You needed to wake him up.

“Ben!” you shouted to him.

To your relief, he actually looked over at you, meeting your gaze with surprise in his own.

Until you were ripped away from him, out of his mind and into the waking world. Your bleary eyes eventually focused on the dark shape above you. On Black Noir.

He hauled you up by your arms and began to drag you across the clearing, away from Ben.

“Stop!” you struggled. Noir ignored you, just tightening his hold.

He dragged you past Donna’s body. She was dying on the ground, with her throat cut and bubbling with blood. Your eyes widened, but you quickly took in the rest of the clearing.

John was trapped under the massive trunk of a fallen tree, struggling to get up. He was being swarmed by Vought security guards.

Just over Noir’s shoulder, you caught sight of Ben. He was starting to wake up, and he turned over and pushed himself up onto one knee. Relief filled your chest.

In a fit of desperation, you dug your heels into the ground. “Let go! Let go of me!”

You opened your mouth and took in a breath to sing, but how quickly Noir’s hand wrapped around your throat, choking the breath right out of you. He tightened his hold, little by little, until you began to feel lightheaded. Panic gripped at your heart.

“Stop, Noir, please! I’m pregnant!” you pleaded, with tears in your eyes.

Beyond him, you met Ben’s gaze. His mouth fell open as he stared at you, after half scrambling to his feet.

You returned your attention to Noir when you realized you could feel his shock, and the tension through your hand on his glove. He glanced over his shoulder at Ben, then back at your tearful eyes. You felt Noir’s disgust, swiftly followed by his anger.

You gasped when he let you go, just so he could unsheathe his weapon. Ben gritted his teeth in anger. Before he could throw his shield, Noir swung his katana down on you.

You instinctively raised up your arms to protect yourself, but the blade only shattered against your skin. You raised your head, blinking in shock. You clenched your fists, and you realized that you felt different, somehow. You were strong.

You shoved Noir hard in the chest, and he flew several feet away, rolling in the dirt as he landed.

Ben ran over to join you. He wrapped his non-shield wielding arm around your waist and pulled you tight against him. You melted into him in relief, resting your head against his chest.

“I don’t know how I did that,” you admitted.

“Looks like knocking you up comes with some added perks,” he said, grinning down at you.

Once you understood what he meant, another wave of shock hit you. The life inside you was not only carrying his genes, but some of his power as well, making you strong.

You looked up at his smug grin and rolled your eyes in amusement, but you also wanted to grab his face and pull him down for a kiss. The look in his eyes told you he wanted to oblige, but you both stopped short, coming to attention when you saw Noir picking himself up from the ground.

“I’ve got him,” Ben said darkly. He let go of you and took a step toward Noir, putting himself in front of you.

Two old enemies faced each other. This time, Ben began to make the first move.

Just then, a pair of red laser beams broke through the clearing and cut through Noir’s mask and skull. He dropped to his knees, and then fell to the ground.

What the hell…

Slowly you turned back to see that John had broken free of the guards. All of them lied either passed out or dead at his feet. He stepped over them and went to your side with shaky hands, shocked at even his own power. Had he known he could do that?

“Are you okay?” he asked you in concern.

You were still reeling, but you nodded and grasped his shoulder. Ben was unsettled looking at John. You knew the look on his face. He wasn’t sure whether the kid was a threat as well. Ben slid an arm around your waist and pulled you closer to him.

“Ben, this is John,” you explained. “He was a ‘guest’ in the lab, same as me.”

Ben seized up the kid. Eventually he rested his shield on the ground and reached out his hand.

“John, huh?”

The kid nodded and shook his hand. “Y-Yes, sir.”

“That’s a strong name,” Ben said. John smiled.

With that small peace won, you slipped away from Ben and went to Charlie. You knelt down and felt for his pulse at his neck. You shook your head in sadness.

“He’s gone,” you said. Ben helped you stand again.

You were disappointed about Donna too, even knowing she was the one who helped sell you out in the first place. You were sure it was probably under duress, but she had saved you today.

“Let’s get the fuck out of here,” Ben said. You agreed, but first, you looked back at the lab.

“They took vials of my blood. God knows what else they have in there,” you said.

“They took your fucking blood?” he said, through furrowed brows.

“Yeah, that’s how I know I’m pregnant,” you said, again, holding a hand to your belly. Ben softened slightly at that.

He blew out a breath and nodded. “Okay, you and the kid hang back. Far back.”

You grasped John’s shoulder and led him over to the dense line of trees. You both hunkered down behind a fallen tree trunk and watched Ben approach the lab.

He set a firm stance and concentrated, until his chest glowed with power. Letting loose a yell of strain, he summoned a blast that destroyed the entire building. It not only created a backlash of debris and flames, but it also shook the earth. He stalked forward and angled the blast downward, so that it would consume the floors below as well.

You had to duck down further as the impact of the blast was too much. John covered you with his arms around your shoulders.

When it was over, Ben struggled to regain his breath. He even stumbled a bit on his way back to you, but he kept a steady pace, until he found you and the kid again. Ben reached a hand for you and once again helped you up from the ground, guiding you into his arms.

His chest still felt hot, but you didn’t care. You curled a hand around the back of his neck and brought him down to you for a kiss. It was relief, it was passion, and it was home.

You parted slowly, his forehead pressing against yours.

“I love you,” you whispered into the small space in between.

Releasing a subtle breath, Ben nodded. You opened your eyes and cupped his cheek.

“You can say it,” you prompted, teasingly. “It’s not gonna kill you.”

You could hazard a guess at what he was thinking. This close, you could feel him, and his reluctance. But his lips hinted at a smile.

“Yeah, I fucking love you,” he said. He thumbed at your chin, his gaze roaming over your face before he met your eyes. “I love you.”

Tears made your vision blur a little. You nodded, smiling, and reached up on your toes for another kiss.

“Are you guys done yet?” John asked. He shifted on his feet, all antsy and tired. “Can we go?”

Ben’s face fell into annoyance at the kid. You gave him a rueful smile, and one last stroke of his cheek.

“The car’s about a mile out,” Ben said.

“Yep,” you said. “I guess we start walking.”

John slept in the backseat of the car while Ben drove down the highway going northeast. His gaze roamed over you as you stared out the window, seemingly calm with that file you stole from Vogelbaum’s office resting on your lap.

With a sigh, you turned your attention to it. Ben couldn’t help but distract you first. His hand reached over to rest on your thigh.

“Hey,” he said. You perked up at him.

“You okay?” he asked. You smiled a little and slipped your hand over his.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Considering.”

He alternated between watching the road and watching you a bit closer.

“Did they hurt you?” he pressed. You shook your head, squeezing his hand.

“No. They pretty much left me alone,” you said, though his concern warmed you. You also sensed something else underneath…the sting of regret. It took him a few beats, but he eventually spoke.

“I shouldn’t have let you go out alone,” he said, briefly meeting your eyes. “I should’ve been there.”

It was as close to an apology as you’d ever gotten from him. You almost smiled.

“Look, we’re here now,” you said. “Pretty soon, this is all just going to be a bad memory we can put behind us, like everything else.”

You rubbed his arm and glanced down at the file sitting on your lap. Your curiosity had you flipping it open. The more you read over its contents, the more your face slackened in shock.

“Oh my God, Ben,” you whispered.

“What?”

“Pull over for a minute.”

“We can’t stop here. We need to get to the airport.”

“This is important. Stop the car.”

He huffed in annoyance, but he pulled the car over. He left the car running and got out along with you.

You later leaned against the passenger side while he read the file. You watched the shock descend over his face as it all began to click together in his mind. He turned and pointed at the backseat of the car.

“He’s…”

“Yeah,” you said.

“Christ on a damn cross,” he said.

“Yeah,” you repeated. You covered your mouth with a hand. “And the poor kid’s been kept in that basement his whole damn life… It was Vogelbaum’s project, but how did he do it?”

A realization fell over Ben. He joined you in leaning against the car. The file fell to his side.

“Back in…’81. No, beginning of ’83, before you joined up. Vogelbaum wanted a sample of my swimmers for an experiment. Something about genetics,” he said. He still remembered the Penthouse Forum he used to give his “sample.”

June. Danielle Deneux. Bush like a Pomeranian. He almost smiled at the memory, but the rest of it soured that part for him.

You gave him an incredulous look. “And you didn’t ask questions about what they were going to use your sperm for?”

Ben rolled his eyes and gave you the file. You shook your head.

“The point is, John is…more or less your son,” you said.

“What?!” John exclaimed. He spooked you and Ben when he popped up in the car window.

You should’ve known he’d have enhanced hearing. Just like his father.

John came out of the car, and both father and son looked at one another in assessing ways. Even though they had different coloring, you started to notice the similar shape of their jawlines, the line of their noses. John soon had tears in his eyes.

“You…you’re my dad?” he said.

Ben’s hands went to his hips. His posture was stiff and awkward.

“I guess I am,” he said.

He didn’t expect the way John literally flew over and hugged him with a strength that impacted Ben. He grunted and grabbed the kid’s shoulders.

“Okay, all right, lock it up. Don’t be a little girl about it.”

John’s face fell with dejection, but he dropped his arms and took a step back. You became both dismayed and angry.

“Ben!” you said sharply. “Let your son hug you, for fuck’s sake.”

He shot you a warning look, but you had your hand on John’s shoulder as you glared back at Ben. He crossed his arms.

Then he uncrossed them with an exasperated huff. He went to John and dropped a hand on his shoulder. Smiling in satisfaction, you moved back to give them a moment.

Ben looked down at the kid’s face. His blonde hair and blue eyes weren’t his. He must’ve taken after his mother, whoever she was, or whatever genetics Vogelbaum manipulated, but he did see his own strong jaw in the kid.

“Well, it’s unfortunate that we couldn’t meet sooner, but…looks like you’re my son,” said Ben. “I'm thinking you want to stick around with us.”

John nodded vigorously.

“All right,” Ben said. “Then let’s get going.”

John nodded again, quickly wiping at his face to clear away his tears.

Good, Ben thought with a quirk of his lips. He squeezed John’s shoulder and let him go, so he could return to the driver’s side of the car. You gave John a warm hug. Ben saw it through the window and almost shook his head. He could already tell that you were going to try to mother that boy.

Somehow, that thought just softened him, at least a little. Because it reminded him that you were carrying his child as well. Not to mention, his blood was making you nice and strong.

When you slid into the passenger seat, he grabbed your hand and pressed a kiss over your knuckles. You smiled at him.

“Where are we gonna go?” John asked.

Ben glanced at him in the rearview mirror. Ben's brows drew together as his expression firmed.

“To finish what we started,” he said.

You knew what that meant. He wanted to go to New York to finish off Stan Edgar, Stillwell, and anyone else who had a hand in their capture.

“Ben, they’ll never stop trying to get him back,” you said, gesturing at John. “And…when Vogelbaum took my blood, he said they wanted to monitor me. Apparently this has never happened before…a supe getting another supe pregnant.”

Ben paused.

“He talked like I was a rat in his lab, and he wanted to document the findings,” you said, as tears welled up in your eyes and made your throat tight with emotion, and the remnants of dread.

Ben frowned and squeezed your hand.

“That’s not fucking happening,” he said. You sighed and wiped at your cheek. After taking a few steadying breaths, you managed to get a hold of yourself.

“If we go back to New York, it’s a big risk,” you said.

This time, Ben actually considered what you were saying. He was stubborn though.

“I can’t just fucking let it go. What Stan Edgar did, what they all did—”

“If you take out Stan, they’ll just put another one in his place. I doubt it’ll ever end,” you said. You moved his hand to your stomach. “But if you want this. If you want a family, this is it.”

Ben glanced down at his hand under yours, and then your face. As much as he wanted the rest of his revenge, he also wanted, and needed to protect you. He couldn’t make another mistake like last time. If you were taken from him again, he’d have no one to blame but himself. 

That also posed a harder question. Where the hell could he take you where you’d be safe? Even Arthur had fucked off to Belize.

Ben stroked your hand in contemplation…until an idea came to him.

A grin raised his lips.

“All right,” he said. “How do you feel about Colombia?”

AN: Lol! Suffice to say, there's going to be a big BMD easter egg in the Epilogue, but did you like how the final battle shook out? Was there anything that surprised you? Do you wish some members of Payback had lived?

I went back and forth on how some characters would meet their end, but I felt that this is the story I wanted to tell, with her, Ben, and John escaping together and forming their strange new family. 😂💚

Next Time: The Epilogue...

A phone dock rested on the coffee table. The call was on speaker.

“That child represents a multi-million-dollar investment,” said Stan Edgar.

“You should’ve thought about that before you shipped us off to motherfucking Siberia,” Ben snapped. “Hell, before you decided to steal my goddamn DNA. But guess fucking what. He’s my son. He belongs with me.”

You gave him a look of pride, resting a hand on his thigh in support. He glanced at you and grabbed your hand.

“You’re not leaving me with much recourse here, Soldier Boy,” Stan replied.

Ben leaned forward. He took that as a very real threat.

▶️ Keep Reading: The Epilogue

Join Patreon 🌟 || Series Masterlist

Soldier Boy Masterlist || Main Masterlist

Soldier Boy Tag List:

If you would like to follow along as I post each chapter, please follow my side blog @zepskieswrites with notifications on so you don’t miss out. 💚

@spnwoman @samanddeaninatrenchcoat @adoringanakin @rizlowwritessortof @chernayawidow

@midnightmadwoman @deans-spinster-witch @chriszgirl92 @lyarr24 @ladysparkles78

@deansbbyx @sarahgracej @this-is-me19 @kazsrm67 @jacklesbrainworms

@foxyjwls007 @iamsapphine @roseblue373 @lacilou @fics-pics-andotherthings-i-like

@waynes-multiverse @my-stories-vault @syrma-sensei @alwaystiredandconfused @globetrotter28

@mrsjenniferwinchester @charmed-asylum @waywardxwords @k-slla @deanbrainrotwritings

@jackles010378 @deans-daydream @deanwinchestersgirl87 @rachiem4-blog @just-levyy

@leigh70 @kmc1989 @ghostslillady @siampie @jessjad

@beautyvaliant @mimaria420 @kaleldobrev @pieandmonsters @twinkleinadiamondsky

@stoneyggirl2 @sl33pylilbunny @spnfamily-j2 @mostlymarvelgirl @artemys-ackles

[sleepyspudbrainrot]

Carry You Home (Pt. 2)

Roman Reigns x Lale (OC) | 18+, NSFW, eventual smut, fluff | 1954 words

Pt. 2 of that fluff piece... hopefully y'all enjoy this part as much as the first.

And let me not forget to tag ... @southerngirl41 ❤️️

The next morning, Lale found herself with her face buried in the chest of the man beside her.  His muscular arm thrown across her waist, his breathing even as sleep held him longer still.  She sighed softly, chewing on the inside of her cheek as she debated the likelihood of being able to slide out of his grasp without waking him.  A slight shift in movement proved that likelihood to be slim to none.  A rumble vibrated through the males chest as he shifted, drawing her closer to him still. Her cheeks warmed, but nonetheless she settled comfortably against him once again, her head making use of his broad chest as a makeshift pillow.

At some point sleep claimed her once more, the buzzing of her phone on the side table the only thing obnoxious enough to wake the both of them up.  First Joe this time, careful not to move too much in the hopes that Lale would remain asleep.  However, she was much too sensitive to her phone, and given that it was more than likely an alarm…

“Shit.” Lale sat up right, her phone slipping through her fingers to land in her lap.  “What time was your flight?”

The next half hour was a blur of movement.  Two separate showers, the scramble to pack up her things, as well as the sprint to his room to gather his things as well. Which she, of course, felt obligated to help with. Thankfully he’d only really pulled out what he’d needed, leaving most of his things still ready to go.  Once they’d gathered both sets of luggage, they made their way out of the hotel to the waiting cars.  One car for the both of them, perhaps a benefit that she’d come to appreciate when her heart wasn’t trying to beat out of her chest. 

“I haven’t slept like that…” In months? In years? Lale honestly couldn’t remember such a sound sleep, especially with another person.  

“Your welcome ma, if you ever need some more of that… you know how to reach me.”

His smirk tugged at something within her.  It also served as a reminder that she did not in fact know how to reach him.  “Did you get enough sleep Joe? Because I feel like you’re missing one key factor in that…”

The man sitting beside her raised an eyebrow, turning to look at her. “And that would be?”

“When did we exchange numbers?”

She fiddled with the phone in her hand, hesitant to offer the device to him.  It was a step in a direction she wasn’t entirely certain of.  A crossing of boundaries, from ringside interviewer and wrestler to something more.

“Well? What are you waiting for… at least if you’ve got my number, we can avoid me having to look for you next time.”

He didn’t have to look for her for the entire month of june.  He had his matches, she had her gigs on both Raw and Smackdown.  There were glances exchanged and entire text conversations had.  Ones that usually ended with one of them, nine times out of ten her, falling asleep and continuing the conversation the next morning.

It was one of those same conversations that she was engrossed in as she sipped on her morning cup of matcha.  A soft smile taking permanent residence across her mouth.  

“Who’s got you smilin’ like that La?”

Lale felt the presence over her shoulder before she could truly see it.  Cathy Kelley had snuck up on her in the hotel’s coffee shop.  And she could very clearly see exactly who was making her smile like that. 

“I’ll give you two guesses… might need a third, but I’m sorry I just can’t justify it given that you’ve seen too much already.”

Cathy laughed, sitting down across from her at the table near the window.  “You two have definitely become fast friends… could’ve sworn you had a thing about friendships with the male wrestlers?”

Lale blinked, “Did I say that?” She absolutely had and new her line of bullshit wasn’t convincing Cathy of anything. “I figured it was the least I could do after he was there for me… it felt… wrong? To just ice him out after that.”  Even though she hadn’t exactly told him what was wrong, even now a month later.  

“Well… you’re not going to hear me complain.  You need support.  You can’t just soldier through everything on your own ya know?”

While Cathy was in fact correct, Lale couldn’t help but snort. “You and I both know that’s not how my father raised me.”  Her phone buzzed in that moment, the mention of her father a call to the universe that she clearly needed the update from her mother that scrawled across her screen.

Her heart dropped into the pit of her stomach. ‘He’s officially turned in his drivers license.’  Reality crashed down hard.  A gut punch that knocked the wind from her.  Her matcha cup was set to the side, her appetite dissipating with her breath.

“Lale…”  Cathy reached a hand across the table, resting her hand on top of Lale’s.  “I know that face… you made that exact same face - -”

Lale shook her head, chewing on the inside of her lip.  She had to tell her friend.  She had to let her know exactly what was sending her into this spiral.  But something about speaking it aloud… it just made everything too real.  Her phone buzzed again, her thoughts jolting to a stop as Joe’s name lit up the screen and pushed her mother’s text further down.

“It’s… about Dad.  He’s…”  The lump in her throat grew with each word, her eyes burning.  “He just gave up his license and…” And she did not have time to process this right now.  She had errands to run before the show tonight, messages to answer, so many things that she wanted to take priority over processing what she’d just been told.

“I’ve… I’m going to go.  I’ll see you tonight alright?” She didn’t give Cathy a chance to respond, pushing away quickly from the table and departing the cafe as fast as her legs would allow.  Her phone remained clutched in one hand and she found herself opening up Joe’s message.  

“We’ve really got to stop meeting like this ma.”

She stood in front of her open hotel room door, her gazing settling on the presence of Joe in a full suit, clearly prepared for the nights events.  While he wasn’t a main eventer on Raw, he occasionally would make appearances to prove a point, usually with the rest of the bloodline in tow. 

“I just… didn’t want you to have to look for me this time?”

She hadn’t been entirely sure that she’d make it to Raw tonight with this news.  She needed someone to hold her accountable. To force her to get ready and push through, even if it meant compartmentalizing the processing she’d been trying to do before Joe had arrived.

“You planning on actually telling me what happened this time?”

She owed him that at least.  “Yes, just… please come in?”  She stepped aside, allowing him entry before shutting and locking the door behind him.  She moved to sit on the end of the bed, having flashbacks to the month prior.  “I should’ve told you that night and…”  She ran a hand through her hair, releasing a breath through pursed lips. 

“Take your time ma, I don’t have anywhere to be for a couple of hours.”

It was slow to start.  Her words catching as they began to flow from her.  An explanation of the past several months of doctor’s visits and diagnosis’s.  All leading up to the news she’d received only hours prior.  By the time she’d finished, the tears were flowing and she was glad for a brief vain moment that she hadn’t already put on her makeup for the night.  

“So… that’s why you had to find me the other night.  I’d been…” She sighs softly, looking down at her hands in her lap.  “I’d been trying to just not think about it… to avoid it, until well…”  Until she couldn’t.  It was something she’d done her entire life.  Most of the time, it was easier to run than to face the reality that threatened to overwhelm her.  

They sat in silence once she’d finished speaking, her gaze settled on her hands in her lap.  Joe seemed to sense her hesitance, the fear that looking at his face would reveal another reality that she wasn’t prepared to face.  An arm wrapped around her shoulder, drawing her into his side.  In a similar fashion to the last time, she found herself relaxing into his chest.  A hand resting over his heart, the beat a calming rhythm that settled the torrent of thoughts that had swarmed her with all that she’d had to relive.

“Why are you doing this?” The question was out before she could stop it. Her face upturned in order to meet his gaze with hers.

“Doing what?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Coming when I call? 

The question seemed to catch him off guard now.  He still managed to shrug, his thumb rubbing comforting circles into her shoulder as he did so.  “Because ma, underneath all that tough reporter shell, I know you’re a softie… especially when it comes to me.”

She pursed her lips and resisted the urge to roll her eyes once more.  “I’m not sure what else I was expecting…”  A soft sigh escaped her as she settled her head back against his chest.

After a moment, Joe spoke once more. “If you wanted a real answer… I know what that pain feels like and I know what it’s like to face it alone.”

That was what stuck with her as she moved from interview to interview later on that night. Her grip white knuckled as she offered the mic to wrestler after wrestler.  She couldn’t remember most of the matches, or even the questions she’d asked.  It was as if she’d hit reset and for the time being was stuck on autopilot.  So it was a relief once the night was over and she was settled into SUV that was waiting to take her home.  The tension from the day sunk out into the plush leather seats behind her, her phone once again in her hand, her text thread with Cathy lighting up her screen.

Cathy was understandably curious to see how her night had gone.  They’d of course seen one another in passing, but hadn’t had a chance to catch up or have Lale explain her quick departure this morning.  Once she’d told the other woman, she was understanding and made some small comment about nearly sending Joe her way again.

If only she knew…

The car pulled up to the Hotel’s entrance, leaving her response to Cathy half finished and forgotten. The lobby of the hotel was silent outside of the click of her heels and the hydraulics that served to open and shut the elevator doors.  She focused on the numbers above her head as the elevator crept closer and closer to her final destination.

To say she was surprised was an understatement.  Opening the door to her hotel room, only to be greeted by a bottle of wine, a box of takeout that was still warm, and a bouquet of flowers.  “Who…?” Had Cathy worked her magic? Was it someone else? She couldn’t think of anyone other than her family and Cathy that would know the type of takeout she’d gravitate towards. She plucked the card from the center of the bouquet, tugging off the envelope to reveal…

“You looked great tonight. Take some time to rest” - Joe

[hqbaby]

two — you’re so pretty

tag, ur it! — sakusa ? iwaizumi ? osamu ? 

*ੈ✩‧ love is a losing game your roommate, your ex, or the guy you totally haven’t been seeing—the choice should be simple, right? right?

previous — masterlist — next

word count. 1.2k content. mentions of sex, alcohol consumption, profanity

It’s these moments that Sakusa loves best.

It’s late at night and the two of you are in his room. He’s on his bed, reading some book or other (he’ll totally forget the plot and have to reread it later), and you’re by his window, standing in front of his easel. From the bed, he can watch you paint, your body covered by an old shirt of his, drowned in the moonlight.

“You know, you could make the colors—”

“Are you really micromanaging my art right now?” you ask, but he can hear the smile through your voice.

You turn back to see him grinning at you and you drop your brush, launching yourself onto the bed beside him. He laughs as you start trailing kisses across his neck and down his chest.

Sakusa’s never been this happy before, it’s getting to be a little silly at this point.

“You’re so pathetic,” you tell him, burying your face in his chest to hide your smile.

“Oh, yeah, definitely,” he says. “Like so pathetic. You wouldn’t believe it.”

He places a finger on your chin and tilts your head up. He swears you’re the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen.

You scrunch your nose up, growing a little self-conscious under the intensity of his gaze. “You know, people are gonna start catching onto us.”

He kisses your forehead. “And would that be so bad?”

Your face drops a little at that. You probably think he doesn’t notice, but he does. The way your eyes lose focus, the way your smile falters.

You’ve never told him why you’re so keen on keeping this all hush-hush. It never used to bother him, especially when things between the two of you were just starting. But he can’t help the nagging feeling that he won’t like whatever it is when he finds out.

So he doesn’t ask.

“I should head home,” you say quietly. You’re still smiling at him, as if convincing him that everything is fine.

“Oh, right,” he says, holding back his disappointment. “Sure.”

You kiss him one last time and get up.

And just like that, the moment ends.

You really should’ve read the group chat. It was blowing up a few hours ago, but you were too busy getting railed to even notice. If you had just checked your damn phone.

“Drink up, drink up,” Oikawa insists, handing you a shot glass of vodka. “I’m peer pressuring you. You have no choice.”

You roll your eyes as you down the drink. “How much have you had?” you ask, looking over at the other boys gathered in your living room. There are at least three other bottles of alcohol on the coffee table, all of them empty.

“Not a lot,” Hanamaki slurs. His head drops onto the table and Matsukawa forces it back up. “Quite a bit.”

You chuckle, dropping your bag on the couch and sitting down between Oikawa and Iwaizumi. You look over at your roommate. “Why are we doing this?”

Iwaizumi—also wasted, but trying to hide it—nods at Matsukawa. “Girlfriend dumped him.”

You grimace and reach over to pat your fallen comrade on the back. “Sorry, bro,” you say, taking the bottle of vodka and filling everyone’s glasses up. “Why’d she do it?”

Matsukawa lets out an exasperated sigh. “I didn’t answer her calls,” he tells you. “In my defense, I was just taking a shower. She’s the one who called like fifty times.”

“What did I say?” You tut. “Always—”

“—answer your girl’s calls,” he finishes for you. “I know. She just gets fucking insane sometimes, you know?”

You take another shot and nod. You know what he means. You only met his girlfriend a few times, but you could tell she wasn’t going to stick around for too long. She was a regular college kid, insecure and needy, just like the rest of you. 

You figure that’s why a lot of relationships at this age don’t last. Speaking from experience.

“So where were you?” Oikawa asks, his head falling on your shoulder. He’s all red and woozy, almost like he’s the one that has to drink his heartbreak away.

You frown. “Nowhere,” you tell him. “Library.”

“Bullshit.”

“Not bullshit.”

“No, no,” Hanamaki chimes in. “Bullshit, baby, bullshit.”

You groan as all three boys now turn to you for a proper answer. “I was just visiting a friend.”

Oikawa wiggles his eyebrows and presses himself further against you. “A ‘friend,’ huh?”

“For fuck’s sake.” You reach over and drink his shot for him. “It’s nothing!”

Matsukawa leans over the table and moves his face right in front of yours. You can smell the alcohol on his breath, and you put your palm on his face to push it away.

“Holy shit!” he exclaims when he drops back down in his place. “Were you visiting him?”

Hanamaki gags. “I thought you were over this!”

Oikawa turns to you with a disappointed look on his face. “You were with him?”

You shake your head urgently. “Fuck no!” you exclaim. “I’m done with that.”

“Sure,” he says, unconvinced. “So you’ve just been sneaking around with some random friend.”

“Do you guys want chips?” you ask loudly, trying to distract them. You get up. “I’m getting chips.”

“I’ll help,” Iwaizumi says, dragging himself up and following you to the kitchen.

There’s a strange tension between you and your roommate as you both look through the cabinets to find something. You don't know what it is.

You’re grabbing a bag of chips when you hear a thud behind you. You turn to find Iwaizumi on the floor, a stunned look on his face.

“What the fuck happened to you?” you say, laughing as you go to check and see if he’s hurt himself.

He shakes his head and starts laughing. “I dunno,” he tells you. “Room is spinning.”

“You’re so drunk,” you say, joining in on his laughter.

It’s not every day that you get to see Iwaizumi like this, plastered out of his mind. He’s usually the one who keeps all of you in check, managing his liquor so he can make sure you don’t do something illegal or get yourselves killed. It’s refreshing to see him let loose every once in a while.

“Don’t tell me your girlfriend dumped you too,” you tell him, grabbing him a glass of water. You sit down beside him as he takes steady gulps.

“Don’t have a girlfriend, you know that,” he grumbles, placing the glass on the floor beside him. His eyes land on yours and he tilts his head to the side. “So you’re really not seeing him again?”

You furrow your brows. “No,” you say, then, “Would it bother you if I was?”

He hums, still staring at you. He reaches over and brushes a strand of hair from your face. His hands linger on the side of your face. It’s a drunken action, you’re sure, but you’d be lying if you said it didn’t have an effect on you.

And nothing prepares you for what he says next.

“I don’t want you to be with someone else.”

Your eyes widen. It’s the alcohol talking, you remind yourself. But, then again, a drunk tongue speaks a sober mind.

“Why?” you find yourself asking. Your voice is quiet. When he doesn’t answer you, you find it in yourself to press him. “Why don’t you want me with someone else?”

You become acutely aware of his hand still touching your face.

“Because,” he says, eyelids drooping a little, “you’re so pretty.”

notes. 🫣

[temptingfatetakingnames]

The Last Steve Harrington Part 15

AO3 Part 1 Part 14

Steve woke up Friday morning feeling fully recovered. He had spent the last few days with aching muscles so it was a huge relief to get out of bed without pain. He was glad because they were having a barbecue tonight to send off Johnathan, Argyle and Nancy who were heading back to the city tomorrow. Nancy was out of school for the summer but Johnathan needed to get back to his business and Argyle only had so much time off from his job.

He and Johnathan hadn’t got too close while he was home. Steve was hesitant to reach out and the feeling seemed mutual. They talked a bit about his photography business and Steve told him about Family Video. Mostly they talked about how much customer service sucked and how crazy people’s demands were. Steve didn’t mind that they hadn’t managed to bridge the distance between them. He was still overwhelmed with the kids, Robin, Eddie, Hopper and Joyce. Him and Nancy were… okay – parting on good terms at the very least. They would have time to get to know each other better.  

Inhaling deep, he let the breath out slowly.

He had time.  

Joyce was already busy in the kitchen when Steve walked downstairs. Johnathan and Argyle were probably still sleeping and he figured Hopper had already left for work. Will and Eleven were eating cereal like little zombies at the table. They both looked up, cheeks full, and smiled as he sat down. He had been really excited to tell everyone about Stephanie and the parallel universe he had learned about but had promised Robin he wouldn’t say anything without her, so he had been waiting. Patiently. Very patiently waiting. He couldn’t wait to see Dustin and Eddie’s faces.

“Morning, Steve,” Joyce said as she turned around, wiping her hands on a towel. “How are you feeling?”

“Really good actually. All better.”

She came over and settled a gentle hand on his shoulder. “I’m glad! But take it easy still, hmm?”

Steve nodded and looked away from her kind eyes, reaching for the cereal box. She patted his shoulder and moved back to the kitchen counter where various vegetables were waiting to be chopped.

“What’re you two up to today?” Steve asked the kids.

“Shopping with Max. I want a new dress for the party tonight.”

“I’m helping Dustin with Cerebro.”

“Sounds fun,” he said and smiled at them.

They both nodded and went back to shoveling cereal into their faces as fast possible.

“Bye!” Eleven shouted as soon as she finished drinking the sweetened milk from her bowl.

“See ya later!” Will said as he scraped his chair back from the table and ran out.

Then it was just him and Joyce. He looked over at her furiously chopping vegetables and could tell that she was stressed. There was going to be a lot of people coming over and she probably had a lot she needed to get done before they arrived.

“I’m gunna shower and then I’ll help you get ready.”

She looked over her shoulder at him. “Oh, I’m fine! You should rest.”

“I’ve rested enough. Let me help, Joyce. Please.”

She set her knife down and turned fully towards him. Her hair was a little wild and her eyes were tired. She worked too hard. He didn’t know what she saw on his face that made her relent but she softened and said, “that would be great. Thank you.”  

He nodded and noticed a small smile on her face as she turned back to her vegetables.  

On his way to the bathroom, he grabbed a towel out of the linen closet. He hung it up and turned on the water before he looked at himself in the mirror, his good mood disappearing in a flash. He hated his reflection. It was difficult to meet his eyes, but he forced himself, bringing his face closer and closer to the glass until he could see every detail. He never knew how much people saw Steve or saw him. He hated it.

“Fuck you, Steve.”

Stepping back, he removed his clothes and took in the ruin of his chest next. His wounds had healed but it still hurt to look at them. He ran his fingers lightly over the raised and jagged marks on his side. Most of them looked better, whatever the doctors had done to clean them up had worked but… Not these. There had been nothing they could do for these. Too much had been bitten away… and too much time had passed.

A reminder that not everything could be made better or wiped clean. That some things just stayed…jagged. Broken. Ugly.

Turning away from the mirror, he quickly stepped into the shower, hoping the hot water would soothe away the awful pit in his stomach.

The rest of the morning and early afternoon were spent cooking with Joyce. He was quiet at first, still stewing in ugly thoughts, but she was slowly able to coax him out of it. She was just so damn happy, despite everything they had to get done and he found it hard to maintain his brooding in the face of her joy.

The kitchen was warm from the oven’s heat so they opened the windows to let in a lovely cross breeze. They talked a lot and laughed a little and moved around each other with a comfort that Steve had never experienced before. He and Max used to cook together sometimes, but her energy had been chaotic in the kitchen. She didn’t like to listen to instructions and Steve always had to clean up her messes, not that he had minded…much. He had missed cooking with someone else. He had missed cooking.

Johnathan and Argyle came down and had breakfast before they left as well, off to enjoy their last day in Hawkins.  

When they were finished making all the food that Joyce had planned Steve asked if it would be alright if he made chocolate chip cookies. He had perfected his recipe over the years and they were his favourite thing to bake.  

“Of course!” Joyce replied enthusiastically. “How did you learn to cook like this?”

As he gathered the necessary ingredients Steve explained, “my parents were gone a lot so I learned how when I was pretty young. Simple things at first, but I got better over the years.”

“What did you make?”

“So much pasta! Boil noodles and heat up some sauce? It was the easiest thing I could think of. It was a real game changer when I figured out the barbecue in high school.” Steve chuckled a little to himself. “I think I made burgers or hot dogs every meal for two weeks.”

Joyce didn’t laugh. “You were alone that much?” she asked instead.

He shrugged. “My dad was always gone on business trips and my mom went with him. I was fine, they always left plenty of money.”

As he started to whisk the dry ingredients together, he felt Joyce’s gentle touch on his shoulder.

“They shouldn’t have done that, Steve. I’m sorry you were alone.”

He blinked down at his bowl. It felt like such a long time ago now, living in that big empty house. He remembered the first time his parents left for a week at a time. He was thirteen and scared, but just like anything else – it got easier with time. And he wasn’t always alone. Freshman year, he met Nancy, Johnathan and Barb. Then the kids and Eddie and Wayne and Steve spent less and less time in that big empty house.

But… even with how full his life became with the family he chose there was still a hole in his heart from his parents. He didn’t think they were malicious or bad people… they just didn’t care. Too busy living their own lives to worry about his.

“No,” Steve agreed. “They shouldn’t have.”

Joyce gripped his shoulder tighter and he reached up to pat her hand.

After a moment, she slipped away and started tidying up the kitchen as Steve made his cookies, feeling that hole fill up a tiny bit more.

---

Max and Eleven came back first, but they disappeared upstairs with their bags after both exclaiming how delicious the house smelled. He and Joyce smiled at each other, nibbling on still warm cookies. Johnathan and Argyle arrived next, Nancy in tow. Joyce quickly put them to work setting up the tables and chairs outside. Hopper walked in the door with a loud exclamation of how long and tiring his day had been, leaving to shower just as Will called to say he was getting a ride with Dustin in a bit.

All of the cooking was done so Steve went back to his room to change. Opening the middle drawer on his dresser, he stared at the options. Joyce had taken him shopping the first week he moved in, getting him everything he could possibly need. Most days he didn’t give a shit about what he looked like… but today felt different. He wanted to look good.

He grabbed out a pair of jeans and the collared button up shirt that Joyce had insisted she get for him. It was dark blue and made of a light material that felt amazing on his skin when he slipped it on over his head. He tucked it into his jeans and cinched his belt as he moved into the bathroom. His hair looked good and healthy but he hadn’t tried to style it since –

Well, since everything.

He grabbed the hairspray Dustin gave him and got to work, trying to remember just how he used to make it look so effortless. It took longer than he would like to admit and it wasn’t exactly how it used to be, but it was close enough. Taking a deep breath, he stepped back and couldn’t quite believe his eyes.

He looked like –

Himself.

His skin was tanned from spending more time outside. The shirt showed off his arms, and the jeans hugged him in all the right places, and his hair fell perfectly, curling just a little onto his forehead. He looked…good. For a brief moment he considered ruining it – messing up his hair and taking off the nice clothes.

“Hello, Steve,” he said instead.

Joyce was back in the kitchen, wearing a red sundress, when he went downstairs. She was mixing cut up fruit and sprite into a large pitcher.

“Would you get the ice trays out of the freezer?” she asked as she looked over her shoulder. Her eyes widened when she saw him and she froze.

Steve clenched his jaw as she walked over to him, emotion filling her eyes as she racked her gaze over every inch of him. Her hands patted his shoulders, smoothing the fabric of his shirt.

“Oh, Steve,” she said with a watery smile. “You look great.”

The doorbell ringing saved him from having to respond, and he ducked out from beneath her hands and went to answer it.

Standing on the stoop was Robin and Eddie. He must have caught them having some kind of argument because Robin had her arm around Eddie’s neck and was in the process of hitting him in the stomach. They both froze as Steve opened the door and he fought back a sigh, taking in the two of them. Robin was wearing jean shorts, a nice summer blouse with a vest over top of it covered in buttons and a weird hat that was tilted sideways on her head. Eddie was decked in his usual attire of black jeans and a faded band t-shirt. Judas Priest, Steve could barely make out. They looked back at him, eyes wide and he hoped with his entire being that they wouldn’t comment on his appearance. He didn’t think he would survive the day if everyone looked at him like they had seen a ghost.

“Your hat looks funny.”

“It’s a beret, Steve.”

He blinked at her. “Your beret looks funny, Robs.”

She stuck her tongue out at him and released Eddie from her headlock.

“No Wayne?” Steve asked as they moved inside.

“He’ll be by in a bit. Wanted to drive himself so he didn’t have to wait for me and Robin.”

Steve nodded and they walked through the house to the back door. Johnathan, Nancy and Argyle had done a good job getting everything set up outside. Tables were lined up against the house, covered in the food that he and Joyce had spent the day cooking. A few umbrellas were scattered around with lawn chairs under them, offering a place to sit and hide from the sun and a stereo played music at a reasonable level.

Eleven came out of the back door in a light blue dress that ended just above her knees and had a white bow around the waist. It wasn’t what she usually wore, going for comfort and utility most days to keep up with the boys. Her hair was still short but she had curled it so it framed her face nicely and Steve could see a hint of makeup on her cheeks and lips. She was holding the pitcher of fruit punch, with Max just behind her holding the cups. She was wearing baggy shorts with a striped tank top. Her hair was long and wavy down her back and she had the same hint of makeup on as Eleven.

Everyone trickled in slowly over the next hour and the yard filled with the people who had been brought together by The Upside Down. There were a few awkward moments when he said hello and they took in his appearance for the first time, but they moved on quickly, probably noticing his discomfort. The gremlins fell on the food like ravenous little beasts, and conversations broke out in small groups. Hopper and Wayne were busy at the barbeque, talking about sports. Murray was with Joyce and Nancy, discussing his latest conspiracy theory. Eddie was trying (and failing) to convince Johnathan to change the music station. He was sitting with Robin under one of the umbrellas when Argyle came over.

“How are your feet, my dude?” he asked.

Robin quirked an eyebrow as a smile took over Steve’s face at the secret question.

“Still uncomfortable, but a little better every day.”

Argyle nodded and clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Better every day is the best we could hope for.”

“You should get new shoes if they bother you that much,” Robin said looking at his very normal sneakers.

He and Argyle traded a glance before they burst out laughing.  

“You’re right, Robs,” Steve said, still smiling. “But they’re really not that bad.”

She pursed her lips at him but her eyes were soft. A large gust of wind blew through the backyard, causing laughter as paper plates were torn from unsuspecting hands, hair was whipped into faces and mouths, and hats were tossed off heads. Steve smiled, watching the pure chaos as everyone ran around trying to catch everything and put it back where it belonged.  

“That came out of nowhere! There hasn’t been any wind all day,” Robin said with a bit of laughter in her voice as she went to find her hat.

Sorry. Her beret.

Every time she got close, the wind would pick it up again and move it just beyond her reach. Steve watched her struggle for a moment before he went to help. The wind was still tossing things around and it proved especially difficult to pin down. After a few minutes, they were breathless and laughing as it continued to escape them. Robin had her hands on her knees, taking a rest as Steve ran half bent over so he could scoop it off the ground.

It came to a rest at Eddie’s feet and Steve skidded to a halt, falling back on his ass in an attempt not to tackle the other man. He looked up from his position on the ground to see Eddie haloed in sunlight and beaming a dimpled smile down at him, holding out a hand to help him up.

Pretty, Steve thought and felt his cheeks warm. He shook his head quickly and grabbed Eddie’s hand, letting him haul him back to his feet. Once he was up, Eddie bent back down to grab Robin’s beret and Steve rubbed at the back of his neck in embarrassment. Hoping Eddie didn’t notice the redness in his cheeks.

“I can understand Robin having a hard time catching this, but not you,” Eddie said to him with a smirk. “That was painful to watch.”

“I heard that!” Robin said as she came up on Steve’s side, reaching out to grab her beret out of Eddie’s hand and angrily positioning it back on her head.

“That was crazy, it felt like the wind was out to get us.”  

Eddie snorted and a targeted gust whipped his hair wildly into his face and he spluttered as a bunch of it went into his eyes and mouth. Steve and Robin laughed maniacally as he attempted to get it under control again.

“Told you!” Steve said, still chuckling.

Eddie squinted at them, holding all his hair in his hands. As suddenly as it came, the wind disappeared, creating a moment of stillness and silence. Johnathan, Nancy, and Argyle came over to chat about their trip back to the city and Steve settled back a little to listen. He could tell that they were all going to miss each other and that it had been a long time since they had all got together like this. Like a family.

He couldn’t help but wonder about the parallel universes out there – If they were all having a backyard good-bye party too – and if they were… how different it felt because he wasn’t there. Which brought his thoughts to the Eleven’s he had met and if they were just then telling everyone about him – passing on his message.

He couldn’t wait anymore. Robin was beside him and he gave her a little nudge and raised his eyebrow in question when she turned to look at him. She caught on to what he was asking and nodded excitedly.

“I had another Eleven visit,” he began, loud enough for everyone to hear. “Who told me about a very different universe from ours.” Conversations drifted off as they all came closer to listen.

“Most of the Eleven’s I’ve met have all been pretty similar, but this one – ” he trailed off, letting the suspense build.  “Well, he showed up at Family Video when me and Robin were working.”

“He?” Hopper asked with surprise.

Steve and Robin nodded and everyone’s eyes widened.

“And he wasn’t the only one who was different. Their Robin is a boy named Rob and their Steve was a girl named Stephanie.”

“Wait… so, we were all – ?” Dustin started and then coughed. “Opposite genders?”

“Yup!” Robin replied with a pop.

Their minds were as blown as Steve was expecting. They all started talking at once, asking about their alternate selves and their names. He and Robin made them guess, just like Eleven had. Most were easy – Max, Mike and Erica figured theirs out right away. Some took longer than others and by the end there were only three names they couldn’t figure out – Dustin, Wayne, and Eddie, as predicted.

“There is no female equivalent to Dustin! It has to be an entirely different name,” Dustin reasoned.

“Almost every name we’ve figured out has followed the same pattern. There must be a girl’s name starting with a D that we haven’t tried yet,” Will replied firmly.

“Argyle was Gayle though,” Nancy said. “Maybe there isn’t a pattern.”

“Daisy!” Joyce suddenly guessed.

“My alternate mom, or dad I guess, better not have named me Daisy…” Dustin muttered.

“Winnie!” Murray suddenly called out from the side, pointing at Wayne.

“Correct!” Robin yelled like they were playing a game show.

“Oh, Aunt Winnie!” Eddie said and draped himself across Wayne in a dramatic fall as his uncle rolled his eyes.

They all continued to guess girls’ names that started with D and E, but they were quickly running out of ideas.

“Dus-tin, Dus-tin,” Erica was quietly repeating to herself. “Tin. Tina. Tina?”

“Yes!” Steve exclaimed with a smile, only a little surprised that she had managed to figure it out.

“Tina!?” Dustin spluttered.

Lucas nudged him in the shoulder playfully and Mike bellowed out a laugh.

“Shut it, Michelle.”

“You shut it, Tina!”

Steve immediately regretted giving the kids this ammunition to use against each other. He knew that Michelle, Tina, Willa, and Laura were going to be hurled around as insults for the foreseeable future. They all quickly turned back to trying to guess Eddie’s name, going through all the same options as Steve and Robin had tried a week ago.

Robin looked over at him and he nodded, they weren’t going to get it. Even though Gayle and Tina didn’t follow the letter pattern, those names still had some connection to the originals. Lucy Munson just had to be different, just like Eddie Munson, Steve thought.

“It’s Lucy!” Robin exclaimed.

“Lucy!?” Dustin repeated. “That doesn’t make any sense at all!”

“That’s what we said,” Robin and Steve said at the same time.

Eddie had gone eerily quiet beside them. Steve hoped he wasn’t self-conscious about the name, Steve thought it was pretty.

“Who doesn’t love Lucy?” Eddie said with a sudden grin.

“Better than Tina,” Dustin muttered and everyone laughed.

---

The whole day had been so good.

The sun had shone brightly and there was delicious food and laughter and Steve joined in like he would have before and it was… good. Easy. He felt like himself again. When he finally went to bed that night, it was with a lingering smile on his face.

But –

He really should have known better.

Part 16

@just-a-tiny-void @mx-jinxous @child-of-cthulhu @awholedamnmesstbh @phoenix0bird @bookworm0690 @estrellami-1 @a-gae-af-racoon @nailbatandfreak @novelnovella @meela86 @lenathegay @vampireinthesun @penny00dreadful @questionablequeeries @espressopatronum454 @r0binscript @seths-rogens @fruity-nerd @sani-86 @n0-1-important @swimmingbirdrunningrock @ellietheasexylibrarian @manda-panda-monium @paintsplatteredandimperfect @viridianphtalo @goodolefashionedloverboi @13catastrophic-blues @newtstabber @queenie-ofthe-void @tinytalkingtina @hbyrde36 @whole-moods

- So sorry for the delay on this one! -Bit of cliffhanger here, I hope the next chapter wont take me as long - I do have a good portion of it written up already and HOOO BOY. -As always, please tell me your thoughts and feelings! I love hearing from you all!

[armored-angel4798]

kinda how they got into the toxic relationship 🤷

A little bit of the setting:

It’s 2018 Eddie and Steve are both working fast food they are 19 years old and fresh out of high school. Eddie hasn’t come out as anything other than liking boys so they are not being misgendered!!! Steve and Robin do not know!!!! Eddie doesn’t even really know!!!!

Steve ran out of the building and climbed into the passenger seat of Eddie’s van.

“Oh my god, finally. I thought I was gonna have to come get you.”

“Sorry, I had to talk to Robin.” Steve said sheepishly, ducking his head.

They both smelled like greasy fast food but Steve was still more than happy to sit with Eddie all night in his greasy uniform just spend some time with him. Eddie’s hair was tied into a bun at the nape of his neck. His own uniform hat had been tossed somewhere into the backseat as soon as he’d gotten out to the van. Even in the gross uniforms they were required to work in, Steve thought Eddie was the most beautiful person he had ever seen. They had been friends through high school and Steve fell hard and fast, as he always does. He’d never made a move because even in 2018, small town USA had some major prejudice against gay people and while he trusted Eddie, if it wasn’t gonna go anywhere why put a target on himself? Two weeks ago Eddie told them that he might be bi. They had been smoking with Robin after work and lips were getting loose, the few secrets that they had between them slipping out with the rolls of smoke. Steve was sober enough to hold onto his crush, though it was a near thing. It hadn’t felt like the right moment to tell one of your bests friends that you had been ass over tits in love with them for nearly four years. Robin had caught him on his way out the door to convince him to tell Eddie tonight. Robin had the closing shift so they were coming back to get her for a smoke session after the store closed at midnight. They had at least 6 hours before then.

“Hey, Eds?”

“What’s up Stevie?”

“I, uh, I have something I need to tell you.”

“Hmm sounds serious. You wanna ride to my house and get outta these clothes?”

“God, yes. You always know how to treat a guy.”

Steve fluttered his eyelashes in an exaggerated, flirtatious fashion as Eddie threw his head back to laugh.

“You get the shower first when we get there. I’ll dig out your favorite shirt and sweats.”

Steve smiled to himself as Eddie put the car in gear and got them moving. Steve spent a lot of time at Eddie’s house these days, enough they he had sort of claimed a set of soft, worn sleep clothes as his own to wear any time they stay up too late or just want to get out of the nasty work clothes. It was an old oversized Metallica tshirt, black, of course, and a large pair of soft sweatpants that fall off of Eddie any time he tries to put them on. He claims the strings can only make them so tight and that it isn’t enough for him to wear them. Robin tells Steve that it’s just because Eddie wanted to see Steve in his clothes. Steve liked seeing himself in Eddie’s clothes. It made him feel wanted, even if it was all in his head.

Eddie exited the shower not too long after Steve made himself comfortable on the couch, scrolling through the tv channels for something to watch. Eddie took the remote from him at sat beside him.

“You had something you wanted to tell me?”

Eddie’s hair was damp and dripping onto his shirt that was hanging ever so slightly off of his left shoulder. His big brown eyes focused on Steve.

“Uh, yeah, well…. mmm. Now I’m nervous.”

Eddie reached for Steve’s hand.

“Don’t be, it’s just us.”

“Yeah, uhm… well, it’s… about us. I… I kinda have a crush on you.” Steve got it out and then panicked, “I know! I know you just figured out that you like guys and it’s completely okay if it’s not requited! But we’ve been spending a lot of time together and I just, uh, I felt like you needed to know because…”

Eddie kissed him. Steve was frozen. Oh, god Eddie was going to hate kissing him. Shit. Fuck. Steve knows how to do this. He has kissed people before! He can do this! Eddie pulled away before Steve got his thoughts in order.

“Steve, shut up.” oh, oh no, he’s fucked it up. Steve opened his eyes, Eddie was smiling. “I have a crush on you too. It’s kinda how I figured out that I liked guys.”

“Oh”

“Wanna go on a date sometime?” Eddie asked

“Ye… yeah, yes, of course, Eddie. I would love to go on a date with you.”

Steve kissed him again, he wasn’t a statue this time. He was ass over tits in love with Eddie Munson, there is no way this could be bad, right?

2023 realities

[firetrucks-fastcars]

My Bloody Valentine

For the @tarlosweeklyprompts Valentine's Day Fic Exchange

Gift for @noxsoulmate

“Well that was eventful,” Carlos said as he slid the loft door shut behind them, clicking the lock into place. 

“That’s an understatement babe,” TK chuckled, kicking off his shoes and moving into the living room. “I just wish we could have one normal date. I’m sorry our plans got ruined.”

“It’s not your fault baby. Why don’t you go grab a shower? I’m gonna set the alarm and then I’ll join you.”

TK looked down at himself and cringed. He’d been able to clean most of the blood off his hands and arms before leaving the restaurant, but his shirt looked like a lost cause. 

“At least it’s not my blood this time?”

“I’d prefer you not have any blood on you. I’ll soak that shirt before we go to bed, and see if I can save it.”

“Don’t worry about it, babe. They make a thousand just like it every day.”

TK stripped in the bedroom, throwing his ruined shirt in the trash and depositing the rest of his clothes in the hamper. Their date had already been ruined, he didn’t want Carlos to get more upset by the site of his clothes strewn across the bedroom floor. He turned the shower on and sat on the closed toilet lid, placing his head in his hands.

He was starting to be convinced they would never have a regular date. Natural disasters, emergencies, and other out-of-this-world occurrences had often interrupted their plans. He had hoped that the universe might be on their side for their first wedding anniversary. Unfortunately, he wasn’t that lucky. 

They’d scheduled their anniversary date months ago, knowing it fell on the weekend before Valentine's Day. Even in October, tables for the restaurant Carlos had chosen were filling up fast and he was lucky to get a reservation for them. They’d made sure to take off work well in advance, planning for their night. Carlos wanted everything to be perfect. TK couldn’t help but think about what people said about best-laid plans. 

In the beginning, everything had gone smoothly. They’d ordered drinks, Carlos specifically choosing a place with good mocktails and alcohol-free wine, which was much better than TK expected it to be. They held hands across the table as they swapped stories about their shifts from the week and Carlos didn’t roll his eyes like he usually did when TK reached across to steal some of whatever was on his plate. It wasn’t until they put in their desert orders that everything went to hell. They had been keeping a sneaky side-eye on the couple next to them. They’d been arguing quietly for most of their dinner and the two of them had been making up a backstory for them like they were soap-opera characters, trying to figure out what the problem was between them. 

The guy was twitchy, hands going to his pocket, then moving abruptly. The fifth time he bumped the table on the way back up, his girlfriend snarled at him, asking what the hell his problem was. The guy had stood on trembling legs, pulled a box out of his pocket in got down on one knee. 

Carlos cringed, squeezing TK’s hand. “I’m so glad you didn’t propose to me in public,” he whispered. 

“I learned my lesson the first time,” TK whispered back. 

Carlos made a sympathetic face but ultimately turned back to the trainwreck happening not ten feet from them. TK did the same, just in time to see the girl grab her wine and throw it in his face. He cringed, watching as the disaster continued to unfold. She began ranting about how she couldn’t believe him, that he thought a proposal would fix everything. TK found himself not being able to look away as she continued to rant. He couldn’t get the full gist of the conversation other than they never stopped fighting (which TK believed wholeheartedly) and she’d come here tonight to let him down easy. 

That right there was the true breaking point. The guy had lost it, flinging the ring somewhere across the room and beginning a rant of his own. He and Carlos watched the two of them go back and forth, heads bobbing like they were watching a tennis match. Then the man picked up his steak knife.

TK felt a bit like he’d blacked out. One minute he was watching the weirdest argument of his life and the next he was on his knees trying to stop the girl from bleeding out while Carlos restrained her boyfriend. 

TK snagged one of the cloth napkins, wadding it up in his hand and applying as much pressure as possible.

“Someone call 911!” he shouted, whipping his head frantically. 

A member of the restaurant staff approached him with a first-aid kit, kneeling next to him, “Ambulance is on the way. I have dispatch on the line.”

“Dispatch this is TK Strand, paramedic 126. I have a female with a knife wound to the neck, I think there’s damage to the carotid.”

“TK?”

“Grace Ryder, I have never been so happy to hear your voice.”

“EMS is about five minutes out TK.”

“I don’t think she has that long Gracie,” TK said worriedly. “I’ve got pressure on the wound but it’s still a lot of blood.”

“Can you get her vitals?”

“No, I’ve sort of got my hands full. Hang on. Carlos!,” he shouted to where his husband was handing off the boyfriend to the cops.

He jogged over, dropping to his knees next to him, “What do you need me to do?”

“Please tell me they train you to take a pulse?”

“They train us, doesn’t mean I have a lot of practice.”

“Do your best baby. I just need to know if she has one. Pointer and index finger on the thumb side of her wrist.”

Carlos grabbed her hand as gently as possible, placing his fingers where TK instructed him.

“There’s a pulse but it’s really hard to feel.”

“TK,” Grace’s voice was tinny across the phone speakers. “Do you have any IV fluids?”

“Check the first aid kit,” he instructed the staff member who was still lingering by their side. “Carlos I need you to take over holding pressure for me so I can start an IV.” He made to move his hands but blood began to spurt between his fingers, soaking the front of his shirt. Carlos covered his hands with his own, giving TK an opportunity to pull away before resuming pressure. 

“I’ve got saline.”

“Perfect.” TK snatched the IV bag and tubing offered to him. He did his best to prime it quickly before hanging it on the underside of the table. He did his best to clean her arm with the tiny alcohol swabs provided in the pack. He took a deep breath and let Tommy’s voice fill his brain as he mentally walked himself through the procedure.

“Okay, Grace I have fluids running. And EMS is here,” he breathed a sigh of relief at the sound of sirens and approaching footsteps. 

He stepped away, letting the team from the 105 take over. Carlos placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

“Let’s get you home and cleaned up.”

That’s how TK found himself in the shower, staring at the tile floor as dark red blood swirled down the drain. He didn’t move as the glass door opened, only shivering slightly as the cool breeze hit his wet body. Carlos stepped in behind him, closing the door and wrapping gentle arms around his waist.

“I’m sorry our date got ruined baby,” TK apologized again, dropping his head back on his husband’s shoulder. 

“TK a man assaulting his girlfriend with a knife is absolutely not your fault. I am so proud of you babe.”

“Why?”

“Because you saved her life. You were calm, you were collected, and seeing you in your element impresses me every time TK.  You’re an amazing fucking paramedic. So our date wasn’t what we planned? We have the rest of forever to make up for one bad anniversary date.”

“I love you,” TK whispered. 

“I love you more.”

TK slept better than he thought he would that night, utterly exhausted from the night’s events. When he woke, the bedroom was still dark (thank god for black-out curtains) but Carlos’s side of the bed had long gone cold. He was shocked by what he found when he padded into the kitchen.

“It looks like Valentine’s Day threw up in here,” TK chuckled, taking the mug of coffee he was offered. 

“Target was a little short on decorations so I improvised.”

“What is all this?”

“This is our anniversary celebration. I figured since our date didn’t work out as planned, we could celebrate here at home. Just the two of us.”

“God I love you.”

“You’ll love me even more when I tell you there are cinnamon rolls in the oven.”

“I’m so glad I married you.”

“Me too babe. Me too.”

[writing-rat]

Wednesday's Identity

Summary: Wednesday is trans and hides it but Enid eventually finds out

It had been a while since Wednesday and Enid started to room, and a short while after the hug. After the fight, Wednesday was a lot more affectionate with Enid, with hugs and holding arms, but not cuddled, which is what Enid wanted. Wednesday always refused however because of ‘reasons’. She would never explicitly say them though, which confused Enid but she wanted to be a respectful best friend. Wednesday had soon courted her, to which Enid agreed she would allow, and that didn’t stop her saying no to cuddles.

Frustrated at this point, Enid was going to figure it out and she was determined. This led her to her first person, or rather, Hand. Thing was denying everything though. “Is it to do with her allergy?” Enid asked quietly since Wednesday was too busy showering. Thing shook his head. ‘It’s a personal matter, I’m sorry I can’t say’ Thing signed out then. Enid sighed but nodded. “I’ll drop it for now and just go to classes,” Enid spoke as Thing swivelled around. This let Enid change in time before Wednesday got out the shower after changing.

She was too slow however as her boobs were hanging out before the bathroom door opened. “Oh, sorry,” Wednesday spoke but kept walking out as she was fully ready, and watched Enid, who was blushing like mad. “It-it’s fine babe,” she spoke embarrassed as she quickly put on a bra and her shirt, soon grabbing her blazer and was standing next to Wednesday, who was having her hands in her pockets for some reason. Enid didn’t question it as she was following Wednesday to class, skipping along as she held Wednesday’s arm.

Soon, they had reached class, where Wednesday saw the new teacher and was going over to him. Enid was confused at that but assumed it was a threat as she took an open seat and waited patiently for Wednesday. Wednesday was soon done as she was back, the teacher having nodded at something Wednesday spoke. She sat next to her girlfriend and was putting her bag down as she got everything she needed out. Her pencils, pens, and a notepad. Some pills slipped out the bag however, Wednesday cussing under her breath as she hurriedly packed them. “What’s that for?” Enid asked curiously. “It’s my allergy medicine. I take it in case I have a break out,” Wednesday spoke casually, like it was a known thing. Enid blinked in confusion but nodded, understanding.

Eventually, class was over, where Wednesday and Enid would have to disunite, and go their separate ways. Enid has potions while Wednesday had PE, which she changed in the disabled bathroom. St first Enid was questioned about it, but she had no clue but answered with, “Maybe it’s to do with her touch issue?”. Enid wasn’t confident herself, but Wednesday had confirmed it therefore it had to be true, at least Enid hoped so. — It was soon lunch time, to which Wednesday would go up to her room and write. This left Enid to her own devices, to where she walked over to Yoko, Bianca and Divina as she sat down next to them, none of the boys there yet. “Hey. How was Wednesday in PE today?” Enid asked Bianca and Divina, smiling gently at them. “Worried about your girlfriend?” Bianca teased. She then shrugged. “She was ok as usual in PE,” Bianca then answered. “Yeah, nothing happened. She did have an extreme reaction though at rubbing into a pillar and hitting her crotch but she was up immediately,” Divina spoke. Yoko was looking at Enid curiously, who was nodding. “Why?” Yoko asked curiously. “I don’t know… I think she’s hiding something is all,” Enid spoke.

Soon, Ajax and Xavier came over and were laughing as they joked with each other, Kent following behind. This led to Enid starting a general chatter as they were all talking and smiling. Near the end, Wednesday came over to the table and sat down as she was done revising for the most recent upcoming test for potions. She was near Enid, her legs crossed as she was hunched over, reading while ignoring everything. Enid, not caring wrapped an arm around her shoulder. She noted how wide they were but just thought it was apart of the Addam’s strange things. Wednesday meanwhile glared at the colourful girl next to her but allowed it. — It had been 1 week ever since Enid questioned anything, and she had gained a list of strange things. A shaver with shaving cream that was used regularly, wider shoulder, hitting her crotch causing a strong reaction (which was similar to a guys), and waking up earlier than usual. She also had pills in her bag that weren’t taken when Enid was around unlike the mineral and vitamin tablets Wednesday took openly.

She gave up on the first day however about finding the issue, trusting Wednesday to tell her one day. Wednesday was out at the bees with Eugene, as she dumped everything off quickly. This led to Enid picking up Wednesday’s stuff and moving it. Halfway through to the bed, something dropped out the front pocket and Enid bent down to look over it. ‘Oestrogen’ the label said. This confused Enid as she was wondering why she took them. She decided she would ask Wednesday later and put them on the side for the time being.

1 hour later, and Wednesday was back, wearing her uniform that was a little crinkled now. She kissed Enid’s cheek in passing, but froze once she saw the pills on the side, and blinked out of shock. Nervousness was also in her eyes but she tried to hide. “We can discuss after we shower,” Wednesday spoke and quickly left. Now Enid was more confused as she watched Wednesday hurriedly leave. She then followed after a brief moment. What she didn’t expect once she walked in was a fully nude Wednesday with a dick. She was frozen as Wednesday was too. “Surprise?” Wednesday offered.

“I’m sorry!” Enid spoke then quickly walked outside to let her shower and change. It took about 20 minutes as Enid had been laid in Wednesday’s bed the entire time, her face stuffed in her pillow. When she heard the door creak open, she was waving. A bright red Enid looked over to Wednesday, who now wore some plain black shorts and a tank top as she awkwardly walked over to Enid. “I understand,” Enid then spoke. “I’m sorry for… doing that,” Enid assured. “No. I’m sorry. I should’ve have said, but I didn’t. It’s not your fault,” Wednesday spoke. “I should’ve warned you but I was scared you would leave me,” Wednesday admitted. Enid hugged her gently and kissed her. “I still love you. You’re my beautiful girlfriend after all,” Enid responded. Wednesday had a faint smile. “Now can we cuddle at night?” Enid asked, a shocked laugh coming out of Wednesday’s mouth who just nodded. “Yes we may. But I still get morning wood,” she warned. Enid nodded and grinned. “I’ll ignore it. I’m here to support you,” Enid spoke and kissed her cheek.

[wolviecat]

Let me care about you - Wolviecat - Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) - All Media Types [Archive of Our Own]

Day 13 of the Febuwhump, "Forced to hurt a loved one".

Even with Hunter’s enhanced senses, it took way too long to notice and understand. The air in the Marauder never was exactly fresh, with five grown men squeezed into space built to house maybe three, long missions back to back without a chance to at least air out their armor, constantly failing sonic shower and the relationship some of them had to personal hygiene. Hunter would end up with constant overstimulation headaches if he hadn’t learned how to filter most of it out.

But this was new - a strange, sickly sweet smell, that mixed with the usual stench of sweat. New for their ship, at least. He remembered it from the battles, when they’d got stuck without supplies, when bacta and antibiotics had to be rationed for those who still had a shot at living. All of them had several scars, uglier that was normal in the more civilized times. But things like that needed time to set in. The last mission they were on was too short and too recent for an infection to develop far enough, so unless someone decided to ignore an injury from two, three missions back…

Unless. He could just ignore that word and start figuring out which one of the four di’kune it was. His credits were on Wrecker and his if there wasn’t an explosion, it doesn’t count as an injury atitude, but they all had their own reasons, absent-mindedness or pride or lack of self-preservation. Kriff, it wasn’t like was never guilty of the same. 

He breathed in, trying to push away all the other smells and focus on just that one. It filled his nose, sticking to the back of his throat - rotting meat, infection, fever. He followed it through the ship, to their small galley. The air seemed to be filled with it, strong enough to make him gag. 

“Echo?”

He looked up from the data pad he was reading, and smiled. It was just a little strained. He looked sick, but he looked sick from the day he had been saved from the Tech Union. Skinny, the tan skin all clones shared overcast with gray, paper-thin and almost translucent, veins visible in places, shadows under his eyes looking more like bruises no matter if he slept or not. His hair finally started to grow in, and it helped a bit, making Echo look a little less like a lab experiment the Union made him into. But he was far from healthy.

“You are hurt,” he said, not even trying to mask it as a question. He could hear Echo’s heartbeat and breathing picking up at his words - it was already elevated when he came in, but now, it went straight to panicky.

He shook his head. “I’m fi…”

“No.” Echo flinched. Hunter made sure his next words came out less like a bark. “Please, just… don’t lie to me.” He sat next to him, looking at the way his living arm was shaking, at the droplets of sweat soaking into the collar of his blacks. “I know you are in pain, I can’t help you if you don’t tell me what’s wrong.”

Echo bowed his head, teeth worrying a line into his cracked lower lip before slowly nodding. He reached for the socket around his right arm, clicking the neural connection locks open and sliding the whole scomp extension off. 

The skin on the stump underneath was even paler than the rest of Echo where it wasn’t red and scraped, ringed with bruises where the socket was digging into it. He held it gingerly up, looking almost ashamed. “I was trying to get it off sometimes, but I couldn’t get it back on after…” he mumbled: “I think it swelled up. Didn’t want to bother you with it.” Hunter bit back everything he wanted to say, even if something hurt was trying to climb out of his mouth. He needed to focus on Echo and what was hurting him. 

“Okay,” he said, voice as level as he managed. “We can find some bacta and patch you up a little before we get back to Kamino and find you a proper medic. But that thing stays off for now.”

Echo nodded. Got up.

Someone would maybe miss his bit off groan and the way his hand clenched white-knuckled on the chair’s headrest. Hunter didn’t. He noticed the pain in Echo’s face with every step. Still, he felt like kicking himself. He was supposed to know, he was supposed to understand that the injury to his arm wasn’t big enough to be responsible for the smell. What else was his point?

He grabbed Echo under his shoulder, ignoring the way he stiffened against him. “Let’s get you to bed.”

Tech’s bed. It was the closest, and relatively cleanest. He would have to apologize for the ruined blanket later.

The damage was visible even before he could even get Echo’s prosthesis off - skin blistered where it met the mechanical parts, red and puffy around the ports connecting his nerves to the data cables. Hunter wasn’t an engineer, and he wasn’t a medic either, but he was sure it could be done much better. If only someone had seen Echo as more than a subject and a source of information.

He didn’t want to think about Wat Tambor right now.

“How do I get them off?” 

Echo just shook his head.

“Please, Echo, just work with me.” There was a line of buttons on the side of the thigh socket, and he pressed one of them. The prosthesis seemed to loosen a little, but Echo whimpered, clenching his fingers in the blanket. “Is something wrong?” Hunter asked, hands shaking above the buttons: “Have I done something?” Echo shook his head again, eyes screwed shut.

“No, just… just leave it.” 

“Leave it? Echo…”

“Leave it.” He tried to make it an order, pain mixing with the clear words of an ARC trooper. “What if we get attacked? I’m already an arm down, I would be useless if I would lose my legs too.” His breathing hitched. “I can’t be useless.”

“Echo…”

“I can’t be useless. Clones have a purpose, and if they lose it…”

Hunter hugged him, sharp edges of ribs and the implants on Echo’s back digging into his arms, tight enough to stop the words tumbling from Echo’s mouth. Forehead pressed into his.

“You have a purpose,” he said, trying to keep the anger he felt out of his voice. Anger at Wat Tambor, at the Kaminoans, at their trainers. At himself. “This doesn’t change it.” He pulled back so he could see Echo’s face better. “If you want, I’ll stop. But it will get worse if we don’t fix it soon.”

Echo stayed silent for a second, before finally nodding.

“Make it quick. Please.”

Four more buttons, then safety locks where the stump insided ended. Disconnect the ports. Pull the prostheses off.

Echo threw his head back and screamed.

Echo’s prosthesis slid off, leaving behind a mess of bleeding, infected and weeping wounds, fresh and old, sores and deep bruises. Echo curled up on his side, gasping and hiccuping, teetering on the edge of consciousness.

Hunder took a deep breath.

 

“One more to go.”

 

The other leg was worse. No matter how carefully Hunter tried, the socket seemed to be stuck in Echo’s flesh, and when it finally came loose, it was with most of the skin. Hunter found himself praying for Echo to pass out, wondering if the Tech Union somehow took this option from him too. 

Their med kit wasn’t anything special, but it has disinfectant and enough bacta-soaked bandages to wrap Echo’s legs, and a hypospray with a painkiller. He pressed it into Echo’s hip, waiting for him to stop shivering before he pulled Tech’s blanket over him.

“Try to get some sleep,” he whispered, unsure if Echo is still awake.

When there was no answer, he turned away, heading for his own bed. He was exhausted, and there was nothing else he could do until they would arrive somewhere with a medical center.

Thin fingers gripped his wrist. Echo was looking up at him.

“Stay,” he whispered: “please.”

He didn’t want to lie down next to him - if he would move in his sleep, he could hit Echo by accident. He kneeled next to the bed, head resting on the lumpy mattress, his hand holding Echo’s, thumb drawing circles over his palm.

“Sleep.”

His back would be killing him the next day, he was sure. But Echo finally closed his eyes, breathing deeply in an undisturbed sleep that was so rare for all of them.

[sashketter]

The Captain and the Senator Chapter 2 Footnotes

Double the length, double the fun 😉🤭 Some clarifying thoughts:

Poor Echo lol but Mom deserves his beauty sleep 😌

Here’s how I figure the timeline: when Rex and the Batch are escaping the shipyard in “Truth and Consequences,” Rex says they need to hurry because “it’s almost morning.” The establishing shot of the Senate building immediately after is still dark, so it’s not even sunrise yet. That means when the Batch leave, it’s most likely early to mid morning. I assume then that by the time Rex and Riyo reach her apartment after Echo does his scan, it’s at least early afternoon. And with three people taking separate, consecutive showers in one fresher, it’s likely to be between 6 to 9pm by the time this chapter starts. They’ve all been awake for over a day. They’re all supremely sleepy-eepy.

Pantorans blush purple, obvs bc red blood + blue skin = purple cheeks, and I think that’s absolutely adorable. I’m working off this and this swatch, in case y’all want a visual.

I’m not going to debate Riyo’s exact age. I think it’s enough to know she’s older than in “Trespass,” and I’ll treat her as such. She’s obviously younger than Bail and Mon Mothma, but certainly not inexperienced. She’s allowed to have thots about a half-naked clone right in front of her! And y’all spent literal years sailing Foxiyo. As far as I’m concerned, Rex is a lateral move for her.

Riyo strikes me as someone who would wear nightgowns, another similarity she shares with Padmé, but I had her opt for loose pajamas because it was a Long Ass No Good Day and she just wanted to get comfortable and retain some modesty while hosting Rex and Echo.

As much as I think the clones treat their armor like a second skin and feel almost naked without it, I also think they don’t care about being half naked around other people. Certainly not around each other; it’s the same equipment, etc. And obviously, there’s room for a spectrum of modesty, but unless it’s an active battlefield, sun’s out guns out. Get ye taps aff, as the Scots wud sae.

I am of the firm belief that the clones were all horny young men who took every opportunity to get laid, Republic and Kaminoan policies be damned. I don’t think the WW2 parallels stop with the nose art.

I’m also of the firm belief that for all the anti-clone sentiments TCW seemed to suggest, there had to have been an equal amount of love for them. GAR groupies, clone fan clubs, what have you. Again, using WW2 for inspiration, there had to have been a Republic equivalent of the USO. And you’re telling me millions of Jango Fetts went completely unnoticed by the civilian population? No one wanted to bang Fives? Even if it was illegal, you don’t think some enterprising citizens wanted a taste of that forbidden fruit? How do you explain the thirsty side of TCW fan base? Be frfr, sex transcends politics.

Writing sex is hard DIFFICULT HOW DO ROMANCE NOVELISTS DO IT. There’s only so many ways of avoiding cock, pussy, clit, testicles without sounding like a prude 💀 and it was my first attempt, so I’ll get better, I promise 😉

But frenulum is a fun word lolol Kisses to everyone who uses it.

It was very important to me that they were both fresh-from-the-shower clean. Wash your bits before intercoursing, ya nasties.

Equally important was Riyo using the fresher immediately after. IYKYK.

I reference Umbara twice, if only to underline that Rex understands Riyo’s predicament more than she does. He understands what it’s like to be used as a tool against his own aims. To that end, I’m not sure the Republic divulged the full details of Krell and Umbara to the public, in the same way Palpatine never shows all his cards. They probably would’ve made Krell’s deceptions and the clones’ sacrifices known to garner sympathy, but I think only the clones who were there know the full details, things like the Umbarans’ technology and how easily the clones were tricked into targeting each other. Those things would erode public confidence in the GAR and the war, so in my mind, they’re classified.

[carry-on-my-wayward-boi]

The girl in the pool

There’s something haunting about water in open spaces.

I didn’t always think like this, I used to go to be beach rarely, and every time my family took me there, I cherished it immensely. I consider myself very lucky, I still love going to lakes or beaches (haven’t gone to a river yet, one swimmable, but I guess I would like it too), and the only sport I really imagine myself sticking with in the long term is swimming.

I go swimming every two days now, after a period of solitary confinement, I’m starting to make myself understand that I need to take care of the shape of my body, apart from the self-esteem issues, for the health problems it has been causing me for a year now.

And I’m only 19.

I don’t want to die yet, even if sometimes it seems the only sane option, I’m not that far in the line.

But I go to the pool 3 times a week now, in the last hours of the day, good thing it’s only 15 minutes from my house. And it is so expensive, how I hadn’t realized this when I was younger? I was so naïve, and honestly, I still am don’t let the occasional stream of fancy thoughts convince you otherwise,

I literally don’t know a single thing.

Sometimes it’s a relief the teacher knows me since I was 14, some days it’s tiring to pretend I’m the person I once was, when I didn’t feel like I’ve reached my peak and I’m just holding on before snapping once a week. I sound so selfish, and I know I am, and I don’t care, and isn’t that just so more selfish?

Figures, I am so better at being objective with my flaws now, that’s a good thing, right?

I hate taking a cold shower before entering the pool, it fucking punches me in the gut and takes my breath away, but once I do, I feel a little bit better. I’m too sleep-deprived to analyze that with a metaphor like I tend to do.

Not today though, today the menu is the raw special edition of self-hatred from my fucked-up mind.

Today I’m going again, and the thing that made me start writing this hasn’t crossed my mind since that day at the pool.

There’s much more pressing fears and regrets bubbling in the surface of my sea of thoughts. But I figured, it was better to put this on writing, at least to write one sad novel of my traumas, so pedantic I know. Still, it seemed so right to do it, while taking arm after arm of water without breathing. So here I am again, writing. It would be more fun if I had more time to dwell in metaphors, but I’m out of time, for everything, so this is the best I can come up with.

I almost drowned, that’s the thing.

My mom is certain I did. I don’t really know if some part of me died on that day, but I bet some did.

It was sunny, at least when we arrived at the beach. It was safe, inside a vacation complex that my friend’s family subscribed, and we were young and dumb.

I want to keep saying dumb, cause otherwise I would have to call them cold-hearted traitors, and well, they are the same friends I have now, even if not close, I can’t afford to lose them. Mom doesn’t know why I forgave them,

I guess I hadn’t, I just don’t think too hard about it.

Just four of us went farther in the water that day, the waves were sometimes strong but manageable at the height of our waists. Salty, we threw it around and I remember thinking at last the worries and sadness lurking in the lasts months of the school year shredded off me like cracking dirt. I was the only girl that went that far, most of them went back to the pool, and those knew nothing of what happened that day, so they are in the clear.

(You should know I love you; I don’t think I could if you knew I was dying and ignored it, so yeah, convenient for my brain you weren’t really there)

Because I was. Dying, that is.

Two were on the sand shores, carving in the sand with their hands, or just sitting, I really don’t know. Then, of the four of us, I didn’t realize when, but suddenly we were just one friend and me.

In his defense, he advised me not to go that far in the water, but well I did, I was completely in control, you know? You have to understand, at that age I was too cocky with everything, the way you only can be when everything has gone right for you without too much effort.

Then, I was carried away by the waves, but just some meters. When I realized it, I tried to swim back, getting a little worried when I just keep drifting away, but still in control, you know? That is until I heard yelling. It was my friend, a girl one, and currently the only one I consider a real friend from their lot.

She was in the shore, and the only one that realized I was in danger.

Figures, what good friends I have, but as I said, I fool myself into calling them careless instead, I don’t know if I can keep telling myself that.

She got into the water and went for me, calling my name. But when I asked her recently, she told me she first told the boys I was in danger, and even urged the friend I keep flirting with, to go for me.

You know what he did?

He shrugged and walked away, and then my friend went for me.

He is in Spain now, I even sent him a message telling him I missed him some days ago. He hadn’t replied to that, not to my last 5 messages in the last months, and I don’t know why I bother. He was never a friend I could rely on, I just fancied an idolized version of him he will never be, so it’s so easy for me to let him go. But knowing all that then would have crushed me, I guess time really puts things into perspective.

So, she came for me, and I remember turning around when I heard my name, and getting so worried, because she didn’t really know how to swim. Picture this, she loved me that much, she didn’t know how to swim but still tried, and ultimately, I thank her, I can’t blame her for what happened next.

I remember this so well; it’s engraved with permanent ink before my eyes and inside my lungs.

The waves were getting stronger and taller every time, I was getting scared and even began to expect them to stay below the surface when they crashed. I heard my name, turned around, saw my friend struggling and yelling, I lost focus and yelled at her to go back,

I turned to the open sea and there it was, the biggest wave yet, just some centimeters away from my face.

I couldn’t do anything, it swallowed me whole, with such a force I hope I’ll never feel again if I’m lucky.

Until then, I had been trapped and spited by some waves before, but just two or three turns, and I was free again to breathe.

But not this time

I lost count after more than 20 turns, and when I ran out of oxygen, I just keep turning, eventually inhaling water when I lost control of that.

And I kept turning, my head a mess of disconnected thoughts, but I remember what I was thinking:

My brother won’t be able to move on from my death, my family would crumble, and I wouldn’t be there to help them pick the pieces. The grief of this was mixed with denial, I denied until the very end that I would die there.

I can say I maintained my humor until the very end, cause the tone of my thoughts were on the line of “Seriously? We are going to die like this, turning like a yo-yo? God, I think the fuck not”, and honestly, I stan.

In those moments, which felt like hours or seconds at the same time, I felt like I was in space, without anything solid to bind me to the Earth and consciousness. But I had a wristband, a plastic one of a gay anime of 2016, and I squeezed it as my only tether to reality, even when I swallowed so much water, I believed I would really die.

That cheap faded blue-sky plastic gay thing really saved me, huh. 

I don’t know why god decide to let me live that day, I found myself suddenly freed of the death wave, and half unconscious, I emerged to the surface.

But the nightmare wasn’t over; when I looked around, all I could see was water in all directions.

Let me tell you, I got scared out of my mind, completely freaked out. Where was I, the middle of the sea? And the waves kept coming, bigger than before. I don’t know how my brain was still rational, I guess I’m really at least as smart as they tell me I am, because I really saved myself that day.

I decided to swim in the direction the waves went, obvious for you, but not for me in that moment, and almost was sucked into another wave, when I remembered to swim below the water to not be caught when they crashed.

Finally, I managed to see the coast.

Turns out, I wasn’t that far away, only the big waves kept me from seeing the shore.

From then, I really don’t remember much, I guess the adrenaline kept me from feeling how tired I was. I remember just vaguely touching the sea floor, walking slowly until I was in just sand. It felt so detached, like seeing a movie, I didn’t feel happy or sad,

it was like I didn’t feel anything.

There wasn’t one of the friends that were with me there, just those that were on the sand, one girl asked me if I was okay,

I don’t remember what I said.

My friend told me later, this girl saw me so pale, and that I didn’t reply, just laid there in the sand looking at the sky for a really long time.

I guess I coped like that.

I asked about my friend, the only one that tried to save, and I found her in the pool, safe with another friend and some people. She, and then they, asked me worriedly if I was okay, I only looked half-crazed at her eyes, nodded to myself that she was safe and got the hell out of there, I couldn’t stay one more minute with all those people that left me to die.

I went to the house and slept until the next day.

The following morning, I talked and told everyone that I almost drowned, and brushed their concern with a sarcastic smile, didn’t let them get too close, and even less, close enough to try to comfort me,

you weren’t there when I was dying,

not even cared enough to try to get someone who could save me, so no, you don’t get to see my vulnerable side again.

I remember fragments of the following days, I made myself got into the water the next day, so I didn’t get a trauma with the sea, I apologized to not giving her the respect she deserved, and thanked her for returning me my life, I was really grateful.

I never cried, just felt devoid of emotions.

When I returned home, my mom didn’t tell me then, but I looked half dead, and she got terrified.

You know the worst part?

Even before I was born or my mother had even met my father, my mom had gone to see a fortune teller, who told her she would have 2 sons and a daughter, but the girl would die very young, she should be careful of her.

And my mom never forgot that, not when I was born, or in every moment I was careless or didn’t reply to the phone.

I was 14, I was so young, and I should have died that day.

When I came back, and my mom realized I had survived, she cried the whole night with relief, she never told me this until some days ago I asked. It breaks my heart to know how much she carried on her mind without my knowledge. She made my whole family pray to the gods to return the part of my soul that had gotten scared and left my body, and the next day I was okay.

That was 5 years ago, and sometimes I remember that no one saved me when I was dying, not even one of the friends I would have died to save would do that for me.

Maybe they didn’t realize I was in danger, but again,

I would have.

I can’t forgive them, maybe I shouldn’t, it got me trust issues that run deep and that I don’t like to acknowledge,

I saved myself, I always do, and it will always be like that.

It makes me feel cold, I can’t rely on no one, I don’t want to even, to my family, not to be a burden, even barely coping with madness. I shut it all inside so mom won’t have to deal with all my jumbled thoughts. It’s toxic of me I know, but I have time to unpack all the trauma when I’m on my own, for now she is more important.

But I remembered this whole episode when I was swimming the other day, which have never happened before, and it shook me. I felt trapped, oppressed under the enormous mental weight of the water on me.

I guess the mental craziness was extra spicy that day that decided to serve a dish that was very buried inside.

I still feel like I’m pushing it all inside, I haven’t really allowed this wound to heal, and I’m too afraid I’m too weak to really look it in the eye without losing control of my sanity. I’m a makeshift of strength on the outside, inside everything is crumbling and I wonder how I manage to still be in one piece.

I got very good at pretending and crying without sound.

[bryanevansduff]

The Only Thing Worse Than Taking Cold Showers Is Listening To Someone Tell You Why You Should Be Taking Cold Showers

You probably think you have the whole “living healthy” thing figured out. You eat right, you exercise, you get enough sleep and avoid stress, but there’s one big thing you’re missing out on: listening to me, one of the most obnoxious people you will ever meet. And I’m here to tell you about why you need to take cold showers.

You’ve probably started to regret talking to me long before I brought up the benefits of taking a cold shower every day, but that’s certainly not going to stop me from talking about it. I’ll start by asking you if you already take cold showers, which you, of course, do not, because you’re not a full-on freak-a-zoid like me and you enjoy the whole “comforts of modern life,” lifestyle for some reason. Once you admit you’re missing out on torturing yourself, I will make you feel bad about not doing something totally inconvenient - something you only do when your landlord is negligent with the water heater or you stay at a bad hotel. Believe me, I will NOT back down from this: I will come at you with the conviction of an ancient priest performing a ritualistic exorcism, but the only thing I’m trying to rid you of is any semblance of body heat.

Next I’ll go on and on about how good taking a shower the temperature of Lake Minnetonka in late January is actually good for you. Not that it actually is, or not that I actually understand why it would be (I barely passed biology in high school), but I can totally recap what I’ve heard about it on several podcasts with Navy SEALS and Finance bros, and if there’s anything people love more than Navy SEALS and Finance bros, it’s hearing podcasts recapped to them. I mean, do you want to burn more fat in your body? Do you want to create more brown fat in your brain? Taking a cold shower both burns and creates fat! I think, at least - it definitely has some affect on fat. Anyway, it’s very good for you. Sure, you can listen to “doctors” and “scientists,” who say that there is no real benefit to taking a cold shower - not even for muscle recovery - but there are a lot of things that they get wrong, namely the things that I have decided to be against. These are usually the things that get the most attention, or the things that I frankly understand the least. Thanks for listening, by the way. You being an audience is really encouraging me to be terrible!

Even if getting pelted by icicles every morning isn’t good for you, it’s still good for you. Basically, your life is not challenging enough and you need to include some voluntary hardship to make yourself tougher. Take it from me, the softest person you will ever meet: taking a cold shower for a few minutes every morning makes me feel like I could have been a professional athlete (I couldn’t) or a guy who fought valiantly at Gettysburg (I would have ran away) or the dude who stopped 9/11 (I probably would have helped the terrorists get into the cockpit in the hopes that they somehow spared me from the plane crash). Also, if you start your day out with something hard, like an indoor ice storm, the rest of your day only gets easier. That makes me feel better about my life, and rather than making any real changes like “talking to someone about my mental health issues,” I’d rather just implement something into my routine that looks cool on an Instagram story.

This is seriously the life hack that has turned everything around for me, even though next time you see me I will have totally forgotten about this conversation or that I even tried taking a cold shower for like 2 days. Because by then, I’ll be telling you all about something new, like why you need to eat raw meat or get up at 4:00 am. Hopping from one game to another is what’s going to give my life meaning until I reach the ultimate life hack (dying).