#I've been told mine is really good so I'm not exactly worried about that but ohhhhh my god

[eggsnatcheskneecaps]

[the-modern-typewriter]

Could you please do a villianxhero prompt?

They were on the same side. Sort of. Temporarily. Admittedly, it had been a temporary that had stretched on far longer than either of them had expected.

It had been nearly a year.

"I wouldn't," the hero said, as one of the villain's circle stood up to go find his absent leader in the study upstairs.

The villain's left-hand simply sneered at the hero before continuing on their way.

The hero sighed. They could feel a headache forming, but they moved to rise either way, with the celestial tug of everything they were.

"I wouldn't."

The hero glanced over at the villain's right-hand.

The right-hand smiled at them. "It serves him right. And it wouldn't do him bad to remember how much of a buffer you are when you're around."

"He'll get hurt."

"Then he should have listened to you, shouldn't he?"

Well, the hero didn't exactly have a good argument for that. While they'd learned to get on well with the villain's right hand, they still clashed frequently with the obnoxious and entirely too sycophantic left.

"Seriously," the right-hand said, softer. "It's not like you're planning to stop absorbing the worst of them any time soon, is it? Pick your battles."

"They're not that bad with me."

"You know how to handle them - better than anyone."

"Don't let them hear you say that."

The right-hand snorted.

They both looked up, towards the ceiling, towards the villain seething with setbacks out of view.

Something crashed.

"I'm not going to say 'I told you so,'" the hero said. "That feels mean."

"Don't worry." The right-hand sounded positively cheery. "I will."

The left-hand slunk back downstairs before they could respond, pale and shaken. It was, admittedly, a little satisfying. The villain was definitely a bad influence.

But, also, really. The villain telegraphed their moods fairly obviously and they'd got better at retreating when they felt inclined to be vicious. It wasn't a spoken boundary but it was a boundary to anyone paying attention.

It was possible that the hero paid too much attention. They just couldn't quite seem to stop.

"They told me to send you up," the left-hand muttered, with great resentment.

"Bold of them to assume you can send me anywhere."

"Please," the left-hand spat.

The hero grinned at them, before standing.

The right-hand's eyes gleamed, like they knew something that no one else had cottoned onto yet.

The hero shot them a two fingered salute, before they made their way upstairs. They rapped their knuckles against the door before entering.

"I've been summoned," the hero said, leaning against the door. "And you look like hell."

The villain scowled, dragged their hands through their hair.

The hero winked back at them.

The villain's glare intensified, but the tension slipped from their shoulders. "My head is killing me," the villain said. "I'm going to slaughter the next person who interrupts me."

The hero hummed, moving over to the sofa in the corner of the room. They flopped down, all casual like. The villain didn't even make a show of being casual or pretending to work for a minute more before they beelined over, all but shoving their face into the hero's neck.

The hero raised their eyebrows, surprised, then softened. The cupped the back of the villain's head, stroking through the dark locks. The villain melted against them. The hero felt something inside them ease too; a jungle cat finally settled and purring.

"It's disgusting that you're one of the few tolerable people left in the world," the villain said.

"Woe betide the minions. They try so hard."

"Don't take their side. You're mine."

The hero huffed, but didn't correct it, far too busy stifling a smile. Mine. It shouldn't have got to them like it did; there was a time when the word would have made them snarl with fury. They tucked their chin atop the villain's head. The connection between the two of them buzzed pleasantly.

They didn't ask if the villain wanted to talk about it. Inevitably, though, they did.

When the two of them wandered downstairs three hours later, the villain was themselves again.

"So," the right-hand asked, when the two of them were alone. "When's the wedding?"

[batmanisagatewaydrug]

Hey there sex witch! This one might be a little bit out of your wheelhouse, but I don't really have anyone else to ask 😅 and this seems mostly relevant to what you talk about.

So recently I (a very shy person for a long time) have gotten pretty active in some fandom discord communities, and I've been making a ton of friends. Which is great because I used to have social anxiety to the point where I could barely talk to people, especially online. The problem is that my new friends are all VERY horny, all the time. Which, great for them, I don't really feel the same way. They're also very interested in ERP and other varieties of e-sex and often ask if I want to join. I really don't, but it's fine that they're into that. One guy in particular is really starting to freak me out though. He's a semi-popular creator and a mod on one of the servers. He's becoming a pretty good friend of mine and I play online games with him and others a bunch. He, like the rest of the crowd, is also very horny all the time. He often makes sexual comments about me, sometimes very graphic ones. Stuff like telling me to take my clothes off IRL while on call with him or saying stuff like "I want to fuck you until you cry" or just dming me asking if I want to have sex with him. Sometimes he notices that his comments make me uncomfortable and he did reach out to sincerely apologize for it once, but he hasn't changed his behavior a whole lot.

The big thing that worries me about him is the fact that he's 28. I'm 18, just graduated high school. He knows this about me. He does a very good job of keeping his server 18+ and would never make a sexual comment about a minor, but is still comfortable doing sexual things with people ten years younger than him. Another thing is that even though I've told him I already have a boyfriend, he assumes I'm in an open relationship even though I never told him I was. My boyfriend also says this guy kinda freaks him out and that he's a little worried about me.

I know that age gaps between older people can be perfectly healthy and problems arising from them vary pretty heavily from person to person, but I'm not entirely sure if this is ok or not. This guy doesn't want to hurt anyone. Have I probably just not properly expressed my boundaries with him? It's not like he's targeting me or anything, he acts this way with basically everyone. I'm torn on what to do, he's still my friend and I like him otherwise. Should I just keep laughing it off? I am uncomfortable but I guess it's not a huge deal to me. Should I stop talking to this guy?? Help??

🐟🐟 So I can find this quickly if/when you answer it

hi 🐟🐟,

this guy fucking sucks and needs to be banned from interacting with maybe anyone until he learns what "no" means. literally every individual thing you've described him doing would be alarming in it's own, but altogether this man is a walking collection of red flags. this is not your friend and this is not a guy who cares about your boundaries or well-being; this is a man using his fandom clout to sexually harass you (and likely others). him being ten years older than you isn't even really the biggest issue here; all of this would be shithead behavior even if you were exactly the same age.

get out of there, double fish.

[strongheartneteyam]

Do I really have to tell you how he brought me back to life?

Pairing: Lo'ak Sully x female!human!reader

CW: infidelity, Lo'ak yearning for reader, sexual content, clingy Lo'ak, TRIGGER WARNING for sensitive themes, Lo'ak's cock against reader's thigh, a lot of angst, jealous Lo'ak, heartbroken reader, use of "princess" and "babygirl", mentions of sexual fluids, reader feels like she's not pretty enough after being cheated on, confessions of love, neck kissing and licking, dirty talk, sexual language

Synopsis: Lo'ak fell for you at first sight but you only had eyes for Neteyam, so, when he started having feelings for you too, you became Neteyam's mate. Now things are different, Neteyam is cheating on you but you're pretending you don't have a clue about his rendezvous with the na'vi girl he's seeing behind your back. You are close friends with Lo'ak and he's the only person you told about Neteyam's infidelity and now, Lo'ak just won't let this opportunity go without trying to finally claim you to himself.

So... I think this feels a bit incomplete but I had this idea haunting my mind like crazy until I surrendered and wrote it down lol Tell me what u guys think in the comments 🥲 I love y'all a lot <3

Lo'ak is aged up.

Slighty proofread.

𖤓

My husband's gone, don't need to worry

Take you upstairs to the swan bed

Let you fuck me hard as you can

The next time he kisses me, want him to taste red ruby lips

And the love we made and the lemonade

So come on over and give it to me

Lemonade (Nicole Dollanganger)

𖤓

"Eywa, baby, I've always wanted you... since the first time I saw you, I wanted you, pretty human... But he took from me any chance I had of trying to make you mine. He was faster than I was." Lo'ak talked about Neteyam as he ran his hands through your body and kissed your neck, his big body pressed against yours, clinging to you, so needy, his weight and body heat comforting you, giving you exactly what you needed right now. You were feeling broken, unlovable and not so sexy as you used to feel before. That's what getting cheated on by the man you loved did to you and your self steem.

Lo'ak's melancholic and full of pain cooing filled the air as you felt your heart hurt, feeling that you were doing something so wrong but you still couldn't stop yourself from letting Lo'ak's love cover you finally. You always knew he wanted you, it had always been obvious. He was not very good at hiding his feelings. His whole family - Neteyam included - knew he was in love with you.

But he always respected his older brother and you were Neteyam's mate, he had made you his before Lo'ak could even try to. He understood he couldn't anyway. Lo'ak saw how your eyes shone the first time you saw Neteyam, your shyness not letting you look at him too much so he wouldn't notice your interest while you still didn't know if he was interested in you too. That broke Lo'ak's heart. He already felt like he lived in his brother's shadow in almost everything in his life and now Neteyam was taking the girl he loved from him too. Great.

But when Neteyam cheated on you and left you feeling alone and broken-hearted, Lo'ak knew that was his chance and he would not let it go.

Lo'ak just couldn't believe it when he leaned in sheepishly to kiss you, his hands cold and his heart beating painfully fast, and you kissed him back eagerly instead of pushing him away.

Now you were under him.

"Now I can finally touch you, baby... Be with you, fuck you... I can't believe it, princess... I want you so much... " You could feel his cock against your thigh, so deliciously big, thick and hard as a rock too. "You never belonged with him. You always belonged with me, baby. And I'm gonna make you mine now if you let me, babygirl... make you mine forever. I need you so much. I love you so much. I can be better than him. I can fuck you better than he used to."

He was making you so wet. You were feeling needed again. And you wanted him too. He was so hot, his body so toned and beautiful. He wasn't as tall as Neteyam but you didn't mind because, as you were human, he still towered over you like crazy. You had always felt attracted to him and now there was nothing pulling you away from him. Neteyam had broken any vows of love and fidelity you had ever made to each other. You wanted Lo'ak and you were gonna let him have you all the way. He was making you feel alive again and you knew he loved you.

"Five fingers, not four. You're perfect for me. And I'm perfect for you." Lo'ak moaned these words for you as he intertwined his big, slender fingers with your tiny in comparison ones "My perfect human mate. You don't think bad of me for not being fully na'vi like they do." He licked your neck and slightly bit the skin there, his fangs making you feel a rush of an indescribably good feeling coming through your whole being.

•

Taglist:

@yeosxxx

[jackhues]

ferrari?! - charles leclerc

request: hii I loved your wolff!reader x charles ig concept could you please write more of them<33

requested by: anon : )

notes: trying out some new things, hope you guys like it, and pls don't be silent readers!! thanks for requesting <3

join my f1 taglist!

part one

pictures are not mine!

y/nwolff

liked by scuderiaferrari, lucawolff, pierregasly & others

y/nwolff - charles has got dad's approval, ferrari on the other hand... also, luca's a pain, i don't recommend having older brothers. check out the full video on my youtube! tagged lucawolff

pierregasly: did you guys take him on vacation to tell him?? -> y/nwolff: we needed him to be a little bit happy. i had no idea how he was going to react

lucawolff: older brothers are goated -> y/nwolff: i'd like to return mine

y/nisqueen: the pinky promise 🥺 liked by y/nwolff

charles_leclerc: so am i allowed to be in his vision or will he destroy me on sight?? -> y/nwolff: you can be in his vision lmaoo -> charles_leclerc: really? -> lucawolff: don't listen to her, she's lying -> y/nwolff: go away luca! but just to be on the safe side charlie, you should probably be near me so that his (nonexistent) anger dies down -> charles_leclerc: this isn't boosting my confidence -> userone: charlie 🥺🥺

usertwo: this is the toto content we signed up for!

userthree: luca and y/n are the best siblings on this app, love them!!

userfour: bestie, when's the new music coming?? liked by y/nwolff -> y/nwolff: we'll see 🤭

conangray: why is this the funniest thing i've ever seen?? liked by y/nwolff -> oliviarodrigo: it's true, he hasn't stopped laughing for twenty minutes

f1newsandmore

liked by userone, usertwo, userthree & others

f1newsandmore: Toto Wolff and Charles Leclerc spotted before the race. After the video of Toto reacting to his daughter, Y/N Wolff, dating Charles Leclerc, we're all dying to know just exactly what this conversation was about. tagged charles_leclerc, y/nwolff

userone: toto explaining to charles that he's not good enough for y/n while he's with ferrari -> usertwo: and charles zoning out the second he heard y/n's name liked by charles_leclerc

userthree: i'm so invested in this entire thing -> userfour: aren't we all??

y/nwolff

liked by mercedesamgf1, lewishamilton, oliviarodrigo & others

y/nwolff: dad, i promise i'm still a mercedes girl 📷 : charles_leclerc 🤍

lucawolff: says she's a mercedes girl, tags a ferrari boy -> y/nwolff: if you took the pictures like i asked, you'd get the creds

charles_leclerc: the ferrari bracelet is saying otherwise -> y/nwolff: charles!! shh!! -> userone: LMAO! y/n's fighting for her life and charles out here exposing her

lewishamilton: mercedes >> ferrari -> y/nwolff: LOUDER FOR THE PPL IN THE BACK!

landonorris: mclaren >>> -> y/nwolff: boo 👎👎

y/nisqueen: YOU LOOK STUNNING! liked by y/nwolff -> y/nwolff: mwah 🥰

y/nwolff has posted on their story!

caption: 🤍

charles_leclerc

liked by lucawolff, conangrey, pierregasly & others

charles_leclerc: date night! (with toto's approval) tagged y/nwolff

y/nwolff: can't believe you didn't post the vid of me throwing you in the water -> charles_leclerc: i need to at least try and look cool on social media love -> userone: no one cares if you look cool! we wanna see the vid! liked by y/nwolff -> y/nwolff: don't worry, i gotchu -> charles_leclerc: i'm concerned -> lucawolff: no one told you to vote yes when she asked if she should make a yt channel -> charles_leclerc: y/n literally told me to -> lucawolff: this is where being a simp gets you -> y/nwolff: get out of my bf's comments or i'll post the vids from your last bday party -> userone: I LOVE THIS!

lucawolff: is no one gonna ask for my approval??! -> y/nwolff: no -> lucawolff: rude -> charles_leclerc: you literally covered for us for months, the approval had been given -> lucawolff: oh yeah -> usertwo: lmaoo luca tryna start shit but it didn't work!

userthree: time to pack my bags and sleep on the highway

userfour: they're so cute!

userfive: god, when will it be my turn?? 😭😭

part one

[apomaro-mellow]

Steve's parents compete to matchmake him with someone 1/?

Jonas and Diane Harrington sat in silence as their son's confession hung in the air. They'd met homosexuals before. You didn't travel as much as they did and not meet different people. But it had never occurred to them that someone so close to them - that their own son might be...

"Can you guys say something? Please?", Steve begged.

"Oh honey...", his mom started. "...Was Tommy?"

"What?", Steve pulled back at that. "Tommy? And me? Me and Tommy? No. We were never like that. Ever."

"Well, good for you son. You can do better", his father said, leaning back in his chair a little.

"He was so smarmy. You deserve someone who'll actually take care of you", Diane said, putting her hand on top of Steve's.

He looked down at the point of contact. "What's happening here?"

"Well, you being, you know, in your way, doesn't change our conversation", Jonas said. "We still think you need to stop sleeping around and find someone to be a little more serious with."

Diane nodded. "It's not good when all the gossip at the hairdresser's is about who your son is messing around with. Oh! What about Matthew?"

Steve raised a brow. "Your hairdresser?"

"Not mine, but he did fix me up when we were in New York, you remember the gala? He's nice, worldly-"

"I'm sorry", Steve interrupted. "I just told you guys for the first time ever that I'm gay, and you immediately try to set me up with someone?"

"Your love life is getting out of hand", Jonas said. He leaned forward and tented his hands on the table. "There's bets down at the bar. On who you're gonna knock up first."

"But if you're gay, we don't need to worry about surprise babies, right hon?", Diane smiled.

"Actually, I have a question about that now", Jonas started before his wife sent him a glare. "But we can save that for later. Point is, you need to hold on to someone for longer than a week."

Steve shook his head. "I can't believe my parents are talking to me about dating. What makes you think I can even get a guy? Can't exactly put the moves on them like I normally would."

His parents looked to each other, proving that neither of them really had an answer. With a sigh, Steve asked to be excused and when they granted permission, he went up to his room.

"Our Steve...a...a queer", Diane whispered.

"You think it's because I made him play football when he was a kid?", Jonas asked.

Diane shrugged. "If anything it's because of all those musicals we watched together. Then she released a heavy breath. It couldn't have been easy for Steve to tell them. And it couldn't have been easy for him to go on all those dates with those girls.

And if the rumors were true, he'd done more than date them. Jonas reached out and grabbed his wife's hand. From the moment their son had been born, all they had wanted was for him to be happy and healthy. Sometimes the healthy part meant leaving him for extended periods of time. Clearly, he'd been left on his own for too long. Surely they would have caught onto this sooner if they'd been around more, been involved more.

"What are we going to do?", Diane asked.

"You and I knew what we were going to do when we started this conversation", Jonas said, standing up from the table and putting his hands on his hips as he paced about the kitchen.

"Jonas, we can't give him Noelle's number now."

"Not Noelle, we just switch gears. Find a...a Nolan instead", Jonas decided, nodding as if to convince himself.

"Jonas, even if we can find another gay guy in this town, how do we know Steve will like him?"

"I know my son, I've got a decent idea what he likes."

Diane shook her head. “You just don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I don’t know what I’m talking about?”, Jonas questioned. “What, I can’t see what makes a man attractive?”

“Not the way Steven would. I think I understand this a little better than you.”

Jonas’ hands went to his hips. “Oh you do? You think I can’t find our son a date? You don’t think I know a handsome man when I see one?”

“Name one then”, she challenged.

“….Robert Redford.”

She crossed her arms, unimpressed. "Easy shot. Now name five that are actually our son's age."

Jonas looked put out and rolled his eyes. There was...there had to be some rock star, who was Steve listening to nowadays? Did he have a poster of someone? Who was in the movies? Maybe he had mentioned a boy at school at some point?

"Well, the bar is very high Diane. Steven is obviously the best looking boy at his school."

Diane grinned and stood up. "Was. He graduated, remember?"

"How can I forget? The grays won't stop coming."

Steve's graduation had been what had sparked this evening. Not getting into college, their son had seemed directionless. And messing around with too many girls had been the cherry on top. They had agreed to a gap year for him if he could use the time to get his relationships in check.

If he was into men, that made it slightly more challenging, but they wanted to give Steve the freedom to find himself. It was more than either of them had ever had. And what good was all the money if they couldn't spoil him a little.

"So, maybe I don't know what he's into. Doesn't mean I can't find him a good guy", Jonas said.

Diane wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. "You do know a good thing when you see one."

They went upstairs to check in on their son only to find him halfway out the window with a packed duffle bag.

"I'm sorry", he said, leg hanging out. "There's just no way you guys were this cool about this."

"For god's sakes Steve, get back in here", Jonas grumbled, grabbing his son before he cracked his head on the ground.

"Believe it or not, your parents are capable of higher brain functioning", Diane said, already setting to unpacking the bag and putting the clothes away. "Some of this stuff doesn't even fit you anymore", she noted as she looked through his closet.

"Hey, how's about we all take a trip to the mall tomorrow?", Jonas suggested. "Refresh our wardrobes for the summer!"

"Oh that sounds perfect!", Diane agreed. "It's been a while since we Harringtons turned heads as a group."

Steve sat on the edge of his bed, looking tense, yet hopeful. "You guys don't...you don't think I'm any different? You don't...", his voice got small, "hate me?"

"Oh Steven!", his mother wailed and sat next to him in a rush, holding onto him tightly as she cried.

Jonas cleared his throat. "Di, there's no need for tears. There's nothing sad happening."

"I'm not crying because of Steve", she said defensively. "I was thinking about Matthew. I really hope he and Otis worked it out. And that he knows he always has family who love him. And that even if the world beats him black and blue he can always come home, okay? Always, you can always come home."

"Yeah mom, I know", Steve said, eyes wet as he got her thinly veiled meaning.

Jonas sniffed and patted Steve's shoulder. "And if the world does decide to put its hands on you, remember your old man's got mob connections."

Steve gave a watery laugh at that but thanked him anyway when his mom lit up in recognition.

"Oh! What about Ricci?"

"Ricci? For Steve? Get outta here", Jonas waved her off.

"Who is Ricci?", Steve asked.

"He's a nice boy", Diane answered.

"He's a numbskull is what he is. I'll do business with the mob, but I'm not giving them my son", Jonas said as he walked towards the door.

"Who said anything about giving? His family's well off, he can take Steve nice places", Diane said as she followed him.

Jonas threw his hands up in derision. "Mobsters are like five year olds with their dames. Once they lick it, it's theirs."

"OKAY good night!", Steve closed his door to shut out the rest of their talk.

"We're going to the mall at ten, honey! Be ready for breakfast", his mother called out, then continued her conversation with his dad. Probably debating whether or not to set him up with a closeted senator's son.

Steve rubbed his face and let out a sigh. He'd confessed tonight to get any talk of girls out of the way for the summer.

Mission accomplished?

Part 2 coming soon

[larluce]

Arthur and Merlin travel back in time without knowing the other is from the future too AU

I'll be putting the tag list at the end now ❤️

LINKS TO THE OTHER PARTS OF THIS AU HERE: PART 1 , PART 2 , PART 3 , PART 4 , PART 5 , PART 6 , PART 7 , PART 8 , PART 9 , PART 10 , PART 11 , PART 12 , PART 13 , PART 14 , PART 15 , PART 16 , PART 17 , PART 18 , PART 19 , PART 20 , PART 21 , PART 22 , PART 23 , PART 24 , PART 25 , PART 26

Merlin: (thinking, reciting Gaius words) Deny, be submissive, be respectful. Deny, be submissive, be respectful (enters the throne room and bows) Did you call for me, Sire?

Uther: (siting on his throne, pulls out the neckerchief and asks very serious) Do you recognise this.

Merlin: (thinking) Straight to the point then... (pretends to analyse the item and then says) No, I don't believe so, Sire.

Uther: Are you sure?

Merlin: Pretty sure. I've never seen it in my life.

Uther: (puts the clothing back in his pocket) This clothing is part of a serious investigation, so I wanted to make sure.

Merlin: A investigation, Sire?

Uther: Early in the morning this clothing was found deep in the woods with dry blood stains. There were some blood stains on the ground nearby too.

Merlin: Oh... Well, good luck with your investigation then, Sire. 😅 (smiles nervous, thinking) Deny, be submissive, be respectful. Deny, be submissive, be respectful.

Uther: And more recently the bodies of Aulfric and Sophia Tirmawr were found.

Merlin: (confused) What? 😨

Uther: They are sending the corpses to Gaius to analyse them as we speak.

Merlin: (between worried and confused, to himself) But... that's not possible. (thinking) Or is it?

Uther: And why would that not be possible? 🤨

Merlin: (thinking) Shit! (says, trying to stay calm) Because I saw them leave Camelot with Arthur, Sire. They should've been away long ago. Why would someone kill them? Are you… Are you sure it’s them, Sire? (thinking) Deny, be submissive, be respectful. Deny, be submissive, be respectful.

Uther: (thinking) I never said they were killed (says) They could've died in the way. Who knows? Robbers, landslides, wild beasts. There are many hidden dangers on a road trip.

Merlin: Exactly! Maybe even the raiders that sacked their home?

Uther: (laughs dryly) Incredible… you dare to lie to the King right in front of his face. You don't fear the consequences at all.

Merlin: Why would I fear that, Sire? (thinking) Deny, be submissive, be respectful. Deny, be submissive, be respectful.

Uther: Do not insult my intelligence, I'm not Arthur. If you had told me that the garment was yours but you didn't know how it'd got there, I would've believed you. That would've confirmed what Gaius told me about you. That you are a boy without guile and malice, because that is what an honest and pure-hearted person would have said. They would've told the truth even though that would've put them under suspicion because they would trust in their own innocence. But you did the opposite, you denied that this was yours, which shows that you are not only cunning but also calculating. I do not blame you for lying, any wise person would avoid having any connection with murder case's evidence. The thing is that only a person who is aware that a murder occurred would do so, because if Sophia and her father had really left as you say then you wouldn't have seen the need to lie.

Merlin: (thinking, between nervous an impressed)I always wondered how he managed to almost erradicate the entire magic user community, the dragons and almost all the dragonlords. Now I know, he's very fucking smart! Okay, Merlin, just stick to the plan. Deny, be submissive, be respectful. Deny, be submissive, be respectful.(says) Or maybe the neckerchief really is not mine, Sire.

Uther: (enraged, he hits the throne and stands up) Stop lying to your King! Stop thinking you're so clever and disrespecting me! (pulls out the neckerchief and walks to Merlin) I know for a fact that this neckerchief is yours. It’s the only thing I knew for sure before you entered this room. And before you spout any more lies from that vile and poisonous tongue of yours, I can also prove it. (stops infront of Merlin) The first thing I did upon receiving this neckerchief was to research this fabric. This color is something only royalty uses, but there are many royal families in Albion, so each royal family has a different embroidery pattern so they can differentiate their belongings from other royals, and this fabric! (raises the cloth in a fist) was made especially for the Pendragon royal family. This is something only I or my son could wear. It goes without saying that this does not belong to me or Arthur. And before you come up with another pathetic excuse to defend yourself, I'll tell you that each batch that the fabrics are dyed with is not only expensive, but limited. Only a certain amount of purple dye is made each year so only a few yards of fabric are dyed. That's why the yards of fabric my son and I received are all recorded. (takes out log book and opens it) In the last year I received 4 meters of fabric, Arthur 2 meters, of which he used to make a tunic and... guess what he did with the leftover? A neckerchief (closes book and puts it back in his pocket)

Merlin: ...

Uther: So what do you have to say for yourself now?

Merlin: (thinking) Deny, be submissive, be respectful. Deny, be submissive, be respectful. (says in the calmest voice he can) I don't know what you want me to say, Sire. It seems like you already decided I'm guilty.

Uther: (drops the neckerchief and lifts his sword at Merlin, threatening) Where are Aulfric and Sophia?

Merlin: (thinking) Deny, be submissive, be respectful! Deny, be submissive, be respectful! (says) Didn't you just say you found the bodies, Sire?

Uther: (raises his voice) Don't play dumb with me! You knew they weren't found! Where did you hide them?!

Merlin: I didn't kill them!

Uther: One more lie and I'll cut your throat! At first I thought you were just some peasant after some coins, but your ambition was way bigger, wasn't it?

Merlin: (thinking) Deny, be submissive, be respectful! Deny, be submissive, be respectful!

Uther: And, since Lady Sophia was getting in the way of your plans, you got rid of her! An innocent, lovely lady-

Merlin: Oh, please! She was anything but innocent.

Uther: (can't believe the audacity) What?

Merlin: (thinking) Fuck! Deny, be... how was it? (says) I mean, how do you know she was innocent, Sire? You are SO suspicious of me, and yet didn't bother to corroborate Aulfric's story was true at all! "We are from Tirmawr and our home was sacked by raiders, boo", really? Anybody could enter the castle claiming they're nobels like that! But sure, lets invite these outsiders we've never seen in our lifes. What do we have to be afraid of? It's not like we are someone important like royalty and recieve assesinations attemps on a daily basis! (composes himself)... Sire.

Uther: (lets out a small laugh of triumph) So that's the excuse you gave Arthur! That they were impostors that were trying to kill him, so that he would cover for you.

Merlin: No! I'm just saying they could've been-

Uther: If Sophia really wanted to kill the Prince of Camelot she would've waited til they were alone at their honeymoon. Yet she ran away, because YOU humiliated her! And do you really want me to believe Arthur wouldn't be able to defend himself of a defenseless young lady and an old man? Arthur, a trained knight!.

Merlin: (thinking, trying very hard no to explode) Submissive and respectful. Stay submissive and repectful (says, gritting his teeth) I'm just saying first impressions aren't always the right ones and it's not wise to understimate people even if they look harmless, Your Majesty.

Uther: Oh, I'm definitely not going to understimate you. (sheaths his sword) I heard what I needed to hear. You're days here in Camelot are over. You are going to go back to your stinky little village with nothing but what you're wearing and never return!

Merlin: (shouts, alarmed) What?! You can't do that! You can't separate me from Arthur!

Uther: (shouts back) I'm the king, so yes I can! And if you dare to cross the border you'll be executed immediately. I'm never letting you near my son again!

Merlin: (his face contorts with disbelief, anguish and anger, thinking) Deny-submi-respec-FUCK IT, FUCK IT ALL! (suddenly, he laughs and laughs and laughs, saying) You are so, SO funny!

Uther: (surprised at his reaction, but says very serious) I don't recall saying anything funny.

Merlin: (Stops laughing) Sorry, let me correct myself. You are SO SCARED it's funny.

Uther: ...What?

Merlin: You say you are so certain I killed Aulfric and Sophia, but instead of just arresting and execute me for murder, you had to lock up Arthur in the dungeons for what? To make this stupid test and then threaten to do stuff you can't actually do, because you know Arthur wouldn't allow it! The truth is, Uther Pendragon, you can't do ANYTHING to me. You can't HURT me.

Uther: (slaps Merlin, furious)

Meanwhile, with Arthur in the dungeons.

Arthur: (trying to force the door open) Come on. Come on!

Sir Innprudence: (from the celd beside) It's useless, Sire. We tried.

Sir Ewan: (from the celd in the other side) No, we didn't!

Sir Innprudence: Right, we didn't, because that's wrong.

Arthur: What are you doing here?

Sir Ewan: You sent us here, Sire.

Sir Innprudence: And it's being a nightmare! I miss my family and friends. I'm starting to forget their faces! 😭

Arthur: You've just been here for a day. 😒

Sir Innprudence: But you've been here for less than an hour and you're trying to escape, sire.

Sir Ewan: (scolds) Innprudence! 😠 (to Arthur) I'm sure that's not what you were really doing, Sire.😅

Arthur: No, that's exactly what I'm doing. My father is planning to do something to Merlin, I don't know what, but if he had to imprisoned me here to do it, it mustn't be good. I have to get out, now!

Sir Innprudence: Well, I have a little spoon here, Sire. Maybe we could use it to make a hole in the wall-

Arthur: That would take years!

Sir Ewan: I managed to make a stick with a little hook to try to grab the keys, but the guards that have them are too far.

Arthur: So it's pointless.

Sir Ewan: ...yeah.

Arthur: (exasperated, to the ceiling) Can't I have a useful knight for once? Just once!

Sir Ewan: I'm sorry, Sire.

Sir Innprudence: There isn't really much we can do. The King's will is above anyone else's.

Arthur: (to himself, whispering) The King... (calls out one of the guards) Hey, you! Come here! Your future King is talking to you!

Guard: (comes) Do you need something, Sire?

Arthur: I demand to be release this instant.

Guard: That's not possible, Sire. The King-

Arthur: Your King now.

Guard: ...Excuse me, Sire?

Arthur: My father won't be King forever. And, once he passes, I'll be your King. A King who will remember this very day when he was imprisoned against his will. And guess who is going to be the first to receive my rage?

Guard: ...

Arthur: However, if you help me out now. Rage will be replaced by gratitude that will come in the form of lands, money... or even status. More than enough for you and your family.

Guard: (tempted, but scared) Sire... please. I can't disobey the King. It's treason.

Arthur: What are you talking about? You didn't disobey the King. I got a hold of you and you fighted hard, but I'm a very skilled knight, so I managed to knock you out and that's when a took your keys and escaped.

Guard: ...

Arthur: So? The keys?

Guard: (pulling out the key, still doubtful) But... if the King finds out...

Arthur: (smiles, reassuring) He won't find out. I'll make it believable. (extends his hand) The keys.

Guard: (extends the hand with the keys)

Arthur: (pulls his arm instead and hits his head with the iron bars)

Guard: (falls to the floor, unconscious)

Arthur: I told I'd make it believable. (takes the keys and opens the cell) Thank you. (leaves running)

Sir Innprudence: Wait! Sire!

Sir Ewan: You forgot about us! Sire!

Sir Innprudence: ...

Sir Ewan:...

Sir Innprudence: Hey, I think your stick might work now. He left the keys there.

Back at the throne room.

Merlin: (brings a hand to his cheek, eyes wide in shock and offended)

Uther: (with barely contained fury and hatred) Until you finally showed your real face, scum. Who do you think you are to speak to me like that? You are nothing but a serving boy!

Merlin: I'm much more than that.

Uther: (red with fury) How dare you? (shouts) You are speaking to your King!

Merlin: (shouts back) You are NOT my King! Arthur is. And he will be a better and more worthy king that you ever were.

Uther: (about to slap him again)

Merlin: (stops Uther's hand by holding his wrist midway) I don't think so.

Uther: (even more red with fury) You! Little- (brings a hand to his chest suddenly in pain)

Merlin: (all his boldness gone) Sire?

Uther: (twitches and falls to the ground)

Merlin: (in panic) Sire! (kneels and starts checking him frantic, but there is no response and thinks) Oh, Gods! OH GODS! I killed him. I killed the King! No, no, no, no, no! This wasn't supposed to happen so soon! What have I done?! Am I mad? Why did I say all those things? I think I believed he was Uther's ghost for a second. Well, he is a ghost now... NO! He can't be dead! Arthur will be devasted! He can't be dead! Please, please, please, wake up!

Arthur: (opens the door with force and enters, frantic and worried) Merlin! (stares in shock at the scene before him)

Merlin: (looks up in panic and tears of desperation and guilt run down his eyes) Arthur, I-I don't what happened-I didn't-I didn't mean to. He was...and then I...I'm so sorry!

Arthur: (walks to Merlin in silence)

Merlin: (in more panic) I swear on my mother's life I didn't think this would happen. Arthur, please, belie-

Arthur: (kneels and hugs Merlin)

Merlin: ...

Arthur: (pulls away just enough so he looks at Merlin in the eye) Are you alright? He didn't do anything to you?

Merlin: (confused) Uhm... not really.

Arthur: (cups Merlin's face with one hand and hardens his features) He hit you.

Merlin: (getting out of his stupor) It's nothing. But, Arthur, your father! (points at Uther, alarmed)

Arthur: (gives Uther a glance in silence. Then stands up, pulling Merlin with him and calls out) Guards!

Guards: (enter)

Arthur: The King fainted. Bring the Court Physician inmediatly.

Guards: (worried) Yes, Sire (leave quickly)

Merlin: (thinking, a strange feeling in his guts) How... how is that the guards seemed more worried than Arthur himself?

...

Let's remeber this happened before the events of "To kill a King" and "La Morte d'Arthur", so no, Uther didn't die. But how did Merlin get away with insulting and almost killing the King? What did Arthur do? You can make your guesses in the comments ☺️

Tagging @aceauthorcatqueen , @fallenxjas , @smileytrinity ,@lucifertookmyshoe , @an-entity-i-think , @thecornerofbelu , @griffonskies , @odinjm , @cinnabon-sweetroll-tiramisu , @thelady-mary , @bennedict , @nightninjaboy , @st8-of-grace , @star-rie , @error-username-not-available , @dogberryrowan , @jamieweasley13 , @tansyuduri , @tercais , @robynnemrys , @evadne01 , @serasvictoria02 , @hairdryerducks , @hopeaha , @curiously-lazy , @ harriettesthings , @andrealux16 , @wacko-weirdo , @greatdonutenemy , @yougottobekittenme , @anxiousosaurus , @kinkforwings , @someweirdassnamee , @impracticalantlers , @miyriu , @hobipabo , @whitemaskcd

[another-lost-mc]

(Fallen) Angels Round Table Discussion: Fashion

Featuring: A mixed bag of canon and OC angels and some of their fallen brethren.

"So, honest question - who comes up with these outfit designs?"

GABRIEL: Most angels meet with someone from the tailoring guild and they can request what sorts of clothing they'd like.

SERAPHIEL: Clothing is also a popular gift for angels that pass their ascension trials.

"Does hierarchy or rank have anything to do with the types of clothes angels are allowed to wear?"

SIMEON: Not really. It mostly boils down to preference. Certain styles are more practical than others too. For example, most of the warriors choose not to wear robes on a daily basis. I only wear mine for very special occasions.

METATRON: Michael and Lucifer couldn't be more different style-wise and they were both Seraphs.

MICHAEL: I designed a new outfit for Lucifer that was a little bit more...relaxed...but he wouldn't wear it. Asmodeus even helped with it.

LUCIFER: That’s exactly why I refused. You show enough skin for both of us.

"Now that you mention it, is there a practical reason for designing tight clothes with, um, decorative cut-outs?"

RAPHAEL: It helps us stay cool and prevent heat sickness during our hottest season.

HABUHIAH: Loose clothing isn't comfortable to wear underneath armor.

RAPHAEL: I don't think that's much of a concern anymore.

HABUHIAH: You have more faith than I do when it comes to certain demons.

BELIAL: Are you still upset about our little scuffle in the human world? It's been nearly five-thousand years.

URIEL: You mean the pointless war that you started?

BELIAL: It was actually very profitable.

URIEL: You're the worst.

GABRIEL: Shh, darling. Just pretend he's not here.

BELIAL: That's not very nice, Gabe. You haven't missed me even a teeny-tiny bit?

HABUHIAH: You can't be serious.

METATRON: If we have time later, I'd love to talk to you about your involvement in that skirmish. The official records we have aren't very detailed.

BELIAL: Say no more! I'd be delighted to stay as long as necessary and—

GABRIEL: Absolutely not.

"So, back to the whole why angelic clothing is so revealing thing...?”

SERAPHIEL: Right. Well, from a utility point of view, form-fitted clothes usually work best because you still want to be able to move your body freely without any restrictions. Wearing something flimsy like a cloak is a potential disaster too, at least if you're in a fight.

RAPHAEL: Michael learned that the hard way.

URIEL: The younglings were in the garden and got a firsthand demonstration about combat safety so at least something good came from it.

MICHAEL: You set your cloak on fire by accident one time and your friends never let you forget it.

RAPHAEL: That was an accident? I thought you did it on purpose to get out of training that day.

SIMEON: The point is, a lot of those considerations aren't as important as they used to be. Now we simply wear what we like.

AZRA: Are we going to gloss over the other very important reason? That some of us just wanted to look good?

LUCIFER: Riveting input from our resident incubus.

HABUHIAH: What's that gesture Azazel is making with his hand?

SERAPHIEL: I'm not sure, but judging by Lucifer's expression it's probably not nice.

MICHAEL: Their demonic forms are much more impressive than the photos I've seen on Devilgram.

RAPHAEL: Should we try to stop them?

SIMEON: It's more entertaining if we don't.

METATRON: But I don't want anyone to get hurt.

URIEL: Wait, why is Belial fighting now too?

SERAPHIEL: He's upset that his suit got scorched when one of their wayward spells hit him by accident.

GABRIEL: I hope you're pleased with yourself since this was all your idea, Michael. But I have to admit, I expected much worse.

MICHAEL: See, I told you not to worry. It's just like old times!

A/N: Here's something silly that helped distract me from real life stuff that's kept me busy lately. This vaguely incorporates some Celestial Realm headcanons/worldbuilding, and to be honest, I just wanted to throw these characters into a room and see what happened. (Chaos. Chaos happened.)

[sualne]

.

today should be a good because im finally seeing my endocrinologist after a over a year and i should get my first hrt prescription and soon first tshot but i feel kind of doomed because my dad said if melanchon win the election he'll move out without me leaving me homeless and im worried about my siblings, one got a good job she loves and pays well and a hotel situation, she's much smarter and competent than i am so i think she should be able to handle it, other sibling just got her own place and will start moving soon, it's only for school so i don't what happens once that's done, i'm not even sure he plans on throwing them out actually, i think he loves them but the possibility worries me. i don't know what he'll do with their stuff since one will be away and all that, he's always threatening to throw away mine but i don't know how it'll work them, maybe they'll be completely fine actually.

this isn't out of nowhere either, he's been threatening to throw us out for years and to send me to an asylum/mental hospital since i was 15 so i know he's a bit strange like that. even if i went full time my job still wouldn't pay enough for me to get my own place so i've been looking for collocation around and maybe i could manage smth if i get some more hours of works, otherwise i'd have to live on less than 100-200€ a month with everything paid (no counting food). it took me 3 years to get this job so i really don't think it'll be possible for me to ever get another one, i don't have enough years to send resumes constantly that i even do it in my dreams, plus i've looked into it and all the job offers pay about as much anyway so it wouldn't change a thing. i can't move all the way to live at some family member's place because my gender clinic is here and i don't know often i'll have to go there, the back and forth could cost a bit on the long term and i know i can't restart the process from the beginning where they live because last i heard they closed the queues there because they were too many ppl and won't accept anymore. and again, im sure i could ever get another job.

i actually did have a job in the three years it took me before getting this one, i was a comic colorist and it paid nicely for 7h to 12h of work per week but nobody considered it a real job since it was art and done on a laptop/at home (plus it turned out it wasn't exactly legal, no fault of my boss, she was an independent student employing someone for the first time) so i was so happy when i finally found this one, it's a real job, nothing to do with art and you go outside but my family was already yelling at me about it before i'd even gotten it, my dad said "you have no self respect" and when i told my grandma she said "you can't do this your whole life" but i'd just signed my contract, i hadn't even started working yet, everyone was and is still acting like that's not a real job, that i need a real one and refuse to believe me when i tried to explain i genuinely love it because i help ppl, a lot of them are chronically ill or disabled so it make me happy to help them, they're my ppl and i feel like i'm actually useful but no one is happy for me, i don't understand. i don't think my body will be alright on the long term if i go full time and like i said im in the process of getting some long overdue diagnosis and hopefully help/treatments for a few health issues.

that's one thing too they act weird about, no one irl believe me when i say i'm losing my sight, i tried to explain it's been going on since i was at least 18 and now i can't see on the sides but they keep telling me it's nothing and not happening but also my fault? and everyone, not just my family keep saying things like "then you really need to learn how to drive while you still can" but i'm going blind so i can't drive and they won't understand that, it's so weird??

back to moving out, if i do somehow end up finding a place to live i don't have friends or anyone so i can't ask for help to move all my stuff (ive got a Lot of books), i don't want to abandon my things, i've bought most of them and they're actually mine so i don't want to have to loose them. i've no idea what to do and i'm kind of at lost, had a horrible night thinking about it when i'd been looking forward to today for months. it's so weird i might just loose everything now that im happy, if my siblings are safe then at least that's that, im reassured but i wanted to be happy for longer than just that, i actually want to live and all now and i've got projects i've been working on since october and they're nowhere near to be finished and i feel really bad that i might not be able to finish them because i know a few ppl where genuinely looking forward to it and i don't want to disappoint anyone.

it's weird also because dad's been buying new furniture so if he plans to move out that seems like a pointless thing to do because that'll be more stuff and trouble to transport and he's the one who's been pushing me to decorate my bedroom but then he keeps turning around and say he'll throw away my thing and me too, that i need to some activity like join a club but then say i don't own enough money to waste on useless things and should work more but get a real job first, he contradicts himself a lot so i've no idea what to do.

[tati3001]

Manipulative

Summary: Natasha is in love with Wanda. Nothing and no one will stand in her way.

Words: 1,888

GIF by bee-w1tched

"Nat, what are you doing?" She asked with fear. "What do you think?" She asked with a smirk while walking closer to the scared woman. Y/n started to step away from Natasha, but that only seemed to make the redhead happier.

Seeing the scare in Y/n's face as she walked closer had brought a big satisfaction to her. She could feel Y/n's fear and she liked it so much. Natasha didn't stop walking towards Y/n, even tho she had hit the wall already.

"Why are you doing this?" She asked. Natasha had put her arm on top of Y/n's chest, pressing hard to keep her still. "Because you disobey me". "What are you talking about?". "I told you to stay away from Wanda. And you decided not to listen". "I don't know what you want from me, Nat" Y/n responded, eyeing the knife Natasha had against her cheek.

"I told you to stay away from what's mine". "Wanda's not yours" In a simple movement, Natasha had the knife against her neck and she had a little pressure, drawing a drop of blood. "If I was you, I'd be careful with your words". "Nat, please".

"She's mine. And I told you to stay away. You didn't listen to me" She chuckled. "Now you're gonna pay for that". Without giving her any time, Natasha pulled the knife away and stabbed the needle into her neck, quickly inserting the drug.

Y/n's body fell into her arms and a small giggle left Natasha's mouth. She had finally done what she wanted. Wanda was hers, and hers only. Y/n wasn't gonna get in their way anymore. She had finally won.

She had picked a time of the day when she knew no Avenger was in the building. She had hacked inside Friday's system and nobody was able to see her leave with Y/n. When she came back she acted like nothing had happened. Like she was just back from a shopping trip or a walk.

Wanda had been looking for Y/n all day. She had missed their date and the training they had. She had been looking all over the place for her girlfriend, but not even Friday knew where she was. Wanda was desperately looking for the girl, but due to her absence, she called for Natasha.

"What can I do for you, witchy?" She asked with a smirk. "Do you know where Y/n/n is?" She asked worriedly. "I've been looking everywhere but I can't find her and I'm really worried". "I haven't seen her all day" She denied it. "Are you sure?". "Couldn't be more sure". Wanda sighed and thanked her before leaving her alone.

Natasha wanted her to stay, but she knew that her plan had to take some steps. And step two was to make Wanda believe Y/n had left her for good, so as soon as she closed the door of her room she turned on her computer and started to type the email that would break the Sokovian's heart.

She didn't want to hurt her, but she knew it was necessary to have Wanda all to herself. She prepared the email and had everything ready to send it to Wanda. She waited, however. Now was not the right time to do it. She just had to wait.

━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━

A full month had passed and there were no signs of Y/n anywhere in the country. Wanda was desperate trying to find her and had all the team looking in every place, it didn't matter how small it was. Everyone was worried wondering where Y/n was, except Natasha.

She knew exactly where she was and had no regrets about hiding her. She was ready to send the letter at any moment and had finally decided to send it that night. It has been a long time and it was the perfect moment.

She was very discreet about it, of course. She just pushed a bottom on her phone and the email was sent. It wasn't until late-night when all the avengers were resting that Wanda found the email. She was in her bed trying to find a clue in her phone, didn't matter how small it was.

She got into her email account trying to find the last email they had sent each other, which was a small ask for help Wanda had sent to her when she noticed the unopen email at the top of the app, with a blue dot that showed she didn't open it.

Confused, as to why she hadn't seen that before, she opened it. She didn't expect to see a long paragraph explaining why she wasn't able to find Y/n. Her heart sunk on the floor as she read the email. Her eyes filled with tears and she thought she couldn't breathe.

She left the phone on the bed and ran away from the room as if it was on fire. Her breath was fast, and her vision was starting to blurry. She couldn't quite pinpoint where she was. She only knew that the wall was holding her.

She didn't hear Natasha call her name, or when the redheaded ran next to her. The older woman took her in her arms and helped her sit down on the floor. She had trouble making her pay attention to her, but when Wanda finally looked at her Natasha knew she had her full focus.

"I need you to breathe, okay?. Just follow me, go in..." She started, showing Wanda how to do it. "Hold... 4, 5. And out. Go again" She did it once more and this time Wanda made it with her. After a few more rounds, Wanda was able to calm down but the tears in her eyes fell. Her body broke down shaking uncontrollably as she cried her eyes out.

Natasha gently pushed her against her chest, surrounding her body with her arms. She shushes her cries before taking her in her arms and up to the redheaded's room. She softly let her down on the bed got into it with her before putting the covers on them.

"She-she". "Shhh, it's okay Milaya. You don't have to say anything right now" She whispered against Wanda's forehead. The girl stopped trying to talk and cried until she fell asleep.

On the other side. Far away from Natasha's room, Y/n whimpered as she slowly tried to stand up. Her wrists were tied with hard, metal chains that connected her to the wall. She couldn't walk away more than 2 metres away from it.

Her head was pounding and her throat felt dry. She wanted some water. She felt like she had been drinking a whole bar and had the worse hangover of her life. Against the other wall, there was a cup of water on top of a tray that had a piece of bread.

She tried to walk over to it but didn't realize she couldn't walk so far away. The chains pulled her back and her lack of equilibrium and weakness pulled her to the floor. She whimpered and tried once more.

By the time the hit of her body against the floor was too hard for her to stand up, she had realized Natasha was going to let her die in a room, surrounded by walls, deep into who knows where alone. And probably making Wanda hate her.

She closed her eyes, not wanting the last memory that went through her head was the four walls she was trapped in, but the image of the woman she loves the most and the memories they had together. She didn't notice the silent spy that walked towards her and put a needle into her neck, realizing the drug.

━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━

Five months had gone by and Wanda had lost all hope to find Y/n. She had received more emails every time she had tried to find her, and every single time her heart broke more and more until her heart couldn't take the pain anymore.

She had distanced herself from everyone in the tower, even Natasha. She didn't want anything to do with any of them, because they all had something that reminded her of Y/n. So, she had managed to escape every night away from the compound and would walk through all night.

She had no interest in being an Avenger anymore. She couldn't care less about anyone being in danger. If the world was ending, she would be happy to lay on the bed and let the whole building fall on top of her.

Natasha had been patient. But she couldn't be patient forever. And it was enough. She was ready to take what was hers and decided to take it that night. She didn't care anymore if Wanda didn't love her like she wanted to.

She was gonna learn to love her. Natasha was sure of that. She could make Wanda see that Nat meant no harm to her, that she only wanted to love her. So, with one of the needles she saved for Y/n in her hand, she made her way to Wanda's room.

She opened the door ready to drug the witch but didn't expect to not find her in the room. She waited for hours for the brunette, meanwhile, the girl was on the roof of the compound. She was cold, even tho she was using a thick jacket, but she had been cold most of her life.

Growing up in the streets, Pietro and her were never able to get enough food to eat as much as they should have. And lacking food made the cold nights their enemies. When Pietro died, she felt cold. Like she was dead herself. And having Y/n made her feel so warm and alive, she never wanted to feel dead again.

And now that she was, she couldn't care about it any less. She resigned to sit on the floor and let her magic go out without trying to stop it with the fear that it could hurt anyone. She was alone at the end of the day.

Natasha waited for her until the very morning, hidden where she knew Wanda wasn't gonna see her. She waited until the brunette opened the window of the room and got inside. She let out a breath, as the warm air of the room contrasted with her cold self.

She was facing the bed, trying to take the layers of clothes she had on. Natasha knew that it was the perfect moment, and silently walked towards the girl. Everything was easy since Wanda was facing the bed.

In a quick moment, Natasha pushed the needle and the liquid inside Wanda's neck, and the girl quickly fell in her arms. Natasha had no problem walking out of the compound with Wanda in her arms and taking her to the safe house.

She let her rest on the bed in Natasha's bedroom, while the older Avenger went down to take a quick look at her prisoner. Y/n was laying on the floor, right where Natasha left her. She had watched the footage of Y/n trying to get her food a few days ago and Nat had had a lot of fun with that. She kinda wanted to do it again. She made sure Y/n was breathing before she left to be with her new lover.

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[themultifandomgal]

Matt Casey- Fight For Us Pt2

After a few weeks, Herrmann is back on the job which is wonderful because we've just arrived at a multi car accident. One car is upside down on the bridge

"Anyone get ejected?" Herrmann asks running over while Leslie and I get a gurney rolling over to the car while all of friends trying to stop the car from tipping

"Is he alright? My son? He's not saying anythingl Leslie checks his pulse and sighs in relief

"Yeah he's alive sir"

"Oh thank god"

"Where going to need a second ambo" I say into the radio on my shoulder

"Two more. Driver of the first car over there" Matt says to me. I nod my head and correct myself

"We're going to have to go through the windshield" Severide groans after trying to pry the door open "get me a pick head!" I notice the young man waking up

"What happened?"

"Your going to be ok buddy" Matt says to the lad "hockey fan huh?"

"We were headed to Evanston for his tournament. You ok Mikey?"

"Yeah, I think so. What happened?" Severide then starts using the pick head. As soon as Capp and Severide open up the windshield Matt walks off while Severide and the others help to get them both out.

"Its corrupt YN. The drunk driver got away with it because it's Voight's son"

"I know what your saying Matt, but your not a policeman" I sigh placing some food down in front of Ella then walking back into the kitchen

"But it's wrong"

"I know and I agree but Voight? Babe I've heard things about him. You know Gabby who works my off shifts?" Matt gives me a nod "well her brother Antonio works with Voight"

"You think you could get me in contact with him?"

"I'll speak to Gabby, but Matt please be carful with this. We have Ella to think about and I don't what you getting stressed, making yourself ill or even hurt because of this"

"I promise I won't" Matt takes my head in my hands

"It's just we finally got back into a good place..."

"I know I know. I'll be safe. Come here" Matt kisses my forehead and pulls me in for a hug

"Momma can I have apple juice please

"Of course baby" I pull away from Matt and get some juice out of the fridge

"Hey. I love you" Matt says stopping me

"I love you too"

In the following days Antonio speaks to Matt, basically telling him what I told him. They've even had chat with dad about what to do

"Grey Duffy? Niki our payroll clerk walks in "I guess he was in a car accident the other day that you guys responded to?"

"Yeah what about him?" Matt asks next to me with Ella on his lap

"He's outside" I follow Matt now holding Ella's hand as he greets Mr Duffy

"Sir"

"Sorry to barge in on you like this, but my wife made this for you guys" he lifts up a lid off a box

"Cake" Ella gasps making us all chuckle

"We really appreciate what you did. And we know dann well it could have been worse if the car had

tipped over. So thank you"

"How's your son?" I ask picking Ella up in my arms

"Yeah well Mikey's got a tough road ahead of him, but were gonna make it. The other reason

I came here is, I dont know if there's anything you guys do in terms of what you saw or piece together based on what the accident scene

looked like, but the police report came back saying I ran a red light, causing the accident. And that not what happened. And I'm kind of at a loss in terns of how to fight it" Matt gives me a look and I give him one back, but mine filled with worry. I know exactly what he's going to do and while I agree in one way I'm so worried what Voight may do to him because of it.

The front door opens and Matt walks in while I'm tidying up the living room

"Hey where have you been?" I ask Matt who's taking off his shoes

"Had a drink with Hank Voight"

"What?" my eyes widen "why? What did he say?"

"Wanted me to retract my statement, do a cope a favour, basically threatened me"

"And you said?"

"No obviously"

"Matt? Are you inane? What if he comes after you? Or me or Ella?"

"He won't. Your dad knows what's going on. I won't let anything happen to you or Ella but I can't just sit back and let a man go free when he was drunk driving and I knew. He's paralysed YN a 16 year old is paralysed"

"I know Matt!" I yell then take in a breath to calm down "I know. I'm just worried"

"I understand, but what kind of role model would I be for Ella? Knowing what I know. I can't live with myself if I didn't go through with the statement"

"Ok, just be careful, please"

"I will"

"Daddy come read for me!" Ella shouts from upstairs

"Coming" Matt shouts. He kisses my forehead before running up the stairs while I continue to clean up down here.

[headsincloud9]

Part 3 | Part 5

SMUT MINORS DNI

212. "If you called me just to get off to my voice then I'm hanging up.

213. "l fuck you for as long as you can stay awake.. maybe after that too."

214. "Take it off slowly.

215. "You're mine for the day."

216. "Your wish is my command."

217, "Can you help me with this zipped?"

218. "Come to my room, there's this thing I wanna try."

219. "I was trying to keep my thoughts at bay, but damn you're provoking, you know that?"

220. "I hope you know what that implies."

221. "I shouldn't allow myself to get so close to you."

222. "No one can ever find out about this"

223. "For your safety I'l be gentle."

224. "What the hell, I was gone for five minutes!?"

225. "You really shouldn't come close to me while I'm in this state.

226. "This is interesting.. "'m finding it hard to relax."

227. "Now why don't you come back to my room with me?"

228, "Are those handcuffs?"

229. "Miss me?"

230, "I've always known you felt this way, and I know exactly what you'd like to do next.

231. "What are you staring at?"

232. "It's just a bikini."

233, "I don't feel like sleeping."

234. "What are you gonna do about it?"

235. "You won't be getting any sleep tonight."

236. "Will you let us fuck you?"

237. "I express my love a little differently than others do."

238. "Why so shy?"

239. "Don't worry, I'll make you feel really goad."

240. "If you're scared close your eyes."

241. "You're the one that aroused me, let's have fun."

242. "Why don't we move this to the bed?"

243. "Would you like to go somewhere a little more private?"

244, "You should start making plans to stay home - You won't be able walk when I'm done with you."

245. "I know the fastest way to relieve anxiety."

246, "Do forgive me if I get a bit carried away."

247. "Throw your morals out the window, just for tonight."

248. "These are so wet, aren't you going to remove them?"

249. "Is this too much?"

250. "I was just about to wash up, Care to join?"

251. "I need you. now."

252. "This feels dirty..." "because it is."

253. "Don't make me put you on a leash."

254. "Do you have any idea what you do to me?"

255. "Suck. Now.

256. "Move your hands."

257, "You feel amazing."

258. "What do you mean you broke MY bed!?"

259, "Fuck." "Already did,"

260. "I was doing things." ""'m things."

261. "Don't pretend to be so innocent."

262. "I want you touch yourself."

263. "That's an order."

264. "Will you help me stretch?"

265, "Just let yourself go."

266. "I dare you to fuck

267. "What has you so excited?"

268. "Even angels can be bad."

269, "Show me your inner animal."

270. "You have to come see how soft this mattress is!"

271. "Hey, you awake?"

272. "Nothing about your outfit encourages chastity."

273. "Don't be gentle."

274. "I'd be more than happy to show you a good time if you're looking for one.

275. "I want you. Right here. Right now."

276. "Bend over and spread your legs."

277, "I can't hold back anymore."

278. "Do you trust me?"

279. "It's been a long day, why don't we help eachother unwind?"

280. "Do it like you always do."

281. "Oh don't mind me. Just enjoying the view."

282. "Your lips make me wonder what the rest of you would taste like.

283. "Get on your knees. Now."

284. "You can go deeper than that."

285. "I don't like being told what to do unless I'm naked."

286. "You're so sexy when you're all hot and bothered."

287. "I've been thinking about this all night."

288. "Don't cover your face, I want to see you."

289. "You're so beautiful, all spread out like this, just for me."

290, "The food looks great but there's something much more delicious I'd rather eat right now."

291. "Lay back."

292. "Well fine. Just this once."

293. "I'm waiting."

294. "The fun doesn't have to end."

295. "Oh geez what did we do."

296. "I think I can convince you to stay."

297. "Are you pretending to sleep? I can think of a few ways to wake you up."

[railingsofsorrow]

𝙾𝙲𝚃. 25𝚝𝚑; 𝖑𝖔𝖛𝖊, 𝖎𝖗𝖎𝖘.

summary: iris's letter.

pairing: spencer reid x oc!iris valentia

w.c: 706

warnings/content: mentions of food poisoning, vomit and fainting; mentions of self medicating; mentions of Alzheimer's disease; angst (not much); fluff; “ODU” is the acronym for “Old Dominion University”.

A/N: LAST LETTER!! we are done with act 1, now we'll proceed with act 2. next chapters are going to be in narrative style.

navi

masterpost

series masterlist

whoever wants to be tagged for this fic, fill this out or dm me.

[letter 1] [letter 2] [letter 3] [letter 4] [letter 5] [letter 6] [letter 7] [letter 8] [letter 9]

October 25th.

Dear, Spencer.

My whole department fell in sick yesterday — including my students, barely anyone was spared. Some kind of food poisoning? I don't know, people started throwing up, passing out and whatnot. We didn't know what to do!

(Yes, this is how I start my letter. I had to vent to someone how weird this is!)

I immediately called 911 and the cafeteria became swarmed with EMT's. My first supposition was that something was wrong with the cafeteria food. I never eat there because I either bring my own food or... I just don't remember eating until I'm off to go home. So, I tested it, the cafeteria food. But no. Nothing was wrong. I still find it weird that this happened out of nowhere, but my colleagues think it wasn't anything serious.

ODU was on the news today. Same thing happened. I can't shake this off, it can't be a coincidence, can it?

Sorry, I needed to ramble to somebody.

Ah, Spencer. It's too late for that, I already care enough to worry. What other resources are you trying? I hope you are not self-medicating yourself, it's not good. You're not doing that, right?

I have a friend that I could recommend you. She's a neurologist so she could be more helpful — you've probably been to a lot of those, but she's really good.

Her name is Clare Thompson, her office is in Washington, DC at Georgetown. If you want, I can make an appointment for you, we're close friends. If not, then just ignore this. I'm not trying to push you into anything, I'm just concerned.

What you said reminded me of the concept “Athazagoraphobia”. I researched about it to include it in my MD thesis about Alzheimer's disease. It means exactly what you said: fear of forgetting something or someone, or being forgotten.

I relate to you on that. But I'm more afraid of being forgotten. Sometimes I think that if I don't put my mark in the world, then how will people remember me? Do you feel like that too?

I absolutely know what you mean about the dolls... They're creepy. I had a few when I was a child, I don't know where they disappeared to though, I think my mother donated them. Either way, I'm happy not knowing their whereabouts.

I am happy that your friends are threatening you to to go out more.

Yes, maybe he is sick. It's an option I've considered. But he usually sends an email letting me know he will miss class. Fabian is not the kind of student that misses class without a plausible reason. He's very dedicated and one of my top students.

Of course you'd take is as a challenge, Doctor Reid. I could tell you were the competitive type from the moment you told me you were a rebel as a kid (no, I'll never forget that, you book thief).

Oh, did you really like the book? I'm so glad. Yes! I have like 5 recommendations to you but I'll spare you two: After Dark and Sputnik Sweetheart. Tell me what you think afterwards.

Something reminded me of you today. I was grabbing my coffee and I guess I picked up the wrong order. Do you know why I think that? Because it was the sweetest beverage I've ever had. I could've dropped dead right there if I had taken another sip. Disgusting, really. My blood vessels were almost clogged up. The person left in a hurry and left their coffee right beside mine on the balcony. Oh! And guess what: it was written “Reid” in their cup. I know it is a common name, but it reminded me of you.

Don't forget to drink water and eat, Spencer. As always, be careful. Looking forward to hear from you soon! <3

Love,

Iris.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

taglist: @lilyviolets ; @chayceschultz; @cultish-corner

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[paralyze-fic]

Paralyze.

Chapter 23

He did it...

"All Might won!" The entire crowd cheered happily at the screen, seeing the number one hero standing victorious in front of the defeated villain.

Bakugou's hand gripped mine tightly, making me look down at him. He was just looking at the screen with an expression I couldn't decipher, "You okay?" His eyes locked on mine and he blinked a few times before answering me.

"I wanna go home," he whispered.

"The police have to talk to you for now, but I'll stay here with you, Katsuki."

//////

The police car stopped in front of my house, and I said a quick 'thanks' before getting off and walking to the front door.

When the incident occurred at the camp our things were sent back home, so my phone was here the whole time, meaning I had no way to contact anyone in the meantime.

My parents must've been worried sick.

I sighed, ready to get a scolding and some soft hits from my mom. The officer had notified my parents and told them about me arriving home in about three hours, so I was about to knock on the door when somebody opened it.

"(M/n)!" My mother jumped at me and hugged me tight, behind her I could see my father and the twins wrapping their arms around both of his legs.

"Nii-chan!!!" They ran at me too to hug my waist.

"Hey there monsters," I lovingly shuffled their hair when I heard them sniffing and sobbing. I sighed and I looked at my father, he was tearing up too, but had a small smile on his face.

"I'm glad you're okay, son."

//////

I spent time talking with my family for some hours, and it was already past midnight. The twins were each by my side, hugging me and sleeping soundly. My parents were yawning and stretching as they got up from the two-person couch.

"Come on, it's been a long day, let's get some sleep," my father picked up Akira while I picked up Ryo, we walked to their shared room and laid them down on their respective bed.

I kissed their foreheads with a little 'Good night' and walked out of the room with my father. "So..." I looked at him as we walked down the hall to our bedrooms. "Do you like Bakugou?"

The third person to ask this question.

I sighed with a frown, "Yes, I do like him." He hummed and nodded, my father stopped in front of his bedroom door, where I could hear mom pacing around.

"Why don't you seem happy then?" I turn my eyes to look down at the floor.

"Because he doesn't like me, dad." I felt his hand resting on my shoulder and tapping it.

"Has he told you he doesn't like you?" I shook my head side to side and he chuckled, "Then, you have an opportunity, (M/n). Don't waste it." He opened the door behind him as I was about to tell him something else. "Good night, boy."

He closed the door and I was left standing there alone. With a heavy sigh, I walked the last steps to my bedroom and opened the door. Dragging my feet against the floor, I went to my bed and plopped down on it.

"Ugh... where's my phone?" I sat up once more and before I could get up, I saw it on top of my nightstand, charging. "Thanks..." I didn't know who it was, but I still thanked them for plugging it to charge.

I grabbed it and turned it on, waiting for the screen to load. The battery was full, so I unplugged it.

It buzzed on my hand quite a few times, the messages app showing a determined number of notifications. I tapped on it.

Some texts were spam, some others weren't exactly important, and then there were Bakugou's messages.

PuppyKat;

Hey

Can you come over tomorrow?

Asshole, answer me

(M/n)!

Oi, dude!

Okay, good night.

A chuckle got past my lips as I read his messages, but decided to reply to him still, even if it was 1 a.m.

;Sorry I didn't reply, I got home about two hours ago and I've been talking with my parents.

;And yeah, I'll go if you want me with you so much, Suki-chan~

Shut up, I don't want to.

;You hurt me, Bakugou.

;I thought you loved me, now I'm sad :'(

Stop being annoying...

The old hag wants to see you, not me.

;Really?

;I thought you wanted me to go, but I see you don't actually want me to.

;Are we even friends~?

He took some time to reply, and for a moment I thought I had gone too far with my teasing, so I was about to apologize and tell him I would go to his house when my phone buzzed again.

I want to see you too, okay?

It's just embarrassing to say, shithead.

And of course we're friends, otherwise, I would have blown off your face already.

;Ha! That's more like the Bakugou Katsuki I know.

;Have a good night Katsuki. I'm going to sleep.

Good night to you too, (M/n).

I turned off my phone and got up to change into my sleepingwear. As I walked into the bathroom, I heard the buzzing of my phone against the wood of the nightstand, but I decided to get it later. Now, I have to take off this damn costume.

I had taken off the horns when I got home, and even the chains, also washed my hair to get rid of the copious amount of gel. My knuckles throbbed from the pain and I hissed, my mom wrapped them with bandages right after I came out of the bathroom and into the living room. The leather jacket and the t-shirt were thrown into the laundry basket in my bedroom's bathroom. The skinny jeans were off too.

And the choker... I was gonna keep that.

I dressed back in a t-shirt and shorts as my pyjamas and walked out, the screen of my phone illuminating my bedroom. I plopped back into my bed and got under the covers, I stretched a hand out and grabbed my phone again.

PuppyKat;

Thank you

For everything.

See you tomorrow.

My chest swelled and my heartbeat was crazy, I ended up with a big smile on my face as I dropped my head on my pillow. While I stared at the ceiling, the image of Bakugou came to my mind.

His voice, his body, his scent, his personality... everything about him.

"I love you Katsuki... so, so much."

That night, my dreams were plagued with images of Bakugou and I, together.

[layanasstories]

Cause of pain

Part 17

Before Jake can even open the door, there is another loud banging. "Jesus! Calm down!" He sticks his head out into the hall as he shouts at the front door. Then he looks at me again "Wait here okay, let's see what they say first.". My cheeks bulge and I nod yes. Once Jake has closed the room door behind him, I finally exhale. Silently I listen to what is going on in the hall. "Finally you open!" It's Dan who doesn't even greet.

The voices get louder and closer, then I hear the door close. "Hi Mark, I tried to calm him down, but he's on a mission." Lilly's voice is somewhat subdued, although her tone is making it clear that she thinks Dan is exaggerating a bit. "It's all right, I've known him for a while now." Jake jokes a little. "Hey, there are more important things! Have you heard from Layana today?" The fearfulness in Dan's voice makes me open the room door and step out into the hall. "Oh." There is an undertone of jealousy in the way she says this.

Neither man noticed, but I did, raising my eyebrow at her. "Thank God!" Exclaims Dan with relief, only to then chew me out. "Why didn't you let me know, where you were? I've been worried all day. And then only now do I find out you're here? Who knows what could have happened!". Before he can continue his tirade Jake steps between us. "That's enough, Dan." His deep authoritarian but protective tone makes my heart skip a beat. This is exactly how he must have sounded when he stopped Thomas from begging me to go to the mine. The same thing is happening now too. Dan looks at him in surprise; as far as he is concerned, I have known Mark for just a day. Lilly looks just as surprised, she had been silent the whole time until now. "Sorry Mark, but we have known Layana for a long time, much longer than you have known her. And what she had to do today is not just anything. It affects us too.".

The panic I had been feeling had finally subsided a little, but by her words it returned just as hard. "Seriously Dan?" frustrated, I slap my hand to my forehead "You told her about today?". "What else was I supposed to do? She spontaneously showed up at my doorstep to help me clean up. Only I was so distracted that she kept asking me why." he wanted to start the discussion but I interrupt him. "Mark?" I turn to Jake "If we make some drinks in the kitchen and then we can tell them everything?". Dan and Lilly look surprised again, first at us and then at each other. "That seems like a good idea." Says Jake to me before turning to the other two "You know the way, take a seat.".

When the two are in the living room, we step into the kitchen. We don't do anything with drinks yet but look at each other. "Jake" I start whispering while getting a little closer to him, only he interrupts me whispering too. "You have to tell Lilly.". A little panicked I try to get clarity on what he means "What exactly should I tell? That you're alive or that you're ...". He doesn't let me finish the sentence "That I'm alive. Tell her the real truth. But only her. Then we can tell Dan today's 'truth'.". Questioningly, I pinch the bridge of my nose "Are you sure? The more people know about this, the more likely it will leak out.". "Yes, she has almost as much right to an answer as you had.". I let out a sigh "You're right.". He wraps his arms around me in a hug and kisses my head. "It will be fine, okay. Let me take care of Dan.".

We both walk into the living room with two drinks in our hands. Dan and Lilly are waiting for us expectantly. Immediately Dan starts trying to get information out of us as soon as we step inside. My hands tremble a little as I set the drinks down on the table. Lilly notices right away "Are you OK?" She asks me almost soundlessly. "Not really." I answer her just as quietly. "Dan, can you shut up for once?" She sneered at him. "You know what, Layana come with me." She gets up and walks into the hall, towards the bathroom. As a goody two shoes I follow her, as this was exactly what I needed to split the two.

[stargazer-sims]

Journal Entry #51 (part two)

previously - Journal Entry #51 (part one)

Victor

The day after Yuri got out of the hospital, Auntie Keiko dropped Fox off at our house at seven in the morning. That left ample time for Mr. Okamoto to go home and get ready for his work day, but he didn't leave until he'd taken Fox aside for a little chat. I didn't know what my father-in-law might be saying to him, and I was worried that it might be an unnecessary lecture about Yuri's extraordinary needs and some thinly-veiled warning about doing a good job or else. Fox didn't need that on his first day. For his sake and ours, I wanted this arrangement to go well, not to get derailed before it even started.

The urge to spy on them was strong, but I resisted.

I tried to act casual when I heard the dining room door slide open. Fox was smiling when he and Mr. Okamoto exited the room, but I didn't want to read much into it. Some people smile to hide their true feelings, and I wasn't sure if that applied to Fox or not.

It was only after Mr. Okamoto left the house and Fox and I were in the kitchen making breakfast that I found out his smile had been genuine, and why.

Okay... let me back that up a bit. It was Fox who was making breakfast. I was only helping by explaining to him what types of foods Yuri can and can't eat. Fox definitely knows his way around a kitchen, in case you're interested. His mom's a Red Seal chef, and evidently he's picked up more than a thing or two from her.

Anyway, as he was preparing the fluffiest, most tasty-looking scrambled eggs I'd ever seen in my life for himself and me, he commented, "Your father-in-law is nice."

"Uh..." I stammered. "That's... not exactly a word people regularly use for Mr. Okamoto."

"Really?" Fox seemed surprised. "I think he's nice, and he seems like a great dad. I can tell he really loves Yuri, and you too."

It was my turn to say, "Really? I mean, I know he loves Yuri, but... not so sure about me."

"He made me promise to take good care of you," Fox said. "People don't say that about someone they don't love." He paused, as if he was debating with himself whether or not to go on, but eventually he continued. "My dad... he kinda abandoned me here. He didn't ask Auntie Keiko and Uncle Kin to promise to look after me. In fact, he was so rude to Auntie that I think she's convinced he doesn't love me all that much."

"That's..." I trailed off, at a loss as to how I should respond.

"Anyway," Fox went on, "I'm okay now. I've found my family."

"I'm glad," I said. "Uncle Kin and Auntie Keiko are good people. Everybody's auntie and uncle, I guess you could say. If you needed to find a family, they're the best ones you could've found."

"I know. I'm really lucky," he said. "And you and Yuri are lucky to have his dad. He said he'd do anything for you, and I believe him."

I was still trying to wrap my head around that revelation while Fox kept on talking. I hadn't pegged him as a particularly chatty person, but maybe he's only quiet in comparison to the people he's usually with. Like, Takahiro and his family aren't the sort of people you'd call shy and retiring. I've met Fox's friend Jin a couple times as well, and that guy... Let's just say his level of energy might even rival mine.

Anyway, somewhere in the midst of his cheerful monologue, Fox told me that Mr. Okamoto offered to pay him for helping us, and Fox said he'd accepted. He said he hoped I wasn't offended by that. I told him no. Far from being offended, I was pleased that Mr. Okamoto wanted to compensate him. We might not need his help for more than a few weeks, but despite it being a short period of time, it was still going to be a tough one. He deserved to get something besides gratitude in return for it.

"I would've done it for free, just so you know," he said.

"We appreciate that," I said, "But it's better this way, and I'm glad Mr. Okamoto offered. Yuri and I wanted to give you something too, but we weren't sure how to approach it. Like, we knew you'd do it for free, but we didn't want to take advantage of you. But, we also didn't know if you'd be offended if we—”

"Victor, don't worry. It’s totally fine.” He interrupted me in the politest way I’ve ever been interrupted. “I wouldn't have been offended. I appreciate it too, but I agree with you. I think it's better like this."

With that awkwardness out of the way, we sat down to the most delicious breakfast I've had in a long time, and pleasantly idled over less weighty subjects. I'm pretty sure Fox has more in common with Yuri than with me, but we were able to find some common ground. We both love food and enjoy being creative in the kitchen. He enjoys the outdoors like I do, and he likes camping, and he knows Granite Falls.

“Maybe we could take Taka and Yuri camping when we get home this summer,” he suggested.

I grinned. “Yuri’s been camping in Granite Falls. It was, um… an experience.”

“So, bad idea, then?”

“No, it’s a great idea. He liked it in the end, and now he knows what to expect. This time, we’ll tell him he’s the expert and he can teach Taka what he learned last time.”

“An experience,” Fox said. “I like it. Taka’s into having adventures, so if you think Yuri would be okay, the four of us should definitely go.”

“There’ll be plenty of time to plan it once you get home,” I said. “There’s lots we can do, actually. I’m excited about showing Yuri and Taka around.”

“Me too,” Fox said. “Imagine, we grew up in the same area at the same time, and never met until we came here. And if our partners weren’t already friends, we probably never would have met at all."

"I like how the world's full of strange coincidences like that," I said.

"So do I, although I do kind of wish we'd gone to the same school and known each other before."

"This was the right time," I said. "Things might've worked out for us in a whole other way if our lives had been different."

"You're probably right. In any case, I'm glad we know each other now, and it feels good to think that I’ll be going home this summer to friends who’ll be waiting for me.”

“We’ll be waiting for sure,” I said. “I think it’s gonna be great.”

We loitered over our empty plates until Fox looked at his phone and announced that it was nearly nine o’clock. Mutually concluding that we’d killed enough time at the breakfast table, Fox set to work tidying up the kitchen while I directed him where to put everything. Then, he went upstairs to check on Yuri.

On that first day, I followed him upstairs and basically became his anxious, annoying shadow because I was concerned about how Yuri might feel about being left entirely alone with him. Not that I don't trust Fox — I would never have allowed him anywhere near Yuri if I didn't trust him — but Yuri is sensitive and I wanted to make sure the two of them would get off to the best start possible.

I needn't have worried. Fox is the least intimidating person I've ever met, and he's a natural at caregiving. He had Yuri up, bathed and dressed without so much as a whisper of protest, and before I knew it, he was calmly feeding him a little bowl of soy yogurt and cut-up peaches as if it was the most ordinary and unremarkable occurrence in the world.

It hasn't been all smooth sailing since then, of course. Yuri is stubborn, as I'm sure you guys all know by now. He's also fond of getting his own way, and he has all kinds of tricks up his sleeve to make that happen, and — not gonna lie — even though I'm perfectly aware he's doing it, I give in to him a lot of the time anyway.

I figured Fox would be completely taken in, since he's such a kind soul and quite frankly gives the impression of being a pushover. But, what I hadn't known in advance was that Fox has the same superpower as Yuri; the one where he can bend people to his will so sweetly and gently that they don't even notice it. Except... two people trying the same tactic on each other do notice.

I probably don't need to tell you, this has led to a few very intense conflicts between the two of them. Quiet, civilized conflicts to be sure, but no less fierce than if they'd been shouting at each other.

Irresistible force, meet immovable object.

Not unpredictably, their biggest disagreements have been around meals. For the first few days Fox was here, he fed Yuri all his meals without questioning it, but around the fourth day, I guess he figured there was no need for that to continue to be part of his job description. Yuri pushed back, and eventually it fell to me to referee the dispute.

Yuri was furious when I sided with Fox.

I know what you're likely thinking, and yeah, I do feed Yuri when he's sick because it's easier on both of us if I do. I hate seeing him struggle to eat. That stresses me out just as much as the physical act of eating stresses him. But, I had to concede that Fox wasn't wrong when he said Yuri should be perfectly capable of feeding himself. Besides, Fox is already doing enough for us, and I didn't want to complicate his job.

Yuri made a huge scene, but I gotta say I was proud of Fox for handling the whole thing like a pro. He straight-up told Yuri that he was being ridiculous which, as you can imagine, didn't go over well. I left the room at that point 'cause I didn't want to get stuck in the middle of any further wrangling between them.

As I was crossing the hallway to my own bedroom, I overheard Fox say something unexpected. He asked Yuri if the reason why he didn't want to feed himself was because he was scared.

I already knew the answer, but I was shocked when Yuri actually admitted to Fox that's what it was.

Then, Fox did something else I hadn't seen coming. He started telling Yuri about his experience in the hospital back in the autumn, and how he'd been terrified to let anyone give him an injection.

That seemed odd to me, considering Fox is an insulin-dependent diabetic and gives himself two shots every single day, not to mention the number of times a day he pokes one of his fingers or his forearm to test his blood sugar. By that point, I'd watched him do insulin injections and blood glucose tests, and he'd barely batted an eyelash at sticking tiny, sharp objects into his skin, even with an audience of one curious wannabe nurse.

Intrigued by what he was now recounting to my husband, I temporarily deserted my plan to gather up my laundry, and lurked just out of sight of the doorway of Yuri's bedroom to eavesdrop instead.

"They're not really allowed to let you give yourself a needle, you know," Fox was saying. "But, I made a big fuss about it until they agreed to let me. I had to do it because it always hurt so much when other people gave me a shot."

Yuri sounded dubious. "That makes no sense."

"I know," Fox said. "That's the thing. I can see now that it was illogical, but at the time it seemed perfectly rational to me. Anyway, I met my friend Jin when I was in the hospital. He was my nurse, and he figured out that it was hurting because I expected it to. And you know what? It turns out he was right."

"Good for him," Yuri said.

"You know what he told me?"

"I couldn't possibly guess," Yuri replied, and his tone practically screamed, I couldn't care less.

Fox was clearly undeterred. He went on, "Jin said that I need to train myself not to expect the worst, because not everything that seems like it’ll be painful or scary turns out to be.”

"Yes, well... sometimes it does."

"That's exactly what I said," Fox told him. "And he agreed with me, but he also said that if I was too afraid to take any chances, then I might miss out on something good."

"I don't see what that has to do with me," Yuri said.

Fox may have missed it, but I didn't fail to catch the nuance in my husband's words. I knew it wasn't that he didn't understand, but more like he didn't want to admit how this could apply to him. It was his way of saying I get it, but I wish I didn't.

"I heard you like strawberries," Fox said. "And I already know you like rice, so I made you something special for breakfast. It's rice pudding, but with protein powder and pureed strawberries in it, and it's sweet like a dessert. And it's pink. See? Don't you want to know what it tastes like?"

"Not particularly."

"I double-checked with Victor. Everything in it is something you've had before. It's all safe for you to eat, if that's what's worrying you. Or is it something else?"

Yuri's answer was mumbled, and I didn't catch it, but I thought it sounded like. "It's too difficult."

"Yeah, doing stuff for yourself can be really hard," Fox said. "I totally get it."

'No, you don't."

"You might be surprised.”

“I doubt that.”

“There was a lot of stuff I couldn't do for myself before I met Jin, and Takahiro and his family,” Fox said. “I had to learn so much just to start being a normal independent person. At first, I was scared and stressed out and tired every day, but everything I've done so far has been worth it, even though it was difficult."

"It's different for me," Yuri said.

"Yeah, it is different for you," Fox acknowledged. "I've been learning to do things over the past little while that you've probably been doing independently for years. I'm not asking you to do something crazy like learning pretty much every adult life skill within a few months, like I did. All I'm asking you to do is try feeding yourself, because I know you can."

"Oh... fine, then. But, if I throw up, it's your fault."

To my astonishment, Fox laughed. It was the same kind of laugh I've heard from other adults when a child says something outrageous, and I'd say it was more an indication of indulgence than of amusement. "Yuri, you're not going to throw up."

"How would you know?"

"Just start with one small bite. If you can't do more than that, you can stop. it's okay. Here..."

I attempted to peek around the edge of the door as sneakily as I could. Fox had his back to me, and probably wouldn't have spotted me anyway, but I was trying to avoid Yuri knowing I was there.

I was just in time to see Fox turning the bowl of rice pudding around so the handle of the spoon that was sticking out of it was facing in Yuri's direction. Hesitantly, Yuri reached out and grasped the spoon as Fox held the bowl for him.

"You can do it," Fox encouraged. "One spoonful. If you can manage that and you decide you want more, I'll feed you the rest, but we're going to keep working on this at every meal from now on until you're doing it all by yourself."

Yuri's expression was an awful combination of fear and lingering irritation, but I was gratified to see him lift the spoon with some pink-tinted rice on it. And then he put it in his mouth, and for one dreadful moment I thought he really might get sick. Most of the colour drained from his face, and he stared at Fox, wide-eyed.

"Take the spoon out of your mouth, Yuri," Fox said gently, and when Yuri did as he asked, he followed up with, "Good. Now, you can swallow."

It was weird, observing that. I'd never heard anyone explain something as simple and instinctual as eating in step-by-step instructions before. Then again, perhaps Yuri had somehow unlearned that instinct and needed to be told what to do.

He's mentioned to me before that he often doesn't want to eat and only consumes food because he has to. He says he doesn’t like eating most foods, not necessarily because he dislikes the taste or texture of the food, but because he’s hyper-focused on every little detail involved in eating, and he gets overwhelmed. I guess it’s like, he could get so fixated on chewing that he’d forget to swallow, and then suddenly swallow in a panic, and then panic even more when he realizes he didn’t consciously decide whether he should swallow or not.

I don’t know, really. I’m certain Yuri could explain it better himself, but that’s basically how I understand it from what he described. And considering his history of anxiety as well as severe digestive system issues, maybe it shouldn't be too surprising.

As for Fox, I was impressed that not only was he able to break down the process for Yuri, but also that he'd recognized the need for it. It made me wonder if someone had needed to explain a basic skill to him in a similar way in the past.

"That was awesome. I knew you could do it," he said, once Yuri returned the spoon to the bowl. "How do you feel? Is your stomach okay?"

"It's fine," Yuri said. His tone was grudging, like he didn't want to admit that feeding himself one spoonful of strawberry-flavoured sweet rice wasn't actually going to be the death of him.

"Think you can do it again?" Fox inquired.

"If I have to."

"You don't have to, but I'd like you to."

Yuri sighed. "Very well."

Two spoonfuls later, I could see how much of a psychological and physical toll the effort had taken. To anyone unfamiliar with the situation it probably looks like he's playing up for attention whenever he wants someone to feed him, but I can tell you in all honesty, it's not like that. The strain that showed in all his body language was real. He gets that way when he's being fed by someone too, but not nearly as quickly and nowhere near as pronounced.

I could see his hand shaking as he gripped the spoon. He was visibly sweating, and his skin had that pale, washed-out appearance some people get when they're about to faint.

I was concerned enough that I almost stepped back into the room, but fortunately, Fox was perceptive enough to see what I saw and to understand what it meant. He said to Yuri, "Give me the spoon."

Yuri didn't so much hand it to him as push it in his general direction. Fox placed everything on the bedside table, and then helped Yuri settle back on his pillows.

"You did great," Fox told him. He brushed his hand over Yuri’s forehead. It looked like he was checking his temperature, but it was more likely that he was wiping some of the moisture off his face.

I was a little amazed that Yuri didn’t flinch away from Fox’s touch. He asked shakily, “Can… can I have some water, please?”

Fox handed his water bottle to him, and he took a couple of sips before passing it back.

“Done?” Fox inquired.

Yuri nodded. “Done.”

“Everything all right? Is your stomach still okay?"

"Yes, my stomach is all right for now, but I'm tired," Yuri said. "I need to sleep.”

"Understandable," Fox didn't point out that he'd only been awake for an hour or so. He simply acknowledged that Yuri knew best whether he needed more rest or not. "That was an amazing effort. I know it was a lot, but you did really good. I didn't even have to tell you to take that last spoonful."

"It’s good. The rice."

That admission was spoken so quietly that I almost didn't hear it.

"There's more of it left," Fox said. "Victor and I are going to have it for dessert with our lunch, but we'll save some for you. Would you like that?"

"Yes, please."

"You're going to feed yourself at least one spoonful at lunchtime, okay?" It sounded like a request, but I knew it wasn’t.

Yuri didn't reply, so I had no idea if he was agreeing with Fox's new rule, but he didn’t seem to be disagreeing either, which was good. I smiled. It may not have been a victory, exactly, but I felt safe in calling it a step in the right direction at least.

And now we're at the spot where I’m supposed to say some sort of happy ending thing, right? Like how I’m filled with hope or how Fox is a miracle worker or something?

Well, I am hopeful, but I’m not naïve. I don’t think Yuri had some great epiphany or whatever, or that Fox’s wisdom is going to fix everything. Yuri’s got a long way to go, and he’s not going to recover overnight, especially mentally. Disability Is tricky like that. Even when the body is relatively well, the mind can still be troubled. in fact, I’m convinced that the psychological impact of living with a disability can be even more disabling than the illness or disability itself.

What I can say is, I think it’s good for Yuri to have Fox here. It’s good for me as well, and not just for the obvious reasons. Fox doesn’t let Yuri get his way to avoid a confrontation with him, or to alleviate his own discomfort, like I do. As much as I don’t like admitting it, his approach yields better results than mine, even if it starts out a bit rough.

From watching Fox Interact with Yuri, I’ve learned there’s a difference between sympathy and empathy. I let Yuri get away with a lot because I feel bad for him and it’s painful for me to see him suffering, and I just want to make things better for both of us. But, I’m starting to realize that’s not doing either of us much good at the end of the day. He doesn’t need someone to take pity on him. He needs someone to respect how he feels and to try seeing things from his point of view while also showing him safe ways to move forward.

He needs someone to help him get perspective. That’s what my therapist would call it.

After this, I think I should be challenging him more. And I should be challenging myself more, to be firm with him when I need to be, and to recognize when it's okay to give in and when it's not. I need to challenge myself to remember that the easiest way isn't always the best way, and sometimes there has to be a little pain in order to make progress.