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corroded-hellfire · 1 year ago

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Jitters - Eddie Munson x Reader

An As You Wish story

Collaboration with my darling @munson-blurbs

Summary: It's the first day of school for the Munson children--ever for Eliza, but their dad is being the biggest baby of them all.

Note: With all the back-to-school excitement going on I thought, "What would Eddie be like when Eliza first starts school?" So, voila. As always, I am so thankful for all of you who read and have the loveliest things to say 💕

Words: 3.2k

[As You Wish masterlist]

If someone were to take bets on which Munson is the most miserable on the first day of school, they might pick Ryan. Sixteen years old, starting his junior year, and seemingly irritated by every move someone makes.

They might pick fourteen-year-old Luke, the Tasmanian Devil himself, constantly lamenting about how boring his teachers are.

Or they might pick Eliza, no longer getting to be the big fish in the daycare’s small pond, but now a full-fledged preschooler—one who is not happy about getting up early.

Any of these would be fine guesses. But they would also be dead wrong.

“My babies are all grown up!” Eddie bemoans, watching Eliza slide a comically oversized Little Mermaid backpack over her tiny shoulders. He stares at his sons as they shove their feet into their new sneakers, conveniently ignoring the repeated warnings not to break their shoes.

Ryan catches his dad looking at them and rolls his eyes. “Take a picture; it’ll last longer,” he quips, groaning when Eddie dashes into the bedroom to grab his camera. “Crap, I didn’t mean literally.”

“Swear jar!” Luke chirps, all-too excited to catch his big brother slipping up.

“‘Crap’ isn’t a swear word, dumbass.”

“Another dollar in the swear jar!” Luke roars, nearly colliding with the wall as he darts away from Ryan before the elder boy can get his hands on him.

You give the two boys a biting glare from across the room. If you can't keep them from using bad language all the time, they at least need to adhere to the rule when their little sister is in the room. Luckily, Eliza is currently admiring her new black Mary Jane shoes and was paying no mind to what was happening around her.

Before Ryan and Luke can start bickering again, you herd them over to the side of the living room where the lighting is the best for pictures.

“Come on, come on,” you say as you practically push them across the space. “Dad’s getting the camera, let’s get this show on the road.”

Ryan groans and drops his head back in irritation. “Can’t you just take some of Eliza? You have enough of us.”

“We never have enough of you,” you tell him, moving towards him on instinct to press a kiss to the top of his head—only to come face to face with the reminder that he’s taller than you now. “Eliza, come on over here, baby girl.”

Eliza looks up from where she’s now inspecting the pink overall dress she’s wearing. Her two curly little pigtails bounce with every motion. She hikes up her green sparkly princess backpack as she skips towards you. She becomes derailed, however, when Eddie walks back into the room. Eliza diverts her attention and makes a not-quite-a-surprise attack on his legs.

“Rawr! Gotchu Daddy!”

“Oh no!” Eddie feigns, clasping the camera to his chest. “I guess I can’t take you to preschool then, huh? Such a shame.”

“Nice try,” you tell him. “She’s still going.”

Eddie’s brows furrow together in another one of the little pouts he’s been giving you for the past few days. He thinks his baby girl is growing up too fast—does he think you don’t feel the same way? You just don’t show your emotions as expressively as your husband does.

“She’s only three,” Eddie says about your daughter. “Shouldn’t we wait until she’s at least four?”

“She’ll be four next month, Eddie,” you remind him. “This is when she’s supposed to start preschool.”

The sullen father has nothing to say in response to that, so he just looks down at the camera and fiddles with it, making sure there’s enough film and that it’s on the right settings. You take the opportunity to walk over towards Ryan.

“Was he this bad when Luke started school?” you ask in a hushed voice.

Ryan considers it for a moment before shrugging. “In my childhood mind, no. But I also used to believe it when Dad told me I’d look like Popeye if I ate my spinach, so who knows?”

“I can only imagine how he was with you.” With a small smirk, you grab Ryan’s arms and give him a small shake from side to side. “His first born,” you coo in a sickeningly sweet tone. Ryan shoos you away from him, but you can see the smile on his face that he’s trying his damndest to hide.

In the meantime, Luke grabs a Kleenex box from the kitchen counter, lowering onto bended knee and presenting it to Eddie.

“A gift for thou, Sir Sobs-a-Lot,” he says, adopting an exaggerated British accent.

Eddie thumps him on the back of the head, but takes a tissue regardless.

“Wayne always said I’d be screwed if my kids were as weird as me,” he muses.

“Dad,” Luke fake-whines, “don’t say that about Eliza!”

Eliza furrows her little eyebrows and makes a run for her brother, charging towards him like a provoked rhinoceros.

Luke is quicker, though, and holds her prisoner against his chest with a menacing cackle.

“Mean brother,” Eliza mumbles, face smushed against him.

He grins triumphantly. “That’s why you love me so much.” He presses a big smacking kiss to her cheek and lets her go, gasping in feigned offense when she wipes it away and wanders back to Eddie.

“Time for school! Let’s gooooooo, Daddy!” She takes his hand and tugs him towards the door, equal parts eager and exasperated.

Eddie obliges, but you can tell that this isn’t easy for him. “Why is she so eager to leave?” he asks you under his breath. “Ryan and Luke were practically wrapped around my ankles begging me to let them stay home.”

“I think she’s just excited to meet new friends and learn new things!” you say with a smile, trying to hold back your own tears. “Isn’t that right, Liza Bean?”

Eliza nods vigorously. “Luke says I get Play-Doh!”

“Remember,” Luke crouches down to tell her, “it’s important that you taste the Play-Doh before you use it.”

The comment earns him another thump to the head from Eddie.

“Please don’t eat Play-Doh,” you beg your daughter. Or listen to anything Luke says, you silently add.

“Yeah, just stick to your lunch,” Ryan offers, always the voice of reason.

“Lots of fruits and veggies,” Luke jumps in. “Remember why?”

“SCURVY!” Eliza proudly shouts, beaming from ear to ear.

Eddie exhales and rubs the bridge of his nose, at a total loss for words. “Can you crazy children just take the pictures so we can go?” he finally manages, patience sufficiently worn thin.

“Sir, yes, sir!” the boys salute in unison.

“Yes, sir!” Eliza chimes in, happy to emulate her big brothers.

You take the camera from Eddie when you see his jaw clench. You’d been afraid of your daughter having a meltdown today, but you obviously should have been worrying about her dad.

“Okay,” you say, nodding for them to arrange themselves in front of the wall for a picture, “all three of you, first.”

Begrudgingly on the part of the teenagers, and happily on the part of the little girl exiting toddlerhood, they come together and manage to stand still while you grab a few shots of them.

“Now just Ryan, then Luke, then Liza,” you instruct. Ryan rolls his eyes as his two younger siblings step away from him.

“This is never going to end,” he mumbles.

Figuring it’s just easier to ignore him, you get your pictures of Ryan before moving on to solo Luke and then Eliza. “Now get in there, Dad,” you tell Eddie, gesturing him over to join the kids.

The moment Eddie is within reaching distance of her, Eliza raises her tiny arms to her father and insists that he holds her in the picture. Eddie, unable to deny her anything as always, complies.

“Just me and Daddy!” Eliza says.

“Eliza’s will be done,” you say before snapping one of just the pair of them.

“All right, all right,” Luke says, motioning for you to give him the camera. “You get in there, too. We’ve got a monumental day here. Another Munson in the school system.”

As you pose next to your daughter and husband, you see Ryan out of the corner of your eye. He leans in behind you and holds up two fingers as bunny ears behind Eliza’s head. His little sister didn’t see him, but she was going to get a kick out of that once you got the pictures developed. Luke also noticed the photobomber, so he takes another nicer picture.

“We ready to go now?” Luke asks. “Big day for me too, ya know. Starting high school and all. No one’s all fussy over me and I bet it’s because I don’t have pigtails. Damn.”

Eddie claps Luke on the shoulder as you take the camera from your son. “Didn’t wanna make ya nervous, kid,” Eddie says. “Also, dollar in the swear jar.”

Luke scoffs and presses a hand to his chest. “Have I ever been nervous a day in my life?”

“Well,” Ryan starts with a smug smile, “that depends if you count the time that you got paired up with Missy Collins for that science project.”

Luke’s face turns pink and his nostrils flare. You’re almost taken aback because you think this is the most flustered you’ve ever seen the usually cool and mischievous boy. Luke goes from standing perfectly still to lunging toward his older brother in milliseconds.

Ryan just lets out a whooping laugh and dodges him by heading outside. Luke is hot on his tail.

Eliza looks up at you and shakes her head, little brown pigtails swaying with the motion.

“Boys,” she says, an air of sophistication older than her three years in her tone.

“Boys,” you agree, offering her your hand. Her little fingers slide into your own and you head out the front door behind the two teenagers. Eddie grabs his keys and follows his family out.

The keys jingle in your husband’s hand, a nervous tic as he walks over to the car and unlocks it. The three kids pile into the back and Eliza and Luke bicker over buckling her car seat as you slip into the passenger’s side.

“Everyone have everything?” Eddie asks as soon as the arguing stops. “Backpacks? Lunches? Or lunch money?”

A chorus of “yes” comes from the backseat so Eddie starts the car and pulls out of the driveway, instantly wishing he could turn around and take everyone back home.

You, Eddie, and Eliza somehow arrive at the preschool on time, but not before your daughter had thoroughly embarrassed her brothers on the high school drop-off line. She’d begged Eddie to roll down her window so she could yell to them as they joined their friends.

“Bye, Ryan! Bye, Lukie!” she’d shouted. “I love you!”

You and Eddie thought it was hilarious. Luke and Ryan? Not so much.

But now, your husband is a total wreck as Eliza marches full steam ahead towards the school’s doors. Truthfully, you’re almost as bad as he is, but you’re trying to keep it together—for Eliza’s sake and for Eddie’s.

“You ready, Eliza?” You crouch down and place your hands on her shoulders.

“Yep!” She nods, baby teeth on full display when she grins excitedly.

Eddie narrows his eyes in disbelief. “Are you sure?” he asks, making you roll your eyes.

“Yep!” Eliza repeats; thankfully, she’s oblivious to his inner turmoil.

“You’re going to have a great time and make lots of new friends,” you tell her.

“And I’ll be right here, ready to pick you up when it’s over,” Eddie adds as he crouches down next to you.

It takes all your strength not to roll your eyes again or elbow Eddie in the ribs.

Eliza nods her head, little pigtails bouncing with the movement. She hikes her backpack up higher and gives you both another wide smile.

“Ready to go in?” you ask.

“Uh huh.”

You take her hand and she leads you into her new classroom, Eddie following along behind you. He’s quite literally dragging his feet, a human version of Eeyore the donkey.

A teacher, not too much younger than you, comes up to greet you all. “Hi, everyone!” she chirps in a tone that signals over-caffeination. “Welcome to preschool! I’m Miss Riley, your teacher.”

For the first time this morning, Eliza seems hesitant. She looks up at you for approval and you nod your head at her.

“I’m Eliza Marie Munson,” she announces, and you bite back a laugh at her formality.

“It’s very nice to meet you, Eliza,” Miss Riley says. “You’ve got both Mommy and Daddy with you here today, huh?”

“Yep! Was just gonna be Daddy but then Mommy said she didn’t think he’d really take me here.”

You squeeze your lips together as your daughter calls out your husband’s behavior; Eddie closes his eyes, a small smile appearing on his face. Both of you know (partially due to your experiences with Luke and Ryan when they were younger) that anything that went on in your house that Eliza knew about would be fair game to be shared with her whole class.

“Well, I’m very glad you’re here,” Miss Riley replies, holding a hand out for a high-five that your daughter eagerly returns. “Would you like me to show you where your cubby is?”

“Okay!” Eliza turns around and waves to you and Eddie. “Bye Mommy! Bye Daddy!”

“No hugs?” Eddie asks, a pout forming on his plush lips.

Eliza rolls her eyes as if this is the most unreasonable request she’s ever heard, but obliges.

You give her a tight squeeze, pressing a kiss to her temple. “You’re gonna have an amazing day, baby girl,” you remind her.

“I know, Mommy.”

Eddie’s hug can only be described as bone-crushing, with Eliza letting out a dramatic grunt as he holds her.

“Eliza Munson, you are the smartest, bravest little girl I know,” he says, voice catching in his throat. “I want you to go out there and kick some a—butt,” he hurriedly amends, but not before earning a glare from you.

“Most importantly, be nice,” you emphasize, hoping your advice trumps Eddie’s little half-time pep talk.

“I will!” Eliza happily declares before following Miss Riley over to the cubbies.

Eddie looks back and forth from her to you. “That’s it?” he asks. “That’s all we get?”

“What did you want?” you ask as you slip your hand into your husband’s. “Want her to cry and beg you to take her back home?”

“Well, no.” At your disbelieving eyebrow raise Eddie shrugs and amends his statement. “Not entirely.”

“We got hugs and goodbyes,” you point out. “Ryan barely acknowledged us, and Luke gave you a Wet Willy. I think we should cut our losses.”

“I know,” Eddie says, letting out a defeated sigh.

You gently tug him in the direction of the door to exit. “She’ll be fine,” you reassure him with a whisper. “And she’ll be so excited to tell you all about it later.”

Eddie nods, and just as the two of you are about to walk out the door, something rams into Eddie’s legs. He looks down to see Eliza grinning up at him, little arms wrapped around his knees.

“What’s up, Sweet Pea?” he asks, suddenly worried that something’s wrong. Was someone mean to her? Did she forget her lunch at home?

She jumps like a little jumping bean until she’s right in front of the two of you.

“I love you!”

Your heart swells and the pressure of tears is heavy behind your eyes. There’s no way you can look at Eddie because clocking his emotion will absolutely send you over the edge.

Eddie’s already tearing up though and has a bright smile on his face. “We love you too, Liza Bean,” he tells her. “So much.”

She giggles and you scoop her up in your arms. “We love you more than anything.”

You and Eddie press kisses to her cheeks at the same time, and Eddie blows a raspberry with his, making her giggle.

Once you set her down, Eliza blows you both a kiss before skipping over to a table where a few kids are drawing, already settling in.

Eddie wipes at his eyes as the two of you step out of the classroom and into the hall. “That’s what I wanted,” he admits with a tearful chuckle.

You wrap your arms around one of Eddie’s and lay your head on his shoulder. “You okay?” you ask him.

“No.” He sighs when you press a reassuring kiss against his shoulder. “I’m just trying to keep it together for your sake,” he says.

At his words, you pull away to look at him, eyebrows raised. “This was you holding it together?” you ask.

“Oh, this could’ve been way worse, babe.”

You chuckle as he slips his hand into yours, knowing that he’s likely telling the truth.

The two of you take one last look inside the classroom and see Eliza talking and laughing with a little girl and boy at her table.

“Come on,” you say, patting the back of Eddie’s hand with your free one.

With a reluctant sigh, Eddie starts to walk with you towards the exit.

“And I know Miss Riley is younger than me but don’t get any ideas.” You smirk and nudge his shoulder with your own, trying to joke around and cheer him up a bit.

Eddie puts his hands up in defense. “Hey, she’s a teacher. I only go for babysitters.”

The late summer morning is hot as you make the journey back to your car. Still the gentleman as always, Eddie opens your door for you.

“Man,” he shakes his head as you slip into the passenger’s seat. “I can’t believe my baby is in preschool.”

He closes your door and walks around to his side, giving you time to open your purse and pull out a small object, hiding it beneath your hands in your lap. He starts the car, though you’re fairly certain your heartbeat is louder than the engine.

“Well,” you start before clearing your throat. Eddie looks over at you and there’s suddenly a million butterflies not only in your stomach, but throughout your whole body. “She’s not going to be the baby for long…”

You hand Eddie the test, watching as his expression shifts from sadness to confusion to awe as he stares at the two pink lines.

“You’re pregnant?” The excitement in his voice rivals that of a kid on Christmas morning.

“I’m pregnant,” you confirm, grinning with your own excitement. The emotions that you've been trying to corral all day finally come out, relief and giddiness flowing through you as you tell your husband what you've been dying to amongst all the other chaos of the day.

Eddie lunges across the center console to wrap you up in his arms, letting the positive test drop into his lap. “Holy shit, princess.”

“I know,” you say with a giggle.

Eddie’s still in shock, grinning from ear to ear and rubs his hands over his face. “We’re gonna have another baby,” he says, just to hear it aloud.

“And just think,” you say, “you get to do this first day of preschool thing again.”

His nose wrinkles at that prospect. “Maybe I’ll just homeschool this one.”

#eddie munson #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x you #eddie munson x y/n #eddie munson imagine #eddie munson fan fiction #eddie munson fanfic #eddie munson fanart #AYW #AYWS #older!eddie

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taexbankai · 10 months ago

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I only want you

This is chapter 4, the other 3 chapters are on my page!

Hello everyone! so just a caution of warning for this chapter, there will be the mention of drugs, alcohol and mature themes

—— time skip a few years——

“y/n you’re going to be late!!!”

“coming mom!” i yelled and quickly finished putting on the last of my makeup. I looked at myself one last time in my full body mirror

“my senior prom.. i can’t believe it” i said to myself, looking at my prom dress making sure it looked nice. I grabbed my phone and my purse and made my way downstairs

“mom you have my new heels right? I think i left the box in your room” I asked my mom as i reached the bottom of the stairs

“yeah honey they’re right here” she said as she handed me my heels

“thank you” i said as i bent down and began putting them on

“you look beautiful” yuta said to me as he helped me stand back up

“thank you babe” i said as i smiled at him. Yuta asked me out last year at the beginning of our junior year. We got close because he was already friends with yuji and megumi. we all starting hanging out a lot because yuji said i was going to “die alone” and “rot away” in my room after satoru rejected me. Once suguru, satoru and shoko all graduated and moved into the college dorms i became even more depressed because i wasn’t able to see my brother, my best friend, or my first love very often anymore. So in order to get me out of my depression i started going out more with my group of friends and tried not to focus only on satoru, yuta and i started to become closer and closer and before i knew it we had caught feeling for each other.

“okay let me take a few pictures of you two before you leave!” my mom said excitedly as she looked for her phone

“I’ll take a few polaroid pictures” my dad said, grabbing his camera

“the matching colors look great on both of you” my mom stated

“look at my babygirl all grown up! can you believe it honey? our last baby is a big girl now!” my mom said, tears starting to form in her eyes

“i know! i can’t believe it” my dad said while hugging my mom

“okay! we have to get going now or we’ll really be late” i said, grabbing yuta’s hand and walking towards the door

“what time will you be coming home?” my dad asked

“i don’t know just yet but i’ll let you know dad” i told him

“okay, be safe i love you… take care of my babygirl yuta” my dad said as he gave me a hug

“of course sir!” yuta said as we walked out the door

——————

The prom was going really well. Nice food, drinks, dancing with friends, just everything a typical highschool prom would have

“okay i’m ready to turn up, y’all wanna get out of here?” nobara said as she came up to the table i was sitting at with our friend miwa

“where we going?” i asked

“back to my house!, my parents are gone for the rest of the week so we can have an after party there” she said while jumping up and down in excitement

“just us girls?” miwa asked her

“no what the hell, i’m inviting boys. It’s prom night and i want to get laid” she said as she sat down next to me

“okay so who’s all coming?” i asked

“me, you, miwa, maki, mai, kokichi, yuta, yuji, megumi, inumaki, momo, and ino” she said while counting on her fingers to make sure she didn’t forget anyone

“i only invited people we all know and trust since i plan on getting completely wasted and even fucking someone tonight” she continued

“who are you trying to fuck?” i heard maki, another one of our friends ask. I turned around and saw maki, momo and mai walking up to our table and sitting down

“ino, he’s so fine. He asked me to prom so i’m sure he likes me” nobara answered while giggling

“i…. want to get laid tonight too” miwa said and shyly put her head down

“great! let’s all let loose tonight. We’re all 18 after all, why not?” nobara said as she stood up.

“i’m gonna go find the guys so we can leave” she said and walked away

“have any of you smoked weed before?” i asked the girls. They all shook their heads no except for maki who said yes

“we’re leaving now?” yuta asked me as he walked up to me

“yeah, we’re all going to nobara’s house to get drunk, high, and all the other crazy shit she wants to do. Is that okay?” i said, standing up

“sure i don’t mind! lets walk back to my car now then” he said. I turned and told the girls i’ll meet them at nobara’s house and walked out of the prom with yuta. Once we made it to the car yuta opened the door for me as usual and then got in the drivers seat. He started the car and turned on some music, but he kept the volume low enough so that it wasn’t blasting.

“babe.. can i ask you a question?” i asked as i turned my head slightly and looked at yuta

“of course” he said as he began to drive the car

“have you ever smoked weed before?” i asked him as i looked outside my window watching the buildings go by

“no, i’ve never smoked weed. have you?” he asked as he stopped at a red light. I felt his gaze turn on me

“yeah, one time at my 15th birthday party. my brother let me try it” i told him

“oh really? how was it?” he asked me as he began driving again after seeing the light turn green

“it was hard for me to hold the smoke in my chest” i said, a smiling coming to my face thinking back to that night

“my brother’s friend actually had to teach me because i felt like i had almost died from all the smoke. But his friend was really nice and his other friend named nanami gave me water because i couldn’t stop coughing. I took another hit after that and it was much better than the first but it had still hurt my chest a little bit. I passed it back to suguru’s friend named choso because they had a rotation going on. I was a little upset though because i actually wanted satoru to teach me but when i looked for him he was….” i stopped mid sentence. suddenly my smile faded… the feelings i had felt from that night slowly making it’s way back into my body

“y/n… why’d you stop? you okay?” yuta asked me which snapped me out of my thoughts

“yeah! sorry, i didn’t mean to randomly start ranting like that. long story short, it was definitely an experience i’ll never forget” i told him and tried to smile so he wouldn’t worry. I didn’t want him to ask me any questions about satoru

“okay.. now it’s my turn to ask a question… but you can’t get mad okay?” he said to me. I turned and looked at him

“okay”

“promise?”

“yes i promise”

“pinky promise?”

“yuta!” i said and started laughing

“yes i pinky promise i won’t get mad” i told him

“okay good” he said as he pulled up in-front of nobara’s house. We stayed in the car waiting until the others pulled up

“you never told me what happened between you and satoru” he said

“yes i did. he rejected me, you know that ” i said and looked down at my hands in my lap, not wanting to make eye contact with yuta anymore. I had a feeling he was going to eventually bring up satoru but i felt like i brought this conversation upon myself for accidentally mentioning him

“do you still love him?” he asked me. I immediately looked up at him, eyes wide at his question

“what?! yuta i love you-“

“that wasn’t my question y/n” yuta said, suddenly really serious. I looked back down at my hands

“yuta…”

“babe, i won’t get mad, trust me. I knew how fragile your heart was when i asked you out. I completely understand if you do still love him, i just feel like we never actually spoke about him and it’s obviously something that you’re still sensitive about. I just want to know the deeper details that you haven’t told me yet” yuta said as he grabbed my hands

“yes… but i love you more” i said as i slowly looked up at him

“i love you too babe” he said and gave me a kiss

“you know you don’t have to hold things in or avoid talking about him when you’re with me right? I’ve never met him but i’m sure he’s a cool guy and if you don’t hate him then i don’t hate him” yuta continued

“okay!” i said and smiled at him, really just trying to be done with this conversation. i looked outside my window and saw that nobara and the others were pulling up in their cars

“are you going to drink and smoke tonight?” i asked him

“if nobara doesn’t mind us crashing on the couch then yeah, if not then no cause i have to drive home” he told me as he took off his seat belt and started to get out the car

———————

“okay so who’s all getting lit tonight?!” nobara shouted from the kitchen

“how do you expect us to “turn up” when we all have to drive back home later?” inumaki asked her

“everyone can stay the night here. I have like 3 double blowup mattresses and also a spare room. plus i already bought everyone matching pjs to change into” nobara said as she walked out of the kitchen with 4 different alcohol bottles

“where did you even buy all this shit from?” megumi asked her

“i had my cousin buy everything, now enough with the questions, who’s taking a shot?” she said as she sat the alcohol bottles down on the coffee table. Everyone agreed to sleeping over and getting drunk for the night

“okay great! before that though… i have edibles! who wants one?” nobara said excitedly as she took out a bag of weed and another separate bag full of edibles

“fuck it, i’ll take one” ino said as he sat down next to nobara on the couch

“me too!” i said

“give me 2” maki said

“i’ll eat one too” momo said. everyone else all agreed and ate an edible

“ino can you roll up the weed? i’m gonna turn some music on and go get the shot glasses” nobara said to ino. He nodded his head and grabbed the bag of weed from nobara and began rolling it up with some wraps he had

“maki and miwa can you come with me in the kitchen and grab all the food, snacks and regular drinks please?” nobara asked them as she skipped to the kitchen. They both laughed at how happy she was and followed her into the kitchen

“do you smoke a lot?” i asked ino as i watched him break up the weed and get it ready to be rolled

“kind of, but not as much as some of my friends” he said and laughed. I laughed with him and continued watching him roll the weed, trying to take a mental note on how to roll it

“so how long does it take for the effects of the edibles to kick in?” yuta asked ino

“for those edibles, usually about 30 minutes to an hour. really just depends on your body” he said as he finished rolling the first blunt and started on the second one

“will i start acting crazy?” yuji asked ino, eyes wide and full of excitement. i couldn’t help but laugh at him

“some people laugh alot, others get paranoid. I’ve met a few people who get sleepy after taking an edible. We really won’t know until the edible kicks in” ino said, laughing at how excited yuji was

“others get horny” mai said, everyone looked at her for a few seconds in silence, ino even stopped rolling, everyone then bursted out laughing including mai

“i guess we’ll see” i said. Nobara finally had came back in with miwa and maki

“damn nobara, that’s a shit ton of food” megumi said as we all turned around and looked at all of the stuff the girls brought out

“we’re gonna need it once the weed starts to kick in. Now let’s start taking shots!” she said

—————

it’s been almost 2 hours since we all took those edibles, smoked the blunts and started drinking the alcohol and it’s been crazy. me, yuji and yuta has been laughing at everything for the past 30 minutes. maki and megumi has been arguing over nothing, barely able to form full sentences. Nobara and ino has been making out for 5 minutes striaght. Inumaki, kokichi and miwa has been extremely paranoid thinking that something was wrong with their arms and that someone was going to trust through the door and kidnap all of us, and lastly mai and momo has been chill just eating tons of snacks.

“wow this is one hell of a senior prom. I’m going to remember this for the rest of my life” yuji said as he smiled looking at everyone

“i know right, i’m having so much fun” i said to him

“hey lets play a game” nobara said excitedly as she sat down on the floor by the coffee table. We all followed her and sat down around the coffee table

“we’re obviously gonna play…. truth or dare!” she said and started laughing.

“here, we’ll use this empty alcohol bottle since it’s the smallest one. We’ll spin the bottle and whoever the pointy party lands on has to pick truth or dare. The person who spins the bottle has to ask the question or pick the dare for the person it landed on. If you don’t want to do the dare or answer the question you have to take a shot. no buts or ands about it” she said as she put the bottle in the middle of the table.

“everyone okay with that?” she asked. Everyone nodded their head and she excitedly started the game

“okay i’ll go first” she said. Nobara was directly across from me, on her right was ino and then inumaki, momo, megumi, mai, me, yuta, maki, miwa, kokichi and then yuji. Nobara spun the bottle and it landed on yuji

“okay yuji, truth or dare?” she asked him

“truth. I definitely don’t want you choosing any dares for me” he said and laughed

“Boring, but fine. If you had to pick a girl from this table to kiss who would it be?” she asked him

“hmmm… probably mai” he said. everyone looked over at mai to see her reaction

“What? I’m not even your type” she said which made everyone start laughing

“yeah but you’re still cute” he said and grabbed the bottle

“Okay my turn” he said while spinning the bottle. The bottle landed on yuta

“Truth or dare?” Yuji asked him

“Truth” yuta said

“Okay… are you a virgin? I’ve been wondering about this for forever now” yuji said and chuckled

“no” yuta answered

“What really?! I didn’t know this. you’ve never told me you weren’t a virgin” i said and turned to face him

“You never asked me” he said and grabbed the bottle. When he spun the bottle it landed on miwa

“Dare” she said before yuta could ask truth or dare

“Okay…” yuta said while laughing

“I dare you to… sit on kokichi’s lap for the rest of the game” yuta finished and smiled at her

“W-what?!” Miwa said, her face turning a bright shade of red

“Yeahhh let’s bring on the dares!” Maki yelled

“Sit on him or drink!” Nobara also yelled

Miwa quickly sat down on kokichi’s lap. Kokichi wrapped his arms around her waist to help her get comfortable before he quickly gave yuta a thumbs up which made everyone laugh except miwa who didn’t see it

“Okay miwa, your turn to spin” momo said. Miwa grabbed the bottle and once it finished spinning it landed on me

“Ouuuu y/n’s turn. don’t be a pussy y/n, you better answer the question or do the dare!” Nobara said, excited it landed on me. I playfully rolled my eyes at her as everyone started laughing

“Truth or dare y/n?” Miwa asked me

“Truth” i said

“okay let’s see…” miwa said as she thought of a question

“Ooh i know… why haven’t you tried to contact gojo since he left?” She asked. I remained silent for a few seconds before mai spoke up

“You have to tell the truth y/n don’t forget. All of us girls have been wondering this for a while now but you always avoid talking about him” she said

“Yeah and we still never met him so we don’t know what kind of guy he is. I thought you said you both ended on good terms so you should be able to talk to him right?” Maki said

“I want to see what he looks like too, how about you facetime him right now so we can see him?” Momo said. I started to feel overwhelmed with everything the girls were saying

“well.. i…” I wasn’t able to find the right words or where to even start. i took a quick glance at yuta, i was hoping this topic wasn’t making him uncomfortable but he was also looking at me waiting for my answer

“y/n if you’re not comfortable answering the question you don’t have to” nobara said which pulled me out of my thoughts. yuji, nobara and megumi were the only ones who’s met satoru, and they’re also the only ones who truly knows just how much pain and depression i was in when he had left. nobara and i became really close after he left along with my brother and shoko, so she understands why the topic is sensitive to me. But at the same time, they were right. I needed to stop avoiding the topic.

“No it’s okay, i’ll answer” I said, silently thanking nobara for looking out for me

“one of the reasons why i don’t try to contact satoru is because of how busy he’s been with school and enjoying his college life… I have him on Instagram though! He mainly just post silly pictures with my brother or his other friends. Sometimes he posts his girlfriend….” i said, trailing off remembering the last post he has posted of him and Riko a few months ago

“anyways, enough of my ranting, my turn!” I said, desperately trying to change the topic. I spun the bottle and it landed on nobara

“Truth or dare?” I asked her, already knowing what her response was going to be

“Dare” she said. I laughed and already knew what i was going to dare her to do

“I dare you and ino to be locked in your room for an entire hour” i said and smirked at her

“okay!” She said and stood up immediately, grabbing ino and forcing him to stand up too. Everyone started laughing at her excitement

“While we’re gone you guys can continue the game” she said as she started walking towards her bedroom with ino. She looked at me and mouthed ’thank you’ i mouthed back ‘you owe me’ before she disappeared up the stairs

“okay i’ll just start the next round then” momo said as she spun the bottle. It ended up landing on yuta again

“truth or dare”

“truth” he said as everyone playfully boo’d him for picking truth again

“who was the person who took your virginity?” momo asked him. everyone turned their full attention on yuta as we waited for his response…but we never got it. instead of responding, yuta picked up a shot glass and took a shot. everyone gasped in surprise

“wow you won’t tell us who?!” yuji said

“nope” yuta said and started laughing as he grabbed the bottle and spun it. the bottle landed on megumi and yuta began asking him truth or dare. but i wasn’t paying attention to them because i was too busy wondering about who the girl is that yuta had sex with and why he didn’t want to say her name. ‘was he uncomfortable answering that in front of all his friends?’ i thought. I was also a little upset that i was still a virgin and most of my friends (and now even my own boyfriend) wasn’t.

“y/n?….y/n?” i heard mai calling my name. i looked up and everyone was looking at me

“huh?” i asked

“it’s your turn silly, truth or dare?” she asked

“ummm… let’s do dare this time”

“yay! omg wait mai, i have the perfect dare to ask her!” momo said excitedly as she got up and whispered something in mai’s ear, which made mai start to smile

“okay!.. i dare you to…. facetime your brother” mai said

“what?! i told you to have her facetime gojo” momo said, a pout forming on her face

“i wanted to go easy on her” mai said in which everyone started laughing

“okay, i don’t know if he’ll pick up though, he might be busy” i said as i took out my phone and went to my contacts to find my brother’s name

“wait! screen mirror your phone to the tv so we can all see him! nobara said he was hot so i definitely want to see” momo said as she turned the tv on. i screen mirrored my phone and watched as everyone turned their attention to the tv, now being able to see everything i was doing. i went back to my face time call log and clicked on my brothers name as it started ringing

“i’m nervous omg” miwa said which made everyone laugh

“wait, turn the music down some” inumaki said. yuji immediately stood up and leaped to the music to turn it down. the phone had rang for a third time before i said the words ‘connecting’ at the top of my screen, one second later i saw my brother’s face

“hey baby sis what’s up?” he asked me. i heard mai and momo quietly gasp at the same time

“holy shit he’s HOT” momo whisper-shouted. i had to bite the instead of my mouth to keep myself from laughing at their reactions

“hi suguru!, i just wanted to see what you’re doing” i said as i smiled at him, happy to hear his voice after so long

“nothing much, just chilling at nanami’s house. I’m probably gonna leave soon though satoru is pretty drunk” he said as he laughed a little. my stomach did a little flip at the mention of satoru’s name

“oh my GOD! did you heard that?! gojo’s there” mai said quietly as she excitedly slapped momo on the thigh

“i thought satoru didn’t like to drink?” i asked him

“he doesn’t but nanami gave him a drink and said it was ‘juice’ satoru drunk the entire cup without even realizing it was alcohol” suguru said as he shook his head in disappointment

“anyways, where are you right now? it doesn’t look like you’re at home based on the background” he asked

“oh i’m at nobara’s house right now. Our prom was tonight” i said to him

“ahh okay, i was wondering why you had a full face of makeup on” he said and laughed

“who did you go to prom with?” he asked me

“my boyfriend” i said

“your WHAT?!” he yelled, completely shocked

“you never told me you had a boyfriend!, what does he look like? how old is he? where does he work at? is he treating you good? is he-“

“i’ll tell you about him later” i said, cutting him off and laughing at his over protective behavior. my friends were quietly laughing too, including yuta

“yeah you better or else imma-“

“who has a boyfriend?” my heart dropped. i could recognize that voice from anywhere

“y/n does, she just told me right now on facetime” suguru said

“really? let me talk to her” suguru passed the phone over and satoru was in the frame

“hey y/n!” satoru said to me, a big smile on his face. i could definitely tell he was drunk

“hi toru” i said while smiling back

“oh my FUCKING- WHAT THE HELL.. HE’S HOT” mai yelled

“THAT’S GOJO?! HE’S SEXY AS-“ miwa covered momo’s mouth before she could finish yelling

“shhhh” miwa said as she looked at mai and momo. everyone couldn’t hold in their laughter after that

“who was that?” satoru asked me

“my friends, sorry.” i said to him, still trying to stop laughing

“why do you have makeup on? someone’s birthday or something?” he asked me

“no it was prom night tonight” i told him

“oh okay. i remember my prom night… it was crazy. you look beautiful though” he told me with a smile. i almost dropped to my knees right then and there but i had to remind myself that i have a boyfriend now

“t-thank you” i said shyly to him. he opened his mouth to say something but before he could finish i felt my phone being snatched out of my hand

“hello! i’m mai and i’m very single and you’re very hot. nice to meet you” mai said to satoru on the phone

“and i’m momo, marry me please?” momo said as she snatched the phone from mai. I shook my head and laughed at them. everyone in the room was laughing.

“nice to meet both of you” satoru said and laughed

“okay toru i’m gonna hang up now, i just wanted to call suguru to see what he was up to” i said as momo handed me my phone back

“how come you never call me? you only ever call suguru” satoru asked

“because… you’re usually busy” i told him

“yeah but i would still answer the phone and make time for you” he said to me, suddenly very serious. my heart skipped a beat. This was the real reason why i avoided talking to satoru, yeah one of the reasons was because he’s always busy but the other reason… the main reason… the real reason is because i was scared of falling deeply in love with him again. I’m with yuta now, i’m trying to move on, but satoru doesn’t realize that his words affect me a lot

“wow….i see why you were in love with him” mai whispered, loud enough for everyone except satoru to hear

“ next time i’ll call you first okay?” i told him

“oh wow” i heard suguru said. i saw satoru smile before suguru took the phone out of satoru’s hand

“you’re so fake” suguru told me

“anyways baby sis i’m going to hang up now, we need to get back to our apartment before satoru grabs anymore to drink. i’ll talk to you later, love you” suguru said to me

“okay, later love you too” i said to him before i hung up. it was silent for a few seconds before mai spoke up

“well… let me just say…. this was the best dare i’ve ever asked anyone before in my life”

“thanks to me” momo said

“the nickname you call him is so cute. every time you said toru i could help but smile” miwa said

“he doesn’t let anyone else call him toru except for y/n, it’s her own personal nickname for him” yuji told miwa

“omg really?! that makes it even cuter” she said

“that gojo guy really is attractive” Inumaki said which made everyone laugh

“your brother is too” kokichi said to me

“okay, okay lets get back to the game now” i said while laughing. i disconnected my phone from the tv and everyone sat back down around the table, yuta didn’t’t sit next to me this time though, he sat down next to maki. For the rest of the game yuta and maki were laughing and play fighting but i chose not to pay any mind to it and continued having a good time with my friends 

—————

We continued playing truth or dare for about another 30 minutes until we got bored of it

“okay i’m done with this game, let’s watch a movie” inumaki said as he stood up and stretched

“Me too” megumi said

“Okay, let me text nobara and tell her that we’re gonna watch a movie once they come back down” i said as i took out my phone and began typing out a message to her

Everyone stood up and stretched while looking for movies to watch on their phones.

“You guys, we should take one more edible before we start the movie!” Yuji said. Everyone all agreed and yuji went to grab the bag of edibles off the couch

“I heard we’re taking more edibles ?” I looked towards the stairs and saw nobara coming back down, ino closely behind her. She looked a mess, hair disheveled, a dark purple hickey on her neck and her face was flushed a little red.

“Enjoyed your hour i see” i said and walked up to her laughing

“I sure did… now where’s the edibles? i want another one too” she said as she smiled at me. Yuji gave her the bag of edibles and she took 2 out, one for her and one for ino. I turned around looking for yuta to see if he wanted to take another one but i couldn’t find him

“hey, do you guys know where yuta went?” i asked inumaki, megumi and yuji

“yeah he went to the back with maki” megumi said

“okay thank you, i’m going to go ask them if they want their edible now” i said and started walking to the backyard. once i made it to the door i overheard maki’s voice

“but what if she asks you about it?” she said

“she won’t don’t worry” i heard yuta say. i didn’t want to eavesdrop but i was starting to get curious about what they were talking about

“but if she do then what are you going to say?” maki asked as she let out a frustrated sigh

“i’ll just tell her the truth” yuta said as he turned to look at maki

“hey just calm down, it’s gonna be alright maki” he said as he pulled her into a hug

“y/n’s my friend though, what if she hates me?” maki said. after hearing her say that my interest really was peaked. Something was obviously going on between them. Was he cheating on me? was he in love with maki? i couldn’t handle all the guessing anymore so i walked outside and up to them. Once they saw me yuta immediately let go of maki

“why would i hate you?” i asked maki

“y/n-“

“i’m asking her yuta” i said, cutting yuta off. The longer maki took to respond the more irritated i became

“well?” i said while impatiently tapping my foot on the ground, crossing my arms over my chest.

“i…. i have a crush on yuta” maki said. I stopped tapping my foot and looked at yuta before i looked back at her

“really?” i asked

“yeah. I… was scared to um.. tell you because i didn’t want you to be mad. But when i confessed to yuta he rejected me of course but tried to make me feel better” she said. I could tell she was lying, she wouldn’t look me in my eyes and yuta was also standing really stiff. Something was going on and she wasn’t telling me the entire truth. I stayed silent for a few seconds but i decided to let it go… for now

“i wouldn’t hate you for that” i said to her. both maki and yuta had a slight smile on their face, almost like a smile of relief

“i would hate you if you did something with my boyfriend behind my back and decided to lie about it to my face ” i said and put a fake smile on my face. yuta awkwardly laughed before he pulled me into a hug

“i think the weed is making you a little paranoid babe” he said. i didn’t hug him back, instead i pulled away and handed him the bag of edibles

“mhm, here’s the edibles if you didn’t already take one” i said before walking back into the house. i walked up to nobara and whispered in her ear to meet me in the kitchen. I turned around and started walking towards the kitchen. i could see maki and yuta coming back in from outside from the corner of my eye. Once i made it into the kitchen i turned on the faucet and splashed my face with water. tears started to swell up in my eyes

“hey girl everything alright?” i heard nobara ask me. i turned around and couldn’t hold my tears in anymore

“what happened y/n?! i told everyone to start the movie they found so you don’t have to worry about anyone walking in” she said as she walked up to me and hugged me

“i think… i think yuta’s cheating on me” i told her through my broken sobs

“what?!!!” she whispered-yelled

“him and maki were acting really weird, i don’t want to accuse him but i can tell something is going on. why is my love life so terrible” i said

“wow, i can’t believe that. I’ll make sure to keep an eye on them and listen out for anything suspicious. But y/n if i’m being honest… i never really thought yuta was made for you. honestly i feel like you only started dating him because he was there comforting you during your heartbreak. you mistook comfort for love, and he took advantage of your vulnerability. you still have feelings for gojo y/n and that’s fine you don’t have to completely forget all your feelings for him overnight, and jumping into another relationship won’t make you forget about gojo if you’re not truly happy. when my ex broke up with me it took me forever to get over him. i tried dating tons of different guys and even slept with a few but i was still numb until i met ino” nobara said trying to comfort me

“moral of the story is don’t let these little set backs break you down honey. If we do find out that yuta is cheating on you then we’ll kick his ass! but for now just try and enjoy the rest of your night okay? i hate seeing you sad” she said as she rubbed my back

“okay” i said and wiped the tears from my face. once i calmed down enough to make it seem like i wasn’t just crying, i walked back to the living room with nobara

————————

hey readerssss, i had to make my sweetie pie yuta be the bad guy. but the next chapter is going to have a lot more event’s going on! also satoru, suguru and shoko will be making a comeback to the story in the next chapter. thanks for reading, see you all in the next chapter!

#gojo x reader #gojo x y/n #gojou satoru x reader #jjk #jjk smut #jjk suguru #jjk x reader #jjk x y/n #jujutsu gojo #smut #geto suguru #yuta okkotsu #jjk nobara #y/n #satoru x reader #satoru x you #angst #jjk angst

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tinytinyblogs · 10 months ago

Text

It's him, always him

Your brother's best friend appears unable to take his eyes off you.

(Brother bestfriend!Han, Mention Minho as your brother, She/Her) 2,6k words

💬My muse @sta4 just sent me some awesome inspiration, and I'm buzzing with creative energy! Hope this one is alright✨ Open season on my request box! I'm a sponge for ideas, so drench me with your wildest, weirdest, most wonderful prompts!

Stray kids masterlist here

Your insights and reactions make these posts come alive. Love reblogs, comments, and all the good vibes welcome ✨

Han Jisung, your brother's best friend, as a constant presence in your everyday life, like a star that's always there on the edge of your vision. He's part of the familiar scenery in your home, orbiting around your brother like a planet around the sun. Even though he comes and goes, your eyes always seem to find him. Your interactions with Han are like small moments painted on the big canvas of unspoken words. You feel like you should reach out and become friends, but something holds you back. It could be the fear of being rejected, the fact that your social circle is already pretty full, or the mystery in Han's gaze that intrigues you. Normally, you stick to your established social connections, but Han is like a comet that shakes things up. There's this pull towards him, making you consider breaking out of your comfort zone. It's a bit like a cosmic struggle between what's familiar and the excitement of something new as you navigate the challenge of building a connection beyond your usual social circles.

He might not be a close friend, but there's a certain magic in the way he looks at you that quickens your heartbeat. Over the years, you've shared the same space, navigating the gravitational pull from junior high to senior high, always in the orbit of your brother. Be it in school or living rooms, your eyes consistently lock, creating an unspoken language of stolen glances and unanswered questions. Is this cosmic dance just luck, or is there a hidden force drawing you two closer? There's an undeniable connection between you and your brother's best friend—a subtle attraction that gracefully dances beneath the surface of your conversations. It's not an explosive sensation but rather a slow burn, a gradual collection of moments that leaves your heart humming with a peculiar, electric energy. Sometimes, this spark comes to life in simple ways, like a casual phone call that extends far beyond discussing your brother's whereabouts, filled with laughter and serene pauses, creating a space for something more.

Then, there's the moment he arrives, a subtle smile playing on his lips as he enters, silently acknowledging the connection between you. In his presence, time seems to blur, and you find yourself longing for more. He goes out of his way to ease any awkwardness, offering small gestures like your favorite snack or a surprise iced coffee on a hot day – seemingly innocent acts of kindness directed through your brother. However, you sense more than meets the eye. It's not just the gifts; it's the lingering gaze and the gentle touch of his fingertips against yours as he hands something over. The electricity intensifies when he inquires about your brother. "Oh, this is for you," he says, his voice carrying a hint of nervous laughter, "Minho mentioned you really love this." Even though he's looking for your brother, his gaze lingers on you, searching for an unspoken reaction, a confirmation of the invisible bond that ties you together. It's in these moments that you feel a magnetic pull, a connection that goes beyond the surface, and the unspoken understanding becomes more palpable.

He is consistently the one who actively seeks your presence, as if you are the sole constellation that captures his attention in the vast expanse of his world. Whenever Han's eyes lock onto yours, an unmistakable energy permeates the air, creating an aura as if a spotlight were cast upon the two of you. This effect remains undeterred even amidst the chaos of a crowded room, almost as though an invisible force highlights your connection. His joy is evident in the way his smile widens upon noticing the nuances of your appearance – be it a new hat, the playful tilt of your hairstyle, or any garment you adorn. It becomes a silent language, with his eyes softly whispering, 'You look good in that.' On the other side of this dynamic is your brother, Minho. Engaging in a curious game of feigned ignorance regarding Han's affection, he revels in teasing you, peppering your interactions with playful jabs for every minor detail. Yet, a peculiar hush befalls him when the subject turns to Han.

Even as Han's gaze shifts from the flickering TV screen to capture your graceful movements as you fetch a glass of water, momentarily suspending their game for the sake of your elegance, Minho maintains a quiet demeanor. Then, there comes an evening – an ordinary moment, yet laden with unspoken tension. As you quench your thirst with a cool glass of water, Han materializes behind you, also seeking the kitchen's watery refuge. The air is charged with unspoken sentiments, and the kitchen becomes the stage for a silent interplay of emotions, leaving the audience to anticipate the unfolding of this subtle drama. "Did you not go out to meet your friend?" he nonchalantly tosses the question your way, a casual demeanor tinged with a hint of genuine curiosity. "No, it feels better to remain at home," you respond, a smile playing on your lips. "Funny, I can relate," he chuckles, reaching for a glass. "This place practically feels like my second home anyway."

Your laughter fills the air, creating a warm atmosphere, and his jest adds a pleasant touch to the exchange. Amid the camaraderie and the brotherly bond shared with Minho, there's an unspoken truth you both understand. Han isn't merely present for the friendship; he seeks solace, yearning for the chance to witness the sunbeam smile that lights up your face. As you laugh, a subtle satisfaction flickers in him, considering it a triumph to bring joy, even through a lighthearted joke. Although he claims Minho as his closest friend, Han's footsteps lead him here, drawn by an invisible string to the place where your laughter rings in the air. His gaze lingers a bit longer than social norms dictate, revealing a connection that goes beyond mere camaraderie, hinting at a deeper sentiment that he may be reluctant to articulate. For some reason, he discovered himself drawn to your smile and laughter, eagerly anticipating the chance to see them more often from you.

It's an unwavering constant – him, always finding his way to you when the shadows drape across your heart and clouds dim your sunny disposition. Han possesses an uncanny radar for your emotional weather, as if Minho, a concerned brother, whispers to him about your momentary downpour. Oddly, you may wonder, why burden Han with your gloom? Yet, there he is, a beacon in your storm. Even when he's unsure of the right words, he navigates the choppy waters of your sadness with a slight raise in his voice, ensuring his presence pierces through the fog like a lighthouse guiding you back to shore. Amidst the remnants of your emotional storm, you emerge from your bedroom cocoon, When you stroll to the kitchen to check if there's anything you can retrieve. On the table, amidst the familiar clutter, sits a vision – your favorite pudding, adorned with a whimsical keychain, a silent poem of kindness. Attached, a note unfolds, penned in familiar, looping script: 'For you, don't be sad. You look cute when you smile.'

It's not your brother's usual scrawl but bears Han's gentle touch, a reassurance that you're not alone in your struggles, and a reminder that joy can be found even in the aftermath of emotional turbulence. A seemingly simple gesture unfolds like a beautiful symphony, resonating deep within your heart, casting away the lingering shadows of a challenging day. With the dawn of a new day, the familiar sound of the school bell echoes like a distant chime, signifying the return to normalcy after the storm that characterized your previous day. Amidst the bustling crowd of familiar faces and animated chatter, your senses remain attuned, seeking a particular warmth, a specific smile. And then, there he is – Han, materializing beside you like a ray of sunshine piercing through the clouds. His gaze meets yours, silently inquiring, "Feeling better?" His voice carries a genuine concern, sending a gentle flutter through your stomach.

With a nod and a heart heavy with gratitude, you manage to express your thanks for the thoughtful pudding "Thank you for the pudding," Han, with a nonchalant shrug, dismisses your appreciation, saying, "It's fine, really. I happened to buy too much at the store yesterday; you're welcome to it." His words are as smooth as spun sugar, yet beneath their surface lies a different truth, hinting at a deeper sentiment or perhaps a hidden motive. Unbeknownst to you, when he casually referred to 'that store,' it remained a puzzle for him, and the story behind the pudding was a cleverly orchestrated ruse. Minho, the ever-watchful puppet master, skillfully transmitted your dessert desires to him, recognizing the comfort it would bring you. His emotions, a complex web even for himself, found expression in subtle actions, like the instance when the sun's rays began to sting your eyes, casting a shimmering haze on the sidewalk.

Squinting for shade, a hand materialized, shielding you from the glare. As you looked up, his face was just inches away, framed by the hand that protected your gaze. A surprised smile mirrored across both your lips, and in that unforeseen moment, sunlight evolved into a shared secret—an unspoken language conveyed through smiles and the tender touch of his hand. Always him, a bit like a shooting star streaking across a sky you know well, his presence sets off unexpected sparks. Even after all these years, he manages to sprinkle surprises throughout your day. Sunlight spilled into the room through the porch door, casting a magical glow on your face. There he stood, Han, outlined by golden rays, your brother's best friend, but today, something felt different. A sense of nervous anticipation clung to him, like the shadow of his ever-present black hoodie.

His hand rose to scratch his nape, a familiar move now carrying a hint of newfound vulnerability. "Minho's heading to grandma's, didn't he tell you?" you inquired, a touch of surprise slipping into your voice. The question lingered, forming a connection between the familiar and the unknown. He chuckled, a nervous dance in his eyes. "He mentioned it yesterday. Said you'd be buried under textbooks, lost in the maze of some school assignment." His gaze held yours for a moment, then shifted away, as if gauging your reaction to this unexpected revelation. A thick silence settled between you, heavier than the summer sun hanging low in the sky. The air carried the weight of unspoken words, and you could sense something new lingering just beyond reach. Then, he finally broke the silence, his voice barely audible. "I came here to see you," he confessed, his words gently tumbling out like pebbles into a calm pond.

His once shy gaze now met yours with newfound intensity, and the unspoken emotions within seemed ready to spill over. Tension crackled in the air as Han revealed his secret to Minho: a massive, heart-pounding crush on you. It wasn't news to Minho, though. He had noticed it in every glance Han directed your way and in the way your name lingered on his lips. Now, Han sat beside you, nervously navigating the conversation, leading to the weighty question hanging in the air: "Do you want to go out with me? This place must be drowning in solitude. We could visit that new cake shop Minho mentioned you love – those sugar swirls you crave." The atmosphere held the anticipation of a new chapter, with emotions swirling around like uncharted territory waiting to be explored. A chuckle bubbled up inside you. "Minho sure loves to spill the beans, doesn't he?" you playfully teased, a smile dancing on your lips.

"Well, I might have pestered him a bit about you," Han confessed, his cheeks turning warm. "Why?" you inquired, intrigued by the unfolding story. "Well, initially, I thought it was because you're Minho's sister, my best friend's sister," he admitted, his voice dropping lower. "But then, I realized my feelings go beyond just looking out for Minho's sister." In the busy world around you, Han, your brother's best friend, possessed a special power – he could make your entire universe shrink down to the tiny space he occupied. His presence acted like a magnetic force, stealing your attention and blurring everything else into a fuzzy background. His words, filled with a genuine admiration, weren't empty flattery but heartfelt confessions. "You know," he'd admit, his voice slightly husky, "I can't seem to stay away. Coming here isn't just about hanging out with Minho, it's about catching a glimpse of you, about basking in the sunshine of your smile."

The connection between you and Han wasn't just brotherly loyalty; it was a captivating force that had pulled him in, leaving him unable to resist the enchantment you seemed to cast effortlessly. It felt like a gentle waltz, this journey towards your heart. Han, displaying the patience of a seasoned gardener, cultivated a connection with careful, small steps. On a sunlit afternoon, he opened up, saying, his heartfelt confession lingered, creating a bittersweet melody resonating deep within you. Han, the guy who turned the world into a smaller place and made the stars shine brighter, was gradually securing a spot in your heart, building it brick by patient brick. His voice, a gentle murmur, carried a weight you could almost touch. "If you let me," he continued, turning to meet your gaze with an intense sincerity that momentarily stole your breath. Even in the comfort of your home, dressed in casuals with a messy bun, you found yourself blushing under his gaze.

The dance towards your heart was unfolding slowly, with each moment adding another layer to the captivating rhythm of your connection with Han. His carefully chosen words unveiled a future you hadn't dared to dream of. "If you let me," he repeated, his voice filled with emotion, "I'd like to take you on a date. Not as your brother's best friend or you as my best friend's sister." The world may present a multitude of faces, but your heart recognizes only one. It's the hand that seamlessly fits into yours, the laughter that ignites your soul, the smile that paints your sunrise – all him. He's etched in the lines of your laughter, in his quiet moments, woven into the very fabric of your being. Once again, it's him and always will be. His presence acts as a whisper of sunshine, dispelling shadows and coaxing a genuine smile onto your face. His grin mirrors yours, creating a silent symphony of shared joy that sets your heart into a gentle dance.

In his company, butterflies pirouette in your stomach, expressing a secret language known only to your souls. Each word he utters paints a beautiful picture of a future that now seems not only possible but enchantingly real. If the flicker of connection between you, often labeled as love, burns in his heart too, and if your dreams align with his wishes, then there might be a path ahead, and you're perfectly fine if it's always him. "Then I want a cheesecake," you playfully declared, a challenge gleaming in your eyes. It was bold, asking for the impossible, but you knew he wouldn't hesitate. He was that kind of person – someone who built castles out of daydreams and crafted constellations from wishes. And just like that, his lips curved into a smile so warm it could melt glaciers, a symphony in itself. "Sure, cheesecake for our first date," he promised, his voice as smooth as honey dripping off a honeycomb. But it wasn't just the words; it was the way his eyes crinkled at the corners, the mischief echoing like a playful puppy in his tone. It was an unspoken assurance that even in this vast, swirling cosmos, your whims were his constellations, your desires his guiding stars.

©Tinytinyblogs

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decentishoutsidersthoughts · 4 months ago

Note

Ponyboy college headcanons please??

Here you go!

Ended up at University of Oklahoma on a track scholarship that wasn't a full ride but was still decent. It’s about two hours away from Tulsa which is a bit closer than he wanted but he’ll still take it (he wants to get as far away as he can eventually. He majors in English and wants to become a high school English teacher.

In a modern AU he would’ve filled out the FASFA and it would’ve said he was like- horrendously in need. Like expected family contribution zero. He’d laugh really hard at it and then cry a lil bit. (Him and his brothers all worked together to pay the tuition in the end)

Darry and Soda drove him there on move in day. Soda bawled like a baby the whole time and Darry even shed a couple tears before they left. Ponyboy acted like he was excited to leave and it didn’t bother him, but the second they left he definitely broke down sobbing in his bed for like an hour.

He calls them once every couple days and visits on some long weekends and most of his breaks. Whenever he visits it’s like a big deal there because he’s the first person to go to college in like forever.

He actually does make a lot of friends in college, especially the track team. He goes to a lot of parties and does a lot of stuff he was never allowed to do at home for his first semester. After a bit the excitement wears off though and he mellows out and finds a balance between the two.

He gets along with his roommates fine. One of them becomes like his best friend, the guy reminds him a lot of Soda. They don’t see the other roommate very often because of their schedules but when they do he’s polite and fun to be around.

He gets a job at a pizza place and at first it was really great because they’d let him take the leftovers home so him and his roommates didn’t have to worry about food much. But then he very quickly got tired of eating pizza four days a week.

During his freshman year he gets a girlfriend. She’s really a sweetheart and her parents love him. They broke up during his sophomore year and he was heartbroken.

He will call Soda and Darry crying during finals week at least once. Every single time, without fail. At this rate they’ve learned to expect it and it doesn’t phase them.

One time the gang all went there to surprise him and he was so excited. He showed them all his favorite places and they met his friends. It’s still one of his favorite days to think about.

During his junior year he decided he wanted to try and live in his own place. He found this one bedroom apartment that was really cheap and went ‘oh my god this is awesome’

He learned very quickly why it was so cheap. He only lived there for like six months before Darry was like ‘absolutely not-‘ He went back to the dorms after that

One time him and his college friends went on a road trip during the summer for a few weeks and he absolutely loved it.

Ponyboy went to the NCAA and all the Greasers rode that high for years. The Socs are pissed tf off by this entire situation btw.

That’s all I have for now but I may have more later idk

#the outsiders #ask me anything #ponyboy curtis #sodapop curtis #darry curtis

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staticnonapus · 7 months ago

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I see you like Beast Wars II

Where do "YOU" think Lio Junior comes from?

So what title is suitable for Lio Prime (Convoy)? Mama? Papa?

Hehehe are you sure you wanna know…

We all know the canon origin which is Lio convoy’s matrix splitting into two etc. I’m okay with that and will be using that when not talking about valveplug.

Buuut there is so much valveplug potential to it. He went missing for a good while, being stranded on a foreign planet helpless and alone and you tell me he ‘had a kid’ afterwards… What if he got knocked up by some random mech (or even local organic if that’s physically possible??) and ended up giving birth to lio junior. He was a bit traumatized and in denial so he didn’t want to acknowledge it and didn’t tell anyone about it. His crew might eventually find out the truth tho.

The newborn was taken care of by the lion that rescued him, because he didn’t want to take a new spark to battlefield and there wasn’t anyone else available back then.

That’s why I tend to call him mama lion. Not only because lion junior said it first but also it fits the mechpreg narrative lol

On a side note, since lio junior was raised by a lion he probably was unashamed about mech reproduction… When everyone was trying to hide lio prime’s relationship with galvatron (and how incredibly fertile their leader is) lio junior already knew that his mama was carrying a new spark. Instead of being abashed he was just excited about having younger siblings and becoming a big brother.

#ask

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elisysd · 1 year ago

Text

1. Guess my childhood is over

Masterlist - Previous - Next

Chapter soundtrack: Older - Alec Benjamin

She will miss her room. That’s what Julia thought as she was finishing packing. Today was her last day in her childhood bedroom before leaving to pursue her dreams. A few months ago, she finally achieved one of her biggest life goals. Well, at least she was one step closer to it. After a lot of interviews and tests she had gotten a job as a junior engineer for the F1 team Skoda. It was a team from the back of the grid, with almost no budget even though they were helped by Ferrari, especially with the engine. But still, she was so damn proud of herself. All those years of sacrifice finally paid off. She would work on the tracks with the team for the whole season. It was a one-year contract for now, but they had made it clear that if they were happy with her, they would gladly keep her. She was excited and she couldn’t wait to start. From a very young age she had always been passionate about how cars were working, how they could be improved to be faster. And that’s what she was about to do. With enthusiasm, she locked her big suitcase and put it in the corner so her dad could bring it downstairs later.

Stepping out of her room, she was welcomed by happy barks and a fluffy Australian Shepperd. Bailey was the family dog that Charles got them almost ten years ago. Even if originally, Bailey was a dog for her little brother Louis, she had quickly taken a liking for Julia and at some point, she became more like her dog than her brother’s. Not that he minded, he didn’t care much about her.

“Hey my girl! Let’s go eat. Come on.”

The dog began to turn around her, wiggling her tail.

“I’ll be playing with you later, I promise.”

Bailey barked again and Julia rushed downstairs. Her mom was in the kitchen, finishing to prepare the lunch as her dad was reading his notebooks and taking notes. She took the plates that were on the kitchen island to put them on the table and on her way, she took the opportunity to kiss her dad’s cheek, taking him by surprise.

“Ready for the season, princess?” Charles Leclerc asked his daughter.

“I can’t wait to be the one who will bring the ideas to upgrade the Skoda and make it faster than your Ferrari!”

“Don’t think I’ll make it easy for you. We worked hard on the car and I have the feeling we will be very competitive this year!”

“More competitive than Lamborghini?” asked Julia to tease her father.

“We hope so.”

A few years ago, Charles had taken the job of Team Principal of the Scuderia. Julia remembered how they came to their door one day, practically begging her dad to work with them. She was nineteen at the time and had only started her college degree, but she remembered how her dad hesitated a lot before finally agreeing. He didn’t want to leave his family behind again, knowing that it was what had almost cost him his marriage a few years prior. But her mother had insisted, saying that he would regret it if he were saying no. It took time to bring back Ferrari at the top. Three years. Three years of hard work of intense recruiting and negotiations but they finally managed to become vice-champions in the constructor’s championship twice in a row, behind Lamborghini. Not where they wanted to be of course, and Charles was hoping that this year, they would finally be on top.

“Ju? Can you go tell your brother that lunch is almost ready?” told her Lyanna, making Julia stood up and go to her brother bedroom.

She knocked on Louis’ door but heard nothing. Slowly and softly, she opened it to see him lying on his bed, reading a comic book, his headphones securely put on his ears. She stood in front of him so she would be in his field of vision before waving and taking away his comic book.

“Lunch is ready.”

He nodded and stood up before leaving the room closely followed by his sister. When seeing his kids back, Charles smiled and put away his notebook as Lyanna was coming with a plate for Louis where she had separated the vegetables by colours and size. Louis also took a little bag of potato crisps and made sure to make two sides: one where the crisps were full and one where they were not. It was always like that he always had to separate everything before eating or it was triggering him. No one was paying attention anymore to his little quirks that Julia found endearing.

“What were you doing, Louis?” carefully asked Charles.

“Reading.”

“Yeah? And what are you reading.”

“A comic book about Spiderman that mom bought me, yesterday.”

Julia was seeing that her father was struggling to find ways to make him talk. For as long as she could remember the relationship between her father and her little brother had always been weird, often uncomfortable. Not from Louis’ side, but from Charles’. He never knew what to say or how to say things.

“Do you have any fun facts about him to tell us?” asked Julia, knowing very well that her brother was a mine of information when he loved something.

“Oh yes. Did you know there is an alternate version of Spider-Man where Peter is an anthropomorphic pig. His name is Spider-ham.”

“No way! That’s so cool!” exclaimed Julia.

“How did you learn that?” said Charles.

“I don’t remember.”

Charles sighed. It was not today, again, that he would achieve a more than two sentences conversation with his only son. He looked down on his plate as Julia saw her mom scooting closer to him and put a hand on his thigh.

Louis didn’t talk much during the lunch, not that he talked a lot anyway but usually, when Julia was giving him the opportunity to talk about things he loved, whether it was Marvel, animals (insects in general) or music, he was unstoppable. But not today. He ate in silence, with his noise cancelling headphones that he didn’t put away and when his plate was empty, he left the room to go back to his bedroom.

“I’m going to see him.” Julia stood up as well and followed him. When she finally caught up to him, he was already back on his bed and with his book. “Louis… talk to me.” she pleaded him.

“You’re leaving me.” he said as a matter of fact, but Julia could hear an ounce of sadness in his tone.

“You know that I have too…”

“You always promised me you would be there for me.”

“And I’m not backing down on that. You know that if I could bring you in my suitcase to have you with me I would.”

“You will be all over the world. You won’t have as much time for me as you have now. You will have new friends and you will forget about me.”

“That’s not true. I will call you every day. And you can text me whenever you need someone to talk to or to help you with your homework.”

“I don’t need help with my homework.”

And Julia knew it was true. Her brother was a little genius. A little genius that her parents didn’t want to put to school, preferring to have him studying at home. Julia sometimes felt guilty about that. She didn’t have the most amazing school years, being bullied because of her last name. People always liked to reject her or to use her in order to have access to privileged places. It was something she didn’t like to think about as it was always bringing back bad memories.

Sometimes, the insults, the pulled hair and the nasty remarks were coming back haunting her. If she had a hard time trusting people, it definitely came from that time of her life. She still remembered vividly the pain it caused her when her first boyfriend, when she was fifteen, played her and made her believe he loved her only to find out later that it was just in order to meet her dad. It had been a hard pill to swallow and since then she had been careful around men. She never really had a boyfriend since that time. Of course, she had a couple flings and one night stands, but it was never serious. She didn’t let anything be serious. Her only focus was her career and her dream to work one day alongside her dad at Ferrari.

Her parents didn’t want Louis to go through what she had gone through and had decided to let him be homeschooled. They knew how cruel people could be and since he had been diagnosed with autism, it was less frightening to keep him sheltered. Julia was not always sure it was the best idea. Louis would have to face, sooner or later, the world and how cruel it could be.

She looked at her little brother and couldn’t help but feel guilty. He would be alone. Sure, he had their mom, but Julia was the only one Louis would willingly confide in. She was his pillar. And Julia was scared that without her here, he would crumble. She tried to think that it was not as different as when she was away for college. But still, she was coming back home whenever she could, and she was in Switzerland so not far away from home. Now, she would be all around the world, with messed up time zones.

“Are you hating me for leaving you?” she asked seating on his bed.

“I’m not angry to see you leave, just sad, I guess. You are the only one who understands me here.”

“You know that’s not true; you have mom too. And Bailey. You will take good care of her for me, right?”

“Mom is mom. It’s not the same. And I’ll take care of Bailey. Australian Shepards need a lot of attention. So, I will try to play with her twice a day for an hour.”

“Thank you, Louis. Can I hug you?”

“Did you wash your hands before?” he asked seriously as Julia rolled her eyes.

She stood up and went to the bathroom before coming back showing him her clean hands.

“Done. Can I have my hug now?” she insisted.

Louis went to her and threw his arms around her clumsily. He hated social contacts. He could barely tolerate his mother’s kisses. But Julia was not the same, she was his favourite human being.

“I love you. Always. Whether I’m three meters away from you or on another continent, I love you.”

He sighed and she felt him nod. He pulled away from her and put back his headphones, letting Julia know that he didn’t want to talk anymore. She left his room to face her dad that had probably heard their conversation. He was not trying to be subtle about it.

“I wish I was as good as you with him.” he told her.

“You’re trying, dad. That’s what matters the most.”

“That’s what your mom said as well.”

“Well, listen to us then.”

“Like your uncle Arthur would say, Leclerc’s women know best.”

“And he is absolutely right.”

Charles threw an arm around his daughter shoulders and kissed the side of her head. They soon joined Lyanna in the living room who is petting an enthusiastic Bailey.

“So, how are you feeling about everything?” asked her mother.

“It’s strange. It’s a mix between excitement, nervousness, and fear of failing.”

“It’s normal things to feel, princess. I was the same.”

“It’s going to feel weird to have you both away…” confessed Lyanna.

“I’ll take care of her, Lya.”

“Oh no! Please don’t embarrass me!” groaned Julia.

“That is basically my job as your father. That and scaring boys away from you.”

Lyanna and Julia both rolled their eyes making Charles laughed. It was always amusing to him to see that his daughter had similar if not identical expressions to his wife.

“And about Ethan… how do you feel about that?” asked Charles.

Ethan was Julia worst enemy since kindergarten. They never got along, nor did they really try to. Fortunately for her, as Ethan started to get really good with karting and later made his way into F3, then F2 to end up finally in F1 three years ago, in Maserati, a midfield team affiliated to Lamborghini, the new name of Red Bull, she didn’t have to see him or interact with him more than necessary.

“I’m not going to work for him or with him for what matters, so I won’t see him much. And as long as he is not acting like a dick, everything should be fine.”

“I hope so. You are both adults now, surely you can act like civilized people.”

“I know I can. The question is, can he?”

“Julia… He is not that bad you know. He is a bit of an idiot sometimes, but who wouldn’t be considering how he grew up.”

“Dad, I know that you like him. For unbeknownst reasons. But using his childhood as a way to excuse his behaviour is just not it. I think Louis and I are the perfect examples of growing up privileged but not being pretentious assholes. You and mom did a pretty good job raising us to be humble and hardworking people.”

“Julia, he is not that bad. He is actually a very focused driver, always asking questions, always wanting to learn. always trying to get better. It’s admirable. He is going to get big.”

“That’s just a facade, dad! That’s a mask he puts on to make people like him. Why can’t you see that? Don’t you remember how ruthless he was with me? Like the one time he stuck gum in my ponytail and mom had to bring me to grandma so she could cut my hair? Or the one where we had this school trip and he just decided that it would be funny to hide my lunchbox somewhere and I couldn’t eat. And I have tons of other examples!”

“Now you are being dramatic.”

“I’m not! I know exactly who he is deep inside. He is rotten. It’s crazy that you can’t see that!”

Her parents smiled at her. They were used to it by now and were not taking it seriously anymore. It was a rivalry that was lasting for more than twenty years now. With an angry gesture Julia left the room. She had a few things to check before being sure that she would not forget anything.

In her room, she took her time to print every corner of where she grew up in her mind. She looked around and went through the mess she accumulated over the years. Her eyes found a vision board, made when she was 12. She smiled when she saw written in bright red capital letters, in the centre of the board, almost taking up all the space “WORKING FOR FERRARI”, and next to it between parentheses with her adult writing “with dad”. In the box under the board, she found pictures of her, her mother and her father, on racetracks, when she was young, before Louis’ birth. She found her favourite one from Le Mans where her dad participated along with Max. It was a bittersweet day, she had to spend it with Ethan, but seeing her dad accomplishing one of his dreams was a wonderful experience to witness. One they shared just the two of us. She folded the picture and put it in her purse.

As she was sitting on her bed caught up in her memories, she didn’t hear her mother coming and taking place next to her.

“I remember this picture. It was maybe your third or four Monaco Grand Prix. You were five years old, something like that. Your eyes were glued to the cars, nothing could make you look elsewhere.”

“Yep, that’s sound like me.” smiled Julia.

“I don’t tell you this enough but, I’m proud of you. I know how far you’ve come, and I know how hard your worked to be able to be where you are today. I’ve never doubted you. Not once second. You have the stubbornness of your dad.”

“Dad would argue and tell you that it comes from you.”

“Your dad is an idiot.”

Julia laughed.

“I wanted to give you this. So, you have something from home when you miss us. Whenever you feel blue, you just have to hold onto it, and it will be like I’m right by your side.”

Lyanna took out of her pocket a black velvet box. When Julia opened it she found a red bracelet with a little horse on it. It seemed old and the iron was slightly rusty. Beside the horse, there was a movie clap next to the Monegasque flag. Two wedding rings circled around each other and two baby socks, one pink and one blue were completing the bracelet. Julia recognised it and knew the importance it held for her parents; it was a perpetual reminder of their story. Julia put it around her wrist and hugged her mom.

“I promise I’ll never take it off and I’ll take care of it.”

“I have no doubt you will. I want you to add things to it. It is yours now, Julia. It is your story to write. But no matter what, your dad and I will be by your side. Forever and always.”

The next morning, she was boarding the private jet that was bringing her to Bahrain for the pre-tests and her first GP. She would stay on the side for starter, just the time for her to adjust, and then progressively she would get tasked on specific things to look at on the car.

“I know that being Ferrari team principal comes with some perks, but it always shocks me. It shouldn’t, but it does.” she said, moving awkwardly in the alley of the plane.

“Technically, it’s supposed to be for Ferrari team members. And since you are working with Skoda, you shouldn’t be here. It’s a favour, I give you Julia.” joked her dad.

“If you want to get into technicalities, Skoda uses your engines so… we are allies.”

“There are no such things as allies in F1, princess.”

She sat opposite to her father and looked outside the window. It would not be long before they took off. A few hours later, as they were both bored to death, Julia looked at her father pensively, biting her lips as if she wanted to say something but didn’t dare to, something her dad caught.

“What is going on in this little head of yours?”

“Can I ask you something?” she asked with hesitation.

“Anything. You know that Ju.”

“Why don’t you want me to work with you?”

He put down his notebooks and crosses his arms against his chest. He took his time to answer her.

“I’m not going to teach you how F1 is a make-or-break kind of world. You know that. I don’t want to people to think that you are where you are only because you are my daughter. They will look down on you. I want you to prove them wrong. And you can’t prove them wrong if you are already with me. You are talented Ju, you have an eye for details, you are smart. I want you to show them that you are a fighter and that you deserve to be there. I would love to have you working with me, it would be a dream. But before, show them all what you are made of.”

“And what if I fail?” “I’ll have your back. I’ll always be there if you need me. For whatever reasons. But you are my daughter, you are a Leclerc, and we don’t give up when things go rough, we fight with all we have until the end. And that’s what you’ll do.”

Author's note: And let me introduce you to miss Julia and her family that you already know!! I love her, she is amazing and you have seen nothing yet hehehe. I hope you caught the little Cruel Summer reference that was there.... 👀 let me know in the comments.

I can't wait to read your thoughts about it, so don't hesitate to leave a comment or an ask, as well as reblogging and leaving a like. It helps a lot for the story to find its audience. I also have a taglist for this story, so if you want to be added so you never miss a chapter, let me know.

Taglist:

@herondalism @aundercover @musingsbyshreya @karmabyfernando @reengard @mycenterfold @smoooothoperator

#writing #fiction #charles leclerc #charles leclerc fanfic #max verstappen fanfic #max verstappen #f1 story #f1 fic #f1 x reader #f1 imagine #f1 fanfic

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lazypanartist · 2 years ago

Text

Chapter 3

---

A Rose By Any Other Name

Would Feel As Frigid

Warnings: mentions of violence, other questionable activities, theft, and the American school system

Notes: a little over half of you said to name Reader, so that's what we'll do!

SO chapter 2 finished up the 1st Belle Reve visit. Here we're starting round 2!

---

"And all you did was interview them."

Adam, our yearbook drag-along, seemed annoyed. "Some psych kids can only DREAM of seeing into thoughts of criminals like these!"

Rachel bumped her brother's shoulder, setting her lunch tray down next to his. "Big whoop. The staff, here AND at Belle Reve, don't want us to keep being delinquents or whatever."

"They're sick of us already," I offered. "Guards don't wanna see us, school doesn't want to deal with the fallout if we get arrested. And the inmates probably don't want us locked up with them, for the most part."

Adam scowled at me. Typical maneuver from him, really.

"Yeah? I'm sick of seeing you, too."

I smiled at him, watching as his scowl deepened.

"Feeling's mutual, A. Get any good pictures of Ray and Shimmer? Or did you get to everyone but me?"

"I'm getting student-inmate interactions next time. The guards gave me a small tour of the prison yesterday - it's massive!"

"No kidding.." My mind floated back to the giant gate we had gone in by. "Absolutely huge."

"Next visit's next Thursday." Rachel reached across her own tray, grabbing something off her brother's. He gave her a withering glare, but she only smirked in response.

Adam sighed, turning his attention back to me. "The guy in charge - Mister Strange, I think - said that you guys are doing something a little different next week. Apparently everyone's getting a guard this time around.. not just everyone but you."

"Huh." It was the only intelligent response I could find.

"Yeah," he filled in. "Must be bad if there aren't any exceptions."

I nodded. "What do you think it is? Pairing us off?"

He shrugged. "Good question. Whatever it is, it'll probably get into the school paper."

Rachel sighed. "So everyone knows how much trouble we're in?"

"Nope." Adam nudged his sister's arm gently. "Not if they don't already, of course. School's painting it as an excursion for the inmates to get outside interaction."

"Oh." Rachel perked up slightly. "Because they don't want to spoil their own name?"

"Probably." Adam shrugged. "If it was up to me, it'd be a chance for you guys to learn from your mistakes and see what you could become. Which it is, of course, but that's not what the school's saying."

"Right." I nodded. Rachel copied the action, grinning when our eyes met.

"Good thing, too," she giggled. "I'd hate to have everyone know my sins or whatever."

Adam rolled his eyes. "You were just dragged into it, Ray. You'll be fine."

"Yeah.." Rachel mumbled. All I could do was silently agree with her hesitation.

–

Cameron seemed excited the next time I went into the interview room. I noted in the back of my mind the lack of cuffs, and Bob stepping into the room behind me.

"Casey! Welcome back."

"You seem.. hyper?" I was wary, of course. He hadn't seemed this openly emotional the last visit, and the sudden presence of his demeanor..

His eyes widened, and he looked past me to the guard. "You didn't tell them?"

Bob huffed in what was probably contempt. "Nope. Get up." And with that he passed me, heading towards the door behind Junior.

I eyed the inmate questioningly, and he grinned.

"You're getting a tour! Of course you probably don't want to, but if you keep on your "current path" or whatever you're here for.." he trailed off with his air quotes before motioning for me to follow. Bob was holding the door open on the other side, a similar hallway to the civilian side laid out in front of me. I could see Lainey and Devastation, flanked by two guards, down the hall already.

"Psst."

She glanced back, and I waved. Lainey smiled, returning the gesture before rounding a corner I hadn't seen previously.

Oh.

"So, today's agenda." Junior slowed down, walking next to me in the hall. "Is of course, the tour. From what I hear of my dad's chat with the director, Strange, you're sticking with me all day." He put emphasis on the "all", dragging it out. "That means bunk check, lunch, rec time, everything."

"Fun," I offered. "So, like 60 days in without the jumpsuit."

"Exactly!" He grinned, nudging my arm. I could hear Bob huff in front of us, but he obviously wasn't bothered enough to react further.

We rounded the corner, passing through a door (Bob was behind us now, holding it open.)

I must have gasped. All I know for sure is that the size of the intake was massive - probably to contain some of the larger incoming inmates.

We ventured through a few more hallways, Junior talking the whole way. Things about "two inmates per room", "twenty rooms per side of the hallway", "two sides per hallway", and a few more things about the bunk check. Something about the lifting and shaking of mattresses and bedding to check for stashed contraband.

It's been a while, so I don't remember for sure. I wasn't listening much anyways, instead taking in the concrete surroundings.

It took a minute before I noticed that we weren't following Lindsay and Devastation anymore.

"Hey, Junior?"

His nose wrinkled. "Please, Cameron's fine."

"Sorry.. Cameron. Where'd the girls end up?"

"Oh!" He gestured towards our left. "They took the left hall in intake. Whole place's segregated by gender except intake, outgoing, and interviews. I don't know why we took the long way to bunks.." he glanced back at Bob, who merely huffed as his answer. Cameron turned back to me and shrugged before taking an abrupt right, down another hallway.

"And.. here!" He stepped into a cell, turning around and spreading his arms. "Ta-da!"

I glanced around. It was.. space. Four concrete walls, a metal bunk bed that looked older than Bob.. there wasn't much bedding either. A small toilet took its place in a far corner, a blanket strewn beside it.

"Huh."

He glanced behind me before chuckling, eyes falling slightly. "Yeah. It's not much, but until I'm 25, it's home."

My eyes widened. "Oh, wow."

He nodded before motioning me closer. I hesitated and he rolled his eyes.

"He can't check my bunk until one, you're out of the doorway." I stepped to the side, and Bob walked past me. "And two, my bunkmate's here."

I blinked before taking a step towards Cameron and the bunk. "Who's your bunkmate?"

"Oh, not a big name or anything." He smirked. "Just Mister Freeze."

I blinked. "Oh."

He looked quickly between Bob and I before rolling his eyes. "Oh, come ON! Do we even really have to wait for him?" When Bob didn't answer, he sighed. "He's still shadowing my dad! There's no way he'll get here in time for Case and I to finish the tour!"

Bob thought for a minute before huffing again, passing between Cameron and I. The other teen's eyes widened before meeting mine again, flashing a grin and thumbs-up as Bob struggled up the bunk's ladder.

We kept glancing between Bob and one another while we waited, Cameron offering a smile every time our eyes passed. I started returning them after the third.

Finally Bob came back down the ladder. I could hear footsteps coming down the hall as he painted quietly.. quite a few sets, actually.

"Congratulations, Junior." Cam's nose wrinkled again. "You're set. I'll walk you 'n Casey back t' the chow hall - if it 'as up to me, they'd fully integrate for the tour." He rolled his eyes before turning. "You two'll have plenty of supervision without me there too, but Director Strange made it clear that you," he turned momentarily from the door, pointing at Cameron, "should have another set of eyes on you."

Cameron chuckled. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."

"Like I said." Bob finally got the door back open - he must have jammed the lock - and started back down yet another hallway. "If it 'as my choice, they'd all be in suits with the same restrictions as you inmates. If the school's plan is to scare you kids straight, they need a better strategy!"

I sighed, rolling my eyes when Cameron shot me a confused look before smiling.

"Right. Guards want us here for real? Can't blame you."

I could tell that the previous day's sentiment was true - most people at Belle Reve were sick of us already. Cameron, though?

He offered me another smile in return, nudging my arm. "Please. It might actually be bearable if you stick around."

"For eight years?!" I laughed. "I don't think I'd make it!"

He shrugged. "Hey, if you and me stick together, you'll be okay."

I could tell, even back then, that he was right. Even if I didn't know what it was about..

---

WHOOH finally finished this chapter! So much brain fog rn! Chapter 4 coming asap, love y'all, ciao!

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glitterslittleuniverse · 2 years ago

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LUMINA and the HYBE FAMILY

TOMORROW X TOGETHER

It’s pretty obvious that the people she’s closest to in the company would be the members of TXT. She met them after she joined the company and although some of the boys were a little shy and awkward at first, it didn’t take long for them to warm up to her and become good friends. She’s around their age which made it easier to connect with them and they treat her like a little sister. She’s the biggest MOA out there. She always attends their concerts and promotes their songs like no one else. They’re her number one support system. When she feels lonely she goes straight to them and they provide her with all the comfort and cuddles she needs. She adores them like they’re her real big brothers, she doesn’t know what she would do without their support.

BTS

Eunbyeol doesn’t see very much of her Big Hit seniors. She’s met them a few times but things don’t usually go further then polite greetings and formal conversation. She may be a little shy around them because they are her seniors and are so much more experienced then her that she just doesn’t know what to say to them. However the member she’s most comfortable around is j-hope. He was the first to reach out to her and tell her she could speak comfortably around him. The two of them have very similar personalities and get along well despite their almost ten year age gap. The other BTS members may be a little jealous of j-hopes friendship with Eunbyeol. She’s Hoseok’s baby, nothing can change that.

ENHYPEN

Such a sweet sibling relationship. They debuted in the same year so they’ve always been supportive of one another. She’s always so excited when she runs into them at the company. They drag her places like the arcade because they know she hates feeling lonely, she’s always grateful they remember her and include her. She’s good friends with all the Enhypen members but the one’s she’s closest to are Sunoo and Jungwon. She talks to them a lot and they confide in each other. They just need to call her and she’ll come running, ready to encourage and cheer them on.

SEVENTEEN

Eunbyeol aka luckiest Carat on the planet. She’d been a big fan of theirs for a long time before meeting them in person. You can imagen how nervous she was. She was so shy, there’s so many of them she didn’t know who to look at but the members all found her super adorable. The Seventeen members were very welcoming and kind to her that they became closer very quickly. They know she’s a fan of theirs and now they’re her biggest fans too. They fuss over her and praise her whenever they see her. They’re her big brothers now and they’re proud of it.

fromis_9

The big sisters she’s always wanted, she loves fromis and they love her. Whenever she meets the members they treat her so sweetly and always ask her how she feels, if she needs anything etc. They spoil her by sending her food or taking her out to eat with them. Eunbyeol became especially close friends with Jiheon, who is the same age as her. The two of them like to hang out whenever they have the chance.

LE SSERAFIM

Wherever Le Sserafim is Eunbyeol can usually be found too. The biggest supporter of their debut ever. She was so excited and happy, they’re her first junior girl group and she’s gonna take good care of them. Closest to Kazuha, as they are the same age. She is also particularly soft for the groups Maknae Eunchae. Eunbyeol and Eunchae are like magnets, she lives for doting over the younger girl. Her favorite junior group #1.

NEW JEANS

Her favorite junior group #2. She just adores them so much. The only group with all members younger then her, Eunbyeol is determined to be a big sister they can rely on. She isn’t super close to the members as yet but she’s seen them a hand fall of times. She always praises their good work and encourages them.

LEE HYUN

Eunbyeol met him right after she joined Big Hit and the girl was pretty much starstruck. They talked for a while and after that he treated her to dinner. Ever since he’s taken up the role of her uncle, always checking up on her to make sure she’s doing okay and eating well. She has such a massive amount of respect for him as an artist, being under the same company as him feels so surreal. She can talk to him about anything and he’s always willing to listen. They have such precious friendship that Eunbyeol cherishes deeply.

BAEKHO

Sunshine and sunshine's protector. Baekho is so fond of her and she’s super fond of him too. They’re both really friendly and bright people so it didn’t take long for them to become friends. He acts like her older brother and spoils her more then anyone. Being with Baekho just makes her so happy and he’s one of the people that makes her feel safe and secure. She greatly admires, respects and appreciates him.

HWANG MINHYUN

Someone she’s not very close with but wishes to get to know better. They’ve met a bunch of times but Minhyun’s usually very busy so they don’t see each other much. He’s one of the artists she wants to collaborate with most because she loves his voice a lot. She really looks up to him and hopes they can be good friends one day.

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thereaderarchive · 2 years ago

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ch.46: Bigger than me

• for @drarrymicrofic prompt: Bigger than me by Louis Tomlinson ♫ (sept‘22) | words: 1511 | all chapters / prev / next

This is long, Ron-centric and yet, if you have read the previous chapters, only possible thanks to Harry and Draco during 8th year, so... sorry if it's a weird drarry microfic, please ignore if it doesn't fit the rules. Give ch.37 a quick read for context.

"Do you ever ask why it's not black and white?" (Louis Tomlinson).

Ron lives in a delicate balance for a while after the war. There is hope, big expectations and, a second later, hopelessness, a space forever emptied inside his heart. Oh, he can go on about his day, but it hurts every step of the way. He is maimed and can't even start to imagine how it is for his mum... or George.

He is quite lucky, he knows. Order of Merlin and the only glory that counted when one was a kid: your face in a chocolate frog card. He is celebrated by Cannon players, he is loved by the girl he loves, and he is alive- he even got his NEWTs. He worked for them! And now he is ready: He will become an Auror, he will stop all of this from happening again, he will do whatever it takes for kids not to fight dark wizards, and for brothers to never be separated. He will... with his best friend.

Expectations aren't reality, however. Harry left after their first day.

"I can do it- I simply don't want to anymore, Ron," he says. And what is he going to say back? "Don't leave me alone"? Harry deserves peace, more than anyone else he knows. So Ron hugs him tight (they do that now). He will never miss the chance to hug one of his brothers ever again.

Neville is with him, so that's okay. There are more recruits now than in previous decades, it sounds good on paper, but in reality, they are all former kid soldiers. Neville, Dean, Lavender, Alicia, Cho, Hannah, Parvati, Terry.

He trains hard and studies harder. He proves his place. He will be the one to protect them now.

Training is tedious and surrounded by bothersome secrecy. He's magically prevented from telling Harry or Hermione why he can't move his arm for a week, that he has a curse now, "Just for practice so you kids know how things are on the field!" Savage chirped, all broad smile the bloody bastard, as if he didn't know how it is in a war.

When Hermione asks, his mouth says: "I drank too much and fell down the stairs", his tongue tied by a bloody curse. His mum hears and demands to know who are these drinking companions, probably to ask his dad to keep an eye on them because Harry would have never let him hurt himself. Harry whispers that he would have, and they laugh before being scolded. His meal portion is smaller than usual.

Two years later, he's finally a junior, still in training (Merlin, when will that be over?), but now he can help instruct the recruits, and that's exciting. Things are falling into place, too: Harry has just opened his bakery, Hermione is advancing in her career, and he's waiting for the right time to propose. Then Malfoy enters the picture. He's slandered by his peers.

Something you need to know about the Aurors Academy is that is not the place for blooming friendship and companionship, half the time Ron thinks they want you to quit. In the past, he wouldn't have cared, but his best friend protected the ferret, so when the other Aurors and trainees voice that Malfoy should be "rotting away in Azkaban", they are talking against Harry's better judgement, and none of them was there as they did. Only the senior Aurors train with Malfoy -they have to, not that it keeps their mouths shut- until Ron gives the first step. Such a grown-up. Maybe Hermione would find him sexy if she knew. He can't tell her, but the thought helps him through the days.

"You're using too much force, mate," he says. Malfoy turns pink-eared, and Ron expects him to fight back, he's been waiting for his reaction every day since he arrived all proper and mute in the grim training rooms, but Malfoy doesn't say a thing. His lips are thin and white, tightly pressed together before trying again slower. It's not what he should do, so Ron explains again. Fast and delicate, precise, until the movements become natural.

Months later, training together develops into eating bagels together because well, Ron deserves to treat himself after leaving thousands of puddles of sweat on the training room's floor and studying until he wants to take his eyes out of their sockets and place them on ice water. They add some pints months after that, it goes well with food, nothing else. Malfoy is quieter than before and Ron only wants to punch him 15% of the time they spend together. He is still a right arse when he opens his mouth, but most of the time it's because he's a posh git.

In retrospect, he should have known it would happen. He was so convinced he was going to be partnered with Nev that he never even thought that being the only one willing to practice and hang out with Malfoy would make him THE sole candidate for the partnership.

He should be grateful to have a partnership before graduating, the senior Aurors said. And Ron did say he wanted to be treated as everyone else. What was he thinking?! He hates it. One thing is doing what Harry would, another is having to spend every single working hour of the rest of his career with Malfoy, who is still a complete git, chips and pints notwithstanding. He's a clean freak, for starters, and no one can touch his things, even if the item in question is a little paper scrap forgotten on the table for a whole week.

The graduation ceremony is formal and quick. Dawlish hands his charcoal Auror robes (no more trainee-maroon) and badge, then Head Auror Robards himself informs them he's graduated with First Class Honours, which doesn't mean much, but Hermione's eyes are wide as saucers, and Harry and Seamus (invited by Dean) wolf whistle until they are given disapproving glances. He's taken for pictures and when he finally joins his friends, Harry is glancing in every direction like Pig when he suspects there is bacon for breakfast.

"Yeah, a bit depressing, innit? I suppose half the secrecy is due to the fact this place hasn't been cleaned in centuries," Ron says examining the grim offices he'll be occupying officially now.

Hermione snorts, sipping her drink. "Oh, Ron, he is not looking desperately at the decor."

"I'm not looking desperately at anything," Harry hisses, frowning at Hermione.

"Right. Someone explain."

"Trust me, mate, you won't believe me, but I saw Draco Malfoy," Harry whispers.

"You believe you saw something white-blond by the corner of your eye, Harry," Hermione clarifies.

"Yeah, Malfoy!"

"Draco Malfoy at the Aurors' graduating ceremony?" She deadpans.

"That's- um- well... he will, eventually. Now that you mention it- maybe I should tell you that- we- willy- Gillyweed has many potential side-effects on the respiratory system than can last up to three months after an excessive intake," he recited, lips moving and forming words he hadn't meant to say. So the spell is still in place, bloody hell.

"Malfoy is an Auror?" Harry asks, ignoring the Gillyweed information Ron didn't know he knew, rude. Hermione seems a tad impressed. Maybe that's wishful thinking.

Ron wonders if he can answer, the charm goes from unimportant information to embarrassing secrets if you keep pushing it. It should be a curse. "Training to be."

"Oh," Harry says. There is a shy smile on his lips.

"That's... unexpected," Hermione musses.

"Why?" Harry asks, frowning, defying in his voice while he turns to Hermione. "I'm sure he wanted to clear his name. And he should be good at it if he's been accepted, right? Is he? Any good, I mean?" He says, eyes on Ron.

"In reality, maroon isn't my colour," Ron says instead of 'I can't fucking speak about it, you pillock'.

"No, it isn't," Hermione agrees. "And it's unexpected because he wasn't in the NEWTs classes needed," she admonished. "I'm sure he's good at it if he's graduating. Anyway, perhaps he wasn't the blonde thing you saw. I do wonder if it's been tough- Aurors weren't exactly pleasant to him that day at his trial," she turns to Ron now. Harry is worrying his lip.

"I made a gnome explode when I was five! He'd stolen my sandwich! I wanted him to trip, not explode!" Ron's mouth says. "Bloody hell! Let's change the topic, shall we?" He can't say the Aurors had been arseholes with Malfoy, that they are on friendly terms and that he is his partner. "He's in good hands," Ron manages to say when he notices Harry fidgeting.

Neville, Lavender, Dean and Parvati join them accompanied by a singing Seamus wearing Dean's brand new badge, which is against the law, but who cares. They are a happy and chaotic bunch, life is good they are the group Ron wants to work with to make their world better. He is so distracted by their plans to keep celebrating for the night that he doesn't notices when Harry disappears from the group.

Read chapter 58 to know where Harry was / what happens next.

#where did harry go you ask? WHERE DO YOU THINK?!#he was rapidly becoming obsessed with draco malfoy #drarry microfic #romione #drarry drabble #this is too long i'm sorry i just love ron very much #drarry #thereaderarchive writes #giving in to the love

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fundiesimsfamily · 2 years ago

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Babynews

We are over the moon with the birth of our healthy baby boy, Winston Rogers. Named after Zara's father. We love watching him and Mia together. Leo&Zara Rogers, Mia

After eight years of marriage, the Lord has blessed us with a son. Praise Him! Forever and evermore. He is adored by his big brother and big sisters. We have named him Benjamin junior, short Ben. Benjamin&Luna White, Jack, Janine, Juliënne, Joceline

Thank the Lord for all his blessings. And He has blessed us yet again. We are expecting baby Villareal #3! Max&Grace Villareal, Shania, Harry

We are so excited! We will become parents soon. We can't wait to hold those two precious little bundles of joy. Yes, bundles! We are expecting twins. Rohan&Faith Elderberry

So exciting being pregnant together as sisters, Grace Villareal (Leppert) and Faith Elderberry (Leppert)

#fundie #sims 4 #fundiechurch #babynews #faithleppert #graceleppert #maxvillareal #rohanelderberry #shaniavillareal #lunavillareal #benwhite #zarareagan #winstonrogers

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nifemisdistortedramblings · 1 day ago

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THE CANON EVENT

(A Short Story About COVID-19 From The Eyes Of A 13 Year Old Nigerian Girl)

Tuesday, January 21 There’s nothing particularly special about the day. I wake up to the disharmonious sound of my sister, Kiki’s snoring. The shrill cry of the kettle pierces the otherwise quiet morning and scares away any sleep left in me. I sigh. I have to stand up now.

Mother is in the kitchen making our breakfast for school.

“Mide.” She frowns, her hand subconsciously placed on her pregnant belly. She‘s surprised that I'm awake this early.

I greet her and surreptitiously grab one slice of bread to toast. I go to the sitting room and turn on the TV.

Lately, I’ve developed a fascination for CNN, my attention drawn to the 7 o’clock News. Today it's about China, a country I’m gradually learning is outstanding in the technology field. I stare at the headline: NEW VIRUS OUTBREAK IN WUHAN, CHINA. The reporter is talking about a state of emergency in ‘affected areas’, travel restrictions, and other vague words. The toaster pops. I take out the bread.

Mother walks in, Bible in hand. It’s time for our morning devotion. She glances at the TV and tells me to turn it off. I do so and go to wake my sister up. Just as we begin to sing, a phrase the reporter said flashes through my mind. This could become a pandemic.

Tuesday, March 24 Mrs Abu walks into the class. Everyone goes quiet. My friend, Daniella, slips me a note.

Eze is looking at you

I turn to where Eze is. He glances away, smiling unabashedly. Daniella giggles and starts to say something but Mrs Abu cuts across her.

“The closing bell will soon be rung. As soon as you hear it, pack your things and go home.”

The class remains quiet for a millisecond until Chisom, the Class Captain, asks, “Why are we going home, ma?”

Mrs. Abu sighs and says in that you won't understand anyway tone, “Mr. Luke just said you all should go home.” The closing bell rings, reverberating throughout the school. “I'm sure you'll come back tomorrow or maybe next week. Now, put down your assignments.”

Daniella whispers, “It‘s because of that coronavirus. My daddy told me about it.”

I don't say anything. My mind is preoccupied with thoughts of Eze. He likes me back. I make a mental note to talk to him tomorrow.

Wednesday, March 25 I leave my bedroom, fully dressed for school. I catch a glimpse of the time and my heart skips. As I reach the front door and am about to open it, Father opens it from the other side. He‘s in his work clothes, black suit and tie. He must be returning from his workplace.

“Where are you going?” He asks.

I stare, my mouth suddenly dry. “I'm going to school.”

He steps in, closing the door behind him. I edge back to let him enter. He says, “Your school said you shouldn't resume yet. Come back inside.”

The words hit me, a roiling wave of confusion mixed with dread mixed with anxiety.

No school.

No Eze.

No Junior WAEC.

I turn around and go back inside.

Thursday, March 26 Father peers above the Punch Newspaper he’s reading and tells me, “The Ministry of Education said all the schools should close. There's no school until further notice.” He then murmurs something about telling my brothers to return home.

I don't bother to dress up for school. After breakfast, I join him in the sitting room. He‘s reading the Sports section. He smiles at me and we remain in mutual silence for the rest of the morning.

I notice an amusing article about Edo State saying it’s prepared to host the National Sports Festival despite the coronavirus outbreak. I instantly know that wouldn't be possible. This coronavirus is getting serious. Schools are closed. The country’s borders are closed. Over 40 cases have been reported. I can feel this…shift in the atmosphere. Something big is happening and I’m almost giddy with curious excitement to see how it’ll play out.

Later That Day My two brothers, Timi and Jimi arrive from university. We all go out to welcome them grandly, complete with Kiki climbing on their backs, squealing delightfully. I can sense something amiss when my mother doesn't ask as she usually does, When are you two going back to school?

Monday, March 30 Yesterday, our parents took us to that new ShopRite Mall.

“We need to buy food,” was all Father had said.

And buy we did. Everything from cereals to the packaged garri that Mother hates (*those things are swarming with cancer *were her exact words) to several packs of Coke. I later noticed that we weren't the only ones doing this. The line at the counter was long and unending with people who had bought loads of food. I asked Mother why everybody was doing this. She averted her eyes and murmured, “We have to be prepared.”

On the ride back home, I heard a phrase on the car radio: Panic Buying. The woman reporting said people were Panic Buying when it wasn't necessary. Father got livid.

“How can they know it isn’t necessary? Countries are already going on lockdown! Nobody is leaving their house! Before you know it, our government too will go on lockdown! We should be prepared!”

No one else spoke. Not even Kiki, who was just glad not to go to school. I watched the roads become more and more deserted.

Today, I wake up and go straight to the TV for updates as I now usually do.

Lagos State has gone on lockdown.

Monday, April 13 Today is Easter Monday. We watch the Easter service on our church’s TV channel. This is what it has come to. Online church services. Father says he likes it.

“This is like an eye-opening event.” I heard him telling one of his friends on the phone yesterday after the Sunday Service. “Church meetings don't have to be physical. God is everywhere.”

I don't care much about the televised services. I care more about the rising numbers of coronavirus deaths. Thousands and counting.

Then, the news comes around noontime just after I finish reading my schoolnotes.

Nigeria extends lockdown.

The mood becomes sour for the rest of the day. Father, who had planned to go out today in search of things we need at home, just stares at the television screen for a long time before his phone begins to blow up with phone calls from work and he retires to his bedroom. Kiki goes on playing with her toys, oblivious. Timi and Jimi also don't seem to care, the former always scrolling through social media, the latter always playing games on his phone. Mother doesn't get out of bed. When I go in to see her, she tells me, “I’m just tired, Mide.”

I wonder if she means that she’s tired of the coronavirus pandemic or of staying in the house all day.

Monday, April 27 Things are getting boring. I’m not enjoying this lockdown. There‘s nothing to do. Well, there‘s always an electricity supply - which is a first - so I spend the whole day in front of the television. I‘ve stopped reading my books. What’s the use, really? The lockdown doesn't look like it’s ending soon.

My father and I binge-watch movies, stopping to tune in to the news channels for daily updates on the coronavirus.

My mother stays in her room, her stomach now bigger.

Timi and Jimi only come out for food and sometimes church services. The other day, Father and Jimi argued over something so trivial. Jimi talked back at Father and stormed off into his room. Father banged and banged on the room door but Jimi didn't come out.

Tuesday, April 28 The weather is warm today. Father wakes up in a good mood, pretending to have forgotten yesterday’s event. He takes one look at me where I am sitting before the TV and says I have to “begin schooling again.”

He pulls out our old radio which surprisingly still works and that’s how I find myself having a virtual class one hour later. The teacher’s voice crackles a lot but I jot down notes, whilst wondering if Father‘s transferring aggression from Jimi to me. Father stays beside me, occasionally leaving to answer phone calls from work. Mother comes out of her room, sees me sitting studiously beside the radio, and pats my back.

“Well done,” she says, and I convince myself that I just made her day.

Tuesday, May 5 Today is Mother’s birthday. We sing the Happy Birthday song and she laughs wholeheartedly even when Kiki showers her with confetti (it's just bits of paper that I suspect were torn from her schoolnotes). Father hands around bottles of Coke and slices of Mother’s homemade cake and we all sit and eat and go on with our daily activities; I, radio school, Kiki, less radio school, more playing and scattering the whole house, Timi and Jimi, well, just staying in their room.

Oh, I almost forgot. Yesterday, Nigeria relaxed the lockdown! It’s about time!

Monday, June 1 Oh My God. Guess what I just saw on the news? Nigeria has lifted the ban on religious gatherings!

You know, I had a weird dream two days ago. I dreamt that I was back in school and I could see my friends and I was so happy. But then I woke up to reality and felt like going back to sleep. The thought of school makes me excited. I haven't left this house in months. Months!

Wednesday, August 19 Things are looking up. Other countries are ending their lockdowns. I can sense our lockdown ending too. You won't believe how thrilled I was today when I heard an okada outside.

Tuesday, September 22 Mother went into labour today. I'm hoping for a safe delivery.

Friday, September 25 I now have a baby brother. Father can't decide on the right name. Kiki suggests ‘Coro’ as in the coronavirus, but Mother just ignores her.

Thursday, October 1 The curfew has been lifted! I feel a bit dizzy with disbelief. I survived the coronavirus pandemic. My whole family too! What now? What next?

One Month Later I’m back in school. Everyone is happy to see each other even though we have to go over all our work again. I hug Daniella and I feel…tense. Father has warned me about social distancing but here I am hugging my best friend whom I haven't seen in several months.

All that radio school helped, though. The teachers are saying we’ll still have to sit for our Junior WAEC.

Mother has begun working again. Father too. Mother sews nosemasks and gives some to Father to sell at his workplace. Well, business is booming.

Wednesday, December 2 I keep thinking I have COVID. Nobody at school is strictly following the safety rules, not even the teachers. Everyone dons the nosemasks but ignores the social distancing rules. Maybe I have the virus and am asymptomatic like that State Governor. I'm afraid my whole family has caught it from me too. Really afraid.

Thursday, December 24 Father is sick. So sick. Today, he and Mother went to the hospital. I'm still waiting for them to return.

Thursday, December 31 Father hasn't returned from the hospital. Mother came home today and broke the sad news. He has COVID.

Friday, January 1 There‘s no school today. Kiki and I are talking in our room when they come. Our aunts. My grandfather. The pastor. Instinctively, I know. Before they tell us.

Father is dead.

For a brief second, I think the tears won’t come. But they do. There’s a pain in my chest. A ringing in my ears. Kiki is tugging at my skirt, asking why I’m crying, her voice a faraway sound. At some time she leaves. I stay where I am, standing alone in my room, listening to my mother’s wails.

I can't believe I thought I was lucky.

#covid 19 #still coviding #covid isn't over #pandemic #covid #death #trigger warning #Mayweallheal #Mypov

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vanya-imyarek · 2 years ago

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Dr Jordana Zielinski, better known to the general public as the villainess Rusalka, first found out about her powers in an extremely violent way that is not at all indicative of her conduct for the rest of her life.

The fact is, her boyfriend was trying to drown her in a swimming pool. An extreme reaction was perfectly understandable, in that context.

To be fair, Jordana had started dating him for his money, not for personality. She was seventeen years old at the time, the 90s in Poland, and came from a pretty poor family.

She had spent her childhood cramped in a small rented apartment with her parents and three siblings, contending with them the scarce and cheap toys they received exclusively for birthdays; their food was mostly brought by ration cards issued by the government; her idea of the Adult World was complaining and worrying about lack of money, and she remembered well the uproaring laughter her brother had attracted when, still young and naive, he had mentioned going to university. Their future perspectives were as cleaning ladies, waiters, truck drivers, manual workers, to live in conditions just as underpaid as their parents, or perhaps join the emeigration flux. Rinse and repeat with the new generations.

Jordana's siblings had seemed to more or less accept this as their fate; but Jordana had always dreamed of luxury. She read on whatever foreign magazine shhe could get her hands on about the latest fashions, alluring makeup, and the glamorous, far away life of TV and movie stars. She had never told this anyone, but she spent so much time daydreaming of being in their place.

By the time Jordana went to high school, a lot of socio-economical changes had incurred, which had improved the life of a precious few while mantaining most in their previous status. In practical terms, this resulted in Jordana meeting Albert Kowalski. Well, meeting is a big word: she had become one of the many, many first-year girls swooning over this boy, one year older than them, who already seemed a fully realized man.

Son of an important politician, grown up in a mansion which living room was bigger than Jordana's whole apartment, and which had a garden with a recently-built swimming pool; he had never wore anything that wasn't foreign label since he had dismissed diapers; every year he travelled with his family to distant, exotic beaches in the summer and dazzling mountain resorts in winter, and he had already seen most of the European capitols when he had begun high school. Those who had been invited to parties at his house swore he had video games.

To his credit, Albert wasn't a miser with his good luck: he regularly threw parties for his 'friends', meaning most of his class and several others both juniors and seniors, to partake in the famous mansion, give a try to the video games, take a swim in the wonderful swimming pool, and drink to levels their parents would never have known about, or so they hoped.

Sure, there were other voices about him, which grew from year to year. He and his closest group of friends had taken to beat up quiet, introverted kids in their junior classes; something had happened that had forced one of the presumed 'victims' to switch schools; one had a cigarette burn on his cheeck, and refused to say who it was that had done it to him. But who could know for real? They were just rumors, surely exaggerated, and Albert was cool, he always invited everyone to so many exciting things!

Jordana, who had spent her first two years of high school in relative anonimity, found herself growing so much more pretty by the time she was sixteen. In fact, one of the prettiest girls at school! So many boys turned their head when she passed by in the corridors, so many boys tried to ask her out, to chat her up, to get a little of her attention. But she didn't care much for them: because Albert Kowalski himself had noticed her, and offered her dates in fun, cool places, and soon she had become his actual girlfriend!

For a while, she felt like her dreams had come true. She was regularly invited to the beautiful mansion; she went out with him on his motorbike; she received a design dress for her seventeenth birthday. He was charming, confident, smart, always ready to compliment her and say the right words to make her feel like the most special girl in the world.

For a while. Then the first putdowns came. Comments on her weight. Comments on her clothing. Sarcasm about the status of her family, and this was what created the drift. She actually had felt ashamed for the comments about her appearence, thought she would have had to put herself on a diet, to try and make her cheap clothes look more elegant, so as to not cause him a poor figure. But her family? Nobody of them could help the conditions they had born into. Her parents hadn't given them much luxury, sure, nor much affection or emotional support, but they had made sure they never got truly cold or hungry! How was it possible that her boyfriend, so nice, couldn't understand it?

He never listened to her on this. At first, he told her that he was just joking, and that she needed more of a sense of humor; when he kept dismissing her family, and she kept arguing against him, then the problems grew worse. He began actually insulting her. Yelling at her. The remarks on her appearence, weight, intelligence grew more frequent. And this drove her nuts. What had happened? He was so kind and caring at the start, how had he turned out like this? Was it her fault? No, she had only argued against him and tried to get him to see her perspective! It wasn't enough for such a change!

But things kept changing, for the worse. During one of their arguments, he hit her on the face. He looked more hurt than her by this, and quickly gave her all of the apologies, reassurances that he didn't know what had gotten into him and it wouldn't have happened again, flowers and a lovely necklace as an apology gift. She had been so shocked by how sudden all of this had been, that she didn't really know how to react. She had accepted the apologies, and stayed with him.

But it wasn't the last time. He hit her again, and again, and then Jordana was sick of it. She didn't care anymore about his apologies, his charm, everything he had to offer. She was dumping him, forever.

Jordana made one critical mistake when announcing this decision: she was at his mansion, with no one else around, next to the swimming pool. He had just slapped her once again, but the look in his face when she announced her decision to break up with him was something she had never seen before. The next moment, she was thrown on the ground, her head under the water of the pool, his hands around her neck.

Her memories of the first time she used her powers were confused. There was so much water, in her mouth, in her lungs, and she couldn't get Albert off her, and she was about to die, and then, and then the water surged and grabbed her assailant, dragging him down. She didn't even ask herself how that was possible, all she cared about was that he stayed there, far away from her as she ran like never before in her life. The water obeyed: Albert Kowalski remained there until, a couple hours later, his parents returned home and, among scream and cries, dragged his corpse out of the swimming pool.

That of Albert Kowalski was the one and only murder 'Rusalka' ever committed, and it had been entirely involuntary. In the following days, Jordana couldn't even really believe it had been her: sitting in front of the policemen, she shamelessly lied and claimed she had gone away earlier than the presumed time of death of her boyfriend, because of an argument. She didn't make a word about the attempted strangling: if she had given them reasons to suspect her, even for self-defense, Albert's family lawyers would have eaten her family alive. The investigations thus reached a dead point, with no signs on the corpse of an external force keeping him under the water. The police concluded he had felt suddenly ill while taking a swim, and accidentally drowned.

The whole school went in mourning for Albert's passing; hundreds of candles and flowers were placed outside the graveyard, lamenting the sudden and tragic end of his young, brilliant, promising life. Jordana herself didn't cry a single sincere tear: she pretended to avoid seeming suspicious, she accepted the condolences she received as his girlfriend, but she could only think to what kind of monster he would have become if he had lived. That, and wondering if she had actually caused his death.

The following week she spent most of her earnings on a two-days trip to a lake city. She reached the lake in the middle of the night, with nobody in sight, and there, she tried to command the water.

She could. The tides stopped moving according to the natural laws and bent to her will, the lake started splashing, retiring, creating new shapes among the waves, evaporating and then coalescing back into water. Jordana was confirmed as having superpowers.

The first thought she had, was that yes, she was responsible for the death of Albert Kowalski. This didn't make her feel very guilty. The second thought she had, was wondering how to use her powers to get the great life she had always dreamed of.

The slacking, unmotivated student Jordana Zielinski had been suddenly and unexpectedly became an ace in chemistry. She spent most of her days studying molecular composition and scomposition, especially regarding fluid bodies; she began using the local library for independent study of it. Her grades became better and better, to the pleased approval of her teacher and the vague worry of her parents, who feared she was thinking about university; to which Jordana smiled and said that sure, she was actually thinking of a chemistry degree, but only when she would have amassed enough money to allow it.

A few months after, the richest families in town began suffering from a string of unexplainable burglaries. Someone broke into their houses, helped themselves to their valuables, and then ran away. So far it's normal, the curious thing is that there was no sign of effraction. No alarm ever sounded, no security camera ever recorded someone approaching the house gate, no dog left in the garden ever barked. The police and the local hero community soon began to suspect a superpowered villain, and launched an investigation on their database, especially regardin villains with teleportation abilities.

Nobody was in a position to link this to a teenager's sudden proficiency in chemistry.

After just a few years of small apartments shared with a number of other girls and cheap meals and clothes, of low paying jobs and long hours of study, she was now Dr Jordana Zielinsky, majored in Chemistry.

She had transferred abroad to get to university, and this had helped things somehow: after university taxes had finished siphoning out all her black market earnings from the goods she stole, she could finally pay nicer places to be and things to have for herself. She found a job as a science teacher in an American high school, and when people asked about her eccentric lifestyle, she simply handwaved it as presents from a rich family.

Those were some excellent years. Rusalka, as went by the 'action name' she had taken soon after discovering her powers and by now referred to herself more often than her birth name, had now rented a whole apartment all to herself. And what an apartment! So many spacious rooms, so many big windows looking on a nice residential quartier in center city, with s eplendid, large balcony to match. It had been all hers to furnish, and she had had a wild time with that. She had takene her time chosing carefully from the most expensive, stylish furniture brands, to get her place an air of sophissticated comfort and warmth.

She had renowed her wardrobe, now consisting of elegant, smart designer suits and flowy dresses, never too bold or eye-catching, but impressive for their class. For the first time in her life, she had access to real jewelry, actual gold and silver and transparent gems, to try out and match with outfits. It was like she herself was her own beautiful doll, with so many exciting ways to accessorize.

She went on vacations. She finally saw with her own eyes shining white beaches and seas as transparent as gemstones, admired high and solemn mountain peaks from the comfort of a resort suite, and she never once felt out of place. She travelled to cities of historical and artistic interest, probably learning more things in each one than she had ever bothered to do back at school.

Yes, those were fun, exilarating years. Of course, they couldn't last for really long. The heroes, now of the American community, were on the prowl for whoever kept infiltrating houses of rich people to run away with their most expensive valuables, and it didn't take long before the usual teleporting suspects were cleared. They soon realized there had to be a new supervillain around, and her lifestyle, so incredibly lavish for a simple high school teacher, started seriously attracting some attention.

Appearently, someone bothered to run a background check on her, and discovered a family whose only material wealth consisted in presents they had gotten from her. It was clear that she had some activity on the side; and it was her chemistry specialization that gave the detectives some ideas on her modus operandi.

Admittedly, the ability to manipulate the molecules of whatever was in a fluid of whatever sort, including dissolving and recomposing her own body and stolen goods, wasn't a very intuitive power; but the hero team who got her the first time was somehow convinced that she could turn into dust and break in via air ducts. They had basically surprised each other, but the ensuing fight had been quick: once they had blocked each and every escape Rusalka could have had, she had voluntarily surrendered and consigned herself to the authorities. She was in for a lavish lifestyle; she wasn't in for truly hurting anyone to get it.

Things didn't look much up after she was deported back to Poland for her trial. Not only for her theft, but because the discovery of her powers had reopened the closed case of Albert Kowalski, now that there was concrete proof that she could have committed his murder.

The case shook the public opinion quite a bit: not only in the intervening years people had started sharing childhood stories about how the deceased wasn't that great of a person, rather dangerous and violent, but his own family had been involved in scandals. People were divided between believing her a murderous gold digger, or a poor infatuated kid who had lashed out in self-defense.

Frankly, Rusalka had no interest in defending herself in front of a court, or prove anything about a guy who was now in the process of feeding the worms. She wanted to leave the overpopulated, filthy, squalid prison and go back to the lovely lifestyle she felt she had just gotten a taste of.

Besides all these pleasantries, the prison was also underfounded, and unable to hold in many superpowered criminals. One day, she simply dissolved herself in the showers, and escaped through the sewer system.

In the thirty years that followed, Rusalka established herself as a notorious international supervillain.

This isn't to say that she was feared. The heroes had caught on by now: Rusalka had her own code.

She never killed. She never even truly fought: when she was cornered, even if she was alone against a hero less powerful than her, she would surrender rather than get into a fight and risk harming someone. No prison could manage to held her for long anyway.

She never caused any major damage to infrastructure, that wasn't her kind of crimes. She had never even truly caused serious problems for someone: she never robbed anyone poorer than she was, nor anyone who would have had problems recovering from a financiary loss. All she did was simply lifting a few jewels and art pieces here and there, to put them on the black market and get enough money to get the life of a movie star for a few weeks.

As for the woman herself, she felt as if she was living at the maximum. She moved frequently, never staying too long in the same place or even in the same State; she usually presented herself as a client to some luxury hotel, and paid for her stay by infiltrating other suites and selling the expensive jewels and watches of some fellow tourist.

She had to frequently change her appearence to avoid being recognized, but she found it actually fun. She got to try all the newest trends of hair styles and colours, all the new designer makeup to present an always different visage. She had to change her wardrobe frequently, but extensive shopping was seen as nothing unusual for women who could allow themselves to reside at the high-end hotels and dine at the finest restaurants even alone.

If Rusalka had to pinpoint a downside in her lifestyle, it was the loneliness. She didn't miss a sentimental partner: after Albert, with whom she had probably never been in love as much as taken in by the luxury he represented, she had never had anyone, and she really had no problems with that. She missed having friends: in the environments she moved in, meeting people was meeting new potential victims, and she couldn't allow herself to get too close to someone who could have figured out her identity and denounced her to the authorities. There was no one she could confide in, no one to share with her the thrill of adventure and a theft well done, or even the everyday pleasures of a economic wellness she always felt so new.

Ironically enough, the people she was genuinely friendlier with were the heroes. They already knew who she was, they were already going to bring her to the police, so there was no pretension involved. They already knew she didn't like violence, and had never done anything truly reprehensive, and she was such a breath of fresh air from the usual world-ending, mass murderers and brutal serial killers that they were actually friendly towards her.

In a few occasions, Rusalka had even collaborated with them. She had found, in one of the houses she was robbing, documents implying a senator in a human trafficking ring; in another, she had personally witnessed a TV star viciously beating his wife; in another, proof that a leading politicians was receiving briberies from a local weapon industry. In these cases, she had spontaneously gone to the resident Hero Association, and denounced the facts. She had ended up in jail too, but in at least one case, the rich and influential monster had actually gotten what they deserved.

All in all, Rusalka was a liked, even respected villain in the international superhero community.

All of this didn't explain very well why Rusalka was currently crouching behind a half demolished wall, with a hero with explosion-based powers looking around for her.

She had been in the middle of one of her heists, and the guy had showed up to arrest her. She had greeted him pleasantly before hightailing it as usual, but he had blasted the shower, her favourite getaway place, before she could even get close. And then he had kept the blasts coming, with the clear intention of hitting her.

Rusalka had been forced into a disordered escape, while the blasts demolished the house all around her. Seriously, what was this guy on? Was it safer to consign herself directly with no further resistence? Would such a person even care that she was surrendering and stop his attacks?

Time out for the decision. The hero had found her. His hands lit up, preparing a blast; she immediately raised her own.

"I surrender" she declared. "I won't try to escape you. You can take me to the nearest police station, I won't make any resistence"

He raised his hand, preparing to throw. "You would just escape again. You always do"

"True" she admitted. "And you think this is worth killing me over?"

"You are an irredeemable, amoral monster" he declared, and let out his blast.

Rusalka threw herself to the side, and focused on the idraulic system. The water, her oldest and only ally, once again rose to her aid, bursting out of the tube and drenching both the hero and the explosion, stunting the latter and stunning the former.

Rusalka jumped to her feet. "Now this is enough!" she yelled. "Now you calm down and explain me what all of this is about, because it is a recent thing you young heroes came up with and I don't think your pathetic one liner justifies all of this!"

The hero looked taken aback, like a child scolded by his mother. Looking at him better, Rusalka could see he was actually very young. Maybe even seventeen, the same age she had discovered her powers. Did they really let kids so young into the fray?

He wasn't the first, as she had said. Recently, a new wave of fresh young heroes, different from the old generation she was acquainted with, had started coming at her with all their might. First a girl who could manipulate sand and had tried to bury her, then a guy who could control plants and had tried very hard to imprison her in the core of a tree. She had assumed that it was because she was their 'starter villain', the first criminal they faced after training, and hadn't given much weight to the thing, even wishing them good luck next time; but maybe she should have paid more attention to their screams about her being an evil monster.

"You always escaped from justice!" the boy declared, slightly more uncertain than before. "You never paid for your crimes"

"There is a difference between this and being an irredeemable monster" she noticed. "Is this really worth killing someone over?"

"You did kill someone" the kid replied, as if he had suddenly remembered something that gave him great strenght. "That boyfriend, when you were my age. His family has spent the last thirty years grieving for him and knowing that his killer is at large, enjoying life!"

"He was trying to drown me because I was leaving him" she observed. "Should I have let him? My family's grief would have been lesser that his?"

"You could have said that to a court!"

"My family would have been ruined if the trial had been against someone normal, let alone rich and powerful like Albert"

This seemed to get quite through the boy, who lowered his head in embarassment. Judging by his skin color, he probably had had some experience with injustice himself.

"You are still a criminal at large. You deserve to be punished for your crimes!"

"We go back to the starting point. Is it worth becoming a murderer over? Granted, I feel no remorse for Albert, but if you are someone who believes firmly in justice, you might differ"

"Quit it! I'm fucking tired to see people get away with their crimes! I'm not playing nice like the other heroes and letting people go!"

"Aha" Rusalka felt a surge of pity for the boy. "This isn't really about me, right? Or any of the petty supervillains that new heroes have violently taken down as of late. So, who did you see escape justice?"

The boy just glared at her.

"They were rich, weren't they?"

"They were powerful" muttered the boy. "It was like no matter what they did, they couldn't end up in jail because ... just because. A lot of them are politicians. They don't even have superpowers, they are just in the system. I know that the shit they do is worse! I've seen them hurt and abuse their staff and family, because no one has the guts to sue them. I've seen them cover up human trafficking because they got bribes, or because they got girls carried to their rooms. And at the same time, they rule out laws that would actually protect people, prattling about 'values'! They're fucking hypocrites!"

"And the other heroes?"

"They don't do anything. They say that this is not the kind of evil we can deal with, but they're just scared that they will be targeted if they go against them. Or, sometimes, sometimes the heroes do these things too"

"So, what you are saying is that the others like me and myself aren't the worst evil you can think about. We are just the evil you can actually punish, because there is no one powerful to back us up"

The boy said nothing.

"As far as I know, underaged heroes are assigned to a mentor. Who is yours? What do they have to say about this?"

"I tried to talk to him. He said I just don't understand what being a hero actually means. But I don't talk to him too much. He's not even around now"

Rusalka thought of the heroes she knew. Those people she was in friendly terms with, who captured her without too much of a fuss and joked with her on the way to the police station, well aware that she would have escaped. She thought of the cases she had collaborated in. The perpetrators looked just like the kind of people the boy was describing: had the cases ever been followed through, or had they been swiftly discarded once she had left the Hero Association? How many others, so much more dangerous than she could ever be, had they let escape? How many of them were, to some working class or even trafficked civilian, the real villains?

Rusalka thought of Albert, the high schooler who, at just eighteen, had tried to murder his girlfriend because she no longer tolerated his shit. She thought of what could have been if she had been a regular civilian girl with no powers. Would the heroes she knew help cover up her murder, because Albert's daddy had money and clout, and it would have been so unfair if the boy's brilliant future was snuffed out by a simple mistake? Would Albert have continued like this, becoming a monster just because he could to countless other victims?

Rusalka thought of this child in front of her. She had never been an idealist to begin with, just an utterly materialistic and selfish person since childhood, whose only interest was her own well-being. But this kid was. She could picture him even younger, finding out he had superpowers, training with the dream of saving people and righting the world's wrongs. He had instead seen so many horrors, and his idealism was on the cusp of being snuffed out at just seventeen.

Rusalka thought of her comfortable, lavish life, that she enjoyed in complete solitude.

"What is your name?" she asked the boy.

"Uh? I go by Enuma Elis"

"A mythologic name! I like it. So, as far as I can see, you have got a lot of insider knowledge, but you are inexperienced and your powers lack subtlety. You would know who to target, but you wouldn't be able to get into a house to steal incriminating evidence"

Enuma Elis lit up, just a little, in a mixture of surprise and hope.

"Do you think we could make a deal?"

You are a well-respected Villain. You caused only necessary minor Damages, you never purposefully took a life, and you made sure to keep a strict Code when dealing with civilians. But for some reason, some of the younger Newbie Heroes seem to think you are Evil Incarnate

#tried to make something lighthearted for once #ended up with corruption and attempted murder #writing prompt #writing experiment

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