#Vic needs to come to you to apologize

[masked-alien-lesbian]

Absolutely not! Have a little self respect for yourself mc, damn.

[thedeadthree]

lila thoughts under the read more <3 🥀✨🌹🎸

lila getting with griffin / g reign and having their little thing in “secret” not only bc it’s what her parents did to each other to get back at the other for slights and arguments but also bc she wanted to not only get back at seven but also to be like “oo look at me i can pull griffin freaking reign i won teehee.” and then the clown catches real feelings for griffin and calls jazz near in tears bc she’s just like her mom 🥀✨🎸🤡 and using someone she loves to get back at someone who she loved may or may not have even loved (i think she did but loved more the idea ? it’s complicated!) but loved the IDEA of seven loving her? dear you know it everyone knows it you want to be loved so bad!!!!!! the sooner you admit that lila the sooner you’ll be much happier my love! so excited to see where things go for her ! and things for her and her beloved g!!!!!

(x) for the divider <3

[cressidagrey]

Such A Mystery - Part 7

Pairing: Max Verstappen x Colette Leclerc (Original Character)

Summary:

Max Verstappen fell in love at the ripe old age of 12 and never looked back.

Colette Leclerc really regrets posting that particular Taylor Swift Lyric to her private Instagram account, because it made George Russell go insane.  

The rest of the world has absolutely no idea that the Dutch Lion and Charles Leclerc’s twin sister have been a couple for 15 years and are expecting a baby. 

Warnings: 

Pregnancy, Mention of multiple miscarriages, Pregnancy complications, George Russell Bashing (he's probably really nice in real life but in this, he's the bad guy, sorry), Jos Verstappen

Author Notes: Huge thanks to @llirawolf for holding my hand through this. Happy New Year! Chapter count is continuing to go up, because I need to halve this chapter after hitting 6k. Should be 10 parts. Hopefully.

Arthur did eventually show up with enough McDonald’s in tow to feed an army. 

Fries, Nuggets and even including apology milkshakes.

“I am really sorry,” her little brother apologised to her, looking distraught.

Colette exhaled slowly, trying her hardest not to laugh at the sheepish look on Arthur's face.

"The next time, maybe you should think before you post. But then I clearly didn’t do that either,” she said drily.

“I mean, karma is the guy in the car coming straight home to me, did amuse me very much,” Vic said brightly.

Arthur blushed deeply, and ducked his head in embarrassment. He set down the bags of takeout on the counter, and then looked up to her to apologize again, his eyes wide like a puppy begging for forgiveness.

"Come here," Colette said with a sigh, holding out her arms for him. "I love you, ma petite puce."

"Colette!" Arthur complained with a grimace, but she just grinned.

"Oh you'll always be my little flea," she teased her younger brother.

"Oh god, don't call me that," Arthur complained, letting her pull him into a tight hug. He let out a long suffering sigh. "I said I was sorry!"

"I know you are," she said, patting the top of his brown hair, even when that meant that she needed to stand on her tiptoes to reach. "But the fact remains that you were an idiot before."

Arthur groaned in embarrassment and dropped his head to her shoulder in defeat.

"Eat your fries," his voice was muffled. "And please tell me you have some salad or something in the fridge so Max doesn't kill me for feeding you nothing but junk food."

"I do have some salad in the fridge," Colette said and ruffled his hair. "I'll eat lots of veggies, I promise. And I’ll even tell Maxie that I blackmailed you into getting me fries, if you want,” she suggested brightly.  

Vic just snorted. "Let's just get that back in the living room and we can put on Sky News and bitch about the commentators."

"You guys are awful," Arthur protested, but he was already gathering their food and following along obediently. "The comments on Sky Sports are not nearly as bad as you make them out to be..."

Colette rolled her eyes and instead collapsed onto the couch, wriggling to get comfortable, because her back was still killing her.

Arthur was also very wrong. Danica Patricks definitively was that bad. Colette could just stare at the train wreck in front of her.

"Vic. Why in the world has Sky Jos on there to talk about Maxie's anger issues. What anger issues?" she demanded. Max didn’t have anger issues. Who in the world had come up with that? This was utterly ridiculous!

Victoria stared at her. "You don't know?!" she asked, sounding shocked.

"Know what?" Colette demanded. "Enzo deleted every social media app in existence from my phone. Why do people think that Max of all people has anger issues?!"

"George Russell," Arthur mumbled. "He said some...things."

Things. George Russell had said some things. 

Colette sat up a little straight at that, her eyes widening in disbelief. "What things?" she demanded. "What did he say?"

Victoria and Arthur exchange a look.

"He may have said that he wouldn't want Max to date his sister because he is sure that his girlfriend is the one dealing with his anger issues?" Arthur offered.

"He. Said. What?" Colette bit out.

No wonder there had been this tone in Max's voice when they had talked this morning...No wonder he had sounded upset, when that George fucking Russell had pretty much accused him of hurting her. And of course, he hadn't wanted to worry her, so of course, he hadn't told her.

Victoria reached out and grasped her elbow, as if she worried Colette would jump up and attack the screen.

"You need to stay calm," Vic said firmly. "You can't get worked up, it's not good for you, and it's not good for the baby," she warned her.

"I will murder George Russell," Colette growled in response.

"No murder," Victoria said in a no-nonsense voice. "You can't kill him, he's not worth it. And you can't have this stress, for your health. And the baby."

Colette huffed but she was still seething.

Only to then have Danica Patrick pipe up from the TV Screen: "What are your thoughts on your son’s supposed anger issues?"

"He doesn't have anger issues!" Colette snapped. "I have anger issues right now! I am going to find George Russell and punch him in the face!"

Arthur stared at her with an ill-hidden combination of horror and fascination.

Victoria laughed again, but it was mostly out of surprise and disbelief. "Well, at least we know that your temper is firmly intact," she said dryly.

"I'm sure Max is going to loooove seeing you this worked up over this," Arthur grumbled.

Colette had a lot of problems with Max's father, but at least for once she actually agreed with him:

"On the circuit…as soon as Max lowers his visor, he turns into a lion. He is really motivated and the only thing that matters is winning. It was always in him. What I see in Max now, I saw in karting," Jos answered Danica's question. "But that’s not the same Max you see when he is at home. On the race track, he is a lion, but at home, he’s a teddy bear. He got that from Sophie. He’s very sweet, very gentle…Incredible protective of the people he cares about."

For the first time in recent history, Colette found herself agreeing wholeheartedly with Jos Verstappen.

"He is a teddy bear," she mumbled in agreement. "The sweetest thing on earth. And that bastard has no idea what he's talking about," she bit out.

"Of course Max is a lion on the track," Arthur said with a scoff. "We've witnessed that ourselves. Everyone in the paddock knows that Max is a machine when he's in his race car, but George has his head up his ass if he thinks that Max is aggressive off the circuit."

"We all know that Maxie is the gentlest, most generous person out there," Victoria agreed, shaking her head. "George Russell is clearly jealous and is making stuff up just to get attention."

Colette just huffed.

"So you don't think he has anger issues?" Danica Patrick pushed.

"What kind of a stupid question is that?" Colette grumbled in response, her shoulders taut with anger.

Arthur laughed and Victoria squeezed her arm.

"No," Jos answered flatly.

Danica Patrick, who was clearly fishing for a different reply, seemed a little thrown by the firm response. But she rallied quickly enough to pivot: "And what can you tell us about your son’s relationship with Colette Leclerc?"

"Oh, come on!" Colette snapped.

"They have been together for a very long time," Jos replied simply, his accent strong as ever. "…since back in Karting. I don’t think anybody believed that that relationship would last, but they did prove everybody wrong."

The answer was unexpectedly charming and sincere.

Colette found herself blinking at that, surprised at how fond he sounded when talking about her and Max. Even Arthur was gaping stupidly, and it looked like Victoria was struggling not to choke on her drink from surprise.

"I think the great thing about Colette is that she understands his life, his career. She has a brother who does the same job as Max, so she was always incredibly supportive of him," Jos continued. "She is there for him. She supports him completely, and she’s been there for him through the good times and the bad. I don’t think Max would be the man he is today without her."

Arthur and Victoria stared at the screen with dropped jaws, stunned into silence.

"Is that Jos actually giving a heartfelt compliment?" Arthur muttered in disbelief.

“I think he is?” Victoria responded questioningly. This was certainly a new experience for everyone.

On the screen, Jos continued: "I have been watching their relationship for over half of Max's life, and Max really did pick the right girl."

"Your son hasn’t talked a lot about his relationship," Danica said leadingly.

"Oh, you won’t get anything from him," Jos said with a snort. "He’s very protective over her, always has been. Especially with her in her current condition."

Colette’s eyes widened and she immediately put a hand over her stomach in a protective gesture. 

"Fuck," Victoria cursed.

“Did he seriously just do that?” Arthur croaked. “Did he just tell all of F1 - no, all of the world - that Colette is pregnant?”

All three of them just gaped at the TV.

Danica Patricks looked like a vampire that had just tasted blood. "Her current condition?" she asked, her voice honeyed sweet.

"Yes," Jos confirmed simply. "The baby is supposed to come any day now. We’re all incredibly excited for the new addition to the family. I mean, it took them long enough, they definitely practiced enough."

He said like it was a joke. Like it hadn't taken them the better part of 3 years and 2 miscarriages.

Colette’s whole body had tensed, her heart clenching painfully in her chest as the words echoed in her mind: It took them long enough, they definitely practiced enough. Those words felt like a punch to the gut - like a mockery of all the pain and disappointment and suffering.

All the stress and anxiety and anguish that they had gone through. All the tears and the desperation and prayers for a miracle.

And all of it reduced to a cheap, dirty joke.

"I am going to throttle him," Victoria said, her voice shaking.

"Get in line," Arthur grumbled, looking equally enraged.

Colette just sat there staring fixedly at the screen, feeling like her whole mind had gone numb.

It was one thing when Jos made his snide little comments to them, but it was quite another when he decided to talk about that on international TV. He made it sound like their troubles to conceive had only been a matter of not trying hard enough.

It felt like a gut punch. Colette had always known that Jos had no idea how hard the last couple of years had been for them, but now, in light of his comment, it sounded like he somehow assumed it had all been their own fault.

They had kept both miscarriages quiet...had only shared it with a handful of people. She knew that Max had told Vic about it, but he had never told his father.

Her hands were shaking with anger. The urge to throw something - anything - was almost overwhelming as the words echoed in her head over and over: It took them long enough, they definitely practiced enough.

How could he have been so cruel? How could he go and announce it on international television and make it sound like it hadn’t been the hardest thing that either of them had ever been through?

It felt like a betrayal. Colette had never expected much out of Max’s father, but this? This felt like twisting the knife in a still-healing wound and pouring salt into it.

It felt like a stab to the back. Jos had no idea. No idea how hard it had been to keep the hope up. No idea how much it had hurt with every failed test and every lost dream. And no idea how much they both had longed for the baby that was growing within her.

And now he was just treating it like it had been a matter of not working hard enough, as if it had been an easy task and they had simply taken their sweet time to do something that came naturally to most people.

Her mind would have continued to turn into circles...if there hadn't been a sudden stabbing pain low in her abdomen.

Colette winced as the pain flared. It was a shock, and her hands immediately flew down to press against the source of the pain.

"Are you alright?" Victoria asked immediately. Colette clenched her teeth as the cramping pain seemed to grow even worse, before easing.

"Just...just a cramp," Colette managed to breathe out. "It's fine. It's fine. I just- it just startled me, that's all."

She tried to assure herself that it was nothing. Just Braxton Hicks - just the body preparing for the labor, the pain sometimes got intense. But something about it felt...off.

"Is that the first one today?" Victoria asked her. "You winced a few times this morning."

Colette thought back to this morning, recalling how she had woken up with a stabbing pain in her lower back. She hadn’t thought much of it then, since her muscles hadn’t been happy with her in a long time at this point - and it had passed pretty quickly after a few minutes.

"I'm not sure, I-" she started, her breath catching.

There was pain again, another stabbing contraction.

"Are they getting stronger?" Victoria asked, her voice sharpening.

The pain receded after a few seconds, and Colette had to force down the urge to curl up on the couch with her hands on her stomach as she tried to take deep breaths."It's nothing. I still have 4 weeks," Colette said with a shake of her head.

The words sounded like a prayer. Because she wasn’t due for at least another month, after all. This was just the Braxton Hicks contractions that her doctor had warned her about. The practice contractions that were supposed to help get her body ready for labor, nothing to worry about.

It was just her body preparing for the birth, that was all.

But the pain came back again, and this time, Colette couldn't quite suppress the gasp as she closed her eyes and tried to breathe through it.

"Colette," Victoria said, her voice sharp. "I don’t think they’re just practice contractions. The way you’re tensing and wincing...this is the real deal. I think you’re going into actual labor."

“No,” Colette said, her heart lurching in her chest. “No, no, I’m not…I’m not supposed to go into labor until January, this is- this is not supposed to happen.”

She had just hit her 36th week, and she was due at the start of January. It was far too early for the labor to start.

"I don't think the baby cares about that," Victoria said with a laugh. "Come on, we'll need to get you to the hospital."

"No, I can't be in labour. Max isn't here," she disagreed.

Colette felt a fresh wave of panic wash over her. The very last thing she wanted to do was start labor without Max there, and Max was currently in the middle of a race on the opposite end of the world.

“Where’s your hospital bag?“ Victoria asked her, all business. “Where’s are the car keys? Arthur is driving.“

“What, no!“ Arthur squeaked. Arthur clearly looked terrified, his eyes growing like saucers as he stared at them. "No - no, I don’t think I can-"

But Victoria was already rounding on him. "Oh yes,  you can. Just get the keys and get the damn car ready. I‘ll help Colette get her things, and you'll drive us."

The authority in her voice was intimidating enough that Arthur didn’t dare to disagree with her, and he nodded mutely and hurried away to look for the car keys.

Colette was torn between laughing at her brother’s expression and panicking over the fact that her labor was actually starting.

Just like that, she felt frozen in place a few moments longer, before Victoria snapped her fingers in front of her face. "Hey, no freezing up. We need to get moving. We need to get to the hospital, and your kid doesn’t care that it still needs 4 more weeks. So come on, come on, get your things."

It snapped her out of her temporary daze, and she managed to focus back to the present again. "Right, yeah," Colette mumbled, and she quickly went to get her hospital bag.

She had already packed it, just in case - but she had definitely not expected to actually use it.

Her hands were shaking as she picked it up, the whole situation still not entirely sinking in yet. Max was not here. She was going to have her baby without him here - that wasn’t how it was supposed to be!

But the pain came back again, and her body seemed to agree that there was no time left to waste.

She winced through the contraction, and Vic’s face tensed as she saw it.

"How are you doing?" she asked, watching her worriedly. Colette had to take a deep breath, trying to keep breathing as the pain faded out again. "I’m-” she started, but that was the same second that Arthur appeared again with the keys.

"The car is ready," he said, sounding very much like he’d rather bolt.

"Right," Victoria said, and she looked at Colette. "We gotta go. You good to go?"

Colette felt a surge of panic as the truth of leaving to go to the hospital finally sank in - she felt very much like her entire body had seized up. But Arthur was already waiting at the door with an expectant look on his face that did not look at all reassuring, and Victoria had picked up her hospital bag and was ushering Colette’s towards the hallway.

The contractions didn’t seem to care about any of her feelings, anyway.

"Come on," Victoria told her quietly. "We're gonna go and have a beautiful birth, and when you're done, there’ll be a healthy baby in your arms, okay?"

Colette was sure that her face had gone pale, and her hands were shaking as she slowly made her way through the hallway. Victoria led her the entire time, supporting her as they moved.

She was more than grateful to slip into the backseat of the Audi and her hands could claw themselves into the buttery soft leather interior.

“Are you sure we can’t wait for an adult?“ Arthur asked weakly.

“You are an adult. You literally drive race cars for a living,“ Victoria snapped.

Colette would have laughed at Arthur’s terrified expression in any other situation, but at the moment, she really wasn’t up to find anything funny.

“Just drive the damn car, Arthur!“ Victoria snapped, and Arthur flinched, his eyes wide as saucers.

A whimper escaped Colette as another contraction gripped her, and she curled up in the back seat, both hands clawed in the seat as the wave of pain ebbed away again. Her breathing was ragged, and she felt like she was slowly coming apart at the seams.

"Keep breathing," Victoria’s sharp voice came from her left side, and she felt a cool, smooth hand on her forehead. "Just keep breathing. You're doing great."

The words managed to cut through the panic, and Colette managed to gasp out a shuddering breath. “I-” she choked out, “I can’t…I can’t do this without Max, I-”

"You are doing it," Victoria cut in, her voice steady and sharp like a blade. "You are doing it, and you are going to be fine. Max will be by your side the moment he can, but you will make it until then. Just keep breathing and keep talking, you’re doing great."

[itsa-me-lily]

God I love this au, it's feeding me so good today. The last one with the part about only one bedroom has me thinking about a sick reader, the gross kind of sick where you're sweaty and wheezy and snotty, and the fact that if it were anyone else Simon would be quarantining them. But because it's his spouse, he wakes up to you nasally wheezing and mouth breathing while sprawled across him, and all he can think about is when you're due for your next round of medicine and if he needs to buy more tissues.

Sometimes love comes coated in mucus, and is reciprocated with an artificial cherry taste. Also do the guinea pigs have names and what do they look like?

I'm dying. This is the first ever ask I've ever gotten (that I recall) and I'm going to pass away. Also "sometimes love comes coated in mucus, and is reciprocated with an artificial cherry taste" that is such a good line, I'm apologizing in advance if I steal it.

Also warning for content of being sick, this is based off my last bout of plague.

Also Also Here's the Simon & Thimble playlist

Also Also Also Here's the Military Program Spouse AU masterlist

Bedsharing in general does not happen at first. (Now I want to percolate an idea about sharing the bed for the first time). You're way to use to having your own bed that sharing with someone means you're not sleeping easily and I think Simon would rather sleep with the guinea pigs in their cage than have another human being that close to him when he sleeps. (This was also not something he initially thought about when being told a spouse was to be picked)

So what's the solution? Obviously bunk beds! Kind of, sorta...okay not really but the look on Simon's face when you had suggested getting bunk beds had been entertaining. Who knew so much indignation could come through a medical mask. Really his eyebrows did so much talking.

With the dream of bunkbeds dashed, the next best solution was either two twin beds crammed into the bedroom with a bedside's worth of space between them, or a pull out couch. You managed to find a couch same day that didn't terribly clash with the artwork you have yet to hang up.

You two actually manage to come up with a schedule for who slept where. Obviously you'd get the bed when Simon was deployed, made no sense for you not to. And when he was home the bed was all his unless he was having a night that he knew he wasn't going to trust a deadbolt to keep monsters at bay. Then he made himself comfortable, TV playing low until he managed a few hours in the early morning before you try to leave a silently as you can for work.

(Funny thing, even if you aren't sharing a bed traditionally, you both most certainly have your own sides, along with bed stands that told two different stories)

The first time you get sick is when Simon is technically deployed. Well actually, the day he returns is the day you spike a 101.8 fever and work forces you to go home so you don't become a walking petri dish and expose the college kids that come into your office.

Once you're home you appease the little beasts demanding some sort of vegetal boon, change into the rattiest clothes you have, and then huddle under a staggering amount of blankets that have made their home on your bed. (Simon may have side eyed them when you first set them out, but you've seen the mountain he creates under them, you knew the magic of weighted blankets)

Sleep isn't peaceful, you hadn't broken out the Nyquil quite yet, but you do manage to drift off for a few hours. And then the coughing starts. It's the kind that's a bitch to deal with, dry and pushing your ribs to the limit with how often they can expand and contract. By the time Simon comes home you've steamed yourself twice, taken only a smidge over the recommended amount of cough suppressant, and slathered yourself with Vic's Vaporub. All in all, you were properly miserable.

You're in the kitchen, staring into the abyss of your over-steeping tea as if it will magically make you feel better if you only sell your soul to it, really a tempting offer, when the wheeks of the pigs announce that another person they know has arrived.

If Simon wasn't clued in that something was off at seeing you home before the end of your work day, the pungent smell of menthol would have been a dead give away. You're still communing with your tea when he knocks against the wall, pulling you out of the deal for your soul to meet him with bleary eyes and a flushed face.

You croak out a greeting that makes Simon wince in sympathy, though that's about all he really does. Simon doesn't really do pleasantries and doting probably wouldn't be the first word people use to describe him, so with your brain function reduced by an overflow of mucus and fever, the kitchen was rather silent.

Until you started coughing, face buried into the crook of your elbow to try to keep your contagion to a minimum and back bowing to nearly double you over. That drives Simon to action, coming to try to keep you up incase you collapse, grabbing your free arm.

When you feel him touch you, you try to pull away, shaking your head and finally finishing your bout, gasping a little as you try to daunting task of breathing and speaking to dissuade him from getting close lest he catches what you have. He clearly wasn't persuaded, hands clenching and unclenching like he simply wanted to pick you up and put you...somewhere.

How exactly Simon Riley would take care of you, he didn't know but he'd be damned sure to at least try. He'd been left to fend for himself while sick before and he didn't like the idea of you going through that. When it was clear that he wasn't going to just leave you to your suffering you relented enough to try to reach a compromise; if he'd be alright watching the pigs while you were sick that would be more useful than a nursemaid while you camped out on the couch.

That...that was something Simon could do. He'd watched how you took care of the boys, surely this was something he could do. And then his brain caught up to the rest of what you had said. There was no way he was going to let you sleep on some pull out couch, as nice as it was. Being Sick meant sleeping in a proper bed, on a mattress that didn't spend it's days folded up.

You tried to insist it was alright but he wouldn't listen to a word of it. Instead he practically herded you back to the bedroom, ignoring your murmurs of your abandoned hot beverage. He didn't lift you to plop you onto the bed itself but it was a near thing. He had to bribe you with the promise of a proper cup of tea for you to even lay your head on your pillow, eyes already heavy with the need for sleep. By the time he had actually made a cup you were out for the count, nasally mucus filled snores letting him know you hadn't perished in the time it took him.

The next few days were filled with mucus, the attempted escape of your lungs via coughing fits, and more Vics than the human body should be exposed to. And the entire time you insisted that you could fend for yourself. Simon didn't push to play nurse, but your tissues never ran out, a dose of medication was always ready on your bedside, and a warm cup of tea stood waiting for you after each nap, like a solider committed to his guard.

Edit;

I'm going to make a separate post for the guinea pigs, because honestly I'm torn on if they're based on my guinea pigs I used to have, or guinea pigs I'd want to have in the future

[incorrectbatfam]

Which of the Batfamily is most likely to climb up buildings (or stairs or objects or other people) to get to talking level with a Meta that won't come down to them? [Damian is too obvious, but are there more?]

Clark: Nightwing, I need you to pass a message to Batman—

Dick: Wait a second.

Dick: *scales a skyscraper*

Dick: Alright, what is it?

———————

Jason: Look, Biz, for the last time—hang on.

Jason: *pulls out a step stool*

Jason: For the last time, Sonic isn't one of the Flashes.

———————

Selina: I just don't think flying counts as its own power when you have to cast a spell. It's just another extension of your magic.

Zatanna: Bold words for someone twenty feet below me.

Selina: Yeah, well, I bet you can't land on your feet every time.

———————

Tim, angrily: Look me in the eyes when I'm talking to you.

Kon: Make me.

Tim: *climbs two boxes, a ladder, and a tree to look Kon in the eyes*

———————

J'onn: You must be the Signal. Batman has told me a lot about you.

Duke: Hold up, this isn't really working.

J'onn: What?

Duke: *jumps onto a moving bus*

Duke, getting farther away: Go ahead, I'm listening.

———————

Kory: Oracle, can you access the recent Darkseid files?

Barbara: Let me just do this one thing first.

Barbara: *books a ticket to New York*

Barbara: *gets in an elevator*

Barbara: *goes to the top of the Empire State Building*

Barbara: Sure, I have it right here on my phone.

———————

Jon: Catch me if you can!

Damian: *shoots his grapple at Jon*

———————

Steph: I'm gonna go up there and do what Batman won't.

Hal: And what exactly is that?

Steph: *stands on a lamp post*

Steph: *slaps Hal*

———————

Bruce: Just in case Spoiler didn't get through to you...

Bruce: *climbs a fire escape*

Bruce: *slaps Hal*

———————

Kara: So what's the plan?

Bette: First order of business, we're getting lower ceilings so you can't keep doing THAT.

———————

Vic: *hovering*

Luke: *also hovering*

Vic: What are we doing?

Luke: *shrugs*

———————

Diana: *floating above everyone*

Helena: Anyone wanna challenge her?

Kate: Not it.

Harper: Not it.

Cullen: Not it.

Alfred: My sincerest apologies, Ms. Prince, I am unable to make it up there in my old age, let alone with a tray full of my signature chocolate chip cookies.

———————

Cass: That's not flying.

Arthur: No, but this water spout gives me great advantage.

Cass: *pulls out a straw*

[gunnerfc]

Alessia Russo request! Angsty exes to second chance lovers + "I love you." "Really? Because the last words you said to me before leaving were not those."

A. Russo - Second Chance | WC: 964

AN: I changed the dialogue slightly, but I still hope you enjoy bff!

When Leah told you the team would be going out for drinks tonight, you immediately wanted to cancel. You could barely handle seeing Alessia at training post-breakup, and you had done your best to avoid her at all costs. But, it was much harder to do outside of training since you shared multiple close friends on the team. 

Leah hadn’t given you the chance to back out, telling you that you wouldn’t have to be near Alessia at all. You had groaned in response but reluctantly agreed to show up at the bar the team decided on. You spent the entirety of training and getting ready, mapping out in your head how to avoid your ex-girlfriend, deciding that you would stick next to Leah’s side the whole evening. 

Your break up with Alessia hadn’t ended on the best terms, both of you were left heartbroken, you more than Alessia. The blonde never once tried to explain why she decided to randomly break up with you, but you also hadn't given her the chance to, not wanting to deal with any more heartbreak. 

You were glad that when you arrived at the bar, the blonde had yet to show up, and part of you hoped she opted not to come tonight. But, your hopes were dashed when she walked in with Vic shortly after you did. You fought back a scoff when she tried to smile at you and instead focused your attention on the immersive conversation between Leah and Steph. The conversation offered a nice distraction for a bit but the knowledge that Alessia was just a few seats away from you was still present in your mind. 

You tried your best to fight the urge to subtly look in her direction but you eventually lost as you turned your head slightly, meeting her eyes instantly. You jerked your head back to the two defenders who were now joined by Lia, shaking your head slightly to rid your thoughts of Alessia and how she was watching you. 

“I’ll be right back,” you mumbled as you stood from your seat, heading in the direction of the restroom. 

You sighed as you entered, thankful it was empty as you leaned your hands on the sink. You were too lost in your thoughts to hear the bathroom door open and close, unaware of the fact that you were no longer alone. 

“Y/n…,” a familiar voice broke you from your thoughts as you jerked your head in the direction of the door. You rolled your eyes and scoffed seeing Alessia fiddling with her hands as she took a small step in your direction. 

“Can we talk, please,” the blonde’s voice was quiet as she watched your face, trying her best to read your expression. 

“What do we need to talk about, Alessia,” your voice was harsh, and Alessia was visibly caught off guard. 

Alessia sighed as she took another small step toward you, but still allowing you your space against the sink. “I hated how things ended and I hate that we broke up at all,” she muttered, and you knew her well enough to know that she was telling the truth.

Your brows furrowed as you crossed your arms over your chest, “Then why break up with me in the first place? If you loved me, you would’ve talked to me about anything that was going on!” 

“I do love you!,” Alessia affirmed, her voice louder than before as she took a few steps closer until she was within arms reach.

“Right,” you scoffed with an unimpressed smile, “Because those were not the last words you said to me before you left.” 

“I’m so sorry for that, I really am,” she apologized as she fought the urge to reach a hand out to grab yours. 

“Were you ever going to tell me why,” your curiosity got the best of you as your question slipped out before you could stop yourself. 

“I was scared,” the blonde confessed, her eyes drifting to a piece of artwork rather than your face.

“Scared? Of what,” you shook your head, trying to understand where she was coming from.

“I don’t know exactly. I think I was scared of how quickly I was falling in love with you and how much you meant to me. I didn’t want to lose you and I got in my head and panicked, which is the worst explanation,” she rambled, trying to make sense of everything that she felt then and was feeling now.

“I don’t expect you to believe me, but I never meant to hurt you. And, I want to make things right in whatever way that means for us,” her voice was back to a quiet tone from earlier as she met your gaze once more.

Her words pulled at your heart and as much as you still loved her, you weren’t ready to forgive and forget right now. “I’m still hurt by you just up and ending things,” you started, earning a flinch from the forward in front of you. “But, I’m still in love with you and I don't see that changing.” 

A flash of hope danced in Alessia’s eyes as she took in your words. “Do you think we could start over?” her question lingered in the air for a moment as you contemplated your answer. 

“You’ll have to work very hard, I hope you know that,” you hummed, hope blooming in your chest at the possibility of having Alessia back in your life.

Alessia nodded very quickly, earning a small laugh from you. You knew that she meant it when she wanted to make things right and if that led to the two of you reconnecting as friends and maybe more in the future, you were willing to try.

[wileys-russo]

can you do a ficlet for ignorance is bliss snake with leah?

ignorance is bliss (2)

"morning wally." you greeted the swiss woman with a friendly smile, dropping into the vacant seat beside her with your tray of breakfast. "good morning, and where is your other half?" lia questioned with a raised eyebrow as you shrugged.

"around, i'm sure she'll be in for food sooner or later you know what she's like." you chuckled, the two of you falling into conversation about the luke coombs concert you were all going to later in the week.

"where's your wife then?" katie, amanda and stina joined the two of you as you finished off your toast and eggs. "she's just gotten here. good morning work wife!" you cooed, squeezing the irish womans cheeks who rolled her eyes. "ha ha, very funny."

"she's around." you once again shrugged off the question, turning your attention toward stina and amanda, chatting away with them for awhile as there was still no sign of

"i have to go see the physio before training." you excused yourself, grabbing your empty dishes. "yeah you better tape that ankle up tight, stina's out for blood." katie teased as the blondes face flushed bright red.

after a particularly awkward tackle earlier in the week at training with the swede your ankle had felt a little off, but after a scan you were cleared to train and to play, you just needed to listen to your body if anything got worse.

"ignore her stin! you know i said i wasn't upset, it was an accident." you cut off the older girl as she opened her mouth to likely ramble out her one hundreth apology for the week, having gone as far as to send you flowers which melted your heart, and softened leahs who was also ready to kill the poor girl afterwards.

"she might not be upset but leah is. maybe you should go and tape your ankle too in case big bad williamsons on the revenge tour." katie continued to tease as lia smacked her shoulder and you rolled your eyes.

"ignore her, she's just jealous you stopped a goal and its her fault her team conceeded one and lost." you smiled sarcastically, despite the tackle your team having come out victorious, katie unable to stop vic from scoring the winner in the last few seconds of the 11 on 11 game in training.

"oi!" you hurried off as katie scowled at you, blowing her a kiss and handing in your dishes with a complimentary smile, heading toward the medical room.

it wasn't more than two minutes later when your girlfriend stormed in, eyes scanning the room and narrowing further into her pissed off scowl as she was unable to spot you. "there you are! where have you been? breakfast is almost done?" lia scolded as leah arrived to the table.

"where is she?" the defender ignored her and asked bluntly, looking around the room but still unable to see you, but she knew you'd be here somewhere. "who? your missus? just missed her." katie shrugged unhelpfully as leah fixed her with a glare.

"physio. what has happened?" lia asked softly, grabbing the girls arm with a raised eyebrow of concern at her friends obvious sour mood. "can't tell you. i might need an alibi for once i've murdered her!" leah growled, shaking the swiss's hand off and storming away.

laura and teyah jumped in surprise as leah burst through the doors of the medical room, head swinging side to side and groaning as again there was no sight of you. "good morning!" laura greeted with a friendly smile as leah marched over, teyah grumbling the same though a little more hesitantly at the pissed off look on her team mates face.

"where is she?" leah asked, hands on hips as the physio responded you'd been taped and had just left to go downstairs to see one of the training staff about if they wanted you to do a specific program.

"is everything alright leah?" teyah asked with a frown, the blonde dismissing her with a mumble and a wave and zooming out of the room. "i think we might have a new regular in here with us for treatment soon lau." the blonde chuckled as laura hummed in agreement.

"hey there is a speed limit here you know." viv chuckled as leah sprinted into the gym, again looking around frantically and groaning, wanting to yank her hair out as again it would seemed she just missed you.

"she went out to the pitch." kim answered, sensing her and viv weren't who leah was currently after as leah mumbled something along the lines of a thank you and made her hasty exit.

"hey! eat this please." lia warned, grabbing leahs wrist as she zoomed past her, halting her in her tracks and shoving a protein bar in her hand. "leah." the swiss midfielder warned sternly as leah tried to hurry off.

with a huff she fell into step with her, ripping open the bar and taking an aggressively large bite. "are you going to tell me what has happened now?" lia questioned with a glance to her side, leah exhaling heavily as she finished her mouthful and they strode onto the pitch.

"fuck well it all started this morning-" leah started to explain however as she glanced up and her blue eyes locked onto the back of her head she was once more fueled with rage. "leah!" lia groaned as she dropped the remaining half of her protein bar and sprinted across the pitch toward you.

"what have you done this time?" beth questioned suddenly as you stretched, giving her a confused look. "what?" you asked with a frown. "well your girlfriend is flyin over here and she looks like she's about to kill you in five, four, three-" beth started to count down as you stood and glanced over your shoulder, eyes widenening.

"oh no you don't!" leah chuckled as you tried to run, her body hurtling into yours and taking the two of you down onto the grass, rolling and wrestling around before you were pulled apart. "mccabe, move." leah warned as you hid behind the irishwoman.

"katie, stay." you warned, hands grabbing her waist. "work wife duties, sorry lee." the brunette shrugged, leah scoffing and lunging forward before jen and lia pulled her back.

"right okay what has happened? explain!" lia ordered sternly as you peeked over katie's shoulder, stepping out from behind her seeing the firm grip jen had on your girlfriends bicep.

"whats happened? whats happened? go on then, tell them! tell them what you did!" leah scowled, pulling against jen but having no luck. "i didn't do anything you didn't deserve." you shrugged simply, diving back behind katie as a human shield as leah broke free before jen grabbed her again.

"okay enough! you first, go." lia ordered, fixing leah with a stern glare as she opened her mouth to protest. "she made me fucking walk to colney this morning!" leah pointed at you accusingly as lia looked at you in shock.

"don't start on me wally. she's being dramatic, as per usual." you scoffed, leah letting fly a string of choice words in your direction, her language creatively colorful. "explain." lia sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose like a disappointed parent.

"well as we all know miss fast and furious williamson over here has her license currently suspended, for what? repeated speeding offences!" you huffed with a roll of your eyes. "which makes me the driver in the relationship."

"but she is the worst backseat fucking driver in existence! babe you're going top slow, babe you're going the wrong way, babe just listen to me i can get us there faster, babe i'd like to get there before i'm thirty." you mocked your girlfriends thick accent with a scowl.

"and this morning i had enough! so yeah i stopped on the side of the road about two minutes from colney and made her walk. and until she apologizes and learns how to be a silent and respectful passenger, she will continue to walk everywhere!" and with that you stormed off, joining a few of the other girls for warm ups as far away from leah as you could get.

"leah, the poor girls doing you a favor and this is how ya treat her? i'd make you walk too!" katie remanded with a shake of her head as leah groaned and jen let go of her, the blonde dragging her hands down her face.

"nah you don't understand how frustrating she is. she drives like a grandma well under the speed limit, never listens to my directions, takes the longest routes just because thats what the gps says. she stops at every single orange, gives way to everyone and lets anyone merge even when they are an absolutely pushy asshole about it." leah vented in frustration.

"so she is...a safe driver." lia asked bluntly as leah scoffed repeatedly struggling to come up with a response. "leah. you lost your license for speeding, something she was always warning you about. what would you do if she ever got into an accident?" lia questioned as her friends face paled.

"i don't ever want to even think about that." "right. so then how do you think she felt worrying about you anytime you were behind the wheel and speeding without a second thought?" "yeah alright, you may have a point." leah groaned realising she was the one in the wrong here, her previous anger fast dissipating away.

however now it seemed to be your turn, as despite her many attempts to talk to you throughout training you blanked her at every chance you got, right up until the end of the day where you'd dropped her gym bag at her feet and striding off without a word.

"need a lift?" katie had asked with an amused smile, twirling her keys around on her fingers as leah sighed deeply but nodded, following her out to her car.

"good luck." the irishwoman chuckled as leah mumbled a thank you as she dropped her off, dragging her feet up the driveway. she let herself in with her keys, nose hit with the scent of lavender from your diffuser and hearing the telly going in the living room.

kicking off her trainers and hanging up her bag she gripped the flowers in her hand that she'd made katie stop for, padding over to where she found you laid down on the lounge, already showered and changed.

"so i might owe you an apology." leah started, your head whipping toward her with a hard look. "i do owe you an apology." leah quickly corrected herself, moving to stand closer. "i am very very sorry for being a shit passenger and a big mouthed backseat driver." leah apologized sincerely.

"it's my own fault that i've not got a license and i need to be grateful for the fact that you do and that you drive me everywhere. i love you and i promise that as soon as my license is back no more speeding." leah promised, eyes shining brightly as you sighed, unable to stay mad at her for very long.

"are those for me?" you asked softly with a nod at the flowers in her hand. "beautiful girls deserve beautiful flowers for putting up with their girlfriends nonesense." leah held them out to you as you sat up and accepted them.

"don't forget their girlfriends stubbornness, recklessness and overall downright sometimes just annoying behavior." you spoke but with a smile so leah knew you were only joking. "yes, that too. are we okay?" leah worried, sitting down beside you as you nodded.

"yeah, we're okay baby. but if you ever tell me how to drive again i will not even hesitate to actually make you walk all the way from here to colney." "understood my girl, very much understood."

[themotherofhorses]

pairing: aemond targaryen x handmaid!reader

summary: ...aemond realizes he’s fallen in love with his handmaid five months later as he stands outside his bedchamber.

warnings: explicit language. aemond's kinda horny but mainly a lovesick dude. steamy makeout session towards the end??

notes: welcome back to another short episode of "aemond targaryen being a total fucking simp for his handmaid bc vic is too damn obsessed with this pairing."

his handmaid's tales | main masterlist

Aemond realizes he’s fallen in love with his handmaid five months later as he stands outside his bedchamber.

Through the doors comes your soft voice from the inside, feminine and melodious, absolutely beautiful to him. It’s muffled by the thick walls, but he can hear the verse you sing to yourself. I loved a maid as fair as summer, he chants along in his head, with sunlight in her hair...

He sneaks a peek inside the room. You sit on the settee, crossed at the knee like a highborn lady, with an eyepatch in one hand and a thread and needle in the other. Aemond recognizes that one eyepatch at first glance. The sight tugs at his heartstrings. It was a favorite of his, a rare gift from his father on his thirteenth nameday. Viserys had his name embroidered along the inside in pretty cursive.

Aemond One-Eye.

Viserys’s smile was as brilliant and big as the blue summer sea. My boy…three-and-ten. How you’ve grown so fast before my very eyes.  

But the eyepatch grew too small for him as the years passed, and he hid it away, never wishing to see it again. His father now was nothing more than a half-decaying corpse still sitting the throne in pure mulishness, who hadn’t muttered his second son’s name in two long years. He doesn’t know how you found it, nor does he feel any slight bit of bother.

“I loved a maid as red as autumn, with sunset in her hair,” you hum next, turning the eyepatch around to thread the loop. Your feet are bare, pretty hair tousled, and the servant’s robe does little to veil your blinding beauty. His gaze focuses on your face. Your lips look pink and plump- ripe for him to kiss and bite and swallow in all the endless kisses he yearns to give you, and your eyes twinkle as bright as the midday sunlight.

I love a maiden as beautiful as all the seasons.

“I love a maiden as white as winter, with moonglow in her hair-”

He strolls into his bedchamber, striking you off guard, your singing breaking off abruptly. “My prince!” you exclaim, bolting up to slip your feet back into your shoes. “Oh, my sincerest apologies, my prince. I was told you would be gone for the better part of the day.” Amid your babbling, you drop the needle and thread onto the floor, “is there anything you need from me?”

He wanted to laugh.

“I had no notion that you had such a…lovely voice,” Aemond instead tells you, lacing his hands together behind his back. The compliment widens your eyes, and he hears how your breath hitches in your throat. You resemble a fairytale maiden, doe-eyed and flustered at the sight of her wooer. “I’m very sorry, my prince….”

“Do you sing a lot?”

You bite your lip, and it causes his cock to stir within his pants. No, no, stop that at once, he wishes to say aloud. Only I should be allowed to bite your luscious lips like that. All mine. “My mother sang to me as a little girl,” you admit, braving a faint smile up at him. “Sometimes, when I’m missing her, I sing. Perhaps it sounds a bit silly…but it makes me feel as if she is in the room with me.”

Aemond hums, nodding his head. He then looks down at the eyepatch within your hands, raising an eyebrow. “Pray tell where you found my old eyepatch. I swore I hid it well all those years ago…” and he hopes you catch the thin amusement in his tone.

“Oh…” you fall silent, unsure what to say next. “I was tidying up your desk and bookcase, my prince…I opened a drawer, I believe it was the second to last one to the left of the desk, and I found it there….” you glance at the eyepatch, running a finger over the black cloth patch, “-I thought, perhaps, it would be a nice surprise if I extended the straps so that you could wear it once again. It is very pretty!”

You hold it out for him to take. “Would you like to try it on? Just for me to check if I need to loosen it up some more.”

Aemond stiffens. “Perhaps later,” he says, a bit sullenly. “I do not like to take off my patch when others are still around. I’ve found that my missing eye is quite the…dreadful sight to many.” He clenches his jaw so tight he wonders if his teeth might shatter. But you just shake your head.

“My prince, believe me when I say that no such thing would ever terrify me.” Aemond could hear his brother snigger in the back of his mind, and he shifted uneasily. “I’m your handmaid. Please trust every word I tell you.” He remembers the cool night under the stars when he claimed Vhagar for himself, gazing out into the darkened sand dunes where she slept. Your smile is the warmth he needed.

He tilts his head, searching for any sign of deceit amongst your features. Gods, but you’re too damn beautiful for your own good, he thinks as he sighs and slides the patch from off his face.

Do not dare mock me…flinch…or run away…

But you just stare up at him, studying the dark sapphire he’s stuffed inside his missing socket. The skin stretched around it is rather uneven and tender and pinkish, and his healed scar cuts through his eyebrow. “May I, my prince?” you ask. He nods, and you gently trace the scar with your fingertip, up and down. Your touch is soft, and delicate, sending a shiver up his spine.

“You did not deserve this, believe me when I say that,” you whisper, and he feels your hot breath, “—you were just a boy….”

Gods be good, no one has ever told Aemond those words before. He does not know what to say, remaining silent and still.

Then, without warning, you stand on your tippy toes to kiss his cheek, your eyes shutting as your soft lips press against his skin.  

I love a maiden as beautiful as all the seasons.

“You are still handsome and strong and worthy, my prince,” you mumble, stroking his cheek, a smile flickering across your pink…plump…luscious lips and Aemond…

…Aemond pulls you flush against his chest, swathing an arm tight around your waist as the other tangles his fingers through your hair, his mouth slamming down on yours in a heavy and wet kiss that leaves your knees buckling beneath you. Kiss her. Take her. Make her yours. Your arms fly up to his neck as you sink into his grasp.

“She is yours. Your handmaid. Everything she does next is at your own will and mercy…but do treat her well, Aemond…it is through kindheartedness that you receive devotion.”

And he lays a kiss on your lips, and another, and another…and with them all, Aemond swears himself a man obsessed and blinded by love. He knows he will not survive this miserable, torturous life without you by his side. You, his precious handmaid- his maiden as beautiful as all the seasons.

By the time he lets you go, you’re breathless and dizzy and as giddy as a young girl. He gives you only a few more seconds before he kisses you again, flinging you onto his bed. “My prince…!” you cry out, bouncing as he begins to chuckle, swallowing the rest of your words in his mouth. “Oh, this is improper,” you gasp, toes curling as he pulls at your bottom lip, “it’s so….gods, it’s so wrong…I need to…I need…”

“Shhh,” he answers, kissing your nose and chin, and temple before your lips again. “You don’t leave this room unless I dismiss you, remember?”

tag list: @aemondsblog @dc-marvel-girl96 @neobanguniverse @missalycat21 @enchantingcupcakecollectionfan @padfooteyes @alexizodd @kravitzwhore

[inuyashaluver]

Hi loveeee,

Would die for a fic with Vic Pelova if you have time 🫶

snow angels - victoria pelova

victoria pelova x reader

description: in which snow holds a significant place in you and your girlfriend’s relationship, symbolising love and time

warnings: swearing, reader is half dutch, dutch is in bold italics because i refuse to butcher the language hehe. SO LONG GUYS OMG MY APOLOGIES, ALSO DONT KNOW HOW TO FEEL ABOUT IT

a/n: hellooo, thank you for the request, lovely! hope you enjoy xx

⋆ ★ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ★ ⋆

you and your girlfriend, victoria had an..interesting start to your relationship. your close friend at arsenal, and second mother, vivianne miedema raved about a certain girl called victoria pelova. not only about her amazing football skills but the fact that she was incredibly sweet, and her being your age, her being just a month older than you.

even though you were half dutch, you lived in england and played for their national team, hence why you’d never met this special girl known as victoria. even though you were signed first, viv took you under her wing, you were her baby and everyone knew it. so you knew you could trust her.

viv invited you to dinner, took you to and from training and even coached you in football. you were so grateful for her and owed her a lot. viv had even been teaching you dutch over the years, you had gotten better but definitely still rusty.

- 2020 (let’s imagine covid isn’t a thing xx) -

one day, you were at training, sitting and chatting with leah when viv was scrambling around looking for you.

“schatje (little treasure)!! where are you?” you excuse yourself from leah and run over to where she was. as soon as she sees you, she picks you up by your waist, giving you a tight hug before placing you on the ground.

“what’s up viv?” you laugh as you come back to the ground, she places both of her hands on your shoulders and gently shakes you. “good news! viccy is coming for a holiday!” your eyes slightly widened, her bright expression making you feel slightly nervous.

“you mean, pelova?” you began to pick the skin around your thumbs, a habit you can’t help. viv notices and grabs your hand to stop you, holding it in hers.

“hey, she’s lovely okay?, you don’t need to worry about anything” this time she speaks in english to ease your worries. you don’t doubt that victoria is a lovely girl, it’s just that you were extremely shy when it comes to meeting new people, you were amazing once you were comfortable, meeting people for the first time is overwhelming at times. this also meant you were going to practise your dutch, even more nerve wracking.

you nod your head at her, giving her a soft smile. “when will she be here?”

“in two weeks time” you nod your head again, you could do this, there was nothing to be worried about.

—

the two weeks waiting for the arrival date for victoria pelova felt like two years. you were so incredibly nervous. she sounded so sweet and amazing, how could you meet this girl and not crumble into pieces?

viv had instructed you that she would pick up victoria from the airport and then come over to your flat to pick you up so you guys could explore the town and get some lunch. you got up early and got ready, putting on a comfortable outfit. well you did..until you changed clothes, and then changed again and again. when you finally settled, you sat in the living room in complete silence, awaiting for the knock on the door from the incoming dutch girls.

the house was completely spotless but you couldn’t help but try and clean it more. why were you so nervous? (all night you stalked victoria’s instagram, slightly blushing at how beautiful she was)

just as you moved the position of the decorative pillow for the tenth time, three gentle knocks infiltrated the room and you wanted to start crying. how were they already here? you rush to the front door, letting out a gentle exhale before opening it, the two dutch girls standing there expectedly, smiling brightly at you. “hi” they say at the same time. all you could do is wave hello back. once you make eye contact with victoria, she smiles brightly at you and a light pink settles on your cheeks.

“let us in?” viv laughs at your dazed expression, knowing you like the back of your hand - it seems her child has a little crush, just as she had planned. you nod frantically, stepping slightly to the side to let the girls in. viv went immediately to your couch and settled herself onto it, victoria however, hangs back and waits for you. you close the door and slightly jump when you see her standing there, hands behind her back, smiling softly at you.

“woah sorry! didn’t mean to scare you” she takes a step forward to get closer to you.

“i’m so glad i finally got to meet you, viv has told me so much about you” she grins at you and places an arm on your bicep, holding it for a second before putting her arms behind her back again.

“oh, uh..only good things i hope? sorry, my dutch is awful” you grab the back of your neck sheepishly, avoiding eye contact.

“no! it’s really good!” you shake your head at her and look at her eyes this time,

“viv has been teaching me for a while, i’m still learning” you begin to get more comfortable around her, you could tell she was genuine and you honestly felt like you had known her for a while.

“well, i think you’re amazing, and if you wanted, how about we practise with each other?” she pauses, not able to wipe her smile off her face “you with dutch and me with english”

you smile brightly at her, “i’d like that”. you both stood there for a bit, just lightly chatting with each other and getting better acquainted. both of you really felt like you were catching up with an old friend, based on how much you know about each other through viv. both of you were so distracted with your conversation, you didn’t realise the other dutch girl peering over you couch watching you, bringing up her phone a couple times to take a couple of photos.

when you and victoria were laughing at a joke she made, viv let a giggle of endearment out, watching you two. you both snap your heads in the direction of the sound, honestly forgetting she was even there. “now that you two are done flirting, should we head out?” both of you flush red and avoid eye contact with each other. viv giggles at the both of you again.

“let me just get a coat, it’s snowing outside” you take in both of their appearances, only viv was dressed appropriately in layers, victoria was warm but definitely wouldn’t survive all day in the snow, “just a second!” you quickly rush to your room, grabbing two coats and two scarves, going back to your living room to only find victoria waiting for you again.

“viv went to warm up the car” she shuffles her weight between both of her legs. “ah okay” you smile at her and gesture her to come closer. you pass her the coat and she grabs it for you, her hand grazing yours as she takes it out of your hand. “thank you, lieverd (darling), you didn’t need to do that” you’re so warm right now because of her, did you really need that coat?

“uh, of course, don’t want you to go cold” you smile, watching her put on your coat, it was a little too short in terms of length but she didn’t mind. you move closer to her and drape the scarf around her neck, going on your tippy toes to wrap it around her. you were so close to her, she could see how long your eyelashes were, the pink settled on your cheeks, she could even smell you, she felt dizzy when you parted from her, she wants you to be that close again.

you felt exactly the same, you just met her and you think you’re head over heels for her.

—

the snow was light, making the air crisp but enjoyable when you were all bundled up like snowmen. you and victoria continued to share great conversations with each other, you both had so much in common. viv did contribute the the conversations, but preferred to hear you both subtly flirt with each other. you were walking on the pathway with the two girls, viv closest to the inside while you were closest to the road, victoria in the middle.

there were hardly any cars on the road, the snow creating a blanket making it a little risky to drive. while the three of you were talking on the way to your lunch spot, victoria places a hand on the side of your waist, you look up at her confused. she smiles at you and moves you over to stand in the middle, her hand moving to rest over your shoulder as you walked. “i’ll walk here from now on” you shyly nod at her, you were absolutely hopeless.

you melt into her embrace, feeling so familiar to both of you. viv was smiling so hard watching you two, she couldn’t believe how well her plan was working. she knew the both of you would get along, but she didn’t expect it so quickly. over lunch the three of you talked, switching from dutch when your eyebrows quirked in confusion.

after lunch, the three of you went out exploring the town. “woah look!” you exclaim, you had seen a big open patch of snow, knowing what you needed to do at this moment. you flopped down onto it and immediately began to make snow angels. viv and victoria laugh brightly at you, “she does this every time, she’s like a child” viv nudges victoria, victoria’s eyes never leaving your figure, smiling brightly watching you have so much fun. “she’s cute” she mutters lightly under her breath, not missed by viv.

victoria walks over to where you were, flopping down next to you and copying your actions. you look over and smile at the girl beside you, laughing loudly with each other and sending yearning looks while creating snow angels. you were both in trouble, she needed to leave in a week. viv stood there, fulfilling her mother duties and snapping as many photos of you as she could.

the rest of the week was amazing, you saw victoria every day and enjoyed every second with each other. talking, watching movies and growing increasingly more touchy with each other. you also took her to lunch and tourist spots. she ended up having a sleepover for two days, sleeping on your couch. viv had never seen you get along with a person so quickly, she was so proud of you, and also herself for setting both of you up. you truly were having the best time. unfortunately, the time came where she needed to go home. you were both heartbroken.

you and viv took her to the airport together, when you arrived at her gate, you pulled her into a tight hug. as soon as you pull her into the embrace, she hugs you tighter, lifting you lightly into the air, both of you letting out sad giggles.

“duifje (dove), i’ll miss you” she smiles at you sadly, this nickname was all she called you now,

“i’ll miss you too, viccy, promise you’ll text me?”

“of course! good luck getting rid of me now” she winks at you, moving to say goodbye to viv, she was teary at your goodbye.

you and viv stand there, arms wrapped each other’s shoulders, waving sadly at her as she departs. you miss her already. victoria misses you more than she could’ve imagined.

—

weeks go by, you and victoria never stop texting and calling each other. she claims it’s to practise her english and your dutch, but you weren’t complaining.

training had just finished, you were sat in your cubby immediately checking your phone. victoria had texted you, sending you a selfie and talking about what she did that day. you smile giddily at your phone, thumbs moving rapidly to type out a response.

“who’s got you all smiley?” katie mocks with her thick accent as she walks past, “leave her, her girlfriend’s active” viv taunts, you didn’t bother looking up from your phone, smirking while tying with you feeling extra warm.

everyone watches you silently in curiosity as you continue to smile and laugh at your phone. suddenly, your phone vibrates and you perk up, victoria was calling you. you rush out of the room and they all hear a nervous “h-hi viccy”

—

it had been a year since you saw the girl, this didn’t mean you weren’t constantly in contact, feeling as though you had been together this whole time.

one day, you got a late night call from victoria, you were slightly confused as to why she was calling you at one in the morning.

“hi, babe?” you question as you answer the face time call.

“hello pretty girl” she smiles brightly at you, “how are you?” she’s in her bed, her head resting on her hand.

“better now that you’ve called” now that viv and victoria only talked to you in dutch, you were relatively fluent, both of them extremely proud.

“flirt” she winks at you, you both shamelessly flirt with each other, knowing that you both had romantic feelings for each other just both of you not having the courage to saying anything.

“why are you calling so late?” you smile at her,

“well, i wanted to talk you about something,”

“oh, sure schat (treasure/sweetie), go ahead”

“well, i wanted to know if you wanted to be my girlfriend?”

silence fills the room, victoria panicked when you don’t respond

“i’ve misread the situation, haven’t i? fuck, just pretend i didn’t say anything-”

“i’d love to!” you exclaim, eyes slightly glossy

“oh thank god”

“aw baby, were you stressed about this?”

“why do you think i haven’t called you in two days and only texted!” you laugh brightly at her,

“you’re so cute, viccy”

“you’re cuter, baby”

the rest of the call, both of you just talked to each other like lovesick puppies, talking and giggling, thank god viv wasn’t here at this moment.

—

about two weeks after, you decided to surprise your new girlfriend, knowing she had an important football match, she had been talking about it for weeks. you were going to amsterdam to surprise her.

you managed to keep the secret, viv helping you out as much as she could. you had told victoria that you had a big media day and you wouldn’t be able to be in contact with her, it was painful to lie to her but it would be worth it.

it was game day for victoria, you organised with the team manager for you to be sitting in the friends and family section, you were clad in one of her jerseys that she sent you in the mail, you doing the same for her. ajax won the match, victoria actually scoring a goal. you were waiting for her as she did her laps of signatures and photos.

she was signing a shirt close to you and once she’s done, you yell, “viccy!” she snaps her head up, was she hallucinating?. she looked all around until she finally saw you, tears began to fill in both of your eyes. she immediately ran up to you, pulling you into a tight hug.

“duifje (dove)” she breathes out, you could tell she was choking up. her head was hidden in your neck, she placed multiple kisses there. both of you haven’t seen each other in over a year, meaning that you haven’t had any physical contact during that time frame. but somehow, the physical intimacy feels so natural and familiar.

“hi baby” you giggle tearfully, rubbing small circles on her back and pulling her closer.

“let me look at you” she tears her face from your neck, cupping your face in between her hands. she flickers her eyes between yours, taking in your appearance. “so beautiful” she smiles brightly at you.

you move your hand up to wipe away her tears, “look at you! my pretty girl, and a goal scorer!” she smiles sheepishly. “i can’t believe you’re here! for how long?” she moves her hands from your face to the sides of your neck. “a week” she nods, “let me get changed and i’ll take you to mine and we can explore” she gives you a kiss on the cheek, wanting to save your first kiss for a more private moment. she giggles at how red your cheek got.

she introduced you to a couple of her teammates, everyone could tell she was proud to show you off. she drove you to her house, she didn’t let go of your hand the whole way in the car, as well as when she gave you a tour of her house. it was almost as though she thought you were going to disappear.

you guys were sat on her couch watching a movie, you were laying down while she was completely on top of you. she hums while nuzzling into you, enjoying the contact of her girlfriend. she slightly moves upwards, hovering above you slightly, looking at you full of adoration.

“can i kiss you, baby?” you smile at her and nod, she smiles before moving down to place a kiss on your lips, progressing quickly into a more passionate one. she runs her hands up the sides of your waist while you cup her face. after a short while, she pulls away breathless. she places three quick pecks on your lips before breaking out into giggles.

“you’re so pretty, i like you” she nuzzles your nose with her own, you giggle at her actions. “i like you too, beautiful”

the rest of the week was perfect, both of you completely wrapped up into each other, physical intimacy at an all time high. when it came to another tearful goodbye, both of you promised that you would travel to each other. and for the next two years, you did just that.

-present day-

it was an important game for arsenal, this time, you had been talking to victoria about it, unaware that she had been planning exactly what you did for her two years prior, only this time, she was staying. permanently.

viv literally organised everything, absolutely living for the opportunity. victoria was sitting with viv and some of the acl club. she was wearing your jersey, she was honestly surprised you didn’t see her at all. you managed to score a goal, an absolute deja vu moment for victoria. victoria helped viv get down to the pitch, you were facing away from her. she crept up behind you, wrapping her arms around your waist. you tense up, looking down at the familiar hands of your girlfriend. you rip the hands off you and turn around, squealing and jumping on the girl. wrapping your arms and legs around her, “my baby” she coos, holding onto your waist tightly.

you move your head to look at her, cupping her face in between her hands, “baby” you smile, running your thumbs over her cheeks. “what are you doing here?” you exclaim, not being able to wipe the smile on both of your faces. viv was literally crying in the corner watching you two, how did her plan work this well she thinks.

“came to live out the wag life” giving you a cheesy grin. she puts you down on the ground, keeping her arms around your waist and yours around her neck. you lean up to give her a sweet kiss on her lips. “how long are you here for?” slightly pouting at the thought of parting from your girlfriend again. she smiles so brightly, it slightly threw you off.

“i’m staying baby” laughing at how wide your eyes got, “pelova, if this is a prank, i’ll kill you” you joke, “baby, i’m not joking, i’ve signed with arsenal, all my stuff is at viv’s” you start to tear up, tackling the girl to the ground, hugging her so tightly. everyone knew of your relationship, seeing your love in person was so sweet to see.

“i love you” you say, looking straight into her eyes,

“i love you too, duifje (dove)”

later that day, you took her to the same park where you both felt feelings for each other. unfortunately, it wasn’t snowing, that didn’t stop you from making snow angels in the grass. victoria moved into your apartment, both of you completely happy and in love. everyone say thank you vivianne miedema!

⋆ ★ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ★ ⋆

liked by viviannemiedema and 44,233 others

victoriapelova: no snow but we did try to make snow angels, love this girl, here to stay 🤍 @/yourname

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yourname: love you! we can make snow angels next time, also do the dishes

↳ victoriapelova: :((

viviannemiedema: i’m literally crying

[setmeatopthepyre]

rules: you will be given a word. then you share one sentence/excerpt from your wip(s) that starts with each letter of your word

I was tagged by @lavenderleahy with the word FLIRT and by @911coded with the word WATER. excerpts are from pretty much all of my wips, nice and chaotic all mixed up here. if yall want to know what is from what, let me know and I'll add it (or feel free to guess)

-

F - Fire dances in the stone ring. It's something primal, he guesses, the way it settles him. It's something people have been doing since time immemorial, since there's been people alive to do it, like looking at the stars. Maybe that's why it calms him - it's so ingrained in humanity to do these things that he never has to guess if what he's doing is right. It just is.

L - Leaning back against the counter, Chimney muses, "Do you think Lucy did something to them?" "You seem way too excited by that idea." "Oh come on, your baby brother is traveling to the South Pole to win back The One That Got Away, and now we have a potential crime on our hands? It's like watching a movie unfold in real time." Maddie tilts her head, considers. "That's true. We should make popcorn."

I - It's a similar feeling to when he's flying, that sense of simple, base awe, to be doing something that people have been dreaming of doing since they first saw birds take flight.

R - Really, that's nothing new, but it's supposed to be different when he's hurt, that's supposed to be the exception, and he's hurt now. His head hurts and his knee hurts and his arm hurts where his dad is gripping him tightly, too tightly.

T - That's not-- that's not what he looks like in the mirror, in pictures, in the corner of his screen. He barely recognizes himself in this man in front of him, who calls him Evan like it's a gift, who shakes his hand like it's a promise, who feels exciting and strong and safe and new, but it's him, his own eyes, his own mouth, his own hand in his-not-his-hand, his own name on the pin on--

-

W - "What the hell did you do now?" The front door falls shut and his dad yanks at his arm and turns him around and it's just dad, without mom, and that feels strange because they should both be home from work, should both be together like they always are, more interested in each other than in him.

A - Abby's mom gets worse, and it's easy to be supportive when Abby tells him she wants to look after her mom herself. It's easy, too easy, to pretend like he's doing Abby a favor when he sits with her, talks with her. To pretend he's the long-suffering-but-patient fiancé when her mother's needs mean they barely have any time alone together. Abby keeps apologizing and it's too easy to believe she should, as if he's not taking any chance he can to cover extra shifts - to help pay for her mom's care, of course.

T - Tommy smiles. "I'm not sure I ever really deserved you, you know." "Oh fuck off," Vic grins, rolling his eyes. "Sure, you could do with a little therapy..." He waves a hand at him, "Yeah, yeah, your license, I'm aware - you really need to pursue that, you know - but you know Matt is still happy to talk to you, off-the-books and all." "But Matt knows me." "That's a problem?" "It feels like it should be."

E - Even looking back, he can't pinpoint why it happens that night, of all nights. He doesn't plan it. He doesn't think. He's clearing the dishes from the table while Abby is apologizing for what feels like the millionth time for having to postpone planning the wedding. He barely feels like he's really there when he says, slowly, "Or we could just call it off." Abby stares at him. Tommy realizes what he's just said, raises his gaze to meet hers, and says, "I'm... gay."

R - Reaching for his glass, Victor gives him a sly wink. "Who knows, maybe if my prince charming takes too long, you could meet friends-with-benefits-Vic." He shrugs. "Once, you know. The raw edges wear off a bit." Tommy gives him a look. "Really, you dump me but you still want to fuck?" Vic laughs. "Hey, I meant once we've given it a bit of time! I'm being considerate! I mean, you're still hot. I wasn't lying."

-

no pressure (and no clue) tagging @geddyqueer @leashybebes @iphyslitterator @sugarpenchant @beanarie @ambernotember for the word SINK

[joelswritingmistress]

Last Halloween: Chapter 22

Summary: After a tragedy involving Joel happened on Halloween one year prior, the town now shuns him while ignoring the details of the now closed case. You are seemingly the only one to offer empathy to a man the town is making out to be a monster.

You were feeling the aftermath of the adrenaline rush from all you had just accomplished. You didn't even have time to contemplate all the what-ifs that could potentially come from your town-wide announcement.

All you could do was relish in that feeling of accomplishment because of what it could potentially do for Joel going forward. You wanted him to have his life back. You wanted him to be able to walk into the grocery store without people whispering. You wanted him to have the respect he deserved.

I need to see him, you thought.

The hospital was a quick ten minute drive, just an exit up the highway. You rushed in that direction, eager to see his face and hold his hand.

When you arrived, a doctor was speaking with Joel and his parents stood side-by-side off to the side. Everyone nodded as the doctor spoke and you tried your best not to be a distraction as you slunk into the room.

"Thank you," Joel said to the man in the white coat, who nodded, said hello to you in passing and then exited the room.

"Hi," you addressed everyone.

"The doctor said I can go home in the morning," Joel informed you.

"Good." You nodded, though in the back of your mind you didn't know if that was the safest option. Part of you wished they would keep him there for a week, until Vic was caught and things blew over.

"Mom," Joel managed a little smirk. "You and dad go get some rest. I'm going to be fine."

She looked at him with tears in her eyes still and moved in beside him to kiss his forehead. "We want to be sure you're okay."

"I'm okay." Joel nodded. "Please get some rest."

Joel's father placed a hand on his son's shoulder and gave it a squeeze. He then turned and shook your hand. "It was nice meeting you, hun."

"It was nice meeting you, too." You shook his hand and then exchanged a hug with Joel's mother.

They bid a temporary farewell for the night and you sat down beside Joel.

"You need to get some rest, too," he said to you.

"I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight." You sighed and told him what had happened at the Mischief Night Movie Marathon. "Steve got me the footage from the ice cream shop last Halloween."

Joel's eyebrows pressed together and he was suddenly more attentive.

"I.." you hesitated. Not for a second did you wonder if Joel would approve of your actions. But what if he didn't? What if he wasn't okay with you broadcasting the worst moment of his life for the entire town to witness.

"What?" He finally asked when you didn't continue.

"I.. took over the podium at the Mischief Night Movie Marathon in the center of town," you went on. "And I showed everyone what *really* happened last Halloween."

You swallowed hard, not looking away from his eyes. Joel stared back at you and you had no clue what he was thinking or feeling.

"I had everyone's attention. Everyone heard me. Everyone saw what Johnny did to you." You shook your head and when he still didn't say anything you apologized. "I'm so sorry, Joel. I should have asked you first-"

"You did that?" He cut you off.

You swallowed hard and your eyes, your damn eyes, started to glisten again. With a nod you added, "I hope that's okay. I got my hands on the disc and I just went for it. If you're pissed at me-"

"Pissed at you?" Joel asked, touching your face. "You just.. risked everything for me." He shook his head with his pressed-together eyebrows again. "You really did that? Just now?"

You nodded again and gave a closed-mouth smile. "You're not mad?"

Joel managed a little grin. "No."

You leaned in and hugged him against you, closing your eyes as you embraced.

"I wish I could have seen you." He cleared his throat and sighed.

"The entire crowd was silent," you said. "Most of the town was probably there."

Joel moved his hand to cradle the back of your head. "I'm glad you're alright."

"I'm glad *you're* alright." You pulled back and lightly passer over the swelling on his face with the pad of your thumb.

"Did they catch up with Vic yet?"

You shook your head. "Not the last I heard."

"I don't want you to be alone."

"I'm staying here with you."

"There's nowhere for you to sleep."

You motioned to the chair by the window. "I'm going to put these two together. I have some blankets in my car in the trunk."

"I guess it's not worth arguing with you over, is it?" Joel asked, light heartedly.

You shook your head. "I'm staying." Your lips pressed against his. "I'll be right back. Do you want me to get you anything? Some candy?" You managed a small smile.

"I'm okay." Joel grinned back. "Please be careful."

You kissed him again and hurried down two flights of stairs to exit through the main doors and out into the lot. The warmth of the hospital was left behind in the old, brick building as the automatic doors whipped open.

Even just a few steps outside, the vibe changed. The night air was still; quiet. Not a single person at that moment walked to or from the hospital. The parking lot lights were scattered and their bulbs only managed a dull glow. One light in the far corner flickered, highlighting leaves as they swirled down to the pavement in little tornado patterns.

You contemplated going back inside but rather tossed your hood back up over your head and kept walking. Your sneakers crunched over the leaves that had created their own little blanket in your path.

You glanced to the left and right, and then straight ahead as you made your way down a row of cars. In your pocket you fiddled with your key fab and in the distance the lights on your Mazda flickered.

As you glanced over you shoulder at the towering brick building, eying the glow from the sliding door you had just walked out of, you had this feeling of being stranded in an ocean. The beach was right there, but what if something was lurking? Would you be able to make it back?

Stop! Your imagination always had a tendency to run wild, but now that feeling was heightened on every level.

You reached your destination and quickly hit the unlock button and reached for a pair of sweatpants in the back seat before tackling the set of plaid blankets in the trunk.

When you slammed the trunk back down and re-secured your vehicle, your eyes lifted toward the woods line. Beneath the pale orange glow of the flickering light, you swear you saw the orange pumpkin mask amongst the trees.

You closed your eyes and reopened them. This time you squinted. Was someone there? Or was it your imagination? You couldn't tell.

With a deep breath you hit your key fab button again and began to walk down the aisle back toward the hospital. It was only a football field's length away.

The whistle of the the wind made you freeze for a second but you quickly identified the noise and kept going. It didn't keep you from glancing up at the branches hovering over the parking lot.

The glow from the sliding glass door was closer now, and you picked up the pace and walked faster. Behind you you thought you heard the crunch of leaves, or the scraping of sneaker tread against the asphalt.

It's a hospital, you reminded yourself, people come in and out all day long.

But where were they? Where were all the people?

You began to jog now. As silly as you felt, you couldn't help it. Walking was no longer an option. You half expected a hand to come down on your shoulder and pull you away from the safety that lingered now just twenty or thirty yards away.

Amongst the faint chorus of the creaking tree branches and the whipping wind and crunching leaves, you were certain you heard your name being called. It wasn't a shout. It was the opposite. A whisper.

Fuck. You picked up the pace now, desperately staring at the doors as you ran with your arms full of blankets, willing them to cradle your body to safety.

You could see the man sitting behind the desk that you had already passed several times. It almost gave you a false sense of comfort but you didn't let it. You kept going.

That's when it happened. Your worst nightmare. The hand on the shoulder. The touch that triggered your fight or flight response.

You turned with a scream so loud it alerted the desk clerk and you were prepared to face off against whatever was behind you.

"Miss, I'm sorry." A young man put his hands up, holding one of your blankets in the air. "You dropped this when you were running." His eyes were wide and he kept his hands up. "I'm so sorry I scared you."

You took in a deep breath and the clerk came running out.

"Are you okay, ma'am?" He asked, eyeing the man in front of you.

You put a hand on your head, embarrassed by your reaction. "Yeah," you said quietly and then cleared your throat. "Yes. Yeah I'm just jumpy." You looked at the man with the blanket. "Thank you, I'm sorry."

He half smiled. "It's fine. I was trying to call out for you but I don't think you heard me." He handed you the blanket.

"I'm sorry," you said to the two men again and then awkwardly made your back inside. Right then you recognized how much the events of the last twenty-four hours had taken a toll on you.

CLICK HERE FOR NEXT CHAPTER

@untamedheart81 @amyispxnk @grogusmum @ghostwritesthings @strawbunnyx @ayamenimthiriel @noisynightmarepoetry @jiminstinypinky @tuquoquebrute @pedr0swh0r3 @runningmom94 @mellymbee @shayna-d-clown @bbiophiliaa @theclassicvinyldragon @tiffanypooh @mandijo17

[eventinelysplayground]

Loved

This is my last pet fic for the time being, but I will do more I have so much fun with them. Thank you to @lorei-writes for the encouragement and idea for this insanity with her and @wordycheeseblob event they had. I did tweak the ending just a bit for this as it was a bit too sad for me otherwise. Yes I will be writing ones in the future that go with this since I skipped over some things I know people will be curious about but this was already very long. It also felt a bit disjointed to me but I had somebody read it and they said it was fine so hopefully it was just me and it is fine. Also I learned a bit about white tigers looking things up for this fic. Things seem to come full circle for Chérie as she is introduced to someone new. Fluffy and sad at the same time, implied deaths. WC approx 2370

It was an unexpectedly cool night at the end of summer and Chérie sat in the kennels looking out the window at the moon, her tail twitching occasionally.

I really should sleep but I'm too excited. You'd think I would have outgrown this by now but apparently no.

Chérie turned around and looked out her kennel across the way at two empty ones. She lay down resting her head on her giant paws and let out a sigh.

What would you two think seeing me like this again? I do think I was more nervous back then though, I remember I kept you up practically all night.

********

“Chérie.”

Papa? Papa, you came to see me!

“I know it's late but I had something to tell you.”

Jean opened the door of Chérie's kennel and she scampered out, tripping over her own paws in her excitement.

It's okay Papa. I like being up with the moon!

Jean sat on the wooden floor and Cherie climbed into his lap.

“I have a favor to ask of you.”

What's a favor?

He needs you to do something very special for him.

Oh.

Chérie took a quick glance in King's direction then looked up at Jean and tilted her head to the side.

“I need to apologize to Mitsuki for taking up so much of her time, especially tonight.”

A-pole-gize?

He needs to say he's sorry!

Ah, thank you Vic!

Cherie heard Vic grumble about all the noise at an indecent hour and King chastising him, she was about to ask them what indecent meant but just then Jean began to stroke her head.

“She is…. special to me. I want to see her smile more. I think seeing you will make her smile even more radiantly than normal.”

I don't understand but I'll do anything for you Papa.

“I will come and get you in the afternoon, she will be less busy then and we will have more time…”

Jean trailed off still softly stroking Chérie on the head and she lay there content. After a while he shook his head and stopped petting her.

“You should rest Chérie, I will come and get you tomorrow, be a good girl.”

Jean put Chérie back into her kennel and she let out several little mew like sounds.

Okay Papa, goodnight I'll miss you! See you tomorrow, I can't wait!

As the door to the kennel closed behind Jean Chérie's head hung and she stared at her paws.

Well it sounds like tomorrow will be quite the big important day for you Cherie.

Do you think so?

Absolutely, what do you think Vic?I think it's time for you both to be quiet and let me go back to sleep.

King let out a chuckle as he got up stretching his limbs. Chérie had more questions but she didn't want to be rude so she stayed quiet. After a few minutes she heard an exasperated sigh.

What is it?

Chérie's big eyes blinked in surprise at Vic who was now sitting at the door of his kennel.

Well get on with it, the sooner we answer your asinine questions the sooner I get to go back to sleep.

Vic be nice, she's just a pup after all.

She is not…

Knock it off, you know what I mean.

Vic let out a huff while King shook his head at him.

What's bothering you pup?

Well, you said it will be a inorant-

Important.

Im-por-ant day tomorrow.

Yes.

Well, what exactly am I supposed to do on an imorant day? And how do I make a Misui smile? What if I do it wrong and Papa gets mad at me! What if-

That's enough! Firstly it's im-por-tant, secondly her name is Mit-su-ki and lastly he is not your Papa he's your owner. How many times-

Viiic.

King gave Vic a look that made him slump his shoulders.

Don't worry Pup we’ll gladly HELP you and teach you everything you need to do.

Really?

Of course, now the most important thing is…

*******

Chérie woke late in the morning her dreams and memories still filling her mind. She stretched her paws and let out a loud yawn before turning to look out the window.

Hmmm it should be close to the right time, I really should wait but….I can't help it.

Chérie went over to the door of her kennel and with a few quick nudges from her paw she heard the distinct clink of the latch opening, a trick she had learned from watching King. She stopped at the door to the outside and looked back at the same two empty kennels from last night.Wish me luck my friends.

Chérie walked slowly across the grounds, towards a very important and sunny spot filled with memories. The memory of meeting her Mama for the first time, of lazy afternoons, of playing with her friends, of being introduced to her cub and flower for the first time, getting read to, being dressed in a hat and having tea, of listening to violin and flute music carried through the window, of hearing her cub, flower and Mama would be leaving for awhile, of quiet yet sad days of just her and Papa, of when they finally returned home after five long years. So many memories over so many years and each one, even the sad ones were so very precious to her.

It does seem to be coming full circle doesn't it?

Cherie's thoughts drifted to yesterday afternoon. She had been laying in her kennel napping when she heard the door creak open.

“Cherie?”

My cub, you've come to see me!

“Hey Cherie, I'm sorry I woke you up girl.”

I don't mind, I much rather spend the time with you than sleeping anyways.

Chérie watched patiently as the young man opened the door of her kennel and sat on the floor outside it. He looked very much like their Papa, although he had Mama's eyes and smile. Cherie prodded over and sat in front of the young man who began to gently stroke her fur.

“Chérie, I want to ask you a favor.”

Anything for you my boy.

Cherie nuzzled her big head against the young man's hand.

“Late tomorrow afternoon there's somebody I want you to meet.”

Oh?

“She's very special to me and I love her dearly.”

The young man let out a sigh.

“If I'm going to keep her with me I need to start being completely honest with her about what I am, what my family is.”

I see.

“I thought that meeting you first might be best before well, girls love animals after all don't they?”

The young man straightened his back and looked into Chérie's eyes.

“Can I count on you to help me Cherie? I don't want to frighten her, I don't want her to not smile at me again.”

Chérie lifted one of her giant paws and gently batted at the young man's face.

Be more confident, we will prevail. I have much experience in meeting very important people.

Chérie let out a chuckle to herself as she continued to walk towards the spot she assumed her cub would be. As she drew closer she heard voices and the faintest scent of a delightful perfume reached her nose. She paused briefly around a hedge taking in a deep breath and it reminded her again of all those years ago.

Papa did this exact same thing as well back then, he was very nervous although I doubt many would have been able to tell.

A smile crossed Chérie's face and she carefully peaked her head out around the bush. Her cub was there, talking to a young woman with blonde hair whose face she couldn't see. It took only a moment for her cub to sense her presence and he smiled at her while motioning for her to wait.

“Please, just give me a few minutes alright?”

“Five minutes.”

The young woman's voice was soft and sad. Cherie was wondering what had happened when her cub motioned for her to come forward before quickly squeezing the young woman's shoulders and walking towards Cherie. As she approached him he reached down and patted her head then turned back towards the young woman.

“Colette.”

The young woman turned and Cherie saw her eyes go wide and mouth fall open.

“Wolf! Is that a tiger!?”

“Yes, she's our family pet. Don't worry, she's very gentle and won't bite you.”

Chérie could sense the nervousness radiating off the young woman, Colette her cub had called her, but there was also a hint of curiosity. Colette's features were soft, her eyes a vivid blue. Her nose was small, her cheeks full and her lips mirrored them both.

“Can I pet her?”

“Of course.”

Colette's hand stretched out tentatively before settling on the top of Chérie's head. After a moment she noticed a small smile creep across Colette's face.

“You're smiling again.”

Cub….what had you done

“I suppose I am.”

“Good, because we still need to talk.”

Colette's face fell and her hand that had been moving through Chérie's fur stopped at those words followed by Chérie snapping her head toward her cub.

You did not just say that! Please tell me you did not just tell a young lady that you need to talk! What in the world is wrong with you?

“Colette, you look upset again. Is it something I-”

Chérie lifted up one of her massive paws and knocked her cub squarely on the back of his knee, cutting off the rest of his sentence and almost causing him to topple over.

Don't ask asinine questions! My god, I’ve turned into Vic.

“Your tiger seems to understand.”

“Understand what?”

“Wolf, do you want to end things with me?”

“Of course not, why would you ever think that?”

Oh that look, I love you my cub but nuance is not your strong point. Looking at her I suspect she knows that too deep down.

Chérie saw Colette let out a sigh and shake her head. She began carding her fingers through Cherie's fur again before an exasperated smile formed on her face.

“She's very cute and very nice. Luckily for you I find you just as nice, and you're cuter. What did you want to talk about Wolf?”

A few weeks later when summer had changed to fall Chérie once again sat in her kennel looking out at the moon, her tail gently swaying across the floor.

It was nice to see Colette again today, I think she's a wonderful addition. So many changes over the years…

Chérie turned her head to the empty kennels again thinking of her long gone friends.

I'm really very lucky, my cub is lucky too after the way that conversation started.

Thinking back on that day made Cherie laugh, it had gone quite differently then the one her Papa and Mama had had all those years ago but one thing was the same, the love in all their eyes. She was too young to understand it when it was her Papa and Mama looking at each other but she was much older and wiser now and she recognized that same look in Wolf and Colette's eyes. She smiled to herself as something her Papa had said that day came back to her.

‘Now that she's been born into the world, I can't help but want her to be loved.’

Chérie laid down resting her head on top of her paws.

That was your wish for me Papa, and I have been so loved. By you and Mama, Wolf, Lily and my dear friends. Even better I've gotten to see my cub fall in love as you fell in love with Mama. I can only hope the same for my flower one day.

Chérie let out a soft yawn as her eyes began to slowly shut.

I'm very tired, I think I’ll sleep now.

Chérie, Chérie?

This is ridiculous, all the times she bloody well kept us awake and she just keeps sleeping there!

Vic….

Chérie felt the sensation of light on her eyes and she slowly opened them.

Oh that's very bright.

Look, she's waking up!

Well it's about time.

Chérie blinked her eyes before getting up and stretching.

What?

Her paws were still big but they were no longer huge. She was a smaller size, one that she had not been in many years. She startled and looked around, she was somewhere unfamiliar but very pleasant.

Chérie!

Chérie snapped her head in the direction of the voice and her eyes lit up at what she saw.

King! Vic!

Chérie took off in a run, tripping over her paws and landing face first into the soft grass.

Did you forget how to use your legs?

No, but...

Come on Vic, let's go help her.

King took off in a sprint towards Chérie not waiting for Vic who soon took off in a mad dash to catch up to him. When King reached Cherie he nuzzled her and licked her face all over.

King!

I promised you I would wait for you mijn katje.

Chérie smiled at King whose tail just wouldn't stop wagging.

Thank you for keeping your promise.

Chérie nuzzled against King's neck and purred contentedly.

You could have waited for me, you know my legs are shorter than yours.

Sorry Vic.

Vic!

Chérie stumbled over to Vic and began nuzzling him almost knocking him off his feet.

Alright, alright. Calm down already.

Sorry, I'm just so happy to see you both again!

The three of them sat there for a moment just gazing at each other before Vic let out a sigh.

Well get on with it then.

Get on with what?

Everything you have to tell us, the sooner you start the sooner you'll finish which means the sooner I can go back to napping! How are you still asking asinine questions after all these years?

Vic…

Chérie couldn't help but laugh at the familiar exchange.

You're right Vic, I have soooo much to tell you both! I don't know where to start.

It's okay Cherie, we have all the time in the world to listen to you.

[barrackspredator]

HEYYYY I was wondering if you could do one of your it ships for my it oc. I get that my oc is shipped with Patrick (by me but im wondering if she might be possibly shipped with anyone else)

Bethany Huggins is Belch Huggins little sister nicknamed "Big Boots" by Henry because of her big boots. Shes well known around town as the girl who'll curse you out over anything. although belch doesnt want her to get in trouble for her bad attitude henrys very proud (hes taught her well) ✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩Bethany's hair you ask? well sit down cause it should have its own history book. One week its bleach blonde the next its box dye black, then its dirty blonde. but no matter the colour….. its gonna be big! Shes inspired by all her hair metal idols. ✩ ♬ ₊.🎧⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧Bethany's music taste is heavily inspired from belch, she loves metal and heavy music. but her favourite? Glam metal, she can go on and on about Motley Crue and Poison.

★🎸🎧⋆｡ °⋆People around town give her odd looks, some say its her fashion some say its the rumours greta spread about her. like the time she spread a rumour that Bethany made out with Patrick "THE Perv" Hockstetter for 5 bucks. lets just say greta received some… presents from Pat in her locker that week. although there were some drunken words at a party from pat that it was in fact not 5 bucks but 25.

☆。。☆。。 。☆Bethanys style is her whole personality. leather and denim mini skirts that she knows she can wear around because if anyone tries something her big brother will pummel them. these skirts are paired with band crop tops and leather jackets. she buys a new pair a fishnets every week cause a certain black haired boy likes to snap them on the way to school in belchs car.

.¸¸.♡.¸¸.☆¸.♡.¸¸.☆.¸¸.♡.¸shes constantly covered in jewelry! brackets, necklaces, belts, belly chains, earrings, EVERYTHING. she loves silver shiny jewelry and gets Henry to steal for her. .·͙̩̩͙˚̩̥̩̥̩̩̥͙ ✩ ̩̩̥͙˚̩̥̩̥̩̩͙‧͙ .she gets all her cigarettes from Victor cause Belch being a good big brother won't let her, won't stop her though.

As a fellow hair metal enjoyer myself (🤓) I am thrilled to write this. Since you want to explore outside of Patrick, I will not be shipping her with him. I also made him in like 5 minutes bc i’m severely unwell. If this is straight cheeks then I apologize and will redo this.

Bethany Huggins

I ship you with…

Victor Criss

• Her brothers best friend who gives her cigarettes.

• It was a match made in heaven.

• Obviously it was a slow process. It wasn’t right off the bat.

• Victor isn’t really a talker. Not like Patrick is. The blonde is more reserved and talks when he needs to.

• That being said, he’s liked Bethany since puberty did her well. But did he ever tell anybody? No. The body would rather drop dead.

• And Victor is fairly certain if Belch ever found out about his little crush he’d run him over.

• So naturally it had to be Bethany who took the first step.

• Maybe they had a little too much to smoke or somebody said something that made the other’s eyebrow raise.

• At first Victor wants to keep it a secret (for his own safety) but it wasn’t long until Patrick got his sticky hands on this news (he walked in on them)

• It wasn’t long until Patrick went around flapping his lips talking about some “AND THEY WERE ALL OVER EACH OTHER! I DIDN’T EVEN KNOW VIC LIKED CHICKS!”

• Belch was pissed to put it lightly.

• Nobody had ever seen Belch run so fast. He chased Victor through the junkyard with a passion, screaming at the blond that he was a filthy bastard.

• He got tired after 1 minute but he was still pretty angry.

• Henry was… disturbed? He didn’t really care but at the same time “Criss, really? That’s the best you could come up with?”

• Anywho

• Victor as a boyfriend is pretty solid.

• Most of their dates are typically an evening at the record store before going back to his place and getting high.

• They’re the definition of underdressed bf, overdressed gf

• But the boy doesn’t care! He is head over heels every time he sees Bethany in one of her outfits

• The kind of boyfriend to put his hand in the butt pocket of her bottoms

• Since she dyes her hair so often, Victor employed her to help bleach his hair.

• Isn’t that fond of her music but he doesn’t say anything about it. He just sits back and bounces his leg.

• Most hangouts are at his place since whenever it’s at the Huggins residence, Belch is there lingering…

I was going to ship her with Henry then didn’t bc I thought their relationship (based off of what I was fed) was too sibling-like. Anywho!

[zkylearnstherope]

Since y'all voted for yes in the poll, here ya go.

Breakfast [Abandoned Timeline]

Love story with minimal sexual themes.

vic is still clingy because of what happened last night. He thought A has left him again, but s/he came back. This time, he's not letting he/r go.

It was an early morning. He woke up feeling he/r shift in bed. He immediately grabs he/r arm to pull he/r close. "Don't leave," he said half-groggily.

"I was about to make breakfast, but we could sleep for longer if you want to." s/he says cuddling him back.

"I am actually also hungry. I want to come with you to the kitchen, but I am still too tired." His eyes wander to he/r ring finger where a small piece of cloth was tied to a Knot. He just ripped the first fabric he grabbed in the dark and tied it around he/r finger, proposing right then and there.

S/he can't leave again. "I am making sure you have a reason to Stay with me now."

He thinks about how sudden it must have been. They just finished making love, and here he was, passionately proposing in the most awkward position, sheets crumpled with both of them sweaty. He can't even kneel properly because he can't feel his legs.

But s/he stared at the silly knot on he/r finger, and kissed it. "I wasn't planning on leaving. I'm here to stay, forever." Then s/he kissed him.

He was immediately brought back to the present when he realized that A started carrying him. "Why (like) a sack?" S/he just laughed softly as they entered the kitchen.

---

"Question is, can I even cook?"

"Hmm..." He moves closer, hugging he/r from the back. He gets distracted for a bit when he realized that his arms are the perfect length to wrap around he/r waist. He kisses the back of he/r ear making he/r twitch slightly because of the sudden sensation.

"I think you're pretending to not know how to cook, just to have me cook beside you."

"You could watch me burn the house down too."

He just gave he/r a smirk as a response. "I can at least make cheese toast, that's for sure."

S/he tries to crack eggs into a bowl. ". . . Is this how you open eggs?" vic stares at the shells bobbing with the rest of the eggs. He can't help but get amused at he/r attempts at being clumsy.

"I know you can cook. Stop teasing me."

S/he proceeds to cook the rest of breakfast with him. With him.

S/he's here now.

He found himself staring at he/r again. I wonder how often I do that? I hope s/he doesn't find it weird.

"You can stare as much as you want. I'm yours to enjoy." They do have the same sense of humour.

---

They move to the small table on the other side of the counter to eat. He nuzzles closer, feeling he/r sitting on his lap.

"Am I clingy?"

Instead of answering, s/he feeds him a spoonful, and gives him a peck on the lips.

"I didn't know eggs are sweet." Days are just sweeter, it seems.

---

Gent wakes up by H's gentle shake, the lines "----- --- ---- ---- ---------?" floating over his head.

"Yes, please."

He proceeds to pull him by the sleeves towards the kitchen. They find his parents cuddling on the small table in the corner. He gave his father a subtle nod. A smiles, greeting them both.

H immediately started cooking, chopping ingredients with so much precision and speed, already in the middle of stir-frying the egg fried rice within minutes.

Gent moves closer and wonders what H's reaction would be if he-

Ah- why did I do that?

He stares at H's flushed face after he instinctively pushed him away, because Gent suddenly hugged him from behind.

I should apologize.

H looks down at the floor, before turning away from him.

I think I messed up.

H slowly backs towards him, before taking both his arms and wrapping them around his waist.

"I WASN'T SAYING NO."

Those are the only words he needed, and he found himself hugging him again.

"DON'T REMOVE YOUR ARMS."

Gent have always admired the confidence and the very commanding choice of words. Fitting for the Number One Guard Dog of the City. He's number two, of course.

"There's no way I would let another stick stand beside you."

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN?" Gent feels him get slightly warmer. H has always been smart and observant. Always quick to grasp the situation.

"I did not mean to say that out loud, but you already know what I mean."

He didn't say anything, but just turned the stove off.

"Use only one plate. No need to split it into two." Again, the slight flushes. His colour changes to this slight dark red tone every now and then.

It's a very unique colour, he thinks to himself. "A beautiful colour." Why do I keep saying things out loud?

Gent had no plans of pulling away from the hug, so- "You're gonna have to fe-"

H feeds him a spoonful, which he savoured slowly.

I've always loved your cooking.

. . . Why didn't I say that one out loud?

He didn't need to. H is already getting tense again.

"I WANT TO COOK FOR YOU FOREVER."

Is he-

"I WANT TO COOK FOR YOU EACH MORNING, LUNCH, AFTERNOON, NIGHT... FOREVER, IF YOU LET ME."

He felt his knees weaken as he slowly slumped to the floor covering his face.

"I can't tell if you're-" Ah~ what are you doing, Gent? Just asked. Come on, be brave for once.

He hears vic and A laughing from the other side of the counter.

I forgot they're still here.

"He's wondering if you're proposing." A says, obviously nudging them since his pathetic self couldn't do it.

For a few seconds, a giant ❔ hovered over his head, before it changed to ‼️. H runs outside the door.

We were supposed to be enjoying breakfast!? Multiple symbols keep flashing in his mind. Reminds him of the characters that float over his father whenever he curses.

"I'M STILL HERE, BY THE WAY. I AM JUST HIDING ON THIS SIDE OF THE DOORWAY."

He looks over to see the dark red colour of H's forehead peeking just enough so he could see the lines of letters.

"That is absolutely cute." Again, why did I say that out loud? He's not gonna come back here now.

He looks at the delicious food on the counter, and takes a spoonful.

"I want to eat this cooking every day for the rest of my life."

This time, he properly said it out loud.

H walks back in, covers the food, and pulled him by the hand this time, towards the bedroom. He can be a bit forceful at times, and Gent digs it.

Without saying anything, H locks the door and pushes him onto the bed.

Already loosing his mind between the deep kisses, he could barely see the lines, "LET'S SWITCH THINGS UP TODAY."

He knows what he meant. Gent just preferred to be on the receiving end, but this time, it's his turn to make his lover? boyfriend? husband-

What are we?

H lays down on is back and stops kissing him.

"MARRIAGE PROPOSAL ASIDE, I WANT TO COOK FOR YOU FOREVER.

I WANT TO WAKE UP BESIDE YOU EACH MORNING.

I WANT YOU TO WATCH ME COOK WITH A SMILE ON YOUR FACE.

I WANT YOU TO EAT IT, AND SAY HOW GOOD IT WAS.

I WANT TO SEE YOU HAVING YOUR INTERNAL MONOLOGUES WHENEVER YOU GET SO FLUSTERED.

I WANT YOU NOW, GENT."

With that, something inside him snapped.

---

He doesn't really remember the last half an hour. All he knows is that dark red H is a beautiful colour.

"It was a delicious breakfast..."

THE END

[sticktopia]

Happy Accidents (RocketPrincess AU)

When a drunken one-night stand leaves Mango with an accidental pregnancy, he has to figure out how to keep his secret safe. Turns out, it's easier said than done when the baby's other parent is literally his boss.

⚠️Warning: Mpreg⚠️

Chapter 5

As the days went by, Mango became more and more comfortable with himself. He began to truly accept the baby. And he was feeling happier about everything.

Even the “rumors” didn’t bother him anymore. If anyone asked, he simply replied with; “Yeah. And?” 

Surprisingly, that was enough to stun people into simply saying “congratulations” before leaving. It made Mango wish he had done it sooner. 

All in all, the pregnancy was going quite smoothly. The nausea had subsided, cravings weren’t all too outrageous, and Mango wasn’t as exhausted anymore! Though, his belly was starting to come in. He would have to take his paternity leave soon.

“Mango.” The head technician glanced up to see Victim standing at the door.

“Ah, y-yes sir?” Mango sat up straighter as Victim approached the table.

“You’re here awfully late. Does your paternity leave not start tomorrow?” Mango furrowed his brow, turning to the clock on the wall. Sure enough, the clock read 7:30 pm. Mango’s eyes widened as he saw the time.

“I-I didn’t realize that it was so late.” Mango admitted sheepishly. His hand went to his growing bump, gently rubbing it as anxiety crept up on him.

“You should go home, Mango. Your body needs the rest.” Vic says, placing their hand on Mango’s shoulder and causing him to jump. Vic pulled their hand away.

“Apologies. I did not mean to frighten you.” Vic said as they took a step back. 

“I-it’s fine.” Mango sighed and rubbed his belly again; a nervous habit he gained as the baby began to grow. “I’ll go home when I finish the project.”

“So you’re not going on your leave then?” Mango and Victim looked up at the door to find Pivot leaning against the frame. Mango scoffed.

“I never said I wasn’t going to take my leave. I said-“

“You’ll give birth by the time the project is finished. Not to mention, you won’t even be able to do any testing while you’re pregnant.” Pivot continued as he stepped up to the pair.

“I didn’t mean the entire project nerd. Just when the blueprints are complete. I need-“

“To be carried out again. Smith.” Vic said. Without a word, Pivot swiftly came around the desk and had Mango in his arms within seconds.

“Ack! Pivot!!” Mango shouted. “Put me down!”

“No can do. Boss’ orders.” Pivot said with a smirk. Mango scoffed and rolled his eyes.

“At least let me grab my things! I can work on this at-“

“No you will not. Your paternity leave is so you can prepare your mind and body to take care of your little one. You will do no such thing.” Victim said as they grabbed Mango’s bag and handed it to Pivot. Before Mango could protest any further, Pivot was walking out with Mango in arm.

“I hate you.” Mango huffed as he rubbed his belly.

“Sure ya do.” Pivot chuckled as he entered the elevator. As they stood in the descending elevator, Mango started up a conversation.

“Are you gonna carry me all the way out?”

“Yep.”

“Why? That’s embarrassing. People are going to think-“

“Why does it matter what people think?” 

Mango paused to think about that. The agent kinda had a point. Why did it matter what others thought about him? Why did it bother him whether or not people thought he was dating Pivot or very pregnant. Mango had never really thought about it before. Maybe he could take the paternity leave to think it over.

The elevator stopped moving, snapping Mango out of his thoughts. As Pivot stepped out of the elevator, confetti suddenly rained down on him, and many voices shouting “SURPRISE” flooded his ears. Looking around, Mango’s eyes widened as there were many people there wishing him luck and congratulating him for being a “new” parent. Mango leaned closer into Pivot. Feeling a little awkward and overwhelmed by all the eyes on him.

“Wh-what…? Why…?” Mango barely stuttered out the words he wanted to say. He began to feel emotional, causing him to cover his face with his hands. The crowd awed and Mango spoke up.

“No! Don’t “aw” me! Stop it!” The crowd then burst into laughter as Pivot began walking across the massive lobby and towards the main entrance. As they made their way through the crowd, other sticks would shout their “good luck”s and bid farewells. Mango sniffled and buried his face in his hands.

“Oh my creators, this is so embarrassing.” Mango muttered. Pivot chuckled and whispered to the expecting stick.

“Come on. Admit you like it a little bit.” Mango sniffled and looked through Pivot’s sunglasses, into his cyan eyes.

“I’d rather be dead than admit something like that.” Pivot had to hold back a laugh as he exited the building. Mango huffed and rubbed his belly again. He hated Pivot.

As the pair got to the car, Pivot placed Mango down before taking the keys to his car and unlocking it. Pivot opened the passenger side door for Mango. Causing the expecting stick to arch his brow.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

“Chauffeuring you home.” Pivot said, peeking over his sunglasses at Mango. He even winked at him playfully. Mango sighed and rolled his eyes before stepping in. Pivot placed Mango’s bag on his lap before closing the door and walked around to the driver’s side. But he didn’t get in immediately. Instead, he spoke to someone for a bit.

Mango sighed and looked through his bag for his medicine & vitamins. The sound of the door opening and closing then caught his attention.

“What was that about?” Mango asked as he took his medicine.

“Something. Don’t worry about it.” Pivot said as he started the car and drove off.

The drive home was quiet and comfortable. There wasn’t much conversation between the two, but that was ok. They simply enjoyed existing side by side. Mango liked this. It was a rare feeling to have with someone he admired.

When Pivot pulled into the driveway, Mango tried to open the door, but was stopped when Pivot locked it. Mango arched his brow and turned to the head Agent in the driver’s seat.

“Ok, what’s up with you? Why are you being weird?”

“I’m not being weird.”

“You carried me all the way to my car, drove me home, and now you won’t let me out of the car. What are you gonna do? Bang me in the back seat?”

“What the hell no???” Pivot said, furrowing his brow. Though Mango couldn’t help but notice the light dusting of a blush on his cheeks. “I’m sure the little one’s sire would kill me if I even thought of that.”

“Mmmm nah. They… don’t even know about the baby anyway.” Pivot’s eyes widened slightly as he heard this bit of information. Pivot watched as his friend’s gaze went from him, to his growing belly. Mango’s hand rested on his abdomen. He seemed to be very lost in thought; maybe even a little nervous. Pivot sighed and took his sunglasses off.

“Hey.” Pivot carefully placed his hand on Mango’s. “It’s gonna be ok. I’m here for you ya know.”

Mango sniffled and pulled his hand away, leaving Pivot’s hand over his small bump. Mango huffed and turned his head away from the agent, propping his chin up over his knuckles.

“Sh-shut up. You’re gonna make me cry more.” Mango sniffled pathetically. Pivot chuckled and shook his head.

“Sorry ‘bout that.” He said as he pulled his hand away. He moved some hair out of his face and the two went back to silence. It was slightly more awkward than it was before. But it wasn’t unbearable. Mango sighed and looked back at Pivot.

“Are you going to let me out of the car or not?” Mango huffed.

“Mmm. In a bit.” Mango was about to ask what Pivot meant when a phone began to ring. Mango watched as his friend pulled out his phone. The agent immediately answered.

“You ready?…….. yeah we’re here, waiting on you……… alright we’ll head on in.” And with that, Pivot hung up the phone and pocketed it.

“Who was that?” Pivot didn’t answer Mango. He simply stepped out and walked around to open Mango’s door. He held a hand out for the technician. Mango rolled his eyes playfully before taking it.

“I hope this isn’t an assassination attempt. I really do want to have this baby Piv.” Pivot laughed as Mango said this.

“Trust me Mango. You’re gonna love this.” Pivot said as he led Mango to the door. Upon entry, Mango noticed the whole vibe of the house was different. He paused at the door, his hand going to his belly almost protectively.

“What did you do to my house?” Mango asked.

“Dad!” Mango looked past Pivot to see Purple come down the hall. “Dad dad! Come on! Come look!”

The teen immediately began to drag Mango back down the hall. Mango pulled away from the kid.

“Whoa whoa hold on. What’s going on?” Mango asked.

“It’s a surprise! Come on!” Purple said as they took Mango’s hand once more. As Mango’s son dragged him down the hall, Pivot followed close behind. As Mango was about to protest again, he paused as Purple dragged him into a room.

Mango’s jaw was on the floor as he looked around. What used to be the guest bedroom was now a beautiful nursery with a night sky theme. The walls were painted to look like a forest while the ceiling was painted with constellations and stars. The crib was white and the sheets inside were a soft grey with white stars. Even all the clothes in the closet were space or galaxy themed.

Mango stood frozen in the doorway as Purple’s friends, Stormi, and Clay stepped forwards and said; “Surprise!” He had to take a moment to process everything that was happening. Mango then felt his chest tighten and his eyes water. He buried his face in his hands, desperately trying (and failing) to stop or hide his tears.

“A-are you serious?” He choked out. “You guys we really did all this?”

“It was Purple’s idea.” Red said excitedly. Purple sheepishly chuckled.

“Well, we all did this together. You don’t have to say it was MY idea.”

“It’s b-beautiful…” Mango wept. Purple smiled and hugged their dad tightly.

“I love you Dad.”

“Oh my creators-why is everyone making me cry today?” Everyone laughed and joined the hug, embracing Mango with all the love in the world.

**********

One week into paternity leave, and Mango was already feeling restless. The stick had already spent the week doing all the crappy cheap DIY kits Purple and their friends got him. But they were all complete now. There was now nothing for him to do and being at home all day made him feel crazy.

“Maybe this was a bad idea…” Mango muttered as he rubbed his still growing belly. The expectant father laid in his bed with his phone in his hands. He was watching some YouTube when he came across a video. Interested, Mango stopped to watch it. It was a vlog video. The stick was going on about their plans for the day. Explaining everything that the video was about.

Mango had never been into documenting his own life. It felt creepy for him to be posting his day to day life for thousands of other sticks to see. But the more he thought about it, the more… appealing it became to him. Of course, Mango was not brave enough to post online. But to have these videos to look back on was enough for him. So Mango got out of bed, did himself up a little nicer, and then pressed record.

“Uh, hello, this is Mango. The date right now is… June 12th 20XX. Um. I’m a little over 4 months pregnant now. And it’s been… interesting so far.” Mango lifted his shirt, turning sideways to show the camera his growing bump. He put his shirt down after a moment and turned to face the camera once more.

“This little one…. The way they came to be is quite… unique I’d like to say. Their other parent… well they aren’t aware that the baby is theirs. I’ve been so close to telling them so many times but I get scared and chicken out. I mean, hell. How do you tell your boss that you’re carrying their child?” Mango dryly chuckled as he thought about it. He opened his mouth to continue speaking when he felt something. Mango froze as he waited to feel it again. The corners of the stick’s lips suddenly pulled up into a smile as he felt it again; a kick.

“Oh my creators.” Mango softly gasped as he placed his hand where he last felt his baby kicking. Sure enough, as he placed his hand there, the baby kicked again. Mango’s other hand went over his mouth. Tears filled his eyes as joy overwhelmed him. Mango looked back at the camera and tearily chuckled.

“S-sorry.” He sniffled before grabbing the phone and lifting his shirt. “My baby’s kicking.”

Mango angled the camera so that it could get a good view of his baby bump. He rubbed said bump a bit, prompting the baby to squirm a bit. Mango smiled more.

“Creators, this is so weird.” He laughed. “But they’re alive… oh creators they’re alive.”

Mango had to stop recording shortly after. He couldn’t stop the waterfall of tears from escaping his eyes. But his hand never left his stomach. Feeling his baby kick was eye opening to him. It made Mango realize that he had been in half denial since the beginning. He’s now realizing that this is real. This baby was alive. And he was going to do everything he could to protect them.

**********

Mango laid on the couch feeling dizzy and nauseous. He wasn’t sure why he was feeling this way again, but he simply had to deal with it. Mango grabbed his phone and started recording.

“It is 12:30 pm, June 18th 20XX. I’m… really sick right now and-Ngh-“ Mango’s face contorted slightly as the baby in his belly kicked and squirmed.

“The kicking… isn’t helping all that much.” Mango sighed as he slowly sat up. Mango placed his hand over his mouth as he gagged a bit.

“I thought I was over all of this. But it seems like it goes on all throughout.” Mango said as he leaned on the arm rest. The baby soon calmed down and stopped their squirming. Though, the nausea didn’t cease.

“I’m sure it’ll be worth it. I mean, I’m gonna get a cute baby out of it.” Mango half joked.

“I really do hope this is worth it….”

**********

Mango decided that he wanted to walk around the town today. He was sick of being inside and taking a walk could help him get some fresh air.

As Mango made his way around the neighborhood, he took note of all the families that roamed. He began to fantasize and remember his own family. Remembering how Gold would always beg to go to the park at every chance. Imagining him, Purple, and Gold going out for corn dogs, thinking about how he’ll bring his new baby to the park whenever they pleased.

“Mango!” Mango paused as he heard the old familiar voice. Sure enough, when Mango turned to look down the street, there he was; Tosca. Mango smiled softly and made his way over to his old friend.

“Hey Tosca.” Mango chuckled as he approached. “Business doing well?”

“Of course. Though it ain’t the same without my favorite regular. I haven’t seen ya in a minute! Where ya been?” The man asked as he prepared the usual for Mango.

“Eh. Been around. Got a new job, things are happening, making a little more money.” Mango said as he took out his wallet.

“Hey, you don’t gotta pay today. From a friend to a friend.” Tosca said as he handed the corndog to Mango. The orange stick chuckled as he took the food.

“Thanks Tosca. How’s the family?” Mango asked as he took a bite.

“My girls are doing good. My Coco started first grade. And my beautiful Reef is expecting again. We’re leaving the gender a surprise.” Tosca chuckled. Mango hummed and rubbed his belly as the baby kicked. Tosca glanced down, noticing the movement. He then gasped and took Mango’s free hand.

“You’re pregnant?! Dude is this why I haven’t seen ya?!” Tosca hugged Mango excitedly. Making the stick choke a bit.

“C-careful! Tosca!” Mango said as he pushed his friend away a bit.

“Sorry sorry! But are ya serious?!” Tosca pulled away from Mango, giving him back his personal space. “I thought you weren’t going to have kids anymore!”

“Well, I adopted a kid named Purple. And this one… well, they’re a special case.”

“Oh this is so cool dude! How far along are ya?”

“Four and a half months.”

“Oh you’re close then! Hey! Our kids can be besties! Sure my kid will be a month or two behind yours but they can still grow up together! Isn’t that great?”

“Hm. That doesn’t sound too bad. I think th-ow! Fuck!” Mango’s hand went back to his belly. “Will you stop that?” 

“Active one huh? Coco was like that for Reef. The best way we got her to calm down was cuddling. Wait, ya have a partner now? I thought that-” Mango went quiet and looked away.

“Oh…” Was all Tosca could mutter out. Mango sighed, scratching the back of his neck. “S-sorry.”

“No, it's fine. Please. Just, I don’t want to talk about it…”

“No no it’s ok. I’m sorry Mango.”

“Hey it’s fine, really. I’m fine.” Mango said as he finished his corndog. “I should get going now, see you around Tosca.”

“Yeah. I’ll come over later man. We can catch up and talk yeah?”

“Yeah. Bye Tosca.”

Chapter 4-(Chapter 5)-Chapter 5.5

[perhaps-in-anotherdream]

[CN] Victor x MC – S2 CH 46 (Eng Translation - Part 2)

“Perhaps you are the god sent from the heavens to protect me.”

“Who exactly are you?”

Do remember to read Part 1 first: Here!

⌚ This post contains detailed spoilers for a chapter that is yet to be released on the global server. ⌚  

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

【CH 46-13, after part 1】

The airport lobby is packed with people. As pedestrians pass by the man, they all instinctively give him a wide berth, without even a sidelong glance.

MC: This isn’t rejection at all! It’s like the world has given you a “golden finger,” even more powerful than the “invisibility” Evol!

MC: Vic-Vic, do you think you can become rich by being an invisible person?

Man (Victor): [chuckles softly]  Talking nonsense again.

Despite his words, a subtle smile forms at the corners of his lips. After a pause, he speaks again.

Man (Victor): Moving on––

My phone suddenly rings, and Anna’s name pops up on the screen. I mouth an apology to him and hastily answer the call.

MC: Anna, is there something you need me for?

Anna: MC, you finally answered the phone! I couldn’t reach you earlier, and there multiple pending tasks that need your authorization.

Anna: The previous advertising partners came to our office and informed us that the contract will expire next month. Additionally, we need to finalize the theme for the upcoming season of our program…

MC: Ask Minor to reach out to several advertising companies with the outstanding performance last year and inquire about their interest in collaboration and pricing. If the cost-effectiveness is not better than our current arrangement, we can proceed with contract renewal.

MC: As for the program theme, ask Kiki and the team to propose a few potential directions and send them to my email for review. I’ll try to finalize it within the next two days...

After ending the call, I notice that Vic-Vic is looking at me with a profound expression on his face.

MC: What’s wrong? You haven’t felt any new signs of rejection, have you?

Man (Victor): No, I haven’t. I was just surprised to see that you, who acted so recklessly in the desert, would still have a sense of order when it comes to work.

MC: …

So, is this how he viewed me when we were in the desert?

Feeling a bit indignant, I make up my mind to change his impression of me. So, with a firm grip on the man’s arm, I walk in large strides toward the airport exit.

MC: I acted that way only because I was in an unfamiliar environment. And now, you’re the one who needs to get familiar with the surroundings.

MC: In Loveland City, you need to stick close to me, your host!

The footsteps behind me closely follow, and after a moment, a voice interspersed with helplessness and amusement pass by my ear.

Man (Victor): [extremely helpless, indulgent chuckle]  …dummy.

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【CH 46-15】

The sunlight seeps through the cracks between branches and leaves, casting warm and cozy light and shadows onto the city in the afternoon.

I purchase a set of casual clothes for Vic-Vic. After changing out of that weathered suit, we step out of the store. As we walk, I pause and gesture towards the faraway direction.

MC: That direction leads to the central hospital. It’s only a ten-minute walk straight ahead. There's also a square in the vicinity, which is perfect for leisurely strolls and relaxation...

My fingertips dance in the air, gently tapping on the distant skyscrapers.

MC: See that building? That’s LFG, the number one financial giant in the country!

MC: It has ventured into many industries. My company was on the brink of bankruptcy, but fortunately, we received their capital injection and made a remarkable comeback…

The man listens quietly, his gaze lingering on the imposing silhouette of the building for a long, long time, as if lost in deep rumination. There is a touch of wistfulness in his eyes and the faint furrow of his brows.

As I watch his silent profile, a sudden pang of unbearable emotions pierces through my heart.

What would this person’s life have been like in the past? Would it have mirrored his current demeanor, occasionally taking moments to pause and gaze at the distant scenery?

While I don’t know what he must have been through that shaped him into his current state, I can’t help feeling that he shouldn’t be so lonely and alone.

The mirage he saw, the person he’s been relentlessly searching for, must surely be someone who had been by his side all along, right?

A bitter tang involuntarily overwhelms my heart. I let out a quiet sigh, speaking softly.

MC: Well, since there’s no rush anyway, let’s rest here for a while.

MC: First, I’ll buy some things for you nearby. I’ll come back to find you shortly. Wait for me here, okay?

The man remains silent and simply gives a quiet nod.

I hurriedly dash to the nearby supermarket and pick up some essential daily supplies. Inadvertently, my gaze sweeps across the store windows, but I don’t see his figure.

I can’t help but freeze for a moment, setting down the shopping basket under the perplexed gaze of the shop assistant, and hastily rush out of the store.

…was he ostracized and forced back into that disordered space? Or did he run into some kind of danger?

As my pace involuntarily quickens more and more, I trot back to the footbridge, anxiously looking around in all directions.

Amidst scattered pedestrians on the stairs and the dense dancing shadows of trees on the street corners… until my gaze crosses over the bushes by the roadside, I finally spot that figure.

He is half-squatted in the sandpit at the center of the street park, his gaze lowered as he observes something intently.

Encircled by the playful and joyous children, his tall, slender physique seems somewhat inharmonious. Yet, he remains completely unaffected, silently gazing at the palm of his hand.

It feels as if my heart, which was hanging in the air, has finally found its place to settle. I release a long-awaited breath of relief and quickly cross the road, taking a few quick strides until I reach him.

MC: How did you end up here? You scared me.

Man (Victor): A kid suddenly kicked his ball onto the road, and I stopped it.

As he says this, his gaze remains fixed on the sand particles in his hand, as if he is lost in memories.

Unable to resist my curiosity, I find myself squatting down beside him, asking him softly.

MC: You’ve been staring at it in a daze. Did it trigger any memories for you?

Man (Victor): No… but it feels somewhat familiar.

Man (Victor): It feels like… I may have experienced something similar in the past.

Something slightly stirs inside me, and a blurry silhouette seems to appear before my eyes. Despite my efforts to recollect, the details elude my memory.

MC: It’s probably a sense of déjà vu.

MC: I have this persistent feeling that I used to play like this when I was a kid.

I speak while patting the sand mound several times, and with my fingertips, I causally poke a few holes and mold them into a rudimentary sandcastle.

MC: For instance, playing soccer or building sandcastles… it seems like these games are an integral part of everyone’s childhood.

The man’s eyes land on the outline of the sandcastle, and a flicker of light dances within his gaze.

He remains silent and simply loosens his grip, allowing the fine sand to slowly trickle through his fingers. Then, he turns his gaze to my empty palms. 

Man (Victor): What about the things you went to buy?

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【CH 46-16】

I follow his gaze, and feeling a bit embarrassed, I place my hands behind my back.

MC: I was in such a rush to find you that I left before settling the bill.

MC: …you’re not allowed to call me a “dummy”!

Before the man can say anything, I fix my gaze on his somewhat helpless expression and subconsciously begin to refute. He gives me a slightly teasing glance and speaks in a low voice.

Man (Victor): Seems like someone feels guilty.

MC: This is called “taking precaution in advance”! It’s not like you haven’t said it before, remember?

MC: Let’s go. It’s not too late to go together now, and you can also pick some other items that might come in handy.

I counter with a self-righteous air, and upon hearing the man with apparent helplessness, he unhurriedly follows behind me.

I can’t help but curl up the corners of my lips, and my steps also become a little brisker.

??: It’s been a while, QUEEN.

Hearing that word now makes me startled like a skittish bird. I involuntarily hold my breath and look toward the source of the sound.

A young man stands next to the display window of a designer toy store, his emerald green eyes firmly locked on me.

He appears very young, but there is a serenity in his eyes that belies his age.

MC: Who are you? Have we met before?

Eos: In this world, you can address me as Eos. To be precise, this marks our first encounter.

The young man’s reply is delivered in an unhurried manner, carrying a sense of calmness that seems out of sync with the fast-paced times.

Eos: During our previous encounter in the Land of Advent, I faced various constraints and could only appear cloaked. I apologize for any inconvenience caused.

–

[Tidbits]: Eos is referring to S2 CH 37; but now they remember it as erased and altered of the details where Victor was involved~ (┳Д┳)

–

Eos… the Land of Advent?

With these words, the memories of that moment when I was forced to reveal my identity in front of the main gods come rushing back to me.

Once again, as I recall the disheveled and anxious state from that time, my jaws tighten slightly.

At this moment, the man seems to sense the stalemate between me and Eos. He stands behind me and gently pats my shoulder.

A sudden boost of confidence surfaces in my restless heart. I subtly shake my head to reassure the man and lift my gaze to look at Eos.

MC: So, the great generation of the first gods reveals himself to me in his true form. What message do you have for me?

Eos: It just so happens that I spotted you, and I was wondering if you could do me a favor.

As if not picking up on the sarcasm in my tone, Eos points to a doll displayed in the shop window.

Eos: I wish to purchase this, but I’m unsure why, the shop assistant informed me that I’m not eligible.

MC: …

I didn’t anticipate the other party to speak in this kind of a deadpan tone about such a matter. But I still muster my patience and go over to take a look at the label.

MC: This doll is a merchandise from a virtual reality game developed by a company called Infinite.

MC: You need to buy their blind box first, which has a chance of containing closed beta experience vouchers for the game. Then, within the game, you can obtain the eligibility to make the purchase…

MC: In short, it’s not something you can simply buy with money.

Eos: So that’s how it is…

Eos casts a glance at the game promotional poster on the side and shakes his head.

Eos: The commercial norms in this world are far more intricate than what I observed in my records, yet the technological advancement is so far behind… never mind, it’s a waste of time.

What is this person talking about? Could it be that he came from another world?

As I ponder in my mind, Eos’s green eyes happen to shift onto my face.

Eos: Speaking of which, there are traces of fragments from many worlds on you. Have you been on a trip recently?

MC: What trip… hold on, how do you know I’ve recently traveled to many worlds?

Eos: The spacecraft Bennu, which I traveled on, was constructed using the power of QUEEN to establish interdimensional travel routes. As the QUEEN yourself, it’s natural for you to go on such trips.

–

[Tidbits]: The spacecraft Bennu is a reference to West Moon CH 10; where MC’s master aka Eos, explained to her how Victor had used his heart’s blood and the Demon King’s Pact to tear open the space-time rift caused by “Bennu” flying and sent the QUEEN aka MC to the past~ (┳Д┳)

–

I’m slightly taken aback by the person’s sudden matter-of-fact tone. Why is he suddenly being so prompt with his responses?

Although the answers don’t quite align with what I was expecting, I’m able to extract the key point from them––

This person is very familiar with navigating through different worlds.

— could it be possible to take advantage of the information gap between me and him to trick him into divulging something?

I swiftly glance at the man next to me. Perhaps I can also help him retrieve some of the things that belong to him.

MC: Haha, yeah, but it’s still quite laborious for me to travel between worlds. After all, I still need to navigate through disordered space during the transition.

Eos: Disordered space?

A trace of surprise crosses Eos’s face when he hears the term, but it doesn’t seem like he is unfamiliar with it.

Eos: It seems that you haven’t yet found the correct approach to utilize your power, which is why you find yourself in that realm of exile.

Eos: It’s best to steer clear of that place.

MC: Why should I steer clear?

Eos: It’s not safe. If you meet someone who has been banished by time there, your own time and space regulations will be disrupted.

Eos: And if you have prolonged interaction with someone who doesn’t exist in this world, even as QUEEN, you will still be affected.

People banished by time? Someone who doesn’t exist in this world? He couldn’t be referring to someone like Vic-Vic, could he?

A pang of bitterness wells up in my heart, and I anxiously press for more information.

MC: Is it possible for those who have been banished to return to their original world?

Eos: I’m not sure. I haven’t encountered a similar situation.

Eos’s voice pauses, and there’s a touch of interest in his tone.

Eos: Have you met someone like that?

MC: No, no.

I immediately deny it. Even though his tone is friendly now, I can’t forget the previous instance where he had provided assistance only to backstab later.

MC: I just… uh…

Man (Victor): You can say that you’re curious whether your power, in turn, would have an impact on the banished individuals.

As I find myself stumbling for words, a deep voice lands in my ear. I hastily repeat what he says. Eos mulls it over for a moment.

Eos: You can try to get that person to establish a connection with the world.

Eos: With someone to bind them, there may be a reason for them to leave their mark on the world.

MC: A bond, huh… I understand now. Thank you.

Although I’m unsure of why he is being so generous this time, I still politely thank him.

After glancing at the toy in the display window again, Eos lifts his foot and walks past me. However, just as he brushes by, he suddenly stops and offers me a smile.

Eos: If you make any progress with that person who has been banished, you can contact me. It used to be one of my research alternatives as well.

His radiant green eyes seem to pierce through my face and fixate on the figure of “non-existent” Vic-Vic behind me.

Before I can gather my thoughts, Eos has already turned around and walked into the crowd, disappearing from sight in an instant.

I blink my eyes and turn around, forcing a wry smile as I look at the man.

MC: Unfortunately, he didn’t tell us much useful information either…

Man (Victor): It’s okay. It’s already enough.

The man withdraws his gaze from the spot where EOS has disappeared and speaks softly.

Man (Victor): Didn’t you say we were going to the supermarket? Let’s go.

I nod my head. But as the supermarket gets closer and closer, I find myself unconsciously slowing down my steps.

Once he settles down, doesn’t that mean he will have established a connection with the world?

Does that mean he will no longer need me in his future life?

Almost as if guided by a mysterious force, I point towards the riverbank not far away.

MC: …I-I just remembered that there’s an event tonight on the cruise ship, and I can you take there.

MC: We can buy daily necessities later. Would you like to go and see the river view?

I glance at the person next to me and extend an invitation as I pretend to be natural. But the ending notes of my voice trail off involuntarily.

A silence envelopes my ears, and the man doesn’t respond. I begin to feel a little apprehensive, but a moment later, I hear him speak.

Man (Victor): [chuckles very softly and a little knowingly]  Hmm, then let’s see the night of Loveland City.

–

[Anika’s Notes]: !!! Despite all the obviously painful call-backs, this “the feeling of the whole city under your feet at night dispels your anxiety” call-back somehow pierces my kokoro in places I cannot explain––  (┳Д┳)

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【CH 46-17】

The river water glistens, and the cruise ship docked beside the pier is also bathed in the twilight. Vaguely, we can see a few scattered shadows on the deck.

I straighten my skirt and hand the electronic invitation on my phone to the waiter. They quickly scan it, and a warm smile lightens up their face.

Waiter: Miss MC, welcome aboard!

Waiter: The meals and drinks are all prepared. Please make yourself comfortable and enjoy. The ship will depart shortly.

I nod and leisurely step onto the gangway. It’s only when there is nobody around do I quietly whisper to the person next to me.

MC: How is it? The scenery here is very beautiful, isn’t it~

The man gazes at the scenery on both sides, and a subtle smile carrying a sense of solace graces his eyes. It’s an expression I’ve rarely seen on him.

Man (Victor): [laughs softly]  It’s not bad.

As I watch his rarely relaxed side profile, the corners of my lips can’t help but curl up slightly. I tilt my head and gaze at the scenery on the river.

The lights in the nearby and far-off office buildings are lit up, creating shimmering reflections on the river’s surface, reminiscent of a flowing galaxy. The sound of a steam whistle shatters the brief silence as the cruise ship slowly moves forward.

The realization of having to part with him upon reaching the shore dominates my thoughts. I involuntarily smooth down my windblown hair while fixating my gaze on the river’s surface, speaking softly.

MC: After you’ve settled into your place, you’ll need to think about your source of income, right? If you need any help, you can come to me for anything.

MC: [MC’s Company Name] sometimes needs to conduct undercover interviews, and you should be able to handle them with ease.

Man (Victor): Are you this worried for just about anyone?

MC: …I certainly am not. It’s the fact that I’ve been through “life and death perils” together with you, so I’ll do the best of my abilities to help.

While speaking, a faint rumble suddenly emanates from my stomach. I cough lightly and shift the subject as if nothing has happened.

MC: I just noticed they’ve set up a buffet over there. Tonight, you can indulge yourself in a sumptuous feast!

Man (Victor): [chuckles teasingly]  I suppose it’s not me who wants to indulge in a sumptuous feast, is it?

As I listen to his proficient teasing, a momentary glimpse of something seems to cross my mind, but I’m unable to grasp onto it. I let out a soft “humph” and walk with him to the buffet area, selecting a few dishes.

After just savoring the first bite of the crunchy lamb chop, the succulent and tender flavor instantly causes me to blissfully squint my eyes.

MC: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. So yummy!

Man (Victor): [sounds like subconsciously musing to himself]  The lamb meat is fresh and not gamy. Indeed, it’s good. If it’s pan-seared with a little less heat and seasoned with white pepper powder, the texture would be even better.

I find myself somewhat amazed as I listen–– though, to be fair, he has already brought me numerous unexpected surprises.

MC: Were you a food connoisseur before? Or maybe a chef?

He half-jokingly lifts the corners of his lips.

Man (Victor): [chuckles teasingly]  What? Do you still need to hire a chef?

MC: Well, it’s not entirely off the table…

??: Miss MC.

I haven’t yet finished my sentence when I hear a cordial greeting suddenly coming from behind me. I turn around and find myself facing a man dressed in a suit who holds glasses of wine, approaching me with a beaming smile on his face.

Taking a few steps forward, he seamlessly positions himself in the gap between me and the man.

Man (Victor): [clearly irritated by the audacity]  …

The man furrows his brows slightly. Without showing any outward sign, I silently take a half-step back, the corners of my lips curling into a subtle professional smile.

Sun Jing: The name’s Sun Jing, the one who contacted you via email. Thank you so much for doing us the honor of attending this networking event.

MC: Thank you as well for providing this opportunity to admire the night view. On that note, your company has quite a reputation in the advertising industry.

MC: Our company is currently exploring potential new advertising partners for the upcoming year. I was wondering if there might be an occasion for us to work together?

Sun Jing smiles, and with perfect composure, he hands me one of the wine glasses.

Sun Jing: Absolutely. It’s just that the price quote for this year hasn’t been finalized yet. Once it goes through the departmental review, it will still need to be passed on to the board of directors for approval.

MC: Is that how it is? Well, in that case, please let us know as soon as there are any updates so that we can make the preparations accordingly.

Sun Jing: For sure. I’m also looking forward to the prospect of collaborating with a reputable company like [MC’s Company Name].

As Sun Jing speaks, his gaze casually sweeps over the wine glass in my hand. And then he turns around and walks away.

I withdraw my gaze and subtly straighten my posture.

MC: Ahem, did you hear that? [MC’s Company Name] is well-regarded in the industry. Once you’ve settled in, you can consider the proposal I just made.

I lift my wine glass as I speak, but the man stops me before it can touch my lips.

Man (Victor): There is something a little odd about what that person said.

MC: What do you mean?

Perplexed, I elevate my gaze and observe the man as he watches the other’s party’s receding figure, furrowing my brows slightly.

Man (Victor): The price quotes of advertising agencies vary depending on the scale and type of projects, and there is no standardized flat rate quote listed in a table.

Man (Victor): The board of directors only focuses on reviewing and approving operational decisions, and they rarely get involved in documents of this nature.

MC: …how do you have such detailed knowledge about this? 

Man (Victor): Just intuition.

The man withdraws his gaze while he speaks, but his tone carries an unquestionable sense of certainty.

Man (Victor): His words just now don’t hold up when examined closely.

Man (Victor): Are you sure he is the person you interacted with regarding business matters?

MC: Kiki was the one in charge of handling the coordination before, and I actually haven’t met him before…

The evening breeze from the river seems to give me a start, suddenly putting me on high alert. I scan the surroundings without betraying any emotions and can’t help but break out into a cold sweat.

Perhaps his words have triggered a sense of suspicion in me, as I can’t shake the feeling that the bearings of the guests on the ship seem somewhat unnatural.

Feigning an expression of watching the riverside scenery, I speak to the man.

MC: Something doesn’t feel right. I have this nagging feeling that quite a few people here are keeping a close eye on me?

Man (Victor): Why don’t we verify it, then? The area behind the cabin is a blind spot where your view can be obstructed. Let’s go there and wait for a few minutes.

Man (Victor): If they really entertain ulterior motives, they might also come closer to ensure you remain within their sight range.

After pondering for a moment, I act as if the wind is making me cold and shiver, positioning myself towards one side of the cabin.

The heavy iron plates separate me from the view of others. I suppress my wildly beating heart and carefully observe the long, narrow aisle.

Sure enough, footsteps resonate outside the passageway. Several guests seem to nonchalantly walk nearby, but their gazes dart toward me intermittently.

…it’s not just unfounded suspicion. These people are indeed observing my every move.

I exhale a light breath, watching as the man wanders among the guests for a while, seemingly listening intently to something. As he approaches me, his face takes on a graver demeanor.

MC: Did you hear anything just now?

The man glances at those suspicious-looking individuals.

Man (Victor): Almost everyone on the ship is Mr. Sun’s people.

Man (Victor): Something was also added to the drink he gave you earlier.

I slightly tighten my grip on the wine glass, my heart tightening as well.

To rephrase this, I was ensnared in a trap from the moment I set foot on this cruise ship.

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【CH 46-19】

Beneath the drapery of the night, silence permeates the river’s surface, occasionally cut through by the slow sailing of one or two cruise ships. But they always remain at a considerable distance.

Currently, calling for help may not ensure our escape from danger and could instead beat the grass to scare the snakes.

I force myself to calm down and lift the wine glass to my lips, speaking in a hushed tone.

MC: We need to make them expose their intentions so that we can act accordingly, don’t you think?

The man seems to realize something, as a subtle sense of disapproval crests between his eyebrows.

Man (Victor): Pretending to be unconscious is equivalent to surrendering the initiative, which involves a significant amount of risk.

MC: Of course, I’m aware of that. But, it’s only when I successfully “become unconscious” that they can lower their guard and reveal their true color.

MC: As for the risks… with an exclusive trump card like you by my side, I have nothing to fear.

MC: Perhaps you are the god sent from the heavens to protect me.

I pretend to remain calm as I speak, but my voice betrays a barely perceptible tremor. The man’s gaze lands on my face, and he suddenly speaks.

Man (Victor): [sighs, carrying an undertone of complex emotions]  Does this classify as employment?

I freeze for a moment, but then I smile, slightly raising my lips.

MC: Mhm, I’ll pay you ten times your regular salary.

I speak while raising the glass, pretending to have finished the drink under the watchful eyes of the individuals at different proximities.

Then, I pretend to lean against the railing, giving the impression of being slightly drunk. After a brief moment, I hear him remind me.

Man (Victor): Mr. Sun is checking his watch; it’s about time.

Steeling my heart, I shut my eyes and topple straight backward.

At the right moment before I would’ve landed on the deck, the pain I anticipated didn’t hit me. Instead, my back is gently cradled by a touch.

Man (Victor): [the tone of “Victor-indulgent-exasperation”]  Are you a dummy? Couldn’t you have fallen sideways?

As I surreptitiously pout my lips, I hear a brief lull in the distant conversations, followed by the sound of approaching footsteps.

Man (Victor): He is coming towards you.

Man (Victor): Relax a bit, don’t squeeze your eyes shut so tightly. The quivering of your eyelashes is too obvious.

MC: …

Heeding the suggestion, I adjust my expression accordingly. Almost immediately, I hear Mr. Sun’s probing voice ringing out.

Sun Jing: Miss MC? Are you feeling unwell?

Sun Jing: Do you need me to call a doctor for you? Miss MC?

I remain completely motionless, my eyes shut tightly, letting him impatiently call out to me several times without giving out any reaction whatsoever.

After a brief silence in my ears, a cold snort reaches me. The anxiety in Sun Jing’s voice has now been replaced by a frigid coldness.

Sun Jing: All good, she’s passed out.

Sun Jing: Hurry and tie her up. You guys, go to the cockpit.

As his words echo, my wrist is gripped without warning, and I’m dragged a few steps before being forcefully pushed, causing my back to collide with the wall.

In front of me is pitch-black darkness, with only the sensation of coldness coursing through my wrist. Then, in the next second, something rough and coarse coils around my wrist.

I exert myself to restrain my shudder and hear a familiar voice speak up.

Man (Victor): [softly]  Don’t be afraid, it’s just a rope. He doesn’t have any weapons to harm you with.

With the reassuring certitude, my strained nerves are finally able to relax a little.

While my eyes remain shut, I hear hurried footsteps fading away and then returning, followed by someone speaking in a low voice.

??: Boss, everything has been set up.

Sun Jing: Then don’t waste any more time. Lower the speedboat immediately.

Sun Jing: The only way we can ensure the organization’s efforts were not in vain is by pushing the blame for this woman’s death onto those people.

Organization… could they be members of GR? Or is it BS?

Sun Jing: When the moment comes, and NW finds evidence pointing to BS, it will be a spectacle to watch those Evolvers fighting like dogs amongst themselves!

Given their hostile attitude towards Evolvers, undoubtedly, they are from GR. But why would they want NW to implicate BS?

As my thoughts are racing at lightning speed, I suddenly hear the man speak in a low voice.

?? (Victor): How did it come to a point where even lives are at stake?

?? (Victor): Is this the “industry giant structure” you want to recruit me into?

MC: …

I exhale slowly, still maintaining an expressionless face as if I were in a deep state of unconsciousness, and listen to the footsteps gradually receding into the distance.

The surroundings lapse into quietude, and I can faintly hear the sound of the waves.

Man (Victor): Don’t be scared, they’ve all left.

Accompanied by the sound of his voice, the rope tightly binding my wrists is sliced into several segments, falling onto the deck.

I heave a sigh of relief and open my eyes, only to see that the deck that was brimming with laughter and voices earlier has suddenly become devoid of any human presence.

The only sound present is the sound of the ship cutting through the waves, enveloping us from all directions.

MC: Where have they all gone?

Man (Victor): They have already disembarked from the ship.

I cast a suspicious glance across the desk but don’t notice any peculiarities. After mulling for a moment, I turn to him with a hint of helplessness.

MC: It’s often said that a bystander can see things more objectively than those involved. Can you help me analyze the current situation?

Man (Victor): [visibly taken aback]  …this is a matter of life and death. Are you sure you want to seek the help of someone you’ve only known for such a short time?

MC: It’s stemmed from my trust in you! Furthermore, judging from what we’ve just experienced, I think you have strong analytical abilities.

The man arches his eyebrow slightly, suggesting he has no objections.

MC: Actually, I have a special kind of power in me…

I try to organize my words as comprehensively and succinctly as possible, explaining to him the “CORE” in me, the attacks by GR, and the persistent undercurrents in this ostensibly peaceful world.

MC: …lately, GR’s actions have either been forced to cease or they have failed to achieve their goal.

MC: I initially thought they would lay low for some time, but today they hastily devised this plan…

The man ruminates intently for a while, then shakes his head.

Man (Victor): Based on what you’ve told me, it seems more like they are already at the end of their rope.

MC: What?

Man (Victor): I’m unclear about the backgrounds of these organizations you mentioned. But in the business world, well-operated companies usually proceed in any direction with caution and thorough planning.

Man (Victor): Conversely, companies that have existing problems are more likely to take risks in order to secure funding.

Deep in contemplation, I prop my chin with one hand, my tone unconsciously tinged with admiration as I speak.

MC: How come I didn’t consider it from this angle before? Indeed, this sort of radical behavior can be explained if they’re in a do-or-die situation.

MC: Your analysis is so strategically discerning… who knows, maybe you were in charge of a company that was even more formidable than LFG!

A smile, carrying with it a hint of helplessness, steaks through the man’s eyes.

Man (Victor): [chuckles helplessly]  Exaggerating again.

MC: I’m being serious, you––

My words are abruptly interrupted by the sound of machinery operating beneath my feet. Accompanied by a slight vibration, the cruise ship, which has been at a standstill, suddenly resumes its functions.

Caught off guard, I find myself falling onto the sofa and grasping the railing with one hand, a hint of nervousness taking over my voice.

MC: Weren’t those people already gone?

MC: Then how could the cruise ship be moving forward on its own?

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【CH 46-20】

The cruise ship races through the river, swiftly cutting through the layers of waves like an arrow. In the distance, the pier begins to come into view, its outline faintly becoming visible amidst the darkness of the night.

The man and I quickly rush towards the cabin. But as soon as we open the door to the cockpit, we can’t help but be frozen in place.

On the massive dashboard, dozens of push buttons are densely arranged, and the text on them has become blurred and difficult to read.

The clock inlaid on the edge seems to be coated with a layer of oily film, flickering with a dim, red light.

I hurriedly take several steps forward, while my eyes dart around anxiously.

MC: Why are there no signs anywhere…

The man lifts his hand and grasps the helm, making a forceful turn without the slightest hesitation. Despite so, the cruise ship shows no sign of steering whatsoever and continues its direct course to advance toward the pier.

Man (Victor): …the navigation system is locked, and the helm now is just a mere ornament.

While we are talking, the outline of the pier becomes increasingly clear on our horizon. If this continues, the cruise ship will inevitably collide with the pier, resulting in a public accident!

I anxiously open my phone and begin searching. I can feel my fingertips tremble.

MC: Operating instructions… there must be driving manuals or guides available online for this type of cruise ship…

Man (Victor): I’ll give it a shot.

My head shoots up, a flicker of consternation crossing my eyes.

MC: You…

Man (Victor): There are many things I don’t remember, but it seems like I have a sense of how things are done.

Man (Victor): It’s like the feeling I had when I could detect the loopholes in those peoples’ conversations before. I have an analogous feeling now too.

Man (Victor): Are you willing to take a gamble with me?

A familiar conversation echoes in my ears, only this time, the person who has to respond is myself.

I find myself struggling to curl my lips into a smile, gazing into his eyes.

MC: Absolutely! Although I don’t know why, I feel like everything will be alright with you here.

The man nods and stands in front of the dashboard for a brief moment before decisively pressing several buttons.

The sound of the control keys reverberates intermittently, while the red light on the dashboard casts a flickering reflection on the glass, sending waves of alarms through the mind.

I stand nervously on the side, watching as the bow of the ship approaches the direction of the pier at top speed. After the man presses a certain lever, there is a sudden jolt, and the speed gradually slows down.

My tense shoulders instantly loosen to some extent, and only then do I take a breath and exhale.

MC: I’m overthrowing my previous assumptions. With such skill in operating the ship, you must’ve been a wealthy magnate who owned multiple cruise ships.

The man glances at me, his jawline beaded with a sheen of sweat.

Man (Victor): Chef, CEO, wealthy magnate… how many more guesses do you have about my identity?

MC: After all, it seems like there’s nothing in this world that you can’t do!

I lean back against the wall as I speak, relaxing myself. Without meaning to, my palm supports itself on the surface of the clock casing in the corner of the control panel, staining it with a layer of grime.

I lower my head to wipe it off, but as I look closely, I notice the time jumping from 0:21 to 0:20 on the cleaned dial.

…are the digits on it moving backward?

As soon as this realization dawns on me, a wave of chillness instantly crawls through my entire body.

Accompanied by a deafening explosion, the colossal hull of the ship shakes violently, almost causing us to tumble in a downward trajectory.

As I stagger and careen to the side, my head collides with a warm chest. A hand swiftly shields my shoulder, pulling me into an embrace and keeping me away from the oncoming blast waves.

I don’t know how many minutes have gone by before the noise finally calms down. I rise to my feet, placing a hand over my numb chest in lingering fear, and then I hear the man speak in a deep voice.

Man (Victor): Move cautiously and stay alert to any sounds in the surroundings.

Man (Victor): If I were the one and my intention was to kill the person, I wouldn’t have just orchestrated a single round of explosion.

My heart can’t help but sink. The man helps me up, and we both survey our surroundings from all directions.

Man (Victor): The lower compartment beneath the ship’s hold must have already taken in water. Let’s go to the stern first.

Man (Victor): The fire will draw attention from nearby rescue teams. There should be people arriving before the ship sinks.

I nod indiscriminately, steadying myself against the nearby wall, and begin walking towards the stern along the now slightly tilted deck.

After taking a few steps, I suddenly hear a subtle sloshing sound amidst the waves.

My heart tightens. At lightning speed, I lean over the railing to peer outside, and my eyes are met with the sight of another box flickering with a terror-striking red light, pulsating in sync with the ship’s tumultuous motion.

The digits on the display have already jumped from 0:05 to 0:004. Knowing there’s no time to actually turn my head, I let out a violent shout.

MC: Watch out! There’s another bomb here!

An ear-shattering explosion erupts, and I’m hurled forcefully to the ground. My ears are flooded with a buzzing noise as I struggle to lift my head, only to find myself confronted by a searing surge of heat.

Instinctively, I use my arms to shield my head, bracing myself for the anticipated pain.

–– ***[the BGM pauses here for a few seconds, giving the impression as if your heart itself has stopped beating]***

All of a sudden, an astounding silence descends upon the surroundings, as if someone has pressed the pause button on the world.

I slowly open my eyes and see the crimson flames frozen motionless in the air. Countless luminous sparks and shattered shards of glass hang suspended, creating a spectacle of twinkling lights and shadows.

Amidst the frozen firelights, the man rushes towards me, his anxious eyes reflecting my figure.

I find myself in shock as I take everything in. It’s not until he reaches my side that I mumble––

MC: What did you do?

Man (Victor): [voice literally shaking like an earthquake]  I have no idea…

He casts his eyes down, gazing at his own palm, his eyes reflecting a mixture of complex emotions. After a brief moment, he finally speaks.

Man (Victor): No, I know.

Man (Victor): [voice still shaking]  I might have… paused time.

MC: Paused time…

I feel as if a key has opened a small crack, allowing a hazy light to shine into the murky depths of sealed memories.

–

[Tidbits]: Just a refresher— the memories MC describes here are the call-backs to S2 CH 25 (will come back to this later)~ ╥﹏╥

–

Not so long ago, amid the chaotic ruins, it appeared as though there was someone resolutely standing in front of me.

His voice pierced through the mayhem of falling rubbles, shouting my name over and over again;

The palm that reached out to me was oozing vivid red blood, enveloping me tightly in his arms;

I make a desperate effort to remember that almost palpable figure, but my mind seems to be covered by a heavy layer of dust.

Tears rain down unknowingly, and an indistinct ache lingers in a certain corner of my heart. I grasp the man’s hand in anguish and helplessness, holding onto it like a drowning person clinging to a piece of driftwood.

MC: [sobbing]  Why…

Why… who exactly are you?

Within the solidified flames, a black vortex suddenly materializes, accompanied by the unprompted sound of a mechanical violin. From within it, a person with hazed facial features walks out unhurriedly.

MC: …Zero?

I find myself momentarily stunned, as a slight sense of dissonance flickers in my mind. Why do I know this person’s name?

However, the other party’s gaze doesn’t rest on me but instead turns towards the person beside me.

Zero: [to Victor]  This is not a place where you can stay.

The black vortex abruptly swallows half of the man’s form, and Zero’s voice rises.

Zero: [to MC]  This is the inevitable price that Victor must bear… and so must you.

With the sound of these words, the speed of the swirling vortex suddenly accelerates.

MC: Wait… wait a moment, VICTOR!!

Without a moment’s thinking, I yell out this name instantly, as if I’ve uttered this name hundreds and thousands of times before.

MC: [sobbing]  I will definitely find you again!

Through the murky haze, I see the man’s head snap up. He parts his lips as if he is trying to say something.

In the next moment, his figure completely disappears into the vortex.

—

[Note]: CH 46 ends here, and it cuts into the next chapter. The following 2 monologues are about Victor, so I thought to include them~ :>

—

The hustle and bustle of the world resumes, making me feel a little disoriented.

The burning flames sting my eyes. However, no matter what, it cannot erase that disappearing figure from my mind.

BANG––

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✧ [Anika’s Analysis + Ramblings] ✧

this is long, like really really long. so a big hug from me beforehand haha ♡⁠(⁠˃͈⁠ ⁠દ⁠ ⁠˂͈⁠ ⁠༶⁠ ⁠)

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