#My mom wants me to never speak of him again on this app

[princessbrunette]

⊹ ᜊ(ᜊ ´ ˘)੭ ♡ … princess going digital! ♡

bsf!jj followed you on all of your social media accounts. well, he thought he did. ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ ౨ৎ⋆ ˚｡⋆

your instagram was adorable and demure. photo dumps and stories of your daily iced coffee in your little manicured hand. you had pinterest boards too — jj had seen you scrolling through endless pictures of clothes on his bed and asked questions. you helped him make his own account so he could find new ideas on how to customise his board. he hasn’t opened the app since, but it seemed like it made you happy so he couldn’t find it in himself to delete it off his lockscreen.

he followed you on twitter too. he knew he did because he saw your tweets all up and down his timeline when he would be scrolling late at night trying to find porn. tweets about the cashier that was rude to you, or about that one song you just can’t get out your head.

he thought he’d covered all bases with you. he liked to be in tune with everything you were doing — and maybe that was wrong for a best friend to want, but the two of you were close! it only felt right. it may also have something to do with the fact he’s head over heels for you.

you were laying on your front on his bed. contrasting so sweetly against the boyishness of his room with your cute little hello kitty shirt and denim skirt — epitome of girly girl in such an unfitting space. it made him smile, and he nearly forgot to tune into what you were saying.

you were ranting about your mother again, the woman making it her mission to constantly bring you down.

“seriously jayj, if you saw the way she spoke to me...” you mutter with a frowny little pout as your fingers tap away at the screen, assumably responding to a text.

“i have seen the way she speaks to you. the lady is a nut job, no offence.” jj leans back slightly, tossing a balled up pair of socks from his laundry in the air and catching it.

“her texts are even worse.” you huff.

“s’alright. i’ll be your mommy.” he quips as you’re distracted by pulling up the correct screen.

“jj.” you tsk before turning your phone around. “look!” you whine, and he knows he’s meant to be looking at the texts displayed infront of him. but with undiagnosed adhd, jj couldn’t help but find his focus on the notification sliding down at the top of the screen. the twitter icon, notifying someone reposted your tweet — however, it was accompanied with another username he’d never seen before. an account ran by you assumably, that he no idea about.

“huh… yeah, no yeah. she’s batshit.” jj shakes himself off as he takes mental note of the username, leaning back and hoping you don’t ask any questions knowing he didn’t read the texts at all. you seem none the wiser, continuing to complain and go about your business. that evening, it’s time for you to head home. jj squeezes you at the doorway, cups your cheek and tells you that if your mom is giving you grief, you can come right on back. it seemed to comfort the pout off your face, and you skip off.

now it’s time to sate his curiosity.

when jj gets into bed that night, he types the username into twitter. it takes a few tries to get the specific spelling right, as it had been a few hours and slipped his mind — but finally, the account filled his screen.

your age is attached to the account, yet no name. there was definitely a sense of anonymity— to the point where you hadn’t even told him about it. he considered doing the right thing and clicking off — but jj didn’t always do the right thing, and this was one of those times. the first thing he notices is how clearly you the account is. the header, the profile picture — even the font in your bio was so… you. all curlicues and girly and pink — it was undeniably his best friend.

and then he scrolls.

‘want my best friend 2 hold me down n use me so bad :(’ a tweet from 3 days ago. the blonde sits up in bed, blinking at the screen. that was him, right? eagerly, he continues his scrolling — finding endless tweets about your sexual desires, fantasies, anecdotes about jj himself. it didn’t take much longer of scrolling until he comes across a video — his face heating and crotch stiffening at the familiarity of it all. it was your bedroom, and your face was cropped out. that one pair of pink panties he occasionally caught peeks of beneath your skirt hang off the ankle of your knee high clad legs, pretty pussy on display, glistening as you roll your hips, desperately fucking a pillow.

“god… damn.” he breathes, hand coming up to rub his chest as if to attempt to still his quick-beating heart. he stuffs a tongue in his cheek, part of him wanted to be mad that you were letting strangers on the internet see you like this before he got to. it was a childish type of jealousy that made his hands sweat and the back of his neck all prickly.

a bird squawks outside his window, causing the maybank boy to jump out of his skin like he was about to be caught watching his best friend get herself off. he juggles the phone, quickly checking the screen to make sure he hadn’t accidentally liked any posts. he hadn’t, and he exhales— but with the commotion, he’d accidentally refreshed the page. the loading wheel disappears with a pop, and a new tweet displays itself from three minutes prior.

‘my bsf looks after me so good :( he shld make me feel btter by letting me cum on his fingers <3’

it would be stupid to make a move. he would be potentially destroying a friendship, and on top of that — you could be mad at him for snooping. it was kind of a betrayal of trust after all, similar to if he’d read your diary. but his dick was hard and had taken over the steering wheel that operates his brain — and like he always said, stupid things had great outcomes all the time.

so with a clammy hand, he calls you.

“whats up jayj? did i leave something at your place again?” you croak, sounding all sleepy and cute. god, he couldn’t believe he’d waited so long.

“uh… so, like — imma cut to the chase, with everything goin’ on at your place, i don’t love the idea of you stayin’ there tonight. i’m comin’ to get you. you’re stayin’ here.” he makes up a quick excuse and feels kind of bad about it. his own desire toward you being masked as genuine concern for a friend. he expects some questioning, maybe even some resistance— but you perk up instantly.

“okay!”

and that’s exactly how you end up cradled in his lap with the rings at his knuckles tickling your opening from how deep in your greedy, drooling pussy they were.

“hmm— mm—huh—” you’re whining, all incoherent and fucked out with your cheek smushed against him, only two orgasms in. jj is grinning ear to ear, like some kind of sicko — never in his life thinking you’d want him like this. he almost wished he’d kept up the act for longer, preyed on your twitter account for longer to see what else you’d say, but he couldn’t help himself. he’d wanted you since you met in high school, and he was hungry.

“what’d i tell ya about not asking for things? could’ve just told me dude, i literally wanted this more than you.” he thinks out loud and you groan, pulling yourself up face to face with the handsome blonde.

“don’t call me dude when your fingers are n’side me!” you slur, lip all puffy and pouted. he smirks, unable to stop himself from finding amusement in your neediness and tilts his head a little so he was breathing right into your mouth.

“i’m sorry that’s my bad. baby.” he corrects himself, before pressing his lips to yours. that was much better.

[bbyobbyo]

seventeen as dads headcanons

content: reader is married to svt, normative(?) family structure, literally just unhinged thoughts, not proofread lol

note: was trying to write an actual fic but then got distracted sorry, dadventeen brainrot is so real

Seungcheol

Super protective “don’t touch my family” dad outwardly

All of his kids’ friends are straight up SCARED of him

But within the household he's the one sneaking ice cream when you say no, albeit guiltily

Shopping trips with him will always result in buying something for them and he is very willing to be taken advantage of

“Babe if I can’t spoil them now, they’re gonna grow up and move out before we know it!”

Tries his best to be handy around the house, but probably makes it worse, ends up calling Mingyu to come fix it

Jeonghan

DEFINITELY a “go ask your mom” dad

This man not only powerless, he doesn't even want the power, he's just here to have a good time and if you say they can't, then sorry kiddo

You can’t tell me that he doesn’t bring up becoming a family prank channel at least once a week

LOVES bragging to everyone else about his kid’s achievements, cannot shut up about them to anyone in a 5 foot radius tbh

His kids definitely talk to him about everything, which is great because he is SO nosy.

Has a list of all their best friends, enemies, and crushes at school somewhere on his notes app for future reference when they come to him for advice

Joshua

The REAL practical joke dad, admittedly made them cry a few times when they were younger and felt really bad about it

Perfect sweet husband and father in image, all of his kids know he’s actually lame af

Dominates the summer barbeques, UNDISPUTED GRILLMASTER

Super dependable, will drop everything if his family needs him and never goes back on his word

Gives surprisingly good fashion advice

Jun

Definitely walks around the neighborhood with his baby in a sling carrier strapped to his front, POINTS AT EVERYTHING OF INTEREST

When they start learning how to speak he adopts all his baby’s weird mannerisms (it started off as a cute joke but then realized he couldn’t stop)

Cries at every baby milestone until they’re like 10

Will not stop bringing up embarrassing childhood moments, especially in front of their kids’ friends/significant others

Cuts fruit for them instead of apologizing

Hoshi

Will fully ally himself with his kids

Like legit would do anything for them. ANYTHING.

I’m talking borderline go to his kid's school to beat up their hypothetical bullies himself sort of dad

The kids can always count on him to say yes if you say no

Absolutely DEVASTATED when they grow out of the tiger stuff he buys for them and become angsty teens

“What do you mean tigers aren’t cool? Do you not love your old man anymore?”

Wonwoo

Quiet doting dad

Definitely more affectionate when the kids are younger but gets into the awkward advice-giving stage when they grow up

LAME DAD JOKES GALORE, groaning is a regular activity in this household

Tries to google basic algebra every time his kids ask for help on math homework because he doesn’t want to admit he forgot everything

Chaotic af unsupervised. “Guess we’re having pizza again tonight kiddos” kinda dad because he cannot and should not cook

Jihoon

Another quiet dad, but make it savage

I feel like he would just love roasting his kids (affectionately of course)

And always overwhelmingly acts of service so his kids know they are loved

Allowance randomly appearing under their pillow, their favorite foods magically stocked in the fridge, always relenting to one last bedtime story no matter how tired he is

Would let you have final say but he makes it really clear he’s on their side and empathizes with them but its out of his hands

“Next time just don’t get caught, okay?” *winks*

Minghao

Loves loves loves just spending time with his babies

Doesn’t matter what he’s doing he just wants to be in the same room as them or cuddling and holding them

Emphasizes equality in your relationship so his kids can grow up with those values and learn to respect others

TURNS EVERYTHING INTO A LIFE LESSON OH MY GOD

Doesn’t believe in allowances but will cave and literally buy them anything they want if they ask

Would rather die than miss any important event (competition, speech, recital, talent show, graduation, etc.)

Mingyu

Absolute super dad, what can’t he do? Nonstop home improvement projects, cooks anything his kids are craving, offers to drive everyone everywhere

But also the whiniest dad ever lol constantly complains about people “ruining his system”

Absolutely FUCKS at the school bake sales, earns them twice the target fundraiser amounts because he's dilf material and knows how to get the moms to spill their pockets

Likes to have the final say, but you’re both usually on the same page in regards to discipline so his kids aren’t getting away with anything

Just the most supportive dad in the universe, the kids learn to never take him for granted

Seokmin

You already know his kids are gonna be spoiled rotten. He will be the favorite parent by default sorry I don't make the rules!!

His arms are the very definition of a safe space

Leaves all the discipline to you because he cannot keep a straight face when delivering a lecture (one time he made them cry and also ended up crying because he felt so bad)

Does so much embarrassing shit just to cheer his kids up when they have a bad day, acts surprised when they tell him he's cringe

Such a pushover that they are probably gonna make fun of him when they're older, but that's okay because they know there's no universe in which their dad will stop loving them

Seungkwan

As long as he can pick them up still, his kids are never on the ground for too long

Two words: SPORTS. DAD.

He could practically captain the cheerleading teams at their school with how many events he's been to

Knows all of his kids’ friends parents, they all get together and have coffee once a month actually

Nags nonstop and complains about everything he has to do for them, but is always diligent and does it without question

Gets so pouty when they start getting embarrassed to show affection, he WILL get his cheek kisses if it's the last thing he does!!

Vernon

Chillest dad in existence?!?

Literally as long as his kids are safe he doesn't give a single fuuuuckkk

“Sleepover? Yeah, call me when you're done and I'll pick you up.”

He WILL argue with you if he doesn't think there's a good reason to say no to them

So cute and encouraging to all their weird hobbies and phases throughout the years. “Lemme see” and “Really? Show me” are regular phrases in his vocabulary

His kids are definitely gonna inherit his legendary facial expressions afnngjdg

Chan

Super affectionate and doting, but also quite strict with them at times

“I just want the best for you, I want to see you succeed”

HAS A PHOTO OF THEM READY AT ANY TIME, lockscreen is a different shot of his kids every day and is eager to show it off even if no one asked

Not so subtly signs his kid up for dance lessons

Just the most encouraging dad ever, makes sure that they know making mistakes are a part of life and that he will always love them no matter what

[soft-girl-musings]

Stranger Danger

Steven Grant x Fem!Reader

cross-posted to ao3

MK Spring Bingo entry #5

tags: reader is being stalked & responds in a way the author (a woman) has been taught to, emotional protector steven grant to the rescue, no use of y/n

wc: 1,138

fic summary: There's safety in numbers, do you want mine? (too soon?)

_____________________

“Oops, careful!”

Steven drops the last of his veggie wrap as a pair of kids rush past the bench he’d been hunched over. As he picks up the debris, he sees where one of them dropped their hat. He picks it up and half-jogs after them to return it.

“Gotta stay aware of our surroundings, yeah? Don’t want to lose our valuables.” The kid rolls their eyes but thanks him before running off to catch up with their friend.

“Oh my gosh, hi!”

Steven turns around to find you walking swiftly toward him, your smile too wide and tone too familiar.

He’s never seen you before.

“... hello,” he answers cautiously, taking one step back but failing to put much distance between the two of you. You practically cling to his side when you approach, takeaway cup and phone in hand.

“Sorry I’m late, but you are terrible at giving directions, mister.” Taking his arm, you begin to walk away from where you’d appeared.

This wouldn’t be the first time he’s forgotten conversations or plans. But as he racks his brain for something, anything tied to you in his memory, Steven notices the panic in your eyes and the slight waver in your voice.

Your hands shake a bit as you unlock your phone, passing your cup to him. He takes it, still bewildered but obedient. “I swear, the cafe never spells your name right. Let me make a note for next time.” You type swiftly, showing him the screen.

being followed, please pretend you're my boyfriend

Steven doesn’t know you.

But he nods, grasping your arm closer with his free hand and gives his most convincing grin. “Steven with a ‘V’, love.”

Relief instantly washes over your features and you relax a little. “Right. I’ll remember that… Steven.”

His smile grows before he remembers why you're holding onto him. “Do you want to sit down? Or go somewhere else, maybe I could call someone–”

“N-no, it’s fine. Let’s just sit. In plain sight,” you half-whisper. Steven nods, ushering you back to the bench in the middle of the busy square. When you sit, you don't let go of his arm.

Instead, you type into your phone as you speak. “Lovely weather we’re having, isn’t it?” Steven glaces at your notes app again.

do you see a man in a black jacket?

Steven scans the area, careful not to look too suspicious. Unlike the person he’s sure you’re referring to: a man in dark clothes, hands shoved into his pockets and rigid as he looks around with increasing urgency. His prominent frown grows when he sees Steven next to you.

“Yeah,” Steven says to both your questions. He looks away from the menacing figure, but sets your drink down and wraps his arm around you. He's glad to feel you settle into his side, still shaking but catching your breath.

“I take it you don’t know Mr. Black Jacket?”

“No, I do. Sort of. He’s a regular customer of mine,” you sigh. “One who doesn’t know how to take ‘no’ for an answer.”

“Ah.” Steven keeps the guy in his periphery, splitting his focus between him and you. “Stalker, then?”

You freeze up at the term. “Yeah… he’s been pretty relentless.” 

You meet his eyes, which are swiftly filling with concern. “Thanks again for… this. I usually find a mom or another woman to walk with me until he leaves, but I saw you with those kids and just… panicked, I guess.”

“S’not a problem, love.” Steven knocks your foot with his, drawing a small smile from you. “Glad to help you feel safe.”

You laugh a little. You let your gaze drift over to the man in black, an uneasy pit growing in your stomach when you briefly make eye contact.

“He usually goes away after a while. I've told the police, but they can't do anything unless he… you know.” Your brow furrows as your grip loosens. “I don't mean to take over your afternoon, but would you mind waiting with me?”

In that moment, you could have asked Steven for the moon and he'd find a way to lasso it down for you. 

He squeezes your hand. “‘Course I can. Lovely day with lovely company, quite the ideal afternoon in my books.” 

Steven dives right into talking about anything and everything that comes to mind– which, as you learn, is a lot. Normally he'd hit a wall after a few minutes, either because he'd realized he had talked himself in circles, or his less-than-captive audience was visibly zoned out. But you hang on his every word, grateful to be arm in arm with a stranger describing the supposed viscosity of ancient Egyptian embalming oil. It's a welcome distraction. 

So distracting, in fact, that after an hour you realize the crowd has thinned around you. With Mr. Black Jacket nowhere in sight.

“I think he's gone,” you sigh with relief. Steven stands when you do, handing your things back.

“Patience won out in the end,” he beams. You see a brief look of panic cross his features.

“He doesn't know where you live, does he? Do you need an escort?” Steven's already taken a ludicrously long lunch break, but the inevitable lecture from Donna would be worth it if it meant ensuring your safety.

You shake your head. “I've been careful.” Extending your hand, you smile. “It was nice to meet you, Steven with a ‘V’.”

“Likewise, love.” He shakes your hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. Another look crosses his face before he continues.

“Do you want my mobile number?” His words come out too fast; if you hadn't spent the past hour listening to him, you might have missed what he said. “Just in case you need someone to wait with you again, or keep an eye out. Would that be alright?” He shakes his head, stepping back. “'Matter of fact, forget I said anything, don't want you to think you've traded one creep for another–”

“Sure.”

Your simple answer stops him in his tracks. “Oh, you don’t have to–”

“No, it’s fine. Really. When you offered, it felt nice to know someone could be in my corner on this side of town.”

You take out a scrap of paper and a pen from your bag. “How about this: you write it down, and I’ll add your contact if I ever need my knight in shining armor again.”

Steven concedes, pen and paper in hand as he scribbles his number down (then asks for a new paper in case the first was too illegible).

When you leave, he watches until you turn the corner. He goes the opposite direction, back to the museum. Part of him hopes you’ll never have to reach out, for your own sake. The rest of him hopes you do anyway.

_____________________

A/N: oh steven, the man that you are. a couple more bingo prompts will be focused on this dude, which is excellent practice for some exciting projects down the line...

as always, ty for reading <3

event tags: @moonknight-events @spacecowboyhotch @juneknight

addtl tags: @mrs-lockley @lunar-ghoulie @shadystarlightgentlemen @casa-boiardi @nerdieforpedro (lmk if you'd like to be added to/removed from this wee tag list)

[xenia12]

Here’s a bunch of 3+ year old incorrect TOH quotes from my notes app because I’m bored

News reporter: There are rumors that you recently went undercover at Hexside under the name “Caleb”. Is this true?

The Golden Guard: Pfft, TITAN no. Caleb’s just a pathetic wannabe who can’t stand his own incompetence. Like, seriously, he can’t do anything right. I feel bad for anyone who has to suffer the embarrassment of being within 20 feet of him. He’s such a loser.

Hunter, watching the clip on his scroll a few hours later: Say that to my face, you fucking tool. Stop being such a royal ass-kisser and get a real job.

The Emerald Entrails, sitting together after practice:

Willow: Are you okay?

Luz: No problemo!

Luz, internally: But it was all problemo.

Gus: What's your biggest fear?

Hunter: Being replaced.

Gus: Damn that's deep.

Gus: My new one is the Kool-Aid man but I feel kinda stupid about it now.

Hunter, lying in the woods, depressed: I'll never be a cop again. I'm gonna have to be a robber.

Lilith: You know, I really wish you’d just admit you made a mistake sometimes.

The Golden Guard, stirring his coffee: I prefer it with salt.

Willow: What are you two arguing about this time?

Hunter: He’s always using human phrases incorrectly!

Gus: Cry me a table, Hunter.

Luz: I'm very disappointed in you, Vee.

Hunter: C'mon, don't get mad at Vee!

Luz: Hunter, stop telling Vee it's okay for her to punch you! She needs to learn not to punch people!

Hunter: But I'm not a person!

Vee: Which is why I punched him!

Lilith: *Turns on the breakroom light*

The Golden Guard: *Sitting at the table, eating bread*

Lilith: It’s four in the morning.

The Golden Guard: Turn the light back off.

Hunter: The joy of hanging out with Luz. You look away for 5 seconds to make sure something is set up correctly, and she bites the tip of a marker off.

Camila: Can you come out?

Luz: Yeah gimme a minute…

Luz: Mom, I’m bi.

Camila: I know that. Come out to the car.

Luz: Okay.

Luz: Car, I’m bi.

Camila, a tired mother:

Willow: *lifting weights*

Hunter: Wow… She’s so intense!

Luz: I wonder what drives her.

Willow, internally: Oh I am going to be SO good at giving hugs.

Hunter, protecting a palistrom forest: I am Hunter, I speak for the trees. Chop them down and I snap your knees.

Luz: I wanna be a knight!

Hunter, basically a knight: What the fuck do you want this shit for? I kill people, all right? Their blood is on my hands! Every night, when I go to sleep, I see their FUCKING faces staring at me! Their families weep, and I FEEL NOTHING! I’M DEAD INSIDE!

Luz: Man, I want some of that in my life!

Luz: I want a trip down memory lane.

Vee: *proceeds to grab every warrior cats book they have and sets them in Luz’s lap*

Vee: I heard you needed these?

Luz: YES! ALL OF THEM!

Hunter: Due to personal reasons, I will be fucking sinking to the bottom of the ocean in a large metal box.

Luz: Did Willow say “I love you” and you said “Thanks”?

Hunter: THE REASONS ARE PERSONAL–

The Golden Guard, on live news: I can't imagine what the Owl Lady is planning, but I can tell you two things: we won't like it and it won't be legal.

Gus: Did you win? Or just not die?

Gus: Either way, hooray.

Hunter: ... Is "no" a valid answer?

Gus: The hooray is redacted and you frighten me.

The Golden Guard: Hey, do you know anyone who can teach me to play the trumpet?

Darius: Why?

The Golden Guard: I want to wander around playing it to annoy Lilith.

Darius: Technically, you don’t actually need to know how to play the trumpet well for that.

The Golden Guard: Darius, you have opened my eyes.

Lilith: Can we talk about that mass message you sent?

The Golden Guard: Why? It was important.

Lilith: All it says is, "I'm back on my shit".

Steve, shrugging: The people need to know.

Gus: How long do you think it’ll be until Willow finally snaps and commits murder?

Hunter: I’ve been operating under the assumption that it’s already happened at some point and it’s just that no one was ever able to trace it back to her.

Hunter: It was difficult, so you’ve just given up. You might fail, so why bother trying?

Luz: Exactly.

Luz, to Amity: I told you he’d understand.

Willow: Remember, when burying a body, make sure to cover it with endangered plants so it’s illegal to dig up!

Willow: Make sure to follow me for more gardening tips!

Hunter: There's something I have to ask about you-know-who.

Luz: Voldemort?

Hunter: No.

Luz: Is it Voldemort?

Hunter: It's not Voldemort.

Luz: You haven’t mentioned wizards once this conversation, so I’m gonna have to assume it’s Voldemort.

[f9clementine]

prev ⋙ masterlist ⋙ next

you had me at hello ⋙ 03. pinky promise

⋙ written part included 『••✎••』

You watched Hyunjin approach the table, his pretty (you admit begrudgingly) face screwed up in annoyance.

You felt your stomach clench in anticipation as he took a seat across from you, mentally preparing yourself to slip back into the asshole persona you adopted to speak to him. You really didn’t want to be a jerk to an old childhood friend, but you were afraid that if you approached this kindly, he’d completely ignore you. 

And then you’d be mute and sick for the rest of your life.

“Y/n.” Hyunjin practically spat out and you nodded back, signing out his name in return. He raised an eyebrow, looking from your hands to you. 

You sighed, annoyed, before pulling out your phone. 

You sighed, putting your phone down before looking up at Hyunjin. He still looked annoyed but politely held his hand out to you, patiently waiting. You felt yourself hesitate for a moment before reaching over, sliding your hand against his, gently wrapping your fingers against his warm palm. 

“Glad we can reach an agreement,” Hyunjin declared quietly and you looked up, finding his eyes focused on you. You looked away, ignoring the heat suddenly racing up your neck, and instead nodded, pulling your hand back.

Or you tried to.

Hyunjin’s hand held tight to yours.

You looked back at him, brows furrowed in confusion.

“I’m going to try something,” He explained and pulled your appendage a little closer to him. He turned your hand, placing his free hand on top of it, and closed his eyes. You watched, a little apprehensive, as he started to mumble something, too quiet to hear in the slightly bustling cafe.

But then you felt your hand start to grow warm, the two palms on either side of it getting hotter and hotter. You grew tense as you anticipated pain, but it never came. It just felt pleasant.

After what felt like forever, but you knew it was only a minute or so, Hyunjin released you. You pulled your hand back, looking it over for any marks but only spotted your unmarred skin.

“I was hoping this would be easy, but of course not.” Hyunjin sighed, slumping in his chair. You raised your eyebrows at him, silently asking for an explanation. “I was hoping a revealing spell would work, but unfortunately, I think it’s been too long. We were… five, I think?” Hyunjin looked up, thinking. He looked back down at you and you nodded. “I’m surprised your Dad didn't get it reversed right away, though.”

You picked up your phone, opening to your usual notes app.

He tried, you wrote, right after we moved back to his hometown. But the warlock he consulted told him only the person who casted the spell could reverse it. And he didn’t want me going anywhere near you again after that in case you made it worse.

Hyunjin leaned over, reading your message before letting out a loud snort. “Whoever your Dad spoke to was full of shit, Y/n. That’s not how that works at all,” he shook his head. “Do you know how many times I accidentally casted spells while growing up? All the time. And every time either my Mom or Dad would fix it.”

You frowned, looking down at your phone as you took in his words. It was disheartening to think that if maybe your dad didn’t take the advice from the first warlock he consulted at face value, that maybe you’d be normal today.

“Well, I’m going to do some research.” Hyunjin announced, breaking through your thoughts and you looked up to see him getting out of his seat. “I’ll let you know when I think I have something.”

Your frown deepened and Hyunjin sighed a little. 

“I promise I’ll work towards finding a solution, okay?” He placed a hand on the table, leaning over to you before raising the pinky on his right hand. “Pinky promise.”

You blinked, surprised, but after a split second, you lifted your own hand, linking your pinky with his. For a moment, you felt five again, making silly promises with your neighbor in the summer sun.

Hyunjin smiled and let go of your hand. “I’ll text you when I have a solution,” he promised. You just nodded and watched as he left the cafe.

You began to gather your own things to leave, sliding your phone into your bag when it started. Your heart began to pound painfully against your ribs and your lungs felt tight, refusing to let any air in. 

You fumbled with your bag, blindly reaching for a small plastic bottle, mostly empty except a few small white tablets. After a slight struggle, you get the bottle open and two pills in your palm. Without hesitation, you take them.

To your relief, you feel yourself begin to calm down a minute later, your lungs relaxing enough that you can breathe again. 

You notice the barista in the front eyeing you strangely, so you quickly get up, ignoring the weakness in your legs as you do and flee the cafe.

prev ⋙ masterlist ⋙ next

taglist: @l33bang24, @yongbokkiesworld, @velvetmoonlght, @your-favorite-pirate, @aalexyuuuhm,

@kkamismom12, @justiceforvillains, @kaleigh-2002, 

[fanfictionstuff]

Amaimon x Student (17)

You belong to Amaimon. I don't make the rules 🤷🏻‍♀️ I guess actually I do because I'm writing it but whatever

Mom: I’m sending a guest to spend Christmas with you. 

You stare at the text message in disbelief. Attached is a photo. The guest she’s sending is a new potential suitor, and he is extremely handsome.

Guest? He’s not staying in the house, right? 

Mom: Of course not! I would never allow that. He’ll be staying in the hotel down the street. But he will be visiting for dinner tomorrow night, make sure to cook him something nice. 

I have plans tomorrow. 

Mom: cancel them. 

How are you going to make this disappear? She’s never sent a suitor to you. A sickness twists within you, leaving you feeling awful. Just then, Amaimon walks back in with lunch, catching you still staring at your phone. “What is it?” he asks, glancing at the phone. “Nothing,” you reply, tossing the phone onto the table, trying to seem unbothered. Amaimon keeps his gaze fixed on the phone as he places the takeout beside it. “Nothing?” he questions again. “Nothing,” you insist.

“Then show me.”

He reaches for the phone, but you’re quicker. “It’s nothing, just a message from my mom. She’s asking what I’ll be doing for Christmas.” You shrug, attempting to seem unbothered. “I was thinking of going to Rin and Yukio’s birthday party, unless you want to do something.” As you speak, you slip the phone under your leg. “Do you have plans for Christmas?” 

“Yes.” 

His answer takes you by surprise; you hadn’t expected him to be doing anything. “Oh.” 

“Show me your phone, and you’ll be included.” He holds out his hand expectedly. 

“My mom invited a man for me to spend Christmas with.” The truth comes tumbling out of your mouth. “Of course, I don’t want to spend time with him.” As you speak, you hold out your phone so he can see the messages. 

Amaimon clicks on the photo your mom sent of the man. He’s grinning brightly and bears an irritating resemblance to Rin. The longer Amaimon stares at the photo, the angrier he becomes. Noticing his fists beginning to clench, you reach for his arm, worried that he might break your phone. “I’m not going to. I’ll tell him I’m sorry, but I already have plans.”

"Is that all you’re going to tell him? That you have other plans?” 

“Yes.”

“He’s here because he wants to court you.” 

“…I don’t know about that.”

“Tell him you’re already engaged.” 

“To who?” 

“Me.” 

“I can’t; he’ll want to know to who so he can report it back to my parents. I can’t tell him I’m engaged to a demon. We aren’t even engaged.” You shake your head. Your parents can’t find out about your relationship with Amaimon. “I’ll tell him that I’m not interested, but I can’t tell him about you.” 

“You’re right.” 

“Okay so-“ 

“You won’t tell him; instead, you will tell your parents. If they want the family bloodline to carry on, their only option is me. You are my pet, and I will never let you go. Call her.”

“Um…”

“Now.” 

“No.” 

“You’re disobeying?” 

“I can’t tell my mom.” 

“Why?”

You freeze, unsure how to answer. 

Amaimon looks thoughtful for a moment. “Did Big Brother’s words get to you?” He frowns. “What was it? ‘He doesn’t desire children with you’ and ‘In his eyes, you hold no value.’ That was it, right?” He takes the phone from you, opening the messaging app to show the photo your mom sent. “You see this photo, and you’re swayed?” He sits on the table as he rereads the messages. “Big Brother, your parents, and friends—they all like to speak for us, don’t they? I’ll say this only once again: do not make me repeat it.” He grasps your face in his hand. “You are my pet, and I am your long-term. I do desire children with you. You will marry me and not some pathetic exorcist your parents try to choose. Now, call your mother and tell her.”

You take the phone he’s offering to you. “Are you sure?” You whisper. 

“About what?” 

“Us.” 

“Yes, now call your mother and tell her.” 

Your hands tremble as the phone rings, struggling to accept that Amaimon genuinely desires something long-term. Wasn’t this merely a fantasy you had been trying to embrace before reality came crashing down? How did you move from longing for someone you thought you could never have to them declaring you’re theirs? That he will marry you and have children with you. How is this possible? You dig your nails into your hand, wondering if it’ll wake you from a dream. You almost let out a sigh of relief because you don’t wake, nor do you want to. This fantasy is becoming your reality. 

“Hello?” your mom answers, sounding slightly out of breath. “Sorry, _____, I was just finishing up some training. How are you?” 

“Mom, I can’t meet the man tomorrow. I already have a boyfriend.” 

The line falls silent for a moment before your mother exhales softly. “_____, I’m sorry, but you need to find a powerful partner. You’re not just searching for a boyfriend; you’re looking for a future husband—someone strong who will help strengthen our bloodlines.”

You swallow hard, still feeling nervous that he might not be serious. “Mom, I want to... marry him.” You gaze into Amaimon’s eyes, and he nods in response. “Really? You’ve never mentioned anyone before,” she replies, surprise evident in her tone. “What’s his name? Is he part of the Japan branch? What’s his rank?”  

“His name? Oh, um... Ambrosius. He's not an exorcist, but he is extremely powerful.” Amaimon doesn’t comment on the fact you used his alias. 

“How do you know he’s powerful if he’s not an exorcist?” 

Amaimon watches you, his eyes lidded and showing no hint of what he might be thinking. “I uh, just know?” You mumble.

“I’m willing to give him a chance. However, your father and I need to meet him first. If he is as powerful as you say and is a good man who will take care of my daughter, then we will approve.”

“You want to meet him?” 

“Of course. Will he be free around New Year’s?” 

You glance up, expecting Amaimon to refuse, saying he doesn’t care to meet your family because you’re his pet anyway. But Amaimon nods. 

“…yeah.”

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

You’re in Shiemi’s bedroom while Izumo and Shiemi stare at you, speechless; Izumo attempts to speak several times but is unable to find the words. It is Shiemi who finds her voice first. “So, what does that mean? Are you going to marry Amaimon?”

“No way, her parents would never allow it.” 

You frown. “Well, why wouldn’t they? Amaimon is powerful, and their priority is for me to marry someone strong, right? As long as he isn't aligned with Satan, it should be okay, right?” 

Neither girl responds, still in disbelief over the unexpected turn of events. Izumo had been so sure that Amaimon would just be a fuck buddy for a while, and then you’d finally have to move on when he got bored. This was not something she had ever imagined. Meanwhile, Shiemi is at a loss for what to think; although she is happy to see you happy, it’s odd, and she’s unsure what to feel about Amaimon. Lacking a clear understanding of typical teenage romance, she has no idea how to navigate this scenario.

“I know you love him, but this is getting scary. ______, he doesn’t love you-“ 

“I know.” 

“Let me finish.” She glares. “He doesn’t love you, but he’s becoming extremely attached and kind of obsessive. It’s not right.” 

“Is it bad I kind of like it?”

“Yes, one hundred percent. You need a psychiatrist.” You groan as you drop onto Shiemi’s bed, then groan again when you land on a sore bruise left by Amaimon the night before. Izumo raises an eyebrow and leans closer, lifting your shirt slightly to check if you’re hurt. Her eyes widen in shock. “Is this from Amaimon?!” Bruises and scratches mar your hips, their shapes almost resembling handprints, making it all too clear how you got these marks. Concerned by Izumo’s tone, Shiemi’s attention shifts to you. “Uh, yeah. But, it was consensual…”

Poor Shiemi can’t wrap her head around it. “Why would he do that to you!? How did he do that? Were you fighting?”

“No.” 

“Then how did he leave those marks on you?” 

"Shiemi," you sigh, feeling a bit guilty for tainting your best friend, but she’s sixteen and needs to understand the world. “We weren’t fighting; it was during sex. Amaimon can be a little...rough.” 

Her voice drops to a whisper. “You had sex with him? Aren’t you supposed to wait until marriage?”

“Let’s have this conversation later.” You don’t think her poor brain can handle all of it. 

“Okay, um, if it’s painful, I have something I can put on it. Take your shirt off.” 

Nodding, you easily slip the shirt over your head, forgetting about a small detail…

“Oh my god, _____!” 

“Have you seen your back?” 

“…is it bad?” 

“It’s not as bad as your hips. But there’s a long scratch along your spine.”

A flashback of Amaimon having you pushed down onto the bed, on your hands and knees, after you had recovered the first time flashes through your mind. He ran a sharp claw along your spine while his left hand gripped your hip tightly, groaning about how you’re the perfect pet.

“I forgot about that.” 

Izumo rolls her eyes. “You’re disgusting. So, what are you going to do about your mom? What happens when she finds out Ambrosius is Amaimon?” 

“Mephisto will have to step in. If Amaimon wants me, I’m his. I don’t care what anyone else says.” 

“But what if he doesn’t?” Izumo gazes at you while Shiemi applies some balm to your back. “I don’t think you should trust him. A year from now, he could throw it all away. It could all be a lie, and he may not stay with you in the long term. _____, you really need to consider that.” Her words are laced with concern, and she has every right to be worried. However.

“I don’t know how I can get you to understand. I’m okay with that. I keep repeating myself. I am okay with being used.” 

Izumo frowns. “If you’re with a demon like Amaimon, your family will shun you and won’t welcome you back if things go wrong. They will turn their backs on you. Are you okay with that?”

“Yes.”

[bucksaiga]

Steve hated ordering food. He had terrible ordering anxiety. Thank god for DoorDash, kiosks and other various apps the overwhelming world of technology offered, that no longer forced him to talk to complete strangers. He’d been taking speech therapy for months because he mumbled and had trouble enunciating his words. He was terribly insecure about speaking in public. His therapist said he was making progress, though.

Recently, a small coffee shop opened up near his house, likely mom and pop owned. It was never crowded, the staff was a small handful of people—two guys and three girls.

Steve wanted to sit in this quaint coffee shop and read his favorite magazine (a physical copy, of course.) Ebooks took away the stimulating pleasure of page flipping, so Steve had to go out and get a copy on the 5th of every month.

With his magazine in hand, he stood outside of the coffee shop, staring at the specials in the window, then scrolling through his phone, searching for the option to order online.

…There wasn’t one.

“Oh man.” Steve sighed to himself. He really really wanted to go inside. He rocked back and forth, humming and tapping his thumb on the side of his phone…contemplating.

It wouldn’t be that hard, right? Just go inside, order a…well nothing too complicated. Maybe a cookie Frappuccino? Simple enough. Sounded tasty. He loved cookies. They were his comfort snack.

He took a deep breath, told himself to be brave, walked inside and took a look around. It wasn’t too bright, the music wasn’t too loud. It was quiet and ambient. Nothing to trigger sensory overload like the other coffee shops. This was nice.

“Hey, can I help you?”

Steve turned his attention to the barista, following his warm, welcoming voice. His eyes were so blue, he observed, before pointedly looking away.

“Uh…can I get a…medium cookie Frappuccino?”

“Name?”

“Steve.”

“You got it.”

Steve fixated on his magazine, waiting for his order.

“Here ya go.”

Steve grabbed the cup, a disappointed frown forming on his face when he read the name on the cup.

Who the hell was “Stan”?

The barista smirked at him, and he forced a smile in return, before finding a table in the back of the coffee shop.

Maybe his speech therapy wasn’t working. Maybe the barista misheard his name because he’s still mumbling.

Maybe he was just nervous.

The Frappuccino was delicious. He planned to try again tomorrow.

The next day was the same. His name was written incorrectly on the cup again!

This time, the barista wrote “Steele”

‘God, I’m such an idiot. Why can’t I say my name right?!’

The third times a charm, hopefully…

Steve went home and practiced saying his name loud and clearly.

“Steve. Steeeve. My name is Steve.”

He recorded himself saying his name and played it back.

It sounded nice and clear to him. He even called his friend Robin who told him he sounded very clear, then wished him good luck.

The big day arrived. This time, he’d make sure the barista heard him clearly.

“Hi!” He greeted in a slightly raised voice, then glanced at the barista’s name tag. “Billy!”

“Hey…want your usual again?”

“Yes!”

“Ookay…”

“Steve. My name is Steve.”

“I know your name, Steve. Why are you talking so loud?” The barista narrowed his blue eyes.

“Because you kept…writing the wrong name on my cup. I thought I was mumbling. I do that. A lot. Bad habit.”

“No—I heard you. I was just teasing you because I think you’re cute. Thought you’d give me shit for it, maybe correct me and then I could comeback with something sly and give you my number. Had it all planned out in my head but you’d just take your cup and sit down. I figured you weren’t interested.” He shrugged.

Steve furrowed his brows, then laughed. “I had no idea what you were doing. I just thought you couldn’t hear me.”

“Sorry about that. I could hear you. And…I’d like to hear you more often. Maybe we can exchange numbers?”

“I’m really not that good with phone calls. Do you like texting?”

Billy shook his head. “I’m not good with texts. Can’t really pick up on tone that well. I suck at it.”

“But…what if I mumble or-or flub my words a lot? Or ramble?” Steve asked worriedly.

“Steve, you’re so cute, I could listen to you say a whole lot of nothing for hours. Plus, I’m a great listener.” He leaned forward on the counter, making Steve’s heart race when Billy’s hand briefly brushed against his. “And I could hear a pin drop. Just gimme a chance?”

Steve nodded with a wide grin. “Okay.”

“Yeah?” Billy was elated.

“Yeah.”

“Still want that frap?”

“I do. It’s really good.”

“Whose name should I write on the cup? Sterling?” Billy teased.

“Stop it!” Steve laughed, relieved to know it was a joke, and not his own fault.

“Hey, can I join you? I’m about to take a break.”

“Sure. I like to sit here and read magazines. I have an extra car magazine if you’re interested.“

“You kidding?” Billy smirked. “I fucking love cars. I’ll be right with you.”

Steve sat at his usual table, excitedly rubbing his hands together.

Turns out, that speech therapy worked a lot better than he thought.

[b-lessings]

السلام عليكم ،

Hope you’re doing well sis,

Id love your advice on a matter of that’s okay. I didn’t tell anyone yet and I don’t have much time so wanted to get your input on what should I do.

So I’m 27, I’ve never dated, been asked for marriage or known someone. Lately, I decided to join a Muslim dating app as it seemed like the safest option since I’m now seriously considering marriage. I got matched with someone and we exchanged numbers. It’s only been 2 weeks or even 3 and he asked to meet in person. I already have my photos public in that app so he saw me. I tried to avoid it a few times but he asked again and I told him when I’m back in town, and today I told him that I’ll be in town on Wednesday and told him my plan for the day and told him where I’ll be since I have an appointment. Now my plan was to just see him in person and if he asked me to go to a cafe or something to tell him that there is nothing between us and I don’t know him enough to go somewhere with him but at the same time I don’t know if should even meet him in the first place but also I know that this is a part of the process in general so anyone I’ll meet online they’ll ask to meet in person first. I didn’t tell my mom because she gets her hopes up easily and wanted to confirm first if it’s legit then tell her. And another thing is that I’m afraid he will stop talking after we meet because I don’t look like the photos or whatever since I use filters all the time or because I gave him hopes that we will meet but I just walked out on him. Would love to know what do you think or if any sister reading this can share her thoughts would be so helpful. جزاك الله

و عليكم السلام و رحمة الله و بركاته beautiful ،

I am going to make this short and straight to the point. It's very simple: religiously speaking it's a No. No you can't meet him in person all by yourself. I am not going to judge the whole Muslim dating app thing. I am saying that no you shouldn't be meeting this guy outside all by yourself, especially that your family doesn't know. That is what I know. What you do is up to you sweetie. I know things, circumstances, culture, and conditions on a practical level in life are different from textbook religious rules, I know the environment and the lifestyle allow some things or make them seem normal, I really know that and I am not judging because I am very familiar with such environments, I grew up in one. But now I know better, and I can't not tell you that you shouldn't be doing this.

Here is how this situation could get back on the correct way according to what our deen says, at this point, if he really likes you or has good intentions toward you, he should ask for your father or your brother's number, and/ or come to your house. This step doesn't have to be a big deal, it shouldn't mean that there is an engagement or a proposal, this is only the first step, the right way, for getting to know you, or more correctly asking for permission to get to know you. If things didn't work out, that's fine we move on with our lives it is not the end of the world. And if he didn't like you because you don't look like the pictures then he'd be a shallow person and you're better off.

So if I were you right now, I'd cancel the meeting and I'd tell him that I investigated and found out that it was impermissible in Islam to meet like that, and if he really wants to get to know me, here is my father's number, set up a meeting and come to my house and we will go from there.

This might sound hard but in Islam, a woman is supposed to be strong and "عزيزة" precious, she is designed to be, and to hold herself as a queen, she is the one wanted and sought after, she is the desired and they are supposed to work hard to get to her. And in life, you are treated the way you put yourself or carry yourself, so if you carry yourself with respect, finesse, dignity, grace, you will be treated that way ✨

I will leave the floor to any sister who can help or has any opinion on the matter.

I really hope you take my opinion into consideration honey.

May Allah swt guide you to do the right thing, ameen 🤍

- A. Z. 🤍🍃

[crypt-tids]

A bit of a mushy storytime because my anxiety has been mean to me the last couple days and has lead me to deep diving into some stuff that kind of ended up making me feel better now that I've put the pieces together. (It is about my relationship so feel free to skip it if you've had enough of my rambling lol)

My bf was engaged 5 years ago, had been with that person for 4 years, had an apartment and pets with them, and had a wedding date set and everything. less than a month before the wedding, a huge hurricane hit, fucking everything up for a long time, and they had to postpone the wedding. 5 months later, they broke up. If that hurricane hadn't hit, they would have been (unhappily) married and I never would have met him.

He hadn't dated anyone in all of that time because that relationship was so emotionally abusive and manipulative that he didn't want to deal with it again.

In the fall of 2023, I got out of a horribly wishy washy, non-committal situationship with a person that would manipulate me into trusting them anytime they felt lonely, inevitably ending when they left me for the third time, using my sexuality as their excuse (which left a horribly deep scar that lead to me breaking down crying when I told my bf about my sexuality because I was terrified he would do the same thing to me--he did not). I tried a couple dating apps, went on 1 date, talked to some flakes that made big promises and never delivered, and then decided I was fucking done with it all and I didn't care anymore. I just wanted to put dating behind me and live alone because it was easier.

In January, I worked at an event I didn't want to work at at all, I did it only because my mom wanted to do it.( The guy I had been casually talking to at the time said he would try to show up to meet me. He never did, and never brought it up again and we didn't speak again after that.) anyways, my mom took a picture of our table to send to her customer/friend to see if she wanted anything. I just so happened to be in the picture. That was the first picture of me that my bf had ever seen that made him want to ask me out. If I had been a little more convincing and stubborn with my mom, we wouldn't have been at that event. There would have been no picture of our table to send to anyone, and my bf never would have known that I existed.

It took him over a week to work up the nerve to give my mom his phone number to pass along to me. 2 days later, I decided "what the hell" and texted him. In all of that time he had been drafting a text that he was terrified to send, and was just about to push through when my text came through for him.

It's so weird how seemingly unconnected events play such huge rolls in our lives. I almost didn't get to meet the only person I have ever genuinely, without any doubt, been in love with. The only person that has ever told me that my anxiety and insecurities weren't silly and that he understood them and wanted to reassure me through them. The only person that took it upon themselves to research asexuality on his own to better understand me and why I was asking him to be patient with me. He almost married someone that would have made him miserable, and because of a hurricane, a horrible hurricane that my office building is still not fully repaired from 5 years later, I got the chance to meet him.

I always read about how much people hate it when their partners snore, and I find snoring annoying in general myself. My ex-girlfriend had one of the loudest snores I've ever heard, and I fucking hated it. It would keep me awake and I would try to shuffle the bed a little to snap her out of it for a minute so that I could fall asleep. (That relationship oxidized really fucking quick, not because of the snoring, but it was a huge mess that involved her gaslighting me and leaving me with yet another depth to my relationship trauma that to this day makes me horribly anxious sometimes). but the sound of my bf snoring is the best most calming fucking sound in the world. I will fall right to sleep with it. I don't know what it is about his snore, because I know that his ex regularly teased him and complained about it because she thought it was annoying, but I love it.

He is genuinely the most calming presence in my life and is the only person that has ever made me feel like moving forward/change wasn't something to be afraid of. If things had been just a little different, I'd still be single, and we never ever would have met, or even crossed paths. I can't help but feel like all of that is cosmically important. Like it wasn't an accident, but the universe had carefully planned out the events in our lives because we were supposed to be together from the very beginning.

[elisysd]

7. Maybe together we can get somewhere

Masterlist - Previously - Next

Chapter soundtrack: Tracy Chapman - Fast Car

The sun was piercing through the curtains, waking up Julia. She took her time getting out of bed, letting the memories over the previous night rush over her. She took a quick shower before putting on an old Ferrari tee-shirt that she once borrowed from her dad (and never gave back) and some sweatpants. She was going to work a little bit on the data that some engineer from Warsaw had sent yesterday. She needed to be comfortable. A quick detour to the kitchen to make herself some toast and a cappuccino and she was ready to face her day. She came back to her room and sat at her desk. Before logging in, she unplugged her phone and quickly wen through the few texts messages and social media notifications. Her gaze was attracted by a name trending on Twitter and soon a text message from the same person that was under the spotlight on the app.

It worked.

She knew that she should stay away from the posts on social media, but curiosity got the better of her. She clicked on Ethan’s name and soon she was overwhelmed with pictures of them in the restaurant and hundreds of comments of people trying to guess who the girl in the pictures was. Investigations had begun and Julia knew it was only a matter of time before they get to her. A part of her knew that nothing would give away that it was her. The picture was blurry, the only thing you could see was her back and a brunette wearing a black dress was something pretty common. That was the rational part of her brain that was talking. But the tiny insecure one couldn’t help but play the devil’s advocate. What if someone had seen her and decided to speak? What if there were other pictures that were not online yet and someone decided to release them? Monaco was after all a small city, almost a village where everyone knew everyone. She could feel herself spiralling and nausea coming over her. She only had time to go to the toilet before emptying her stomach.

“Julia? Are you okay,” asked her mom that was passing by.

She knelled beside her daughter and put a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“I’m fine, I must have eaten something that my stomach didn’t like yesterday, that’s it.”

“You sure? Did everything go well yesterday? I didn’t hear you coming back.”

Julia’s only answer was to throw up again. It was as if her body was trying to tell her that the whole thing was a bad idea. She felt her mom’s cold hand on her neck and then moving up to her forehead.

“I’m not sick, mom.”

“You are throwing up and you are shivering, excuse me to feel a little worried.”

“It’s just the stress. That’s it. We have a lot of work to do…”

It was not a lie. It was just not the reason why Julia felt so sick.

“I knew it might not be a good idea to let you work in F1 right after graduating…” she heard her mom sigh.

“That’s my dream. I don’t want to work anywhere else.”

“I know, but sometimes you have to delay your dreams in order to feel ready. Maybe you could have started in F2, I know Fred still have some ties with Art Grand Prix…”

“No! I’m okay. I just need to get used to the pressure and I’ll be fine.” explained Julia, getting up.

“Come with me, I was about to make myself some tea. I’ll make you one. You need to drink.

Julia followed her mom as they make their way to the kitchen. Julia sat on a bar stool and watched silently her making the water boil in the kettle. The comfort silence was suddenly interrupted by angry footsteps coming from her father’s office. She heard him hanging up his phone call with rage and barging through the kitchen’s doors before sitting on the stool next to her. From the corner of her eyes she saw her mom taking another mug from the cabinet and pour a third cup of tea for her dad.

“What is happening?” asked Charles’ wife.

“We are screwed. We are not going to win a championship this year. It’s over. Lamborghini won.” he explained.

“Didn’t take you for a quitter, honey. That’s not the man I married.”

“It’s just… the data between the simulation and the actual data we collect during the race are strictly different. We are losing speed during straight lines, with or without DRS. We don’t know where the problem comes from yet, but I just had a call with our technical director isn’t optimistic about the upgrades we are working on for the Casa Grand Prix. I know I shouldn’t tell you that Julia, but I needed to let this out.”

Julia had rarely seen her dad so defeated and frustrated. Sure it happened before, when he was still driving, but he never was under the amount of pressure a Team Principal could receive and Julia could see the toll it was taking in him. She drank the rest of her tea in one gulp and went back to her room. Rummaging through her suitcase, she finally found the envelope she was searching for. She took out the USB drive and plugged it in her computer. In front of her eyes, dozen of documents could be seen. Pictures of the car, of notes taken by engineers, of date displaying on screens even blueprints of the car that Ethan might have copied from someone else’s computer. She was impressed by the dedication of her fake boyfriend to get her onboard. He really was not joking when he told her that he had important pieces of information. Of course, some things were lacking but Julia knew that if she studied them really hard, she could fill the blanks. A least she hoped so.

Downtown Monte-Carlo, in his flat Ethan was expecting Maserati’s PR manager phone call and was not surprises when he received it, right after his morning run.

“What were you thinking? We asked you to fake settling down not keep acting like a dick!”

Ethan sighed before drinking a huge glass of water in one gulp.

“And I’m working on it, but I can’t appear at the next GP with a girl out of nowhere. We have to make it believable. That’s what I’m doing. I called the paps yesterday. It’s under control, relax.”

“Who is the girl?” she asked.

“Not going to say. You will corner her and make her sign stuff, I know you. I don’t want you to make her run away, it was hard enough to get her onboard.”

“Ethan…”

“No. You will know when I’ll deem it useful for you to know. For now it’s not the case, but don’t worry, she is perfect. You have to trust me.”

He couldn’t help but smile, imaging the PR officer probably rolling her eyes at the idea of having to trust him. She was pissed of, he could hear it. But he didn’t care. For once, he had control on his life. Ever since he started to get big and under the spotlight, people tried to get advantage of his image. He stopped counting the number of brands that contacted him and the photoshoots he had done in the past. And of course people that tried to use him because of his father. He was not stupid, contrary to what other people might think and what it seemed. He knew who he could trust and who he couldn’t. But as his dad once said to him, really early in his career: “ You will attract dishonest people like corpses attract vultures, don’t hesitate to use them the way they will use you.”

“You’ve never made it easy for us to trust you.”

“See that as a new start.” he replied.

Ashley ended the call, not without making him promise to not do anything stupid. They didn’t need another scandal. Right after hanging up, his phone rang again and the name of his mother appeared on the screen. Ethan wondered if he should ignore it. He knew why his mother was calling, she must had seen the pictures and she wanted to know everything. But Ethan knew better, if he was not answering she was perfectly capable to come to his place and that was the last thing he wanted.

“Mom…”

“Were you on a date yesterday?” was the first thing she asked.

“Oh I’m fine mom. My flight was amazing and I made it home safely. The beginning of the season is not so great but I hope it will get better. I’m so happy you asked.”

“Smartass. So, do I know her? Is she from Monaco? How long have you seen each other? Why am I not aware of anything? You don’t tell me anything about your life lately…” she complained.

“Maybe I’m not telling you anything because it’s always like this! You are intrusive. It doesn’t matter what i do or it’s not good enough or it’s too risky or it’s too stupid. But it’s my life. I’m not fifteen anymore, I’m old enough to make my own decisions.”

He didn’t know where this was coming from. Probably a mix of everything that had happened the last few days. He was tired, under pressure and a part of him was scared the whole fake-dating would turn sour really quickly. He din’t entirely trust Julia. After all, he was giving the responsibility to save his career to a girl that hated his guts.

“I’m worried about you. And I wouldn’t need to if you had given me reasons to trust you in the past.”

He knew this conversation was not going anywhere. They both were too stubborn to admit their wrongdoings.

“How is dad?” he asked.

“Don’t try to change the subject, I still want to know who that girl is.”

“And I won’t tell you.”

“Is she from Monaco? Or Italian maybe? Or French?”

“She is Monegasque, born and raised here. See, happy?” he ended up saying, fed up by her questions.

“Oh so I might know her, then. Monaco is not that big.”

Ethan knew his mom. She was going to dig he was sure of it and that was the last thing he wanted. Because she knew that she was going to talk to other people and soon everyone will know that Ethan was dating someone. And that would mess with the whole plan him and Julia had come up with.

“Mom, it’s still early and I’m not even sure it will lead anywhere. Please, I’m not asking for much just let me go at my own pace and if it becomes serious I’ll let you know. I promise. But for now it’s too soon.”

He heard her sigh.

“Fine. Just one more question. How long has it been going on? Because with the scandal…”

“It’s been a few weeks.”

And that was another lie he could add on the pile that was starting to get big. He had to explain it to Julia so they wouldn’t mess with their relationship timeline in case questions were raised.

“Okay. Well, I’m happy for you Ethan, really. And I will be waiting for the day I’ll get to meet her. I won’t force you to talk about her if you don’t feel ready but you must care a lot about her if you are asking me to not mingle in your life. I’m glad you are happy and you finally found someone you want to spend time with.”

Ethan couldn’t help but feel a pinch of regret in his heart. He could hear his mom being genuinely happy for him and he knew that if she happened to know about the lie, it would crush her. He said his goodbye to her, promising to visit her soon and decided to go out. He needed to clear his mind after this conversation and to forget how of a liar he had become in the span of a few days. He was not proud of it. He felt bad, but Ethan was ready to do anything to keep his seat, even if he had to go as far as lying and potentially hurting his loved ones. He just hoped that the truth would never see the light of the day.He put on a jacket that was lying on his couch and left his flat. It was windy in Monaco, even a bit chilly, he could feel the salty air coming from the sea on his face. He took a deep breath before turning his dead to the left to see if a car was passing by before crossing the road and was surprised to notice a silhouette that he was becoming familiar with running in his direction.

Her brown hair pulled in a ponytail was bouncing from left to right, rhythmically with her footsteps. When she finally arrived near him, she was breathless and bright red from her run. He was about to say something when she interrupted him, pointing her finger in front of his face, silently shutting him up.

“Louis knows.” she said.

Ethan took a minute to understand what she meant.

“He knows? About us? What did you tell him?”

“Nothing, I swear. My brother is a genius and knows me better than anyone. I didn’t say anything, he put 2 and 2 together. He thinks we are dating. ”

“But you didn’t deny it.”

“I don’t want to lie to him.”

“Well you did lie, because technically we are not dating for real.”

“I don’t want to lie to him more than necessary.” she added.

“My mom is suspicious. I mean, you know her, you know how much she likes gossips so it shouldn’t surprise you to learn that she knows about the rumours and she saw the pictures. It will probably only be a matter of time before she finds out about you and I.”

Julia leaned over the wall and let herself gliding to the floor. She didn’t think about that. She didn’t think about how great friends her mom and Ethan’s were. If Kat met up with Lyanna, chances were high that they would talk about their kids. And Ethan’s dating life would be mentioned and then Lyanna would probably tell Kat that Julia had been on a date, because Julia knew for sure that her mom didn’t believe her when she said she was going to meet some friends. And then, their cover would blow up. Their moms would questioned them. Julia closed her eyes and try to take a deep breath that was soon caught up in her throat preventing her from exhaling normally. She tried to stand and started to pace back in forth, her breathing shallow, to organised her thoughts. But no matter how hard she tried to compartment her thoughts, new ones were adding up to the pile and she soon felt like the whole world was crushing down on her shoulders. She tried to keep the tears from falling by shaking her head but it was no use.

Ethan didn’t know what to do and he ended up doing the one thing he thought about. He put his body in front of her and his two hands on her shoulders firmly, forcing her to stop. She looked at him, anchoring herself in his blue eyes that was staring at her with a harden look.

“Julia… hey, Joolsie. Stop and listen to me. We are in this shit together, I dragged you into it. I may be an ass but i’m not ungrateful. You were kind enough to help me and you will go through enough of shit because of me. I promise you, I will try to make this whole dating thing the less painful possible. I owe you a big one, I’m not going to let you down. And you know me, you know that when I promise something, I don’t back down on it.”

It calmed her down a little bit. They tacitly decided to walk along the harbour, as Ethan lived nearby and they knew that there wouldn’t be a lot of people. The walk was silent as they didn’t know what to say. Julia was still deep in her thoughts and Ethan was eyeing her from the side. She really looked like Charles, he thought. The same way to carry themselves, the same hazel eyes, the same driven attitude and fiery look when they set their eyes on something. He never really paid attention before. He would even go as far as to say that she was pretty and in another life, she would have been his type. But she was Julia and he was Ethan and so, he put this thought in a box and far away in his mind.

They found a quiet spot away from the main road and near the sea. They sat on the only bench and looked at the coastline.

“This is my favourite place when I need somewhere to cool off.” Ethan told her, breaking the silence.

“Mine is the big cabin in our garden, at home. It’s used as a screaming room when someone needs to let go of some stress or anger. It was my mom’s idea, so no one would shout again one another and Louis had somewhere to go if he felt the need to be on his own, in a safe environment.” she explained with a bittersweet smile when she mentioned her brother.

“How is he? Is he still home schooled?”

“Yeah. It’s still hard for him to be around a lot of people for more than an hour…”

“But, how can he get used to it if your parents keep him sheltered?”

“That’s what I’m trying to tell them but… they are scared I guess.”

‘It must be hard, no? To have a brother like him.’

He saw her glared at him and added quickly that in no mean did he think that Louis wasn’t normal.

“He has ups and down. Like everyone, I guess. But his are always very high or very low. He doesn’t know how to recognise what he feels. It can take him days to put a word on a feeling. So, yeah… it’s hard. Sometimes it feels like no matter what we all do to help him, it’s not enough.”

“Does he have friends or is he really lonely?”

“He has Percy, Lando’s son. I don’t know if Louis considers him as friend, but I know that they chat online from time to time. That’s the closest thing he has of a friend and contact with the outside world.” she fidgeted with her red bracelet, her gaze set on it.

“And you, do you have friends, Joolsie?”

She was about to answer when a girl interrupted them. She was young, probably around fourteen years old with blond curls falling down on her shoulders.

“Hey, sorry to interrupt but, are you Ethan Verstappen?”

Julia looked away and put distance between them as Ethan replied with a smiled and posed with the girl for a selfie. As she left, not without thanking Ethan one last time and wishing him the best of luck for the season, they left their spot and wandered off the street. As they were planning their next move, Julia’s phones buzz and a text from her mom appeared on the screen.

It’s getting late, Ju’. Are you far from home?

She looked at the time and realised that she was almost late for dinner and the sun was about to set.

“I have to go. I don’t want to upset my mom more than she probably already is, I didn’t realise that it was late. We’ve been out for hours, I didn’t notice.” she told Ethan.

“Who would have thought that we could manage to stay out together for hours and not rip each other’s heads off? Look, we made it out alive. Maybe, this whole fake dating thing might work.” Ethan teased her.

She laughed slightly before waving him goodbye.

When she finally got back home and was surprised to see her dad playing with Bailey and her ball. He was sitting down on the stairs of the porch and seemed down which alarmed Julia. She didn’t like seeing him like this because it meant that something happened with Louis.

“Dad? Is everything okay?”

He looked up to her and sighed, before scooting over to give her some space to sit down.

“I messed up with your brother. Again.” he confessed with a low voice.

“What happened?” she asked gently putting her head on his shoulder as she felt her dad’s cheek resting on the top of her head.

“I involuntarily triggered him and now he locked himself in his room and doesn’t want to see anyone. He… he was playing piano and I… I’m stupid. I just thought that maybe I could play with him, that it could be a nice bonding moment. That if I can’t get through him with words maybe I can let music do the talking, you know? I startled him. I know that I should have made myself seen. Instead I just went and scared him. He started to panic because he didn’t feel that I was around and I tried to reassure him. I naturally put a hand on his shoulder and I shouldn’t have. I know that he doesn’t like when someone touch him without his permission. And he started to scream. The more I was trying to calm him down, the worst I made everything.”

“It’s not your fault, dad…” Julia tried to comfort him.

“I fail him, Ju’. Times and times again. I’ve always failed him and I keep on doing so. Why am I such a bad dad to him?”

“You’re not a bad dad. You try your best, like you always do. And maybe it won’t be today or tomorrow, but I know that it will get better. Because when you want something, you do everything you can to achieve it.”

She felt her dad’s head nuzzling against hers and his embrace being stronger.

“I love you, princess. I feel like I don’t tell you that enough.”

She grabbed his hand and squeezed it before standing up. The house was quiet. Her feet dragged her to her brother’s bedroom where her mother was talking to a closed door.

“Louis, baby, please open the door. Talk to me, please. Daddy is so sorry he didn’t want any of that to happen.”

She seemed tired and Julia regretted to have not come back earlier. Maybe if she had been there, the incident wouldn’t have happened.

“Mom? I’m taking it from here. Go see dad, I think he needs you.”

“You sure?”

Julia nodded and when her mom was out of sight she stuck her ear against the door, trying to hear something from the inside.

“Hey munchkin. Can I come in? I promise you, it’s only me.”

She waited for what felt like minutes before the door opened slightly. It was just a crack but it was big enough to allow Julia to slip through it. Louis was sitting on the floor, his back against the wall near the door. Getting closer to him, Julia noticed he was shaking slightly. She sat beside him, careful to not go to close in case it would trigger another crisis.

“Do you want to talk about it?” she asked softly, her voice barely a whisper.

“Dad hates me.” he ended up saying, is voice hoarse from the screaming and the crying.

“Why would you think that?”

“I just know it. He is ashamed of me.”

“Louis… it’s not true. You know that.”

“Yes it is. I surprised a conversation between him and mom once. I know it’s bad to eavesdrop and I didn’t want to but then I heard my name…”

“What did you hear?”

“Dad saying that he would have loved to have a son that was into racing and who would have been like him. That he would have loved to know how grandpa was feeling when dad was competing in karting. Because it would have brought him closer to his dad. He would have preferred to have a normal son and not a weirdo like me. He didn’t say that but it felt like it.”

Julia didn’t really know what to say but one thing was for sure, she knew that Louis had misinterpreted whatever he had heard and was not meant to. She would talk to her mom about it later.

“Normality is overrated Louis. And I wouldn’t want another brother. You are perfect just the way you are.”

It made him feel a little bit better. At least he wasn’t shaking anymore. She pulled out of her pockets his favourite sweets that she always kept on her in case of emergency occurring with him. The smile that she managed to get it from him, made her happy and it’s with a lighter heart that she went back to her room. As she was about to plugged her phone, she saw he text from Ethan, appearing at the top of her notifications.

Hey, I hope you made it home safe and sound. The fan that asked for a picture earlier posted it online and she said that I was with who she thought was my girlfriend. It’s on a lot of gossip accounts. Just thought that I should let you know. Take care.

Julia gulped. Of course it was something that she imagined could have happened but she was so used to control everything that this slight inconvenience in their plan well thought was enough to make her anxious. It was real now, they could not back down. She couldn’t, not anymore. She opened Instagram and went to her profile. Maybe it was time for her to make it public. It would give her a sense of control over what was posting about her. She went in the app setting and opened the access to her profile.

author's note: This chapter was a pain in the ass to write so I'm very curious to have your thoughts about this one.

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

[chaotic-on-main]

Hi Sky! I was so excited to see you’re having an event. Congrats for the 250 followers!

I’d like a matcha with cookie crumbles (Levi hurt/comfort). My mother passed away this time four years ago, and it’s always a hard time for me. I was hoping you could write something with Levi helping me through, or maybe us helping each other, since we’ve both experienced that loss.

Thanks!✨💗

Order up!! One matcha with cookie crumbles for Sailor!!

Sky's Summer and 250 Follower Event!

☾ Pairings ➼ Levi Ackerman x gn!Reader

☾ Content/Warnings ➼ hurt/comfort, implied (best?) friends to lovers, parent death mentions, grief

☾ Author's Note ➼ Hi Sailor!! Thank you so much for sending in a request! Sorry it took me some time to get to it though. I was struggling a bit as I have a hard time connecting with this kind of grief. But I think my little sad one-shot about Levi dying opened the floodgates for me so to speak lol. I'm so sorry to hear about your mom, I can't even imagine. I hope this brings you some comfort. <3

Oh shit I forgot to credit @humanitys-strongest-bamf for helping me with the text message convo! Big thanks to her!! Sorry for fucking up your AI tho :c

☾ Word Count ➼ ~1.2k

Sleep doesn’t come easily to you the way it did a month ago. It’s nothing you’re surprised about though; this was normal for this time of year – as it always had been the past 4 years. At this point, it felt as if your body internalized a clock specifically for the month of June. And you hated it.

You find yourself staring up at the dark ceiling. The streetlight right outside your window filters in through your curtains and hits against the wall to the left of you, lighting the room up in a yellowish-orange hue. When you turn your head to the side, you see the clock on the nightstand that reads 1:19 AM in bright red numbers. A car drives past the window, headlights glaring into your room momentarily before driving off into the night.

With a huff, you roll over to your side and grab the cellphone that sits on the side table, unplugged with the charging cable missing. When you click the side button, your eyes squint from the sudden brightness.

A few notifications occupy half the screen, all from the various social media apps that currently sit idle in the background. None of them substantial enough to warrant your attention, of course. No, the reason you grabbed your phone is to message the one number that belonged to the one person you knew would be up at such a late time.  

Your ringtone goes off suddenly, the loud noise causing you to flinch. Levi’s caller ID pops up along with the picture you had chosen without his consent – his face half hidden in a rain jacket hood as he looks over to you. It was from a day a couple of months ago when you both got left at a bus stop and had to find your way back home. It was a snapshot from one of your favorite days with him.

You tap the green icon and press the phone up against your ear as you sit up in bed.

“Hi.”

“Hi.” He says back, his flat tone flowing through his mouthpiece and right into your ear. The calm that comes with Levi washes over you instantly.  

“You didn’t have to call.” You scoot back to lean against your headboard as you stare ahead into your room. It’s small and decorated minimally. Mainly because you barely spend much time here to begin with, generally opting to stay in your very personalized office a couple doors down.

“You sound like you need company. Want me to come over?”

“No!” You say quickly as well as a little louder than intended. You clear your throat before continuing, “No. No it’s okay. This is fine. I don’t want to trouble you.”

“If you didn’t want to trouble me, you wouldn’t have texted.” A hint of playful sarcasm slips into his deep voice.

“I- yeah. Again, that’s fair.”

Silence falls upon the room. It’s never uncomfortable for you two. Being friends for years comes with perks like that.

“Do you want to talk about it?” He mumbles from the other side. There’s a slight rustling from his end before it stops and all you hear is his soft breathing.

“I don’t know if there's anything else you don’t know.”

“No, but sometimes it helps to talk.” That makes you purse your lips. Raindrops hit your bedroom window, soft but loud enough to reverberate through the room. You don’t recall rain being in the forecast, but that’s summer you suppose. Random thunderstorms at 1:30 in the morning.

“I’m just really frustrated with myself.” You huff out eventually.

You pick at the soft throw that sits on top of your plush comforter. It was a gift from Levi a couple years ago from his own apartment. You said you liked it so much and would claim it every time you all had your weekly group hangouts at his place. He cut out the middleman and gifted it to you. You never struck up the courage to tell him you liked it so much because it smelled of him and it was ironed just right.

“What about this time?”

“I just- it’s been years and my body still won’t let me sleep during this time of year. Once the months turn warm, it’s like I’m not allowed rest. When is this supposed to get easier?” You mutter softly. The rain starts coming down harder, painting your window with rainfall. The yellow glow from the streetlight turns hazy and adds an interesting effect against your wall.

“Grief is funny like that.” Levi mutters back.

“Funny?” You raise an eyebrow; not like he could see it.

“Yes, funny. It’s different for everyone. But one thing stays the same and it’s that even though it may feel like it’s disappearing, it will always come back when you least expect it.”

“What does it mean when I’m expecting it though?”

“That just makes you weird, I guess.” Levi jokes back dryly, though you hear a hint of a smile on the other side, so you know he’s not being serious.

“Your mom meant a lot to you. She was your best friend. Pain like this takes a long time to heal from, you just need to be patient with yourself.”

“Levi… how long did it take you to… you know. When your mom passed?”

There’s silence besides the soft breathing coming from Levi’s end.

“Longer than I’d like, but eventually there came a day where it didn’t hit as hard. I woke up one day and suddenly, thinking about her didn’t ache as much. It worried me at first, actually.” He mumbles.

“Why?” Your eyes drift back over to the window. A distant roll of thunder sounds off.

“It made me feel like a bad son.” He clicks his tongue. A habit he does when annoyed.

“That’s so silly, Levi. You know that’s not true.”

“Yeah, well. It still made me feel like I didn’t love her as much as before. I couldn’t stop thinking I wasn’t as upset because I was moving on from her.”

A soft sigh.

“I realized it was because I had grown to accept her passing. And in truth, I love her even more from it. Every sad thought of her being gone is replaced with the memories I have of her. That will happen to you one day. You’ll wake up and suddenly it won’t hurt as bad.”

“You think so?” You mumble. You don’t notice the tears dripping from your chin onto the soft shirt you were ‘sleeping’ in. Wiping your eyes with the back of your hand, you sniffle as you tuck yourself into your blankets a little more. “Thanks, Levi.”

Instead of a response from Levi, you hear a rattle of keys as well as the closing of a door through the speaker.

“What are you doing?” You bolt upright, your sheets flipping over from the force of your body.

“I’m on my way to you. You said you bought a new tin of tea that I want to try. I’ll see you soon.” He says quickly before clicking off the line. You pull the phone away from your ear and stare down at Levi’s contact screen.

Tea, huh?

[thechaotichorselord]

CST, an old ass book I wrote.

LIKE TEO YEARS AGO-

TW: Blood, described gore, kidnapping, imprisonment, speaking of torture, stabbing.

ITS LONG AS FUCK SO YEAH ENJOY

CHAPTER 1

I wake up in my slightly uncomfortable bed to the sound of my caretaker's voice. 

“Eva. It is time for breakfast.”

I sigh and open my eyes, nearly blinded from the pearly white walls and floor. Everything in my room is white.

I hate the color white.[a][b]

For instance, the color white is used for “White Torture”. White Torture is where you are trapped in a room that is completely white. Everything is white. You stay there alone for months, and then you're let out. 

They say the loneliness never leaves you.

White is also the color of ghosts. Which is supposedly what my parents are.

I honestly don’t know what happened to my parents. All I remember is...well...nothing.

I wonder if the room is white to eliminate my memories. That’s what sometimes happens in White Torture.

I always conclude this isn’t the case. In the white cell, you are served white food to go with the torture. I don’t eat only white food.

Also, in White Torture you are isolated. I go to school and hang out with my caregiver, so I'm definitely not isolated.

I do sometimes see them, though. My parents.

When I look in the mirror, I can tell what my mom and dad gave to me.

My black curly hair? That’s my dad, but the curls came from mom. Peach colored skin? Both of them. 5’6 height? My dad. He was from England, while my mom was from Minnesota. 

I didn’t pick up my dad’s British accent, but I did pick up my mom’s accent.

The one thing that belongs to me and only me is my eyes. Coal black. My caretaker Miss Josie (she prefers mom but I don’t call her that) says that they look like “outer space with no stars”.

She’s right, I guess.

“Eva, the eggs are getting cold.” Josie’s voice calls.

“Coming, coming.” 

I push myself up and look out the window. It’s rainy again. 

Good. I hate the sun.

I dress in my standard school uniform; White blouse, black skirt, white tights, and black socks.

I pull on my black boots (my only choice of fashion is my boots) and walk downstairs. 

Josie turns her head at the sound of my footsteps and smiles at me. “Good morning, Eva. Did you have a-”

“Mmhm. I had a good sleep. It isn’t really your business.” I interrupt, and I sit down.

It might be rude to some people, but Josie says the same stuff every morning. And I mean the same stuff.

She continues to beam at me. “There is no need-”

“-to be snappy. Yeah, I know.” I answer, rolling my eyes. 

She blinks and cocks her head. Her head snaps back to its usual position and she says, “Your breakfast is ready.”

She places some eggs and bacon on the table and steps back as I take my fork and begin to eat. Mornings are the only time I really get to talk to Josie, so I ask her, “What happened to Kelsie?”

“Who?”

“Kelsie Meyer. My friend.”

She blinks. “Physical app-”

“Honey colored hair, freckles, always wearing a turtleneck…” I sigh when she tilts her head again. “Come on, the girl I hung out with a lot.”

“Oh. That girl.” Her head returns to normal and she turns around. “She moved neighborhoods.”

“Oh.” I answer. 

I don’t really have much else to say. This happens to all of my friends. Marlow Johnson? Moved neighborhoods. Jessie Toben? Moved neighborhoods. And now Kelsie has moved neighborhoods. It’s not right.

I haven’t seen any other neighborhoods. Maybe they're concealed by the woods.

The woods are a forbidden place. If you go there, you die. That's what all the teachers remind us at recess. One idiot, Carl Porter, decided to sneak over to the woods during recess one night. A bunch of kids told him not to do it, but he ignored them. All the kids in recess bunched up in a group and followed him to the woods. I was there too. Carl Porter wasn’t a friend, but he was a friendly kid. We didn’t want him to get hurt. He looked behind him and waved at us, then ran to the woods. We didn’t see him for two weeks.

That’s when his body was found at the front of the school. Bloody and bruised. Probably by an animal.

Nobody dares go to the woods anymore.

I get up from the table and dump my dishes in the sink. “I’m going to Maysi’s.”

“Have fun.” Josie answers.

I think she mutters something else, but I don’t hear it. I walk over to Maysi’s house and knock on the door. She answers it, her black curly hair dangling over her face. She pushes it aside and reveals an ocean blue eye. “Oh. Hi Eva.”

I wave and study her. “You still haven’t changed out of your night robe?”

“I just ate breakfast and was brushing my hair, Eva. Nobody can get ready for school as fast as you, you know it.”

“There’s probably someone.”

“Probably. Gimme a sec.”

She shuts the door again and a few minutes later, she comes back out. Her curly hair is pulled back in a ponytail, and she is dressed in a short jean jacket, a gray shirt, jeans, and nikes. 

Makes sense. She is one of the most popular girls in our school.

She applies some lip gloss and looks at me. “Ready to go?”

“Yep.”

As we walk to school, Mason Torres, the most popular guy in our school, walks over to Maysi.

“Hi.” he says quickly.

Maysi nods towards him. “Hi, Mason. What's up?”

Though she's popular, Maysi is not a bully. I like that about her.

He takes a deep breath. “I was wondering if, maybe, you’d like to eat lunch with me.”

Maysi looks at me and I shrug. She looks back at him and says, “Actually, I think I’d rather eat food with Eva. Thanks.”

He scowls and walks off.

“You don’t have to eat with me.” I say. “I mean, you should have other friends.”

“Everyone only wants to be friends with me so they can boast. You don’t boast. That’s why you're my only friend.” 

“Alright.” 

As we begin to walk into the school, I stop. I was staring at the woods, and I swear I saw something there. Like a silhouette of something. 

“Eva?” Maysi asks, stopping at the front doors of the school. “You coming?”

“Yep.” I hurry up to Maysi, and we walk through the doors.

CHAPTER 2

“How was school?” Josie asks.

“The same as always.” I answer, fishing through the cupboard for a snack.

“Define ‘same as always’.”

“Boring, lame, pointless.”

“School is not pointless or lame.”

“For most fourteen year olds it is.” I answer, pulling a bag of chips out of the cupboard.

“If you say so, Eva.”

I walk over to the living room and plop down on the couch. I turn on the TV and begin to watch an episode of “The Office”, when there’s a knock on the door. I pause the episode and get up. I walk over to the door and open it.

Maysi stands there, her jazzy outfit replaced with sweatpants, a blue hoodie, and no ponytail. She still looks dazzling without her fancy clothes.

“Hi, Eva.” 

“Hey, Maysi. What’s up?”

She bites her lip. “Can I hang with you? For a little bit?”

I study her face. It’s the same face she uses when trying to hide something. I look behind me. Josie’s cooking chicken. When she’s cooking, she never stops until the dish is completely done. She never notices anything either.

“Sure.” I answer.

Maysi smiles and steps inside. She’s incredibly wet. “Why didn’t you wear your rain jacket?” I ask, though I know the answer. She knew I’d let her in.

“You know the answer to that.” Maysi answers. “Ooh, ‘The Office’.”

After a few episodes of “The Office”, she asks to pause the show, so I pause it. I turn to her expectantly. She stretches her arms and turns her head the other way, saying, “This sounds really dumb, but…” I hear her exhale. “I want to go check out the woods with you.”

“What?!” I exclaim. “Maysi, people go missing there! Kids die! Don’t you remember Carl Port-”

“Yes, Eva.” she replies calmly. “I remember. It’s just…”

She looks around her.

“Look, I think it's best to talk outside.”

“Why?”

“We might be being watched.”

“You just said that you wanted to run into the woods in a place you think is being watched.”

“I just- ugh, just come outside Eva.”

We walk outside and take shelter under a table with an umbrella poking out of it. 

“So, why do you want to run into the woods?” I ask, folding my arms.

“I saw something.” she whispers. She must still think we’re being watched. “It looked like a human. I couldn’t tell, but… they were wearing a cloak and a mask. It was really hard to see. They were far away.”

“You know, I think I saw them too. I stopped in front of the school. Remember?”

“Yep.”

“So you wanna go look for them.”

“Mmhm.”

“And risk your life?”

“Mmhm.”

“You're weird, Maysi.”

“Mmhm!” she answers, her eyes shining like stars. “And so are you! So please come with me.”

I sigh. “Whatever, Maysi. I’ll go with you.”

“Yes!” she jumps up. “Let’s go!”

This startles me. “Now?”

She’s already off running. 

“Maysi!” I shout.

She’s too far ahead. I grumble and shoot ahead.

I’m wheezing by the time I catch up with her. She’s standing under a tree, watching a squirrel scamper through the wet, leafy branches. She notices me and beckons for me to come over. I cross my arms and raise my eyebrows. She rolls her eyes. “Sorry for leaving you in the dust.”

I purse my lips. “It’s fine. Just don’t do it again.”

She turns her attention back to the squirrel and smiles. “Can’t help that I’m such a fast runner.”

I punch her lightly on the arm and watch the squirrel too. I’ve only ever seen a squirrel once. A squirrel scampered out of the woods and right over to my house about 6 years ago. It spent thirty minutes scratching the front door.

As I’ve mentioned, that was the first time I saw a squirrel. 

Don’t blame me for thinking it was carnivorous, and don’t blame me for hitting it repeatedly with a stick. I obviously couldn’t leave the body of a squirrel on the floor, so I walked into the house and put the squirrel in the oven. 

I burned it to ashes.

I strangely don’t feel shame for what I did.

“Eva.”

I jerk back to reality. Maysi was talking to me.

“Yeah?”

“Don’t kill the squirrel.”

“Oh yeah, I was totally planning on doing that.”

“Sorry, sorry. It’s just that I saw you kill a squirrel a few years ago by beating it with a stick.”

“I thought it was carnivorous.” 

“Of course you did.”

“Was that a shot?”

“No, I’m just saying you tend to over imagine things.”

“You're right about that.”

She turns away from the squirrel and continues to walk deeper into the woods. “You're still going?” I ask her.

“Yeah. Don’t you remember why we came here? To see if we can find that person.”

“Well…” I jog up to her. “Maybe it wasn’t a person. It could’ve been a bear.”

“I know.” she answers. 

“Then what the hell do you want from this experience?”

“Excitement.” she answers, and she continues to walk.

I roll my eyes and follow her. After five minutes of walking, she stops. I stop too. “What?” I ask.

“I just realized something.” she answers.

“What did you realize?”

Her damp hair briefly moves as she turns around.

“I’ve never seen you smile.”

This startles me, as it's true. I have never smiled in front of anyone. “Yes.” I answer.

“Why is that?” she asks, walking closer to me.

“I never had a reason to do so.”

“You don’t need a reason. Sometimes you just smile for hello, you smile because you're happy, or you just feel like doing it. Like our caretakers. They smile all the time.”

“They might frown sometimes, but you’re right.” I kick at the ground. “They’re like robots.”

“Yeah. They’re weird.” she agrees.

Silence. We stand with the rain dripping onto our faces for what feels like an hour. Finally, I break the silence. “Do you want to see me smile?”

“I guess. I mean, that's the reason I asked you about smiling.”

So I smile. Just for Maysi, my best and closest friend. My cheeks feel rigid. Must be from not smiling often.

Then I stop.

“There. I smiled.”

I turn around.

“You have a lovely smile.” she whispers.

“Thanks. Let’s continue walking.” I answer.

We continue walking.

I look around. The forest seems a bit more eerie since I smiled. I’ve been walking ahead of Maysi for a minute, so I stop. “Maysi, I’m getting the creeps. Let’s head back.”

She doesn’t answer.

“Maysi, come on, let’s head-” I begin, turning around.

I gasp. She’s nowhere in sight.

“Maysi?” I whisper.

Only the drops of rain answer me.

“Maysi?! Where are you?!” I yell, running around. 

Nothing. She vanished.

Without hesitation I burst out of the woods and ran home.

CHAPTER 3

I burst into the house, my wet hair blocking my vision.

“Good afterno-”

“Can it, Josie!” I yell, and I run up the stairs. As I open the door to my room, I look behind me.

She’s staring at me, still smiling. I thought that maybe they frowned sometimes, but Maysi was right.

They never stop smiling.

I slam the door behind me and flop onto my bed. I dig my fingers into my face and pull down. 

Ouch.

I feel a liquid beginning to form on the scrapes, so I walk over to my mirror and look at it. I accidentally scratched 8 red lines into my face, all of which are bleeding. 

It looks a little like I’m crying blood, which is creepy, so I bandage it up.

Feels better.

I walk over to my bed and sit down. What just happened to Maysi?

There’s many possibilities, but I'll hang on to the most realistic ones. 

She ran off without me. Really unlikely, but possible. We’re best friends, and I’ve known her for years. Besides, she can't run away from me that easily. She’s not that fast a runner and she’s pretty loud.

She was killed. I don’t want to think about it. There’s no animal that could kill her that silently. Unless it was a shark. Sharks are silent. We’re not in an ocean, however, so very unlikely.

She was captured. Also unlikely. The woods are dangerous for animals, not kidnappers. There’s probably nothing to capture us. 

Unless…

That person! I jump to my feet. Maysi and I both saw a silhouette in the woods. If Maysi was captured, it would be by them.

I need to go look for Maysi. I mean, what kind of person runs away from her best friend?

Me, I guess. I’m a terrible friend.

I get up and grab a bag from my closet. I load it up with supplies for my search, including some pretzels, an apple, a pear, and a flashlight. The search won’t be long, but I’ll probably want a snack and some light.

As I zip up the backpack, I hear something. It must be Josie watching TV. Soap Operas are her favorite thing to watch. I wonder what's going on with Vanessa and Mason and their financial problems in Time is Money.

As I open my door, I realize that the noises I’m hearing aren’t Vanessa’s; their Josie’s. She’s speaking to someone.

And she sounds like she’s anxious.

Josie is never anxious.

As I tiptoe slowly down the stairs, I can’t help but hear her say, “...Eva didn’t…” and I freeze. She said my name. Is she talking about me? I dash past her and crouch behind the couch she’s sitting on, hiding from her view and try to make out what she’s saying. I think she hears something, because she pauses and turns around, and looks robotically from side to side. I hold my breath until she turns around and goes back to her conversation.

I exhale.

“Eva is not of age yet. It isn’t time.”

I jerk my head back, confused. What’s she talking about? I listen again.

“Elizabeth, the test. Eva can’t do it. You know that she’s underage. If you do this you’ll break the code of reality.”

Code of reality? The test? What are these things?

“Yes, yes, it is just that...she found out about Maysi’s disappearance.”

My face drains to pale. How does she know that?

“I just mean...I think she’ll find out about the pods. Yes. Maysi vanished in the woods. It was a bad move to transport her when Eva was there. Yes, it was. Eva now may suspect the woods, and I even saw her packing up. She’s going to find the exit if we don’t stop her. I do not think the test is an answer. The test you have a chance of survival. Eva must be terminated the proper way.”

I feel a scream coming, but I suppress it.

“What way is that?” She turns around, and that’s when I notice how insane her smile has become. “Why, killing her, of course. By poison, stabbing, loss of blood, starvation, dehydration-- Oh, you want poison? Of course, Elizabeth.”

She turns around and hangs up, then she walks into the kitchen and rummages through the fridge for a snack.

I run upstairs and toss my bag on the floor. Then I quietly close the door, open the door, and shout, “Hey, Josie, what’s shakin’?”

Ew, horrible line. She knows I don’t say this. Probably a little suspicious. “Oh, just this milkshake I’m making you!” She replies. “What’s your favorite milkshake flavor?”

“Strawberry-Chocolate.” I answer.

“Comin’ right up hon!”

I walk down and open the silverware drawer, grabbing a spoon, and placing it on the table. She smiles at me, and I smile back. Then, when she turns her back, I grab the poison she has attempted to hide from me (in her pocket), and replace it with sugar. 

“Hey, Josie, why don’t you make yourself a milkshake too?”

“Aww, you're being very thoughtful, Eva.” She places the milkshake down, and I notice the little white flecks of sugar she forgot to mix in. Nice try. “I’m actually on a diet, so--”

I spring up. “No, I insist. Here, I’ll make you one. I’ve watched you before, so I know how to make a milkshake.”

“If you really want to.”

I smile, turn my back, and begin to add the ingredients. We chat about school for a few minutes, and then I ask, “Josie, do you want some extra sugar in the milkshake?”

“Yes.” she answers.

I take the poison out of my front pocket and pour it in the milkshake. The poison is a blackish powder. I sniff it, and almost pass out from the fumes. This is definitely lethal. I mix it in as much as I can, and after a minute or so, the milkshake looks like it hasn’t been tampered with. I sprinkle some sugar on the top, so it doesn’t look suspicious. I add a striped straw so that I don’t accidentally drink the poisoned one.

“All done!” I sing, giving her the milkshake.

She and I sip our milkshakes. “This is very good, Eva! It reminds me of--”

That’s when she gasps. She clutches at her throat. 

“Are you okay, Josie?” I ask in fake concern. 

“My throat feels like...it’s...on fire…” she chokes, her eyes streaming.

“I’ll get you some medicine.” I say, and I walk over to the kitchen counter, where she always leaves her kitchen knife. I grab it and walk back over to her.

“That’s...not medicine, Eva....”

“I heard your conversation with ‘Elizabeth’, whoever that is, and I won’t let my life end because of you. I’m going to find out what pods are, what the test is, and where Maysi is.”

That’s when I notice how strong the poison is. There’s a hole forming in her throat.

“You were...planning on doing this to me?” I whisper in disbelief. “All these years, I thought you were so nice and sweet...but…”

I shake my head, raise the knife, and plunge it straight into her heart. She shudders, and her eyes begin to glaze.

“...I know you thought I was, too. But you were wrong because…”

I push the knife farther into her chest, and bring my lips to her ear.

“I’m not.”

I yank the knife out of her chest and watch as her eyes droop, the pinkness drains from her cheeks, and her smile is finally gone.

Whatever she was, she wasn’t human.

At least, not anymore.

CHAPTER 4

The woman before me is not the Josie I knew. Her smile gone, I see herself as a victim. A victim of what, I don’t know. But I know that whoever Josie used to be, that woman vanished years before. 

I’m shocked. I never thought I’d kill Josie. Sure, she annoyed me sometimes, but…

I go over to the couch and try to clear my head. With Josie dead, I don’t have a reason to be in this house anymore. Josie owned it.

That won’t stop me from stealing from it, however.

But before I do that, I need to dispose of the body.

I stand up and walk back over to the kitchen. Josie must’ve slid off the chair, because she lay on the floor, in a crumpled heap. I grab her shoulders and hoist her up, only to immediately drop her in disgust. The hole in her throat has started bleeding, and a small trickle of blood is running down her mouth and onto her chin.

Gross.

Suck it up. I grab her around the waist, hoist her up, and flip her over. I only need to see her throat for a second before it’s gone. I drag her over to where I remember the broom closet was, and, after a minute of confused shuffling, I find it. I open the door, but can’t keep my grip on Josie, who tumbles to the ground. I grab her armpits and yank her into the closet. I step out of the closet and grab the keys hanging on a hook outside. I glance one last time at Josie, close the door, and lock it.

Now that that’s done, I need to get some stuff.

I toss the keys inside a bag I’ll use to store my stuff. They might be useful later on. For what I don’t know. I’m a very cautious person. 

I walk over to the kitchen and open the fridge. There’s lots of food inside, so I grab the stuff that I think will spoil the slowest. Like the apples, carrots, steak, ice cream, etc. I also grab an ice pack, so things like the ice cream won’t melt. And although ice cream isn’t that useful, I just like the way it tastes.

Maybe I should get some weapons.

I rummage through a drawer in the kitchen and find what I was looking for. A lighter. I close the drawer and walk over to another closet (not the one with Josie). I open the door, and see what I expected. Josie has camping gear, what for I am unsure. I never went camping. She never did either. I grab a sleeping bag and a flashlight, and shove it into the bag.

It doesn’t fit.

I toss the sleeping bag out in frustration, and that’s when I notice a very thick, long piece of rope hanging on a hook in the closet. I grab it, and using it I secure the sleeping bag to my bag.

I think I have everything I need.

I walk towards the front door, but that’s when I realize that I forgot to get combat weapons. Sure, the lighter can be used to create some serious damage, but I have a high risk of lighting myself on fire.

The knife could be useful.

I walk into the kitchen and grab the knife, which I dropped on the floor. It has blood on it, which is both disturbing and gross, so I grab it and wash it off in the sink. I dump it in the backpack. 

Now I’m actually ready to go.

I walk up to the front door, pause, and mutter, “Bye, Josie.”

I walk out the front door, and don’t bother to close it. I don’t have a reason to anymore. There’s a slight breeze that ruffles my hair.

I should get moving.

I begin to walk into the woods, when a sudden sound distracts me.

Squeak squeak squeak.

Noticing that it’s coming from one of the trees, I rush over to examine it. There’s a squirrel in the tree, it’s tiny paws fussing over an acorn. It stares at me, and I stare back, my eyes narrowing in order to get the squirrel into better focus. The squirrel turns around to scamper off into its home, but is interrupted by a rock slamming it in the head, knocking it from the tree and killing it.

It could have been watching me.

I pick up the squirrel's corpse and examine it. It looks young. About 1 year old. After killing Josie, my sympathy is at an all time low.

I’m numb. I grab the squirrel by the neck and throw it into the deep woods. As soon as I turn around, I hear a shriek. I swing around and wait, hoping to hear another sound.

Silence.

I grab a nearby rock and chuck it towards the sound, to which I am rewarded with a rustle. I open my backpack, grab my knife out of my backpack, and charge towards the noise. I slice through a thick bush and stare at what jumps out of it.

A boy with a crossbow.

Based on his height and face, I assume him to be about my age, maybe a bit older, 14 to 15. 

We stand there and study each other, his spiky brown hair rustling in the slight breeze, his brown eyes focused on mine.

“Who are you?” I ask, my question obviously reflecting his own thoughts. “And where did you come from? Also why the hell are you in the woods? People died here.”

“I’m Liam.” the boy answers.

I glare at him. “Well where the hell did you come from? I asked.”

“I…um…came from a place called ‘the in between’.”

I stare. “‘The in between’?” Liam nods. “You suck at names.”

He flushes. “I didn’t call it that, someone else called it ‘the in between’.”

“Still a stupid name.”

“Whatever.”

He kicks at a piece of rubble. “Well who are you and where did you come from?” he repeats to me.

“I’m Eva, and I came from the neighborhood.” I reply.

Liam studies me for a few minutes. “Come with me.” he finally says.

I scrunch up my nose. “No, I’m not going with somebody I barely know.”

“Trust me, it’ll do you good.” Liam says, a small tone of desperation in his voice.

“No.” I say firmly. “I’m staying here and going with no one.”

“Fine, you leave me with one choice.” Liam sighs. He taps the bush. “Seth, cmon.”

Suddenly, a boy with silvery hair around the age of nine bursts from the bushes and lands near me. He grabs a cloth and dashes behind me, and before I can do anything, the cloth is covering my eyes. “Sorry,” he whispers in my ear.

Then I feel a sharp pain in my arm and I black out.

CHAPTER 5

My thoughts are jumbled as I return to consciousness. My body is covered in a rough, wooly blanket, and I smell bacon. Am I back at Josie’s house? No, that can’t be possible. I remember everything. “She’s dead.” I mumble aloud.

“Who?” I hear a female voice say.

My eyes shoot open, and I see a girl with vivid pink hair and yellow, catlike eyes staring down at me. “Aaa!” I exclaim, jumping back.

“Sorry for startling you!” she says in a slightly high pitched voice. “It just gets a bit boring seeing the same old faces day after day, so when someone new comes to camp ya just gotta go and see the-“

“I’m sorry, who are you?” I interrupt. Rude, I know, but when someone I don’t know starts acting like we’re best friends? That gets a little unsettling for me.

“Oh, silly me. I’m Lori Barnger.” She extends a hand. “I help invent machines that keep the camp running.”

“What camp?” I ask, cautiously taking her hand and shaking it slightly.

“Well, we’re in a place called the i-“

“Lori! The oven broke down again!” a male voice calls.

Lori grimaces. “Ah, sorry Eva. Everyone relies on me to fix their broken machines. Coming!” She gets up and walks to the exit of the tent I’m in. She smiles and waves. “I’ll see you later!”

I wave back, when suddenly I fall backwards and am lost in the darkness of unconsciousness once again.

The next time I wake up, I hear two voices: Liam and a different male. Their voices are incredibly hard to hear, however, so I hoist myself up a bit and press my ear to the wall of the tent. Eavesdropping only seems to cause problems for me, but for right now, I don’t care.

“…don’t care about how helpful she could be, the new girl will take up more supplies than we want.”

“Her name is Eva, Jack…”

They’re talking about me. I suddenly am back behind the couch, listening to Josie speaking about her plot to murder me. 

Josie.

I can’t help it. Although she tried to kill me, it’s still so sad what happened. She wasn’t herself. I let out a loud, audible sob, and the people fall silent.

Shoot.

I hear footsteps, and I immediately shove my head onto the pillow and pretend to be asleep. I hear the tent door zip open, and a rustling. 

“There’s nothing, Jack. I think that she was just having a bad dream. Ah, no wonder. Her covers are all bunched up at the foot of her bed.” Liam walks over to me and grabs the blankets at the foot of my mattress. He tosses them over me and I realize how cold I was. Warmth washes over me and I hear Liam leave the tent again.

I press my ear back to the tent wall.

“Nobody makes a sob that loud, Liam. Even Seth doesn’t cry that much, and he’s a big cryba-“

“Don’t talk about Seth like that. He’s a strong kid. He’s stuck through everything we’ve been through without a problem.”

“I didn’t ask and don’t care, Liam. Remember who’s in control here.”

“I do.” 

“Good, then let’s continue our little chat about your new friend.”

“I just…there was something about her that I couldn’t help noticing. She was packed up, like she was ready to go away from her neighborhood to live somewhere else. I just thought that she could try to live in this cam-“

“Liam, Liam, Liam. I’m sure that she was only going to feed the animals.” Jack says carelessly.

“She threw a dead squirrel right at Seth! I don’t think she’s the type of person who would feed animals.”

“Well, you make a fair point.” Jack sighs. “I’ll let her in for now. But if anything goes wrong she’ll go back to the forest where she belongs.”

“Fine.” Liam snarls, and he angrily stomps over to the tent I’m in and plops down beside me, rubbing his eyes. He grabs his sheets and tosses them over his body. Within a few minutes, he’s asleep.

It takes me a second to fall asleep, and when I do it’s painful. I constantly wake up in between a repeating dream about Josie and the hole in her neck, growing wider and wider until it swallows me.

When I wake up for the last time, I’m confused about how I woke up, because it wasn’t from fear. Then I realize it’s because the silvery haired boy is rustling noisily around in a backpack. He notices that I’m awake, and immediately apologizes.

“I’m really sorry that I blindfolded you!” he whispers. “The leader of our camp, Jackson, has this rule where we have to use a sedative on a human who looks like they could survive on their own!”

“Wait, wha-? Why do you need to do that?” I ask, startled by his apology.

“Well, he’s afraid that the new people might turn him into the…leaders of the test. He’s a very paranoid and annoyed person, and he rarely trusts anyone.”

“I don’t think he’s very fond of me.” I answer blankly.

The kid shakes his head. “Oh, don’t worry, he’s not fond of anyone. The other day he yelled at this lady named Sue for spilling some of her water on the floor. Of course, Sue didn’t react much because of her past…”

“Who’s Sue?” I ask, puzzled.

“Oh, she’s one of the people who lives in this camp,” Seth says, grabbing the bag he was looking through again. He searches through it for a minute or two, before stopping. He looks at me and tilts his head. “I could introduce you to some of the people in this camp if you want?”

“I don't know…” I answer, remembering last night. “I feel like they’ll think I’m weird or something.”

“Everyone here is a little weird,” Seth assures me.

“Even you?” I ask. Seth doesn’t seem like the type of person who would be weird.

“Oh, definitely. Everyone knows that I prefer sleeping on rocks rather than a mattress,” he states, gesturing over to a part of the tent that’s covered with stones. I stare at him. “I told you everyone’s a little weird,” he says, shrugging.

“I guess,” I answer, shrugging. “Sure, you can introduce me to some people.”

“Ok, thanks. Lots of people have been wanting to meet you.” Seth says, pushing the bag aside and standing up. “I’ll be right back.” 

He runs out of the tent, and comes back a few minutes later with some bacon and eggs on a plate. “Here,” he says, giving me the plate along with a fork. “You should eat before we go.”

I nod and pick up the fork. I sink the fork into the eggs and take a bite. After a minute of eating, I speak to the kid. “You're Seth, right?” Seth nods. “So Liam’s your brother?”

“Yeah.” Seth says. “He’s really, really nice and caring. If you cry he’ll come over to you and comfort you until you're better.”

I nod and finish the food. When Seth offers to show me where to place my dishes, I follow him over to what looks like a portable kitchen. Fold up chairs, tables, a sink, two dirty mini-fridges, and a few random counters dotted here and there give off the feeling of strange comfort.

After I place my dishes in the sink, I’m amazed as the sink does all the washing on its own. “Who made this sink?” I ask Seth.

“Sam.”

“Who?”

“Oh, Sam’s one of our inventors. He created the mini-fridges and the sink you just asked about.”

“Hm,” I answer.

“Do you want to go meet him first?” Seth asks, his hand clutching my hand so that he can lead me.

“Sure, I guess.”

Seth pulls me across a very dusty pathway, over to a place that looks like a metal igloo, its silver dome gleaming in the sun. Seth knocks on the door, and steps back. He was right to do so. The door emits a steam that smells of rotten eggs, and a person in a white chemical-resistant suit comes out. “Can I help you?” They ask, their mask dripping with the liquid that came off the steam. Then they see Seth. “Seth! Hey, what are you doing this early? Is your brother up yet?”

“Liam won’t be up for another 15 minutes, he had another talk with Jack last night.” Seth says. “And I’m currently bringing the new person around— um…I don’t know your name…I forgot.” Seth says, staring up at me.

“Eva.” I remind him.

“I’m bringing Eva around, showing her some people in camp. She was fascinated by your sink.” Seth says, his attention back on the other person.

“A lot of people were.” the person says, walking over to the igloos door and shutting it. “Including your brother, Seth.”

“Yeah, Liam really appreciates your inventions.” Seth replies.

The figure nods and their hands reach over to a button on the suit. They press it, and the suit opens up like it has a door in it. A boy with dazzling blonde hair steps out of it, and he waves, grinning. Seth waves, and so do I.

“Hi new person! My name is Sam, and I work in the inventions department!”

“Hi, I’m Eva.”

The boy's ocean blue eyes fix on mine. He shifts his goggles that are strapped to his head. Seth speaks up. “Eva, do you want to go check out the inventions department with Sa-“

I feel something slam into my shoulder, and I whip around, expecting to see Jackson, although I don’t know what he looks like. Instead it’s a girl with curly black hair, stone gray eyes and a hollow look about her.

“Excuse me.” she says harshly, trying to get past me.

“Good morning, Sue!” Sam says happily. “How are you doing?”

“Fine.” she replies, still trying to get past me.

“Would you like to come check out some inventions with me, Seth, and E-“

“No.” Sue states firmly, and she finally gets past me and rushes off.

I wrinkle my nose. “Well, she doesn’t seem very friendly.”

Sam's joyful face is replaced with a bit of sadness. “Well…she didn’t have a very good life, I’ll say that much.”

“What happened to her?” I ask.

“Not my story to tell.” Sam whispers. He forces a smile back onto his face. “Anyways, let’s get go-“

“SAM OLIVER PLEASE REPORT TO JACKSON RIVERA’S TENT.” A voice booms out. “THANK YOU.”

Sam grimaces. “Ah, shoot. Sorry guys, I gotta go. I’ll catch you later.” He rushes off.

I blink. “He seems nice.”

“Yeah, he’s one of the most optimistic people in the camp.” His voice drops to a whisper. “There are rumors that he likes this girl named Lori, who’s also in the inventor’s department.”

“I know Lori!” I exclaim. “She came to visit me when I first arrived at camp unconscious a day ago!”

Seth looks guilty. “Actually you’ve been out for more than a day. The sedative I used on you was a bit too strong, and it caused you to blackout instead of being sedated.”

I ponder this. “Well, I got more sleep than I expected.”

Seth nods. I tilt my head. “Why do you never smile, Seth?” I ask.

“It’s a long story,” Seth says, obviously brushing off my question. “So since you met Sue, Lori, and Sam, do you wanna go meet Jackson or Liam?”

“No.” I reply firmly.

CHAPTER 6 

I blink my eyes open, the daylight shining through the tent canopy. I raise my arm and shield my eyes from the bright light and turn over onto my side. It must be around 7.

I sit up and look around, and that’s when I find the pile of fresh, folded clothes lying in front of me. There’s a note attached to them, and I pick it up. 

Eva,

I managed to sneak you some fresh clothes.

Our leader doesn’t like it when new people get things like this, but I think you should have it.

Don’t tell.

-Lori

I put on the clothes (which are soft) and open the tent door. I step outside, and immediately smell smoke. I follow the smell and see a breakfast area with a bunch of people gathered around a table. Upon seeing me arrive towards the table, Seth rushes over to me. “Hi, Eva. D’you want to come sit with me?”

I shrug. “I dunno, I was going to go check out the camp.”

“Well you should eat something before that. The camp is big, and breakfast is really important.” Seth insists.

I sigh and allow Seth to make me sit with him. Though I don’t feel particularly hungry, I eat a bit of egg to make him not worry about me that much. I can’t help but like Seth. We barely know each other, and yet he seems to genuinely care about me. As we sit at the table, he introduces me to a few people. Lanna, a mute redhead who is a teacher for people who can’t read or write, Erin, an inventor, and Don, a man in the military. “What military?” I ask Don, who is placing some sausages on his plate.

“Y’know, just some sort of guard just in case anything happens. Once a jaguar came into camp. It was pretty scary. We managed to wound it before Jackson came from behind us and stabbed it in the head.”

I look around the area. All around us is pure, gray terrain. It doesn't look like the habitat of a jaguar. I shake this thought off and say, “So…about Jackson. He’s the leader of this camp, right?”

“Mhm.” Don says through a mouthful of sausage pieces. 

“Does that mean that you have to get permission from him to join the military?” I ask.

Don gulps. “Well, yeah, but he doesn’t let girls in.”

I raise my eyebrows. “Why?”

Don shrugs and puts a huge sausage piece in his mouth. “I fink ‘e said somefing abou’ woman on’y being usheful for sewvants amd breeders.”

Even though I haven’t met Jackson (I have heard him), I feel some sort of hatred toward him. “That’s stupid.”

“Yeah, but nobody dares stand up to him. He’ll toss you out of camp so fast you can’t say ‘jerk’.” Don sighs, and he places another sausage piece in his mouth.

I eat a bit more egg then place my dishes in the self washing sink. I wave goodbye to Seth and begin to walk around the camp, looking at everything. After about thirty minutes, I begin to fantasize about joining the military. I’m good at fighting, I could easily fit in there. While I’m fantasizing, I accidentally crash into somebody. We both topple to the floor and I brush the hair out of my eyes to see who it is. It’s the girl named Sue. Books lay scattered around her, and as I reach towards one close to me, she snarls, “Don’t touch it.”

I raise my eyebrows. “Why not?”

“Because you’ll obviously just tear it in half like Jackson, or rip the pages off nitwit.”

I glare at her and pick up the book, to which she scowls. “I SAID don’t tou-” I shove the books into her hand. She looks at me in shock.

“What I am doing is called being nice, which you apparently aren’t that good at.” I snap. Then I get up and walk away.

I don’t like Sue. The way she acts seems both ungrateful and rude. I am about to continue checking out the camp, when Sue calls, “Sorry.”

I whip around, but Sue is running off. I notice she left one of her books behind. “Hey, you forgot your-” I begin, but I stop when I understand she’s out of earshot. I look at the book's title, and it says, My Diary.

Without really knowing what I’m doing, I pick up the diary. My hand makes to open the book, but I force myself not to. I pocket the diary, and begin to walk in the direction Sue had run. After I pass a few tents, I hear yelling. It’s coming from the largest tent in the area. I walk closer to the tent and listen intently. I’m surprised to hear Jackson.

“Lori, you know that we don’t give fresh clothes to the new people, it’s not-”

“Jack, I don’t care! The poor girl was dressed in the clothes from her caretaker's house! Cut her some slack.”

“I don’t care! Besides, she’s odd. While she was knocked out, she literally woke up twitching, then went back to sleep. I want to kick her out, she doesn’t deserve to be here.”

“Jack, come on, I think your being too harsh on-“

There’s a clatter and a bang as Jack supposedly slams his fist on the table. “She’s weird and I don’t like it. The way she acts is unsettling. You know that.”

Lori bites her lip. “I- I mean…she’s a little strange, yeah, but…” Her voice turns cold. “I’m strange too, Jack, and you haven’t kicked ME out.”

“Lori, wait-“

I duck out of the way as Lori’s dark shadow bursts through the tent entrance, anger flaring in her eyes. She begins to walk away when Jackson’s silhouette bursts from the tent. “Lori, don’t you dare walk away from me.” he hisses.

“Oh? And why not?”

“Sam,” he whispers tauntingly. “Your little, precious Sammy. I know you love him.”

Lori stumbles a little. “I-I don’t.”

Jackson rests his hand on Lori’s shoulder. I can hear the smile in his voice. “Yes, you do. I’ve seen the way you look at him. You’re smitten with that guy. Or should I say…freakish girl?”

“Don’t you dare make fun of him you fucking transphobe!” Lori screeches, and she slaps him across the face. “So what if he prefers to go by he/him? He’s happy, and he doesn’t go by she/her anymore!”

Jackson chuckles and rubs his red cheek. “You’ve made a mistake, Lori. You know what will happen unless you give me a little kiss.”

Lori’s eyes blare with anger, but suddenly turn frightened. She approaches Jackson and gives him a peck on the lips. Jackson’s voice turns cold, yet gentle. “That was close, wasn’t it?” He walks back into his tent. “Come by soon.”

Lori runs off. From what I understand and just saw, I’d say that Lori is being forced into a relationship with Jackson, or else he’ll do something to Sam. This annoys me so much that I have the courage to burst into Jacksons tent and state I want to be in the military, when I feel Sue’s diary against my leg.

She’ll be wanting this.

But just as I’m about to try and find Sue, my head twitches. Confused, I feel around my head to see if there was a bug or something, but no, there isn’t anything. Then my head twitches again. It’s a horrible feeling when your body moves without consent. It makes you feel like you have a problem. My foot makes a sudden jerking motion that causes me to fall onto the ground.

Whatever’s going on, I don’t like. I sit up and feel around my body. Nothing feels wrong or out of place. Shaken, I get up and begin to walk in Sue's direction.

CHAPTER 7

It’s hard to find Sue, given that she seems to have vanished into thin air. The only way to find her is by peeking inside tents. After about the ninth tent, I see Sue sitting on top of a sleeping bag, reading one of the books she dropped.

“Oh, it’s you.” She says, not bothering to look towards me.

“It’s me.” I confirm.

“What do you want?” Sue asks, putting her book down and glaring at me. “Make it quick.”

“You dropped this.” I extend the diary to her, and it is immediately ripped out of my hand.

“You didn’t read it, did you?” Sue asks suspiciously.

“I don’t infiltrate others' personal belongings, Sue.” I roll my eyes. “That’s a stupid and unbeneficial thing to do.”

She shoves the book under her pillow and picks the book back up. For some reason, instead of walking away, I remain in her tent. She looks at me weirdly. “Do you want something or…?”

“Er-” I know I do want something, but it seems stupid to mention. I extend my hand. “This…uh…is a little stupid but…I think we got off on the wrong foot. Can we like…be friends?”

Sue shakes her head. “I don’t do friends. They all die or disappear someday, somehow.”

I draw back my hand, and turn to leave, when my mouth moves on it’s own. “Well, having a friend is better than living life alone, right? Everyone dies eventually, so you gotta accept what happiness you can.”

Sue stares fixedly at her book, but I can see she’s not focusing on it. Her eyes are unmoving on a certain spot in the book. Her lips tighten. “Fine, guilt tripper. You can stay for fifteen minutes.”

“Thanks.” I walk over to her and peer behind at her book. “Whatcha reading?”

“Dracula.”

“Ah.”

We stay there in silence, when I sit down beside her. “You know, your hair is extremely curly.”

“Everyone says that. Go ahead, make fun of it, I know you w-“

“Can I style it?”

This takes Sue aback. She obviously hasn’t expected this. She shakes her head. “No, you might ship off my hair.”

“What gives you the impression that I’d ever do that?” I ask, somewhat irritated at Sue’s paranoia.

“I…I don’t-“ she glares at me. “Fine.”

I smile and turn her around so that her hair faces me. Slowly, I begin to untwist some forming knots, comb some dreadlocks out with a hairbrush Sue got me, and brush her hair so that it’s nice and silky.

After fifteen minutes of combing, Sue says, “This feels nice.”

“Yeah. If you want, I can come over every day and do your hair for you.”

“That’d be nice,” Sue admits.

I smile and continue to brush her hair. After a long while, I’m done. Sue runs a finger through her now silky black hair. “Thanks, Eva.”

“Don’t mention it.” I say, handing her the brush. She takes it, but she doesn’t bring it back to the bathroom. She screws her eyes up, as if remembering something. “What’s up?”

Sue’s eyes snap back to normal. “Hm?” She says, turning towards me. “Oh, sorry Eva, what’d you say?”

“I asked you what you were doing,” I answer. “You looked really concentrated.”

“Oh,” Sue says. She looks slightly uncomfortable. “It’s nothing. See you tomorrow, Eva.”

Noticing this as a “leave me alone” warning, I nod and leave her tent. As I’m walking, intending to go to the tent I’m staying at, I notice something. I seem to be continually circling around the front of Jackson’s tent. I’m confused about my body’s refusal to go home, when I remember the military, Lori, and Sam. 

I think I want to speak with him.

My foot immediately steps forward, and the rest of my body follows suit. As soon as I get into the tent, Jackson, who’s sitting at a desk with a pen and paper, calls, “Who is it?”

“Eva.” I answer.

I see Jackson’s fist tighten on the pen. “You don’t belong here.” He snarls, not turning towards me.

“I know.” I reply.

“Then why are you in here?” he asks, his hand scratching on the piece of paper.

“I need a favor.”

“Like I’d do anything for YOU.” he snaps, slightly turning his head in my direction.

“You will.” I answer, my hand twitching.

“Was that a threat?” Jackson drawls. He turns around. “We’ll go ahead, try me, you little idiot.”

Even though he just insulted me, I have to admit he’s quite a looker, with his steely gray eyes, coal-black hair, and strong, tall form. 

“Ugh, never mind. I want to be in the military.”

Jackson snickers. “You. A girl. In the military? Don’t make me laugh.”

“I’m not trying to. I want to join the military.”

“Well good luck trying to convince me. I only let pretty girls do what they want when they’re my girlfriend.”

“You little-“ I exhale.

“Yes?” Jackson asks sweetly.

“Never mind. Is there anything else I can do to get into the military?”

“Hmmm, I dunno.” Jackson snaps his fingers. “Ah, wait. You can beat me in a fight. That’ll prove you’re strong enough.”

As I nod, I remember Josie. She died at the hands of me. I could easily beat Jack. “Oh, I think I’m capable enough.”

“Great, it’s nice to have dreams.” Jackson taunts. “The fight’ll be at eight. Now get out.”

“Fine.” I snap, and I leave.

I step outside and prepare to walk to my tent, when Sam almost bumps into me. 

“Oop- sorry, Eva.” he mutters.

“It’s fine, Sam.” My eyes fall onto the pile of electronic parts he’s holding. “Need help?”

Sam smiles at me. “I’ll manage.”

I smile back slightly. “Care for a walk?”

“Sure, but let me just place these parts at the igloo. Lori…uh…wanted them.”

“Alright.”

As we walk towards the igloo, Sam asks a question I wasn’t expecting; “So, have you asked Jackson about the military yet?”

“I did.” I reply. “Wait, how did you find out about that? I thought-”

“Eva, please. I know everyone in camp. Don immediately told me about you wanting to join the military.”

“Ah, shit, my secret is revealed.”

“Mhm.” He walks over to the igloo and dumps the parts down. “Lori, the parts are here!”

“Thanks Sam!” comes Lori’s distant voice.

Sam and I continue walking. “Did you get in?” Sam asks after a while.

“No.” I say flatly.

“Didn’t expect you to.” Sam sighs. “That jerk is stubborn as nails.”

“Yeah.” I mutter. A thought pops into my head. “Sam?”

“Mhm?”

“What do you think of Lori?”

“She’s a cool person. Nice, funny, really weird, pretty, smart…” His face turns red. “Aaaand I’ve said too much.”

I, however, grin. “So you like her? Non-platonically?”

“Sure, you could- I mean- no! Maybe?” Sam covers his eyes with his hands. “Look, Eva, it doesn’t matter if I like her or not, because Jackson’ll just…he LIKES Lori.”

“Yeah, no shit, Sherlock. What’s the big deal?“

“The big deal is that he’ll most definitely kill me.”

“He’d kill you over a girl?”

“He’s…” Sam hesitates. “He’s killed people before. We don’t get on his bad side, due to this.”

“Oh.” I hesitate. “Sorry.”

“There’s nothing to apologize for.”

“Alright.” My stomach gives an unpleasant squirm. “Sam?”

“Yeah?”

“I arranged something to fight Jackson.”

Sam stops. He looks at me, somewhat frightened. “You what?”

“I-“

“Eva, for gods-“ He buries his face in his hands. He pulls it back out. “Your fucked, you know that?”

“I am?” I ask.

[soragawanaeru]

Uhh... Sorry for not posting NEXOCEMBER again, I... Have some mental block that I don't know what to do AAAAAAA!!!

.

But I have something for youu ✨✨✨

Do you know CapCut right? That app for video editing? You know CapCut has template feature right?

So what I'm going to give you is... A compilation video of NEXO KNIGHTS in CapCut template, except this is Indonesian-based because yeah, you can later guess which country I'm from. Audios are Indonesian but I put English subs that maybe not suits but hey, I want to give you guys some 🤡✨ C O M E D Y ✨🤡

I just put Google Drive link here so you can watch in one compilations:

.

.

1. Lance: No, Aaron, that's... Not how you do it... (Anybody got the reference?)

•

2. Morale of the video: Good kids don't try this. Aaron soon will regret his choice to sit in that position. Macy lost the bet so she sits in the back, while Clay... He's needed. No Axl because if you add him then thing turned worse.

•

3. Don't worry Aaron, everyone feel that with their mom too (Including me, hahaha) And if you find typos, please ignore it.

•

4. Aaron when Cloud of Monstrox exists out of nowhere be like:

•

5. Poor Clay can't take a rest. (A/N: The last song is actually Javanese. And though I'm partly half-Javanese, no, I can't speak at all. I betrayed my dad's ethnic, even I need Google translate for that)

•

6. Thank god Clay follows the right way, the way of justice, honesty, and chivalry.

•

7. CW // Crossover PRSK. Mizuki Akiyama asked a random people and got Lance Richmond from Knighton! What things that will turns bad?

•

8. Deleted scene why Aaron's vehicle of choice is alway never a land one, always aerial. (This features Clay and Macy)

If you want the full drive collection, I also put the link here (And maybe updated as I add more videos)

.

So, have fun and eat that comedy 🤡🤡🤡

[hellcatinnc]

Day 29 - Minoru Tsujimoto - Irresistible Mistakes

This man stole my heart before I knew what hit me in love365 app for voltage. He is the 2nd man that I couldn't resist throwing him in the husbando category... Btw I Love this man I could have said so much more but ran out of space for pictures lol.

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He Loves Cats

He loves cats whether it be the one ya'll now share together or if he sees a little stray on the street he will surely stop to take care of it. He is the guy that will either take it home or wait until its mom comes back for it owner. He thinks ahead and brings treats home for your cat when you least expect it and he will even have long talks with your cat letting them know that he is here for the long run.

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He Is A Naughty Boy & A Master Of It

This man will make you fan yourself. He does things with his fingers that only have been dreamt about. He is a whiz with his tongue and lips and knows every spot to touch you with them over your body. He can make love to you all night or get a bit rough until you feel him so deep in you your body starts to shake. He likes to hear you moan and scream and loves when you say his name. He is fast to have a quickie before work and make love to your on the counter when you come home. He will fuck you in the shower and eat you out while you cook. This man is naughty but damn he is good at it and he will always make you come back for more.

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He Can Be Dominate

He likes to talk about you being obedient and calling him master at times and although most is a joke he does know when to step up and be dominate and let you know what he wants. That being said if he wants you then you better watch out because he will do anything at any cost to have you and make you want him too.

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He Is Very Outspoken

Whether its telling you he can't stop thinking about you or that he wants to have sex with you he is always outspoken no matter what. Although he hides his feelings well its because he has been hurt in the past and your the only one that sees the softer side even though it hasn't always been that way. When he says I love you because he doesn't do it and he doesn't kiss on the lips when he does you knew he was completely yours body and soul and he even told you so you don't have to second guess it.

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He Can Be A Gentleman

He is the guy that will shield you in the rain, put a jacket on your when your out and cold, pull a blanket on you after caring you to bed if you fall asleep. He will pull out your chair at the restaurant or open the car door for you on dates. He is a gentleman but only to you.

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He Compliments You

If you change your hair, get new clothes, or smell amazing you will never have to worry he will compliment you each and every time. Trust me you will never guess if he has noticed because before you can say anything or ask he has done told you how lovely you are over and over again until you blush in the face.

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He Is Sexy, Charming & Irresistable

This man is charismatic, charming, irresistible, sexy, and down right completely desirable. The way he talks, walks, and speaks pushes so much sex appeal that it isn't hard to want him to rip your clothes off and make love to you any time. He wears these nice suits yet if he leans in to whisper in your ears how much he wants to undress you it doesn't take long for you to want to take your clothes off and have him take you right there. You will hang on every word from his sexy lips and beg for more when he stops. The way he can look at you at times like he has undressed you and made your body squirm just in a simple look. He can lean into your lips feeling his breath on your mouth and make you yearn for that kiss. He is the man every woman notices.

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He Only Wants You

He can be rude to other women that come on to him and be a introvert to the world however with you he is none of those things. He wants you and only you. When he thinks of a woman who is enough for him and that can hold his heart, body, and soul he thinks only of you and wants to give you it all in return.

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He Loves Kids

This man loves kids just like he loves cats. He will gladly pick a kid up to help them reach something or buy a kid candy just because. He is the all in kind of dad when he has kids you will never second guess his intentions. Beware though this man is one that will keep you in the bedroom and probably pregnant alot. That being said he still will love every kid you give him and still not keep his hands off you.

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Always There For You

No matter what happens he will be there through it all. He will listen and let you rant to your hearts content. He will pamper you and give you massages and bubble baths to ease your muscles after a long day. He will have you a glass of wine ready for you as he sits there holding you when you need to cry. No one will hurt you as long as he is there because he is your rock as you are his.

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He Doesn't Want To Lose You

He will always beg you to stay, and choose him over anyone else. He knew the moment he saw you he wanted you to be his. You run him crazy but he would rather you run him crazy forever than to ever leave him. He will give you everything you could ask for as long as you love him.

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He Is Honest & Loyal

Rule of thumb no matter what he not only will stand by you through anything but he does not believe in lying at all its forbidden in his vocabulary making him the most honest man you have ever met.

[legendarydragonperson]

YOUNG ROYALS 3 SPOLIERS MY PERSONAL OPINON!!!

Episode 1

Besides Simon's pretty girl entrance, the Queen (and the duke but tbh i completely forgot about him) not giving a flying fuck about August an adult recording her underage son having sex is just outrageous and the core of his ugliness and the blackmailing of it all makes it 10x worse. August I will never forgive him unless he throws himself in jail.

The obvious homophobia and uncomfortableness with the other court speakers (who the fuck is even was that guy) is just not ever going to make a difference in how Simon and Whilhelm feel about each other.

They are already out in the world as a gay couple. The court is so stupid trying to even get them to quiet down. They're here, (and queer) get over it and learn how the situation is never going to go back.

Simon's mom already mentioned in front of Whilhem the start of her and her son's harassment and boy didn't SAY ANYTHING. Burnt PRIDE FLAGS and hate letters should have already been a sign to help them out with security and surveillance.

Also, the court's lack of communication with Simon is something that was a constant annoyance. I don't know how they do it in Sweden but I was expecting the whole RWARB situation where they take strict actions to shut the gay boys up. (I'm not saying I want it but let's be honest that's the most realistic action)

Also, the whole Queen being mentally unstable situation is just so broad and intense that I am so confused. Is she experiencing grief again, depression, or is she physically ill, like I know we don't always need labels but I need one because trust me I know what a mother in grief looks like but she hardly gave Whilehem time to grieve at all.

And speaking of Erik being a big part of this season after hardly being mentioned in the second season (correct me if I'm wrong) is both good but damn it feels so late.

About Sara's whole burnout is sympathetic she tried to talk to Simon and he doesn't want to that's on him. I also don't believe that Simon should have said "All of this is your fault." The drugs were on you and not paying attention to the "paying part" of that tutoring lesson. Yes August should of paid you but you bro how bout don't sell your sisters drug.

Also, him blaming Sara instead of August pisses me off, and they hardly even speak this season which pisses me more off.

Now the show has been hinting about August's eating disorder from time to time to extensive exercising and body checks. But they did that one scene in a future episode that we all know about i know this is going off the episode but that's it. We don't get anything else and theirs a big ass chance he won’t get help which is sad. I'm seeing a lot of people praise that scene but it was one scene and it was laughed at (not the show or the characters but still is was brushed off.

Simon turn off your fucking notifications. It's harder for Simon cause he's not used to it but girl make your Instagram private and have some social media common sense about awareness and the inevitable hate. The hate coming threw your mail box is uncontrollable but the one app you use is.

Sara going back to her dad's would have been interesting if we already didn't know he was an alcoholic and constantly lets people down. It was kinda obvious the rise of high she felt and his eventual downfall.

The cunty principle just reminded me of s3 of sex education. A bit cliche.

That's it for now this was mostly for me but interact with it if you'd like.

[this-is-golddust159]

I really hope this is my last post about him/the breakup...thing.

At the beginning of August I went to a bachelorette party for a friend from college, and one of the events was going to a leather working studio. We had the option to make a pair of earrings, a braided bracelet, or a card wallet. I knew I'd never wear the earrings or bracelet, so I opted to make the wallet. My idea was making it a birthday gift for him since his birthday is the middle of September, and even personalized it by putting his initials on the front flap.

When I was over at his place that last time, I told him I had a birthday gift for him, and asked if I could just mail it because it was customized. And really, there's no point in me keeping it so the only other option was just throwing it away. His response was that he doesn't really get mail at this place (and also might not live there by his birthday which is a whole other story), and that we'd "still talk and see each other". Umm, okay?

He asked me Friday what it was because he isn't huge of surprises. I put off telling him because you aren't supposed to know what a gift is ahead of time. But I did tell him that I wasn't even sure he'd like it. After he largely ignored me this weekend, he brought it up again today. I gave up and just told him, including sending a picture, because it doesn't really matter. I probably shouldn't even give it to him at this point, but again, it's customized so it seems stupid not to.

The whole exchange honestly confuses me. Why does he even want it at this point? Why is he so concerned about what I got him? I've been going back and forth on even giving it to him because its just going to be a stupid, sentimental thing for him to own that I give him AFTER we ended our pseudo-relationship.

But at the same time, maybe that's why he does want it? Lord knows he's got other sentimental things from me that he kept. And he made a point to tell me the leather matches the journal his mom gave him (which is why I picked that leather).

I don't know, he's been confusing AF overall. There was the whole accidental "I love you" situation that last day. And then he freaking called me BABE over text Friday. And I'm trying hard not to let it all get to me - to stay as detached as possible - because its the only way I'm going to get over this whole thing. And I've already told myself how I'm going to handle it if he does want to try and rekindle things. I've also been going back and forth with telling him I need to go fully no contact for a while.

Not really sure why I feel the need to put this here. I've been journaling about everything both in my physical journal and on the Finch app. And of course talking to my support system - my bestie and mom. But I don't know, it just feels like I need to get it out here too? To speak into the proverbial void even if nobody answers.