#I'd wish them luck on the show but they don't need it. They stay ready to kill it. Always.

[downtherabbitholewithlucy]

🤘🏻Our rhythm section boys ready to fuck shit up🤘🏻

[mikachacha]

𝙾𝚗𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙶𝚒𝚛𝚕𝚜 (𝙸𝚗𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚌𝚝𝚘𝚛! 𝙱𝚊𝚍𝚊 𝙻𝚎𝚎 𝚡 𝚂𝚝𝚞𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚝! 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛)

Synopsis: Bada has a reputation for sleeping with her students that she likes. So when she asked you to stay back after class, you knew what that meant and you wouldn't say no to her offer.

Warnings: smut, totally nsfw, riding, choking, a bit of hair pulling. MDNI. R18+ only

(A/N: so this is from a req from my good friend @jhopes-whoopee-cushion who's unfortunately on leave or idk if they've got another account but yeah, this request is from last year 😅)

╔═*.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.*═╗

One of the Girls

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✨💛✨💛✨💛✨💛✨💛✨💛✨💛✨💛✨💛✨💛✨💛

"I heard she slept with Nika a week ago.."

"Really? I also heard she slept with Hana.."

Hushed whispers from students gossiping inside the studio greeted you as you entered. It's your first day being in this class and you're already hearing wild gossips about the instructor. Now, you haven't personally met your instructor, Bada Lee but if the rumors are true, she might be really good looking or good at what she does basing from the things you're hearing.

"I'd gladly have her ruin me.. She's so hot!" you heard a girl squeal out and some laughed. Since you didn't know anyone, you mostly kept to yourself until the instructor walked in. You looked at her, she's tall, she exudes both masculine and feminine energy at the same time that seems to drive most people wild. Well you could definitely see why so many people are going crazy over her. She's absolutely gorgeous and that gorgeous being just looked at you, gave you a smile and even winked at you. You could pass away happy right there and then if you were being honest.

"Good morning everyone! I see that everyone's here, especially our Y/N, the latest addition to our little group here. Why don't you stand up, Y/N and show us some moves?" Bada's voice rang through the spacious studio and you got up from where you were seated, bowing to everyone and saying thanks to the others who wished you luck.

Of course you didn't come unprepared so you asked Bada for a bit of help so you can connect your phone to the speakers to which she gladly helped. She's also curious about you. You looked quite confident as you stood there in front of everyone, ready to perform. To say that Bada was only mildly impressed is a huge lie. As soon as you began dancing Water, she knew she wanted you. She would stop at nothing to get a taste of you even just for a night. The way you moved hypnotized her, just watching you dance made a fire inside her burn.

After you were finished, the room erupted with cheers and applause and you were glad, smiling and thanking them. When Bada personally praised you, you couldn't help yourself but blush though you knew that you'll just end up like one of her girls. The others could also sense it and they kind of felt bad for you considering you're just a newbie and Bada has already set her eyes on you. On the other hand, they're also a bit jealous since they've been trying hard to get Bada's attention for so long but a newbie took her attention instead.

It went on for weeks, Bada blatantly flirting with you when she's not teaching. Of course, she still needs to keep it a bit professional but she just couldn't resist you. She thought you were easy but she didn't expect you to give her a run for her money when you played this little cat and mouse game with her. You'd lead her on and shoot her down, you'd give her hope that she might get a taste of you but then tell her you're just playing. If she's gonna make you like one of the girls she slept with, might as well play with her was your mindset the whole time. Of course you wouldn't deny the one and only Bada Lee if she wants to get a taste but only if you want.

"You're quite good at keeping me coming, Y/N.. So alluring, and so playful.." Bada whispers as it was only you and her left at the studio. Everyone has left already after the class considering that it's Friday and a very nice night to go and have a drink with friends. You would've done the same but you had other plans.

You turned to Bada, a sly smirk on your lips as you played with her hair. You're shorter than her though some would comment that you got her so wrapped around your finger and that you're the boss now. You wanted to test out that theory tonight.

"Oh? But I was barely doing anything.." you looked up at her, feigning innocence but both of you know that you're far from being one.

"You know my reputation, don't you? I'm curious as to why you're playing this game with me, Y/N.." Bada had pinned you against the wall, her lips just hovering above yours and waiting for you to tell her to stop and say that you're just messing with her but you didn't. You had a mischievous glint in your eyes and even initiated a kiss with her that stunned her a bit.

It was slow, sweet yet it also mixed the lust and desire that you have for each other. Today, you have decided to finally give in and be one of Bada's girls even just for a night. You don't care if she pursues someone else right after. You just want to have a taste and the feel of Bada fucking you like how she fucked those other girls before you.

"I'm completely aware and Bada, I could hardly give a shit if I'm just a game to you. Someone you could toy with until you get what you want and discard right after. I don't give a fuck about all those things. What I care about right now is you, fucking me and making me one of your girls.." your bold statement shocked Bada but she'd be a fool to deny you. You're literally telling her that you want her the same way she wants you.

"Yeah? You want to be fucked, Y/N? So pretty yet so filthy.." Bada chuckles and pulled on your hair, tilting your head back so she can have easier access to your neck. She placed kisses there before giving you a small nip which stung a bit but also turned you on so much. You couldn't wait to feel more.

It didn't take long for Bada to take you home. Both of you couldn't keep your hands to yourselves as the anticipation is becoming too much. You just wanted her to take you right there and then in the living room but Bada managed to usher you inside her bedroom, where the real fun started.

Her kisses felt like tiny bolts of electricity coursing through you while her long fingers pumped in and out of you, playing and preparing you for what's about to come. Her mouth trailed south, kissing and suckling on your breasts that got you gasping for air and arching your back for more. It was so good. It felt too good to stop and you could feel yourself getting closer and closer to your orgasm. Just as you were about to reach your peak, Bada stopped and pulled her fingers out, placing them in your mouth and letting you have a taste of your own juices.

When she was done lapping up each and every drop, she lets you recover and grab the strap on from her drawer. You looked at the size of it, it was fairly big and when Bada asked you to ride her, you could've sworn you got wetter. You climbed on Bada's lap, straddling her while she slowly guided you down to the strap on waiting below. It went in smoothly as Bada did add enough lube so you wouldn't hurt yourself and you appreciate the care she's put into this intimate moment.

"Look at you, pretty girl.. So good taking it all down like a champ.." Bada praises that got you blushing madly as you started to bounce up and down, riding her with the best that you can. It was pretty hard keeping your rhythm as the pleasure began to take over your senses as every time you came down, the tip would hit all the right places that makes you see stars and your knees to quiver.

"Fuck.. Bada.. Feels so good!" you moaned out as she held you by the waist and began to control your speed. And the way she would thrust her hips to meet yours just made your moans louder and more pleasure build up until you couldn't hold in your orgasm much longer. You came while Bada continued to fuck into you, prolonging your pleasure.

"That's right, baby.. Moan for me.. You're so pretty when you moan my name as you cum. Makes me want to do it more and more.." Bada says as she lightly choked you while you continued to bounce up and down. You couldn't form a coherent thought or could even remember when Bada has flipped you on to your hands and knees and began fucking you from behind. Every thrust made you see stars, your knees are weak from all the sensation you're feeling but Bada's holding you by the waist. The position made her go even deeper and reach places that you never knew felt good and Bada's making sure to let you know that only she touched those areas and basically ruining you for other men and women alike.

"Bada! Bada.. Fuck.. I'm gonna cum!" you moaned out, your knuckles going white from how hard you were gripping the sheets beneath you and Bada only responded by pulling on your hair, forcing you to rise until your back was against her chest. She placed kisses along your neck and even placed some bites along the way. You could hardly care especially when your third orgasm rolled it. It was the third and strongest one of all three that it knocked the air out of your lungs and you could swear that you passed out for a few seconds from how good that was.

Bada lets you calm down and regain your breath before she pulls out and sets you down gently. She leaned against the headboard of her bed, playing with herself as she watches how fucked you currently looked. It was a proud moment for her seeing you looking to dazed, seeing those marks she made on you and how your legs quivered from all the orgasm she gave you.

Seeing that she was playing with herself, you crawled between her legs and began to help her reach her own orgasm. You suckled on her breasts while your thumb fiddled with her clit. You matched the pace of her fingers and soon, Bada was reaching her own climax. She flashes you a smile before pulling you in for a sweet kiss, a complete opposite of her kisses from earlier.

"You're so great, Y/N.. I hope this isn't just a one time thing for us." Bada says as you were snuggled against each other. You turned to her, kissing her cheek.

"From how many times you've made me cum, I sure hope this isn't a one time thing. You fucked my brains out and I would love to experience that again.." You said and Bada could only chuckle, nodding her head. You may be one of her girls now but you sure are her favorite among them.

[blueesnow]

(4/6) Sumeragi Kira's Private Story [Utapri Live Emotion]

Ch 1: (unlocked if you reached intimacy lvl 6 with Kira)

-Theater's Dressing Room- Haruka: Excuse me. …Oh, Sumeragi-san! Kira: …Nanami. Did you…come here to see the play? Haruka: Yes, I was hoping to say hello to you before the show begins. Actually, I'm going to be in charge of the soundtracks for the next production. Kira: …Yeah. I've…heard about it. Haruka: I'm looking forward to be working with you. Sumeragi-san's role is a calm and cool character that was popular even in the original work, right. Haruka: I've heard that the next work will delve deeper into his background, and he will have even more highlights than this one. Kira: It was…a good role. I…took a liking to it. Kira: Everyone…had high expectations of it. Showing a half-baked acting…won't work. The other members…also helped me a lot while practicing the action scenes. Kira: Right now…I'm satisfied with how it went. Thanks to everyone's supports… Haruka: Fufu, looks like you're all ready and set to go. Kira: I'm just…doing as best as I can. I…want to give it my all on this play. (choices) <I'm looking forward to it.> Haruka: I'm getting excited to see what kind of play it would turn out to be. I'll be looking forward for the show's opening. Kira: If there's…someone I know from the audience seats. …I won't feel nervous. Kira: I'm going to show you…a memorable performance. Something that can serve…as a reference for your songwriting. <Good luck!> Haruka: I'll be supporting you from the audience seat, so good luck! Kira: Thank you. I'll make sure…to answer those feelings. Kira: The opening of the show…started with a gunfight scene. I…hope you don't miss it. (back to story) Kira: It's time…to go. …I'll be going now.

Ch 2: (unlocked if you reached intimacy lvl 11 with Kira)

-Theater- Haruka: (It's finally starting. I'm getting nervous…) Haruka: (Whoa, it's so intense…! According to the original work, Sumeragi-san's character should appear after this…) Kira: "Sorry for making you wait so long. …Looking at the situation, you seem to be having a really hard time." Haruka: (…Wow…) Kira: "You're quite soft-hearted, y'know. If I were you, I'd pull the trigger without any hesitation." Kira: "You'll get attacked once you give them just a slight opening, it's how this kind of world operates. Try to be more rational… Tch!" Kira: "Thinking about what is right is a waste of time. All you need to do is just shoot them back at this moment. …If you don't want to die, that is." Kira: "I've taken one down…and we got three more enemies to go. Looks like they're underestimating us. Let's go and finish them off by 5 minutes." Haruka: (He stays calm while strongly pulling the main character along. …S-So cool!) Haruka: (I've heard that he's good at drama theater, but I didn't know he was actually this good…) - Kira: Phew… It all ended…without any problems. Haruka: Pardon my intrusion. Good job on your work, Sumeragi-san! Kira: … Is something…wrong? Haruka: That was an amazing play…! I was especially moved by Sumeragi-san's performance… Um, would it be okay if I tell you my impressions of it so far? Kira: …Okay. Do…as you like.

Ch 3: (unlocked if you reached intimacy lvl 21 with Kira)

-Downtown- Haruka: *sigh* …Oh no, I've really screwed up. Haruka: (I was so moved that I ended up sharing my thoughts to him one-sidedly. Even though Sumeragi-san was already tired after the play…) Haruka: (I appreciate it that he listened to me but, maybe I've taken up his kind words for granted and all I've done is just bothering him even more… I should be more careful next time) - Kira: (Nanami… She seemed to like the play very much. I wish I could have at least say something back to her earlier) Kira: …Maybe I should send her a message. Kira: "Thank you for coming to watch me today"…No, wait. I didn't even invite her or anything…this is wrong. Kira: Where should I…start first? Maybe…an apology? I wasn't able to respond…to her comments right away. Kira: I'm just not good…at verbalizing my thought. If it were a dialogue script…then I'd have no problem with it. Kira: Let's at least write a thank you…that I didn't get to say to her earlier. She also seemed…so focused watching the play too. Kira: …Thank you. The way you smiled as you shared your impressions to me…was really encouraging. Kira: Your words…really struck a chord in me. I'll keep them in mind…and remember to apply it in future. Kira: Next is…be careful…on your way home. I also can't wait…to hear your work in the play. Kira: …This will do. I hope that…it can convey my gratitude to her. - Haruka: (I've got a message… Oh, it's from Sumeragi-san. Whoa…what a thorough and polite message…!) Haruka: (I'm really glad that he liked my feedback. I'll respond back to him as soon as I get home…!)

Ch 4: (unlocked if you reached intimacy lvl 31 with Kira)

-Hotel Lobby- Haruka: (This must be the place we're supposed to meet, right… Oh, he's right there) Kira: …An exhibition, huh… Haruka: (He's looking at a poster? Oh… There's actually a pottery exhibition going on at this hotel right now) Haruka: (If I'm not wrong, Sumeragi-san's hobby is a pottery, right. Perhaps, he'd like to go and see it…?) Haruka: …Sumeragi-san. Sorry for making you wait so long. Kira: …Nanami. No…you're perfectly on time. It's no…problem. Haruka: I'm glad to hear that. Thank you for taking the time out of your precious day off to meet me today. Haruka: Since Sumeragi-san's character will have more highlights in the next production, I was hoping if I could hear more about him from you in order to get a better image for the soundtracks. Kira: …Don't worry. Music…has a huge impact after all. Kira: And besides…I wanted to make this an amazing play. Those feelings…are the same with mine. …Let's go. Haruka: Um, before that… If you don't mind, can we go and take a look at this exhibition first? Kira: …No. Pottery and music…are different, aren't they? I don't think it would be helpful…for your references. Haruka: That's not true. I think that being exposed to different types of art genres can be quite stimulating for your brain. Kira: Is that…so? … Kira: …I understand. Well then…let's go and stop by for a bit.

Ch 5: (unlocked if you reached intimacy lvl 41 with Kira)

Ch 6: (unlocked if you reached intimacy lvl 51 with Kira)

[themultifandomgal]

Antonio- Hen Party

Neither Antonio or I wanted a hen party or stag do, but our friends insisted that we at least do something, so 8 months after we got engaged we all head to Mollys for a few drinks. 

"What will it be?" Herrmann asks me and Antonio behind the bar 

"I'll have a beer. YN?" Antonio looks at me 

"I'll have the same" I tell Chris while balancing Lucas on my hip. Herrmann hands Antonio and I our drinks, Toni takes them and we find a table to sit at. I place Lucas on my lap and give him a place mat to play with 

"So how does it feel? Next week your going to be a Dawson" Gabby says sitting across from us with Matt, both cradling a beers

"Any wedding jitters?" Matt asks earning an nudge of Gabby 

"Not on my end" Antonio looks at me 

"I'd be less worried if we were just going to the courthouse. I just have a feeling something is going to go wrong"

"Well it will with that attitude" 

"What could go wrong? I've made sure everything's perfect" Gabby smiles at me 

"I know I know"

"Everything will go to plan, don't worry" Antonio places a kiss on my temple before going back to his beer. Lucas starts to get fussy throwing the drinks mat on the floor 

"Let me have my nephew" I hear Jay say coming up from behind me. As soon as Lucas sees Jay and Will he stretches his arms out wanting to be picked up. I hand him over to Jay "hey buddy, it's passed your bedtime" 

"Ha I wish. He hasn't been going to sleep until 12 at night the last two weeks. Don't get me wrong once he's asleep he sleeps until 7 in the morning" I tell Jay. 

An hour later Laura shows up with Eva and Diego 

"YN, dad!" Eva shouts running over to us 

"Hey sweetheart" Antonio ruffles her hair and gives Diego a hug "Laura" he acknowledges 

"I'll pick them up tomorrow evening. Just don' be out to late" 

"We won't" I try to reassure her 

"Yes well considering you have the baby here I would expect you both to be leaving at a sensible time" 

"Mum the baby is called Lucas" Diego corrects his mother 

"Right well I'll see you both tomorrow. Be good" she gives them a kiss on the cheek before looking back to me and Antonio "I'll takes Eva's bridesmaids dress and Diageo’s suit tomorrow"

"But final fitting isn't until next Wednesday" I frown 

"2 days before the wedding is cutting it a bit fine. They aren't going to grow in the next 5 days. I don't even know why your having this wedding, Antonios track record isn't really..."

"Laura that's enough" Will warns 

"I'm just saying that he's not had the best of luck when it comes to marriages"

"You were the one who filed for divorce not Toni, you couldn't handle being a detectives wife"

"Because my son was taken!" Laura yells at Gabby 

"I think you need to leave"Voight says walking over to us 

"Fine. I'll have their things tomorrow" with that she turns and leaves Mollys 

"I'm sorry" Antonio turns to face me 

"I knew what I was getting into when I started dating you. Crazy job hours, crazy..."

"Ex" Jay mutters under his breath earning a nudge off me 

"She's worried that we are rushing all of this. She's scared that I'm going to walk out of the kids lives"

"She should know by now that your not, your in this for life.....aren't you?"

"Of course I am" I place my hands on Antonio's face "I'm not going anywhere"

"Good because neither am I" Toni leans down and kisses my lips. 

Like we promised Laura, we don't stay out for too long, plus Lucas has started to get crabby, so we all head off home. 

I change Lucas's diaper and clothes to get him ready for bed before I can start getting myself ready for bed

"Goodnight my little man" I place a kiss on his head and sooth him to sleep before placing him in his crib. I then go to the bathroom to wash my face, brush my teeth and put on one of Toni's shirts. Climbing into bed, Antonio is already there waiting for me 

"I'm sorry YN, this isn't probably what you had envisioned when you thought about a husband" 

"What do you mean?" I frown looking at Toni

"I mean you probably didn't want a divorced man with two kids and an ex wife who doesn't know when to stop sticking her nose into my business"

"Maybe not, but do you know what I did want? I wanted a man who would love me no matter what, a man who loves his kids, a man who trust me, a man who I can trust and I have that and so much more with you. No life is perfect, but with you I have close to perfect as possible. I love you Antonio and I can't wait to be your wife" 

"I love you to YN" I cuddle up to my fiancè  and fall asleep in his arms.

[carpememes]

Oban Star Racers Starters (part 2)

"Good thing I ate light."

"How was today's training?"

"They're making good progress. You'll be very happy."

"Me, me, me. A simple 'good luck' would be nice just once."

"Thinking about your dad again?"

"Now's the time to show Daddy what you're really made of."

"Unfortunately my dad happens to be a complete jerk."

"Keep digging. Remember I don't like surprises."

"Out of my way! I need this victory!"

"Cut her some slack, you're just gonna freak her out."

"I asked you to coach them, not me."

"What do you think I'm doing? Knitting you a sweater?"

"You did the best you could to stop them, but they still won the race."

"Maybe it's time you got a life."

"My life is perfectly fine as it is, thank you."

"I'd sure hate to be your son. Or for that matter, your daughter."

"You really have no sense of adventure."

"We're racing. Or was that not obvious enough for you?"

"I cut all links to my past in order to survive."

"I can't believe you managed to keep this from me all these years."

"Let's get out there and kick some alien butt!"

"You'd think I'd be more relaxed by now, but it's just the opposite."

"The higher we climb, the more I fear our fall."

"I don't make a habit of befriending opponents. It can lead to disappointment."

"I'm counting on you, my darling."

"Have you ever known me to be careless, honey?"

"I know that wicked creature."

"If we don't get him, he'll get us!"

"This creature is evil. We have to get rid of him, trust me."

"I'm asking you for the last time! Come to your senses!"

"I know who you are. You're not alone in life."

"I wish you would never have left me."

"Your optimism is commendable but I find that unlikely."

"Our relationship has always been rather tense, wouldn't you say?"

"If I was your daughter, I'd never want to see you again!"

"I just wanted to cheer on the kids."

"This is much better than being in the hospital."

"I do this under protest."

"Not even I could have pulled that stunt."

"Please don't look at me this way. It only makes it harder."

"It's time for me to think about my new life."

"You could sleep through anything."

"They've not been locked in. We've simply been locked out."

"I could stay here forever."

"Don't even breathe. Run for your life when I say go."

"I'm told he won't bite."

"On my planet, when you make a promise you keep it."

"Any attempt of a competitor's life is strictly forbidden!"

"If you're ready, we're off to the races!"

"I'm just keeping an eye on him. There's no law against that is there?"

"We don't need a dad to come along."

"I hope you're pleased with yourself. I was scared, you know!"

"Next time you're thinking of going on a little stroll, you're on your own."

"Where on earth have you been? We've been worried sick!"

"I'd advise you not to take my authority lightly."

"So long, pretty boy, I'll send you a card."

"I refuse to believe it's the end of the world."

"Oh great. Let them eat somebody else."

"That man is totally heartless."

"I never miss a music recital. Would you care to join. me?"

"No need to worry. ___'s in good hands."

"Oh, brilliant shortcut. We should just announce ourselves."

"You'll find heaters in the storage area."

"What'd she do? Steal from your shop? Leave her hotel room without paying for it?"

"She was up all night waiting for your call."

"I'm gonna win the race today!"

"I knew today was my day."

"So many possibilities... It's beautiful."

"The day a tin can gets the better of me I quit."

"Looks like we have a clear night tonight."

"I've never had a chance to ask you much about your life."

"I see. An only child. Your parents must've smothered you."

"If I were your daughter, you'd know it immediately."

"I hope you haven't forgotten our special date."

"Tonight's our anniversary. How could I forget that?"

"You really pulled out all the stops tonight, haven't you?"

"You married a racer, not a dancer."

"I've never actually waltzed before."

"I wish every night could be like this."

"Why, look who's here. It's my little champion."

"My poor baby. It's okay now, we're back."

"You've made me the happiest man in the world."

"Space would be a terrible place for me to die."

"Have you gone mad? We cannot stop half way."

"Stay away from me. For your own protection."

"Forget we were ever friends."

"Let's stick to the official theories, if you don't mind."

"I've wanted to tell you this for a long time, but something always seems to get in the way."

"Of course, if you don't feel the same way, I totally understand."

"You don't have to say anything. I'll just leave these flowers here and wait outside."

"Why did you change?!"

[orecchinodoro]

2/2/2024

'Tis the season, I thought. Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, feast Friday.

The highway was alive, though just barely, three lanes all stuck in first gear and full of steering wheels guided by spent, wrung-out hands. I had just let another song in my queue play out, wasting another tune I was too embarrassed to join in on at a stoplight. Sure, there was a chance the panhandlers with the cardboard signs on the medians weren't reporting back to a ringleader in a minivan every few hours like the ones back in New Hampshire used to, but I still didn't want to look dumb in front of them or anybody else.

Everyone's grandparents told them to eat three square meals in a day if at all possible, and although I was running on an iced coffee and a grilled and buttered homemade English muffin from hours earlier, I had cooked up three figurative square meals for the people I work for, only one of which I felt satisfied serving.

Diana, the drag queen I'd been sitting across from at the coffee shop when I ate that English muffin, told me that I needed to start putting spiritual protections in place while I got ready for the shows I did, saying prayers between layers of eyeliner, and she was right in more ways than she'd realized. The people who watch me tear new sounds out of my guitar under neon beer signs in dirty bar corners are one thing, but I should've cast a protection spell the minute I woke up, before my phone rang and a thirteen-letter bad luck name flashed on the caller ID.

At that coffee shop table, I was wearing more eyeliner than Diana, who was safely hidden under a warm winter hat and a pair of glasses I didn't know she even needed, and when we left I stood taller and more defensive with each line of the diss track bumping on the speakers. She wished me luck, I wished her the same, I went my way into battle.

I won the battle, but I still had to fight the rest of today's war, and I figured a hungry warrior deserved a celebratory feast, so I was sitting on four wheels pointed towards a soft shell crab leg po'boy and a slice of pecan pie with my name quite literally on it. Mardi Gras season indeed.

A block or so away, I couldn't help but remember through the thoughts of remoulade and seafood clouding my mind that I was in fact feasting too much this winter. When something good happens to you, you only stay a good person if you pass some part of it along to everyone around you - I used to think "when I have the funds I'll give everything I don't need to someone who does." Now that I had the funds, I was dropping them on sandwiches and vinyl reissues of the '70s soul albums I used to overhear late at night on radio stations I was too young to know existed. Teddy could preach to me through five decades of static and the veil between worlds, but I've been cynicized, wax sealed off from the pavement on the other side of my boots, and that's why I could hear his warm raspy voice in perfect clarity from my old couch.

Do I have to wait until Ash Wednesday to start fasting?

[bi-bard]

I Just Wanna Stay in That Lavender Haze - Michael Gray Imagine (Peaky Blinders)

Title: I Just Wanna Stay in That Lavender Haze

Pairing: Michael Gray X Reader

Based On: Lavender Haze

Word Count: 1,159 words

Warning(s): family being invasive, shaming

Summary: Michael's family has grown used to (Y/n) being around. Maybe that familiarity has allowed them to feel too comfortable asking questions that they shouldn't.

Author's Note: I have missed this show. Also, I don't know why I picked John for this. It just felt right for some reason.

MIDNIGHTS - TAYLOR SWIFT WRITING CHALLENGE MASTERLIST

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

I wish I could pinpoint the moment that going out for a drink made my shoulders feel so heavy. When it started making my stomach churn with anxiety. When my mind became a wheel of constantly nagging thoughts all boiling down to one thing: do not go.

I always tried to ignore them. I wanted to do the right thing. Be the bigger person. Continue to hold my head up high.

I was starting to have trouble seeing the point.

"Can we not stay home tonight," I asked, looking at myself in the mirror.

"I have some business to attend to," Michael explained as he walked over. Had he always been so vague when describing things? I couldn't remember at this point.

I took a deep breath, forcing a grin as I nodded.

He saw through it. Somehow.

He walked over and pressed a slow kiss to my lips. It lasted just long enough for me to consider trying to distract him into staying here tonight.

"One drink," he said. "Then, we can come home and enjoy our evening."

"Enjoy our evening," I repeated. A smirk pulled at Michael's lips. "Whatever could you mean by that, Mr. Gray?"

"Get through the drink and I'll make sure you understand."

I bit my lip before nodding.

Another kiss was pressed to my forehead before he left me to finish getting ready.

The night started decently enough.

I was enjoying myself, letting myself relax just a bit as Michael went off to have whatever talk he needed to have. I had spotted a few people muttering to each other, but they'd never say anything to my face. The only true lucky part of being involved with the Peaky Blinders at all.

The same courtesy of the outside spectators was not shared by the members of the Shelby family, I learned.

They had always been the... strangest when it came to casual conversation. With me, at least.

There were layers. Some were subtle. Small references to my "past before Michael" or to what they believed was a lack of commitment. Some were very blunt about the topic. To them, I was a terrible choice for Michael. I was bad luck.

But he didn't care. He would still look at me and love me with no hesitation. It was everything I could ask for.

But no amount of love could stop the nervous lurch in my stomach whenever a member of the Shelby family decided to share their thoughts.

Tonight's volunteer was John.

I had just gotten my drink, allowing myself a moment next to the actual bar as I looked out at the crowd.

"Evening, (Y/n)," he muttered, waving for a drink.

"Good evening, John."

"Didn't expect you tonight."

I shrugged. "Michael mentioned having business to attend to. He let me join."

John nodded. I grinned at him.

"How are you and Michael," he asked.

I grinned. "We're good. Happy."

"Been with each other a while now."

I nodded. He wasn't going to jump around this one, was he?

"I'd ask if you were trying to take things slow, but we both know that's not the case."

There it was.

My jaw clenched a bit, "Excuse me?"

John just had a smirk on his face as he brought his drink up to his lips. He wanted me to react to him. Embarrass myself completely.

I almost did.

And then, a hand touched my lower back. I looked over at Michael for a moment. He had a worried look on his face as he glanced between me and John. He had heard John's statement.

Michael's hand touching my back seemed to be what I needed to speak up again.

"Are you asking if Michael's going to make an 'honest one' of me," I asked. "Does it truly upset you to not know every detail of our lives?"

No answers.

I clenched my jaw at that.

"(Y/n), come on," Michael mumbled into my ear.

I glared at John for a moment before forcing my eyes to soften. I pressed a kiss to Michael's cheek and nodded. He stepped back, offering his hand to me.

My next movement was admittedly dramatic. Dramatic enough to spill the cup I had placed on the bar right onto the front of John's shirt.

I pretended to be embarrassed, panicked, "Oh, John. I'm so sorry. I should be more careful. Never know when simple mistakes can cause big problems."

Michael grabbed my hand gently and led me outside.

We walked in silence for a while. My arm was wrapped around his. I couldn't tell if he was upset with me or not.

I had never stood up to anyone in his family. I had gotten very good at biting my tongue and forcing a grin. Tonight was a rare occurrence.

"I'm sorry," I muttered to him. "I just... I have grown so tired of listening to comments like that."

Michael didn't respond. I stepped away from his arm, instead just holding his hand.

"I don't understand this obsession with us. I'm either not committed enough to you or I'm simply not good enough because of some supposed past, which is completely fabricated," I explained. "How am I meant to impress them at this point? It's hopeless. They are all convinced that they know what's best for us. But I am perfectly happy where we are. Happier than I've ever been. Where do they have the right-"

I squeaked a bit when Michael stopped walking and pulled me into a kiss. His free hand cupped the back of my head, holding me in place. I entertained the moment for a matter of seconds before I pulled my lips away from his.

"You can't just kiss me whenever I get upset," I muttered. "This is a real problem, Michael..."

"I'll talk with them," he promised, hand still resting on the back of my head, one finger starting to draw small circles. "Tell them to stop."

I wanted to believe that it would all be this simple. That all he needed to do was speak the words and they would all drop the topic. But I couldn't shake the feeling that it may not have been enough.

"And if they don't listen," I asked quietly. I felt guilty for asking. Selfish. But I would never shake the weight in my stomach if I didn't ask. "What happens then?"

He took a deep breath. "We'll sort that out when it comes to it."

I nodded.

"But know that you will be my first priority," he added.

I never imagined that a single sentence could stop my heart as fast as that one did. He stepped back and continued our walk home.

"Michael," I said as he moved. He looked at me again. "I love you."

A grin pulled at his lips. "I love you too."

I smiled back at him before leaning my head on his shoulder and continuing our walk home in silence.

A comfortable, perfect silence.

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

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[dragon-kazansky]

Made with love | Helmut Zemo

Chef Zemo AU! 👨‍🍳

Gender neutral reader

Collage by @realremyd

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Part 8

Helmut Zemo was waiting outside of the airport with his car. He parked as close as he could to the doors, right where you should be able to see him when you came out.

It had been a month. You had gone back home to sort out your affairs, with the help of your darling friend Wanda Maximoff, and had done everything you needed to. Things you had sent over were now tucked away safely at home.

Your home. The one you would now share with him.

He checked his watch for the hundredth time in the last ten minutes. He had closed up the restaurant today, wanting to spend it all with you. He just wanted you back in his arms.

Every time the doors opened he would wat h the crowds with Ken eyes, waiting. Yet, you hadn't come out. He sighed as he waits.

Both you and Wanda assured him you would arrive in time. You were even bringing another friend to stay a while.

Over the last month you had been constantly messaging and calling one another. Mostly about all these plans you had cor the restaurant, but also about the two of you.

Helmut promised that once you had moved in, he would spoil you. He was going to make you so very happy.

The doors opened again. His eyes focused on the crowd. His heart began to race and his lips curled into a smile.

There you were. Just as beautiful as he remembered.

Your eyes found his. Friends instantly forgotten, you run toward him. Helmut pushes off his car, opens his arms wide, and meets you about halfway. You collide into him. His arms are instantly wrapped around you and his lips claim yours.

Wanda and Natasha stand by, watching you.

Natasha had heard lots about this Helmut Zemo. Though Wanda was your best friend, Natasha was a special friend too. She was protective over you and wanted to meet the man who had stolen your heart.

Wanda coughs loudly.

You pull away from Zemo, but kept your arms around him, turning to look at your friends with a sheepish smile.

Helmut wasn't even looking at your friends. He could see only you.

"This is Natasha, my other friend. I've told her all about you," you say, looking at him.

"It's nice to meet you," he says, glancing at her. She nods.

"Likewise."

His eyes turns back to you and he has that goofy smile on his face again. He unlocks the car and let's you all in, obviously with you sitting upfront with him.

"Any news on Stark?" You ask, once the car sets off.

"He is doing well. His restaurant is a success."

"And Escorpión Morado?"

"Still open."

You don't like the look on his face or the tone of his voice.

"Helmut?"

He glances at you.

"Stark is stealing my customers. Business is declining and I don't think we have much time before it's out of control."

You look at him, lips tugging into a frown.

"Good thing I'm here then."

He glances at you again, his own lips curling into a smile.

"Yes. It is."

He drives you to the apartment, the girls follow you both up to where Zemo lives and you all enter the main living space.

"My new home."

Helmut comes up behind you and snakes his arms around you, pulling you into his chest. He kisses your cheek and then rests his head in your shoudler.

"Our home."

Wanda taps Natasha on the shoulder and they make their leave, going to stay at the hotel. Once the door closes behind them, Helmut turns you around and kisses you again.

"Welcome home."

You smile softly.

"Thank you."

You were a Sokovian citizen now. It was a lot more straightforward than you had thought.

You're very happy to be here.

"So, the restaurant. I take it it's not open today."

"No. I let Sam and James have the day off so I could meet you and bring you home. Your things are in your room."

"Thank you, but still, are you prepared to go through with this?" You ask.

"Yes. Help me save my restaurant. I need you."

You smile.

"I know you do."

You take both of his hands in yours and hold them, squeezing them lightly.

He smiles handsomely at you. He's never felt so lucky in his life before.

"Where do you want to get started?" You ask.

"What did you have in mind?"

"Well, obviously the menu is important, but what if we start planning the new look for your restaurant. Let's show Stark that with have both good taste in food and interior design. I was doing some shopping and found a fee things. Want to check them out?"

He nods. You ask him to take a seat while you fetch your laptop. You open it on the table in front of you, as you sit next to him.

You're sitting nice and close. His arm settled right next to yours. His knee nudges yours lightly as he rests his elbows on his open lap.

You open up all the tabs you had saved.

"You really have been doing your research," he chuckles.

"I have. New furniture, new floors, new decor and lights. You can pick everything, it is your restaurant. Remember, we're not replacing the restaurant, we are sprucing it up, giving it a new look."

He smiles softly as he looks at you.

"Well, take a look, Helmut."

He turns his eyes back to the laptop, wishing to look at you little longer. He scrolls theough the choices and you make notes on all the things he likes. You help him because what looks good with what, and before you know, you can almost see how it will look.

A couple hours later you get a message on your phone.

Wanda: Breaking in the mattress yet? ;)

You: OMG, WANDA, STOP!

Wanda: What have you been doing then?

You: Redesigning the restaurant. What about you and Nat?

Wanda: Drinks!

You roll your eyes and reply:

You: Not surprised. Have fun! See you later.

You put your phone down and ignore any incoming messages after that.

"Are you hungry?" Helmut asks, raising from the sofa.

"Yeah, actually."

He holds out his hand. You take it and let him pull you up and lead you into the kitchen. He only let's go of your hand to grab his apron and put it on. He then, very smoothly, moves around the kitchen grabbing ingredients.

"What are you making?"

"Schnitzel," he grins at you.

"Is there anything you can't cook?" You chuckle. It's very clear this man has done some globe trotting of his own.

"Many things, but I can also make many things too," he winks at you as he sets up a pan, ready for cooking.

You come to stand beside him. He presents two pieces of pork which he quickly works on pounding thinly. He sprinkles them with salt and pepper.

"Have you ever had schnitzel?"

"No. Which I should be ashamed of considering I have been to Germany."

"Then it will be my honour to give you your ever first!"

You chuckle softly.

He slides over to the empty space of his counter and puts down a bowl and two plates. One plate with flour and salt, the bowl with eggs which he let's you beat, and the final plate with breadcrumbs.

This man's own kitchen is stocked with everything he could need. As you look at him in his own kitchen, which you suppose you can also call your own now, you realise just how much he loves cooking.

"I'll do the first one, you can do the second one, alright?"

You nod.

You watch as he picks up the first piece of pork. He coats it in flour on both side, then into the egg on both sides, and then into the breadcrumbs. He shakes off any excess and pops it into the pan he prepared.

"You next."

You pick up the other piece and do exactly as he had done. Into the flour, into the egg, into the breadcrumbs. You shake off the excess like he had done and he steps back as you place it in the pan.

What you didn't expect was for him to cage you in. He lifts one of your hands to the pan and stands right behind you as you now both cook.

You can hear his soft breathing in your ear. The hand he has resting on your hip make your spine tingle. You're very much aware of how close he is to you.

His lips brush against your ear.

You shiver involuntarily.

He chuckles softly, his breath brushing the shell of your ear.

Before you can think too much about what he's doing, he promptly take the schnitzel out of the pan and onto a plate with paper towels on it. He leaves you rather quickly, going to pick up some leafy salad from fridge.

You take a deep breath and try to keep your composure. God, the way he makes you feel!

He returns and plates up the schnitzel, slicing a lemon and placing the slices on top of each one, serving with a bit of the salad.

He turns to you with a smile.

"Schnitzel."

You chuckle and take one of the plates. You both sit down and tuck in. Once again you're left blown away by this man's skill, but there was also the fact you helped.

Zemo makes a low moan after eating some of his.

"This is good."

"I should hope so, you made it."

He chuckles, looking at you.

"Actually you did. This is the one you prepared."

You look down at his plate. He had purposely taken the one you had done. You smile softly.

"You're eating my one?"

"Yes."

You bite your lip shyly. Once again he leaves you a shy blushing mess.

When you finished eating, Helmut cleaned up, though you did make a fuss about helping him. After losing that little argument, you headed to your room.

For a spare room it was big enough for you. You could fit in quite nicely here. You unpacked your cases and spent a bit of time planning on where this is would go or what you would need to buy. This was your space. You would make it your own.

A knock on the door had you sitting up on your bed. Your handsome chef enters the room and smiles at you.

"What do you think?" He asks.

"I like it."

Helmut sits down on the bed with you and pus you into his side. You cuddle against him, feeling content.

"I'll get to see you every day now."

You chuckle softly.

"Yes. Lucky bastard, aren't you?"

"I'd say so."

You kiss him softly. He places a hand on your cheek and looks at you with the softest gaze.

He almost wants to say it.

He doesn't.

Not yet.

You smile softly as you close your eyes and sit with him in the quiet room.

Today is the beginning of the next chapter of your lives.

@namethathasnotbeentaken @belle82devart @cathrin2405 @lieutenantn @wilder-fangirl @latenightartist-author @lucky-luck-lucky @hb8301 @charistory @thatoneartgalsstuff @thesuitkovian @malkaviangirl @zemosimp420 @realremyd @the-chaotic-cow @lostghostgirl94 @zafiro-draco @lazygurl05 @pinkcutiepiee @goddessofmischief03 @whovianayesha @myybebe @awesomesauce-abbie @that-stupid-head-tilt-thing @swooning-for-mc-avoy @nonamec0s @apparrio @scuttle-buttle @alex-the-nb @my-blood-is-maple-syrup @greeneyedblondie44

[kookie-doughs]

Y/N L/N AND THE HALFBLOODS

Percy Jackson X Reader

-Y/N L/N met Percy Jackson and everything is now ruined.

Chapter 22: Then It Ended

As soon as we came, Annabeth ang Grover tackled me. We were the first heroes to return alive to Half-Blood Hill since Luke, so of course everybody treated us as if we'd won some reality-TV contest. According to camp tradition, we wore laurel wreaths to a big feast prepared in our honor, then led a procession down to the bonfire, where we got to burn the burial shrouds our cabins had made for us in our absence.

Annabeth's shroud was so beautiful—gray silk with embroidered owls— Percy told her it seemed a shame not to bury her in it. She punched him and told him to shut up. Percy being the son of Poseidon, he didn't have any cabin mates, so the Ares cabin had volunteered to make his shroud. They'd taken an old bedsheet and painted smiley faces with X'ed-out eyes around the border, and the word LOSER painted really big in the middle.

As I was still unclaimed, Hermes cabin had made me one. (Just... IDK go crazy with your shroud IG) It was fun to burn. As Apollo's cabin led the sing-along and passed out s'mores, Percy and I was surrounded by my Hermes cabinmates, Annabeth's friends from Athena, and Grover's satyr buddies, who were admiring the brand-new searcher's license he'd received from the Council of Cloven Elders. The council had called Grover's performance on the quest "Brave to the point of indigestion. Horns-and-whiskers above anything we have seen in the past." The only ones not in a party mood were Clarisse and her cabinmates, whose poisonous looks told me they'd never forgive us for disgracing their dad. That was okay with me. Even Dionysus's welcome-home speech wasn't enough to dampen my spirits. "Yes, yes, so the little brats didn't get themselves killed and now they'll have an even bigger head. Well, huzzah for that. In other announcements, there will be no canoe races this Saturday...." Going back to the cabin I finally had time to talk to Luke. Who just expressed his relief of me being fine, and how he was scared when Annabeth told everyone about me. No wonder everyone was so shocked seeing me come back with Percy. On the Fourth of July, the whole camp gathered at the beach for a fireworks display by cabin nine. Being Hephaestus's kids, they weren't going to settle for a few lame red-white-and-blue explosions. They'd anchored a barge offshore and loaded it with rockets the size of Patriot missiles. According to Annabeth, who'd seen the show before, the blasts would be sequenced so tightly they'd look like frames of animation across the sky. The finale was supposed to be a couple of hundred-foot-tall Spartan warriors who would crackle to life above the ocean, fight a battle, then explode into a million colors. As Annabeth, Percy and I were spreading a picnic blanket, Grover showed up to tell us good-bye. He was dressed in his usual jeans and T-shirt and sneakers, but in the last few weeks he'd started to look older, almost high-school age. His goatee had gotten thicker. He'd put on weight. His horns had grown at least an inch, so he now had to wear his rasta cap all the time to pass as human. "I'm off," he said. "I just came to say ... well, you know." I tried to feel happy for him. After all, it wasn't every day a satyr got permission to go look for the great god Pan. But it was hard saying good-bye. I'd only known Grover a year, yet he was my oldest friend. Annabeth and I gave him a hug. She told him to keep his fake feet on. I asked him where he was going to search first. "Kind of a secret," he said, looking embarrassed. "I wish you could come with me, guys, but humans and Pan ..." "We understand," Annabeth said. "You got enough tin cans for the trip?" "Yeah." "And you remembered your reed pipes?" "Jeez, Annabeth," he grumbled. "You're like an old mama goat." But he didn't really sound annoyed. He gripped his walking stick and slung a backpack over his shoulder. He looked like any hitchhiker you might see on an American highway. "Well," he said, "wish me luck." He gave Annabeth and I another hug. He clapped Percy on the shoulder, then headed back through the dunes. Fireworks exploded to life overhead: Hercules killing the Nemean lion, Artemis chasing the boar, George Washington (who, by the way, was a son of Athena) crossing the Delaware. "Hey, Grover," Percy called. He turned at the edge of the woods. "Wherever you're going—I hope they make good enchiladas." Grover grinned, and then he was gone, the trees closing around him. "We'll see him again," Annabeth said. July passed. I spent my daysplanning out strategies with Luke for capture-the-flag and making alliances with the other cabins to keep the banner out of Ares's hands. I got to the top of the climbing wall for the first time without getting scorched by lava. From time to time, Percy and I would walk past the Big House, he'd glance up at the attic windows, and think about the Oracle.

I tried to convince him that its prophecy had come to completion. "You shall go west, and face the god who has turned." "Been there, done that—even though the traitor god had turned out to be Ares rather than Hades." "You shall find what was stolen, and see it safe returned." "Check. One master bolt delivered. One helm of darkness back on Hades." "You shall be betrayed by one who calls you a friend." Percy recited. "Ares had pretended to be our friend, then betrayed us. That must be what the Oracle meant.... Or maybe Nereid?"

"And you shall fail to save what matters most, in the end." He sighed. "I had failed to save my mom and lost you..."

"So why are you still uneasy?" The last night of the summer session came all too quickly. The campers had one last meal together. We burned part of our dinner for the gods. At the bonfire, the senior counselors awarded the end-of-summer beads. Percy and I got our own leather necklace, and when I saw the bead for my first summer. The design was pitch black, with a sea-green trident shimmering in the center.

"This is so beautiful..." I smiled to Percy. "The choice was unanimous," Luke announced. "This bead commemorates the first Son of the Sea God at this camp, and the quest he undertook into the darkest part of the Underworld to stop a war!" The entire camp got to their feet and cheered. Even Ares's cabin felt obliged to stand. Athena's cabin steered Annabeth to the front so she could share in the applause. I'm not sure I'd ever felt as happy or sad as I did at that moment. I'd finally found a family, people who cared about me and thought I'd done something right. And in the morning, most of them would be leaving for the year. * * * The next morning, Luke called me. He gave me a paper, telling me to fill it out, and asked me to meet him as soon as I could. I knew Dionysus must've filled it out, because he stubbornly insisted on getting my name wrong: Dear (WRONG NAME) , If you intend to stay at Camp Half-Blood year-round, you must inform the Big House by noon today. If you do not announce your intentions, we will assume you have vacated your cabin or died a horrible death. Cleaning harpies will begin work at sundown. They will be authorized to eat any unregistered campers. All personal articles left behind will be incinerated in the lava pit. Have a nice day! Mr. D (Dionysus) Camp Director, Olympian Council #12 That's another thing about ADHD. Deadlines just aren't real to me until I'm staring one in the face. Summer was over, and I still don't know what to do. I had no where to go to. The only option I had was Percy's or maybe Hades was not joking about inviting me back to the Underworld. Sighing I decided to just meet Luke before filling it for second opinions. The campgrounds were mostly deserted, shimmering in the August heat. All the campers were in their cabins packing up, or running around with brooms and mops, getting ready for final inspection. Argus was helping some of the Aphrodite kids haul their Gucci suitcases and makeup kits over the hill, where the camp's shuttle bus would be waiting to take them to the airport. I was walking around looking for Luke. I jumped when I felt someone tap me from behind. I instinctively unsheathed my knife and turned only to see Luke with his hands raised.

"Whoa! Calm down just me." He laughed.

"Kinda weird seeing someone laugh at a knife pointed at them." I smirked sheathing my knife.

"I only laugh since its you." He smiled and ruffled my hair. "Are you done with everything?"

"Not really. I don't know whether to leave or not yet. That's why I came. Help me?" I asked him.

He turned to me and to the forest. "How about you hear me out about something... important and private... then decide?" He gestured towards the forest.

"Not planning on killing me are you?" I squinted at him.

He gasped. "Not you. Never. I would never hurt you."

I let him lead me to a shrouded area of the forest.

"How serious is this thing that you can't let anyone see? I am blindly trusting you here Luke." I laughed nervously. But when he didn't reply I felt something was off. "Luke, okay this isn't cool. How deep into the forest do we have to go?"

"Y/N remember when you said... You want to be the person I trust...? How you promised to help me?"

"Luke?" He took my hand and pulled me sharply. I winced at how hard he pulled me. "That hurts! Let me go!"

He snapped back and let go of my wrist. "I-I'm sorry... Y/N..."

As much as I knew I had to leave, I couldn't I was worried about him. I reluctantly placed a hand on his shoulder. "What's happening?"

"I did it..." I said and sat on the ground. "I swear I didn't mean to get you hurt. But, I confess to everything. I  stole bolt and helm, I summoned the hound, I gave Percy the cursed shoes... And just now, I tried to kill Percy Jackson." He looked at me with empty eyes.

I shot up and looked at him in emotions I couldn't put in words. "W-Wh---" I wanted to leave and check on Percy. But once again, seeing him right now... I need to stay with him. "Why are you telling me this...?"

"Join me... please?" his voice was weak. He sounded vulnerable. "Let's serve my Lord together..."

"L-Luke... no. I-I can't do that!" I took his shoulder, "Y-You should stay with me instead. How about that, huh? L-Let's explain to Chiron and the others... come on please. I could help you!"

Nothing was working.

"Come with me..." He muttered.

"Luke, I won't join you. You have to change your mind. You can't do this."

"I can't change my mind."

"I can help you with that? How about you go with me huh? I could spend all my time doing this and that. Please, just change your mind."

He didn't reply for a while until he whispered, "Promise me."

"Promise you what?"

"You'll stay with me."

"What? Luke I wo--"

"You won't join... Just...don't stay here for the year... and stay with me."

"I-If I stay with you... what would that mean?"

"Yo-You... might change my mind."

"I'll go." I replied with no hesitation. "I'll leave camp for the year. And I'll find my parent to prove to you that Gods and Goddess aren't all bad. We'll find my parent together."

"I do my lord's bidding--"

"You can still do it. If you want to. But whatever happens... stays only between us. I'll stay with you until I change your mind. And I'll bring you back to camp."

"I would never do anything to ruin your trust in me." He knelt down. It was kinda awkward but hey... "I need you."

Worry not hero. We shall stay.

"Please..."

We'll meet again. Wait for us, we shall join you soon. Now leave.

I had no idea what happened since when I came to Luke was gone and there was no sign of him anywhere. How were we going to st---

We will meet him once we leave. Now go as our hero needs us.

I suddenly remembered Percy's state that Luke had told me about. So I ran. I ran to the Big House

***

Percy finally opened his eyes. He was propped up in bed in the sickroom of the Big House, his right hand bandaged like a club. Argus stood guard in the corner. Annabeth and I sat next to Percy, I was holding his nectar glass and she was dabbing a washcloth on his forehead.

"Here we are again," Percy said. "You idiot," Annabeth said, "You were green and turning gray when we found you. If it weren't for Chiron's healing..." "Now, now," Chiron's voice said. "Percy's constitution deserves some of the credit." He was sitting near the foot of the bed in human form. His lower half was magically compacted into the wheelchair, his upper half dressed in a coat and tie. He smiled, but his face looked weary and pale, the way it did when he'd been up all night grading Latin papers. "How are you feeling?" he asked. "Like my insides have been frozen, then microwaved." "Apt, considering that was pit scorpion venom. Now you must tell me, if you can, exactly what happened." Between sips of nectar, he told them the story.

I bit my lip trying to keep what happened between Luke and I private. It was a risky move that would not be approved by anyone after all. The room was quiet for a long time. "I can't believe that Luke..." Annabeth's voice faltered. Her expression turned angry and sad. "Yes. Yes, I can believe it. May the gods curse him.... He was never the same after his quest."

Percy was looking at me as if checking what was my reaction to his story. "This must be reported to Olympus," Chiron murmured. "I will go at once." "Luke is out there right now," Percy said. "I have to go after him." Chiron shook his head. "No, Percy. The gods—" "Won't even talk about Kronos," Percy snapped. "Zeus declared the matter closed!" "Percy, I know this is hard. But you must not rush out for vengeance. You aren't ready." "Chiron... your prophecy from the Oracle... it was about Kronos, wasn't it? Was I in it? Y/N? And Annabeth?" Chiron glanced nervously at the ceiling. "Percy, it isn't my place—" "You've been ordered not to talk to me about it, haven't you?" His eyes were sympathetic, but sad. "You will be a great hero, child. I will do my best to prepare you. But if I'm right about the path ahead of you..." Thunder boomed overhead, rattling the windows. "All right!" Chiron shouted. "Fine!" He sighed in frustration. "The gods have their reasons, Percy. Knowing too much of your future is never a good thing." "We can't just sit back and do nothing," He said. "We will not sit back," Chiron promised. "But you must be careful. Kronos wants you to come unraveled. He wants your life disrupted, your thoughts clouded with fear and anger. Do not give him what he wants. Train patiently. Your time will come." "Assuming I live that long." Chiron put his hand on Percy's ankle. "You'll have to trust me, Percy. You will live. But first you must decide your path for the coming year. I cannot tell you the right choice...." I got the feeling that he had a very definite opinion, and it was taking all his willpower not to advise me. "But you must decide whether to stay at Camp Half-Blood year-round, or return to the mortal world for seventh grade and be a summer camper. Think on that. When I get back from Olympus, you must tell me your decision." "I'll be back as soon as I can," Chiron promised. "Argus will watch over you." He glanced at Annabeth. "Oh, and, my dear... whenever you're ready, they're here." "Who's here?" Percy asked. Nobody answered. Chiron rolled himself out of the room. I heard the wheels of his chair clunk carefully down the front steps, two at a time. Annabeth studied the floor. "What's wrong?" Percy asked her. "Nothing. I ... just took your advice about something. You ... um ... need anything?" "Yeah. Help me up. I want to go outside." "Percy, that isn't a good idea." Percy slid his legs out of bed. Annabeth and I caught him before he could crumple to the floor.

I said, "I told you ..." "I'm fine," He insisted.

He managed a step forward. Then another, still leaning heavily on me. Argus followed us outside, but he kept his distance. By the time we reached the porch, his face was beaded with sweat. But we had managed to make it all the way to the railing. It was dusk. The camp looked completely deserted. The cabins were dark and the volleyball pit silent. No canoes cut the surface of the lake. Beyond the woods and the strawberry fields, the Long Island Sound glittered in the last light of the sun. "What are you going to do?" Annabeth asked us. "I don't know." Percy replied. "I got the feeling Chiron wanted me to stay year-round, to put in more individual training time, but I'm not sure that's what I want. I also don't want to leave you both with Clarisse only." Annabeth pursed her lips, then said quietly, "I'm going home for the year, Percy." He stared at her. "You mean, to your dad's?" She pointed toward the crest of Half-Blood Hill. Next to Thalia's pine tree, at the very edge of the camp's magical boundaries, a family stood silhouetted—two little children, a woman, and a tall man with blond hair. They seemed to be waiting. The man was holding a backpack that looked like the one Annabeth had gotten from Waterland in Denver. "I wrote him a letter when we got back," Annabeth said. "Just like you suggested. I told him... I was sorry. I'd come home for the school year if he still wanted me. He wrote back immediately. We decided... we'd give it another try." "That took guts." She pursed her lips. "You won't try anything stupid during the school year, will you? At least ... not without sending me an Iris-message? Both of you?" Percy managed a smile. "I won't go looking for trouble. I usually don't have to."

"You already know my plans."

"When I get back next summer," she said, "we'll hunt down Luke. We'll ask for a quest, but if we don't get approval, we'll sneak off and do it anyway. Agreed?" "Sounds like a plan worthy of Athena."

She held out her hand. Percy shook it. She gave me a hug. "Take care, Seaweed Brain," Annabeth told Percy. "Keep your eyes open."

"You too, Wise Girl."

Then turned to me, "Good luck on your own quest Droopy."

"Of course Peabody." We watched her walk up the hill and join her family. She gave her father an awkward hug and looked back at the valley one last time. She touched Thalia's pine tree, then allowed herself to be lead over the crest and into the mortal world. "I made my decision." Percy said. "What's yours?"

"I'll be leaving camp... I'm going to look for my parent..." He looked at me in shock. "I'll be back next summer," I promised him. "I'll survive until then."

"Alone?"

I smiled at him.

"Don't you want to stay with us? Mom said---"

"I want to find my parent. I need to. I'll be fine Percy."

I helped Percy to his cabin so he could pack and went to mine. To my surprise I see a middle-aged man with an athletic figure slim and fit with salt-and-pepper hair, and a very familiar sly grin. He had bags at his foot.

"Delivery for Y/N L/N."

"Uhm..."

"Hermes." He said.

I froze and looked at him with wide eyes.

"Personally packed. As a thank you for what you're about to do." He smiled softly and handed me the bags.

"H-Huh...?"

"For helping Luke."

"I..."

Don't forget her mail!

Ooh! And tell her to bring us snacks next time we meet since it'll be often now!

No it wouldn't be often! She'll be with Luke!

"Both of you keep quiet." Pulling out a mail he handed it to me. "Luke... prayed to me telling me about your plan. He asked me to help you. I don't know what or why he did it. But I know he'll change thanks to you. So do guide him."

"Sorry you lost me at the talking air..." I blinked.

Hermes laughed and showed a caduceus. "It's just George and Martha."

"Hi?"

Hello!

Hi

"I just wanted to let you know. No god or goddess could see you. No matter how hard they tried. So your secrets.. are really secrets. Good luck on your travel."

Next time we meet you should have snacks.

Then he vanished.

Staring at the letter on my hand, I was stunned seeing it was from... my mom and dad.

Sweetie,

You've made quite a friend here.

-Mom and Dad.

I immediately knew where to look. I hurriedly took my bags not bothering to check the contents. I ran to Percy's cabin and helped him out so we could leave.

Percy got a cab and looked at me worriedly.

"I'll write you. Stay safe Arthur Curry." I ruffled his hair and watched him go.

I didn't know where to go so I just went to the first secluded area I saw.

"You have more stuffs than when you arrived." I heard someone behind me.

"You prayed to your dad. I hope he knows how to pack." I sighed turning to him. Turning around I barely made out Luke from the few days I last saw him. "You okay?"

"Do you know where to look first?"

Call upon our hound.

I whistled, I don't know why. But when I did, D/N came out of the blue. Luke looked at me and my dear dog, who was probably bigger than the hound he'd summon back then. "How do feel about L.A?" I said riding on D/N and making space behind me for Luke.

~~~END OF BOOK 1~~~

Previous | Book 1 Masterlist | Series Masterlist

END OF BOOK ONE!!! THANK YOU FOR READING YLATHB I HOPE YOU ENJOY!! I'LL PUBLISH BOOK 2 WHEN I'M DONE OR EVEN AT LEAST HAVE WRITTEN 5 CHAPTERS OF THE BOOK 2 ;))

I HOPE TO SEE YOU NEXT TIME!!!

Taglist?

@gayer-than-the-gayest-gay @the-natureofme @booknerd-3000 @katara720 @ynfics

[princess-of-inarizaki]

Happy Birthday, Kuroo Tetsurou!

Ahhh! It's my darling Kuroo-chan's birthday today, and in order to hype it up, I've been taking a small break from requests (I hope everyone understands) in order to post this

Kuroo has always been a character I greatly admire, not only because of his strikingly gorgeous visuals (I mean sorry mate, S4 Kuroo just reinvented the word "pretty"), but also because he's a massive nerd who manages to balance both sports, and studies, whilst being the hugest sweetheart ever.

I'm a total Oikawa kinnie, but sometimes, I find myself wishing I were more like Kuroo too.

Anyways, he deserves lots of love and appreciation, because albeit being fictional, he has brought so much comfort and love to the hearts of many, and he deserves to be celebrated.

I love you, Kuroo-chan <3

Sleeping over at his house.

Character: Kuroo

Warnings: none

Nekoma had just finished an extremely grueling practice session, and with the sky looking bleak and storm clouds threatening to pour, you hurried them to go home quickly.

“Guys, you need to go home! I don't want you caught up in the rain, so you'd better hurry.”

Yaku looked at you affectionately and ruffled your hair, leaving shortly after, and Lev and Fukuga ran out whilst screaming about something.

How chaotic, you thought fondly.

Kuroo walked over to you, concerned. He gently straightened your ponytail from behind and smiled.

“all better now, chibi-chan. Aren't you leaving too?”

You blushed. Although you were extremely close to everyone on the team, and it didn't affect you when the other members were affectionate with you, Kuroo seemed to always make your body heat up and your cheeks go warm, whenever he did the smallest of things.

“um yes, I'll be leaving now too”, you replied, softly, as you hitched your bag higher.

“Can I walk you home? I'd hate it if anything happened to our precious manager.”

You nodded silently, as Kuroo bid a quick goodbye to Kenma. That puzzled you. They always walked home together, but now Kuroo was leaving him just to walk you home?

“On second thought, you don't have to worry about me, Kuroo! I'll be fine. You and Kenma should walk home together.”

Kuroo pretended to not hear you and ruffled your hair, the same way Yaku did, pulling you along with him.

A few minutes later, you were in front of your house. You rang the doorbell, expecting your mother to be home, but only silence greeted you.

The storm clouds above grew darker with every passing minute, and Kuroo's concerned eyes were on you.

“is everything okay? Do you have a key?”

“no I don't” you confessed sadly.

You suddenly remembered that your parents wouldn't be home for the night as they've gone to visit someone, and would only be back the next morning.

They told you to take the house key in the morning, but because you were so frazzled and busy thinking about making breakfast for the team, it completely slipped your mind, all which you told Kuroo.

Kuroo immediately held your small hand in his huge one and pulled you along.

“you'll stay over with me, okay Chibi-chan?”

You wanted to refuse, seeing how you might be a burden to him, but you also knew Kuroo never made empty statements about things he didn't mean.

You gently rubbed the top of his hand with your thumb and smiled.

“thank you so much for the offer, Kuroo”

+.` |

You reached his house in a few minutes, and he opened the door, letting you go in first.

“my sister should be home soon, but you should take a shower and freshen up, Chibi-chan.”

You nodded quickly, immediately cheered up by the prospect of a hot shower, and walked into the bathroom Kuroo showed you to.

He gave you a pair of pants that belonged to his sister, and an unimaginably huge hoodie.

You kissed his cheek in thanks and closed the bathroom door, already begining to shower.

Kuroo blushed softly, as he sat by his desk and began doing chemistry homework to calm his nerves.

He thought you were beautiful, and as luck would have it, you were staying over. He didn't want you to feel uncomfortable, but at the same time, he hoped this would be a good opportunity to tell you how he felt.

His fingers touched the spot where your lips had kissed his cheek, and he smiled giddily.

Meanwhile, in the shower, you were singing and slowly cleaning yourself.

When you were done, you wore the clothes, but the hoodie seemed really big. Maybe Kuroo's sister likes wearing oversized clothing, you thought to yourself.

You walked out of the bathroom feeling much more cleaner and refreshed than before, as Kuroo saw you and his cheeks immediately went red.

“Is something wrong?” you asked tentatively, feeling awkward. Do I look bad? Is it my hair?

He shook his head, and took a few clothes from a drawer, silently walking to the bathroom to shower himself.

Once he was safely inside, he gasped. How did you manage to look so adorable in one of his hoodies like that? It was almost like it engulfed your tiny frame, and yet still kept you warm and cozy.

+.` |

A while later, you and Kuroo were cuddling whilst watching a movie on TV. Despite you refusing, he scooped you up in his arms, and that's how you were in his embrace, with a studio Ghibli original playing on screen.

Kuroo smiled, satisfied, as he saw your expression change with different parts of the movie, and his arms wound tighter around you.

He loved you, he really did, and he couldn't help but tip your chin to his face and look into your eyes with a deep and burning passion.

“chibi-chan, I love you.”

The movie played on, but you couldn't even focus. You only had eyes for Kuroo Tetsurou now, and in response to his confession, you gently kissed his lips.

He smiled into the kiss and continued, pulling the back of your head closer to him.

“I've been wanting to do that for the longest of times” he whispered softly as he buried his face in the crook of your neck, obviously feeling very satisfied with himself.

The two of you end up cuddling for a little while longer, just you in his arms, and him breathing in your addictive scent.

You eventually fell asleep in each others embrace.

.+` |

Kuroo woke up with a slight jolt. He heard a small noise come from below and saw you cuddled against his chest, turning in your sleep. Your hair was splayed over the couch and you had the most serene expression of peace on your face.

He thought you looked so beautiful.

Your hands suddenly seemed to be roaming around for something, as you groped the couch. You eventually found Kuroo's hand, and satisfied, you held his hand closer to you, sighing softly in your dream-like state.

Kuroo was ready to spontaneously combust. You were so adorable like that. He caressed your hair and whispered soft and sweet things into your ear,

“Chibi-chan, I've loved you since the moment I met you in third grade.”

“Oh shit, we forgot to have dinner. Nevermind, I'll cook you breakfast tomorrow.”

“i'll hold you tight and keep you warm, tonight”

As he smiled whilst rambling softly, his eyes began to close, and he was soon transported to the world of dreams, just like you were.

[prismatales]

Late Bloomer

Y/N Todoroki already had her life planned out, but an unexpected turn of events may end up changing everything.

This is a side story of the "Endeavor's quirkless child" series and more of a what if? scenario. Also, in this the reader takes Hatsume's place during the battle tournament. This is not neccesary, but I'd recommend you to hear the songs Phoenix from League of legends, i feel like that songs fits the reader during this story.

Next>>

MASTERLIST

Some women fear the fire. Some women simply become it.

-R.H. Sin

The Feeling of everyone's eyes on you was nerve wrecking, how are heroes supposed to concentrate on their jobs when there's people around watching their every move? Shoto wouldn't stop staring, was he seriously that surprised you were in U.A.? that you made it this far in the sports festival? was he upset that you had joined Midoriya's team during the cavalry battle? or because you nearly tased his team once during the battle...Were you really considered that worthless as not to make it?.

"Hey, you're Endeavor's daughter, right?" some random student had gotten too close to your liking, the words the used didn't help either and they didn't even notice. more people started to surround you, asking more questions at the same time over and over, completely ignoring how uncomfortable they were making you feel.

"i can't believe he has a sister" a student whispered to his group of friends.

"What's it like to be his daughter?"

"But why are you in the support course instead of the hero course?"

"What's your quirk like?"

"Stop it!" Ren, one of your classmates and friend from the support course yelled at the crowd stepping between you and everyone else "Can't you see she's uncomfortable? you keep asking her questions without even allowing her to say a word!" Hatsume also joined them, both of them knew how much you hated talking about quirks. The both of them distracted the crowd long enough allowing you to quietly step back and make a run for it, neither the students, Hatsume or Ren noticed you were gone until they turned back and didn't see you.

Letting out a deep breath as relief washed over your body after escaping the crowd of student made the tension dissipate. But not the thoughts running inside your head...

"This was bound to happen..." you thought, walking towards the cafeteria to have some water and take a small break before the next event started. The others would eventually catch up, more than willing to help with any repairs your equipment happened to need, fortunately the only thing needing some serious repairment were the booster sneakers you let Uraraka borrow for the cavalry battle, one had been broken while trying to escape the other teams, but it could be fixed on time.

Your plans were interrupted when you crashed into someone, stumbling for a moment before the person's hand shot up grabbing you tightly by the upper arm.

"I'm really sorry, I wasn't paying attent..." looking up at the person who helped you made the words die in your mouth, blood draining from your face.

It was your father...and he was furious.

He didn't say anything, but dragged you away to a place where nobody would hear what he had to say, so focused on the task that even if you had ended up falling for real he'd probably be dragging you all over the floor. The grip he had on your arm was starting to hurt. Taking you to an empty hallway and turning his whole body to face you.

"What do you think you're doing here?! and what in the world did you do to your hair?!" the look on his face was nothing compared to the pain you were feeling in your arm, wincing painfully as you tried to pull away from his clutches.

"I'm studying here! let go of me, it hurts!"

"Don't lie to me! you're just here to distract your brother aren't you?"

Of course....of course that was the only thing he cared about.

Shoto...his masterpiece.

"If you paid any attention you'd notice I don't even talk to him! just like you ordered all of us back home! or have you forgotten We're nothing more than failures to you?!" You growled this time, there was anger in those words, but he paid no mind.

"Do not try to fool me, I saw what you did back there"

He was talking about the cavalry battle, Shoto wouldn't stop staring at you when you went and joined Midoriya's team, specially after the way you nearly tased Iida when they took your team's points.

The grip on your arm wouldn't budge, it was starting to become painfully numb, but Endeavor paid no attention as he started dragging you again.

"You're coming back home and change schools this instant, you're just being a distraction to Shoto"

His words made your blood boil in anger. The rational part of your mind was telling you to stay quiet, that it wasn't a good idea to say anything when someone who could easily inflict third degree burns had a deathly grip on your arm, but that thought was easily disregarded by the emotional part of your brain, only making the anger inside of you grow stronger.

"So that's how it is?...you're just going to get rid of another distraction aren't you?" Endeavor only kept walking, completely ignoring you "Just like you did with mom?! JUST LIKE YOU DID WITH TOUYA?!"

His whole body became stiff, letting go of your arm in surprise and giving you the chance to pull away from his grasp before he started walking again. He turned around furious and ready to reprimand you for mentioning Touya, but the look on your face made him go silent, eyes full of anger, frustration and resentment towards him, it was like he was looking into a mirror and you were his reflection. He saw the way you held the spot he had grabbed on, an ugly bruised had quickly appeared on the spot from the strength he had used, a bit more tighter and it could have probably fractured your arm.

Ironic isn't it? for someone who's face clearly resembles her mother's, (Y/N) clearly had the same glare as her father.

He didn't realize you had ran away from him until the sound of your footsteps resonated through the hallway, running away in a rush and almost colliding with one of your friends, it was that little gasp from almost running into Hatsume that made him turn your direction.

"There you are!, let's make sure your gadgets are working correctly before your match begins! remember you're representing the support course!" Hatsume literally pulled you away, neither of you paying attention to Endeavor's glare, Hatsume was oblivious about it, focused on talking about which gadgets could come in handy during the events, You were focusing on her in order to avoid looking his way, and quickly walked away with her. Endeavor was seething in fury the moment Touya's name came out of your mouth, but he had other matters to care about, and went looking for Shoto, completely unaware he had been listening on the altercation...

Two hours later everyone was watching the battle tournament from the stands, you were sitting with everyone from the support department, quite some distance away from the hero department, and your brother.

The matches were going surprisingly fast, Midoriya's match against Shinso was quick, but impressive....But the moment Shoto's match against Sero began there was a moment you felt something weird on the inside, maybe it was that thing, twin telepathy or the frustration felt by your father's threat, but it was almost like you could feel everything Shoto was feeling the moment he created that massive ice wall, anger and sadness coursing through him....

With each round the pounding inside your chest just kept on getting worse, your turn was getting closer and closer, the pressure of being the only student from the support course AND being the only quirkless participant made the tension even worse, the anxiety you were feeling slowly starting to get heavier, along with that inner voice inside your head that wouldn't stop showing its ugly face no matter how much you tried to keep it at bay. You could almost feel it digging its nails on your shoulders as it whispered in your ear.

"Why do you even bother?"

The next match was about to begin, Mina Ashido vs. Aoyama Yuga.

Then it would be your turn...

Standing up from your seat with shaking legs you could only whisper to your friends who were curious about this behaviour, maybe the class didn't know each other for a long time, but never in all those months did they ever see (Y/N) Todoroki being this nervous, you were known to be pretty sarcastic and would always talk back to people that tried to mess with you or your friends, never taking shit from anybody that wasn't a teacher. This behaviour was new to everybody.

"I need to get ready for the match" taking a deep breath you left the stands and headed towards the locker rooms, all of your classmates said they'd root for you an would be wishing good luck. All you could do was give them a nervous nod and an awkward grin. with each step the nerves were getting harder to control. That damned voice only kept on whispering and mocking you...

"Might was well drop the fight, you already know how it's going to turn out"

A wave of nausea washed over all of sudden, forcing you to make a detour and run towards the girl's bathroom.

clutching the sides of a sink, head tilted down, shoulders hunched and breathing heavily, bile slowly trying to make its way out of your throat.

"You can't do it"

"I can do this...I can"

The moment your muscles tensed, a feeling of pain in your left arm made you look up in surprise and snap out of the trance you had slipped into, it ended up making you look at your reflection, it was something that wouldn't stop making you uneasy, specially the sight of your hair, the memory of your mother's screams as she saw the locks of hair still fresh in your mind, looking at your arm distracted you from those painful moments and focus on the huge purple bruise all around the bicep.

The sight of the bruise only managed to upset you even further, eyes narrowing at the sight of it and gritting your teeth into a snarl, the grip on the sink only got tighter, the pain in your knuckles made it clear.

"He's right, you know..."

In a fit of rage and newfound determination you pulled away from the sink and headed to the locker room for the rest of your equipment, highly focused on the task that you didn't notice the scorched handprints burning on the corners of the sink...

Finally...it was your turn to fight...

Present Mic started presenting both you and your opponent with vigor...

"Offense and defense in one body! The dark samurai accompanied by Dark Shadow! From the hero course, it's Fumikage Tokoyami!!! Versus--The Mystery Genius of U.A.! With the highest Intellect from her generation and sharp mind! From the support course, it's (Y/N) Todoroki!!!

Everyone in the Support Course could be heard cheering loudly, some spectators were confused, for someone in the support course you were wearing nothing but accessories.

Despite being about to fight you were wearing a pair of black earrings shaped like a drop with a matching choker. A metal belt with a leather base, it had four spherical bumps made of metal distributed around the material and two utility pockets the size of your hand around your hips.

On your right wrist a silver cuff bracelet with a metallic black bead on the upper part. On the left wrist another bracelet of black beads, each of them 2cm in size. A pair of booster sneakers with the whole base customized, lastly a pair of black cyber goggles on your head.

"What do you think her quirk's like?" Shoto could hear his classmates Ojiro asking Midoriya, who already had his pen and burnt notebook in hand ready to take notes.

"I don't know, but I'm more curious about her equipment, i don't see anything apart from her belt" Shoto didn't show it, but he was worried about you, Midoriya was right, not only that but Tokoyami's quirk was powerful. He could only hope his classmate wasn't as violent as Bakugo.

He could only watch in worry how nervous you were, and from the corner of the stands he could see his father watching, he seemed angrier than usual, like he was judging (Y/N).

You gulped nervously at the sight of your opponent, he had been one of your teammates during the cavalry battle so you knew about his disadvantage against light, you may still have a chance.

Still...tilting your head up towards the stands where your classmates were cheering gave you a push of confidence...and then you saw him as well...

Your father was watching...

"Is this some kind of sick joke? You've never paid attention all these years, now you're just waiting to say 'I told you so' once I lose the match, don't you?" Those thoughts only fed the frustration you felt on the inside. For some reason your body started feeling weird, it was warmer than usual, probably by the anger...But you wouldn't give him the pleasure of pulling you out of school without a fight and turned back to face Tokoyami.

"I'll show you what I can do"

"Sixth match, start!!!"

"Dark Shadow!"

Tokoyami's quirk activated, Dark shadow coming out through his chest quickly charging forwards. Though the moment it got closer Dark Shadow got hit across the face by something.

Everyone looked in wonder as a metallic spider-like limb came out from one of the bumps on the belt striking Dark Shadow with force. Hatsume was shaking on her seat excited as she used her quirk and saw the support companies watching with interest.

Dark shadow charged again, grabbing the attachment before it could strike again, just to be hit by another leg, both coming from the bumps in the front of the belt, it became a back and forth fight between the bird like creature and your gear, each trying to strike and block one attack after another.

While Tokoyami was barely moving from his spot you were slowly going from left to right, looking for any blind spot, Dark Shadow could move a long distance, but if he got too far Tokoyami could be open for attack during a few seconds.....Of course Tokoyami was also observing the situation and caught up with your attack pattern, Dark Shadow's attacks became faster, making it hard to block, until another two limbs came out of the belt.

Everyone was cheering as the battle kept going, this time it was starting to get serious, both Tokoyami and you started circling one another, Dark Shadow's was getting even faster than before, then it managed to grab two of the attachments in the front, and broke them.

"Shit!" the other two were called back, the broken ones were letting out sparks, the distraction was enough for Dark Shadow, he grabbed you by the shoulders and began to try pushing you out of bounds, just for the other limbs to burrow themselves into the ground abruptly, making you unable to be moved.

"I need to go on the offensive"

"Oh! she's going to use the beads!" Ren was getting excited, and so was the curious crowd as they saw you yanking off the beaded bracelet before throwing the beads all over the floor right in front of Tokoyami's sight.

Kaminari laughed "Is she trying to trip him?" thinking Tokoyami wouldn't fall for something like that until the beads exploded like flash grenades, startling Tokoyami, Dark Shadow and the crowd.

"what kind of jewelry is that?!" a hero in the stands was surprised until Hatsume began explaining your gadget's functions with excitement.

"Todo-chan's equipment is meant to be subtle, that's why it looks like normal accessories!" she beamed when the support companies were looking in amazement at the match, some of them were taking notes. Her explanation left some heroes amazed by the idea that something so subtle could be so tricky.

Tokoyami pulled his arms from his face, blurry vision from the flashes left him vulnerable, he didn't see you running towards him with the goggles covering your eyes from the light, then he felt how you landed an elbow strike to his face following with a side kick that left many people cheer in amazement.

"Thank god Natsuo insisted on the Kickboxing lessons!"

"An impressive ambush by Todoroki (Y/N)!" Present Mic was yelling to the crowd, Shoto was astonished by your movements, not expecting his sister to be a talented fighter and neither did Endeavor who's disapproval was yet to leave his face, so what if you were good at fighting? you were still quirkless...

"She's Endeavor's daughter, right?" even far away from the stands those words still ended up reaching your ears making your whole body freeze on reflex.

no....please no...stop

"Why isn't she using her quirk?" those words were like a key unlocking the door of a prison where a horrendous monster was being restrained, that prison was your head...and the monster slowly crawling its way out...were your thoughts.

"See? you're Useless"

"Why did she stop?" "Is she alright?"

Tokoyami realized you stopped attacking and took the chance. Dark shadow got closer, this time it was gripping your arms and began pushing you back again, the feeling of its claws on the bruise only making you flinch at the massive amount of pain, your feet dragging dirt from the strength it was using, the robotic limbs had tried to dig their way on the ground, but even that wasn't working, it only slowed down Dark Shadow, the edge of the arena was slowly getting closer.

That's when Shoto noticed the bruise and quickly realized what caused it, he too had ended up with similar ones when your father would drag him to the training room, he could feel his left side getting warmer, furious at Endeavor for hurting you.

Before Dark Shadow could keep pushing you positioned your left foot firmly on the ground, a burst of compressed air erupting from the sole of the sneakers with tremendous strength causing you to slide to the left, away from Dark Shadow's clutches and rolling on the floor from the force.

"Those are her booster sneakers! they have enough power to lift an adult man off the ground!" Hatsume kept bragging about your equipment, distracting them from the subject about your quirk, or rather the lack of it.

Tokoyami's attacks were becoming faster and harder to block, specially with two missing limbs from your belt, pulling another beaded bracelet from one of the pockets from the utility belt, this time throwing it whole before it burst into light again and quickly ran towards him again.

But this time he was prepared, Dark Shadow had protected him, and rammed itself towards you, accidently hitting you in the face and sending you rolling back on the floor, making the crowd gasp when they saw your nose had started bleeding as you were lifting the upper part of your body from the ground and panted hard.

"Todoroki-san!" Midnight's voice was loud and firm "Out of bounds!"

"What?!" Looking down, your were sitting in the middle on the line due to Dark Shadow's attack "no..." Tilting your head up you accidently made eye contact with your father, the look of disapproval on his face making you look down again, bangs covering your eyes as your shoulders trembled and hot angry tears were close to come out....making something snap inside you, all the frustration, anger and resentment suddenly exploded inside of you into a hot rage. The feelings inside your chest clawing their way outside in a desperate struggle to come out.

"It's over for you, you should start saying goodbye to all your friends"

Everything went silent in the stadium, nobody said a word as you slowly started to get up, nose still bleeding and eyes set into a glare. Tokoyami was observing quietly. Then something inside you throbbed painfully, your head felt like it was going to explode as you held it from the sides with both hands.

"Worthless, you're a failure, a distraction"

"Shut up!" you screamed, the pain was getting worse making you fall on your knees and curl into fetal position, tears rolled down your face from the amount of pain, It was so intense that you didn't notice the way everyone was looking at you.

Or rather they were looking at your hair, there was a reddish glow coming out of it and somehow it was making the (H/C) dye disappear from the locks making it look like it was being evaporated. It started to become longer and it was burning like someone had attached fire extensions on your scalp, making it reach down your waist and flow smoothly in the air like gravity had no control over it.

"Something's wrong" Shoto's thoughts came out without him realizing. His classmates were looking at him with curiosity "what do you mean? Isn't that her quirk?" he was hesitant to answer, he felt like he had no right to talk about it, but he was afraid "...She's quirkless..." There were gasps all over the bleachers, amazed of how long you had managed to hold your own against one of the strongest students in the hero course with only equipment.

Unknown to Shoto his father was also watching in surprise, interest and deep down slight traces of worry. Did the doctors made a mistake when they diagnosed you all those years ago?

The glow began getting more intense, a mix of red and golden energy began to appear around your body in smooth waves, the moment it made contact with the bruise on your arm the wound glowed red before it disappeared into the air like soft embers.

"What's happening?!"

Your mind was in a panic, the sight of your own limbs engulfed in flames became a blurry memory, replaced by a pair of arms full of burns and bandages, you recognized those arms, they belonged to the only person who cared about you during your childhood, the only person who took care of you when everything else was falling apart, the only person that called you "Firefly".

Those were Touya's arms...

"No...Make it stop...Make it stop!!!" You could only hold your head in horror as the memories of your brother came back in a rush....Touya's body being engulfed in flames...the way he always held you affectionately...the burn marks all over his body...how he always called you "Firefly" with such a tender voice....and the day of his funeral...

it was too much. The energy surrounding your body began swirling uncontrollably trapping you inside a vortex. You didn't notice the way your eyes started to glow with a golden light without a trace of the pupil or iris.

"You need to stop Todoroki! She's losing control on her quirk!" Aizawa was screaming through the mic, it was obvious by the look on your face this wasn't normal, he remembered reading your file after all and seeing the part where it said you were quirkless.

Midnight swiftly tried using her quirk to stop you, but as soon as the fragrance coming out of her body got close the aura ignited it, almost like it was protecting you. 

The tears in your eyes were quickly evaporated by the heat, pain and fear overwhelmed your every thought.

"Make it stop!!....Make it stop!!...TOUYA!!!"

The vortex was abruptly pulled into your body and burst out just as fast, causing a massive shockwave through the arena, everyone in the stadium could feel force of the the heat and the wind, even Endeavor had been pushed back because of it.

Cementos had luckily created a concrete barricade around the people on the bleachers just in time when they realized you lost control over the flames. Once the wave subsided the sight in the arena was similar to the aftermath of a wildfire, traces of fire and scorched marks littered the whole arena, Tokoyami was barely holding on and exhausted, having no time to get away in time he used Dark Shadow to protect him from the shockwave at the last second. 

Worry filled the whole stadium when they saw you laying on the floor passed out, the energy surrounding your body had finally disappeared and your hair had gone back to its short appearance, this time back to its natural red color.

Hours later, after the tournament had ended Shoto made his way to Recovery girl's office to check on you. Concern clear on his face at the sight of your motionless body in a Stretcher and the paramedics making their way to the ambulance while Endeavor supervised the procedure with a keen eye without adverting his gaze from your unconsious self, making one of the paramedics shake nervously. 

Shoto was quick to approach a serious looking Recovery girl. "What happened to my sister?" she gave him a look of concern "They're taking her to the hospital to run some tests, her wounds were already healed by the time she arrived" she turned back to look at you "but her quirk completely drained her, so they're going to try and figure out why it took so long to manifest".

The hospital kept you in observation for two days, leaving your siblings worried out of their minds when Natsuo and Fuyumi saw the match's footage, worry sept in them by the way you desperately called out for Touya, it was heart-breaking for them to see just how much you missed him, after all out of the whole family you had been the more affected by his death right after your mother...

The second day your eyelids slowly fluttered open, the bright light from the room made a pained groan leave your parched mouth, it felt like someone had shoved a handful of cotton down your throat, your body ached painfully, begging to get out of the bed...

Wait...bed? You swiftly got up into a sitting position startling the person standing beside you, it was a nurse checking the fluids from an IV bag connected to your right arm were flowing properly.

"Todoroki-san! I'm glad to see you awake" she offered a gentle smile and poured a glass of water before handing it over, holding it in place for security and instructing you to drink slowly, the fresh liquid felt like heaven on earth, making you sigh in happiness before you looked at her with questioning eyes.

"Let me go get the doctor, he'll explain everything to you" She left the room before you could ask her why you were in a hospital room in the first place, it took ten minutes for the Doctor to arrive and quickly began to run some basic checkups before he explained the whole situation...

Meanwhile Endeavor was in his office when he got a call from home, Fuyumi told him the hospital called and you had woken up, She mentioned both her and Shoto were going to visit you and that Natsuo was already waiting for them in the hospital. After hanging up he turned his attention back to the video playing in his computer. It was the footage of your match, he watched with intensity the moment the energy around you turned into a vortex and the moment the shockwave rattled the cameras. 

Then there was the part where the energy had healed your wounds, the bruise in your arm disappeared in an instant and by the time they took you to Recovery Girl all of the scratches and your nose were healed. With proper training you could easily rival Shoto in terms of power...If only your quirk had appeared early, you could have probably surpassed even Touya's firepower by now.

Meanwhile Fuyumi, Natsuo and Shoto were outside the hospital room where the doctor was giving them the full diagnosis as well as some instructions.

"Y/N needs to get plenty of rest, She's perfectly healthy but it would be a good idea to watch out for any changes and avoid any stressful situations for a few days, now about her quirk...after checking her family history my theory is that it took a longer time to manifest due to a mutation"

Once the doctor finished explaining everything and walked away the three went inside the room, they saw you sitting in the middle of the bed hugging your knees closer, one of your hands in front of your face while looking at it with an empty look.

"(Y/N)?" Fuyumi was the first one to speak, their worry on their faces quickly changed to surprise when your hand started to give a soft glow, the same energy from before started to appear in gentle waves this time only in your hand, causing a sad laugh to come out of your lips.

"This changes everything...doesn't it?" The aura started to grow brighter, swirling faster before vanishing as quickly as it appeared. Fuyumi went to sit on the left side of the bed, her hand rubbing your shoulder in comfort.

"All this time...I got used to the idea of never having a quirk...of never being like you guys..." your voice started to break, smiling sadly while small tears prickled the corners of your eyes "and just when I'm finally starting to accept it...Just when I think I found...what I wanted to do with my life...!" Your sister quickly pulled you into a hug as you cried, face buried on top of your knees, Natsuo was quick to join in, Shoto could only stare as he stood closer to the bed, unsure of what to do, this was the first time in years he's been this close to you and it made him feel out of place. 

He was ready to walk out of the room...until he saw you looking at him with a sad look on your face motioning him to come closer, Shoto sat next to Fuyumi with hesitation, unsure of what to say or do but then one of your hands grabbed his left one, surprising him with you gentle hold and the small smile on your face.

"I saw you match on TV....he's right you know" He knew what you were talking about, Midoriya's words...it made his hold on your hand become tighter...

It's your power.

That's how you four spent the rest of the day, together and talking about the future, catching up for lost time, Shoto quickly offered to help you train with your quirk. Of course, at the mention of training everyone thought the same thing.

What would happen with your Father?

The answer came three days after being released from the hospital. The doctors said you could go back home after one last check up, they also recommended to go easy on your quirk and gave Fuyumi a prescription for some eyedrops, the drawbacks of your quirk were overheating and irritated eyes if you overused it, one advantage though was that with the healing part of your power it took longer to overheat.

When you guys arrived home Endeavor was waiting inside, he only looked at your uncomfortable face once before leaving for a mission, he didn't say anything, which made both of your sibling to look at him with confusion. During that time you trained with Shoto in order to get better control over your quirk, both completely unaware that your father was watching your progress from afar.

The vortex from he sports festival never appeared anymore, whenever your quirk was used the fire aura would only envelope your arms up to the forearms, your eyes would glow again and your hair regained the fire extensions.

"At least is not a fire moustache" Shoto had to fight back the urge to laugh at your comment. Before you could keep up with your training there was a scream coming from the house that startled the both of you, running inside you saw Fuyumi sitting on the kitchen floor, there were pieces of glass and blood mixed with water all over the floor, the both of you rushed to her side.

"What happened?!" Shoto asked her while you were checking her injured foot. She had a look of pure agony on her face at the small cuts, a medium sized piece of glass was still lodged on her bleeding foot.

"I-I was holding a glass of water and it slipped from my hand..."

"I'll go look for the first aid kit!" he only walked a few steps before you stopped him, looking at Fuyumi's foot with a look of pure concentration, one of your hands hovered above her injury before it started to glow along with your eyes, the three of you were so focused on the matter that nobody paid attention to Endeavor, who had come back earlier from work and stood in the kitchen entrance watching.

"This might hurt a bit, do you trust me sis?" You gave her a reassuring look as your fingers slowly came in contact with the shard, she stared for a few seconds before nodding and holding her breath, her eyes were closed tightly, she had always been uneasy at the sight of blood.

Breathing deeply in concentration your fingers took hold of the glass and with a swift tug pulled it out of her wound before throwing it aside, making her yelp in discomfort for a moment, your hand quickly going back near her injury, the aura slowly starting to crawl its way down your fingers towards her foot, surrounding it with energy before making the wound slowly stop bleeding and closing shut without a trace of a scar, it was like Fuyumi never got hurt in the first place.

The aura in your hands dissapeared and your eyes went back to normal, letting out a deep breath before looking back at Fuyumi.

"Does it still hurt?" She started flexing her toes to check, but her attention had been somewhere else as her eyes once filled with pain were full of admiration and surprise when she caught sight of your power, it was far different from the vortex that appeared during the sports festival.

"It only hurts a little bit, but It’s okay...Y/N, your quirk is so gentle, and beautiful" She hummed with a soft smile on her faces, those words however made you blink in surprise for a few seconds, before looking at the palm of your hand.

All these years the idea of fire being something gentle never crossed your mind, everytime someone asked what was the first thing you'd imagine at the mention of fire, the answer would always the same.

"My Father"

People always thought it was out of admiration for your father. But nobody knew the truth, with the thought of fire came Endeavor, with the thought of Endeavor came anger, with the thought of anger came destruction...with destruction came the memories of a broken family, burned away by his ambition and desire for power.

Fuyumi's words were like a switch in your head, no longer the thoughts of fire reminded you of the past, the word 'fire' developed a different meaning, something that can destroy, but that can also make way for new life, just like a....

"...Phoenix" you whispered softly, catching everyone's attention, it took a moment for them to understand what you meant, until your palm once again started glowing and the aura came back to life, this time with a brighter glow.

"That's my quirk...Phoenix"

"It seems you finally have control over your quirk" your father's voice came out of nowhere, startling the three of you, his arms crossing and a look of confidence on his eyes that made an unneasy feeling grow inside your chest.

"You will transfer into the hero department with Shoto"

There it is again, the feeling of surprise being replaced by anger stirring inside of you, he's never paid attention to your existence until it became convenient for him, his desire to surpass All-Might still blinding his thought made you angrier by the minute. When he turned to walk away you were soon following after him, Shoto helped Fuyumi stand up and avoiding the remains of glass on the floor.

"You can't do that! I'm not leaving the support department!"

"You're going to change courses after the internships and that's final, both you and Shoto will become exceptional heroes, stronger than All-Might and anyone else"

"No! I'm not switching classes, I've never wanted to be a hero before and there’s no way I’m going to become one now!"

That's how it started, both of you engaged into a screaming match, both Shoto and Fuyumi only watched as both you and your father had ended up activating your quirks, the sight of his face and your hair covered in flames would have been funny if it wasn't for the screams you were throwing back and forth at each other.

"If you keep this up I'm running away from home!"

He only scoffed at the threat

"You wouldn’t do that, you have nowhere else to go"

Shit, he was right, none of your family lived nearby, and you always refused to talk to your mother's family out of spite for disregarding the abuse your mother had to go through, the last time they tried to talk was four years ago, but they were always ignored. And you didn't want to be a bother to Natsuo...

Then an lightbulb went off inside your head. Giving Endeavor a challenging look before you started talking again.

"Very well then..." Shoto was dumbfounded by your answer, had you really given up that easily?! But then you continued. "I'll move into the hero course, but only if you can answer this question, and if you do, I'll switch classes without hesitation, but there's a catch, you can't ask for help from anyone if you can't answer"

The look of confidence on your father's face as he accepted your terms almost made you scream in victory, buy in order to make this work you had to be quiet.

"Very well, go on"

You looked at him in the eye, the room was awfully silent until you opened you mouth and the question made Endeavor's eyes go wide.

"When is my birthday?"

The whole room fell into an uncomfortable silence, he tried to say something, but no words left his mouth, his eyes went to Fuyumi until he remembered the rule, no help from anyone. Shoto wanted to scream, your hands went to your hips with an indifferent look on your face. Ten minutes passed and he didn't answer.

"See? You know nothing about me!" You ran to your room and quickly came back with a bunch of papers before throwing them at him.

"All this time you thought I only went to U.A. to mess with my brother and never realized I had potential to do so much more, these are my grades and exams results, I have the highest grades in the whole school, you don’t even know this but my friends called me yesterday, you know what they said?"

He looked at you, report card in hand.

"They heard the support companies were going crazy over my equipment, they all want (Y/N) Todoroki to do an intership with them, not Endeavor's daughter. If you ever try to switch me into the hero course without my knowledge...I'll start failing my classes on purpose, imagine what people will say when the genius of U.A. and Endeavor's daughter starts failling her classes...now, if you'll excuse me, I need to prepare my uniform for tomorrow's class" You turned back to go to you room, but stopped in the hallway before turning your head back to him, a furious glare on his face, the paper in his hands was starting to burn away by his flames.

"Oh, and by the way...My birthday's on January 11, I'm Shoto's twin, remember?"

Walking away with a victorious smirk on your face the sound of your father's screams felt like music to your ears.

Hope you guys enjoyed this, please let me know what you think of this side-story!

I want to thanks my friends @godtieruwu @undead0relived and @mysticalite for helping me with some aspect for this story and listening to my ramblings.

Also, @mysticalite drew some fanart of my Todoroki!reader and it's so lovely! It's a comparison between reader and Rei!

[spencers-dria]

Turn for the Better

Someone To Stay Ch. 1

Spencer x fem!reader

Spencer POV:

I open my eyes and glance around the room. It's darker than I remember. I must have fallen asleep reading on the couch again. I glance down and see a pile of books on the rug. Oh yeah...I only made it through about four books this time before I nodded off. I sigh in frustration that I'm awake. Might as well get up I suppose.

I wander into the kitchen and pull open the fridge only to be met with a jar of peanut butter, week old left overs, and a half empty jug of juice. Next.

I try again with the pantry. Almost completely bare. I guess this is what happens when you stop going to the grocery store. I settle on a cup of apple juice and a bag of chips... better than nothing right?

I slump back down onto the couch and pull my green wool blanket over me. As I stare up at my ceiling, as I begin to let my mind wander. But this was dangerous territory. I have to keep my mind occupied, I just have to. So I quickly sit back up and turn the TV to one of my favorite Dr. Who episodes. They say that anxious people re-watch the same shows because they find the familiarity comforting. I could definitely understand the feeling.

It was the weekend, which meant I wasn't called into work. Cases had been slow lately, as we spent quite a bit of time doing paperwork back at the office. Unfortunately for me, this meant less distractions. Distractions were good. Distractions were necessary. They are the only way I make it through the days anymore.

Things had finally returned to normal for me back at work. I was going into the field, and it felt like my coworkers were no longer tiptoeing around me. I hate when they do that, and it bothers me more than any amount of teasing ever could. I'm not so delicate, so easily breakable. Look at everything I have been through, everything I have endured. Yet here I am, still alive, still doing my job. I didn't need to be babied. So it was a relief when I felt the regular rapport I shared with my friends return. They had gone back to the sarcastic remarks and silly nicknames. I was grateful for it. They did, however, continue to check up on me. This was something that I did appreciate. They've seen me go down a dark road once before. I have no intentions of ever returning. I was stronger than that... I think. All I know is I have held on this long without resorting to any unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Coping mechanisms...oh how I wish I had something to make the healing process easier. Having a fairly empty social calendar left me alone often. Normally I would find comfort in the peace and quiet of my solitary apartment, but not quite so much lately. I couldn't very well make plans to go out, and I wouldn't even know how to begin to do that. Who would want to hang out with me right now anyways? I'd be a damper on the fun, and everyone knows it. That's probably why my friends stopped inviting me to the nights at the bar.

There I go again, letting my mind slip into a dark hole of anxiety. Its not a safe place to be. I quickly turn my attention back to the show in front of me, letting it drown out all other thoughts.

The ring of my phone quickly draws my attention away. Finally...another case! I jump up to answer, seeing the name on my screen: Derek Morgan. That's odd. Usually Hotch or Garcia call to notify us of a new case.

"Hello?" I answer, confusion lacing my voice.

"Pretty Boy! Buzz me up!"

Well now I'm even more confused. Derek never comes to my apartment. I quickly press the button letting him into the building and opening my apartment door, waiting for him to arrive.

As he comes up the stairs, he gives me a grin shouting, "Come on man! Get dressed. We're goin' out!"

I roll my eyes and retreat back into the apartment, Derek close behind me.

I sink back onto the couch, my eyes glued to the television as I tune him out.

"Aw c'mon. Don't be like that. How long have you been sitting there watching TV? Have you done anything else today, at all?"

I don't answer, I don't even look at him.

"Oh, let me guess. You've been reading all day, huh?"

"Wow, can't get anything past you huh?" I say dryly, regretting my tone as soon as the words left my mouth.

"Alright that it. You've been cooped up in here too long. Like I said before, we're going out. And I'm not taking no for an answer" he says sternly, raising an eyebrow at me.

I finally look up at him as I roll my eyes.

"You know I can kick your ass right?" Derek smirks.

"Fine" I concede. "Well...where are we going? I don't know what to wear unless you tell me what our plans are."

"Don't pretend you don't wear the same fancy button ups no matter where you end up going."

I let out a small laugh...he's got me there.

"Dinner at Rossi's. I know pretty boys are high maintenance but, hurry up or you'll make us late!" I smile at the nickname. Same old Derek.

Y/N POV:

You let out a sigh of relief as you watched your coworker approach you, ready to receive report. It had been a particularly busy shift, and you were ready to get some much-needed rest. You walked to each patient room, giving Clementine summary of the day and the latest updates on labs and vital signs. You stepped into each room with her, checking one last time to make sure each of your patients was doing well and didn't need anything else before you left. Normally you and Clem would spend some time catching up and making jokes, but she could tell you were tired and needed to be home more than anything. You wished her good luck on her shift as you made your way to the break room. After putting away your stethoscope and the large collection of pens, pencils, and markers you kept in your pockets, you finally headed towards the elevator to leave for the day.

You opened the door to your apartment to be greeted by your dog, Juneau. She was a rescue you adopted a few months back. She still needed to make progress, but she had really warmed up to you and your friends and seemed much more comfortable in her new home. After feeding her dinner and taking her for a short walk, you heated up a quick frozen dinner and sunk into your couch.  Curling up in your blanket, you spent a few minutes browsing through different streaming services only to land on The Office, as usual.  Your mind drifts to what your next few days might consist off. You just so happened to land 4 days off in a row, but you had no idea how you would spend your time. You glanced down at your phone as it lit up.  It was your Uncle Will.

"Hey, whats up!" you chimed, glad to hear from your favorite uncle.

"Hey, (Y/N). I'm actually calling to invite you to a dinner some friends of mine are having tomorrow night. I know your schedule is real busy. But I haven't seen you much since you moved up here to Virginia! I know you haven't met many people here yet, but I think I can help you make a start. "

The kind gesture made you smile. You had always been fairly close with your father's side of the family. He had grown up in Louisiana and met your mother at a college in Texas. You spent your childhood in Houston but frequently visited the Cajun half of your family. Uncle Will had moved away once he fell in love with Jenifer Jareau, his now wife, and you hadn't seem much of him the past few years. But as luck would have it, your nursing career had lead you to a hospital in Fredericksburg, VA. You felt extremely lucky to have family nearby, or else you would have been completely alone. But sometimes you still felt that way, which is why you were so grateful for his offer.

"That actually sounds great! I am off for the next four days, and I didn't really have anything planned. Who will I be meeting at this dinner?"

"Well it's some of JJ's coworkers. They're like a second family to us, and I know they'll be just as welcoming to you. I already told them you moved up here, and they've been begging to meet you."

"Aww I can't wait to see Aunt JJ and my sweet little cousin, Henry! Its been so long since I came to visit you guys. I think Henry was barely two years old the last time I saw him."

"Well we all hope to see you a lot more now that you're here. You're like a daughter to us, Y/N. You are welcome to visit any time you like. I know nursing is a stressful job, and it can take a toll. Its important to have family and friends around you when things get tough." You could hear that this was a genuine offer and you fully planned to take him up on it in the future. Being alone in a new state was taking its toll.

"So where and when should I plan to meet for dinner?"

"I'll text you the address real quick. Everyone is planning to meet around 6. It shouldn't be too far of a drive. It's one of JJ's coworker's houses. David Rossi. He's a real easygoing guy, and he loves cooking for everyone. He loves meeting new people even more, so you should feel right at home!"

"Sounds like a fun time. Thank you again for thinking to invite me. I'm really looking forward to it!"

"Alright boo, talk to you later."

You smiled at the pet name used by the entire Louisiana side of your family. I guess the north had yet to steal his southern roots. You hung up the phone. You finally had plans. It would be nice to talk to someone who wasn't a coworker.  It would also be your first excuse to dress up since moving and starting your new job. Too excited to wait, you jumped up from the couch and began to rifle through your closet for something to wear. You didn't want to be too over or underdressed. You grabbed a black spaghetti strap fit and flare dress and throw it on with some black panty hose, a lightweight maroon cardigan, and some black heels. You snapped a quick photo in the mirror and shoot a text to Aunt JJ.

Y/N: Apparently I'm joining y'all for dinner tomorrow night...is this too much???

Aunt JJ: I heard! I can't wait!

And oh my goodness, no! You look gorgeous! It will be perfect.

Also...Henry is so excited to see you!

You smiled, more confident in your choice. Aunt JJ had great taste. You had only had the chance to meet her in person a couple times, but the two of you had clicked right away and stayed in touch over text and Facetime. Sometimes she felt more like the sister you never had.

Starting to feel the effects of your particularly difficult shift, you start to get ready for bed. You wanted to be well rested for tomorrow. You say goodnight to Juneau and crawl into bed, snuggled under all the blankets. You fall asleep with a smile on your face, with the feeling that things in your life are about to take a turn for the better. You couldn't explain it...but somehow you just knew.

[haddonfieldproject]

<<PREVIOUS⏺<<CONTENTS>>

1.2.12 HALLOWEEN NIGHT/NOVEMBER 1st 5:40 AM

Warren County, Illinois

As Brad Doyle backed his Mustang out of his driveway, Gabriel Couture passed the sign reading:

WELCOME TO HADDONFIELD

in his semi-truck. He yawned and rubbed his eyes. The last few miles are always the hardest, he thought to himself, time seems to slow down. He squinted through the rain.

Another sign appeared. This one was a billboard, featuring a young looking blonde girl with breasts too large to be real, wearing a black bikini. Above her, in large red letters was printed:

RABBIT-IN-RED LOUNGE.

To the right of the model in shiny purple letters read:

MISTY DAWN.

And under that in plain white letters:

AVN WINNER FOR HOT NEW STARLET OF THE YEAR.

Gabriel cracked his neck and shook his head smiling. He had known Misty Dawn in High School—only then her name had been Ellen Rawls and her breasts were definitely not that large. I think I would have noticed those when we were dancing against one another at Homecoming.

He even remembered the song they danced to: KC and Jojo's 'All My Life'.

Another billboard came into view. This one had a picture of fire on the left and a picture of bright and shining golden gates on the right. At the top it read:

IF YOU DIE TONIGHT? WHAT WILL IT BE? HEAVEN OR HELL?!

Gabriel rolled his eyes. That's Haddonfield for you, he thought, religious billboard right after the one for the titty bar.

He checked the clock at the bottom right of his Qualcomm screen. ‪5:42‬.

💀

1.2.13 HALLOWEEN NIGHT/NOVEMBER 1st 5:42 AM

Haddonfield, Illinois

‪5:42 was precisely what the clock on Raj Gudipati's wall read as Jack Tate handed him his credit card to pay for the service to his car as well as the two Frappachinos for him and his wife, the Mountain-Dew for Damon, and the three bags of Doritos.‬

“Damon!” He called out as Raj took the card and swiped it. Ophelia Tate appeared behind him and put her chin on his shoulder.

“There you are,” Jack said, “Where have you been?” Raj handed him back his card.

“I was Facebooking,” she said quietly.

“Jeez Ophelia, this whole time?” He asked, putting his card back in his wallet. Raj's receipt machine came to life.

“I had a lot to catch up on. Lot's of people wishing me luck and stuff.” She said yawning.

Jack chuckled and scrawled his signature on the receipt with the ballpoint pen that was attached to the counter. “Damon!” Jack called again.

🎃

Damon took a swipe on a giant pineapple on the screen and then groaned. He turned away from Fruit Ninja and looked at Spitz, “I gotta go little dude...sorry.”

“It was nice to meet you,” Spitz said.

“Yeah, man, I'm sure we'll see you around,” Richie said, waving.

“Yeah,” Damon nodded, “It was cool to meet you guys too. Even you Lonnie.”

Lonnie had migrated, with his porn of course, from the ambiguity of the back corridor to the arcade room. He had cut back on at least 80% of his doucheness during their rousing bouts of Fruit Ninja, Mortal Kombat, and Terminator Genisys.

“Fuck you phlegm-wad.” Lonnie said, looking up from the boobs momentarily.

“Yeah...whatever,” Damon smiled. “See ya.”

🎃

“Damon!” Jack called again.

“I'm here, I'm here.” Damon groaned, stepping out of the arcade section and into the main store. The back door that led out to the shop area opened and Diego stepped through. “I'm all done Raj!” He called, “I'm gonna go ahead and head out.”

“Did Quinn clean up the shop?!” Raj called out.

“I told him to as soon as he's done,” Diego said, pausing at the door and looking out at the pouring rain.

“Done with what?” Raj asked.

“This.” Diego replied and pointed out of the window as headlights splashed across the raindrop studded glass.

“There's Quinn with your ride,” Diego said.

“Wonderful,” Jack said.

Quinn pulled the Tate Family Wagon up to the front door of the Superfuel Deluxe, and left the keys in the ignition, hopping out, and running through the pouring rain and ducking into the store with a wail.

“Oh geez, it's raining hard!” He laughed. It sounded a great deal like Lee Chumway's goofy laugh.

“Oh, I almost forgot!” Diego reached into a pocket in his coveralls and dug out a pink receipt and handed it to Jack.

“Hospitals and Car Shops are the only places in the world that still use printers like this,” Jack said, pointing to the perforated edge of the sheet of paper.

Diego chucked, “I know right?”

Quinn sneezed. “Excuse me,” he shivered, “Those drops are fat and cold!”

Jack extended his hand. “I can't thank you guys enough for your quick work tonight.” He said, shaking Diego's hand first and then Quinn's. He had to wipe the water off on his shirt when he let go of Quinn.

“No problem Doc,” Quinn laughed.

Diego nodded, “We'll be seeing you I'm sure,” he said, “you can't hide in a small town like this.” And then he looked at Ophelia Tate, who was again buried in her smartphone. “Good luck with your new job at the hospital Miss.” He said.

Ophelia wasn't listening, and Jack had to elbow her. “Whaa?” she said, looking up. Damon smirked behind her.

“I said good luck with your new job at the hospital,” Diego repeated.

Ophelia smiled, “Oh..thank you so much.” Then she shot a glance at her husband, “Geez, word travels fast here.”

“You don't know the half Miss,” Quinn chuckled.

Raj called from behind them, “Quinn! Is the shop all cleaned up?”

Quinn saluted and then turned and walked away.

Diego gave a little wave, “You guys take care.”

Jack took a deep breath, “Okay, guys..let's get on over to the truck stop down the road and get a nice hot shower before he go check out the hospital!”

They ran out into the rain, Jack laughing wildly, Ophelia screaming, and Damon saying nothing, embarrassed to be with the two idiots he called his parents. As they jumped into the car, and Jack threw the shifter into drive, the headlights of a shiny new white truck splashed over the parking lot.

The truck was owned by Bernard “Booger” Tyson. Booger had only six payments left on the thing before he had paid it off. Unfortunatley Tyson would never drive the truck again..his head was still stuck in a grease fryer. Instead the two men who had put a monkey wrench in the Tyson family finances were at the helm. Lloyd Chumway in the driver's seat with his kid brother Lee riding shotgun.

Ophelia gave the truck a glance as they passed them and turned out onto the highway. “Look,” she said to her husband, “You move to the country like this, you need to get you a truck like that Jack.”

Back inside, Diego put his hands on the counter and looked at Raj who looked back at him.

“I'm taking off Raj,” he said simply.

“Is the shop clean?” Raj asked, turning back toward his satellite box.

“Nothing Quinn can't handle.”

Raj looked back at him, “Are you sure?”

Diego smiled, “I cleaned up most of it.”

Raj pointed outside, “Are you sure you want to walk in this?”

Diego shrugged, “I don't have a choice, I'm not going to stay here, I'm tired and ready for my bed.”

Raj shrugged back, “I'd take you home, but Yuvakrishna drove me and he's gonna pick me up when he gets off after Jake comes in.”

“Did he get that truck he wanted?” Diego asked.

Raj nodded and turned back toward the TV. “Yes, he got it yesterday.”

“Sweet,” Diego said, “He showed me a picture, it looked pretty sick.”

Raj waved with his hand, “He spent way too much money for that thing.”

Diego rolled his eyes, “See you later Raj,” he said, turning toward the door.

“Good bye Diego,” he said, “stay safe.”

Then he heard snickering toward the back of the store and caught sight of the top of Spitz's head. “Hey!” he called toward the back, “Are you going to buy something tonight?!” The door chimed as Diego stepped out.

He nodded toward the two men who exited the truck and were walking toward the store. They both had their hands in their pockets. Diego put his head down and stepped out into the pouring rain. He got a few yards down the road, well out of the light of the gas station, when he really began to wish he had waited there instead of venturing out in this monsoon. He was already completely soaked, and water was filling up inside of his shoes, but he knew that if he turned back now, he would just be miserable and wet and still that much further from home, so he kept walking.

If only I had a hood or an umbrella or something, he thought. The rain was literally pounding him in the face and water was running off his sopped head and into his eyes. All of a sudden he remembered the mask in his pocket. The thought of walking down the side of the road in the Halloween mask made him chuckle to himself. I'm gonna scare the shit out of anyone who drives by, he thought. But after a few more steps of blinding rain, he thought, Screw it, and pulled the mask out of his pocket and stuck it on his head. It brought little relief, but a little bit of relief is better than no relief at all.

NEXT>>

[bigscaryyanderewriter]

Frosty Fear and the Fury of Flames (Dragonshifter! Shouto x Reader) Part 3

Part 2 ^

Hahaha, a part 3 for you??? It’s more likely than you’d think. This is actually kinda fun to write in parts, although it takes me a while. I have a few requests waiting to be answered still and that kinda bums me out still. Gonna be getting a lot more of Todoroki though. Haha… I like fire boys. Also, if you can’t tell. I really want to play dnd.

Tw: Yandere, Nightmares, Slight Gore

2.1k Words

“Bakugou, are you sure about this? I mean-” 

“Did I ask for your opinion, Shitty hair? Come on, get that damn wimp ready to go. We’re going to need to get out of here if we are going to get them away from that damn dragon.” The grimace on his face as deeper set than usual as you were forced to pack up with the others yet again.

They were going to abandon their mission, since there were other things they could do. That was what Bakugou told you at least, you had a feeling that none of the jobs in this tavern were worth half as much to the group as the one involving Shouto was. Still, you were grateful that they wanted you to stay and that you could be useful to them.

You couldn’t stop the sinking feeling though as you knew that getting farther away would be good, but also… They had to do something like give up the goal they had been working towards to assist you. 

The morning was still dark, no sun peaked on the horizon as the birds only just began singing their morning songs. The bags were packed and soon you were all ready to go by the time the sky began to lighten. You would be heading east and down the mountains a good ways until you got to the plains, travelling for about two weeks before stopping in another city called White Fields. Something was said about dangerous rock formations that would cause small landslides and magic folk you couldn't talk to. Not much rest would be allowed, wanting to get as far as possible from the mountains and desert. If luck was on their side, they would be out of reach by that point, since Shouto was still unable to travel that far from what you have learned. Something about territory disputes and bad blood.

That was the plan and you were praying to whatever would listen that it would work. 

"Are you ready, (Y/N)? We had better get going." Mina spoke from the doorway of the little room of the inn. Her face showed a bit of concerned and you realized you had been scratching a bit at your arm. You hurriedly covered the scratches and grabbed the sack with your more material belongings, the golden jewelry, things you had taken from the cave. Following her out to the boys, you all got moving as you walked out of town. 

The place where the sun rose was your destination. Going throughout the day. The further day the mountains, the darker the forests and the colder it was. It was a bit misty out with the morning still being new. The winter would hit quickly this year and you could tell. At least it would here. The cold air from last night seemed to be cradled here. Your arm hairs prickled as you all walked. 

It was as you pulled your arms closer to yourself that you heard Denki speaking, "Hey, you look… like you might want this." He pulled off the warm yellow cloak he had worn throughout the time you had seen him and offered to hand it to you.

"Oh- It's nothing. I'll be fine… The sun will warm me up soon enough. You know I'm not a princess though, so you probably shouldn't call me that." You said with a tiny fake smile. "I appreciate the offer though."

"Aw, maybe I shouldn't call you princess then. No princess holds a candle to you anyways! You have to be the product of some goddess of beauty." He laughed as you couldn't stop the heat rushing to your face, "Don't be so shy. I'm just teasing you. Though you do make a cute face when you're embarrassed. Still, you should take it. I'll be fine without it for a minute."

"Kaminari, I swear to all the gods that I will shove so many rocks into your mouth, if you don't stop flirting. You'll be shitting so many rocks that you could put it on a resume." Bakugo was throwing nonsense threats and this just resulted in some laughter as you had never heard a threat more ridiculous. It was like it was written by someone who didn't actually know how to properly threaten people or something. 

Ah yes. That is me. The narrator, who cannot narrate without getting sidetracked. Now, watching you and the group laugh… The tension of impending doom is nowhere to be found as you all walk the beginnings of the mountains' autumnal scenery. The yellow cloak draped on your shoulders as you continued and Denki at your side, chatting idly with you. His presence and the conversation taking the pressure of the situation away. It seemed he was an expert, being a bard. Something told you to be careful though. The stereotype with musicians and their unfaithfulness… 

There was more time to mull over the prospect later, but you also just found him so jolly. It was a real treat. Going through the day, nothing happened. It was painfully boring event-wise, tiring, but you made progress. You had begun to feel uneasy, despite Kaminari distracting. Something was lurking in the forests, in the trees. Everything seemed about as turned around for you as a spinning carnival mirror maze. 

Sero, Kiri, and Mina seemed to have had no problem as you were led by them. The group was much closer together now and the laughter began to cease. Night would come and the wish to leave these mountains was becoming louder within your head. It was eerie.

No one spoke much while the dark branches of nearly black barked pines hung above with their ruddy red leaves. The silver of the wood beneath was visibly upon some broken branches and on the stumps that you would sometimes pass on the thinning path. They looked unpleasantly rough to touch. Small barbs lining the branches and serving as more than a small warning to be careful around them. 

Soon the light would go, so Kiri found a spot around where some trees had fallen and sat up a fire for the night, while you picked up anything on the ground to make it less rocky. It was also handy for you to get more sticks for the fire. These trees burned infamously easy. A single mistake with a fire and it could go up in minutes, but it would burn for a long time. It was not usual for anyone to cut any down due to the inhabitants though and the consequences. You didn't know what they were and you weren't about to try to find out by harming the forest. 

Dinner was easy, still being able to have some good leftovers from the inn. You had to eat them all today, but it was still going to be fuel until the next time you went to eat fresh food, cooked by someone else at least.

Denki couldn't help lightening the mood as he pulled out his stringed instrument and started playing a lovely song… It was familiar, somehow. You struggled to think of what it was called, but you knew the words. It was peaceful and it definitely seemed to help Mina perk up again as she began talking with Sero. Bakugo seemed less irritable as he ate, the music must calm the beast. You couldn't help the smile that came on your face at that thought.

Singing along probably wouldn't keep him calm, but you oh so wanted to… It would be a little embarrassing, but others might join in.

So you did. It was time to have some fun.

You hummed along and started singing, 

"How much is love worth?

Yet, we're giving it for free.

Didn't cost a penny, but

I've gained everything.

I'd do anything to make her smile

My darling

My darling

Darling~

If only she would look out

Of that dreamy little world

She would then see

That while I am no prince

And will make her crazier than me

I would never quit to admit I'm wrong

I'd always get on her nerves,

She would hate the way I eat

And only then it's worse.

I'd complain about her mother

Even though she's quite alright

I won't stop til I see her blush

Red in the dead of night.

An immoral proposition

If not only for a tease

But I have some qualities

that put her mind at ease.

I love her more than the sea does a shore

As the sun does the horizon,

Unafraid to come back home

And get her blood arising 

Kiss her face and hold her hand

I'll never let her go.

I'm lucky that she loves it

Where I'd be without it, who would know

That she likes to feel the spite

That even though I mess around

I'm in her bed tonight 

Of my darling,

My darling

My darling

Darling

Not doing as the birds and bees 

But holding on her hand,

Kissing at her face

And saying things for show

Her pretty crimson blush

Cause when I see it, then I know

That the hand life dealt

Was a royal flush."

Denki sang with you as the others watch, some la's and humming as you got up with a spin. The swirl of your dress and body as you sang out each part with more confidence. Mina laughed when you would dance and Kirishima was keeping the beat.

After a while, the singing stopped and soon the group started to settle in. 

Bakugo took first watch with Kirishima, Sero and Denki. Then Mina and you. Only because of practicality. It was to be in three hour shifts. It was when you laid down on your bed roll and cover yourself with a blanket you had been given. The night would be cold, but the fire was big enough to warm you as you sleep. As soon as you eyes closed, you were out. A day of travelling made you more than ready to sleep. It was a wonderful thing to sleep with good dreams, but you seemed to lack any dreams lately.

Not tonight.

You woke up in an ashen forest. Smoke choked life as blue flames rose in the distance. It snowed. You could hardly distinguish the ash from the snow until it would either burn you or melt on your skin. Getting up was impossible, the burning branch crushed your legs.

The acrid smell of burnt hair and smoke. It stung your eyes as you tried to tears away while coughing. You just couldn't stop coughing. "Please! Please! Denki?! Mina!" 

You were crying and struggling. The wood was too heavy and you could see the blood on the snow. You were bleeding heavily. It hurt. It hurt.

"Somebody help me! Please! I don't want to die." You couldn't stop the tears as you thrashed about. Soon you stopped though. A growl sounding above you. Blue eyes and blackened scales, injuries beyond counting.

El diablo azul. The shivering continued as you looked up, nothing short of full blown trembling as he snorted hot air over you and knocked the branch away. Draconic was spoken to you as you scrambled back from him. It was deep and grumbling, not hissing or growling like the words spoken by Endeavor or Shouto. 

"I don't under- understand. Thank you though…" You couldn't look away from those blue eyes as they seemed to glint with amusement before the great black wings beat against the air. Smoke and snow getting caught up as he was off again and soaring over the burning forest. Lying in the snow though, you wouldn't be able to get up. Maybe he wanted to give you a chance to survive. So you pulled yourself up and began to walk through the blizzard, blood oozing from your thigh and ash caked on your skin. You weren't going to make that help mean nothing.

Though, you were confident. You looked up to see something far worse than the fire ahead. Red and white scales. Shouto was coming for you. 

Blinking your eyes open as you were shaken awake. Sweat coated your body while you panted, "Stop- Stop! Please."

It was as you jolted up, you saw Denki looking with fear at you. His hands had been shaking you awake and scrambled away. Out of breath as you looked around frantically. "Shshshh, You need to be quiet. You're attracting too much attention. You were screaming in your sleep. What in the world were you dreaming about…?"

"Nothing, it was nothing, Denki… Just a bad dream. I um, I'll take the rest of your shift if you want to go back to sleep. I don't think I can…" You murmurred. 

[livelovelaug-h]

Irreplaceable you pt 1

Sam x reader

Summary- inspired by the movie irreplaceable you. Sickness/cancer and a lot of emotions. Definitely grab a box of tissues.

You: "What if we stayed in bed all day?"

" That sounds like the best day ever. We should stay here all week."

You: "What if we got bored?"

"Us, bored? When have we ever been bored?"

" What if we got hungry? What would we do for food?

Sam: "Well, we could order takeout and have it delivered right there."

"you know dean would come in and make us get up."

Sam laughs "Stop. Stop worrying."

~~~~~~~

Full disclosure:

I didn't have to worry about any of that, because this is where my story ends. So does yours, by the way. So does everyone's.

It's okay. Really.

Most of it I don't miss at all.

One with nature.

Really.

Calm. Peaceful.

But then, there's Sam.

Sam was... is the love of my life.

Sams walking to your grave. You narratoring: " Hi, Sam."

Sam by your grave: "Hi, y/n."

But let's start at the beginning.

~~~~~

Even with being a hunter, you were so excited. You were late for your period, it had been a couple weeks late. Now it felt like you were bloated like maybe a baby bump showing.

"Sam?"

"Hey what's up ?" He answers as you walk into the library.

"I kind of have some good news." Siting down next to him.

"oh yeah what's that ?"

You smile big "well... we need to make a doctors appointment. Because... I think I'm pregnant. I haven't had my period for about two months."

His turn to smile real big "really????" You nod.

"This so great, I'm gonna be a dad.!" He hugs you and kissed your forehead then nose and then lips. "And I'm gonna be a mom."

You set up your doctors appointment for about a week later. You were getting some stomach pains. You got up to throw away your wrapper when:. "ah ouchhh".

'Why does this hurt so much.' you thought.

You were waiting for the doctor to come back and confirm your good news !

There's a big picture of a baby inside of a belly showing the insides and sam says

"that picture makes it look gross and painful."

"that's not helpful!" The doctor comes in:

"I'm so sorry to keep you waiting."

"Um, y/n, I have some difficult news. The blood test shows that you are not pregnant.

Oh. Sam grabs ahold of your hands and squeezes them.

" Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Oh, okay." It felt like someone just ripped your heart out but you couldn't believe it. Sam started rubbing your arms and hands.

"I guess that's okay. I- I mean, the whole thing was kind of a surprise... Yeah. We probably weren't even ready."

" Right-"

"It-it-it's just.. its weird 'cause, um, I know it's super early but I really feel something there." You say.

"The sonogram shows that you have a mass in your pelvis roughly the size of a tangerine. It can mimic pregnancy."

"A mass?"

"What kind of a mass?" Sam asks. He looked pretty discouraged to.

[Dr. Michaelson] "I don't want you guys to panic, because it couldbe nothing."

There's this moment

when everything changes.

You look back, and there was the moment before.

See that person?

Flashback to a few minutes -

"It's not helpful!"

She's thinking about whether she's hoping for a boy or a girl, and tiny fingers and toes, and then...

[Dr. Michaelson] "I'm so sorry to keep you waiting."

[you] and now Suddenly...

End of flashback

~~~~~~~~

You and Sam were laying down in bed:

"At least we won't have to pay for college." You say.

"Unless it's a really smart tumor... Too soon?" He says.

You sigh "It's too soon."

"A tangerine is better than an orange." You say.

"Or a grapefruit."

"Right. Or, um... What's bigger than a grapefruit?"

both of you say "A watermelon."

Cas can't heal you because he's human so there is really no other option.

.... At the doctors again .....

Did I say that was the moment?

[Dr. Kessler] "It's two tangerines and a grapefruit."

Correction, this is the moment.

"That's a lot of fruit."

[Dr. Kessler] "Uh, the tests have shown that it is cancer. And I know how hard this must be to hear. It's incredibly rare in someone your age. It's just... It's just terrible luck. Now we can talk aboutoptions whenever you're ready."

"Is there one that doesn't involve dying?" You ask.

[Dr. Kessler] "Uh, I-I've already consulted with a colleague, and after the initialsurgery, there's a clinical trial I'd like to enroll you in"

"You didn't answer my question."

Did he answer my question?

[Dr. Kessler] "We don't like to make predictions. But in addition to your treatment, I want to talk to you about your quality of life. Uh, we can help with pain management and some palliative care. And also some people have found great solace from supportgroups. I know this is a terribleshock, but let's take it one day at a time."

You knew you would go out one day probably hunting, but not like this. Not cancer.

"hello yes I would like to cancel my subscription to you guys."

"oh why is that?"

"I just have cancer now so I figured I wouldn't really be exercising."

"oh that's terrible. Are you sure you want to cancel?"

"yes . ... I am."

~~~~~ later that night ~~~~~~

Sam: "how you feeling?"

"I'm scared."

"It's-It's gonna be okay."

"What if I die?"

"We're gonna fight this, I'll always be there for you"

~~~~

Your laying on the floor because They say after surgery there's gonna be some minor discomfort.

It's Stage IV cancer.

Nothing is minor.

Nothing is comfortable.

Your doctor talking :

"So, let's, um, let's take another look at the proposed model for auto-associative memory and its constituent neural network."

'Or not. Let's not and say we did. Class dismissed.' you think.

you're walking to the other clinic and the guy greets me. "Hey."

"Hi."

"How's it going? I'm Dominic."

"y/n, Nice to meet you."

"I'm gonna be running your treatment suite."

"Treatment suite? "

"Oh, yeah, don't get excited. It doesn't even have four walls. Uh, go ahead and grab a seat right there. For the next time, you're probably gonna want to bring your own pillow in from home. You're also gonna need your cell phone with headphones and grab a magazine. Some of these guys tend to hoard 'em. You're gonna end up reading an old ripped up copy of Duck Enthusiast.

"Oh. It's okay, I don't read Duck Enthusiast. "

"Yeah, well, you will. All right, feet up. " he says.

"Uh, yes, you will feel like shit after this, but it's different for everybody. And no, your hair isn't gonna fall out right away. And besides, it looks like you have plenty of it, so you're doing good. Uh, and if you need snacks, you got to bring them from home."

Great. Just great.

You walk into one of the support groups.

"Hey."

"Come on in. We're just getting started. " the girl says. "Go grab yourself a hook and yarn."

One of the people in the group start saying "have you heard of Catholic yoga? It's a full Latin Mass with vinyasa yoga positions, and I come out... "

"You serious? " someone asks. "yeah!"

"How is Estelle holding up?"

"She's good. There's a new hawk in Central Park. Every morning we go out there and watch the little guy. I hope she keeps up the bird-watching after I'm gone. With whatever new guy she's banging.

[laughs]

"Welcome to group." they all say. "It's the way we roll."

" We have fun. "

"Cool." you say. The end of session finishes up and you start walking away when the guy who was talking about the bird calls to you.:

"The whole point is to mingle. "

"Not feeling up to it. " you say.

"Neither does anybody. That's why we do it. Myron. Multiple myeloma. You've never heard of it? Stay a while. " he says.

"I'm not really a mingler. "

"Not a crocheter either, apparently. "

"Didn't have time for pointless hobbies then, really don't have time for them now, and I'm especially uninterested in discovering that crocheting is a metaphor for healing or whatever."

"What you're feeling is totally normal." Myron says.

"You know, I wish people would stop telling me that totally insane things are normal."

"Have you looked around? "

"But you just accept that? You just accept everything that's going on? You make jokes about your wife having a new boyfriend?"

"I don't accept it, but in the event that I do kick the bucket, I hope she does find a boyfriend. Somebody nice. Less well-endowed to be sure, but nice. "

"Well, I just think I am in a different situation. Sam and I met when we were kids, and then started dating 10 years ago."

"How old is he? "

" Thirty-five."

"Yeah, he's gonna go through a major slut phase."

You laugh.

"I also have Tourette's."

You- "Good to know."

"Yeah. You come back."

"Nice to meet you, Myron."

"Nice to meet you, y/n."

"And thanks for the advice. "

" All right"

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Are you gonna go through a slut phase?" You ask Sam.

"What? No. Why would you say that?"

"You're not even thinking about it?"

"That's the absolute furthest thing from my mind right now. It's further than like meeting someone on Tinder." You chuckle.

"Okay, but Tinder can't be that far from your mind because you just said it, which means you had to be thinking about it, which means you're thinking about this too."

"Yeah. I'm busted." Sam says.

"I'm serious. Look at you. The puppy-dog eyes.

"What?"

" This is a disaster. "

Sam: "What are you talking about?"

"You don't know. Because you have no experience. Women are gonna eat you alive."

" I can take care of myself."

"I know But what if you can't? Who's going to get you to go to bed and stop researching? Who's going to make you real food?"

"you don't make me real food."

"Yeah, but I would, hypothetically. "

"Well, our hypothetical food has been in the freezer for like a year." You got up and started near the kitchen.

"What are you doing?"

"Figuring out how to cook a real meal."

"Now?"

"No time like the present."

"How do I cook a chicken?" You say into the phone.

[Siri] Let me think about that.

Okay, I found this on the web for "How do I cook a chicken?"

"It's gonna be amazing."

~~~~~~~~~~

Just 'cause you're dying

doesn't mean your life stops.

Sam has been through so much so maybe if you found him a new girl, he wouldn't think about your passing.

In group support-

"And so, uh, when my numbers came back this time, I just, honestly, I just thought I can't keep fighting."

[Kate] "Jim, you don't have to go there. 'Cause it's all about attitude. "

"Well, let's let Jim have his process."

[Kate] "Oh, absolutely. Yeah. I just think that his process should be more positive. Everyone is entitled to... to be sad."

"Thank you."

"You know what I'm loving these days is meditation. And I... I know it sounds trite, but I just have been feeling so blessed every time I sit there in silence. Maybe you could try that now?

You laugh.

"Or we could laugh."

"That's okay too. "

" Sorry. I'm sorry. Just... Some of these women are so cheesy. "I want to dip you in whipped cream and put my cherry on top." What does that even mean, anatomically speaking?" You ask.

"Using a sundae model as a sexual proposition. It is confusing. I have to s... " Myron says.

"I mean, cherry... cherry's got to be a hymen, right?" You ask.

"Probably a busted hymen." You giggle.

[Kate] "Mm-hmm."

"I... I, um... mine broke on a horse. And me, I was born without one. So... It was my favorite horse, though. " ......

"Okay, uh, that's about it for today. "

~~~~~~~~~~

"Were you sexting just now?" Myron asks while you sitting down looking through tinder.

"Let me have my process." You say.

"Your process is sexting?"

"You're the one who said Sam would go through a slut phase. I thought you were crazy, but then I thought about it more, and he's gonna be a chick magnet. he already is And the worst part is, he's gonna have no idea how to handle it because he's going to be too sad. He hasn't dated to many people in his life. He's gonna be lonely and vulnerable. He already lost his fiance."

"Classic rookie mistake. " Myron states.

"What are you talking about? "

"Thinking you can do something to lessen the loss. There's a word for what you're doing. It's a technical term. You want to know it?"

You: "No, thanks."

"Anticipatory grieving.' Trying to cope with the loss before it happens. So, Meryl over there writes a birthday card to her husband for every year she's gonna be gone, and Jim... makes a video montage of himself as Santa for all the Christmases he's gonna miss with his kids. It doesn't change anything. Look, what do I know? My advice? You're hooking him up, concentrate on a booty. Yours, you know, it's... it's flat."

You laugh "My booty is not flat."

"You have a terrible ass. "

"Fuck you."

"Here, give me that. Oh, you got a match. Sexypants89."

"Okay, let me see that."

~~~~~~~~~~

You started interviewing girls that Sam got a match on from tinder at a coffee shop.

To be continued.

[mayonara]

★ So, basically, I've read a lot of A/B/O fics where Omegas are treated really horribly, and have just been wanting to read something about Dick being a Beta instead of Omega, in a universe where the Beta's are treated like shit bc they don't "react properly to Alpha's" or w/e and Omega's are treated like gold. And basically the Batfam being super protective over Dick. I really love your stories and just realized you took prompts so I figured I'd send this in to you, to see if you wanted to

★( cont. 2/2 ) write this. Can be Jay/Dick if you want. Emotionally hurt!Dick. Maybe Dick gets physically hurt because of the prejudice and hatred towards Beta’s or something. Up to you! I really just want to see a fic where Dick handles being a Beta in that kind of world plus emotional hurt/comfort + angst yes pls. + protective batfam bc protective batfam over Dick is my guilty pleasure. I hope you’ll think about writing this prompt. If not, that’s okay! Either way, I hope you have a great day!

So sorry this took a while to get out! I didn’t have any inspiration until now. Anyways, I hope this is what you were looking for! I would have written more but I tried to keep it at a good length. It was a fun take and I enjoyed writing it! Thanks!

There wasn’t anything Dick hated more than attending a Gala—a Wayne Gala. Okay, he lied. He actuallygetting into arguments with Bruce over stupid matters or when the Bat was beinga stubborn fool. But this had to beone of his top.

Why? Well one, it was boring. And two, he hated theattention he garnered. Not even good attention, like ones where people fawnedover him. No. Not in this type of society. What he received instead wereglares, judging looks and eyes filled with hatred and disgust.

That was the luck of being a beta in this world where alphaswere praised upon and omegas were treated like gold. Where being a beta wasless respected due to the fact that they brought no benefit to either caste.They have no worth and can’t satisfy an alpha or an omega in any shape or form.

It wasn’t as if Dick hated being a beta. Really, he didn’t.It was just hard on him, having to go through life being hated when all hewanted to do was get along with people. Of course there were those thataccepted him nonetheless, like his family and friends, but there were otherswho ill-treated them solely because he was a beta.

And this situation that he was in right now was basicallyhim being tossed into a den full of wolves. Bruce did tell him he didn’t needto come if he didn’t want to. He knew how much Dick hated it and it was his ownsilly way of protecting him from the public. And yet, even if he didn’t showhis face, he would still be talked about. Written as the disobedient child ofthe Wayne family, or a shameless beta who wouldn’t even spare the time to showat his adoptive father’s gala.

Which was why either way, he couldn’t win. Better to suck itup and go rather than having the Wayne reputation being tarnished by his ownreluctance. Even though it was already being ridiculed just because he was abeta.

He couldn’t do much about the issue so, Dick tried not tothink too deeply about it. Tried his very best to not let it get to him becausethe few times (or many times) that it had, it fucked with his emotions reallybadly. Fucked him up so much that he’d ruined a few of his past relationshipswith those he dated, mainly alphas.

Dick hid within the shadows of the room, pressed up close toa wall where the light was the dimmest. He wanted to stay out of sight, sothose lingering eyes fueled with disgust wouldn’t be gazing at him. Gawking athim like he was a creature that couldn’t fit in with them.

Even though he was trying his best to stay hidden, it didn’texactly work like a charm. The place was large and filled with an abundance ofpeople adorned with fancy clothing. Those who surrounded him where engaged inconversations, but every so often, they toss a glance back his way, eyes fullof mockery. Lips pulled into a smirk, like they were better than him.

It made him want to puke. Dick pulled his gaze away from thepeople and stared at his hands instead, but he couldn’t still feel theirintense stare burning a hole onto his body.

He just prayed that the gala would end soon, althoughunlikely because it just started about an hour ago.

Dick was just minding his own business, hoping no one wouldbother him, but that was never the case when it came to betas. Especially abeta of high society. Even that couldn’t do anything about the constantharassment and shun he received from others. Honestly, he just wished theywould leave him be. Insult him from afar or behind their backs instead of tohis face.

So when a small group of three alphas approached him, Dickcouldn’t help but scoff loudly, ready to turn around and leave. Unfortunately,they caught him before he could escape. The three spread out, cornering himagainst the wall as they crossed their arms and stared him down with widegrins.

“I can’t believe you have the confidence to show your facein public,” one of them sneered while the other standing beside him, tall withbrown hair, laughed and nudged him on the side playfully.

Dick drew in a long breath and arched a brow at them,putting on a smirk, showing that whatever they were about to do wouldn’t botherhim at all. “It is my fathers’ galaafter all.”

The tall one’s laugh grew even louder, attracting staresfrom nearby as the people glanced at them, staring in interest. “Sure. Ifthat’s what you believe. You were just a pity that Bruce Wayne brought in.”

Bright blue eyes blinked at him before they fell into a lookof irritation. That wasn’t one he hadn’t already heard, but no matter how manytimes they said it to him, it always hurt. Not that he believed it was true. Itwas just the thought of it that bothered him.

“I bet you’re just his boy toy anyways,” another commented,the one who hadn’t said anything. “But oh, I bet you’re not even that goodbecause you’re a beta.” The other twostarted snickering and Dick rolled his eyes so hard, there was no way theywould have missed his look of disinterest.

“And Alphas are so much better?” Dick challenged, his angergetting the best of him. “You guys ravage like animals. Worse than animals.”

And that got the three to shut up real quick, the laughter disappearingwithin seconds, grins being wiped off just from that mere insult.

“What the fuck did you say?” One of them growled, hissing atDick, trying to reveal his domination. His pride as an alpha to make thosesubmit to him. But guess what? It didn’t work on Dick and that wasn’t becausehe was a beta, it was because he himself didn’t submit to others easily.

When Dick showed no signs of backing off, no signs ofshowing respect to the alpha, he got furious and took a step forward, reachingout a hand to grab at Dick’s shirt. Dick was prepared for it, was going to lethim do it anyways, but a hand flew out, catching his attacker’s wrist.

“I don’t think punching your hosts’ son is such a goodidea,” a familiar voice was heard, filtering into the mix of whisperssurrounding him and when Dick looked up, he spotted Jason standing beside him. He’dforgotten that Jason was around, having not seen him for a while. And might headd, Jason looked stunningly handsome tonight. With his hair slicked back,looking clean cut and dressed in black slacks and a loosely tucked in whitedress shirt, two buttons undone, sleeves rolled up a third of the way and nottie in sight.

Dick had to take a moment to catch his breath from thegorgeous view before him and fluttered his eyes briefly for a moment before heopened them back up. Now, he could see the dangerous look in Jason’sexpression, how his eyes were narrowed, and staring straight at the alphas. Hewas smiling, lips curved upwards, but that was definitely not a nice smile. Itwas the “do it again I’ll fuck you up,” look that he was giving to them.

He could just feel Jason’s dominance oozing, his top tieralpha pheromones permeating the air, affecting those around him. He was showingthat he meant what he said and that it probably wasn’t a good idea to challengehim.

The three alphas quickly backed off though the one caught byJason lingered for a bit, engaged in a staring contest, trying to see who wouldprevail. Well, he foiled first when Jason tightened his grip around his wrist,quickly shaking Jason off and took a few steps back.

“Whatever,” he grumbled. “Suit yourself with that worthless beta,” he tossed out and thethree fled with their tails tucked between their legs.

A breadth of relief washed over Dick and he sighed heavily,less anxious and uptight. He leaned back against the wall and took a moment torecover from those insults. Even though none of what they were saying was true,it still got to him slightly. It bothered him and did a number on his mentalpsyche. It wasn’t a rare occurrence, so it didn’t hurt as much as when itstarted, but the numbers stack and it grows as Dick wasn’t the type to releasehis stress. He was the type to keep it into himself until he burst.

He was so deep in thought he’d forgotten that Jason was withhim and startled slightly when he started talking.

“Assholes,” Jason muttered and turned his attention to Dick,settling his eyes on the man. “Can’t believe you didn’t just punch them.”

“That would be no good.”

“Yeah, but they completely deserve it. Besides, youtypically shove them aside when these things happen,” Jason commented and Dickjust sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

“I guess,” Dick murmured softly and Jason eyed him,suspicious. He was staring, watching him, reading him, and trying to analyzehim, making Dick squirm. He didn’t want to talk about it and hoped Jasonwouldn’t ask.

“Hey, are you—“ he started, but thankfully for Dick, Jasonwas interrupted when Damian crashed into them, knocking Jason off to the sideso he could have direct contact with the man.

“Grayson,” Damian said and Dick shook away the emotionscoiling around him, putting on a smile for his little brother.

“Damian, hey.”

There was a moment of brief silence as Damian stared at himbefore he reached out a hand and tugged at his shirt sleeve. “I am quitefamished.”

“Uh—hungry?”

Damian nodded.

“Okay, we can get some food over there,” Dick said andglanced around the room, quickly locating the table of refreshments. Now thathe thought about it, his stomach was grumbling and he realized he hadn’t had asingle bite to eat this evening.

“Hey, wait a minute. I wasn’t finished yet,” Jason retortedand glared at the young teen. Damian just clicked his tongue and folded hisarms across his chest.

“Tt. It can wait.”

“Uh no it can’t. And you can just get your own food,” Jasonstarted, ready to pick a fight with Damian. Dick wasn’t about to let thishappen and inserted himself between the two, giving them both a look ofdisapproval.

“No fighting. We’re in public,” Dick said. “Damian firstbecause I’m also hungry. Then we can…talk later if you want.”

Jason just scowled, pissed that he was put on reserve whileDamian just smiled in triumph. Dick could only sigh and shake his head at thetwo, always having to give him a difficult time. Either way, he escaped Jason’swrath and went to satiate his hunger.

The evening continued on fine for the most part, at leastthat’s what Dick thought. The gala was almost over and Dick just really wantedto retire to his room. It’d been dragging all night for him and he was just sodone with everything.

He went to use the public restroom that Bruce hadspecifically built for his social events. Dick dipped his hands underneath thefaucet and started scrubbing away the dirt and grime off his skin. While he wasdoing so, he heard the door swing open and the sounds of people shuffling in.It sounded like a few and reflexively, he looked through the mirror to see whoit was and found those assholes that had bothered him earlier. A heavy sighflew from his lips as he finished washing his hands and shook off the excesswater.

“Well, look what we found here,” the tall bastard spoke andthe way he said it, it didn’t seem like it was a coincidence.

Dick turned around to face the three and leveled his eyes atthem, not at all smiling or happy to see them. As he took in their features, hefound that all three of them were still holding their flutes of champagnes.

“What do you want?” Dick prompted and glanced at the door,looking for a way to escape. If he could just swing around the real quick, hecould make it, but it didn’t look like that was happening as they shuffledcloser towards the doorway.

“Just looking to put you in your place,” the smug one, whohad first spoke to him, said.

“Wha—“ And before Dick could react, they tossed their drinksat him, the sweet liquor splashing onto his face, drenching him. Drips ofliquid rolled down his face, dripping off the edges of his jaws and chin andall Dick could do was suck in a frustrated breath, curl his hands into tightfits. He was tempted, really tempted to show what it meant to put them in theirplace, but he could not. It would reflect poorly on him and it wasn’t somethinghe would do either. It was just, in a moment of irritation, he wanted to.

“Serves you fucking right for disobeying us. Betas shouldknow their place. You’re nothing but bottom trash,” he sneered and then thethree of them threw their flutes to the ground, aiming directly for Dick’s feetas the glass shattered into a million pieces.

Laughter escaped from their grinning lips and filled the airas they laughed and filtered out of the room. Even though they were gone, Dickcould still hear them mocking him.

It took him a while to finally find his breath again whenthe rage within him finally dissipated. He was so angry, so pissed at thetreatment he received, but he tried to not let it get to him. Let it compressinto his growing ball of stress.

He breathed in and out and finally looked at the ground,gazing at all the tiny shards littered around the floor. Alfred’s going to hatethis.

Drained of energy, Dick sighed and collapsed to the ground,felt the glass pieces digging through his clothes, piercing through as theypoked at his skin. It hurt, but he didn’t care.

“That was a stupid way for getting revenge. Like champagnewould even hurt me,” Dick huffed, grumbling to no one but himself.

And although it didn’t physically hurt him, well, the glasssort of it, it did mentally scar him. And while everything they said was false,everything they claimed towards him was just their own warped reasoning, itstill hurt.

Dick just couldn’t understand why being a beta was bad. Whybeing a beta was frowned upon just because he wasn’t the best of the best?Because he wasn’t born as an inferior alpha or a prized omega. Why was it sobad being an ordinary beta? It didn’t make any sense and no matter how much hetried to understand the world’s mind, he never understood it. Their prejudicewas what it was and there was hardly anything that he could do to change it.

So at most, he learned to embrace it. To love himselfunconditionally even though some things would sneak beneath that bubble he’dbuilt around himself. And from time to time, it happened and there wasn’tanything he could do about it besides mope.

Time passed, how much? Dick didn’t know, but he was lost inthought, wrapped up in his own mind and didn’t notice someone coming in. Butthere was a hand to his arm, large and tender before he felt long fingers curlaround his biceps and suddenly, he was being pulled to his feet. When his eyesmet the gaze of his helper, he was met with familiar turquoise ones.

Jason, his savior once again for the night.

“Helping me out again?”

“You know it. You’re just a magnet for trouble,” Jasonmurmured and stared down at his pants, grimacing at all the glass shardssticking to the fabric. He quirked his lips in ponder and then grabbed a towelfrom off the rack (one used for decoration) and quickly wiped away all theglass as best as he could.

Dick was just waiting for Jason to say something to him, toask him what happened, but he said nothing and just continued cleaningmeticulously, carefully sweeping up the broken glass into a pile as best as hecould.

“How’d you find me?” Dick questioned.

Without looking at him, Jason answered. “I overheard thoseshit-heads talking.”

“Oh.”

And then there was silence once more. Jason was quick andgathered up however much glass he could and dumped it in the trash. “I’ll haveto tell Alfred,” he muttered softly to himself. “Okay, let’s get you cleanedup.” Jason then returned to Dick’s side, holding onto his arm once more, gentlythis time, and then led him out of the bathroom. As they ventured down thehall, they ran into Damian and Tim who looked appalled by Dick’s appearance.

“What happened?” Tim asked and pointed at his oldestbrother.

“Assholes. Three.”

“I know which ones,” Damian growled, a look of fury fillinghis eyes.

“Alright, I’ll let you two take care of them then.” Whichthe two nodded in agreement, Damian already cracking his knuckles inpreparation.

Dick wanted to retort, but didn’t feel like arguing againstthem when his mind was in a weakened state and let himself be whisked away byJason and his brothers. They’d taken the back way of the manor to get to thepart of the home they lived in and Jason brought Dick to his room.

“Go clean up,” he instructed and pulled him over to hisbathroom, pushing him inside before he disappeared for a minutes and reappearedwith a stack of clothes. “I’ll be in your bedroom,” he said nonchalantly, likethis was a typical thing they did. It wasn’t, but Dick nodded his head anyways.

Doing what he was told, Dick stripped down to his birthdaysuit and turned on the shower, putting it on hot. He jumped right in and dippedhis entire body beneath the shower head, letting the water rain down on him,soaking him to the core. He stood still, just letting the heat of the waterengulf him as his mind wandered about.

Thinking about those times he’d fucked up because of hisinsecurity. How he could have easily ignored them, not letting the wordspenetrate his heart and mind. And while he had a certain amount of protectionhe built around himself, it wasn’t as sturdy as he wanted it to be.

It was all so stupid too. Everything was stupid. What otherssays shouldn’t matter to him. None of it should matter because they didn’t havea say in his life. And yet, it still had an effect.

Dick’s mind was wandering, still going around in circles andcircles, lost in thought. He just couldn’t control his feelings, his emotions.Couldn’t get a handle on them, reel it in and be himself again.

“Hey!” A voice called through, shocking him. The curtains ofhis shower was pulled back and there he was again. Jason staring at him withhis arms propped against his hips, a look of annoyance reflected in his eyes.

“What the fuck Dick?” Jason grumbled. “You’ve been in hereso long.” He reached over and turned off the water, tossed a towel at him. “Dryup.”

God, he really needed to snap out of it because Jason wastreating him like a child now. Do this, do that. Ugh, he wasn’t a child thoughclearly, he was being one at the moment.

Dick dried his body quickly, shivering from the cold thatblew past him and then draped the damp towel over his head.

“No,” Jason rejected and snatched the towel from him only togive him a new and dry one. He grabbed his hand and helped Dick out of the tuband then started handing him clothes for him to get dressed in.

“Need help?” he asked with a hint of playfulness in his toneas Dick was slipping on his briefs. The man just groaned and mumbled a no athim which just made Jason chuckle.

Once done, Jason guided him towards his bed like he was somesick child and tucked him in. Bundled up under the warmness of his blankets,Dick rolled to his side and stared up at Jason was sitting on the edge. Theireyes locked and they were just gazing at one another, neither saying a word normaking a single movement.

Honestly, Dick was waiting for Jason to say something firstbut it looked like he was instead waiting on Dick to be the one to break thebarrier of silence. Well, Dick didn’t say anything and finally Jason crackedand took the initiative.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

And that seriously annoyed the hell out of Jason. “Don’t saynothing. Something is up. You’re not your usually perky self.”

“I’m not that perky.”

Jason rolled his eyes at him. “Really?” And Dick curled hislips into a tiny frown.

“Come on. Just tell me what’s up. Was it those fuckers?”

Dick wiggled his nose at the mention of those alphas fromearlier. “Sort of.”

“Go on,” Jason said and made hand gestures, making circularmotions for him to continue on.

Dick didn’t want to dig too deeply into his sob story but hesupposed he could brief him. “Being a beta is hard,” he admitted and wow,wasn’t that a relief to get off his chest. He was sure he’d never told anyoneabout that before. “I don’t hate it. Actually, I like it because I don’t haveto deal with your bodily hardships. But the hate, it’s—“ he takes a moment tobreath before continuing, “is heavy sometimes.”

He’d dig a little further, but he wasn’t exactly in the moodto do so. That was all the information he was willing to give up. Bright blueeyes watched carefully for a reaction of sorts, but there was none. Instead,Jason was just staring at him intently and then he sighed heavily. He got upfrom the bed and for a moment there, Dick thought he’d annoyed him with hispity story, but he was getting up to leave. No. He was doing something else.

Like getting into his bed.

Jason lifted the covers and slid right in, curling up closeto Dick’s body, so close their bodies were flushed together.

“What are you doing?” Dick asked and before he could askanymore, he was engulfed into a tight embrace, felt a hand curl around the backof his neck and warm lips pressing against his own.

Eyes widened in shock at the realization that he was beingkissed, kissed by no one other than Jason himself. One of the least expectedpersons he’d be kissing. The kiss was short and only last for a few seconds.When Jason pulled away, the first word that flew from Dick’s lips was, “What?”

Jason shook his head at the man like he was an idiot. “Ilike you. Can we just date?”

Confused, Dick raised a brow at him questioningly. “Jason, Ijust told you some really deep things and this is how you react?”

Jason just shrugged his shoulders. “Honestly I don’t care.Beta, Alpha, Omega, really, who the fuck gives a shit about that?”

“The world.”

“Well I don’t.”

“…Your point?”

“My point is. Fuck it.”

That confused Dick even further. Sure, Jason always wentwith his own agenda and that was fine and all, but that certainly wasn’t howDick acted. It wasn’t easy for him to just ignore people in general.

“I don’t get it.”

And now Jason is groaning at him, exasperated. “Look Dick.Who cares what people say? They gonna hate each other and that’s that.”

“Yes but—“

“I don’t care if you’re a beta. I like you. You’re fuckingawesome even if you’re annoying sometimes and you’re fucking hot.”

“Jason.”

“Dick.”

And Dick sighed at that, couldn’t believe how easy it wasfor Jason to just wash away all his worries by showering him with compliments.Or rather, words of truth that opinions shouldn’t matter.

“I don’t know,” Dick murmured and that was the honest truth.While he found Jason attractive, he wasn’t exactly sure of his feelings, but henever did quite consider Jason his ‘brother’ as they’ve never actually bondedwhen they were younger. More so, he was a terrible mentor and role model to himwhich he in turn worked to fix that part of him for Tim and Damian. “I’m notsure I can handle a relationship.” Not after all the other’s he’d messed upbecause of his self-consciousness and insecurities.

“Try me.”

“It’s not you if that’s what you’re thinking,” Dick said.“I’d love to date you,” and he could feel the corners of his lips tugging intoa smile. “I’m not sure if I can make you happy.”

Jason cursed loudly at that comment and captured his lips ina bruising kiss, biting and nibbling to show how real his feelings were, howmuch he wanted him. “Stupid. Don’t doubt yourself,” he whispered, lips hoveringabove Dick’s, could feel Jason’s warm breath tickling his skin.

“But in the past—“

“Is the past. The future is…us. Let’s give it a shot. I’lljust tell you if you’re being a Dickhead.”

Dick didn’t appreciate that nickname, but he let it slidesince he knew it was his way of teasing him. Besides, Jason made a good pointand it’d been so long since his last relationship. Maybe he could do it.

“You sure you want me? I’m not an omega.”

“Didn’t you fucking listen to what I just said?” Jasongrumbled.

“Yes. I’m just confirming.”

“I don’t care what case you are, I just want you.”

“But the people…”

Jason was about fed up with this constant back and forth.“Fuck it. If they try anything, I’ll spit on their faces and give them hell.”

Dick blinked at that comment and laughed at how seriousJason looked when he said that. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

Maybe trying dating again would be worth a shot. And maybethis time around with Jason, it’d be different.

“Okay. I’ll date you.”

“Yeah of course. You can’t deny me.”

Dick was appalled at that accusation. “Wha—“

“I know Dick,”there was a grin on his face, an all knowing look that he had a piece ofinformation that Dick didn’t know about. “You stare sometimes.”

At that remark, Dick just licked him in the shin and shovedhim aside, while Jason just laughed his butt off and tried to coax him backinto his arms.

Jason really did keep up his side of the bargain because thenext time someone insulted Dick to his face, Jason immediately turned around,took a gulp of his drink and spit it in their faces. But that wasn’t all theyhad coming to him because Tim and Damian followed suit with a kick to the kneeand a dumping of alcohol on their heads.

Much to say, their relationship was going quite fine andDick was learning how to deal with the dislikes towards betas.