#It started just as a what if and now I'm just rambling

[from-the-owls-nest]

you're making as much sense as me.

and i wasnt saying i'm actually good at that stuff. I just try my best because I have no better idea. Hell, all the times I did a silly and took my meds wrong, or overdid things physically, or ignored my needs, or dropped something, or forgot i can say no now or that meds and selfcare exists... afterward I have to clean up too, and deal with the consequences, and just hope I do better next time. I won't really know anymore what I was thinking, but apparently it wasnt much. or that whatever I did seemed like the best idea at the time or like a bad idea but important enough to do anyway. or that I apparently wasn't super okay at the time and reacted to the best of my (bad) abilities. or... don't know what but probably something.

I... I have to believe I'm doing my best and had reasons for the decisions I make, even if they weren't the best. Else... if I start arguing and hating myself over everything again...

sorry. thank you too, for sharing and allowing me to ramble :)

Love love love characters that present themselves as emotionally open social butterflies but the more you see of them the more obvious it is that they’re the most closed off fuckers in the story. Sure, they want to help you with your personal problems and messy emotions, but if you turn that shit back on them, they’ll shut down or deflect every time. Why are you sticking your nose in their business anyway? It’s not like it matters. They’re not a person, they’re just a role being played. They’re the guy who fixes things and saves people. Please ignore the man behind the mask, he’s fine. Everything’s fine.

[zzbubblegumbitchzz]

teach me? // Quinn Hughes

a drunk conversation leaves your best friend wondering.

AN: based off this anon, this is the first of a few ideas i have for this topic so enjoy part one!🫶🏻

WC: 1.1k

CW: smut, quinn talks you through it, fem masturbating, a little bit of possessive quinn.

Quinn knows he should leave, he knows he shouldn't break your trust and listen but his feet won't move. He can hear your giggles, not a sign of discomfort in the conversation. A drastic difference from anytime you've been around the guys when these topics are brought up.

“y/n! Are you telling me you’ve never gotten off?!” There was another laugh, he couldn't tell who. Too focused on your answer. How could no one treat you right? No one’s found pleasure between your thighs? Tragedy for them, he thought to himself.

“Oh my god, no. I have gotten off, just not manually? If that makes sense. Like, no one else. No hands, nothing but the handy dandy vibrator.”

He needed to leave, his mind wandering and he knew all the guys would just chirp at him if he walked back with a hard on.

Everyone started to slowly make their way to bed, calling it a night yourself around 1:30. Your room right across from Quinn’s. You knew he was already locked away, trying your best to stay quiet while you were in and out of the bathroom that shared a wall.

Finally settling in your bed and grabbing your phone, seeing a text from Quinn. Come here, please. Followed with another text, Don't knock, just come in.

“Hi Q.” He was quick to pat his bed, “I need to ask you something, and you can tell me no or to fuck off and I wont ever bring it up again. I just, I need to ask.” You nodded at the man, who's now pacing. “I’m telling on myself and I'm sorry in advance. I was walking by when you and the girls were chatting and somethings been stuck in my head since and it makes me feel so bad because you absolutely don't deserve that kind of shit treatment. Oh god, I'm rambling. Anyways, no one ever made you cum? I can show you, oh my god I need to shut up.”

Your face was flushed, your nerves were setting in. Did Quinn just offer to get me off?

As if he could read my mind, “I don’t have to do it! I can just tell you what to do. Like you get yourself off and I just kind of lead the way.”

“You wanna teach me how to make myself cum?” Your voice was small, he was sure if he wasn’t staring at you he wouldn’t have heard. He nodded.

“Yeah, okay. Teach me, Quinny.”

That dumb conversation led you here. On his bed, pj shorts on the floor, legs spread and Quinn watching you from his desk chair.

You were both giggly about it. The nerves settled, it seemed a little funny, silly even. But he's your best friend. Who cares? All bad thoughts went away the second your legs spread and the man's eyes went a little wide, pupils blown as he watched your hand roam down your body.

“Fuck. You’re pretty.” He whispered to himself.

This wasn't sexy, well it wasn't meant to be, at least to your brain.

“Uh, like this?" you asked, a little embarrassed. "Fuck, this is stupid."

You were against his pillows, unable to fully look at Quinn who was still at his desk, starry eyes watching you intently.

Your hand was down the front of your body, shaky fingers searching for something you shared you'd never been able to achieve on your own.

Quinn adjusted himself, his growing cock pressed against the fabric of his shorts. Forever wishing he put on boxers before you came to his room.

He didn't know the rules when it came to getting yourself off in front of your best friend. So he kept it a little light, laughed breathily and asked, "Are you even touching your clit?”

His words ran through you, a simple question truly but it was bordering on the dirty talk you desperately craved to come from his mouth.

You squirmed, shrugging, but he was watching your hand move, content with seeing your fingers moving through your folds.

"I think so?" you claimed. "I don't know. It's just, it's too wet to feel anything really."

Quinn felt his breath get stuck in his throat.

You finally looked up at his face and watched his cheeks burn, wondering if he'd move closer if you asked him to.

You dont know what fell out of your mouth, your brain is just on autopilot. Quinn’s now at the edge of his bed. Hands holding your ankle, rubbing softly.

"No, I know. fuck, um-" Quinn swallowed, shifting again. "Move in circles, be a bit softer. Fuck, sweetheart. Yeah, you'll feel it."

So you did, two fingers exploring slowly, up and down between your folds, moving a little higher until you reached the spot he was just picking on you for, the pads of your middle and pointer touching a little bump that made your breath hitch.

“There you go, just like that.” He spoke.

You laughed to yourself, feeling stupid, and floaty, searching for that high. You crinkled your nose, as you did slow circles, soft and shy.

"Oh," you mumbled, mouth parting slightly. Still watching Quinn. He pressed his lips together, eyes flickering from your hand to your face.

"Yeah? Does that feel good?"

"Uh huh, feels good."

You thought you heard him let out a groan.

"Will I come?" you asked, still feeling small. "If I keep doing this?"

You were squirming again, moaning softly, chasing your high. He was watching you, open mouthed.

He was too far gone to try and hide it anymore, when he dragged his palm over himself, you moaned, eyes following his movements.

"Yeah, fuck. just keep doing that. Do what feels good, okay?" voice hoarse and wrecked, "you're doing so good, baby."

The praise made your hips lift from the bed a little, fingers moving down a little further, confidence building as Quinn kept rubbing over his cock, "Holy shit, that's fucking hot. You gonna show me how tight you are?" he croaked.

"Uh huh", head tipped back into the pillows. you wanted him to keep talking. You just didn't know how to ask him.

Your foot slipped, bumping into Quinn’s arm and he caught your ankle, wide palm wrapping around as he held you, making you shiver. "Oh, there you go," he murmured. "That's it, baby. Fuck, you're so good. Gonna have to stretch you out more if you ever want me in there, baby. Fuck. Can't believe you're gonna let me watch you cum. Gonna be a good girl and show me how bad you want it? Won't ever need anyone else after this. Just me and you."

[cosmosluckycharms]

Bug Like Angel

He gets me so high

ty to that one anon who gave me the idea for this

tecnically this takes place between parts 4 and 5

so i guess this would be part 4.5?

anon ily for givijg me this idea

kind of a short chapter lol

You got into an argument earlier.

It wasn't over anything serious, you don't even remember what it was about.

All you remember is Damian telling you you weren't worthy of being part of his father's bloodline.

That stung a little.

You tried defending yourself and telling the others in hopes of others taking your side.

Only for everyone to take his.

"He's had a hard life," Dick said to you, still looking at Damian.

"So have I!" went unsaid, as you put your head down and looked at the floor.

It isn't fair!

It isn't fair how he walked away Scott free smirking as if he won!

It isn't fair how you were the only one scolded by Alfred and Bruce for arguing!

It isn't fair how you ran to your room to cry!

It isn't fair how you had no one on your side!

You needed someone on your side.

After a while of sobbing on your pillow (which was now wet), you felt your phone buzz and your ringtone go off. You were getting a call from Hobie.

It wasn't rare for him to call you, all of the spider-kids call each other at random times of the day to just talk about whatever.

One time you called them all at 3 am because you thought of a dumb invention that 'could change lives', only for Gwen to tell you it already existed, and didn't change lives.

One time, Miles called you to tell you he got 100 on his physics test.

One time, Hobie called you because he didn't know how long he should cook something in the microwave.

One time, Peni called you to tell you how she accidentally bought 3 copies of the same book. Again.

One time, Gwen called you at 1 am to ask if you could dye her hair again since her hair dye was fading again.

One time, Pavitr called you to ask which Valentine's gift he should give Gayatri since he was stuck between two options. He ended up choosing both gifts for her.

It was normal for everyone to call anyone for any reason.

You tried to wipe your tears and clear your voice so you could pretend you were fine, and you picked up the phone to talk to him.

As soon as you picked up, he started rambling about how his day went.

You didn't mind calling him, it took your mind off things.

Hobie felt something was off. Sure, you were listening to him intently, but you usually had your camera on and played with stupid filters while he talked. You didn't have your camera on like usual.

He decided to not bring it up and just let you tell him when you were ready.

"Anywho, I bought around 54 boxes of Girl Scout cookies-" Hobie said, while holding up a box of Thin Mints to the camera

"why did you buy 54??" you said in disbelief, your voice slightly cracking, which you cringed at.

"Don't worry about it." you laughed a little at that.

"Keep your window open, I'm on my way." you saw him start walking on camera

"Why?" you asked

"Get ready, we're going out," he said while grabbing 5 boxes of the Girl Scout cookies.

He hung up before explaining anything.

You got up from your bed and decided to fix yourself up a bit before he came over.

You redid your makeup because it smeared while you were crying.

After 5 minutes, you heard a knock on your window.

You went to see what it was, and Hobie was knocking at your window looking a little stupid.

You unlocked it and opened the window.

"I thought you were gonna unlock it?" Hobie said already looking around your room and making himself at home.

He and the others have come over a lot, it's somewhat surprising that none of your family noticed.

"I forgot!" you said while shrugging your shoulders. It wasn't a lie, you did forget.

"You're always forgetting, never remembering," Hobie said, lying on your comfy bed.

"Okay so I forget a couple of times and suddenly I'm always forgetful, I dye Gwen's hair and cut my own, does that make me a barber?" you said, dramatically before flopping onto your bed next to Hobie.

"So, what's got you all miffed?" he asked while playing around with a plushie that was on your bed.

"What do you mean?" you sat up to look at him in confusion.

"Miffed: somewhat annoyed; peeved," Hobie explained.

"No, not about what miffed means, I know what that means, but what do you mean?" you asked, tilting your head slightly.

"I mean, you look pissed, what happened?" he asked, while playing around with a volleyball he got from who knows where.

You started fidgeting with your hands. "Well, me and Damian got into an argument earlier. I don't even remember what it was about. He said I wasn't worthy of Bruce's blood. Which honestly did hurt a little. What really pissed me off was how no one took my side. How no one defended me. How no one checked up on me after I ran to my room and cried." A tear ran down your cheek. You couldn't tell if it was from anger or sadness.

Hobie sat up and cleared the tear away from your cheek. "C'mon Tinkerbell, let's get outta here," He said, while getting up and stretching.

"And go where?" you got up as well.

"Anywhere. It's clear everyone here is bonkers." He started walking towards your window.

"Okay, just gimmie a sec!" You ran to grab your wallet and phone and followed him out the window.

You were now atop the bat signal, next to Hobie.

After raiding a gas station for its snacks (which you knew Alfred would never approve of) you guys were just sitting down in silence.

It was pretty nice, you were leaning on Hobie as he lit up what you thought was a cigarette.

Turns out it wasn't. You realized as soon as the smell of weed hit you.

You watched as he passed you the blunt, "Want a hit?"

You hesitated for a moment. What would your family think about this?

Hobie saw you hesitating, and not wanting to make you uncomfortable said "Don't do it if you don't want to."

You decided to do it.

Fuck what your family thinks about this.

Fuck your family. Fuck them all. Fuck Damian, fuck Dick, fuck Jason, fuck Bruce, and fuck Alfred.

They didn't care, they didn't defend you, they don't notice you, why would they notice or care about this?

They were probably dressed in their stupid spandex costumes beating people up.

A long time ago you longed and begged to be one of them.

What is the worst that can happen anyway?

"pass me it."

Hobie then taught you how to do it. It was a bit scary for you, you haven't ever smoked or done weed or anything before.

You took a hit and immediately started coughing.

"You alright there, luv?" You gave him a thumbs up before taking a couple more hits and getting a hang of it.

You guys started devouring the snacks and telling dumb stories.

You fell off due to jumping to the light from the batsignal suddenly turning on and scaring you. You laughed when Hobie had to pick you up from the rooftop.

You could stay like this forever, just you and your big brother.

hi guys heres some fluff and angst

i feel like since writing these silly little stories my writing has gotten a tiny bit better

im not sure tho

anyways anon ty again i loved writing this

taglist(please lmk if i forgot you!):@bath1lda @mariadvorak @coralaura @tsxukikami @hjgdhghoe @coffeeaddictxd @cxcilla @kaitense1 @star-girl-interlud3 @sukaretto-n @welpthisisboring @itsberrydreemurstuff @lovebug-apple @crazycaoticsimp @bellethesleepypotato @blackhood1229 @jsprien213

[barcenal999]

Ava's going pro

Lucy Bronze x Bronze!daughterOC

Summary: Lucy was a teen mom and her 17 year old daughter tells her she's signing her first professional contract with Barcelona

It's set in Janurary 2024

Tags: fluff

Word count: 5k

A/N: I've posted this on AO3 before, but decided to start posting here

Ava made two cups of tea and came up to Lucy, who was sitting on the couch and reading a book. Probably something she would recommend to her later.

"Mom? Can we talk?" She didn't even know why she was so stressed about it. It's not like her going pro was something they never talked about. It's just that everyone always assumed she would finish high school first.

Lucy put down her book, patting the seat beside her, for the teenager to take. "Sure. What is it? A new coming out? You're straight? You're trans? You know you can always tell me, it's not like it would change anything in the way I love you." Lucy was never good with talking about serious subjects, so when she felt one coming, she rambled before Ava could even bring up the topic. "Please tell me you're not pregnant. Please don't make the same mistakes I did. I mean, you're not a mistake. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me..." She would have probably been rambling forever if she wasn't interrupted.

"Mom! Stop! Please. I'm not pregnant. You've been teaching me about safe sex and using protection since I was 13 years old."

"Well you know it's good to teach your kid about protection when they're younger than you were, when you got pregnant with them. It's the first rule of being a teen parent.” Lucy got pregnant when she wasn’t even 15 yet. She was deep in denial, trying to convince herself that she wasn’t a lesbian. Dating an 18 years old boy however, ended with her accepting that she had no interest in boys. 2 months after breaking up with him, she found out she was gonna be a single lesbian teen mom. „And it's good that you're not pregnant. There's already enough people living in this house."

"And who's fault is that?" Ava laughed at her mother and was thankful for her deflection. Being bad at talking about serious subjects was definitely genetic.

"Hey! You said you were okay with my poliamory."

"Yes mom, I'm great with it and I like both Keira and Ona. Can we stop talking about sex and relationships now, and talk about the important thing I have to ask you?"

Lucy sighed, getting herself ready for anything her daughter could throw at her. While Ava took a sip of her tea, the footballer decided it would be safest to put her cup down on the coffee table.

Ava took a deep breath to psyche herself up.

"How would you feel if I played with you on the team? Like, if I signed with Barca?" Her fingers seemed surprisingly interesting in that moment.

"Well, I already assumed that it would be Barça you would be signing with when you go pro. By why are you asking me now? You still have over a year of school left."

"So about that... you remember how some of us from the B team have been invited to train with you a week ago?" She hesitantly looked up at Lucy, and only continued when she saw her nod her head. She was surprised that the only thing she saw on her mom's face was curiosity, which gave her a boost of confidence. "Jona approached me and offered me a first team contract, since my contract for the B team is ending. He said that the details could be discussed when you agree."

Lucy's smile grew as her daughter kept talking. When she finished, she pulled her into a bone crushing hug.

"That's wonderful that they noticed you honey. I don't think you should be asking me for permission. You're almost an adult and I think it's your decision, but I would be thrilled to play beside you.” She took Ava’s face in her hands and directed her to look her in the eyes. „I’m so proud of you. It’s like yesterday you were barely walking and already kicking a ball, and now you’re 17 and signing a contract with the best club in Europe.” She kissed her daughter’s forehead and let go of her face, trying to hide the tears filling her eyes.

So many years of doing her best at raising Ava, having the serious conversations when they were needed, yet she still couldn’t hold herself together. Immense pride filled her every time Ava achieved something new and she couldn’t control her emotions.

„I just want to be sure, that you’re ready for it.” The teenager stayed calm, as if it was her whos kid was about to sign a lifechanging contract, not the other way around. „Everyone will find out that you have me. The fans will know how young you had me.”

„I’ve had years to learn how to deal with the fans.” Lucy couldn’t get used to how mature her daughter has become. „How about we deal with it the good old Bronze way?"

„Tell no one and see how that goes for us? Sounds good to me. I wanna see people freak out and try to figure out our connection. My old teammates would always freak out about things like that. They’d create all of those speculations and conspiracy theories and I couldn’t say anything.”

That’s when they knew the conversation was over. Both Bronze women laughing and already turning on the TV, to watch another episode of Station 19.

When Keira and Ona came home a few hours later, there was a celebratory dinner waiting. Lucy didn’t let Ava help with any of the cooking and didn’t even let her set the table. „We’re celebrating you, so go sit down and put some music on.” She said, when the teen came asking what to do.

Ava was a big music fan and making hours long spotify queues and playlists was something she loved doing. Finding new music and then sharing it with her family was kind of a hobby for her.

„What is that smell?” Ona asked Ava, when she came up to greet her with a hug.

„I don’t know, she wouldn’t let me help, or even enter the kitchen.” Ava shrugged. „But if I was guessing from the smell, I would say she’s making my favourite lemon and chilli shrimp.” The smirk on her face told then, that she knew that was exactly that.

„Lucy! Why didn’t you let your kid help you with dinner?”

„It’s a special occasion! We’re celebrating her. I can’t let my daughter cook her own celebratory dinner.” When the two younger women heard that, Ona turned to look at Ava, while Keira turned to Lucy.

"What did you do?"

„Lucy! You weren’t supposed to encourage violent behaviour!”

They both said it at the same time and this time Lucy smiled sheepishly, like she actually had something to be ashamed of.

To be honest, the last time Lucy made a celebratory dinner for her daughter, was when Ava beat up a homophobe. When she picked her up from school, she told her teachers she would deal with her at home, but instead made a whole day celebrating her. She had to face a scolding from both her girlfriends that day.

„I didn’t do anything!” Ava lifted her hands in surrender.

„Yes you did. You are incredible.” Lucy said to the teenager and then turned to her girlfriends. „We’ll tell you as we eat.” They moved to the dining room and she grabbed an already opened bottle of white wine. “Ava? Do you want some?”

Lucy preferred for Ava to learn to drink responsibly under supervision, than for her to go out and learn it by drinking irresponsibly. She knew that her going out to drink with friends was inevitable, but she wanted for her to know how the alcohol affects her beforehand.

They finally sat down and Lucy distributed the shrimp (Ava was right) equally for everyone. As Ava started eagerly eating her dinner, Ona and Keira looked at Lucy expectantly. They were still sceptical, not sure if what they hear will actually be positive.

“So what’s the news?” Ava put down her fork, to tell them, but Lucy was faster.

“The details have not been discussed with the club yet, but Ava told me today, that she was offered a full senior team contract from Barca.” Both women who just heard the news stood up and wrapped the teenager in a tight hug.

“They said to discuss it with mom and then we’ll negotiate the contract. We’ll probably do the negotiations the day after tomorrow, since mom already called them to set it up. And it’s not like I need for them to pay me much, I’m not planning on moving out anytime soon. I already told mom I’ll contribute to the living costs accordingly, but she told me to save up the money and not worry about it.”

“It’s gonna be so fun to play and train with you!” Ona beamed. “We’re gonna cause so much mayhem.” She whispered in her ear, so that neither of the responsible adults (mostly Keira, neither of them was sure that Lucy could be called a responsible adult) could hear.

Lucy couldn’t believe this was her life. Two beautiful and wonderful girlfriends, who cared for her daughter. Ava starting a professional football career at just 17 years old. All four of them living their dreams in sunny Barcelona.

...

A week later, after Lucy’s morning field practice and Ava skipping out halfway through her school day, they were sitting in a room with a bunch of FC Barcelona officials, some of the coaching stuff. Pen in hand, number 17 shirt with the name A. Bronze on the back, Ava signed her contract. At first Lucy hid behind the cameras, not wanting to be captured by the media team. They also took some pictures with her in them, for later and for private use.

The team had an afternoon gym session that day, that Ava would be joining them on for the first time. They didn’t tell the rest of the team, besides the captains, about her contract, so it was going to be a surprise.

When everyone was finally in the gym, starting their workouts, Ava waited out the door with Jona. She was wearing her brand new training gear, with number 17. The coach entered the gym first, telling her to wait outside. He then got everyone’s attention. It took about 3 minutes, but finally everyone was quiet and looking at him.

“Most of you don’t know this yet, but we have a new player joining us, who just signed her contract.” It wasn’t surprising to have new people signing, since it was the middle of the January transfer window, and players often joined teams before it was announced.” Before I let her in, I’m seriously warning you, not to burn the whole training centre to the ground with her involved.” He pointed at the group of younger players. “I’m talking to you.” He opened the door to let Ava enter. “Everyone, welcome Baby England to the team!”

“Lucy why is your baby in our gym?!”

“Lucy you lost your kid again!”

“A little baby! Can I hold her?!”

“Jona! It’s dangerous to have little kids running around the gym.”

The teasing exploded within the gym, which caused Ava to frown. She tried to look upset, but in reality it made her happy, that she just signed her contract and her teammates immediately accepted her into their group, by teasing her and being annoying. This team was incredibly tight knit, many people bleeding blaugrana (Alexia especially). They were a family, and even though she, as Lucy’s daughter, was kind of already a part of it, now as their teammate she could finally be its actual member.

After about a minute of the room being filled with their teammates voices and laughter, Alexia decided that it was enough of teasing for Ava’s first hour on the team.

“Ok idiotas! Leave the kid be and get back to work. Vamos!" When everybody seemed to return to their own devices, Alexia turned to the teen. "We’re happy you’re joining us Ava and if you ever need anything and want to talk to someone who isn’t your mother or her girlfriends, I’m always there.”

After that, the team got back to their workouts, Jona explaining to Ava what she was supposed to be doing, and leaving them to be looked at by the performance coaching team.

When halfway throughout the session, their phones started to blow up (mostly Lucy’s), they knew that Ava joining the team has been announced to the public, and the mayhem of speculation has started.

The post description stated:

fcbfemeni We’re happy to announce, finishing her B team contract, U-20 England Lioness Ava Bronze has signed a 2 year senior team contract! Welcome to the family!

“Just so you know” Lucy warned everyone. “We’re not saying anything about Ava’s relation to me. We decided it would be funny to let the fans make up their own theories.”

“Idiotes” muttered Alexia, but her face was showing nothing but amusement.

Mapi, who was standing next to her, the two doing their rehab exercises together, burst out laughing.

“I think you mean geniuses!” She got a glare from unimpressed Ingrid.

“I can’t wait to watch all of the theories on tiktok.” Stated Ava. “Or tumblr. That one’s crazy, cause most people there are more or less anonymous. Some of you wouldn’t survive there.” She laughed to herself, thinking about the fanfics and crazy posts she’s seen on there.

“You have to show me.” Stated Mapi.

“I wanna see that.” Jana joined the conversation. “Mapi, can we create a tumblr account for you?”

“Si” She turned to Ingrid, who was already rubbing her temples, with a big grin on her face. “The kids will teach me the internet.”

“You guys, back to work, you can talk when we finish.” Alexia went back to her captain self.

...

Three days after Ava’s signing was announced, before they started their evening movie, she was reading speculation posts on social media. She was going through a post comparing her and Lucy’s characteristics, when Keira looked over her shoulder. (Lucy and her girlfriends usually respected her privacy, but now, they became her annoying older teammates, so the privacy went out the window.)

“How are you feeling with all that social media attention? Did the fact that your private life isn’t so private, catch up to you yet?”

“Nice try.” The teen switched her phone off. “My mom is considered one of the hottest female football players, and most of my friends growing up were women’s football fans. Let’s just say that your friends swooning over your mother, is both hilarious and traumatising.” Keira jumped over the back of the couch and sat next to her girlfriend’s daughter.

“Can’t blame them for appreciating how hot she is.” Ava smacked Keira’s shoulder and the redhead pretended it hurt her. “Okay, okay!” she laughed “What was that post about? I saw your face.”

Ava unlocked her phone to show Keira the post she was reading. “Wow, they’re attentive. I’ve lived with you for like half of your life and didn’t notice that you have the same facial bone structure as her.”

“Most people assume I’m her cousin. Some had the right idea, but quickly disputed it, saying that there’s no way she had me at 15 and managed to go pro a year later. Some people even found some pictures of her with little me.” She scrolled a few posts down, where the post had a picture of the 2009 University of North Carolina soccer team, with little Ava on Tobin’s shoulders. “No idea how they found it and connected the dots that it’s me."

“Some of those people should work for the FBI.” Keira laughed.

“Who should work for the FBI?” Asked Lucy, coming out from the kitchen into the living area, with two cups of tea. Ona walked behind her, focused on not spilling the tea, from her own two cups, that were filled to the brim.

“Some of the fans found some pictures from your UNC days and connected the dots, that the little kid in them is Ava. They’re trying to figure out your connection and some of them are scarily good at it.” Keira explained while the teenager showed them the post on her phone as proof.

With her other hand, Ava took the big cup of tea, that Lucy handed her. She took a sip, gave her phone over to Keira, and stood up to take out their favourite cup coasters from the drawer in the coffee table.

Each of them had their specific coaster.

Keira’s coaster, had a picture of Leah, that she took against her friend’s will. The England captain then gave her the coaster for Christmas, saying that it was so that she would think about her every time she drank tea at home.

Ona’s coaster had a Manchester United logo on it and she used it simply to annoy her girlfriends and Ava. When Ona moved to Barcelona, Lucy wrote “Is shit” below the club name. Still, at least she was sure no one in this household would ever use her coaster. She considered putting the United logo on other things she preferred to keep to herself and everyone kept stealing. Like her half a liter cup, that she drank tea from.

Lucy’s coaster was a part of a mother’s day gift she got from Ava. It had a picture of 18 year old Lucy, holding 3 year old Ava, thrown over her shoulder. A colourful Comic Sans writing said the classic “Best Mom Ever” in the middle. She had in made with her aunt Sophie’s help when she was 11, and Lucy never stopped using it since she got the gift.

Ava’s coaster had a quote from Avatar: The Last Airbender. It said “Sick of tea? That’s like being sick of breathing!” She had a matching tea cup, that had Uncle Iroh’s face on the other side. The teenager watched the show, from start to end, at least three times, so when she saw the set in a store, she couldn’t resist buying it.

Like always, it took them 15 minutes to decide on the film they would be watching. They settled on rewatching Ocean’s 8, since all of them loved it. The hot cast wasn’t discouraging either.

They situated themselves on the L shaped couch. Lucy and Ona sat next to each other, on the wider but shorter part of the lounge. Ava, laid across the longer part. Her head in Lucy’s lap, her legs on Keira’s knees.

It may have been a great movie, but Ava has seen it multiple times already, so despite Cate Blanchett in suits being on the screen, with her mom’s fingers running through her hair and Keira lazily drawing patterns of her bare legs, she was asleep halfway through it.

When she woke up, she was surprised to find herself in her own bed. It was like nothing changed since she was just 5 years old and Lucy would carry her to bed. She may have not known about the kisses that Lucy left on her forehead, as she tucked her 17 year old daughter, into her bed, but she felt a warm feeling in her chest and knew how much her mom cared about her.

...

Every new signing had to do a media video, to show herself to the fans. So a week after signing her contract, Ava had to come to the training facility an hour before practice started. The media team led her to a seat in front of some cameras, with the training field behind her back.

“So, we asked fans on social media, to leave questions for you.” One of the media people (Ava didn’t remember their name and was too embarrassed to admit it) started. “We chose some that we thought were most appropriate. That alright with you?” They checked, in case the teen wasn’t comfortable with answering questions on camera.

“I’m good.” She was given about ten cards with questions printed on them and smiled. “Vamos!” She laughed and the camera stared rolling.

“Hi! I’m Ava Bronze and this is fan questions!” She claimed in fluent Spanish, looking into the camera.

“First question is from Mila.” She read from the first card. “Hola Mila!” She looked back up at the camera and waved. Then, she looked back down and continued reading. “’What is your favourite food?’ I love that question, cause I love food. I love things like ice cream and oat cookies, but for food I’m actually allowed to eat more of than sweets, my favourite is probably one of the only meals I can actually cook by myself, which are shrimps, with lemon, chili and garlic. We usually eat it on special occasions with my mom. She cooked it for me when she found out I was offered a pro contract.”

“Next one is from Reyna. ‘Who’s your favourite football player and who did you idolise growing up?’ Well, since I’m a striker, my favourite player is Ewa Pajor. She’s incredible and I think she’s the most underrated player. I got to meet her at the previous champions league final and she was super nice, even though she was sad cause they lost. My dream is to one day learn the bicycle kick from her. As for the players I idolised growing up. Well, I’m one of the few people my age who mostly watched women’s football and not the men’s. Another striker, Ellen White was always someone I looked up to. I love Tobin Heath, she’s brilliant on the ball and her style of play is very similar to Barca’s tight spaces technique. I was never interested in defending, but I always admired Lucy Bronze.”

“Jake asks, ‘What are your hobbies outside of football?’. Well Jake, I have so many we could make a separate video about them.” She laughed, but the media team noted it for another time. “First of all, one of my biggest, and most known among friends and family is photography. I love capturing the worlds beauty, without changing anything, just showing it as it is. I love traveling, which is kind of connected with every other hobby. I love hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking and sailing. Also, I listen to music all the time and love going to concerts. All of those hobbies include travel, so does football, so that’s a good thing.” She was about to go to the next question, but looked up to add one thing. “Also, I saw the media team taking notes when I said we could make a video about my hobbies, so I’m sure you’ll be seeing more about them in the future.”

“The next question is from Anya. ‘What do you like about Barca and what’s your favourite club team?’ Well, I have two favourite club teams and one of them is Barca. My mom will kill me for saying that publicly, but my other favourite team is Arsenal. She’s not a fan of red English clubs, especially Manchester United and Arsenal. But I love both Barca and Arsenal for similar reasons. Both clubs have this culture of family in football. Like, both of the teams have players who would never leave their team. Their academies are strong and many players grow up to be culers or gunners. There’s this loyalty that other clubs often don’t have. Like, not only for players but also fans. With other clubs, people are often fans of the footballers that play for them and not as much of the club, but with those two, it’s about more than the football. At least that's my view, even though most clubs have their die hard fan community. It’s a whole culture of those clubs that people love and I think it’s admirable.” She took a deep breath and looked down at the badge on her shirt. “I’ve moved a lot in my childhood, so I never had the opportunity to grow up within one club, but there are people like Alexia and Leah Williamson, who bleed their club’s colours.”

Ava answered all of the questions given to her and as she was at the last one, she noticed a few of her teammates making funny faces at her, telling her that training was about to begin. She laughed at them and looked into the camera.

“I can see some of my teammates telling me to wrap this up. Thank you for the questions, they were all great and I can’t wait to see you all in the crowd soon!” The camera was cut and the media team thanked her and let her go with the other girls.

...

Unlike other girls coming up from the B team, Ava came into the first team in the middle of the season and wasn’t there to replace an injured player. The coaches decided to give her two weeks of getting used to playing with the first team in training before they named her on the game day players list. It's not like she had not ever played in the first team before, but it was her first time as officially the senior player.

Her first match was an away game against Sevilla. She started out on the bench, with her mom sitting next to her.

“Stop kicking the grass. You’ll leave a hole.” Lucy put a hand on her knee to stop it from bouncing nervously.

“I think I’m gonna be sick.” Ava said, but her mom knew it was just the stress talking and her daughter wasn’t actually feeling sick. “What if I trip over my own legs and embarass myself? It has happened before.”

“You’ll be fine. You’ve been doing great in training. Jona wouldn’t have put you on the team list if he didn’t think you were ready.” She smiled and waited for Ava to look at her. “We’ve talked about it. You’ll probably come on in the 75th or 80th minute for Pina. You’ll do what you do best and rock it out there. You’re my daughter, you’ll do great.” Ava laughed at her mother’s ego, but visibly relaxed.

Just like always, the team was doing great. Pina scored in the 18th minute and they went into halftime with a 1-0 lead over Sevilla.

Around the 70th minute, when Caro and Salma were coming in for Vicky and Esmee, Jona told Ava, Lucy, Patri and Bruna to start warming up. While they were running on the sidelines, three minutes after coming in, Caro scored a goal and they ran to celebrate with the rest of the bench. Not even two minutes later, Mario added her name to the scoreline.

The time for them to come on couldn’t come faster and at the same couldn’t come fast enough. As she lined up, Ava was starting to panic. She was lined up in front of Lucy and when the ref showed her number in green, she felt her mom kick her in the ass. “You’ll do great. Just go out there and have fun.”

With that, she hugged Claudia, who ran up to her to leave the field. As she entered the game, the whole stress disappeared. Everything went quiet. She had 10 minutes of game time left and she used it wholly.

It was the 89th minute, when Ava found herself at the good end of a beautiful pass from Patri. Without hesitation she took the ball down to her feet, weaved around the last defender and with all her might, kicked the ball into the top right corner. The goalkeeper tried to save it, flying as high as she could, but she just couldn’t get her fingers on the ball in time.

Before she could even register what happened, she was being lifted in the air by Patri and surrounded by all of her teammates. “That’s my kid!” Lucy’s voice came though the ringing in her ears. When she was put down on the ground, she felt Ona put an arm around her and tap her head. “That’s our wonder kid!” She kissed her on the cheek and ran off, back into her position.

Not much happened after her goal. It was the final minutes, so they just passed the ball between each other, waiting for the final whistle. When it final came, a big smile took over Ava’s face. It was like she was high. Scoring a goal in her first game for the first team, coming out on the field with her mom right behind her. Her mom’s girlfriends out there with them. She was surrounded by family and friends. She couldn’t believe how great it felt to be there.

...

It was an evening game, so they were staying at a hotel in Sevilla. They didn’t even get back to the hotel when Ava got an Instagram notification, that Lucy tagged her in a post. She decided not to look at it, until she was back in her room with Vicky. Her teammates had other plans. “Aww, how cute.” “Look at that little face.” “Ava, you were so cute as a kid, what happened?” Could be heard through the coach and she had to change plans and look at the post.

lucybronze How proud I am to be your mom. It feels like just yesterday I was becoming a teen mom, I look back a second later and you’re already scoring goals for Barcelona’s first team. Where did this time go? So proud of you my baby 🥳

The first picture showed a 2 year old Ava kicking a football into a tiny goal set up in Lucy’s parent’s garden. The next one came from an hour before, taken in the perfect moment, when the ball left her foot and was flying towards the goal. There were a few more pictures of Ava playing football through the years, but the first two were most the important.

Five minutes after Lucy uploaded the post, both Bronze women had to put their phones on do not disturb mode, cause they were constantly vibrating with notifications.

While laying in bed, ready to go to sleep that night, she looked back at her day. She was playing football and scoring goals for the team of her dreams at just 17 years old. She had her mom by her side. The team was wonderful. She grew up surrounded by football players and now, she was one of them. This was her dreams coming true.

[hexgirl13]

nobody gets me

wc: 1,329

summary: one night, two loner teens find comfort in one another

warnings(?): fluff, smidge of angst, cursing, shitty dads, smoking, use of y/n

a/n: another edition to the rafe x maybank!reader series. lwk the ending is kinda bad 😭 but i tried. lemme know if y'all wanna see more!!

the cool waters lapped against the shore, washing up little treasures from the ocean. taking a long hit from your vape, you leaned your head back to let the smoke fall from your lips. you slightly grimaced at the watermelon flavoured smoke. it had been a while since you did nic, but jj finished up your last joint. you found comfort in the cold and silence that was wrapped around you. it had been a long night for you.

you came home from your workshift to find jj gone. probably out with john b and all of. however, shortly after, your dad barged into the house. definitely drunk and definitely angry. that was, sadly, something that wasn't new. you took another hit and closed your eyes, trying to drown out the hateful words that he spewed at you.

"maybank?" you heard a voice call out to you.

you opened an eye to find none other than rafe cameron staring down at you. it was a surprise to see anyone, but especially someone like him, this late at the beach.

"what're you doing here?" he asked, moving to stand in front of you. his hair was messy, like he'd run his fingers through it a bunch, and his clothes were disheveled. and was he... crying? you couldn't tell in the dark.

"i could ask you the same thing." you eyed him up and down. his movements were jittery, while his eyes darted across the beach. he didn't stop fiddling with the hem of his shirt either. either he was about to have a panic attack or he was high. maybe both. "you wanna sit down?" you offered, your voice a gentle tone. his blue eyes made eye contact with you, before shakily nodding "y-yeah."

he dropped down next to you on the sand. knee bumping yours as he did so. you glanced at him through the corner of your eye. his gaze stays focused on his hands. numbly picking at his fingers. "stop doing that, you'll bleed." you pushed his hands down. almost immediately you realized what you'd done. "sorry," you mumbled, letting go of him.

he wearily watched you, but stayed quiet. when he wasn't with his asshole friends, he wasn't that bad. he was practically hated by your friends. especially by your brother. you never thought of him that way. with you, he was nice and... shy. "i'm sorry that i interrupted your quiet time or whatever," he muttered, now intently watching you.

"it's okay. it's a public beach, rafe. not just mine," you replied lightly. a minor way to lighten the mood. he let out a quiet chuckle. "maybe not, yeah. but i find you here often. speaking of, why are you here? thought i saw your pogue brother and his friends having a party."

"oh, uh, i'm not a big party person. prefer to be alone and stuff like that." you take another quick hit. his eyes drop down to where the smoke falls from your lips and he suddenly feels his mouth dry up. he swallows. “do you mind if i…?” he asks hesitantly.

you feel yourself stiffen up when you notice him looking at your lips. however, you soon realize he was talking about your vape. “huh? oh, yeah, here ya go.”

he gratefully takes it from you and hits it. a slight grimace spreads on his face when he tastes it. “watermelon, really?” he asked.

you let out a soft laugh. “yeah, sorry. jj finished my last joint. can't even find my dispo, either.”

“you know, i, uh, i sell. all kinds of shit. like, weed, geekbar, whatever you want. if you're interested, obviously. you don't have to feel-” he started to ramble.

you place a gentle hand on his bicep to stop him. “rafe. i get it. i’ll keep that in mind.” you could feel his body stiffen under your touch and gently smiled. no way rafe cameron was getting nervous around you. your hand trails down to hold his wrist, swiping at his pulse point.

his heart was racing.

“you wanna talk about why you’re here so late?” you asked softly.

his breath hitched at your feather like touch. “uh, m-my dad. him and i got into a fight. some stupid shit about the family. i mean, he acts like i don’t care!” he begins to ramble, hands shaking and eyes welling with tears, “b-but i do… i do care, i just don't understand why he can't see that. he makes me feel like shit, y/n… and i-” his voice breaks as some tears fall.

“oh, rafe,” you cooed, guiding his head to your chest. you ran your fingers through his blonde hair, brushing his bangs out of his face. his shaky hands gripped the front of your sweater, tears soaking it. it was so odd to see a typically strong and cocky boy break so much. you always hated ward cameron. he was a terrible man, both as a person and a father. it was defnitely clear to see now.

there was always an unspoken connection between the two of you. despite growing up on opposite sides of outer banks, you both felt like you shared more qualities than most. both of you always were the odd siblings out, like the black sheep of your families. so you understood what it felt like to be practically hated by your father, yet still craving to be loved and accepted by him.

“i get it, rafe. it sucks to feel like that because of your dad,” you whispered into his hair. “but you're not a careless person. i can see that you care, you just… show it differently. you're a good man, rafe. don't let him make you feel like you're shit or anything less than.”

he sniffled, lifting his head from your chest. “you think so?” he asked shakily.

“course i do. despite what others say, i can tell who you are. who you really are.”

i can tell who you are.

rafe had never heard those words before, and if he had, he'd probably never have believed it. yet coming from you… he did.

“thanks, y/n. i know i don't say it much, hell, i rarely say it, but you're a good person to me. no matter what,” he said, smiling gratefully at you.

you smiled, noticing something. “you called me y/n…”

“what?”

“you called me by my name. like, my actual name. you never do that.”

he hadn't even noticed that. “huh, i guess i am. can't exactly call you by your last name, right? that's reserved for your brother, who i’m… not particularly fond of. i kinda like you though,” he said with a slight wink.

there he was. the rafe that you knew and grew up with. “alright, rafe,” you replied, playfully shoving him. “i literally hate you.” yet there was a smile on your face.

“nah, you love me,” he countered.

you were thankful for the moonlight, or else he’d see the blush blooming on your face. “whatever.” a few moments of silence pass by, but it's not awkward at all. suddenly, you ask, “you wanna go to the gas station with me? i’d rather not walk there alone.”

his head turned towards you, blue eyes shining. “hell yeah. you got a car?”

you shake your head. “dude, i’m a pogue. i barely got any new clothes.”

he laughs softly and it makes you feel giddy. “that's okay, i don't have mine with me. we can just walk.” he stands up, dusting off the sand from his shorts. holding out a hand towards you, you accept it. once he pulls you up, he doesn't let go. neither do you. “c’mon, let’s go.”

the two of you walk towards the boardwalk, a blanket of silence covering the two of you. it isn't awkward though. understanding, and perhaps something else, passes between you two. and maybe, that's all either of you needed. somebody who understood.

[roseyodditea]

totally love your work especially Lighter part then i saw u open the request, so.. if u don't mind or busy, may i request Lighter with a deaf and mute reader. Lighter, who has trouble communicating with them, decides to learn sign language but sometimes he messes up so the reader decides to teach him and as time goes by, the two become closer and you know how it ends, i imagine Lighter trying to express his feelings using sign language (but again he fails because he's too nervous). tysm 💕💕

This is based off of ASL since I am American. Also, please let me know if there are any mistakes! I don't know sign language and I'm not surrounded by people who do.

Just Give Me A Sign - Lighter x gn!Reader

Summary -> 1000 words (exactly!). Lighter's favorite nurse visits Blazewood, and he's trying to learn sign language. Warnings -> Brief moment of an injury (not in detail). A/N -> I think I'm so funny for that title. Also I made the reader a nurse. I know it wasn't in the request but I felt a draw to this storyline.

It was rare you had to make a trip all the way out to the Outer Ring for work. Normally the bikers had a pretty solid trade schedule and wouldn’t need to order emergency supplies, and even if they did Piper would drive the truck back and forth. Today was a special case, and Blazewood had been hit with a bacterial contamination in the well water, so you were hauling antibiotics from the clinic you worked at. You parked your car and shot a text to Ceaser, who immediately exited Cheesetopia and ran up to help you unload the supplies. You saw her lips moving very quickly and since you were distracted you couldn’t lip read entire sentences.

Lighter… back… Hollow… Her face then contorted to frustration and you saw her lips form “Lucy” and decided to not pay attention for the rest of her ramble. After six months of being the nurse contact between your clinic and Blazewood, you think they’d remember you’re deaf. You carry more boxes into the makeshift clinic, storing them properly so the town could start to recover before stepping back outside. Technically you could drive straight back to New Eridu, but you decide to enjoy some time here. Hey, you were getting paid, might as well stretch out the clock.

It was a beautiful day in Blazewood. Little wind so sand and tumbleweeds were at a standstill, a thin layer of clouds to dampen the scorching rays from the sun. You walk over to the random couch and sit, closing your eyes to simply enjoy the warmth as it seeped into your skin. You only bother to open your eyes when you feel a small tap on your shoulder. You open them to see Burnice standing above you, holding a glass. Oh no.

Instead of watching her trying to clumsily fingerspell ‘Nitro-Fuel’, she gestures to the lower level, signing out ‘help’. You follow her only to see a repeat patient sitting on an empty oil drum, his leather jacket and scarf laid across his lap, his chest scratched and bruised and bloodied, a particularly deep wound on his shoulder. She leaves you to him and you quickly grab your phone out of your pocket, typing out a message. 

What now, Lighter?

Lighter glances over to the phone and shrugs nonchalantly, crossing his forearms with his fist’s balled. Fight. Of course that's a sign he knows. He didn’t learn any of the basic conversation signs, but he learned ‘Fight’ and most of the curse words. 

You look at his shoulder and know it wouldn’t need stitches, but it would need to be patched up. You shoot him a frustrated look as you snap on your gloves, Lighter offering a sheepish smile.  Your hands move quickly, practice. Lighter was a good patient, sitting still and only minorly twitching away from the antiseptic. You had his shoulder wrapped up tightly before you took off the gloves, typing something out on your phone before handing it to him. 

Change the dressing daily. Rest.

Lighter nodded before thinking for a moment, his movements uncertain as he placed his hand on his chin, gesturing it downward to you before holding a hand palm out, tapping his fingers together on his wrist. 

Thank you, Doctor

You shake your head, taking his hand and closing some of his fingers so only his pointer and middle finger are out, correcting him to sign ‘nurse’ instead of ‘doctor’ before bringing your fingers in the shape of a v up to your forehead, knowing he’d recognise ‘dumbass’. Much to your enjoyment, he looked a bit offended, but eventually smiled.

**********

With the waterborne illness still running through Blazewood, you came back a few days later to push IV fluids into the dehydrated, lending a hand to the Sons of Calydon when you could. Lucy and Lighter had joined you for a lunch break, Lucy being the only Sons of Calydon member who knew enough sign language to keep up in conversation with you. Lighter was in his own world, eyebrows furrowed tightly like he was deep in thought.

Lucy points to him, taps her chin, and then points to you. He missed you. You smile and look over to the man who was just scooting food around his plate. 

You roll your eyes, gesturing to him, and curling your pointer finger before tapping your lips and then your chest. He should tell me.

You and Lucy conversed for a bit, secretly talking about Lighter who was just watching the back and forth silently. He was getting better at picking up signs, but you and Lucy went too fast for him to keep up. Once Lucy left, Lighter looked at you over the rim of his sunglasses with those big puppy eyes. He might not be quick at picking up sign language, but every time there was a bit of free time between the two of you, he asked for lessons. 

You sat with him for what must have been an hour, running through basic conversational signs. Lighter was learning, slowly but surely. It was sweet. All of this work for him just to learn to talk to you in something other than typing or writing and passing notes. 

After the little lesson, Lighter looked up at you, his hands idly fidgeting. He was nervous, that much was clear. He points to you, taps his chin with his middle finger, before tapping his pointer finger and middle against his wrist. You, favorite, nurse… You’re my favorite nurse. Cute. 

You saw how nervous he was. How he had practiced those movements. So you decided to see just how much he had learned just for this cute little confession. You tap the tips of your flattened hand to the corner of your mouth and then up to your cheek. You smile to yourself as you watch his face explode into a deep blush, almost matching the color of his scarf as he looks away. 

Adorable. He already learned ‘kiss’.

Here are the resources I used for the signs! https://www.signingtime.com/ https://www.signingsavvy.com/

[izzydaninja]

Something I noticed while (definitely not) editing something Sonic Prime related:

In episode 1 of season 2, Sonic and Shadow finally confront each other about their world's destruction due to the prism.

When Shadow leads Sonic back to the cave where it all started, they find the prism as a ghost, unfinished with a single fragment remaining. (A sign of their unity and division.)

Sonic states he'd do anything to be back, and Shadow finishes the statement: 'home.' They both wish to go back home, the same goal in mind. So, when Shadow tells Sonic there is still a chance, and Sonic follows him up to the prism, they're both standing in front of the prism shard on the same side: implying their shared goal.

Then, as Shadow starts to explain things, something changes...

He walks around the prism blueprint - making the prism a divider now.

From this point on, they may share the same goals, but it's evident that they do not share the same ideals on how to reach it, leaving them arguing once more.

No matter the shot...

No matter the angle...

The prism stands as their divider: two sides of the prism so-to-speak.

Even in a stand-alone shot with Shadow:

They make sure to keep the shard in view for this shot; unlike any other stand-alone shot of him or Sonic, where the shard is not even visible.

Not only is it a reminder that it's a divider, as it still sits in the way, but it's now present in a shot where Shadow outright declares: "Sonic! You literally broke our world. Why would I trust you to do anything!?" The prism shard is now a symbol of the home they lost (as it sits in a ghostly replica of their Green Hill).

After this, Sonic is cut off from anything he went to say as Shadow spindashes him across the cave, stating that he's taking charge on this one.

But the disagreement and fight isn't surprising (knowing the two), because they hinted at it from the beginning. Yes, they were fighting before Sonic fully knew what was going on, but at this point, they both know what's in play and they both want the same thing, but there's this hidden truth that they'll do different things to get what they want. Sonic even says himself, once Shadow says he's getting the shards: "No way, Shadow! I know what you're capable of and that's not gonna happen!" Then he's further defending his other friends in the different shatterspaces.

Sonic wants to go home, to fix what he broke, but where he'll team-up and help others as he goes, Shadow will push through and take out anyone who tries to stop him from fixing their home. The prism shard, standing as the symbol of their home, also shows the clear division between the two, even before they started disagreeing; giving us the heads up that the fight was coming.

(Yes, I know these screenshots are quality garbage, but I didn't really have a better option available at the time, not unless I went further digging for the Netflix footage, but I didn't feel like it. Lol)

I just found this very interesting as I went through the cave scenes. Looking from shot-to-shot to notice the shard is only ever shown when directly between the two once this whole conversation starts.

Hope you all liked this little analysis-thing, because I don't know if I'll do any more in the future. XD I'm not much of an analyzer. I just like to talk about details and things I've noticed with my siblings or friends, so this was a step further than usual. I just figured: "I have the screenshots already, why not?" XD

Anyway, thanks for reading my rambles!

[honey-minded-hivemind]

I like the idea of being called wasp anon thank you for giving me a name :)

And more silly ideas for X-Men au's

I've dubbed one "what's one more" because silly names are fun

Reader is a homeless teen who sees the mansion and breaks in one night planning to steal some food and stuff that a rich person wouldn't notice missing, when raiding the fridge one of the X-Men I'm thinking someone with a mutation that effects their looks (Kurt, Morph, anyone else) comes down stairs because of the noise they just think reader is another student they haven't met yet getting a snack reader realized "these people are like me!" And goes along with it in hopes of not getting in trouble.

They offer to walk reader back to their room letting them lead the way, reader who imagine having a mutation that lets them know where people are (enhanced smell or hearing as a part of their mutation) picks an empty room and says that they definitely live there and choses to stay the night and leave in the morning but they don't they meet all these nice people who think there new and they just play along somehow always narrowly missing the telepaths that could learn the truth, leaving the kitchen seconds before Xavier enters, checking out a library book and leaving moments before Jean enters looking for the exact book reader checked out.

Reader plays along because food, a warm bed, clean clothes, and no one judges them because of their mutation.

They take it as far as coming up with a fake schedule for classes and going to study sessions, heck reader didn't even know what and "X-Men" was until they managed to get their hands on one of the schools pamphlets.

Teachers, storm, Logan ect, just think that the email about reader joining their class got lost in the junk folder full of emails from parents screeching about grades or hateful emails from anti-mutent groups that got their emails.

They think they just forgot to mark reader as living in their dorm.

Reader lies about why they don't go in the danger room they just have a horrible medical condition that they conveniently forgot the name of

Reader makes sure to stay out of trouble to avoid having interaction with teachers that could figure them out.

The teens are now really obsessed with their new friend that just seemed to show up overnight their nice and kind and helped Kurt pick his lock after he left his key in his room! (Reader made them promise to never ask where they learned that skill) And they never go to parent teacher night saying their parents are just way too busy and live in another state.

Then there's the adults, reader is this child who showed up one day and started going to their classes and sat alone until they were invited for lunch by the teens they worry about reader they always seem on edge and only had three pairs of clothes until Jubilee invited them to go shopping they offer after school help but reader never shows up even if their failing they once saw reader pickpocket a kid who stole kitty's hair clip and get it back plus the kids wallet (they chose to ignore the theft) they wonder where reader learned these skills but feel it's rude to ask.

Until reader gets hurt one day when playing tag with the teens and they go to email readers parents about the incident they realize reader isn't in the school system infact reader never met Professor Xavier and it all comes to a head with reader sitting in the medical bay in a cast confused as to why every adult is shoving adoption papers in their face.

All in all it's just a bunch of chaotic lies and tactical bullshitting on readers part that they hope people believe.

It can be for literally any X-Men series.

Anyways thank you for listening to me ramble -the newly dubbed wasp anon!

F*ck yes, Wasp Anon! (I apologize for the long wait!)

This seems like maybe it'd fit in my reboot au of X-Men Evolution, X-Men Revolution, or The Animated Evolution, if you combined Evolution with TAS/97...

Reader, a homeless teen who was kicked out, snuck into this loaded house that full of more things than they've ever owned, it doesn't have mold or roaches, and theres food, LOTS of it. They're raiding the fridge, they're on high alert, they're gobbling whatever is closest and easiest to open, and then completely get lost in the fact they're eating for the first time in days and the food is good.

They're so lost in it, they don't notice Morph walk in, hoping to grab a glass of water, only to stumble on... a new kid? Huh. Must be recent. Well, mihht as well introduce themself and make sure they get back to bed, it's a school night! They ask to take a snack to bed, and well, why not? So off they go to find their room... and huh, the one this kid, Reader, they said their name was, lives in is a bit dull... Hmmm... this means a shopping trip is in order! They can do that this weekend! They bud the new kid good night, tell them where the bathroom and shower is, and leave an extra blanket by the door in case they need it.

Reader can't believe their luck. One, they'd didn't get caught; two, they now live here; three, they have FOOD. This. Is. Gold. They better keep this up though! If they get kicked out, they really will be sh*t out of luck, again... Except maybe since that person was weird, maybe this is a place for weird people? Huh...They can work with this-

Kurt is excited to have a new classmate, and they know how to pick locks and climb walls and how to hide snacks! They're so cool! And their mutation is useful, helping them sense where things are and different pheromones and how crowded a room is! It's like a dolphin, or a bat, or an owl, or something! Very rad!

Scott is trying to figure out when he missed the new kid coming in, but he figures they arrived late and just went to sleep. Of course they also know how to jerry rig first aid and are a master at capture the flag and hide and seek training. He wonders if they had to hide from someone before... Hmmm... He thinks their parents shouldn't visit. Or ever be near them again, if they're this jumpy about getting caught with food or hiding their protein bars. He'll try to keep an eye out for them...

Jubilee likes this new kid! They know have to how fun, they can do all kinds of tricks, and they are so good at color matching! They're perfect for shopping trips and picking out clothes to wear and new music to try! She's a bit concerned when they hide, or want to be alone, because that's not healthy signs, according to Xavier and Logan... She knows! She'll be their new friend, and help them break out of their shell! Then they won't be so scared, and she'll have a new friend, and everyone can have fun!

Logan is surprised to see a new kid in his classes, but assumes Xavier added a new student at the last minute. He's a little more suspicious when they happen to struggle with some of the homework. A few tutoring sessions in, and he finds they're a smart kid, they were just missing a few of thr basics. Who taught this kid? They're great when they understand what they're doing, but who forgot to teach them basics like subtraction and how to properly use adjectives in sentences? Sweet Nature, he has some words for their last teacher...

When the new kid ends up hurt during a training session, the Professor tries to find their paperwork so he can contact their parents or guardian or family... and discovers none. A bit more digging reveals they are not in fact a signed in student, but a runaway. And he feels sympathy for them. He looks up what he can about their real name amd background, and is horrified horrified find they ran away from home due to developing their gift, and being rejected... Well. That won't do at all. He decides to launch an investigation, and offers to have Reader placed under his or his friends' care...

What do you mean you don't need to be adopted? Yes you do, poppet, now please pick who you want as your legal guardian so we can start helping you get better. No, no arguing. You will rest, and we will talk about it later. Good. Now get some rest, and sweet dreams... We'll wake you up later to talk after a nap...

[patchwork-crow-writes]

(tags by @festbug)

First off, thank you for the tag ramble! lots of interesting additions to my original post, which I appreciate :) Regarding Alvin and his potential role as the Knight, one detail I always think about is how a lot of people think his name's an anagram for "Vilan" (as in, Villain), but I actually think it might instead be an anagram of "Anvil" - as in, the big block of iron you hit with a hammer - a hammer not unlike the one that Gerson was buried with - in order to shape metal into a more useful form, usually a blade - that could perhaps be used to make future dark worlds. I think that's an interesting detail if intentional, and indicates if nothing else that Alvin and more than likely Gerson's hammer are going to play a not-insignificant role in a future chapter.

Ralsei's surface-level similarities to Asriel is something I deliberately omitted from this post, and from a lot of my work actually. I'm very much in the camp of their supposed similarities being a big misdirect, and that Toby is relying on people familiar with Undertale to make those connections themselves. Thing is, once you start scratching the surface, you realise that Ralsei actually has much more in common with Kris than any incarnation of Asriel, which I think is pretty telling, especially when you consider the likelihood of Ralsei being related to Kris's old horned headband. You are correct, however, in saying that Ralsei does indeed struggle to distinguish himself from Asriel in the eyes of much of the fanbase. You do wonder how much of that is intentional, haha.

Deltarune's Asriel, on the other hand, is another really interesting facet of this idea of "legacy", in exactly the way you describe in your tags. He's lauded as the town's golden boy, universally popular, good at everything, and it's clear that image has persisted long after he's left for college. But as you say, it's not likely that he'll live up to that image by the time he does appear in the story proper. It's the classic "big fish in a little pond" problem - Asriel's an ace at everything compared to the relatively small population of Hometown, but at college, where he's probably going to come across hundreds of people just as smart and talented as he is? I would be surprised if disillusionment doesn't set in and he begins to see that his role as Hometown's star pupil is just that - a role that others put upon his shoulders. A role he was happy to play, but one that may no longer ring true for him.

And this was kind of what I was getting at with a character's legacy becoming a limiting factor in their growth. I would be interested to see how he relates to his former status back home, whether he'll embrace it again or grow resentful of it as people see what he was and what he represented at that time, rather than the person he is now, whoever that might be. And that's really interesting to me.

Thank you again for the thought-provoking tag rambles! It's always appreciated :D

Deltarune is about many things - about growing up, about fantasy and reality, about games and how we as players interact with them... but it's also about legacy.

Yes, in the big meta sense, it's about how this game is following up from Undertale, one of the most beloved and successful indie RPGs of all time. But also you have Kris learning to live outside of Asriel's shadow, you have Noelle struggling to cope with her sister's disappearance and her father's illness, Susie flailing around for a foothold in a new town with peers who don't like her very much, Berdly doing his utmost to live up to his "smart genius" label so he can actually be known for something.

You have Ralsei who finds himself at a crossroads between fulfilling a predetermined prophecy to save the world, and forging his own identity separate from his willingness to serve any "higher" authority. You have King, a ruler who became a tyrant so that his people could be free.

You also have Alphys, struggling to fill the rather large boots of her predecessor, Gerson Boom, who had a career in smithing, wrote a series of hit fantasy novels, and was an excellent teacher according to his son Alvin. (I wanna talk more about this, but it's going in its own post because of reasons)

A character's legacy, the thing that they will be known for, the thing they struggle to actualise so that people will like and accept them, can be a powerful driving-force, giving them agency to fulfill their ambitions. But that same legacy can also be a millstone, forcing them onto a narrowly-defined path through life, burdening them with the crushing weight of others' expectations, and trapping them into a version of themselves they may not wish to be.

Legacy can be difficult to escape from, perhaps even impossible in some cases. It can feel like there's no other choice but to press onward, to be what others want or expect from you, to do what you are told, to try and live up to a golden predecessor who could do no wrong in the eyes of their admirers. It can feel like what you want, what you choose for yourself, doesn't actually matter, because in many ways that choice has already been made for you. And to rebel against that choice risks disappointing the people closest to you, risks losing your reputation, risks the comfort of a predictable path forward, and in extreme cases risks losing your own sense of identity.

I think this theme is going to continue to develop throughout Deltarune, and I very much look forward to seeing how it all plays out!

[sezez]

Is Doctor Harley Sawyer really dead?

That's a question I immediately asked after he died, I did see people complaining that he died too soon and felt like he was wasted despite the hype. And I would agree, if it wasn't for the question I just asked.

So, Sawyer's organs was put into machines and hooked into the system. And the way to kill him is by freezing these, that's it.

Which makes sense if you look at it from Playtime Co's perspective. Sawyer is a very dangerous man, willing to bush far and beyond the limits of morality for progress. Leith Pierre especially seems like he wants the doc to be on a tight leash after so many incidents, one after the other, he's sinking the company despite being the reason it was rising financially. So after he became a Ai, that still doesn't mean he's under control just yet.

I'm sure either Eddie or Leith thought this up, put his organs in small pods and inform Sawyer of how easy it will be for them to destroy it. To intimidate him and to remind him that his ruthlessness lead to this.

But if it was so threatening, why didn't he seem to care when the Protagonist froze his lungs with him there watching and rambling on. And how come when his brain got fried(frozen?) that's where he screams in pain, yet he didn't bother as to let out a groan or grunt when his other organs got bashed?

I feel like this could be implying that Harley's true body is still intact, and the ones we destroyed were decoys.

Now I like to bring up the tape we find after killing the doctor, his conversation with 1006. In the tape, it's mostly about the Prototype getting impatient with Harley for.. something, to which the doc explained that he needs more time so it would work. But what exactly are they talking about?

The Hour of Joy? Possibly.. perhaps Sawyer heard of it, but is not really involve with it since I think he was just sitting back and relaxing while he enjoys watching bloodbath.

What if... It was a new body? A body for the Prototype, and I'm not saying Sawyer is giving what's left of his organs to his experiment. (Although it could be) I'm saying the doc had already made a new body for himself and using it to make another for 1006.

I know it's a stretch, but it's clear that the Prototype is staying in the factory since, as mention before, he can't due to his nature as a living abomination. However, what if Sawyer proposed him a way to get out of the factory without worrying about how the public will react? That's where they probably started working together.

With a new body, he can finally escape and be free.

[vodika-vibes]

So, I wrote a story earlier today, but it doesn't fit the theme of first meeting, so have a snippet that is Fox x Yuu's first meeting.

Note: Yuu is afab who uses they/them pronouns. They are addicted to color, all colors, all of the time and as a result dye their hair weekly and wear colored contacts to match their hair.

Tagging: @clonexocweek @clonethirstingisreal

Yuu rolls their eyes, unnoticed behind their dark sunglasses, as Chancellor Palpatine leads them down the opulent halls of the Senate Building.

So far as they're aware, these people are meant to be public servants. So why does the Senate building look only a couple of steps removed from a palace?

"Ah, yes. It's important for you to meet the head of the guard."

Yuu rolls their eyes again, "As you say, Chancellor." Still, there's no harm in being polite to the man signing those sweet, sweet paychecks.

He leads them over to a tall man with the symbol of the Guard painted on his shoulder, "Mistress Yuuna," Yuu fights the urge to grimace at the use of their full name as well as by being called mistress, "This is CC-1010. 1010, this is my new Personal Assisstant, Yuuna. Give her the tour."

Palpatine vanishes into his office as if he had never been there. Yuu's glad for it, they've always hated that old people smell.

The man, CC-1010 pulls his helmet off, revealing a handsome, but tired, face and greying hair. "Nice to meet you, Mistress Yuuna."

Funnily enough, he doesn't sound all that happy.

"Yuu," they correct, "Not Yuuna. Not Mistress. Just Yuu. It's my preference."

CC-1010 just blinks at them.

"Do you have a name?" Yuu continues, "I'm not calling you by a number. That's just rude." He still doesn't answer, do they continue, "If you don't have one, I'll just give you one. How about...Tenny? It's like Penny, but with a T."

"No."

"That's totally valid." Yuu chirps as they bounce over so they're standing next to him, "hm...what about, Red? Cause your armor. Ooh, or Scarlett. Crimson? Oh! I know! Vermillion!"

"Hey, quick question,"

"Yes?"

"Do you ever stop talking?"

"Only when I sleep, why?"

"Lovely."

"Yes. I think I'll call you Vermillion. Vermie for short—" Yuu rambles as they skip next to him, trying to keep up with him much longer strides.

CC-1010 suddenly stops, "I have a name, it's Fox."

"FOX!" Yuu bounces on their toes, "Oh! That's a great name, Foxy! It even goes with your uniform—"

"Fox. Just Fox. Not Foxy."

"Right, yeah. That's what I said. Anyway! Are all of your brothers named after animals? Do you have a brother named Hummingbird? They're my favorite animal you know."

"...are you breathing while you talk?"

"Breathing is for lesser beings."

"...you're going to be a problem, aren't you?"

Yuu just grins at him, wide enough that their eyes crinkle and their cheeks dimple.

Fox rolls his eyes, "I know why hummingbirds are your favorite animal."

"Because they're colorful—" Yuu starts.

"Because," Foxy interrupts, "Like you, They never stop moving, little bird."

Yuu blinks at him, stunned, and then they grin, "You," they point at him, "Just gave me a nickname! We're now besties forever!"

"You're annoying."

"Thank you!"

[roxygen22]

Bus Stop (Part 4)

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Nic: Good morning

You grabbed your phone from your nightstand before you had even fully blinked the sleep from your eyes. A message from Nic was waiting for you. You giggled and kicked your feet in excitement as you held your phone to your chest. Last night wasn't just a dream, after all.

You: Morning!

Your fingers typed wildly.

You: You're quite the early bird.

Relunctantly tossing the warm covers away from your body, you got out of bed to start your morning routine, bringing your phone along so as to not miss anything. As you leaned over the sink to brush your teeth, you felt it vibrate on the tile counter. Just seeing his name on the screen made your heart beat a little faster.

Nic: I try to start the day with a run or bike ride. Just got back inside. Gotta hop in the shower and get ready for class. What time is your lunch break?

Blood rushed to your cheeks at the thought of him being soaked in sweat or lathered up in soap. Too soon, you cautioned yourself. Thank goodness he couldn't see you.

You: Usually at noon, unless a mtg runs long.

Nic: K. I'll give you a call on my way to the station, if that's OK?

You bit your lip. How to sound positive but not TOO eager...

You: Yes, please :)

The morning crawled and meetings droned on and on. Several times you caught yourself daydreaming, staring out the window or drawing abstract shapes on your paper instead of taking notes. As the clock ticked closer to noon, your knee bounced under your desk in nervous excitement, impatiently waiting for your phone to light up.

Like clockwork, your phone buzzed in your hand at 12:00 on the dot as you ran out to the rear courtyard for a semi-private spot to talk.

"You are quite punctual," you answered. Nic chuckled.

"I've been holding my phone in my hand just staring at it for a solid two minutes waiting for the right time. How has your day been?"

"Oh, [nervous laughter] I'm not exactly sure. I spent most of the morning off in la-la-land. I had a little trouble paying attention."

"Funny you should say that. I had the same problem in class."

"Oh, yeah? What were you thinking about?"

"You first," he teased.

"No, you."

"Alright, since we're not in person to settle this with rock-paper-scissors like mature adults, how about we both say it on three?"

You laughed. "Ok. I can appreciate a good compromise. 1...2...3..."

"You."/"Last night."

"Really?"/"Really?"

There was an awkward pause that was probably not as long as it felt. You broke the silence.

"I was stoked to see your message this morning. Confirmation that I didn't dream the whole thing up," you admitted.

"I haven't had a fun evening out like that in ages. I...I felt like- like you were just so easy to talk to."

"I had fun, too," you replied. "I, uh...I dreamed about that kiss. It's been - a while - since I've been kissed like that."

"Me, too."

"Dream or a long time since the last?"

"Both."

"Awwwww!" you vocalized. "Well, you don't have to wait that long again." Your boldness startled you, so you started backtracking in a panic. "I mean, if, uh, that's what you want. Because that's what I want. I mean...," you trailed off and groaned as you smacked your forehead with your palm. "I'm going to shut up now."

"Please don't," Nic replied. "It's adorable when you ramble when you're flustered."

"You do seem to have that effect on me." The tops of your ears burned with embarrassment at your admission.

He chuckled. "So I've noticed."

After a beat of silence, you asked, "So, just curious, how long has it been for you? It's been just over two years for me."

"Almost four years. I've been trying to work on feeling whole on my own before getting involved with someone again."

"Kudos for putting in that work on yourself. My ex did not. He projected a lot of pent-up baggage onto me. I've been on a break since. It was toxic and lasted longer than it should have, and I've been in no rush to get mixed up with the wrong person again.

"But now?" Nic eagerly implored.

"Nowwwwww I think I could be persuaded by the right person," you hinted.

"Ah, I see." He paused. "[Y/N], I...," he cleared his throat. "Do you like Italian food?"

Somewhat taken aback by the jarring transition, you stuttered, "Y-yeah, I love Italian." You worried that you threw him off by mentioning your ex. Maybe it was too much too soon?

"There's this great place near the bus stop where I usually get on at Lexington and 1st. I was thinking we could go get a bite to eat tomorrow after work?"

Whew. Maybe you didn't scare him off after all. "That sounds delicious. I'd love that."

"Great! I'll meet you at the bus stop and walk you over. But for now, you should probably actually eat something on your lunch break. I just made it to the news station and need to go get settled in."

You pulled the phone away from your face to check the time. You only had about 10 minutes left. "Alas, responsibilities befall us all. See you tomorrow?"

"See you tomorrow. Bye, [Y/N]."

"Bye, Nic."

You ended the call and stared down at the dark phone screen in your hand. The fading excitement felt like you were crashing from a sugar rush. You slowly got up from the bench and shuffled back inside to get your food.

Your coworkers were standing at the ready to interrogate you. They knew you generally hated talking on the phone, but this time, you were all smiles.

"Tell us all about him, honey," the receptionist, Henrietta, demanded. "We need some excitement around here."

"What? How did you...."

"Dear, you have lovesick written all over your face!"

You blushed hard. Before you knew it, you were encircled by colleagues rolling over in their desk chairs as you recounted spotting Nic on the bus and working up the courage to say hello, and how magical that first unexpected date and kiss were last night. Once they were done peppering you with questions and chairs were rolled back to desks, Henrietta came up to you and gave you a hug.

"I'm glad you are finally putting yourself back out there after that jerk, Matt. You deserve to find love again, and he sounds like a wholesome guy."

"Thanks, Etta." You patted her arm and gently squeezed. "Time for me to come down out of the clouds and get back to work, I guess."

Small text exchanges throught the rest of the day kept you going, but you craved to hear Nic's voice again. Tomorrow felt like forever away. You knew you'd need to distract yourself with a rare visit to the gym that evening to pass the time and wear yourself out.

You were walking to the bus stop after work when you felt your phone buzz in your bag. It was a long, repeated vibration - someone was calling you. You fumbled through the main section of the bag, cursing yourself for not putting your phone in the pocket it belonged for quick access. Once in hand, you stared at the screen. Nic?

"Hello?"

"Is now a bad time?"

"No, not at all. I just wasn't expecting to get to talk to you again today. I'm off work and walking to the bus. How was the rest of your day?"

"Not bad, but I have to say it definitely peaked at lunchtime. I wanted to hear your voice again."

You chuckled. "Same here. Sounds like you are walking, too."

"The meeting isn't far from the station, so I like to get more steps in if weather permits."

"Maybe your habits will rub off on me."

He didn't respond, but you could hear him breathing on the other end of the line.

"Getting up early routinely and going for a run, walking instead of taking the bus or taxi. I have a gym membership, but I'm the worst about actually going," you added.

"Oh," he replied, followed by anxious laughter. "Hey, I made it to the meeting spot. I'll talk to you later, ok?"

"Ok. Have a good night!"

"Bye, [Y/N]."

<><><><><>

There was no message waiting for you the next morning. Trying not to think anything of it, despite the strange end to the last two conversations, and to keep things balanced, you decided to send one yourself to start things off.

You: Morning!

You had already made it to work and started on your case load before Nic responded with a simple "good morning" in return three hours later. You were elbow deep in paperwork and couldn't break away to message again until lunch, which was later than usual.

No additional texts. And no call. Desperately trying not to overthink, you reminded yourself that he said he would talk to you later, so there had to be at least some intent to make contact. He had given you no reason not to trust his word, but you couldn't take it any longer.

You: Sorry for the radio silence. It's been a busy day prepping for a case.

Nic: No worries. At work, too.

You: Still on for dinner? I should be at your stop about 5:40

Nic: Yep, see you soon

You chalked his stilted, near transactional messages up to being busy at work. For once, you were grateful for the hectic pace at work to keep your brain from spiraling. At the end of the day, you gathered your things and took a deep breath before leaving the office. You reminded yourself that you were beyond capable of handling whatever the evening threw at you.

You boarded the bus and mindlessly watched the scrolling marquee of upcoming cross streets. Your heart rate surged with each stop that brought you closer to Nic. What if he wasn't there? What if he was acting strange because he's planning to cut things off?

The next stop was yours. You stepped off and looked around once you cleared the bus and breathed a sigh of relief to see Nic leaning against a nearby pole. One worry down. He walked over toward you.

"Hi," you said, trying to sound chipper.

"Hey." He bent down and gave you a small peck of a kiss on your cheek. He looked...sad. Not the greeting you had hoped for. "Ready to eat?"

Truthfully, no. But you weren't going to fill him in on your anxieties yet, so you just nodded and walked alongside as he led the way to the restaurant in silence. Something was obviously up. You could see an Italian restaurant sign up the street, but he paused before you made it there.

Nic stepped over to a nearby bench and gestured for you to sit beside him. You did so nervously, clutching your bag in your lap so he couldn't see your hands shake.

"Hey, listen," he started. "Before we, uh, go in, I...I need to tell you something. I owe it to you and to myself."

Your eyes widened. "Oh, God. You're not, like, still married or something, are you?" Your voice raised, garnering attention from passersby.

"What? No, oh, no no, not that." Nic reached out as if he wanted to hold your hand, but hesitated before pulling it back to his leg. He looked around to see if anyone was still paying attention and took a deep breath before locking eyes with you. "[Y/N], I am a recovering addict. I have been sober for about three years now."

That is not what you expected. Your brain churned through a thousand different responses, trying to figure out the right thing to say to such big news. Before you could say anything, he continued.

"I go to NA meetings every Wednesday evening. They reminded me that... that...if we are going to get to know each other, I need you to know me. Who I am. That is part of my identity and daily challenge to continue to be my best self." His shoulders fell as he looked down at the sidewalk away from you. "I also...I wanted to give you a chance to end this early if that is too much. You deserve to be with the right person, and I understand that that may not be me."

Nic jumped slightly when you hooked your finger under his chin to lift his head up, where you met him with a soft smile.

"That is nothing to be ashamed of," you replied slowly. "Thank you for sharing. I know that couldn't have been easy, but at least now I better understand why you weren't talking much today. I thought...I thought maybe I said something wrong yesterday."

"What?! No! Oh no, I'm so sorry that I made you think that." He pulled your hand up to his lips to kiss it. "You- you're a breath of fresh air. A fresh start with someone who isn't stuck on the image of the old me."

You released a deep breath you didn't even know you had been holding. "I must admit that I can't even begin to know what your journey has been like. Or will be like. But I'm willing to take things one day at a time to find out."

"One day at a time is all I can ask for." Nic gently leaned his forehead against yours. "Thank you."

You were enjoying the closeness until your stomach betrayed you with a loud grumble. Now that your worries had eased, you were terribly famished. Nic sat up and wiped a tear off his cheek, laughing as if a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He stood and held his hand out to you.

"Hungry?"

"Starved," you replied as you stood and followed him toward the restaurant once again. "So what's good here?"

"Well, I prefer their spaghetti over their penne..."

<><><><><>

The End

<><><><><>

Masterlist

Tag List:

@croatianprincess @bluizh @groovy-lady @pmak2002 @itshonestlynotme @parkbabyj @genesis-margarita @superlegend216 @crypticslytherin

[velvetwyrme]

BORROWER AU???!! MY NEURONS HAVE BEEN ACTIVATED I’M AAAGDHXJCJ

I cannot wait to hear more about it I’m so excited RHDHEHE (but also take ur time with everything ofc!!! :D)

GRIPS YOU. BORROWER AU!!

It started off as being constructiprowl focused, then rapidly spiralled outwards to include jazz and soundwave hfjfjfbdm,,

the main thing stopping me from Making Stuff for this AU is that I can't decide who I want to be borrowers shfjfbdjfbfjfbdk,,, also i dont wanna draw humans BUT IT FITS BETTER IF THEYR HUMAN INSTEAD OF MECHS

ANYWAY rambling under the cut

So. there's two "main" versions of this AU (because my brain goes on wild, quick tangents) but here's the quick rundown of both:

VERSION 1

Prowl notices things going missing in his apartment. Initially he chalks it up to his annoying roommate, Jazz, but when Jazz comes to him asking about some of his bass strings that went missing, he begins to suspect something else is up.

Elsewhere, the Constructicons, a ragtag group of borrowers are trying to find their balance after the loss of their leader. Prowl is a detective, so cue a lot of silly shenanigans as the 'structies do their best to outsmart him.

They're super disorganized but they're inventive, which usually means Prowl keeps getting pranked, much to Jazz's amusement. Eventually this disorganization leads one of them to be found by Jazz :]

I like to think that Green exists in this one but shes Prowls pet lovebird who also likes the Constructicons fhfjfhkd,,

VERSION 2

The Constructicons are on holiday! Kind of. It's a holiday-slash-mandated-break and they bought a house to fix up to keep themselves busy.

Scavenger is CONVINCED that this new house is haunted, something which he is trying to convince everyone else of, very unsuccessfully.

... At first.

Jazz and Prowl are the ghosts borrowers haunting the house, and they're just trying to get by while having to make increasingly dangerous heists to get food and materials because there's FIVE guys living here now. FIVE!!!

Prowl keeps going and editing the drafts they leave out on the table, much to Hook's displeasure (Scrapper's hard work!) but he keeps finding out that the improvements are really effective... (Prowl knows what works in this weather, and he has an intimate knowledge of the house's structure, since he Lives There.) This results in a burgeoning appreciation for the Ghosts.

I like to think that Jazz is actually an outdoor borrower in this one, who stops by the house for materials and to trade with/annoy Prowl. He probably ends up singing in the vents, which echoes throughout the house and entrancing the Constructicons :] He also finds lost items and brings them round, and leaves little gifts for them.

Eventually!! One of them gets found by one of the Constructicons, and chaos ensues :3c

~~~

And NOW you may be thinking. hey Doozi you mentioned Soundwave. How does he fit in, you may ask!!!! And the answer is: he doesn't, but im forcing him in here anyway.

Option 1 is that Soundwave is a borrower living nearby who's stressed tf out trying to take care of a pair of human(!!) kids who are. absolute menaces. He's befriended a local cat and has a couple ravens that he's raised from when they were young.

Option 2 is that he's a very tired guy who works from home and has a bunch of pets. One of which brings home a couple borrower kids and welp, he's a dad now!!! Rumble and Frenzy are a literal handful.

Both options can fit really well in EITHER version of the AU,,, (but I'm always biased to having Jazz/Soundwave on opposite size scales,, i have many thoughts,,,, borrower!SW pining as he watches human!Jazz play an instrument,,)

WHICH REMINDS ME-

I also went on more tangents because I really like the idea of Human Prowl and Soundwave, with borrowers Jazz and Constructicons,,, and the matching flipside of Human Constructicons + their cool neighbor, Jazz, with tiny Soundwave and Prowl,,,,,,, like those dynamics are also really good to me and I can't decide which one/s i like most so I can actually draw stuff,,

BUT YEAH. THIS AU and its many versions HAS BEEN PLAGUING MY MIND FOR AGES and there's more character dynamics I've thought of but this is already very long thank u for reading if u got here.

BRAIN SO FUCKING FULL!!!!!!

[sdr2lovemail]

Daisuke x Reader WIP that I'm not finishing

Synopsis: Daisuke angst something something idk

Notes: This is 12 pages of Daisuke fanfiction that I'm not finishing. I liked what I wrote, so I'm posting what I had!

The sun was just coming up over the horizon. Curly checks his watch anxiously. The ship was due to close its doors soon, and the crew’s IT specialist had yet to arrive. Knowing Pony Express, they would have launched them with or without everyone on board.

Just as he was about to give up and head inside, there’s the sharp sound of shoes hitting the pavement.

“Wait! I’m here!”

Skidding to a halt in front of the captain, you bound over with your hands on your knees. Panting, you offer up a sheepish smile. “Sorry, I’m late. Traffic was a nightmare.” That didn’t include the time you spent last minute packing.

Curly gives you a once over, eyeing the uniform you’ve personalized once again. “It’s your second year working here and yet you’re still violating the dress code.” There was a slight chuckle in his tone.

“I could always go back and change.” You huffed. The drab uniform of the company was simply not up to par.

Shaking his head with a sigh, you’re ushered in to the ship. “No, no, it’s fine. You’re late enough as is. Even the intern made it before you did.”

You perked up, eyes shining. “Daisuke got here before me? That sucks, I wanted to give him the tour.”

The door to the ship shuts with a sharp hiss, the internal mechanism activating the airlock and sealing everyone inside. There was no turning back as Curly punched a code into the keypad near the doorway.

“Yeah, Swansea wasn’t too thrilled to show him around,” his fingers paused. He turns to you with raised eyebrows. “You know Daisuke?”

“Of course, I know Daisuke. I helped him get this job.” Waving your captain off with a shrug, you think back a bit.

Daisuke’s mother, the sweet woman she is, wanted nothing more than the best for her son. It may have been harsh, but in her eyes, this was his doorway to bigger and better things. With his lackluster resume, she figured having you be a reference would help him get out there.

“Between you and me, I don’t think my word was enough. I’m sure she paid those suits a hefty bribe.” You confessed.

As the two of you walked down the creaky, metal halls of the ship, Curly could feel a faint headache starting to form. He pushed it back with a smile. “So, you knew we’d be having an intern before the rest of us? Why didn’t you let me know? We could’ve prepared better.”

Daisuke’s sudden appearance left the crew a bit scrambled. They were short on some supplies, only having stocked up for five people. If they had given a proper warning, perhaps he’d have a proper bed to sleep on and not a cot that Anya was able to find.

“Pony Express said they told you.” Typical.

Nearing the lounge, there’s the gruff hum of Swansea’s drawl. What interested you more was the carefree voice that responded to him. With a spring in your step, you turn the corner.

Eyes were set on you and Curly. Jimmy says nothing while Anya gives a polite wave. Arms crossed; Swansea glared over. “Finally, you’re here. Now the kid can shut up.”

The scent of coconut and ocean waves envelop you as warm, tanned arms surround you. Daisuke leans in for a soft kiss, not minding the audience made up of the crew.

Ignoring Jimmy’s disgusted, and possibly jealous, groan, Curly looks surprised. “Oh, you know Daisuke…”

“This is the Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome you talk so much about?” Anya snickered behind her hand, knowing of the longing rambles you’ve shared with her on escorts.

 Your smile shined, unashamed and proud as your arm was slung around his waist. “That’s right!”

Pulling a flustered act, Daisuke brings his hand to the back of his head to card it through hair. “Oh stop! You talk about me to your friends? I’m embarrassed!” He giggles like a girl in love, which wasn’t too far from the truth.

Childhood friends and high school sweethearts. The two of you have been together for so long. Through everything in life, Daisuke was by your side. Sneaking out to spend the night and taking joyrides. There never seemed to be a time for you to be apart.

When you put in the application for Pony Express, Daisuke sat by you with bated breath. He’d ask every day since you sent it if there was a response. The night your acceptance letter arrived, he took you out to eat, paying for anything he could.

After dropping you off, the radio shut off, he had time to think. He was happy for you, ecstatic even, but he wasn’t going to lie. He felt left behind.

Your opinion and praise and important to him. If you went off to such a professional job, would you find him less than and leave? There was a pit in his stomach at the time, feeling awful that he could even think such a thing.

The thought never left when he dropped you off for your first lift off and the following after that. With you gone for so long, he had more time to put in job applications. Rejection after rejection, his mom was getting tired.

Bags in hand, he stood in front of the towering ship. Travel like this was common, but something about it still felt so futuristic. It was amazing that he got this internship, what did he know about being a mechanic? The only thing he’s ever fixed was his Gameboy that needed new batteries.

Despite the nerves, Daisuke was going to do his best! He was here and was going to make everyone proud. His parents, his new boss, and you.

Your stomach growled as you looked towards the ceiling. Counting the bubbles in the emergency foam seemed to be the best way to pass time. The already strict meals had gotten scarce as the food supply dwindled. Swallowing your saliva will have to sustain you for now.

Daisuke was off with Swansea, Anya was with Curly, and who knew where Jimmy was. Since the crash, the IT room was nearly filled to the brim with foam. With your one surviving computer in pieces, there was nothing for you to do around the ship.

The batteries in your Walkman died a while ago. Daisuke offered to share the last three he had, but you would much rather he kept them. You could always hum the lyrics and hope you remember the lyrics.

The door to the lounge slid open. Daisuke walks in with a big stretch. Plopping himself onto his bedroll, the one he insisted on sliding next to yours, he yawned. “Boss wouldn’t budge again. I keep offering to help break through the foam, but he keeps refusing. I’ll try again tomorrow!”

There was that carefree smile. The one that brought a warm hope into your heart. Laying back, he turns to look at you with those soft, brown eyes. “We’ll get to eat tomorrow morning. Hm, or I guess whenever everyone wakes up.” He turns onto his side and brings his hand to draw patterns on your arm. “I’ll try and snag your favorite soup this time! No one can beat me at rock, paper, scissors.”

You smiled, reaching over to take his hand in your own. “That’s okay. Honestly, I’ll eat anything I’m given.”

“Come on! Pleeeaase?” Daisuke’s hands were clasped in front of him, pleading for you to agree.

“I can’t give you the code scanner. This was a onetime thing.”

Curly had been preoccupied in the cockpit and you needed to get into the IT room. For some reason access to the room was only allowed with a code scanner. Usually, you propped the door open with what was nearby to not pester your captain. Though, it seems the box you used this time gave way.

Having snuck into the empty cockpit, you were able to obtain the code scanner from Curly’s locker.

“I promise it’ll be worth it! If you’re already breaking the rules, why not finish the job?” Daisuke gave you a boyish, the gap in his teeth breaking through.

You laugh at his determination. He set on getting the sweetener packet from the kitchen. “Is it really that good? It’s just sugar, isn’t it?”

Gripping your shoulders, his tone was serious. “It’s more than just sugar. It’s the one sweet treat on this ship!” His voice fades into a whine as can practically taste that artificial sweetener on his tongue.

 You almost agreed if it wasn’t for the code scanner being ripped from your hands. Jimmy’s cigarette-stained scowl entered your vision. “You don’t have clearance to use this.”

“I needed it to get into the IT room.” There was a hint of annoyance in the back of your throat. While you always wanted to be civil with Jimmy. It felt like he always wanted to start issues.

“Next time, keep your hands off the captain’s things.” He looked down at you, not bothering to spare Daisuke a glance as he walked away.

As you lay down, hungry and tired. You wished you would’ve taken up Daisuke’s offer sooner. With Jimmy as Tulpar’s new captain, he kept that code scanner on his hip. Personally, you’d like to stay away from him as much as you could. Now more than ever.

Things felt better when you all had first boarded.

Walking along the halls, you make it to the bunks. The soft sound of humming enters the small hallway. The door closest to the hall was open. With pins borrowed from the medical room, Daisuke stands on his cot to hang up polaroids.

All the photos were marked with a date and most of them had you in the frame somehow. There were other pictures as well. Sunsets, nature, food, everything was worth capturing. He had a real talent for it. It seemed he had already snapped some photos of the ship as well. Even one with a surprised looking Anya.

Daisuke didn’t notice you enter his room, too caught up in his mind. The pushpin falls from his fingers once you spoke up.

“You decided to decorate, huh? Usually, the others live out of their suitcase.”

It was a bit of an exaggeration. Everyone brought at least one personal item from home. Anya had her books which she read often. A mix of psychology and her medical textbooks. Curly brought weights and the pillow off his bed. As much as he’d like to deny it, Swansea’s personal items were mostly photos of his family. Ever the outlier, Jimmy only brought a duffle bag that he refused to let anyone look in.

Plush lips stretch into a smile as Daisuke steps off his cot to pick up the pin. “If I’m going to be here for a year, might as well make the place feel like my bedroom.” Tacking up the last polaroid, he crashed onto the stiff cot. “it’d totally be cozier if I had an actual bed.”

Sitting next to him, you shoot him a teasing grin. “Like it matters. You’ll be in my bed before the night is over.”

“Oh, and what could that mean?” Daisuke’s voice was just as teasing. His arm was warm against your shoulders as he leaned in close. The two of you share a loving kiss. Despite the frigid air of the ship, it was plenty warm.

Swansea felt like he aged a couple of years as he watches the couple practically climb on top of each other. With a deep clear of his throat, the two of you scrambled to look a little more presentable.

“You could at least try to act professional while on the clock.” Swansea huffed, muttering something about kids these days.

Daisuke fixed his hair, though it didn’t look that different, getting up from the cot. “Totally, totally! My bad, boss.” He pulls you up next to himself, wrapping his arm snuggly around your waist.

“Is it time to launch already?” You wondered, absentmindedly leaning into your boyfriend. The hours seemed to pass too quickly for your liking. Another minute passed was another closer to being stuck in space.

Like the stars you were about to reach, Daisuke lit up. “We’re actually going to space. This might be dope for real!”

You’re quickly pulled through the halls. Daisuke runs around, not sure which room he was looking for. “Daisuke, wait! You don’t know where you’re going!”

Behind the two of you rushing away was Swansea left in the dust. He could only hope the rest of the trip wouldn’t be like this.

The axe in your hands heaved one final time. A lone computer finally free from a stubborn chunk of safety foam. A drunken Swansea watched as you chipped away. It was a bit of a struggle to get the axe away from him. With quite a bit of pleading, you were able to get it from him. You knew these computers more than the others. Where to strike without ruining the technology further.

Daisuke stood the closest to your chair, eyeing the small monitor and hoping to help you find something useful. A bit father back was Anya and Swansea. There was a deep pit of dread filling Anya’s stomach. She was nervous about something impending, but just couldn’t pinpoint what. The chance of you finding anything useful sobered Swansea up a bit. However, he still clutched a bottle of mouthwash just in case.

Your eyes scanned diligently, lines of words blending in front of your tired eyes. Lack of proper sleep and food muddling the way you think. But, with one of your computers finally free from the thick wall of foam.

“You really think there will be something useful?” Jimmy rested against the doorframe, the green glow highlighting his eyebags. “For all we know nothing in here works anymore.”

The pit in Anya’s stomach grew deeper.

“There’s still a chance, Jimmy.” Your fingers work over the worn keys with diligence. There had to be something. You were tired of wallowing if there was a sliver of hope shining through the dark clouds above you. “Just let me work.”

“Last time we poked around…” Anya eyes the mouthwash in Swansea’s hand.

“This could be good! Maybe we’ll find a message from corporate?” Daisuke nudged you.

After long loading times and sorting through countless files and links, there was something. A report with a date after Tulpar’s departure. “Oh my god, I found something.”

Jimmy was quick to nudge his way through, wide eyes scanning the screen. “Shit… Read it, hurry up.”

Your mouth was dry as you read the document.

‘Export company “Pony Express” announced bankruptcy. With the return of their final cargo ship “Stellar,” the CEO may now close its doors and open a new chapter of opportunity. The city will miss the cheery face of their equestrian mascot, “Polle.”’

The room was tense, heavy, and suffocating. No one dares to speak, threatening to break the fragile peace that was left on board. The last sliver of hope shattering before your eyes, the words read from your own lips.

“No one,” Anya covers her mouth with her hand. “Is looking for us.” Her body shakes and it feels like bile is about to rise in the back of her throat.

Swansea knew it was pointless, he pops open the cap of mouthwash, taking deep gulps. As far as anyone knew, this ship was floating to hell with no way to get off.

“There must be something else. We… we can’t just give up now guys. What if they, like, didn’t want to worry our families?” Daisuke tried to keep up with his usual cheery tone, but could he even convince himself at this point?

You took in a nervous gulp, moving your shaking fingers to the keyboard. “Right, there could be another,” the sound of smashing glass was deafening. You jumped out of the chair as a fist contacted the screen of the computer. Daisuke pulled you back, shielding your body with his arm.

Almost animalistic, was Jimmy slamming his bleeding knuckles into the monitor. With every punch came another frustrated and angry yell. He didn’t stop until the monitor shot sparks. Blood speckled the dingy white of his undershirt, dripping down to stain the floor.

Labored breathing leaves his lips before he turned to look at the rest of the crew. “Like I could have guessed, this was a waste of our time.” Jimmy’s eyes scanned the various looks surrounding him, ranging from disgruntled to downright horrified.

“Don’t look at me like that. Just like with every problem you all make, I’ll fix this. I can fix it.” He mutters while he slinks down the hallway.

A gag rises from her throat as Anya rushes out of the wrecked IT room. She didn’t know where she was heading, but it had to be anywhere but there.

The rest of your day was spent struggling to salvage any more tech. Lost in your own world, you never noticed Swansea or Daisuke leave the room. Not even when Daisuke kissed your cheek.

Poor Daisuke was left alone after his countless attempts to pull you from the room failed. Eventually, he never came back in.

By the time you decided to give up, night began to fall, if the heavy feeling in your body was anything to go by. Shuffling through the halls was like a graveyard. Dead and lifeless. No crew in sight or the peppy beat of Swansea’s playlist.

Sliding open the door to the lounge, Anya and Daisuke were tucked away in their bedrolls. Swansea and Jimmy were nowhere to be seen, but you could figure where the mechanic was. Drowning himself in mouthwash all while guarding the utility room.

Your legs felt like they were filled with lead as you dropped yourself onto the makeshift bed. Covering yourself with the poor excuse of a blanket, you curl up against Daisuke’s back.

Trembling. That’s what you felt.

Listening closely for a moment, stifled, choked breathing followed. Urgency shot through you. You sat up, putting a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Daisuke, baby? Are you crying?”

He flinched, not expecting you to speak. The silence hung in the air for a while, unwanted and strangely loud. His sniffles were the only thing you could hear. He didn’t want to say anything, hoping you’d just ignore him and go to bed. He was supposed to be carefree Daisuke, not someone that brings the mood down.

Your hand trails up to his face, guiding their way to brush his hair from his damp face. “Please, tell me what’s wrong. Let me help you.”

“It’s nothing!” He rushed out too harshly for his liking. Rising from his side, he scrubs his eyes with his wrist, tone much softer this time. “I’m just a little… spent right now. But, come tomorrow, I’ll be back to full-power Daisuke!” There was an attempt at laughing, however strained it came out.

His mannerisms were skittish like a small animal, avoiding looking at you.

“Daisuke…”

Shoulder’s shaking, his head slightly turns your way. From how puffy his eyes, or rather eye, were, it was clear that he had been crying for a while. His cheeks were splotchy and red, while his eyes were glassy.

“Talk to me, please. You’re usually so open with me.” Your hands were as soft as silk, guiding his body to turn.

Daisuke keeps his head low, not daring to look over at you, lest his poorly kept composure cracks beyond repair. “My feelings are like super messed up right now.” His voice was weak and small. “I want to talk to you. But it’s like if I do, my heart will explode out of my chest and spill all over you.”

Simply thinking brought a fresh wave of tears to Daisuke’s eyes. Seeing his grief made your heart clench and pull. You felt responsible. You helped him get this job. You helped him back his bags. You talked about how fun it could be to traverse space together. And it would be on you for his disappearance.

Comfort him. That was all your mind could focus on. Every tear that pooled down his cheek was another reason for you to feel awful. It wasn’t the soundest way of thinking, but what else was there? Even the most optimistic of the crew was showing his threads. Unwinding and unraveling before you and yet still trying not to worry anyone.

Your chest pressed against his back while your arms wrapped over his shoulders. Tucking your head against his neck, still wet with tears, you whisper to him. “It’s okay. We don’t have to talk right now. I’m sorry for not being here with you while you felt this way.” You rock his body from side to side. A gesture he was always fond of.

Another round of hushed sobs cut through Daisuke’s throat. He tried to speak but the lump in his throat kept him from letting out anything beside strangled whines.

You felt hopeless. It felt like there was nothing you could do besides listening to his despair. No further words were shared between the two of you. The hours melted together as you slipped in and out of consciousness. At some point in the night, Daisuke curled away from your arms.

You’re the one that helped get him this job.

Soft breathing and the gentle brushing of hair rang tenderly through your bunk. Sleep begs to take you into her arms but all you want to do is play with your boyfriend’s bleached hair. Daisuke’s soft murmur pulls you from the brink of rest.

“I wonder if mom’s thinking about me.” With the quiet tone of his voice, it was like that was a sentence more for himself. “I’m all the way up in space, how wild is that?”

Your fingers pause, shifting your position to look up at him. “I’m sure she is.” You reassured, a small, sleepy smile stretching against your lips. “I bet she’s enjoying the peace and quiet.” Teasing snickers left your lips.

“Yeah, not having to check the mail every day for my packages.” He joked back. Online shopping would get him hooked like a vice. He says the convenience is way too convenient, whatever that means.

You turn yourself to lay on your stomach, meeting his honeyed eyes. “She’s probably counting the days for you to get back. I’m sure she misses you a lot.”

“I bet. It felt like straight torture when you would leave for your hauls.” Daisuke reached to play with your face, tracing your features with the tips of his fingers. “Doesn’t the thought make you sad? Poor Daisuke, left on earth with no one to kiss him and go shopping and spend the night.”

“The horror!” You laughed. The space between the two of you closed, your lips peppering kiss after kiss against his skin. “I missed you every time I had to leave. But it’s nice to know you were always thinking about me.”

Daisuke’s lips go straight for your neck, nipping and kissing a trail down. The neck was such an intimate place. Any chance he got, it’s his ideal place to love. There’s just something so sacred about it. He couldn’t get enough.

Taking a moment to rest his head against your shoulder, Daisuke mumbles into your skin. “Mom will probably insist you come over after the trip. She’ll probably make too much food and you’ll be leaving with a mountain of leftovers again.” A yawn escaped into the air.

“I would kill someone to eat her cooking again.” You mumbled, falling asleep yourself.

Before you drifted off, there was a final sentence spoken in a small voice. “I hope she’s not worried.”

The bottle of mouthwash was clutched tightly in your hand. Mouthwash? That’s it? Your life was worth a bottle of mouthwash. Lost and drifting in space with possibly no chance of returning to Earth, all because of a minty hygiene product.

Swansea had pulled Daisuke away and Anya holed herself up in medical. There was no one to confide in. Trapped with your own thoughts. Alone. Drifting away. The bottle of mouthwash feels heavy in your hands. A sip couldn’t hurt.

“How ya feeling?” Eyes, unfocused and blurry, make out the shape of Jimmy. He takes the bottle from your hands, giving it a small shake. “Hm, you’ve drained the thing.”

The backrest of the couch cradles your pounding head. Your brows furrow as you close your eyes. “What’s it matter to you? You’ve drank it.”

Jimmy tossed the bottle next to you, crossing his arms. “What good is a ship if it’s captain doesn’t check in with his crew?”

“You’re not the captain, Jimmy.”

“Oh, and Curly is?” He gets closer to you, the smell of mint on his breath. “In case you forgot, he tried to kill us! So, I have to take the role of captain. I do more around here than any of you. It seems I’m the only one pulling my weight around here.”

You couldn’t muster the strength to open your eyes. “I don’t believe that.”

Jimmy’s eyes widened. “What? You think I’m not working hard?” His face pulls into a scowl.

“I don’t believe that Curly’s the one that crashed the ship. What motive could he possibly have?” While Jimmy knew Curly longer, this just felt wrong. He seemed like a stable man, could the birthday party have upset him that much?

A magazine falls to the ground. A hand reached to cup the back of bleached hair. “Yeow!” Daisuke flips around on the couch, looking up at you standing above him.  Rolls of streamers were held in your arms, much like the one you threw at him. “Babe, what was that for?”

You smiled at him, partially amused and fully ticked off. “You could stand to help a little. These streamers won’t hang up themselves.”

“Didn’t mean you had to clock me in my noggin. Besides, I hung up streamers already.” Walking up the stairs, he makes a grand gesture of pointing to the wall. A singular, lopsided strand of streamers hangs above one of the doorways. He purposely avoids your pointed look to “admire” his work.

“Daisuke, we get one birthday party a year. This is really the work you want to show for it?” You sighed. The communal birthday party was one of the only times a year where it felt like you could relax on board. Hanging out with your crew and eating a weird semi-liquid cake.

“Whose lame idea was that anyways? Why can’t we all celebrate our birthdays?” Daisuke wondered.

Walking towards the ladder, you shrugged. “Something about the cake making process being delicate, whatever that means. I think they're just cheap.”

Figuring that Daisuke was over hanging up the decorations, you take a step on the ladder. Warmth spreads along your shoulder. “Let me do it.”

“I thought you were done hanging up streamers.” You teased, stepping down to offer him the rolls of streamers.

“Psh, my arms are totally longer, it’ll get done faster. Then, we could make out on the couch until it’s time for the party.” He reasoned.

Perverted ideals aside, Daisuke just wanted to help you. With nothing to buy, spend, and spoil you with, it left one of his main love languages down the drain. Yeah, being handsy was fun and all, but he didn’t want you to believe he was just some horny slacker. Even if it was true.

Not like he could favor one way to love you over the other. Spoiling you in any way was good enough for him. While your dates usually started with him swiping his card and ended with kissing the back seat of his car, acts of service were nice too.

While he couldn’t cook fancy meals, cutting up a bowl of fruit for you to share was still romantic in his eyes. Driving to your office to deliver your lunch. Rubbing your shoulders after spending a long day hunched over a computer.

There weren’t many services he could provide on the ship, but he could at least hang up some streamers.

Anya walks into the lounge with a box of yellow and red party hats in her arms. She takes a moment to admire the decorations with a smile. It quickly falls seeing the two of you on the couch. “Am I interrupting?”

Surprised, Daisuke rises up from the couch with wide eyes. His hair was disheveled, cheeks were flushed, and his Hawaiian shirt was no where to be seen. “Oh, hey. Is it time for the party?”

“Soon.” The nurse rests the box on the dining table, turning to face the couch once more. “You two should get cleaned up. The others should be here in a moment to help finish the preparations.” She kneels down for a moment, picking something up.

Grabbing Daisuke’s hand, you guide him through the lounge, heading for the bathrooms. “Got it, guess we got distracted.” You laughed.

“Don’t you miss your youth, Anya?” Snickering, Daisuke missed the Hawaiian shirt hurtling towards his head. “Augh! Sweet, my shirt!”

Anya shook her head, watching the two of you walk away. The communal birthday parties are enjoyable. She hopes that the captain has fun too.

The dull ringing never leaves. The constant, annoying buzz that won’t go. That’s all Curly could hear. When his crew would speak to him, their voices would sound muffled, drowned out by the ringing.

[nathanfxkingsummers]

Cable raised an eyebrow, giving Remy a look of confusion as the man critiqued his outfit. "Man hoe? What do you mean, bud? Do...grey sweats mean something?"

Cable never paid much attention to fashion trends; he liked things that were simple yet practical, and grey sweats fit his style for something he could wear around the apartment. Any deeper meaning to them was well beyond him. "You can have the Guns n' Roses shirt. Never really wore it much anyways." Cable's face softened as he watched Remy get dressed, and sure, the pajama pants didn't match the shirts he had given him, but it was one of the only things he had that looked like it would fit his leaner frame. "Sometimes people need a bit of kindness and understanding, Remy. You've been kind to me, warned me about people wanting my arm when you didn't have to. You barely know me. I mean...I can understand why someone would want it." Cable lifted his left arm, the sound of soft whirring of gears shifting into place filling the room, his eye glowing a bright gold as the metal on one of his fingers shifted, looking like it was melting before turning into a small blade. He quickly changed it back with a sly smile. "But my arm in the wrong hands could end worlds." Cable glanced over at Remy. He could sense some sort of inner turmoil boiling in his mind, some sort of struggle. He wasn't going to pry. It looked like the cajun was trying to wrap his head around why Cable was so kind to him, like he felt he didn't deserve it. He frowned at the thought. "Not everyone gives people like us the time of day, Remy. I'm sure you know that by now," Cable smiled sadly, patting the empty space on the couch next to him, inviting him to sit. "Either our powers are convenient for them, or they see us as a threat. And because of that, we oftentimes find ourselves alone for long periods of time. Maybe I'm just a lonely old man that needed a friend...fuck, I'm rambling. I'm sorry, Remy. I start getting a bit...philosophical the later it gets." Cable chuckled softly, sitting back on the couch.

Remy grinned from ear to ear. He watched Cable recant his touch so Gambit instead grabbed his human hand and placed it on his hairless chest.

Gambit laughed as he held on to Cable's wrist. "I ain't gonna lie, I am nervous. I've seen men die like this before. Well, I mean, on the TV." Gambit lightly traced up Cable's arm. His fingers twirling around.

"I reckon this was your plan all along." Remy floated forward allowing his lightly charged lips brush against the outer part of Cable's ear.

@theragincajun

Cable's breath caught in his throat as Remy grabbed his wrist and moved his hand to his chest. His left eye glowed a faint gold, his own powers at work as he shifted positions on the couch, climbing onto Remy's lap. "Die by explosive kinetic energy?" Cable traced his flesh and bone hand down Remy's lean chest, not putting his full weight on the man's lap. With his metal, he was a lot heavier than he looked. The hand tracing down his arm send chills down his spine, feeling the sparks against his skin. "I'm able to withstand a nuclear blast, so I think I can handle you, handsome." Cable chuckled, his left hand reaching up to cradle the Cajun's jawline as he leaned into his ear, the sparks tickling his skin as his lips brushed against him. "My plan was to come home and make myself some dinner. Think this is more fun though," Cable chuckled, turning his head slightly, just so he could press his lips to Remy's. He inhaled sharply the second their lips met, his lips parting just so he could taste the other man. His lips tasted like beer, weed and felt like poprocks against his tongue. It just made him press closer, his heart racing behind the metal.

[radiant-featherball]

Zead: That is why I guided you here. So that you may fully regain your powers.

Isaac wanted Hector to reclaim his power for the satisfaction of beating Hector at full power and didn't want the the easy way out of killing Hector when he was powerless. Isaac also wanted Hector to resurrect the castle for the delicious irony of the traitor who caused Dracula's death also be the reason for Dracula's revival.

But Zead taking credit for guiding Hector makes me wonder: what if Death convinced Isaac to let Hector regain his power in the first place?

It's never made clear if Death and Isaac worked together or if Death and Isaac made their plans independently of each other and Death just used Isaac for his own goals while Isaac might not even be aware of Zead.

Zead repeatable tells Hector where Isaac is and establishes himself as a reliable source of information, then just lies about Isaac being in the Infinite Corridor. It could be Zead and Isaac had planned this beforehand, and Isaac was just hiding while Trevor & Hector resurrected the castle or it could be Isaac is doing his own thing and Zead just keeping tabs on both Isaac and Hector.

The former fits better with Isaac attacking Trevor and presumable never was in Infinite Corridor, but the later do give the possibility of Isaac had planned for more of Hector's route and filled it with more patronizing instructions "Here is how you use your Innocent Devils to reach new places JUST IN CASE you forgot" but Death cut it all out because Death is petty and won't let Isaac have any fun.

Zead: *Sees Isaac's elaborate roadmap for Hector with sassy comments* I'll just skip this and point out where Isaac is.

Also not clear if Isaac was aware of Dracula's vessel needing to to fully succumb to the curse (Death explaining that to Hector leans to they not knowing, or Death, like Isaac, is just an patronizing bastard) and was prepared to be sacrificed to Dracula or if Isaac's plan was:

Let Hector regain his power

Trick Hector and Trevor into resurrect the castle

Kill Hector

Revive Lord Dracula

Be praised by Lord Dracula and told he is the best servant ever & need no one else and he'll ditch that smelly old skeleton

Death thanking Hector for hesitating to kill Isaac implies he couldn't use a corpse even if he succumbed to the curse. Or at least would be worse material. Which also doesn't explain if Isaac knew Death's plan and just assumed he get to kill Hector and use Hector's corpse to revive Dracula.

But back to the original point and assuming for sake of argument Death and Isaac worked together.

PtR version of Isaac brought a sword for Hector and both PtR and MF manga Isaac don't uses any of his Innocent Devils when fighting Hector. That's great evidence Isaac would always have wanted Hector to be at full strength. But that was also when Dracula was still alive, Isaac still had a home and not been years under a curse.

Isaac could have changed his mind how wise it was to be honorable. He could have regretted respecting Hector, convinced himself if he had used Abel or all of his Innocent Devils back then, then he would have made it back to the castle to heroically slay the Belmont and save his Lord and rewarded as he deserves.

Resurrection the castle requires blood of the Belmont and destroying the seal, but even Trevor feared Isaac scratching him was enough to gain entrance to Infinite Corridor and Isaac knew Devil Forgemasters could easily conjure enough magic to break the seal. So nothing about that step of the plan requires Hector other than the satisfaction of tricking Hector.

So it's not impossible Isaac would have wanted to kill the traitor, get blood from the Belmont and destroy the seal himself, and then revive Dracula and take all the credit for himself. None of which would require Hector to regain his power.

But Death wants to use Hector as he is the most suitable for Dracula's revival. And presumably Hector regaining his powers as the Devil Forgemaster is part of that process since it needs Dracula's power as a power source to work. Also because Death is petty and wants to get rid of both Devil Forgemasters.

Death is well known to be a manipulator and Isaac is ruled by his emotions so if Isaac originally didn't plan for Hector to regain his powers, it wouldn't take much prodding on Isaac's former respect for Hector and his desire to prove himself better than Hector.

Isaac could think everything was his and only his own plan, and not realizing Death is tricking him. It fits with Hector's conclusion Isaac was just another victim.