#alright let's try this for like the 500th time------

[psymachine]

charden scissoring for anon 💙

uncropped version

[silentwillowwhisperer]

Day 4- Black Paladin

-_-

I cannot for the life of me remember when they find out about Zarkon and Haggar's whole quintessence backstory, so let's just assume that the team already knows about it.

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

Keith changes a lot in the time he flies the black lion. Not because he wants to, but because he is expected to. It's an honor to lead Voltron, right?

Ever since he first set foot in the lion the day Shiro disappeared, he's been hearing whispers. They come from Black and infect the whole hangar.

Sometimes it sounds like someone calling out to him. That one he does not fear. Whoever it is sounds just as afraid as he feels. Honestly, that voice can be almost comforting at times. If he sinks too far into his thoughts, he'll even feel something like a ghostly but firm hand on his shoulder.

Yes, he can now officially say that he knows what a ghost's hand feels like. It's warm only on the very surface but cold seeps out from within it, like someone tried to wrap an ice cube in a warm paper towel.

Other times, the voice is deeper, more like a growl than anything else.

Keith isn't stupid. He knows that this was Zarkon's lion and that there's still some of the emperor in it. It worries him to think that he is being spoken to by a Galra like that. He's grown to like the blades, but Zarkon is just a bitter husk of a person, and Keith doesn't know if he'll be strong enough to resist, should Zarkon try to manipulate him.

He notices the concerned looks he gets from his friends. He can't blame them, seeing as he spends all of his time now training and sparing off into space.

Sometimes, when he's too afraid to go to his room, which is placed directly next to Shiro's vacant one, he'll wander the halls aimlessly.

Well, he never really has a destination in mind, but he always ends up in the same place.

Tonight, he's been up for a while. He just couldn't deal with waking Lance up and giving him some pathetic reason for bothering him for the 500th time. So instead, he decided to smash some robots.

He is lying sprawled out on the training deck. His limbs finally locked up and refuse to move after a solid 6 hours of training. Even a twitch of his feet sends pain stampeding all over his body, but he doesn't mind it. He feels accomplished. At least now, he has no choice but to get some rest, though he'll get yelled at for this later.

He thinks he's all set, no one's going to bother him in here. His eyes start to droop and his mind finally stops chasing itself in circles. He'll just take a quick nap and then spring right back up...

"Keith?"

His eyes fly open. Why is it that everyone on this ship must have the worst timing? Right when he was finally getting tired.

He sees someone lean over him, taking in his eye bags and wild hair. Keith is sure he looks utterly fantastic right now.

The person conveniently places their body so that they are silhouetted by the bright lights above, and Keith can't figure out who they are through his bleary eyes.

"Ugh, you idiot." Hmm, this seems familiar. The only person who calls him that more often than they use his actual name is a certain blue-eyed paladin.

"Hey Lance," he yawns out.

Lance sputters for a second before finding a response. "Hey? That's all you have to say? Why are you here? When you didn't turn up at my door I figured that you just fell asleep in your room, but then I realized that you're too hard-headed to take care of yourself." He sighs heavily and shakes his head. "I was right, wasn't I?"

Keith just blinks up at the light. He still can't get up on his own, and he desperately hopes that Lance will figure that out himself or just leave Keith behind.

Oh wait, Lance isn't capable of either of those things, is he?

"Fine. Yes. You're right. Can you please help me up now, your royal righteousness?"

Lance laughs at that. Keith hears him mutter out something like, 'It's about time' but he ignores it.

"Alright Red, let's get you out of here."

Keith smiles a bit. Lance is the only one who still calls him that, they both prefer to ignore the lion switch when talking to each other.

Lance pulls Keith up and his brow furrows when he sees Keith cringe in pain. His mother-hen mode is activated as he checks Keith over for injuries. "I thought we talked about this. What is it with you and overtraining?"

Keith just leans most of his weight on the taller boy. They stumble forward a few steps before Lance gives up and scoops Keith up into a bridal carry. Keith shrieks in a very dignified way and wraps his arms around Lance's neck, despite his protesting muscles.

They are silent as Lance walks down the dimly lit halls until Keith notices they are headed in the opposite direction of his room. He raises an eyebrow at Lance, who just continues until his own.

Keith is placed gently on Lance's bed while the other boy grabs an extra set of nightwear. This one is more of a shortened sleep gown than anything, but it's better than his tight jeans and jacket.

He changes quickly while Lance stops by the bathroom, probably for some kind of complicated skin care that Keith will never understand.

The lights switch off, and Keith feels the bed dip as Lance settles in next to him. Before, he would have found this embarrassing, but it's become routine for them. It makes them both feel a lot more relaxed with a team member close by.

Lance slides closer until their legs touch and bring his arm up to drape it over Keith's side. They face each other in the dark and Keith knows his face is flushed, he's come to accept it.

It's Lance who speaks up first.

"Why are you doing this? Can't you see that we're all worried about you ? That I'm worried about you?" He whispers it out like a prayer, soft and sweet, like he's afraid to shatter the silent air around them.

Keith makes a questioning noise, even though he knows exactly what Lance is talking about.

"Please Keith. Let me know what's wrong. I've tried giving you space, but you're only getting worse. You know I only want to help. Talk to me."

Lance's hand slide up to rest on the curve of Keith's cheek. He knows Keith is about to break, he knows that there's only so much hiding the black paladin can do before he spills.

And still he does.

He sobs out about how he doesn't want this role, it's too much, how he doesn't know what to do. He tells Lance that he wants to go home, wherever that's supposed to be, that he's too tired. He whispers out that he just misses his brother, that he feels lost, that all he wants is to have Shiro's strong presence there to guide him. He tells Lance about how he's been spiraling, that he's been having darker thoughts than ever, and how purely afraid he is. He even talks about the voices that have almost constant.

"Do you- do you think I'm going to turn Galra?"

This is the first thing that catches Lance off guard. "What you you mean, Red?"

Keith fumbles for the right words. "I fly the Black lion now. It's first paladin was Galra, and look what happened to him."

"Shiro isn't Galra though. That was just one paladin."

"Shiro is entirely human. Not only half," he huffs out.

Lance's eyes seem to glow for a moment, and Keith can make out his pointed gaze. "You know what? Yes. You are Galra. Keith, you are Galra and you have to accept it sooner or later. Either way, you don't have to worry, because no matter who you are, I'll always be right here. Okay? You could be Zarkon's long lost brother for all I care, it will never matter to me. You're still you."

Lance pulls Keith up to his chest tightly, and their breathing falls into a pattern so that their stomachs rise and fall smoothly.

"It's always going to be you. Just like I'll always be me."

He pauses to think for a moment before saying, "And if you want to talk to Allura about the Black paladin thing, I'll back you up. Someone else can take Black and you can go back to red. Or we can stay like this and I'll make sure to be better at supporting you."

Keith feels a happy giggle building up.

"Thanks, Blue."

"No problem, Red."

They fall asleep together like that, and Keith feels a whole lot safer trapped against the other paladin, safer than he's felt in years.

-

This planet is jagged with mountains and it's people can dance like you've never seen before. They throw great parties, too.

Keith walks among the crowded room, thankfully not too stressed out by all the people.

Someone taps him on the shoulder. He turns to see a small alien child holding out a pretty pink flower.

"Hello. Are you the Black paladin?"

Keith smiles softly, but before he can answer, someone places a hand on the small of his back.

"Well, you can't forget about his dashing partner! I'm Lance, and this is Keith. We're the Black paladins."

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

Shhhh I know this concept is iffy but I like Keith and Lance sharing Black. Allura would take Red, and Coran is the perfect fit for Blue.

I tried to spell disappeared as dissapearded. I actually went through and fixed most of my errors for once, WOW I have bad grammar. I think it's because I type this one finger really fast. I hit the wrong keys a lot. Oops.

[00katrinka00]

Landcaster Legacy Gen 7 Update #26

Dear Diary, It's been a few months and I'm finally ungrounded. To celebrate, Janie and I are going on our first official date tonight and I can't wait. Fall is also upon us, which means it's getting closer to my favorite holiday, Spooky Day. -Violet

Owen had plans to meet up with Lacy that morning and go over her lines for the play together. "You must be Owen," Ethan asked cheerfully after answering the door. "Yeah, nice to meet you," Owen replied awkwardly.

"You two are just practicing lines?" Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Yes, sir," Owen replied slowly. "Alright then," Ethan finally said after a long pause. "Go head upstairs, but no funny business!" "I promise you sir," Owen said. "Absolutely no funny business." "Good," Ethan nodded.

Once upstairs, Lacy quickly got started reciting her lines. "Oh, my watcher," Violet complained. "What is he doing here? I have a date to get ready for." "I forgot you live here," Owen rolled his eyes. "Can you two shut up?" Lacy asked them. "I'm trying to practice."

"Can you not take this downstairs?" Violet asked irritated. "I don't want him, in my room." "It's Lacy's room too," Owen reminded her. "Well, I need to practice my piano, and I can't do that with both of you up here." "I thought you said you had a date to get ready for."

"Guys, just shut up," Lacy snapped. "I have less than a week until opening night. I need to practice." "I need him, to leave," Violet spat. "Just ignore me," Owen rolled his eyes. "Do whatever it is you have to do but pretend I'm not here."

"Just go downstairs if we're bothering you so much," Owen told Violet. "No," Violet was offended. "This is my room." "For watchers' sake!" Lacy yelled. "Both of you, shut up!" Violet and Owen continued to argue.

"I'm going downstairs," Violet proclaimed after another fifteen minutes of arguing with Owen. "That's great," Lacy said. "What was my line again?" "Good, now my headache will finally go away," Owen snapped.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Leo attempted to call Nat, again, for what seemed to be the 500th time in the last month or so. "Hey, Nat," Leo left a message. "It's me again, I'm so, so sorry about missing Sawyer's birth, I really am. Please call me back."

"So, how was that?" Lacy asked once she'd finally managed to get through all of her lines with Violet's absence. "It was great!" Owen told her. "The audience is not going to know what hit them Friday night." "Precisely," Lacy replied confidently.

"Maybe this is a mean question" Owen said. "But how do you live with Violet all the time, she's-" "The biggest brat ever" Lacy interrupted "Exactly" "She isn't so bad, just young," Lacy told her. "Makes stupid decisions, and had a lot of pride, loves being right, but she's family"

"Aren't you two the same age?" Owen asked, confused. "Oh yeah," Lacy muttered. She really didn't want to explain to Owen how Violet had brought her back from the dead and she was actually more like 160. "There's got to be a halfway decent piece of Violet, somewhere." Owen laughed

"I should get going" Owen finally said. "I have to pick my younger brother up from scouts" "Let me walk you out," Lacy told him "Actually, there was something I wanted to ask you." "What" "Well I think you're pretty cool, and I was wondering if you want to go on a date sometime?"

"Oh," Lacy trailed off. "Um…" There was a long silence. Lacy didn't really know what to say. "Is that a, no?" he asked. "Yes," Lacy said, and Owen's eyes lit up. "No, I mean, yes it's a no. I'm not interested in going on a date with you." Owen's face fell.

"I think you're great," Lacy turned away. "It's not you, it's me." "Really that cliche?" "It's true though. I'm so bad at relationships," Lacy explained to him. "You'll get hurt, and I care about you, I do, and that's why I don't want you to get hurt, and I will hurt you."

"Lacy," Owen grabbed her arms. "I can handle it, trust me." Lacy shook her head. "You can't." "But-" "I think you should leave," Lacy told him. "You're going to be late picking up your brother." "Lacy I-" "Leave," she said again, so Owen left.

"This is perfect," Janie was saying as Violet scanned the menu. "Right!" Violet exclaimed. "We can finally have a real date. I'm so happy I'm not grounded anymore." "Me too," Janie smiled.

"So have you found any more gigs for us?" Violet asked as the girls waited for their food to be delivered. "Not yet" Janie told her. "But Noel thinks we should record a demo, that was we can send it in to different recording studios, maybe try to find an agent or something."

"How long until the demo would be finished?" Violet asked excitedly. "We'd have to get it finished soon," Janie said. "Before I go to Mt. Komorebi." "What?" Violet asked stunned. "You're moving?"

"Not necessarily," Janie told her. "My dad came back the other day, says he's finally ready to step up and be the father I always deserved. He wants shared custody of me, so my mom is making me live with him during break in Mt. Komorebi." "So that gives us about two months."

"We'll figure it out," Violet said optimistically. "We have to." "Agreed," Janie added.

"I'm glad we were able to do this," Janie grinned at Violet as they got ready to leave. "And did I tell you how pretty you look?" "I don't believe you have, but I'm always accepting of compliments," Violet grinned back. Both girls leaned in for a kiss.

[scuttling]

(Not So) Casual Friday

Fandom: Criminal Minds Pairings: Aaron Hotchner/Female Reader Word Count: 4,456 Tags: 18+, NSFW, Dad Bod Hotch (it's not a main component but he very much has the tummy here), Pining, Accidentally admitting attraction, Embarrassment, A little angst, Oral sex, Protected sex Summary: Your best friend Derek finds out about your feelings for Hotch and teases you mercilessly. You can manage it, though, until the first ever Casual Friday, when Hotch shows up to work in a black polo and jeans and you kind of ruin everything. Or maybe you don't? *Requested by anon Link to A03 or read below! “Okay, girlie, today’s the day,” Derek says when you set your bag and coffee cup on your desk on Monday morning. You shoot your best friend a tired smile and wonder for the—you’ve worked at the BAU for almost two years, so it’s probably the 500th time—for the 500th time why he has to be such a morning person when you would prefer not to have a conversation until at least 10 AM.

“Today’s the day for what?” you sigh, asking out of obligation, because it’s obvious that’s what he’s waiting for; he smiles, picks up your coffee and hands it to you, which must mean you sound bitchy. You take a grateful sip, close your eyes and exhale through your nose.

“For you to admit to me that you’re in love with Hotch.”

You spit out your coffee—only all over yourself, which is great, wouldn’t want to inconvenience Derek at all—and then cough so hard he has to thump on your back to help clear your airway.

It draws some attention; Hotch comes out of his office, takes a look at the two of you and probably regrets hiring the both of you, then walks down the stairs to make sure you’re okay.

“What happened? You’re wet,” he says a bit gruffly, looking at the coffee all over your chest and sleeves. You glare over at Derek, who’s clearly trying not to laugh.

“Derek made me spill my coffee.” You grab a handful of tissues off your desk and pat at the wet spot, trying to soak up the worst of it, but it’s not salvageable. You’ll have to change your shirt.

“And then you… choked on it?” Hotch asks, to clarify. Derek does laugh at that; the things Hotch is saying happen to have dual meanings, slightly sexual, and now that Derek knows—thinks he knows—about your thing for Hotch, it’s clear he finds it all so hilarious. He’s a twelve year old boy in a grown man’s body.

“Okay, I didn’t spill, I spit,” you correct, looking up at them, and Derek makes an exaggerated face of disapproval.

“Should have swallowed,” he says, trying to sound serious, and you shoot him an irritated look and reach out to slap him in the chest. Asshole.

“Do you need help getting cleaned up?” Hotch’s expression is kind, sweet, but you’d sooner die than have him blot coffee off of your boobs. It would be mortifying, especially in front of Derek.

“No, no, I think I’m okay. Thanks,” you add with a soft smile, and then you reach up and pull your sweater over your head, unzip your go bag, and search for another top.

For some reason, Hotch has a coughing fit scarily similar to the one you just had, and you turn to pat his back like Derek did for you.

“Are you alright?” you ask, looking up into his face, and he nods despite his watering eyes.

“Fine,” he croaks, and he leaves as quickly as he came. You sigh, because it’s not even nine and your day has already been so weird.

You’re wearing a tank top, and thankfully the coffee didn’t get through to that layer, so it’s quick and easy to throw another lightweight sweater over top of it; you ball up the wet one, shove it in the dirty clothes portion of your bag, zip it up and stash it under your desk. Derek looks like he’s having the best day of his life.

“You realize you just undressed in front of Hotch,” he says with a tone you don’t appreciate. You roll your eyes.

“I did not. I had a tank top on underneath.” You almost always wear an undershirt, because you’ve been a cop long enough to know that sometimes your clothes get torn or messed up in the line of duty, and you’re not trying to offer a free show while taking down an unsub. Derek wiggles his eyebrows, points at your chest.

“Yeah, one that put those little boobies on display. His eyes bulged out of his head like a cartoon character.” This time, you punch him in the arm, hard. It’s too goddamn early for this.

“Can you please shut up already? I don’t have a thing for Hotch.”

“Ah, I didn’t say you had a thing, I said you’re in love with him. And I have evidence; lots of it.” You tip your head back, groan, wondering what you did to deserve a best friend who is also such a pain in the ass, and it’s that moment that Hotch chooses to rejoin you; he looks a little flushed, probably from the coughing earlier.

“Uh. We have a case; I know not everyone is here yet, but you can head up to the briefing room, I’ll grab the others when they arrive.”

“Sure thing, sir,” you say easily, grabbing your tablet and what’s left of your coffee; you gesture for Derek and he follows, laughing and shaking his head. “Okay, what is it now? I’m so glad you find me entertaining today.”

“‘Sure thing, sir,’” he says with a high, breathy voice you assume is supposed to mimic yours. “You want his dick so bad.” You narrow your eyes at him as you head upstairs.

“Uh, because I was being respectful? I know that’s a foreign concept for you, the world’s biggest asshole, but you don’t have to read anything into it.” You take your usual seats at the table, pull up the note-taking app on your tablet, and Derek sits back, crosses his arms behind his head.

“Well you’re not calling me ‘sir’, and I’m the sexiest piece in the office, so it’s hard not to read into it.” You look over at him, elbow on the table, chin in the palm of your hand.

“Sexy is subjective, and you don’t do it for me, sorry to break it to you.” He scoffs, laughs, and you laugh too because you both know you see each other as brother and sister, buddies, and fellow former cops, and absolutely nothing else.

“Yeah, I get it, only Hotch does it for you; he’s not my type, but I can see how a young lady like yourself could be drawn to his brooding exterior.”

“I’m not drawn to his exterior!” you practically growl, and then you’re joined by Spencer and JJ.

“Good morning. What’s going on with you two?” JJ asks, loading up the monitors for the debriefing, her eyebrows raised.

“She’s in love with Hotch,” Derek says completely nonchalantly, and you rest your head on the table, on top of your forearms, and sigh.

“She’s what?” JJ’s whole face lights up, and you seriously regret everything.

“I’m not in love with anybody!” you mumble against your arms, and then you sit up, because you’re clearly going to have to defend yourself. “And I’d appreciate it if you quit saying that I am.”

“I told you I have evidence,” Derek reminds you, leaning back in his chair a little. One swift kick would have him toppling ass over tea kettle, but you’re too nice, even when he’s actively trying to ruin your life. “Shall I go over it while we wait?”

“I’ll be an objective third party,” Spencer says with a brief smile, and you sigh, wave your hand toward Derek.

“Alright, let’s hear it. I’m sure I have a perfectly reasonable explanation for whatever evidence you might think you have.” He grins like this is the moment he’s been waiting for, and you feel a little stupid for encouraging this.

“For one, you always look at him. When I’m delivering a profile, I notice you watching the locals, making sure they understand what we’re going over, since you're the queen of analyzing the micro expressions. But when Hotch is delivering a profile, your eyes are on him the whole time. Same goes for discussing theories on the jet; anyone else, and you’ve got your face in your tablet, scribbling notes, but you always look at him when he speaks.”

Your cheeks get hot. He’s a captivating speaker, is all, with that deep, velvety voice, and you can learn a lot from him, so you pay attention. That’s just being smart.

“Second, you tense when he gets close to you: not like you don’t want him to touch you, but like you’re halfway to jumping him already and trying to control it. I could probably put my hand in your pocket and you wouldn't even flinch, but if he leans over you to point at something you look like you’re about to cream your pants.”

“I have seen that, actually,” JJ offers, and you look over at her, betrayed. Sure, you get a whiff of his clean, crisp cologne, or feel the heat of him at your back, and your body reacts, reminds you that this is your boss and you’re at work and you can’t get turned on by the way he smells, but that’s actually a good thing, not an indicator of feelings or anything.

“Third, there’s something up with you and the gray suits. I can literally tell that he’s wearing one before I even see him, all because of the look on your face. It’s like you’re drunk on the gray suit.”

“Okay, that’s not true,” you say with a roll of your eyes—the gray suits are god tier, but there’s no way you’re that obvious—but it’s Spencer who speaks up, this time.

“You know, I have noticed that. Your pupils tend to be more dilated when his suit is gray or blue than when it’s black.” Fuck. You sigh.

“He barely ever wears the blue. It looks so good on him,” you murmur, and then you snap your eyes shut, cover your face with your hands. “Fuck. This is so embarrassing.”

“To be fair, we are profilers,” Derek says, leaning in to pat your back. “But also to be fair, he’s been a profiler longer than any of us, so if we know, he definitely knows.”

“Not helping, Derek,” you grind out, and then you’re joined by the rest of the team. Penelope takes the seat next to you, leans in with a worried tone of voice.

“Is everything okay?”

“She’s having a small crisis, but she’ll be fine,” JJ says with a smile, and you don’t miss the way Hotch looks you over when she says it, concern in his eyes. “Alright, so we’re headed to Arkansas…”

Later that morning, when you’ve been given your instructions—yours are heading to the crime scene with Emily and Derek—Hotch pulls you out into the hall, rests a gentle hand on your arm.

“Are you alright? JJ mentioned you were having a crisis earlier. This is the first time I’ve been able to get you alone, and I wanted to check on you.” You take a deep breath, look up at him, so handsome in a black suit, white shirt, green tie—he almost never wears a green tie, and you absently think it brings out the more golden tones of his eyes—and smile softly.

“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s really nothing. Personal stuff, and I’m dealing with it.” If by ‘dealing with it’ you mean you’ve been repressing it, shoving it down day in and day out until your feelings are choking you, then yeah, you’re dealing with it. “Thanks for checking, though, that’s kind of you.”

“Of course. I’m here to help in any way I can, if you need me.” Good god, do you need him, emotionally, physically, but that’s fantasy, and this, what he’s offering, is rooted in reality. Good things do happen, but not to you.

“Thanks.” Your voice is weak to your own ears, and he swallows, nods; you see Derek hovering by the door, waiting for you, and you pull away to join him, plastering a smile on your face. You don’t talk about it again until Friday, and at that point it’s extremely unavoidable.

It’s Casual Friday, newly implemented by the bureau as a way to boost morale, and while it doesn’t really excite you, because you’re fairly casual anyway, others take full advantage of it. Others, including Hotch.

He shows up to work wearing a black polo and dark jeans, his usual watch. It’s easily the most simplistic, basic outfit a man could decide to wear on Casual Friday, but this isn’t just a man, it’s Aaron fucking Hotchner, and so naturally, you lose your damn mind.

It wouldn’t be so bad if the damn polo didn’t fit him perfectly, tight across his shoulders and chest and the little tummy he has that makes you want to be under him so badly, your stomachs pressed together while he thrusts inside you, holding you tightly, his strong thighs working against yours…

“Hello, are you alive in there?” Emily asks, waving her hand in front of your face; the two of you, along with Derek, are in Penelope’s office for lunch while Rossi, Reid, and JJ are out of the office for a seminar. You blink, shake away your thoughts and hope and pray they don’t come back—but they’ll come back, they always do.

“She’s just short circuiting because of Hotch’s Casual Friday look,” Morgan says with a wink, sitting backward in his seat. “She’s been drooling so much I’ve had to follow her around with a mop to clean up after her.” You push your wheeled chair away from them with a groan, needing space and air and, potentially, a brain transplant. You’ve gotten nothing done all day long.

“Can you blame me? The man comes in here everyday, buttoned up tight, looking incredible in a suit and tie, and then he shows up in that black polo, all snug and hot and delicious, and you expect me not to freak out? You guys are lucky I didn’t pass out.” You’re met with silence, and you blink, confused, at your friends, but they’re all just kind of staring with looks of barely concealed humor. “What? It’s not like it’s a secret that I want to climb him like a tree.”

“Pretty sure it was a secret to him,” Penelope says, looking shocked, and you whip around in your chair to see Hotch standing in the doorway, wide-eyed and a little flushed.

“Oh my god. I’m so sorry. I, uh—” He raises a hand, waves you off.

“It’s okay. No harm done; thank you, for the, uh. Compliment.” He steps forward, hands a manila folder to Penelope. “Thanks for taking care of these,” he says softly, and then, unsurprisingly, he gets the hell out of there. You wish you could disappear off the face of the Earth.

“Fuck, holy fuck,” you mutter when he’s gone, leaning forward with your head in your hands. “That’s it, I’m quitting. It’s been nice knowing you guys.”

“Okay, don’t be dramatic,” Derek says, and you look up to glare at him; he’s the one that started all this in the first place. You were fine, feelings tamped down and suppressed, until he brought it up and then told everyone you know.

“Don’t tell me not to be dramatic, Derek! This is all your fault. You never respect my boundaries, you never know when to just let me be, you always have to pick and pick until you wear me down. Maybe I had a reason for wanting to keep my feelings private, did you ever think of that?”

“I know you're upset,” Emily begins softly, because there’s some pretty thick tension between you and Derek now, but you stand up, push your chair across the room, and shake your head.

“I’m not upset, I’m fucking humiliated. I’m going home; let him know I’m sick, will you?” You exhale deeply, storm upstairs and grab your stuff and drive home with tears in your eyes. You’ve never been so embarrassed in your life, and add that to the absolute heartbreak you’re feeling? You’re just happy you make it to your apartment, so you can break down with cheesecake and a sappy, romantic comedy with a happy ending: those perfect, fictional worlds are pretty much the only place one is guaranteed. You are, as planned, hunkered down on the sofa in your softest pajamas, watching You’ve Got Mail and eating the center out of an entire cheesecake with a spoon when there’s a knock at your door. You groan, pick up your cheesecake tin, and walk over to it, fully expecting it to be Derek come to beg for forgiveness for ruining your life, so it’s no surprise you drop your dessert on the floor when it’s actually Hotch on the other side.

He looks down at the tin, then up at your face, cracks the barest hint of a smile.

“I thought you were sick; I brought soup,” he says, holding up a paper bag, and your heart thumps in your chest. You wipe a hand over your face, because you haven’t been exactly neat in your heartache cheesecake consumption, and then you kick the tin across the floor and invite him in, closing the door behind him.

“I thought it was obvious that I wasn’t actually sick, just… really embarrassed,” you say when he turns back to look at you. “I can’t believe you heard all that stuff I said… I’m really sorry I made you uncomfortable.” You take the bag from his hand and invite him to follow you into the kitchen, where you set it on the counter, lean against it. He comes close, but not so close you can’t function, which is good; your comfy pajamas are shorts and a loose tank top, so you feel a little exposed already.

“You didn’t make me uncomfortable,” he says softly, and you frown, must have heard him wrong. He presses his fingertips against the counter, as if for support. “You didn’t make me uncomfortable. It was… unexpected,” he explains, “very unexpected, but I’m not uncomfortable.”

You flush hot, and you can feel the bad decision part of your brain switching on, warning bells ringing in your head.

Whatever you do next has the potential to be extremely stupid, and you would like to avoid that at all costs; you love your job, after all, despite how physically and emotionally exhausting it can be, and you love your team. Time to think with your upstairs brain only.

“That makes me feel a little better,” you say truthfully, and despite the pep talk you just gave yourself, you move closer to him like there’s an invisible magnetic force between you; you would imagine a guy like Hotch would step back, keep his distance, but he only cranes his neck a little so he can look down at you more easily.

God, he’s tall. And he smells good, and his face is perfect, and that goddamn polo...

“Good, I’m glad. I don’t want you to feel bad about this. I’m not uncomfortable, it’s not… it’s not unwanted.” You swallow audibly, looking up at him, wondering if he knows what he’s saying, what it sounds like.

“It’s not?” you ask, and it comes out breathy; he takes a small step closer to you, brushes his fingers over your arm, peers into your eyes.

“No, it’s not. I’ve been thinking of you, too; I know you know you’re beautiful, but you’re also so smart, and strong-willed, and a force to be reckoned with. I’m proud to have you on my team, and I’d be proud… to have you climb me like a tree.” He smiles again, just the barest hint of one, and you put your arms around him and pull him closer for a kiss.

One long, slow, perfect kiss turns into another, then another, and he presses your back against the counter, his hands on your face and your hands on his thick waist; you hum into the kiss, revel in the feel of his lips on yours, his tongue sweeping past them, and when you pull back for air it feels like there’s only one question that needs to be asked.

“Bedroom?” you breathe, and he nods, and you take his hand and pull him in that direction, pausing to kiss him several times before you get there. “You don’t happen to have a condom, do you?” you ask, breathless, guiding him to the bed, and he frowns, shakes his head.

“I didn’t want to seem presumptuous.” You grin at that, lean forward and kiss him, your fingers in his hair.

“I find it so hot that you even say presumptuous. I might have one here somewhere.” You open your nightstand, move around books and toys until you find a couple; you flip them over, checking to see if they’re expired, and offer him a couple options. “They’re still good, surprisingly. You can, uh. Choose the one that would work best.”

He looks them over, picks one and hands back the rest, and you throw them back in the drawer and slide into his lap, wrap your arms around his shoulders.

“I’ve wanted you for so long,” he says, holding your waist as you look down at him, completely in awe that this is happening. “But I want to clarify: if you’re looking for something casual, I don’t think we should go any further.” You inhale softly, surprised by his straightforwardness, and you lean in, kiss him slowly.

“I don’t want casual. I want to be with you.” His eyes are so brilliant, dark in the dim light of your bedroom, and he nods, presses his lips to yours and slides his hands beneath your top, guides it over your head. Then they move to your shorts, slipping them gently off your hips, and you stand so he can push them to the ground.

You’re both breathing heavily, a little rough, and you step between his legs, kiss him again, run your hands down his chest, closing your eyes with a sigh because you finally get to feel him after a year of just imagining what it would be like. After a beat, you open your eyes, look into his, smile.

“Really grateful for Casual Friday,” you whisper. “Otherwise you might never have found out I’m kind of in love with you.” You ease the polo over his head, drop it on the ground and encourage him to stand so you can take off his pants; he does, but before you can drop to your knees as planned, he takes your face in his hands, presses one soft kiss against your mouth.

“I’m more than kind of in love with you.” Oh, if that isn’t the greatest sentence your ears have ever heard… You wrap your arms around his neck, kiss a little more, forgetting that you planned to finish undressing him; when you remember, you make quick work of it, then have him lay back against the bed and settle between his legs.

You put your mouth on him because you want to, more than anything, and his hand drops to your hair, caressing you while you suck slowly, deeply, holding him with one hand and pressing against his stomach with the other. His moans are soft and gorgeous, his body tense beneath your hand, and you’d do this all night, but he murmurs your name, coaxes you up, puts his hands on your back as you settle against him.

“You’re so incredible. I never would have imagined I’d get this, get you,” he breathes, skimming his hands over your sides and hips, and you kiss softly, steamy and sweet.

“Me neither.” You lean up, make space for him to roll on the condom, and then press him inside; your breath hitches, and so does his, and you lay on top of him, chest to chest, stomach to stomach, arms around each other tightly while you move. “Hmm. Aaron,” you sigh, hair falling around him, and he groans, digs his fingertips into your hips.

“Sounds so perfect coming out of your mouth.” You smile, but it slips away when he surges up to kiss you, leans up so he’s sitting with you in his lap. He slides a broad hand up your back, wraps it around the nape of your neck, and pumps his hips up as you sink down, eliciting a series of soft, eager moans from the both of you.

“Feels like I’ve waited so long; I’ve never wanted someone as badly as I wanted you,” you tell him, chest heaving, and he brings you to him for a kiss, something a little rougher, less refined. He’s getting close.

“Never. You make me feel so much.” You reach back against his leg for support, work harder to bring him off, and when he comes he crushes his mouth against yours, delicious and more uncontrolled than you’ve ever seen him. He chants your name, so soft and sweet rolling off of his tongue, and then gets you on your back so he can press deeply inside.

You feel so incredibly full, panting beneath him, your hands on his waist and your feet on the backs of his thighs; his perfect face is inches from yours, all shallow breaths and decadent, passionate kisses, and when you climax you pull him closer, sigh, unravel completely in his embrace.

Maybe good things do happen after all. You hold each other and talk for a while, after a quick pitstop to the restroom, and then your stomach growls—understandably, since the only thing to fill it since lunch was that stupid cheesecake—and Hotch orders takeout on his phone from bed; god bless technology.

There’s a knock at the door twenty minutes later, and you know that’s quick for your favorite Thai place, but you’re not complaining because you’re officially starving. He offers to grab it, throws on his boxers and heads for the living room; after a few minutes, you wonder what’s taking so long, pull on your robe and go to check on him.

Hotch is talking to Derek, who is standing in your living room with a piece of cheesecake and a shit eating grin.

“I came with a peace offering, but now I think I’ll wait for a, ‘Thank you, Derek,’” he says, and you roll your eyes, stalk over and take the cheesecake out of his hands. You give it to Hotch, lean up to kiss Derek on the cheek, and push him toward the door.

“Thank you, Derek. Go away, Derek,” you say with a smile of your own, and he raises his palms and retreats down the hall, laughing as he goes.

This is just one more thing he’ll tease you mercilessly about, but this time the benefits outweigh the costs. Taglist ❤️: @arsonhotchner @mrsh0tchner @ssahotchie @sleepyreaderreads @mintphoenix @meghannnnnn @disgruntledchowchow @azenpal @g-l-pierce @my-rosegold-soul @ssamorganhotchner

[ticklish-n-stuff]

Stress reliever

LEE AKITO SUPREMACY!!!

Ok but like- is this fic partially inspired by real life events? mAybe

So yknow how Akito instead of studying he just tries to guess whats gonna come in the exam which causes him to fail (almost all the time, bby just doesnt learn-) and when he gets all gloomy someone gives him cheer up tickles, i think you know who 👀

___________________________________________

Toya x Akito (romantic but interpret as you wish :))

Ler: Toya

Lee: Akito

Warnings: Tickles! These bbys~

___________________________________________

Another long day of school was finally over, the boys had gotten a pretty mean English test, but of course, Toya passed with flying colors. He was currently exiting the building searching for his partner, Akito. Once he found him near the school gate he noticed that he wasn't looking so well.

"Akito, are you alright...?".

"*sigh* No...I failed another English test!".

Toya had tried telling Akito many times to study properly, but the redhead didn't listen. Toya was about to scold him for not preparing himself the right way but decided against it since he could literally feel the tension radiating from his boyfriend.

They both walked home from school since today was Vivid Bad Squad's day off, they were just going to relax the rest of the day. Once they got home, they made their way into Akito's room, said boy flopping straight into his bed, letting out the loudest sigh possible.

"Still stressed about what happened...?".

Akito let out what seemed to be the 500th sigh of the day.

"...Yeah".

Toya hated seeing his boyfriend so upset, it was very uncharacteristic of him. He sat himself next to Akito thinking on what to do to cheer him up.

Toya suddenly remembered what Tsukasa would do whenever he got upset, he smiled fondly at the memories...maybe it could work on Akito as well?

While his boyfriend was still moping on bed, Toya decided to run a little experiment and poked a single finger on Akito's tummy, causing him to let out a squeak.

"EEK! W-what was that for?!" Akito blushed at the sudden sound he had just made while lowering his arms to protect himself.

"I just wanted to see if you were ticklish, to try to cheer you up" Toya softly smiled at him.

"W-well I think the answer to that is very clear..." Akito was blushing furiously at this point.

"In that case, may I please tickle you?".

Akito could've died right there from how sweet his boyfriend was being. Not only did he want to cheer him up, but asked for his consent as well. Everyone needs a bf like Toya.

"I- W-well uh..." Akito was feeling too flustered to properly answer, he covered his embarrassed face and tried one more time.

"F-fine, but keep it soft..!".

"Anything for you darling" Toya smiled at him and placed himself on top of his hips, giggles of anticipation bubbling out of Akito.

"Akito, I haven't even done anything yet" Toya playfully rolled his eyes at his boyfriend's silly reactions.

"I knohow! I cahahan't help it..!".

"Just try to relax" Toya went to rub Akito's tummy lovingly but once he did, the redhead let out an earshattering squeal, sending Toya into a giggle fit.

"EEEP! Toyaha don't laugh at mehehe!!".

"Okahay, sorry! Phew...I'm going to begin now, alright?".

Akito nodded at Toya, still giggling like a child from the anticipation.

Toya couldn't help but giggle at his cute boyfriend. He then softly placed his hands on Akito's sides and slowly wiggled his fingers on them.

"Gahh! Wahait Toyahaha! Thahat really tickles!!" Poor Akito couldn't control his movement and shot his arms down to his sides.

"Well yeah, it's supposed to tickle, silly".

Toya had the ability to tease Akito without even trying to, it was like a super power, expect he used it for evil (atleast that's what Akito says). The teasing made the tickling ten times worse for the poor redhead.

Toya then moved his hand under Akito's shirt, slowly scribbling all over the soft flesh that is his tummy.

"WAAAH! TOHOHOYA! NAHAT THEHEHERE!".

Akito was having a hard time trying not to swat away Toya's hand from his sensitive tummy. Poor baby couldn't handle a few scribbles!

"Its just a few tickles, I'm sure you can take it".

Silly Akito shook his head, laughing oh so loudly, his laugh might even rival Tsukasa's.

"Okay okay, lets try something different~" Toya pulled up Akito's shirt and leaned down to plant some soft tickly kisses across his tummy.

"Eeeek! Tohohoya! Thahahat tickles!".

Akito was bright red like a strawberry, laughing his lil head off with tears in his eyes. Toya could easily tell that Akito was having a lot of fun, but was also getting tired. It was time to wrap things up, but not before ending with a big blow! Literally.

Toya sucked in as much air as he could and blew the biggest, fattest raspberry right over Akito's navel, sending him into hysterics.

"GYAAAA! TOYAHAHAHA! DOHOHOAHAHAHAHAHA!".

Akito was left speechless, literally. He tried so hard to form coherent sentences but would end up laughing himself silly all over again.

Toya finally stopped his tickly attack, rubbing his boyfriend's tummy a bit more firmly to get rid of the tingles.

"Are you feeling better sweetheart?".

Akito was still giggling like a madman to properly response, so he opted to give his boyfriend a thumbs up. Toya couldn't help but feel happy that he was able to help.

"I'm glad, but for the next test I'll help you study, okay?".

Akito, smiling like a dork, nodded at him. Toya then proceeded to cuddle his giggly boyfriend and they spent the rest of their day in each others embrace, Akito's sour mood long gone.

___________________________________________

After not having any ideas for fics in the past few days, I have finally been blessed with a few pjsekai ideas so stay tuned :D

[justsomemorewritersonthisapp]

Korekiyo, Nagito and Shuichi with a s/o who has likes some serious problems but they just say eat the pain away

Character: “S/O you can’t just eat your pain away”

S/O, pulling out a bag of chips: “If nobody’s stopping me, who says I can’t?”

Honestly I can at least somewhat relate to this one cause I tend to have a problem eating when I'm bored, but I think I'm getting better about it at least. You probably didn't wanna hear my problems, so let's just get to your request!

A/N: Nagito says 'my hope' as a name a bunch btw and I personally think these might be a little weird and not well written and shuichi's headcanons are very short since I wasn't really sure what else to do so please let me know if you want this rewritten

Warning: a little swearing (I guess)

~Mod Tenko, who clearly talks too much~

Korekiyo Shinguji

Both you and Kiyo have some problems but Kiyo deals with them in a much healthier way than you do

While Kiyo tends to drown himself and others in anthropology, you.. eat.

Had a bad day? Eat a bag of chips.

Emotions gotcha down? Eat a tub of ice cream.

Hell, stubbed your toe and it hurt like a bitch? Great! Go make some mac n' cheese.

Kiyo noticed this early in your relationship, way back to when you were just friends

He's said something to you before about it when you were friends

"Y/n, I've noticed your habit of eating when upset."

"Yeah? It's that obvious?"

"Yes, it is actually quite fascinating, but not a very good coping mechanism."

"Yeah but I don't really have much else to do." You say as you pull out a dollar.

"I'll be right back."

You came back with a bag of chips

Kiyo kinda gave up on that one, but now that you're dating, he was hoping the conversation would go.. a little better than last time

But Kiyo has a little... trick up his sleeve

"Y/n, I would like to discuss something."

"Yeah Kiyo? Hope it's not a three hour long anthropology post again."

"No, but I will continue to share those."

"I would actually like to speak of your poor coping mechanism once more."

...

"This habit of yours can grow unhealthy my love."

"I know Kiyo. I just.. don't know what else to do."

"I'm here for you my love."

"... alright Kiyo."

"But as I'm assuming you already know, old habits die hard."

"Yes, I am painfully aware."

You open the freezer to look for a popsicle

Cold air

"Kiyo where the hell is all the food?"

Nagito Komaeda

Nagito definitely isn't the best at coping either, but lately he's been trying to be better (he's getting therapy, thank god)

But he's well aware of your poor coping as well and wants to help you!

First, he's tries confronting you

"My hope, don't you think you should find a better way to cope?"

"Aw, I appreciate your concern but these chips just hit the spot. Kinda hard to give up yknow."

After the first failure, he takes a different approach and hiding all the food

... just his luck that it'd fall out of its hiding place right as you walked in the room

Alright! No more Mr. Nice guy!

Nagito gets a little stubborn and continues to just bother you about it, with it being brought up in every conversation at least once

While laughing, you finally give in after the 500th 'Please my hope?'

"All right fine, I'll find something else to do!"

"Really? Are you sure?"

"Yeah, you've been nagging me about it for weeks. I have one condition though."

"Yes, my hope?"

"We work on our problems together so we can keep the other in line."

"Anything for you my hope."

Shuichi Saihara

Shuichi doesn't really cope well, he just cries and secludes himself

But he loves you so he tries reasoning with you on your unhealthy coping

He even tries to share some of his interests with you

While you agree to join him on his interests, you still ate a lot

Well now he just says it straight up

"Y/n, you can't always just eat your pain away.."

"Nobody's stopping me."

You shove some chips in your mouth

"I'm stopping you!"

Shuichi grabs said chips

He then proceeds to go on a rant about how unhealthy this is and how you can trust him to help you the best way he can

"Alright Shuichi. But at least let me finish those chips!"

"No!"

[goodproofingwater]

Chapter 16 | Tinder Tommy

Words: 1953 Notes: hello my lovelies, i am so sorry that this has taken so long - i feel like this has literally been months and you deserve better! lots of shit has been happening in my life which has meant that i haven’t really had the focus to do anything but watch brooklyn 99 or peaky blinders for the 500th time, but ya girl is back for now! I hope that you are all still with me and are looking forward to seeing how Tommy works with his new found affection! This chapter pairs directly with @idesiretomhardy​‘s Mr Solomons story (in that the dialogue is the same in parts, and the timelines are the same. These stories exist in the same universe. Enjoy!

Taglist (just send me a message if you would like to be added):

@a-dorky-book-keeper @ishoutmarcoandyoushout @idesiretomhardy @theamuz @blinderscaps @peakywriting @justanothershelby @contemporary-mary @auroravipers @moonyscardigans @peakysxshelby @miss-shelby-barnes @vintage-fantasyyy @ly—canthrope @morgan-1830 @i-love-you-green @l0tsofpennies @exploringmycosmicsoul @maah-chan @peakyblindersengland

The journey to Birmingham was almost pleasant. The first class ticket his assistant had scored him came with whiskey and although he couldn’t smoke, the journey was so seamless that he was only craving a cigarette when he stepped into the fresh air of Birmingham new street.

It had always amazed him in the way it only could a local to Birmingham that he could get to between the London office and the place it had all began in a matter of hours. He remembered when he had to call a car to get to the London office when it just started up, when the trains were so shit that he had to rely on his own mileage to get there. But so much had changed since then. He had changed since then.

Tommy Shelby crawled into Small Heath four hours after he had reluctantly left his home in Mayfair, the staff he had in the midlands office a far cry from the suit wearing, polished people in Canary Wharf.

“Good afternoon Mr Shelby,” the receptionist spoke, smiling at him and looking toward the old knocked down wall which led to the rest of what they loosely called the Birmingham office.

The large room had once been three or four terrace houses but had long since been knocked through, a small platform allowed for John to stand by a massive touch screen where he was checking stock prices and the market which was much further from their legitimate business.

The business in the north was far different from the import and export business in the south, and far from legal.

Shelby Company Limited were the first company in history to produce software which allowed the significant players in import and export of illegal goods to check market price, and buy and sell illegal goods on a secure server which was entirely untraceable.

The software was a massive success, and had gained the Shelby name infamy with even the most brutal and violent drug cartels still operating in the 21st century.

“So what was so urgent that I had to get a train up here immediately?”

John stepped aside and showed him the spreadsheet he was working on, and pulled up the share prices for drugs so it sat next to it.

“By all accounts, the cocaine market is following the same pattern as it did 5 years ago”

John didn’t have to go into detail for Tommy to remember the influx of cocaine into the country via a rival London based company, and the price drop which followed due to supply heavily outweighing demand. It had been the main reason Tommy had set up the office in the south.

“Is it Kimber again? Because I swear to god—“

“Not Kimber. His company uses our software now and he called the support team thinking it was a fucking glitch in the system”

Tommy’s brow furrowed as he eyed the prices and the spreadsheet which showed the fluctuations John had been keeping track of since the incident so long ago.  

“And uh.. that’s not all” John spoke, gesturing for Tommy to follow him into his office and he did, taking a seat in one of the plush leather chairs which sat on the other side of Johns desk while his younger brother poured them whiskey and placed the glasses in front of them. “As well as the share prices I’ve been keeping track of the weight of the product coming in and going out. It’s been declining steadily for the last week. Not by much, not even enough to alert me at the start but it’s going down an ounce each time.”

“So you’re telling me someone is skimming off the top?” And John nodded, sipping his whiskey as he unintentionally mirrored Tommy’s posture, leaning back in his chair with one ankle resting on the other knee.

Tommy let out a sigh, hating that there was yet another issue that he had to deal with. External problems like share prices and supply and demand came with the territory. Internal problems were not something he had patience for.

“Any theories who it is?”

“You mean except Michael?” The malice in Johns voice was matched only by his expression, his hate and disdain for his cousin clear in everything from his brow to his clenched fingers around his glass.

Tommy responded only by rolling his eyes, Michael’s drug problem being something he was fully aware of.

“Michael pays for what he takes. And he pays double. Any real theories?”

John remained quiet, sipping his whiskey and allowing his silence to speak for itself.

“Fantastic.” Tommy sighed, downing his whiskey in one gulp and plucking a cigarette from the case he had pulled from his inside pocket. “Do we at least know which office?”

“Oh it’s definitely up here. The coke is lighter way before it even touches county lines”

Tommy lets out a sigh with the exhale of his cigarette, smoke billowing from his nose as the prospect of someone stealing and the punishment they deserve runs through his mind.

“Alright. I’ll speak to the managers up here separately and let them know what’s going on, ask them to keep an eye. I don’t want either of us up here if there’s a supply/demand problem in case we get raided. These people will get away with saying they were following orders, but we’re the fucking captains.”

John nods, sipping his whiskey and glancing out of the window, his mind clearly trying to puzzle out who it could be as Tommy did the same.

--

Later that evening, Tommy slipped into a bar in new street to wait for an old friend. One that he couldn’t quite believe was even stepping foot in the city.

The room seemed to part for Alfie Solomons, the very air around him bending as he walked into a bar Tommy had picked for its proximity to Alfie’s hotel. The older man was one of the few he would make allowances for, and it had been so long that he would rather take a private car the half an hour into central Birmingham than make the effort to convince him to come to small heath and listen to him complain the whole time.

“Thomas” his booming London accent turned the heads that weren’t already staring at Tommy, and he couldn’t help the bemused smile which washed over his features as he shook his hand and settled to drink his whiskey.

“Alfie, it’s been a while,” he speaks, sipping at his glass knowing full well which comment is coming next.

“Yeah well you don’t get to London as much these days,” He catches the bartender's attention, a woman who eyes up Tommy when she comes over to take his order, her eyes only leaving his friend to make Alfie’s drink.

“You could always come here,” Tommy suggests, causing Alfie to snort. His disdain for the northern city clear in both his response and his body language.

“Mate, the only reason I’m in this shit city is cause of that fucking meeting, couldn’t get me here any other way,” he comments, Tommy giving him a hint of a smile behind his glass which only widens as he watches his friend attempt to hide a selfie of all things which had made its way to his lock screen.

“So, how’s the family then?” Alfie asks.

“Arthur got married,” Tommy tries and fails to keep his distaste for Linda from his voice, and Alfie smirks as he relishes in the hate which is so evident to someone who is also quick to anger.  

“And I wasn’t invited? What’s she like?” He quips

“She’s good for Arthur,” is all Tommy says, the comments he could make about his brother’s new wife unsavoury at best.

It’s then that Alfie’s phone buzzes once again, and with a second glance at his lock screen Tommy can’t keep his comments to himself any longer.

“Who’s that then aye?” Tommy says, inclining his head towards Alfie’s phone. “Got yourself a girlfriend, have you?”

“Yeah mate, I have. She’s fucking brilliant she is,” Alfie says, rolling his eyes at the smirk that crosses his friend’s lips.

“You’re going soft Solomons.”

“Fuck off,” Alfie says, the smile which splits his face something that was a rarity, and the bashfulness something Tommy had never seen in him before. “She wrote that piece on me for The City Scoop.”

“I wondered why that interview was so flattering, fucked your interviewer did you?”

“Took her out to dinner first mate,” he says with a grin, making Tommy shake his head. “I’m telling you, it’s fucking nice having someone around who wil-“

“Suck your cock?”

“She is good at that mate. Nah I’m telling you, it’s nice having a woman around to keep me company,” he says, and Tommy rolls his eyes.

“Fuck, you have gone soft,” Tommy mutters, shaking his head.

“Maybe so. It ain’t that bad though. Maybe it’s time you find yourself a girl, might be good for you.”

Tommy rolls his eyes, downing the rest of his drink to avoid replying which only causes Alfie’s grin to spread wider his face lighting up.  

“Or do you already have a girl Thomas?”

“I’ve been talking with a woman yes,” he offers, though doesn’t elaborate as he orders another drink.

“Talking aye? And where did you meet her?”

“Tinder,” Tommy mutters, fingers itching to reach into his pocket for a cigarette the no-smoking laws the only thing stopping him.

Alfie scoffs, shaking his head as he runs a hand through his beard while Tommy glares at him.

“What?”

“Fucking tinder? Can’t meet a girl the old-fashioned way, aye?”

Tommy clenches his jaw at the insinuation, choosing not to rise to the comment as his hand reaches into his pocket, fingers brushing against his cigarette case.

“Like having a magazine send a journalist to your work? That old way you mean?” He runs the cigarette along his bottom lip and glares at the bartender who moves to tell him that he can’t smoke indoors, piercing eyes daring anyone to test him.

Tommy’s phone lights up and he immediately turns it face down, “besides, easier isn’t it? Haven’t got time to be spending on women in bars or journalists I need to write a good profile about me because I punched someone without thinking.”

The smirk on Tommy’s face tells Alfie that he’s joking, but the bearded man takes a sip of his beer without a hint of amusement washing over his features.

“Never knew Tommy Shelby to be so desperate that he’d turn to fucking Tinder.“ Tommy scowls and takes a long drag on his cigarette

“And I never knew Alfie Solomons to be so soft that he’d have his girl as the fucking wallpaper on his phone.”

Alfie shakes his head, hours flying before he finished what could have been his third or sixth drink, his hand resting on Tommy’s shoulder as he stood.

“I’ll be off now then,” he says, before leaning in to speak directly in Tommy’s ear. “And by the way mate, I was thinking before I punched Sabini.”

Patting Tommy’s shoulder, he makes his way out of the pub turning back to look at his friend.

“Nice seeing you mate, give me a call next time you’re in London.”

What Tommy has failed to tell his friend was that if things went well, he saw himself spending a lot more time in the capital. He suspected his friend might have something to say about his admission that he would want to spend more time away from his hometown, and he had won the battle of who was more whipped. At least for now.

[shortstories-slp]

Paperback Writer

{Wu Honghui, born in the Hunan Province of China on October 7, 1996.}

{He has brown hair, hazel eyes (+wears glasses), weighs 130 pounds, and height 5’6”.}

{Homosexual}

{He is a writer mainly in the romance genre.}

Honghui rushes into his publisher’s office and slams down an overflowing portfolio.

“Mister Editor! I brought in a new draft. Please read it and give me feedback.” He yells over all the talk in the office, and everyone falls silent narrowing their eyes on him. A man a little older than him walks over and smiles, stating.

“Hello Honghui! I’m your new editor Feng Haoyu, but you can just call me Hao.” Honghui looks at him and he blushes.

“Ah. It’s nice to meet you Hao. Uhm. I just wanted to drop this off for you to read.” He mutters and slides the portfolio towards Haoyu, before making a beeline for the door. Haoyu smiles and takes the portfolio to his desk, beginning to read over the draft. He begins to make corrections to it.

Honghui sits on his sofa and pets his calico cat, thinking about Haoyu.

“I wonder what happened to Mister Gou?” He says to himself and sighs, shaking his head. He decides to read through his own copy of the draft to see if he can find any mistakes.

|A Few Hours Later|

Honghui rests his glasses on his head and sets down his red pen, pinching the bridge of his nose. His phone chimes and he opened his text messages, placing his glasses back on his nose.

Feng Haoyu: Hello Honghui! This is Feng Haoyu. I’m texting you to inform you that I’ve finished reading the draft. You can pick it up whenever you have free time.

Wu Honghui: Thanks Hao! ^o.o^ I will be there to pick it up tomorrow morning.

Feng Haoyu: Okay. See you then!

Honghui gets up from the sofa and walks into his bedroom, yawning. He takes off his glasses and slips into bed, falling asleep rather quickly.

|The Next Morning|

Honghui walks to a café and picks up an iced caramel macchiato, before continuing to the publisher’s office. He sips his macchiato and walks into the building, waiting near the front desk. Haoyu walks out to greet him and hands him the portfolio.

“I wrote comments in the margins, and I fixed a few grammar mistakes. Overall, it was alright.” He explains and Honghui nods, before asking.

“It was just alright?” Haoyu replies.

“Yeah. It was just like any other romance story.” Honghui feels a pang of hurt in his chest and mumbles.

“Why are you even my editor? I only write romance.” He turns on his heels and starts to head to the door, briskly.

Haoyu watches him leave and shakes his head, thinking.

‘You have the passion and drive to write better stories and genres, but you choose not to. Why is that?’

Honghui gets home and sits his portfolio onto the counter, staring at it.

“Hey Bean! I’m sure you can cheer me up.” He says to his calico cat, crouching down to scratch her chin gently. His phone chimes and he groaned, not wanting to open his message but he does so regardless.

Feng Haoyu: I’m sorry if what I said earlier came off as rude. I just know that you can write better things, but it’s not my place to tell you what genre to write. I hope that you will still work with me.

He looks at the message for a while, trying to think of how to respond to that. Honghui sits his phone down and distracts himself for a while, reading through the portfolio.

‘Haoyu did make a good point. I can do better than a traditional romance novel.’

He thinks and finally decides how he is going to reply to the text from Haoyu.

Wu Honghui:That was pretty rude of you to talk to me like that. e^e However, you can make it up to me by treating me to lunch. You were right though. I am going to make less traditional romance novels from now on.

Feng Haoyu: I wouldn’t mind treating you to lunch and great! I can’t wait to see how to change the rhetoric of the boring romance genre.

Honghui smiles at the message and locks his phone. He takes out his notepad and starts to write different prompts for his stories. After brainstorming, he narrows down the list and circles one of the prompts beginning to type on his computer. Honghui ends up falling asleep at his desk.

|The Next Day|

Feng Haoyu: Hey Honghui! Are you free to have lunch today?

Haoyu looks out the window of his apartment, feeling anxious about having lunch with Honghui.

Wu Honghui: Yes! Can we go to the sushi buffet place? OvO

Feng Haoyu: Of course! What is your address? I will pick you up.

Honghui texts his address to Haoyu and takes a shower, before getting dressed. He slips on his shoes and blushes when he remembers the situation, he is in.

‘Ah… this makes it seem like we are dating. I mean I don’t mind, but what about Hao? Augh!’

He thinks and struggles with his internal monologue but gets interrupted by his phone ringing.

Feng Haoyu: “Hey. I’m outside in the blue car.”

Wu Honghui: “Oh! I’m sorry. I will be out in just a second.”

Feng Haoyu: “Okay take your time. I will be waiting.”

Honghui composes himself and grabs his side bag, along with his house keys. He locks the door and walks out to Haoyu’s car, getting into the passenger seat. He buckles up and adjusts his glasses, before looking over at Haoyu.

“Okay. I’m all set.” He says in a chipper tone.

“Yeah. Let’s get going.” Haoyu says and starts to drive to the restaurant.

|At the Sushi Buffet|

They get seated at a booth near the back, sitting across from each other they fall into an awkward silence. Haoyu clears his throat and asks

“So, how long have you been a writer? Why do you like to write romance novels?” Honghui replies

“Well, I’ve been writing for about three and a half years now. I write the romance genre just because it is fun and appealing, but I want to make same sex romance novels too. They are pretty rare and… never mind.” He rubs the back of his neck and avoids eye contact. Haoyu nods and supports him.

“That sounds like a stellar idea. I think you should go for it.” Honghui smiles and asks

“You really think that?” Haoyu replies

“Of course!”

They get greeted by a waitress and then get up to pile their plates with sushi.

|After Lunch|

“I fixed all of the stuff you marked in my draft Hao. So, I think it will probably be ready to publish soon.” Honghui says happily and pats Haoyu’s shoulder. Haoyu replies

“Well, give it to me when we go back to your house.” Honghui nods and gets into Haoyu’s car. He gets home and gets out of the car, looking at Haoyu.

“Just give me a minute and I will bring the revised version out to you.” He states and runs up to his front door, unlocking it. He heads inside and grabs the thick stack of papers, carefully carrying them out to Haoyu’s car. He puts them on the passenger seat and thanks Haoyu.

“Thank you for taking me out to lunch Hao. It’s been such a long time since I went out with someone. I mean had lunch with someone.” He stumbles over his words and blushes wildly. Haoyu smiles at him, causing his heart to race.

“I know what you mean. It was nice hanging out with you Honghui.” He says and drives off after Honghui shut the door.

Honghui goes into his house and mentally hits himself, thinking.

‘Now he probably thinks I’m a weirdo. Great.’

He walks into his office and starts to draft another story.

|A Few Weeks Later|

Feng Haoyu: Your story has been published and it is being printed right now. What languages do you want it translated to later?

Wu Honghui: Yay! *\(ouo)/* I wanted it translated to English, Japanese, French, and German eventually.

Feng Haoyu: Noted. Also, I never got to ask you this, but why do you use emoticons? It’s not very professional. You should limit yourself and try to sway off using them.

Wu Honghui: But I love using Emoticons. 3:< I don’t have to be professional talking to you, do I? You are only a year older than me. |||<(@o@)>|||

Feng Haoyu: I would prefer if you didn’t use them, but it seems like it can’t be helped.

|A Month After the Publishing|

Honghui sits out on his veranda and reads a book. His novel seemed to be a hit and it just passed the goal of selling 500 books. His phone rings and he shut his book.

Feng Haoyu: “Hey the office is having a celebration for your 500th book sale. It’s tonight. I can pick you up if you would like.”

Wu Honghui: “Will I have to get dressed up? I don’t want to but if I have too I will.”

Feng Haoyu: “No, but if you want to you can.”

Wu Honghui: “Okay. I will see you later.”

Honghui hangs up and gets dressed in a casual suit. He grabs his bag and waits for Haoyu to come pick him up.

|The Party|

Haoyu and Honghui walk into the office together and they start to hang out with Haoyu’s coworkers. They have cake and a few drinks. Honghui signs a few books and steps outside to get fresh air. Haoyu walks out after him and shifts his weight nervously, before walking closer to Honghui holding something behind his back.

“Hey Honghui. It’s been a few months since I’ve become your editor/publisher, but I feel like we are more than just writer and publisher.” He tries to explain his feelings and Honghui looks up at him. Honghui starts to ask him a question.

“Wait! Are you going to...?” Haoyu interrupts him and asks

“Honghui. Will you date me?” He pulls a bouquet of flowers out from behind his back. Honghui blushes and counters

“No. I mean yes, but what about you? This isn’t very professional and you yelled at me for using emoticons… This is more serious than that.” Haoyu hangs his head and responds defeated

“Yeah… I guess you are right. I will j-.” Honghui interrupts him this time and shouts

“I want to date you! As long as it is fine with your supervisor!” Haoyu smiles and replies

“My supervisor doesn’t mind. I can assure you of that.” Honghui hugs him tightly and mutters

“I am so happy right now!” Haoyu hugs him back and kisses the top of his head.

“I understand why you truly only write romance novels now… Honghui.” He states softly. Honghui looks up at him and smirks.

“Well, why is that?” He asks and Haoyu replies

“It’s a secret.”

[millie1536]

Different, Not Weird

Well it let me post the ghost thing so hopefully this works this time. 500th times the charm after all

TW: mentions of panic attacks, mentions of meltdowns, mentions of destructive stimming, mentions of child abuse, the documentary ‘Blackfish’ is referenced a number of times (It’s one of Izzy’s hyperfixations) so if that’s triggering for anyone please consider if you are in a place where you can think about that stuff at the moment.

The first time Jane heard Izzy imitating a cat she assumed it was a joke between her and Kitty. The occasional meow that would break the comfortable silence between the two was cute. It hadn’t gone unnoticed that some of Izzy’s behaviour was, well, odd. At times she seemed so much younger than she was and at other times she was far too mature for her age. The queens had chalked it up to her past. The fact that she had never been able to be a kid, that she had been used and abused by men four times her age for the past nine years.

And yet there were still things that bothered Jane. The way Izzy would curl up beside Anne or Kathrine as if trying to merge with them but pull away from even the slightest physical contact with anyone else. How she would wear the same pair of jeans every day no matter how hot or cold it was. It wasn’t that she was jealous, I mean sure, she would have loved to curl up on the couch with Izzy and watch a movie or read a book occasionally but, what worried her was the reason, or rather the lack of.

Izzy had warmed up to everyone a lot quicker than expected. She and Anna would go for bike rides together, anything to get out of the house. Jane was teaching her to cook and bake, something she seemed to be enjoying very much. She had asked Catherine, very anxiously, to teach her Spanish, which the queen was more than happy to do. Cathy had taken on the role of Izzy’s teacher when it became apparent that the girl had an insatiable curiosity. Parr had jumped at the chance to help Izzy catch up on the education she had missed out on and Izzy was proving to be a fast learner.

“Did you know that Cassowaries are the world’s deadliest bird?” She asked over dinner one night.

“Did you know that only one third of the rivets used to build the hull of the Titanic were up to standard? And they were all in the centre third, if they had been used for the bow the iceberg might not have done so much damage.” Was another nights conversation starter.

“Did you know that the flat cap was invented by a golfer?” Izzy’s ability to retain knowledge never ceased to amaze Jane. She often wondered if maybe she was overreacting. Maybe all kids were like this and she just never got the chance to see it before now.

But it wasn’t just her memory or her relationship with Anne and Kathrine that was strange.

Panic attacks weren’t a new thing for the queens and they all knew from the beginning that Izzy would likely succumb to them. However, they seemed off. Some of them weren’t too different from Anne or Kitty’s but some of them seemed to be something else entirely. Izzy’s panic attacks varied from silently shutting down to screaming and fighting.

Jane also failed to see a pattern. Like the others, Izzy had triggers, and yet they had been unsuccessful at identifying all of them.

Loud noises, large groups of people, yelling and shouting, unexpected physical contact.

These were the ones they had picked up on. But they didn’t explain why Izzy would seem to shut down at random times, why her eyes would become distant and she seemed to lose all awareness of where she was.

Jane wanted answers and she was sure the others did too.

 “I just don’t know what’s wrong with her?” Jane sighed, exhausted. Kathrine was upstairs with Izzy and so Jane had taken the chance to talk to the others.

“It’s probably just part of the process, you remember what Kitty was like in the first few months.” Catherine wrapped an arm around Jane’s shoulder, pulling her into a side hug.

“She does remind me a fair bit of Kat, especially the constant movement.” Anna commented.

“Should we get her checked for ADHD?” Jane asked suddenly.

“I mean, if you want, but that’s not really where I was going with that.” Anna shrugged.

“Sorry, I just…” Jane trailed off, resting her head on Aragon’s shoulder.

“It’s alright, I get it. You just want to make sure she’s alright.” Anna smiled kindly.

“I know that ADHD isn’t a disease but I still… I get so worried about Izzy, about not knowing.” Jane was, for the most part, the most level-headed of the group, but when it came to anything medical she began to worry.

“I’ll book an appointment tomorrow.” Aragon gave Jane’s shoulder a gentle squeeze.

 “But I wanted to read more about Tilikum.” Izzy protested when Anne told her they were heading out.

“I know, but you can do that when we get back, alright?”

“Fine.” Izzy huffed as she grabbed her book from beside her.

“Aren’t you forgetting something?” Anne asked, holding out Izzy’s coat.

“No.” Izzy said simply before heading towards the front door. Anne shook her head before picking up her own coat and making her way out to the car.

“Aren’t you cold?” Anna asked when the girl got into the car, “It’s freezing.”

“No it isn’t, it’s like 19 degrees.”

“Exactly,” Anna responded, “It’s cold.” Izzy just shrugged.

“Seat belt on.” Jane said from the front passenger seat. She didn’t have to look to know that Izzy wasn’t wearing her seat belt.

“But it’s annoying.” Izzy argued.

“You know what else is annoying? Dying in a car accident.” Catherine raised her eyebrows at the girl, watching in the rear view mirror as she relented and buckled her seat belt.

“Miaow.” Kathrine looked down at the girl resting against her shoulder.

“I thought I was the cat.” Kitty said feigning confusion. Izzy shrugged, a cheeky grin spreading across her face.

“Cathy?”

“Yes?” Parr turned around to give Izzy her full attention.

“Why are they called quadratic equations when there are only two answers?” Izzy asked, the question had been bothering her for weeks.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean,” Izzy sighed, not understanding why the woman didn’t get it, “Quad means four but there are only two answers so why are they called quadratic equations if there are two and not four answers?” Cathy thought for a moment.

“I don’t know, kid. I’ve never thought of that before.”

“Why not?”

“I just haven’t.” Izzy wasn’t sure how anyone could live so long without asking such a question.

The queens had gotten used to Izzy’s questions. The way she would ask the most obscure things at the strangest of times.

 When they arrived at the paediatrician’s office Izzy stayed in her seat. She knew where they were going but being there made it real.

“What’s going on inside your head?” Anne asked gently.

“I don’t like doctors.” Izzy almost whispered.

“It’s alright, they just want to talk to you. No needles or anything like that, I promise.” Anne waited for Izzy to nod before leading her into the building. Izzy felt her nose scrunch up at the smell, a mixture of cleaning chemicals and coffee. The lights, too, put her on edge. They were bright and made a buzzing sound that seemed to drill through Izzy’s skull. The third light from the left in the waiting room flickered occasionally. Izzy tried to spot a pattern but there was none. Kitty, it seemed, had also noticed the light and had positioned herself so that it was behind her. Izzy considered her options for a moment before getting out of her seat and climbing onto Kitty’s lap. It wasn’t uncommon for her to use affection as a mask to hide what was actually happening.

Kathrine smiled when the girl began nuzzling into her shoulder, an occasional whimper sounding from her throat. The whimper wasn’t one of fear, instead it was a ‘I want to snuggle’ kind of whimper. Kathrine wrapped her arms around Izzy who immediately fell still, melting into the embrace.

“Isabella?” A woman’s voice called from the doorway. Kathrine felt the girl tense in her arms.

“It’s alright, we’ll be right there with you the whole time.” Kathrine felt Izzy nod against her shoulder before she uncurled herself from her spot and stood up. She held tight onto Anne and Kitty as they followed the doctor into her office.

“I’m sorry it’s a bit crowded,” The woman said as she sat behind her desk, “We don’t usually have so many people in here at once.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Anna waved the woman’s apology away.

“This is quite the family you’ve got.” The woman, who had introduced herself as Doctor Morgan, smiled at Izzy who did her best to hide under Anne’s arm.

“She’s a bit shy.” Jane said, not wanting the doctor to think she had done something wrong.

“Izzy, sweetie, can you sit up please?” Anne asked gently, full prepared for Izzy to tighten her hold. She was a little surprised when Izzy sat up slowly, leaning into Anne and holding her arms to make sure she didn’t let go.

“Izzy?” Doctor Morgan asked, having noticed the nickname, “Is it alright if I have a chat with your- uh, with the grown-ups?” Izzy shrugged.

“Can I watch tv?” Izzy asked Jane, who pulled out a pair of wireless headphones and her phone. Izzy grinned as she put on the headphones and snuggled closer against Anne.

“Noise cancelling headphones?” The doctor asked after a moment.

“Yeah, she struggles with loud noises.” Catherine informed her.

“What about light? Does she struggle with that too?”

“Yes, actually. Bright lights hurt her eyes and flickering lights give her head aches.” Anna said.

“And sometimes they trigger panic attacks,” Kitty added, “Too much light or noise scares her.”

“And temperature?”

“Doesn’t seem to feel the cold, but she’s really sensitive to heat. If she’s too hot she starts to feel sick.”

“What kind of sick?”

“Nauseas, I think.” Cathy answered.

“And how is she socially?” Doctor Morgan asked, “Does she make eye contact?”

“Rarely, but we’re working on it.” Anne pressed a kiss to the top of Izzy’s head, “She’s come a long way with it since she came to live with us.”

“You didn’t raise her?” Doctor Morgan looked surprised.

“Unfortunately.” Kitty muttered, a mixture of hate and anger filling her eyes.

“No, she’s been with us for almost 4 months now.” Anna added. The doctor nodded, typing some notes on her computer.

“What about her parents?”

“Her mother died when she as about 5 and there’s no record of who her father is.”

“Who was she living with prior to you?” Kathrine gave a dry, spiteful laugh.

“Her uncle.” Jane said before Kathrine had a chance to say anything. Doctor Morgan nodded, again writing down some notes before moving on.

“What about her peers? Does she have many friends at school?”

“Actually, I’m home schooling her for the moment.” Cathy said, seemingly a little nervous.

“We’re hoping to get her into the local public school once she’s caught up.” Catherine gave Parr’s knee a gentle squeeze.

“Caught up? Does she struggle academically?”

“No, not at all.” Anna couldn’t help the slight laugh the accompanied her words.

“No, she’s a very quick learner, but she never got the chance to go to school. She was… uh, her uncle he…” Cathy didn’t want to tell the woman, a complete stranger, about Izzy’s history but she didn’t know if she needed to.

“I see.” The doctor gave a sad smile. Cathy doubted that she did in fact ‘see’ but was grateful that they didn’t have to go into it.

“Does she respond to you? Does she notice when you’re trying to talk to her?”

“For the most part, but if she’s reading then it can take a few tries to get her attention.” Jane said.

“Usually we just have to say her name before whatever it is we want to say and she listens, I think she often assumes we’re talking to someone else if we don’t say her name.” Anna added.

“Any issues with sleep?”

“Night terrors.” Kathrine sighed, she hated watching Izzy toss and turn each night with no way of putting an end to it.

“But that would be connected to her uncle?” She asked cautiously. All six women nodded. “What about her temper? Does she tend to get angry?”

“More at herself than any of us, and she usually locks herself in her room when she’s like that.” Anne said, remembering the last time Izzy had gotten like that, “She can get a bit uh… Aggressive? I don’t know if that’s the right word, Violent? I really don’t know how to explain it. She’s never hurt anyone but often when she comes back out of her room after getting really angry it’ll look like a hurricane has gone through it.”

“Or covered in scratches and bite marks.” Catherine said quietly. The doctor made a few more notes.

“And she does it to herself? The biting and scratching?”

“Yes, we’re trying to get her to stop but…” Cathy sighed, not knowing how to explain.

“How is she with touch? Is she alright with physical contact? And what about textures, are there any that bother her?”

“Well, she can be quite the snuggle bug with those two,” Jane nodded at Anne and Kathrine, “But she’s still a bit more wary of the rest of us.”

“She’s starting to get comfortable with me.” Cathy said.

“And she has no problem with me carrying her, but she’s still a bit unsure when it comes to hugs.” Anna added, it was a common sight to see Anna running around the backyard with Izzy clinging to her back.

“And textures?

“She likes soft things. She tends to rotate between the same three or four outfits, I think the more she wears them the softer the materials get.” Catherine said.

“Some foods too. She doesn’t like things like pasta bake because there are too many textures in it.” Jane told her. Doctor Morgan wrote down a few more notes before looking up.

“Do you think Izzy would be willing to answer some questions?”

“You can try, but she really doesn’t like stopping something before she’s finished it.” Kitty said.

“Izzy? Can you pause that for a minute, please? Doctor Morgan wants to ask you some questions.” Anne said, gently removing Izzy’s headphones.

“But they just got to the bit about Kasatka.” Izzy whined.

“Who’s Kasatka?” Doctor Morgan asked, hoping to engage Izzy in a conversation. Cathy, who could see what the doctor was trying to do jumped in with,

“She’s a whale.” She knew how Izzy would react to hearing that and she felt a little bad for setting her up like that but it paid off.

“No she isn’t. Kasatka is a dolphin. Orca aren’t whales but everyone thinks they are because their common name is ‘killer whale’ which is ridiculous because all recorded encounters with wild orca report that they are very gentle and very playful. The only time they’ve ever shown aggressive behaviour is in captivity and that’s because, unlike land mammals, it’s almost impossible to mimic aquatic habitats and they just end up sitting in concrete tanks their whole lives and they end up with depression and are bored out of their minds and lash out.” Izzy crossed her arms and leant back against Anne before adding quietly, “It’s not their fault.”

“You know a lot about orca.” Doctor Morgan commented.

“They’re interesting,” Izzy shrugged, “Plus, animals make more sense than people.” The offhand comment was just what the doctor was waiting for.

“How so?”

“Well, they’re easier to understand. They don’t say one thing but mean another. It’s simple. They do what they have to in order to survive and they only attack when threatened or distressed and not for the sake of hurt someone else, for the most part anyway.”

“What kind of things do people do that don’t make sense?” Izzy thought for a moment before answering.

“Well, sometimes Annie makes jokes when she’s sad, or Kitty will say she’s okay when she’s not.” This took the queens by surprise; they hadn’t realised just how observant the young girl was. “And Anna and Jane always tell everyone not to bottle up their feelings but they do it too. Catherine pretends to be angry with Bessie but she isn’t because she’s always making sure she’s alright and Cathy says it’s not good to isolate yourself from your family but she spends as much time alone as she can get.” The queens exchanged subtle glances at this. They hadn’t been expecting Izzy to call them out like that, but hey what were kids for if not brutal honesty.

The rest of the appointment passed in a similar manner, with Doctor Morgan would ask Izzy a question and Izzy would answer with a bit too much honesty.

 That night Izzy was far more talkative than usual, which to be honest was an achievement.

“And they got some marine biologists in to study the sound Kasatka was making and they were long distance calls.” Izzy finished sadly.

“But they brought her baby back, right?” Jane asked, her heart breaking at the thought of being forcefully separated from a child. Izzy shook her head.

“The higher ups didn’t care. All they cared about was money. They didn’t even bother to learn about the animals. If they had they would have known that calves stay with their mothers their entire life, even when they’re adults. The females stay beside their mothers the whole time but the males end up pushed to the outside of the pod because it’s a matriarchal society but they’re still in the same pod and still near their mothers. Also orca have multiple languages, well scientists are hesitant to admit that any species other than humans have languages but they do. Different pods speak different languages and yet Sea World told everyone that the orcas were with their families when they weren’t. They were with a bunch of other orca that they couldn’t understand and in a confined space so of course they fought with each other. They were frustrated and didn’t have any other way of communicating.” Izzy slumped back against the couch; her arms folded across her chest.

“And on that note,” Anne put an arm around Izzy’s shoulders, “It’s time for bed.” Izzy considered protesting but the thought of curling up under the blankets with Anne and Kitty was rather appealing and so she said goodnight to the others and made her way to bed.

“How does she remember all of that?” Catherine asked once they heard the door shut upstairs.

“I don’t know.” Anna shook her head in disbelief.

“If only she could remember her times tables.” Cathy joked.

“So she remembers all of that but not her times tables?” Jane asked.

“It’s probably because it’s something she’s interested in; trust me she hates maths.”

 Three days later and the queens were sitting in the living room, minus Kathrine who was upstairs with Izzy.

“ASD, ADHD combined and Anxiety.” Cathy read aloud from the email she had up on her laptop.

“I know what half of that means.” Cleves said bluntly.

“Anxiety, I doubt I have to read the explanation of that one.” Cathy sighed, “ADHD combined, both Attention deficit and Hyperactivity present.”

“So just ADHD then?” Cleves asked, still unsure of what the email was saying.

“I think it’s possible to have one and not the other,” Cathy said, “Like Kitty and Maggie both have ADHD but Kitty’s is more hyperactive and Maggie’s is more the attention deficit, I think.” Cleves nodded slowly, trying to make sense of it all.

“And ASD?” Anne asked.

“Autism Spectrum Disorder.”

“Autism?” Catherine asked, her god daughter nodded.

“Jane?” Cathy had noticed how Jane seemed to pale at the news, “What’s the matter?” Jane shook her head, biting the inside of her lip to stop herself talking.

“Hey, come on,” Anna said gently, “You remember what Izzy said, right? We both need to take our own advice.” Jane was silent for a minute before she spoke.

“I don’t want to lose her.” Her voice was barely more than a whisper, “I can’t lose her.”

“We aren’t going to lose her, Jane.” Anne gave Jane’s hand a squeeze.

“But what if… What if they come and take her away? What if they lock her up somewhere?” Cathy set her laptop aside and knelt in front of Jane.

“No one’s going to take her, I promise.”

“But-“

“Jane, listen to me.” Cathy cut her off, “We understand so much more than we did back then, Izzy won’t be locked up because she’s different.”

“Yeah,” Anne brushed some hair from Jane’s face, “She’s the same Izzy as before, but now we have a better understanding of how to help her.”

“I can’t lose her.” Jane repeated, her voice stronger this time.

“You won’t. Izzy is going to stay with us and we are going to look after her and she is going to grow up knowing that she is loved no matter what.” Anne pulled Jane into a tight hug, if she was being honest Anne would have to admit that the same thoughts had been spiralling through her own mind but as they sat there holding tight to one another she knew that what she had said was true.

Izzy was a part of their unconventional family now and nothing would ever change that.

[hermitdrabbles56]

Here I hope this helps a little 😂😂

"Alright where…the hell did Traveler and Smithy go?" Warriors grumbles quietly as he and Twilight shuffle through the thick bushes.

"They aren't far." Twilight assures him, their scents leading his nose in the right direction. Though the strong scent of pollen causes him to sneeze for the 500th time already that morning. 

He both loved and hated spring. At least he wasn't stopped up, that was much worse. 

Truth to word within the next couple minutes they finally found the two. Their small bodies nearly hidden in all the tall grass and towering flower stalks. A round little meadow chalk full of wild flowers and little white butterflies spread out before them. Twilight half expected to see a fairy fountain nearby. 

The scene was peaceful and tranquil. Four and Hyrule both perched the center of it all giggling and talking about something, their bell-like laughter soothing to hear. 

Twilight was rather fond of hearing that pleasant chime, reminding him of long lost memories, safety and even Time and the protective knight standing next to him. Although Warriors always seemed just as oblivious as the others to the magical little notes floating on the wind whenever these two are happy. 

Twilight carefully presses forward. Trying to avoid trampling flowers lest he get scolded given the careful trail both of them had weaved into the middle of the flower oasis. Though within a moment of getting close he found himself freezing. 

"Hey Twilight! Want some? The flowers here taste really good!" Hyrule says with a big grin. 

Scattered right in reach of the two smaller heroes are rich beautiful foxglove stalks in full bloom, well almost full, given that some of them had been plucked clean. The spotted trumpet-like flowers are enticing and beautiful despite their danger he'll admit. But the two of them eating blossoms off the very poisonous stalk like candy sends panic right into his bloodstream like cold ice. 

"What are you two doing?! Those aren't edible!" 

Hyrule and Four both blink in confusion. 

"Yes they are, here try one!" Hyrule says oh so innocently as he holds out a pretty pink spotted blossom to Twilight. Four quickly shoving a maroon one in his mouth. 

"Oh no no no-" Warriors says frantically. "Four spit that out!" 

Four lets out a yelp as the soldier unceremoniously lifts him off the ground by the back of his tunic. Their tiniest quickly covering his mouth and scrunching up like a scuffed kitten. 

Hyrule watches with wide eyes, glancing at Twilight, glances at the two blondes, back to Twilight. Then grabs the handful of blossoms in his lap and bolts to his feet like a startled baby deer. The pelted hero's only advantage in that moment is his larger gate as in two hurried steps he manages to snag the back of Hyrule's tunic. Raising him right off his feet as he fails around and nearly tip upside down.

Hyrules hisses loudly enough that it almost startles Twilight into dropping him. But the effect is immediately ruined as he stuffs the handful of flowers into his mouth while glaring. 

"Hyrule no! Those are gonna make you sick." The rancher pleads. 

The scrawny fairy boy just gives an indignant little growl and chews as fast as he can while flailing around more to try and get free until Twilight drops him on his feet. But only long enough to whip him around and hoist his lanky body onto his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. 

"We eat these all the time, it's fine! Now put me down!" Four says in irritation that doesn't hit right as he flails hopelessly in Warriors grip. 

"That's even worse you little gremlin!" Warriors chides only for the smithy to stick his tongue out at him. 

So the captain swings the little guy just enough to catch him under his other arm. A strong sturdy hold wrapped around the Smithy's waist to hold him in place before turning to quickly get him out of the meadow. 

"Step on any flowers and I will personally end you!" The traveler hisses as he hears the frantic footsteps. "And you let me down!!" 

Twilight let's out an exhausted sigh as he carefully starts stepping back through the tall wild flowers. Holding the squirming brunette steadily on his shoulder. 

Before they get back to the group, Warriors takes a bony elbow to the gut. The little rainbow hero dropping to the ground and trying to dart off, only for Twilight to catch him by the hood and drag him back. Scooping him up in the same manner he'd been being carried before, but this time he has no prayer of getting out of Twilight's grip. Grumbling obscenities the whole rest of the way. 

"What..the hell happened?" Time questions. 

"Let's just say we've got a third to add to the 'No adventures list'" Warriors growls. 

Twilight just lets out another tired sigh. Already fearing the retaliation being planned when he notices Fours smug little grin.

Crack thought, what if fairies can just eat poisonous plants and be fine? Some part of that deep seeded natural chaos. Even better if it's like candy to them.

Now imagine Fairy!Hyrule and Minish!Four giving the group an absolute heart attack as they sit and munch on foxglove blooms because they taste like sugar cubes to them.

[qualeesi]

Modernized 7x05 conversation between Jon and Daenerys:

*Jon waits by the edge of the cliff, waiting for Daenerys*

Jon: Where is she? It’s been 40 minutes smh

*Daenerys flies in on Drogons back*

Jon: Alright Jon play it cool act like you weren’t waiting for her

*Daenerys lands by Jon*

Daenerys: Yeah this mf still haven’t bent the knee i’m tired of being nice DRACARYS

Drogon: OK MOM.....wait, what is that smell?

*Drogon inches closer to Jon*

What Jon hears: ROAR!!!!

What Drogon’s saying: Hey you, you smell familiar....

In Jon’s mind: I swear up to my dead father if I live through this i’ll leave this island right away I promise good lord idk what to do I guess i’ll pet it or something

*Drogon smells Jon’s hand*

Drogon: This is the best thing i’ve smelled since mommy. Omg I haven’t felt like this in so long wtf is happening???

Daenerys: Dracarys

Drogon: But mom he smells so good omg just let me sniff him some more and i’ll get right to it

Daenerys: I SAID DRACARYS!

*sees Jon petting Drogon*

Daenerys: Omg my underwear is extra soaked right now play it cool Dany

*Giving up, Daenerys steps off of Drogons wings, mumbles under breath*

Daenerys: I’ll get back to it later *walks up to Jon* Isn’t he beautiful?

Jon: That thing is hideous lmfao

Daenerys: Wtf did you just say?

Jon: Uhhhhh...I mean...that BEAST is hideous?

Daenerys: They’re not beasts. They have feelings. They’re my children. And my children are beautiful.

*Jon stares at Daenerys*

Jon: Idk wtf that means but i’ll give you a child alright

Daenerys: I didn’t hear you?

Jon: I said you weren’t gone too long. What’d you do?

Daenerys: Burned me a bunch of lannister army men thats what I did

Jon:

Daenerys: Let me guess, you’re not impressed

Jon: I saw a zombie raise a bunch of people from the dead. Nothing impresses me anymore but you have anger issues

Daenerys: How many men did you kill when you took back Winterfell?

Jon: 1000

Daenerys: So you have anger issues too wtf

Jon: Touché

Daenerys: If we want to lead our people sometimes we have to throw a tantrum here and there am I right?

Jon: Kinda

*Daenerys stares at Jon*

Daenerys: When you weren’t bending the knee back when we first met, Davos said someone stuck a knife in your chest. Was that true?

Jon: No lmfao he’s so fucking extra

Daenerys: I was trying to get you to take off your shirt so I can see but nevermind

Jon:

Dothraki: Your side piece is back Dany

*Jorah appears*

Daenerys: Jorah????

Dothraki: Yes

Jorah: *kneels* i’m back to grovel for you, your grace

Daenerys: Jon Snow this is Jorah Mormont. He’s a professional kneeler. You could learn a thing or two from him

Jon: Mormont? Me and your father used to go on Zombie hunts together. He was a great man

Daenerys: He believes in zombies lol dont mind him he’s weird

Jon: I’m serious they really exis-

Jorah: I’ll return to my services of groveling over you and trying to win you over for the 500th time. If you’ll have me?

Daenerys: And make Jon Snow jealous? It’ll be my honor

Jon: What?

*Daenerys hugs Jorah while Jon stares in the distance*

Jon: *In his mind* Alright now i’m starting to get pissed he can hug Dany just this one time but I hope this mf don’t think he’s getting Longclaw

[joonuhteh]

[ Corrupted ] backstory for BTS AU! on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8HrfK5rNsQ

Sitting down he adjusted his phone till it was at the right angle, pressing record and began speaking

“The system. It was something that controlled all. Some people called it god, and some people even called it their savior. it was something that was never questioned or doubted. Everyone is ranked at birth based on DNA between 1 and 4, they believed only the best should be in rank 1, and the worst be ranked at 4. Rank ones had it all regardless of talent or intelligence. The system favored them thats for sure whenever a rank one would get in trouble they were released no matter what while the others. well. we don't talk about the others. Now that’s where we come in the notorious bulletproof boys. or BTS as everyone calls it. Were in a special type rank I guess you could say. We handle all the dirty work that the system wants done. Were also a pop group because the system somehow found out we are talented in that way. But we will do anything from running basic errands to killing the vice president of some rank one club. I know kind of ironic but we do whatever the system wants us to and we do nothing else other than that. The system chose us because of our dark pasts being a rank 4 and talents that deemed to be beneficial to them they thought they saved us from being corrupted. Which is why we are here now in a rank one school as the loyal top 7 students in the system”

“or at least that's what they seem to think” he smirked

“Kim Namjoon, the leader of our group, smart as hell, lived as an underground tattoo artist but got caught by the system and made him leave his sister that he was supporting.

Jung Hoseok, he was a drug dealer for the sake of his family because the system refused to let them receive rations, extremely persuasive and won't take no as an answer until he was caught and forced to take pills to forget his family in exchange for their lives.

Min Yoongi, the sergeant of the rank 4 military, highly skilled in weaponry of all sorts, taught rank 4 citizens how to defend themselves secretly but was caught and tried to kill himself by burning his house down with him inside it but was taken in anyways.

Kim Taehyung, combat, merciless, killed a system representative because they were going to take his sister, they hid in secret for a while but was caught and forced to turn his sister in.

Park Jimin, level 8 sniper in the military, killed 6 representatives that were threatening his family and was drugged with hallucinates making him indulge in his worst fear. Drowning. They took him in while that was happening.

Kim Seokjin, owner of club rose, made it possible for different ranks to meet each other in secret but was caught and forced to burn his club down with the ranks inside of it since they thought they deserved to be punished too.

And then there's me Jeon Jungkook. I don't really have a specialty because I do everything the other boys do. I had to learn everything I could for the sake of my family I had to protect them from the representatives until I was caught and forced to surrender while I got beat in an ally” he shrugged his shoulders and continued.

“You see the system took everything from us. Even if we were a rank four we still had things we cared about. They corrupted us. Not the other way around. They pushed us past our breaking point. Making us surrender to save anything we could. But none of that mattered in the end. Foolish I guess you can say, but now that the system basically trusts us because we've been on some good behavior were ready to break free and have some fun. Remember future Jungkook the system is the corruption not you” he smiled momentarily before he turned the camera off.

“You ready kook ?” Yoongi shouted from the other room.

“Yeah just finished my log” he said walking into the room.

“Why do you even take those if no one's gonna see it” Tae asked.

“ i dunno. It's just for me. if i forget I guess” he said looking into the mirror attempting to fix his bow tie.

“Why would you forget pabo” Jin said coming around to fix his bow tie properly patting his shoulders when he finished

“If we get caught and I get brainwashed” he said in a serious tone.

They all started laughed “Sure they will. Now come on the rest are waiting for us in the car” Jin said pushing them slightly to begin walking.

“And why would youuu be the only one who gets brainwashed” Tae said slapping the back of his head.

“Ow Tae! and it’s because” he smirked slightly turning around to him “I run the fastest”  while he sprinted to the car joining the others.

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

They were almost at the party when Jungkook spoke out

“You know”

silence.

“Finish your sentence dumbass” Yoongi said.

“Why are they inviting us to the system party isn't it only suppose to be for the real rank ones” Jungkook asked slightly annoyed.

“Because we're the 7 most good looking guys in this rank that provide entertainment stupid. But besides that we can finally go through with our plan because it's in district 0” Jimin stated.

“Everything should go perfectly because I planned it of course” Namjoon said looking in the rearview mirror to Jungkook.

“If anything goes wrong we're screwed you know” Hoseok stated with a worried look.

“You're just thinking too much it'll be fine” Yoongi said patting him on the shoulder (SOPE) “Were here” Namjoon said turning around in his seat.

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

FLASHBACK

“Ding!” everyone's phone went off at the same time making them look to each other.

“You’ve been invited to the systems 500th anniversary in district 0. Be sure to dress sharp and be ready to have some fun as the boy group BTS will be making an appearance” -S Delivered

Jungkook groaned “why do we have to perform again at a stupid party”

Namjoon flew a pillow at his face and said excitedly “guys! This is our chance we have to go”

“I mean not that we really have a choice” Yoongi said laying on the floor trying to sleep.

“True” Namjoon said. “But i don't know when else we’ll get invited into district 0 so we have to do it”

“Im in” Jimin said

“Me too” Tae said sitting up

“Anyone else ?” Namjoon asked looking around getting nods from everyone

“Alright it's decided then we're going to district 0” namjoon stated putting his hands together

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

PRESENT

“Everyone is good right this is the only chance we get to pass into district 0” Namjoon said looking a bit nervous.

“All we have to do is arrive look handsome as hell, do our performance and then sneak out using jins truck in the tunnel” Jimin said smiling while slicking his hair back.

“Can we mess with some representatives while we're leaving” Jungkook asked smirking.

“I mean if we're gonna leave might as well make it memorable” Namjoon said laughing a little.

“Fuck them and their fancy cars I’m gonna take juice from the party” Hoseok said imitating throwing juice on a car.

“Weird threat but.  sounds simple enough” Yoongi said fixing his hair. Jin nodded in agreement

“that's what happens when you put boys like us together in the same place” Jungkook said smiling putting his hands on his head.

“We’ll be free after this” Jin said sighing in relief

“Guys do I have anything in my teeth ?” Tae said while making a weird face.

“No come on let's just go” Jungkook said closing Tae’s mouth

“Once we step out just act like were the hottest boys out there” Hoseok said while blowing a kiss towards everyone.

“We are” jin said smirking while he opened the door to flashing cameras.

Video au starts with them at their school

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8HrfK5rNsQ 

[middayreads-blog]

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

Warning: This review contains major spoilers!!!

Someone hold me. I might hyperventilate any minute now.

I’ve just finished reading my most anticipated book this 2018 and I can’t contain my feels. It’s overflowing. I honestly don’t know how to manage all these influx of emotions. Please don’t expect me to have this talk in chronological order since I’m still at the verge of gathering my thoughts and calming myself all at the same time. I really love the ACOTAR series and doing this review won’t even justify the enormity of my love for Maas, the courts, the story, the characters, the world and everything about this series!

First of all, let’s talk about the Winter Solstice. OH MY GOD. Such a wonderful holiday to experience. The Winter Court celebrates it because, of course, to simply put it, they are the Winter Court. But the Night Court celebrates it because its the longest night of the year. Imagine a feast where faes of all kinds gather together to drink, dance and have fun. The decorations mentioned in the book are magnificent, too. My imagination was filled with sparks and colors I couldn’t even give the names of. Winter Solstice is also Feyre’s 21st birthday, so, you can’t picture how happy I was to see Feyre celebrating her birthday in their home-- Velaris-- along with her family- Rhysand, the Inner Circle, Nesta and Elain.

I was enthralled, too, by their exchanging of gifts during the Solstice, awed by the things they bought for each other. Just seeing them dining in one table, having a fine dinner, laughing, being careless and having fun lightened up my mood and made my heart swell with love. 

Also, the Tradition! It’s so cute! At first, I was kinda worried since okay, another tradition, who’s gonna go home covered in blood this time? But little did I know that the said tradition was the most adorable! It’s a snowball fight; Rhysand, Azriel and Cassian have been doing it since they were children and up until now that they are already on their 500th. Isn’t it the cutest?

There may have been another war that’s about to begin in the next books- about the Illyrian warriors and all that stuff. But can we just skip that in this review? I want this talk to be as light as possible. Hee hee.

Okay, now, let’s talk about the multiple POVs. I repeat, multiple POVs! This is not a drill. 

I love how we finally got the chance to see Cassian & Morrigan’s point of view. But I find it a little unfair that Azriel and Amren are left behind, same goes with Elain. You might deem this a bit weird but I somehow craved for a Tamlin or Lucien POV, just to check on what they truly feel about the other characters. I was slightly curious about Tamlin’s real emotions towards Feyre and Rhysand. But I guess that’s the beauty of not knowing, we are left thinking about its vast possibilities. 

So, Cassian. My sympathy goes to the toxicity of his past as an Illyrian warrior and his torturous training with Azriel and Rhysand as they were growing up. I don’t want to pity him or them but considering the fact that their loved ones were killed in the most inhumane (I know, they are immortals but you get the gist) possible way, then you can’t blame me for sympathizing them. Anyway, I love how we get to see a glimpse of their past, especially Cassian because if you know me, then you’ll know how I adore him so much! My poor Illyrian baby.

I have so many things I want to talk about. It’s seriously already jumbling in my head. I’m sorry. Hahahaha.

Going back, I want to talk about Azriel, Elain and Lucien. Alright, so I have to admit that I’m a little bit fond of love triangle relationships. I mean, come on, aren’t we all are? Or even if not, I have to admit that it’s my guilty pleasure. Maas didn’t subtly shove their love triangle in our faces but knowing Azriel? The quiet, almost stone-hearted male who rarely shows his emotions? It is pretty obvious that he is slowly falling in love with Elain. I am really interested on how their story will go since Elain is mated to Lucien in the first place.

With Rhysand, Feyre and Tamlin, it never felt like a love triangle. Feyre being with Tamlin at the first installment of the series felt forced, so I never saw it as a genuine love story, not until Rhysand came, of course. But with Azriel, Elain and Lucien? I don’t know, I was kinda torn between the two good males. 

About Nesta, though. I was not impressed by how she acts. I still couldn’t comprehend the way she treats people around her. Okay, I get it, she doesn’t want to be a Fae and all that whatnot. But considering other people’s feelings or at least respecting them won’t hurt, right? Nesta won’t, she never wanted and never will. She is determined to hate the fact that she was Made. Nesta treats Cassian like a trash, despite him being all out about his adoration for her, and for that, I will never forgive her. I’m not gonna ship them. I don’t want to. Unless Nesta will have a change of heart. I know, I’m unfair, but she’s a fucking pain in everyone’s asses. So, yeah.

I had so many moments were I was completely swooning over FeySand. The kind of love story they have, that’s the one you would want to have in the future. Rhysand loves Feyre so much he would bow to nothing and no one but her. He is even willing to lose his crown-- everything he has-- just for Feyre. Rhysand loves her so much my heart ached. It was wonderful.

I was shocked by Rhysand’s revelation to Feyre that all the breath-taking dresses he gave to her was made by his mother who was a weaver.

“Long ago, when I was still a boy, she made them-- all your gowns. A trousseau for my future bride. Every piece ... Every piece I have ever given you to wear, she made them. For you.” --Rhysand

I lost it there. I was trying to hold back the burning in my eyes, not knowing that the tears were already falling. I was crying like a legit baby. I never knew this kind of love existed, not until I witnessed this perfect love the two have. 

My sob went harder when Feyre asks Rhysand to finally have a baby and in return, Rhysand gave her a whole estate, by the river side, over looking the Rainbow. With lots of room for her to design; office, art studio and even a nursery room for their future babies. I’m crying.

I know, I’ve said it before, I don’t want a pregnant Feyre, they’re not ready, but Rhysand’s reaction to that made my heart melt and my knees wobbly. I was like a hen acting like a proud mother to her little chicks. I swear, I’m not exaggerating things. I sobbed harder than I thought I would.

But that didn’t stop there. Aha, this all Maas’ fault. She wanted us to feel this way; jealous but at the same time happy for the both of them. When Feyre asks Rhysand if he could change the eye tattoos on her palms into the Night Court insignia-- the high mountain with three stars that frame at its uppermost peak-- that’s when I knew that they will last forever. No turning back. Stars Eternal and Night Triumphant.

I think it’s pretty clear now that this series holds a special place in my heart.

I’ve held every characters so close to me and I know that they have already made an impact in my life.

Some may say it’s just fiction. But to me, they’re more than that. 

To me, they are family.

So I leaned into him, into that unfailing strength, and said down the bond, You make me so very happy. My life is happy, and I will never stop being grateful that you are in it. 

I looked up to find him not at all ashamed to have tears slipping down his cheeks in public. I brushed a few away before the chill wind could freeze them, and Rhys whispered in my ear, “I will never stop being grateful to have you in my life, either, Feyre darling. And no matter what lies ahead”—a small, joyous smile at that—“we will face it together. Enjoy every moment of it together.” 

I leaned into him again, his arm tightening around my shoulders. Around the top of the arm inked with the tattoo we both bore, the promise between us. To never part, not until the end. 

And even after that. 

I love you, I said down the bond. 

What’s not to love? 

Before I could elbow him, Rhys kissed me again, breathless and swift. To the stars who listen, Feyre. 

I brushed a hand over his cheek to wipe away the last of his tears, his skin warm and soft, and we turned down the street that would lead us home. Toward our future—and all that waited within it. 

To the dreams that are answered, Rhys.

Rating: 5/5 stars

[seliasaihcsalavatufa-blog]

Big Interview with Igor Grigorenko. February 15, 2017.

Igor Grigorenko, the current captain of Salavat Yulaev, gave a big interview to a KHL journalist Vladimir Bakulin. The interview was given on February 14 just before the game, so something may not be up-to-date, because HCSalavat has already won the Green Derby (3:1). Grigorenko gives interviews very rarely, and this one is big, so we must appreciate Igor's openness in such a hard situation. I've provided you with the translation of the whole interview.

Igor Grigorenko: Salavat is on thin ice. Everything's in our hands.

The captain of Salavat Yulaev in an interview for KHL - about Salavat's hardest situation, about a meeting with Ufa fans at the airport, about the 500th game in KHL, about time with Aleksander Radulov, about off-hockey live and all the rest.

"Well we're not a boy and a girl with Radulov to miss each other" - The game against CSKA became your 500th in KHL, did you know? - Frankly speaking, I didn't. Our press-attache told me about that before the game. Of course it's a bright spot for me, I played so many games. - Did you follow your statistics until this moment? - No, I never follow stats. - Which season do you consider the most successful for yourself? - Of course, I remember that season in Ufa, when we won the Gagarin Cup. This is the most memorable event. Probably it's about everybody: if you win something, then it's the best year. - What about the time in CSKA? - I have pleasant memories of that time. The results were good. Positive time. - Right in CSKA two years ago you had the most successful season in the sense of goal production. - Again I'll tell that it was excellent time for me. We played with Aleksander Radulov then, we got it right. In the sense of mutual understanding: both in Ufa and in CSKA. We spent a lot of time with him. That season was really memorable. Especially the play-offs, when we led 3:0 over SKA, and then we lost that series... - Do you miss the line with Aleksander Radulov? - Well, do I miss? Well we're not a boy and a girl with Radulov to miss each other. (Laughs). We played - yes, we did great. Unfortunately, now is the time when I play in one team, he does in another. So goes the sports life. - Is Radulov the best playmaker you've ever played with? - I don't want to single out players - who's better, who's worse. I'll say that Sasha (Radulov) is a strong player, everybody knows that. - Was it easy to get on with him as a person? He's got nasty temper after all... - For me it was always easy with him. Starting with the time when he joined Ufa. (Smiles). - How did you take Radulov's decision to try himself in NHL again? Do you keep in contact? - Of course, we call each other. Regarding Sasha's move - that's what he wanted. He wanted - he got it. He went to NHL to try himself again. I follow his perfomance in Montreal. As far as I know he's recently even scored a goal. Good job! Let him do his best, I wish him to win the Stanley Cup! Let's be happy for him. - Just recently KHL All Star Game has taken place in Ufa. Did you go there? - Yes, I did. Everything was organized seriously. We met with the guys who took part in it, everybody liked it,  everything was great. Probably it was the best All Star Game that's been ever held. - The next season is the 10th for KHL. Has the League developed during this time? - The League has been developing every year, there are some changes in rules and in other stuff. It seems everything started just now, but so many things were made. Good job!

“Kaprizov is not the leader of Salavat? He scores goals right when we need them" - Almost two months have passed after you recovered from an injury. Have you already got in shape? - I'm still getting. There was a break in KHL, enforced work-outs. I'm getting the shape that you need in play-offs. Though now is such a situation that we're still not in play-offs, we didn't guarantee a place in it. - After an injury you have a hard time scoring goals. What's the reason? - I don't know. Probably I haven't recovered completely. - In the current season you haven't been invited to Team Russia. Do you aim at it? - Every player aims at playing in Team Russia. Unfortunately, I'm having such a season, a lot of injuries, and there's nothing to be done...Again so goes the hockey world: today you're playing, then you get an injury and you can do nothing about it. You have to spend a lot of time to recover. - This season a whole epidemy of injuries has caught Salavat up, you can even open your own hospital. What do you think is the reason: defects in pre-season preparations or simple accidents? - Can't say anything about the pre-season, because I didn't attend it due to an injury. As for injuries and the reasons...I don't know. But we really have a lot. - How does the team feel physically in general? - We work out on the physics. Normally. Everybody understands his role in the team. Now we have two games to play before the play-offs and we must win them. All the boys are getting in the necessary shape for the games. - Now Linus Omark has not so very succesful time. Did the story about the spoilt holiday influence him? He didn't take part in the All Star Game, then he got injured... - I don't think it could somehow influence him. All the people, including hockey players, cannot always be in the same shape: someone has his downs. I think he's tired a bit. And this injury...Now he'll recover, gain strength and everything wil be alright. - How are you going to make out without him? After all Omark is the key player of Salavat, the leader of attacks... - I've already told in some interview that our team is a true team. We worry about the injured boys as well as about him. - This season Kirill Kaprizov has hit another level. How could he make so much progress? A young boy - 19 y. o., but he plays excellent in the club, in young and national team Russia. - Well, look at how we started out careers. We played when we were even younger, in our 19-20s we were already accomplished players. Yes, he's a young boy, but he pursues his aims. He works a lot, he strives, he listens out and does what the coaches ask him. He's got a good shot, he's smart. That's the reason he plays like that. - Is Kaprizov taken as a leader in Salavat Yulaev? - Of course. Kaprizov is not the leader of Salavat? He scores goals right when we need them. We sure understand that he's young. But everything is about that in such age he's already a player of the main team. No leeways. - There are such cases when players of 19-20 y.o. throw a lead and then leave the hockey horizon... Even if we remember your team of 1983: not everybody drew out, as many forecasted. Do you agree? - In some sense, yes. But the most of that boys still play, and regarding the players who hasn't drawn out - so goes the career. Our team was really strong. Many players sparkled. And even if someone couldn't play on the highest level, they play in VHL.

"We don't understand what is happening with Salavat, why we lose" - Let's talk about the current state of Salavat: the losing streak counts 9 games. It's the situation when the experts shrug their shoulders and say: "We don't know what's with Ufa". What is the reason of failed season in your opinion? - I've told many times about it. We the players, constantly meet and discuss it. How come that we are leading 3:1 in the 3rd period and then lose the game?! I don't understand it. I think this is not about physical, but psychological state. There came diffidence. It comes one after another, we lose each game after another. I think after a break in the regular season, everything will be alright. - And when did this diffidence come? - I don't know at all. So many injuries, everything imposes on one another... It's hard to tell, when this moment has come. - What is being done in the team in order to stop this bad luck? - We constantly make meetings. We constantly talk to each other to huddle together, in order to be stronger, be the united body, to be one fist. And more positive thinking, than negative. - Heavy criticism went on the goalies: including Niklas Svedberg. Is this criticism fair? - This question is not for me. I'll just say that we are one team. And the goalie has got nothing to do with it. Yes, he concedes some goals, but the skaters also don't shrugg off responsibility. If it goes on him, then it goes on us as well. That means we don't make him play confident. Our every player is interdependent: if one made a mistake, the other makes that too. And this chain of diffidence transferres to everybody. - What does the team lack at defending own net? Salavat concedes a lot, many at a time, even fails separate parts of the games. - Probably everyone should get in his head. We may play well the whole part, the 1st period, and just fail the 2nd. This is more about psychology. - Has the club management already talked to the team about the losing streak? - They came, talked. We have a heavy situation. We are really on thin ice, we can miss the play-offs. Everything is in our hands.

"The thought of Salavat missing the play-offs? We try to shake it off. We're thinking positively" - What is the psychological situation in the team? Are there mutual allegations? - No. On the contrary, we huddled together in order to be the united body. We talk only positively. - How does Igor Zakharkin react on the losses? - I think the same as us. On top of all of that, he's the responsibility for the team. It doesn't come cheap for him. I understand him, but he's with us, he also says that we should the one united body and gain strength from each other. - Zakhar Arzamastsev in an interview said that Igor Zakharkin is a gentle and democratical coach, but still sometimes buckets fly all around the locker room. Does it happen more often now? - No, I would say so. In any case, he shouts sometimes. This is normal work situation. - Do the rumours about the coach shift on the eve of the play-offs get on the team's nerves? Someone even named the specific candidate - Canadian specialist Mike Keenan. - We don't read the press. - You are the captain of Salavat Yulaev. Has Zakharkin talked to about the situation in the team? - We talk, but again it's not for the press. It's our inner workings, we keep it in. This information doesn't go anywhere, it's only in the team. - Now do you feel more responsibility as the captain? - Of course, I feel. When you need to talk, get the idea across the players. - Zakharkin has recently made a decision to talk to the fans who waited at the airport. How did you take it? - It's not Zakharkin, it's us all together, the whole team made that decision. We talked to the fans, it's a normal situation. Their position can be understood: they worry about us. - Do you allow the thought of Salavat may not make it to play-offs? - We try to shake it off. Now we have only 7th games of play-offs: 2 games which we must win. The result depends on us and we are getting ready for these games and striving. I'm sure everything will be alright. - Do the losses leave traces on off-hockey life? - Of course! Fans, everybody discuss it, friends call and ask the reasons. Our fans came to the airport, even one fan came to my house - we also talked. What can I say? The situation is as in life: not everything goes smooth in life. There are moments when everything's good or bad. You have to cope with that and work on it. Remedy the situation and that's it. - Do you have confidence that things will straighten out in play-offs? - We'll hope so and strive to make it happen.

"I wouldn't say that something changed after the car accident. Just became a bit older" - Which coach was the most comfortable to work with in your whole playing career? - I was comfortable with each. I'm not like that: comfortable with one, not with the other. We have contracts, we perform them. - Do you plan to become a coach in future? - The life will show. I don't want to guess at the future. - Many hockey-lovers still remember that terrible car accident in Togliatti, which happened to you in 2003. That period wasn't easy for you. How do you feel about that time? - I've alrady forgotten all of that. Let bygones be bygones, you have to live further. - Does your heart miss a bit when you drive near that place? - No. - Did something change in you, in your attitude to life, in your principles after you spent 14 days in coma? Between life and... - I wouldn't say changed. I simply started to be more careful at some moments. Just became a bit older. (Smiles). - The golden youth of 2003 is very friendly. With whom do you still communicate? - With Ilya Kovalchuk, Maksim Kondratyev, Andrei Taratukhin, Akeksander Perezhogin. I have normal relations with all of the boys. - What or who is on the 1st place in your life? - Family is on the 1st place. - If you choose between Togliatti and Ufa, which is the dearest and nearest? - As I live in Ufa, my wife and the children's hometown is Ufa, I think Ufa is my hometown too: I have an apartment here, a house. I don't forget Togliatti too, I was born there. brought up, my mother lives there. Everything dearest. In general I think it's bad to choose. - What is Igor Grigorenko fond of in life? - I try to spend more time with the family. As much as I can. We have holidays together, but I don't have a hobby. - Do you feel insulted by CSKA when you left the club in 2015? - What is the sense in feeling insulted? So goes the hockey career: today you are here, tomorrow elsewhere. No one knows where we are going to be the next year. - Talking about the future, your contract with Salavat Yulaev expires in April. Have you thought about the future and how much will the decision depend on whether the team makes it to play-offs or not? - Now I don't think about it at all. I think only of how we can get into play-offs, the rest will be later, in April.

Source:http://www.khl.ru/news/2017/02/14/339134.html All the photos are taken from the KHL official site and HCSalavat's official VK Public page: https://vk.com/hcsalavat From myself I will add that in the Green Derby Igor Grigorenko played the crucial role. He was The Captain who led the team on ice and scored probably the most important goal in this regular season.