#and I need to get second one cause right now I only have 6 cups

[misfits-den]

Recently I've realized that I can make mini apple pies using the muffin tray. Like, make a big ball of dough, grate two apples, stuff the dough in the muffin cups, and tada 8 mini pies + leftover dough for freezing to use in a week.

So I made some today, and took a few too give to my mom, since we're the only ones here who like apple pies, and so we rarely eat it because it's too much work for just two people.

Mom: Do you want apples?

Me: No?

Mom: If I give you apples, will you make me more?

Me: ... Sure.

[smiths-fan--13]

the spicy Croatian makes me daydream about her while I’m studying

ooo wait i love this request, thanks anon!

a/n: i am not american and therefore have no idea of dorm situations or any of that so i apologise if anything is wrong or doesn't make sense. please feel free to correct me!

sorry this took so long btw, my two week holidays just ended your girl is struggling.

____________________________________________________

It's finals week, and I've never been so worn out in my life. It's currently 9pm and I'm in my dorm- sprawled out across my bed with text books clutched, music blaring. Empty coffee cups litter my bedside table, making one hell of a mess. Whatever, I'll clean it tomorrow. Or Thursday. Or never.

My phone pings from underneath me, pulling me from my thoughts. I make a quick move to grab it, flushing when I see who it is.

Nika: Hey ma, u busy tomorrow night?

My head spins when I read over her words, a thousand butterflies erupting throughout me as I type out my message.

Me: Uh not that I know of.. why?

Her reply comes almost instantly.

Nika: Good, me and the girls are going out, you're coming with.

Me: Nika that's not a good idea. Need I remind you what happened last time we got drunk?

Nika: Dijete, it will happen whether we are drunk or not. Be ready by 6 tomorrow, I'm picking u up.

A second text shoots through a moment later.

Nika: In fact, I hope it happens again, I miss your pretty pussy. Wear that sexy little red dress I love so much.

Oh, I'm fucked.

Her third text wakes me right up.

Nika: Please baby, for me.

Me: Done.

Nika: That's my good girl.

I heart her message and shut my phone off, tossing it somewhere on my bed as I groan and throw myself into my pillows. Suddenly, studying seems to be the last thing on my mind.

My thoughts flash with images of Nika pressed against me. In the shower, on my bed, against her locker, in the bar toilets, the backseat of her car...

I close my eyes in agony as I try to fight off the familiar feeling- the warmth spreading over my body.

There was no use. That spicy Croatian had gotten under my skin, and in no time at all.

I let my hands wander as I thought back to our last bar trip with her friends...

My body glistened with a light sheen of sweat as I danced on the packed club floor. I stood alone, moving to the beat of the music as I let the alcohol take over me. I felt hands grip my hips, though I didn't bother turning around to see who they belonged to. I moved my body to the rhythm of theirs, grinding against them. It was only when I felt the person's hot breath and lips on my neck did I turn around. Oh, ew. Behind me was a man who looked barely 5'6, wearing a sleazy look on his face, his lips turned into a toe curling grin.

"Hey sexy, why don't you let me take you home?" He asked me.

"Gross," I shoved him off of me, stumbling lightly. "Get off of me."

The man looked at me confused and somewhat angry, like my denying his request had ruined his night. He reached out and gripped my wrist, pulling me closer.

"C'mon baby, don't be shy. It ain't far from here," he slurred out.

"I said no, now let go of me!" I raised my voice slightly, causing a few people around us to look at what was happening, though nobody helped me.

"She said let go of her," a voice boomed.

In seconds, the man was ripped away from me. The flashing lights made me unable to see who it was, though the accent and volume of her voice was enough.

"Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean any trouble. I didn't know she was your girl. It won't happen again, s-swear," the man stuttered out.

"Damn fucking right it won't," Nika growled. "Get the fuck outta here"

He stumbled away as bystanders turned back to their conversations, no longer interested. I felt warm hands grip my waist, though this time, her scent followed her, lingering in the air. I was quickly spun around, coming face to face with Nika's 5'11 frame. I looked up at her face, meeting her eyes.

"Princeza, are you okay? What happened? Why didn't you yell out? Or call me? Or tex-" Nika's questions came at a rapid speed, too incredibly fast for my intoxicated brain to understand.

"I'm fine," I interrupted. "Just another guy who won't take no for an answer," I grumbled.

"Are you sure? I can take you back to your dorm if you want. I'll go grab the keys and-"

"Nika. I'm fine. Please. Leave it alone." I say, gripping her chin softly.

Her eyes half close in defeat- she knew I'd be fine.

"Yeah, okay.." she mumbled.

I smiled triumphantly as a new song began playing. I quickly grabbed the Croatian's hand as I lead her further onto the dance floor. I tossed my arms into the air as she threw her head back laughing. And we danced for what felt like an eternity.

Leaving the club always seemed to be the most exciting part of the night- everyone was buzzed, laughing, taking photos and stumbling down the sidewalk. Nika's hand clutched mine as we walked behind our friends, chuckling occasionally at their comments and jokes.

"Hey" her shoulder nudged mine.

"Hey" I responded, nudging her back, swaying slightly.

"Why don't you let me drive you back? The girls are doing the rounds anyways- it'll take forever to drop everyone off." the sober girl offered.

Trust Nika to be the only one of us who drank water all night...

"Okay," I agreed.

"Alright, let me tell the girls," Nika replied, wrapping her jacket around my shoulders before racing to the other girls. I stood in place as I watched her with a smile on my face.

She said something to the girls that I couldn't hear, before racing back towards me. She grabbed my hand softly and turned us around, walking us in the other direction towards her car. A comfortable silence settled between us as we fell into a perfect sync.

We got to the car quickly, Nika opening my door for me with a smile on her face.

"Ladies first" I laughed at her words as I got in, quickly followed by her, right before she pulled out into the busy night traffic.

I softly hummed to the music playing on the radio, feeling content. Nika pulled up to the dorms, jumping out of the car to open my door again. I giggled as she held out her hand for me to hold. In all my awkwardness, I just about fell over. Her other hand reached out to steady me, landing on my waist. My giggles died down as I noticed our proximity, the closeness of our faces, the height difference. Our eyes locked and the world fell silent. It was just us.

Nika ripped her hands from me as I cleared my throat.

"Let's get you inside, hey?" she smiled at me.

I nodded as she locked the car.

The elevator pings as we wait. The doors open and we step inside.

"Which floor?" Nika mumbled.

"8" I replied.

She presses the button and the doors close, once again sheltering us with an awkward vibe. I looked over at her, admiring her side profile. Her sharp, defined jaw, her long lashes, perfectly shaped nose, beautiful hair. Fuck, she was really stunning.

My breath hitched as I watched her, prompting a glance in my direction.

"You good?" the Croatian asked.

"Uh, yeah. I just- yeah, no, I'm fine" I breathed out.

Nika turned her body to face my own, her head tilting as she stepped closer.

"Are you sure? You look awfully flushed." she smirks.

"Yeah, it's probably just the alcohol."

"Ma, you had 2 drinks. You're barely buzzed."

I watch her intently before ducking my head at her words.

"What are you thinking right now?" she says.

"Nothing" I grumble.

A low laugh escapes her throat, the sound making a beeline for my core.

God, I needed to get a grip.

"You sure have a lot to say for someone who didn't drink the entire night." I say.

Nika shrugs.

"Someone needed to take you home"

"Didn't need to be you" my eyes snap to hers. "You wanted to bring me home."

She fucking smirks. Again.

"You're right angel" One step closer. "I did want to bring you home. I wante-"

Her voice is cut off by the sound of the elevator bringing us to my floor. I quickly step away from her, putting distance between us as I exited through the elevator doors.

Nika followed quickly behind me, finding me standing at my door, fumbling to find my key.

"I'm home safe, you can leave now" I huff out, searching my bag.

Nika freezes.

My eyes meet hers.

"At least let me get you inside" she bargains.

"Fine, whatever." I agree, too desperate for my key to care.

I sigh in anger, looking at Nika again as she stood, leaned up against the wall, watching me. I throw my bag at her, a silent plea to find what I'm looking for.

She smirks as she catches the bag, almost immediately finding my key. Of course. I snatch it and open the door, walking in without waiting.

Nika follows behind me quickly, shutting my door and setting down my bag on the counter. I flop down on the couch, pulling the throw blanket on top of me.

"Uh, yeah, no. Get up" I hear.

"What?"

"Makeup. Hair. Outfit. Shoes. You're not sleeping like that."

I scoff as she pulls the blanket off of me and drags me to a sitting up position.

"Whatever" I cross my arms.

I watched in surprise as Nika Mühl herself kneeled in front of me.

"What are y-you doing?" I rushed out.

"Relax princess" She looked up at me. "I'm just taking your shoes off"

I relaxed at her words and soft touch. She took my heel off, quickly massaging my foot, pulling a moan from me at the pleasing feeling.

Her movements freeze and I look down in confusion, only to find her watching me with dark eyes.

"You like that?" she asked with a smirk.

My breath hitched softly as I watched her with my mouth slightly open. I nodded slowly as she watched me. She simply raised an eyebrow at me.

"Words, ma" she growled out.

"Yes, I liked that"

She chuckled at my statement, before taking off my other heel, completing the same action again. Her fingers danced up my shin, her eyes flicking to mine. She pulled away as she stood, holding her hands out to me again. I took them as she gently pulled me from my sitting position. Our eyes locked as I pulled her to my bedroom, flicking the light on as I walked into the bathroom, grabbing my makeup remover wipes quickly.

"Uh uh. Sit" Nika appeared behind me in the mirror, instructing me to sit on the counter. I obliged, too tired to argue. I parted my knees, giving her somewhere to stand to take off my makeup, though she smirked at the sight.

"Get on with it, Mühl" I groaned, rolling my eyes.

She gripped my chin as she gently wiped the makeup wipe down my cheek, the cold feeling shocking me.

"Close your eyes" She whispered. So I did.

The cool wipe covered my eyes, taking any and all makeup with it.

When she was done, she didn't make an effort to move from between my legs. I opened my eyes and looked up at her.

She tucked a hair behind my ear as she pulled me off the counter, grabbing my hairbrush and spinning me around. I gasped in shock, before our eyes met again in the mirror. She collected my hair and began softly brushing the ends, before all of it together.

She finished just as my eyes drifted shut, my brain and body on the verge of sleep. She softly blew on the back of my neck, jolting my eyes open.

I shake my head at her jokingly as I walk back into my room, finding my pjs on my bed from this morning. I grab them and start to unzip my dress, before noticing Nika watching me through the body length mirror in my room. I speak without our eyes meeting.

"You gonna help me, or just stand there?"

a/n: hey guys! i know it's not part 2 of my original fic but it's something. i've had the WORST writer's block lately it's killing me omg.

anyways lmk what you guys think! part 2?

also I think I alternated between past and present tense, oops!

[birdkatze]

"But werewolves aren't real?" || werewolf! 141 x werewolf! reader Part 6

Future pairings = poly 141 x reader

Chapter pairings = everyone but Ghost/reader

Words = 1.2k

[Chapter 5] --- [Chapter 7]

Summery: After moving out of the big city and into the forest, you meet some men that might have some awners about whats been causing your pain.

Explicit under the cut

“I did not listen to you Gaz and because of that, Duck, you got hurt.” Price sat on the floor looking genuine.

Gaz sighs before standing over Price and cupping his jaw with both his hands. With his thumb he opens Price’s jaw and spits in it “You are forgiven…You need to listen to me. I'm an omega and have a different perspective than you knotheads.”

Price remained in the kneeling position and looked up at Gaz with adoration and understanding. “I understand now, I am truly sorry for everything.” A soft smell filled the area causing you to sneeze.

“Laying it on thick aren’t ya Cap’” Soap teased gently, “Even the nose blind puppy can smell it..”

“I’m notta puppy!” Huffing you tilt your head to look up at Soap, “I’m 60!”

“Not even that old puppy” Soap teased “Guess how old we are..”

“Um I feel like this is a trick question..” thinking for a second “Price is 100, You are 30, Gaz is 32, and um Ghost is 80..?”

“Not even close puppy..” Price gave you a teasing look. “I’m 800ish, Soap is 67, Gaz is 600ish, and Ghost is 720ish years old..”

“Nu uh no wayyyyy” You look at the men flabbergasted.

“Don’t fret you're not the only puppy, Soap is too” Price gave you a smirk and Soap rolled his eyes.

“Okay, okay you three..” Gaz sighed and turned around so he was looking at you “we need to sort out your heat.”

“Oh yeah...” You nod, still curled up In Soap’s lap feeling so safe and comfortable. “What does that look like, um, I kinda got the gist? I just get really horny right?”

“More or less,” Gaz started to pace as he started explaining “It comes in waves, so first you’ll get really hungry, thirsty, clingy, very sleepy and in that stage you’ll put on some weight which isn't a bad thing. Then you’ll want to nest and then you'll sleep. You could get really horny or you could just be very clingy and sleepy.” Pausing in front of you and Soap Gaz gave you a soft look “It’s different for everyone duck…”

“Oh alright…when will that happen?”

“Once your cycle figures itself out then it’ll be twice a year.” Gaz sat back down on the couch sighing. “They rut 6 times a year, which can be rough at times…”

“Duck,” Price looked at you gently, standing up he ruffled Soap’s already messy mohawk. “We will help out since it’s dangerous to go through a heat alone…and please understand we will go at your pace.” 

Kissing your temple Soap huffed as Price ruffled his hair. “However,” Soap started “before heat starts and before it gets to yer’ brain we need to ken if we can help you sexually if needed..”

“I can’t do one night stands” You look at the three men quietly “I get too attached, but if you guys are gonna stay then I wouldn’t mind...”

“Duck, you aren’t getting rid of us unless you want us gone…” Gaz smiled, leaning over to lick your jaw.

“Gaz! You licked me!” You cringe a bit, unused to the custom.

Soap joined in, licking your neck. “Best get used to it, duck!”

“You're supposed to kiss on the lips.” You grumble half heartedly.

“Okay, okay duck come here.” Gaz pulled you into his arms smiling “Can I give ya a kiss?”

Nodding as Gaz pulls you into a gentle and chaste kiss. If felt like molton love pressing onto your lips. As Gaz pulls away you chase his lips. You sigh happily.

“That's what you are supposed to do..”

“Oh yeah?” Soap looked at you mischievously. “Like this?”

Soap pressed his lips to your mouth, he was an amazing kisser. He felt much more wild with his kiss. Soap then licked a stripe up your cheek. You push him off playfully. “Was that good duckie?”

“Alright you pups, lettem’ go.” Price gently scruffles the two men, looking at them with fond exasperation. “Gaz, If you are alright with it, in the next hour or so could you go talk to Simon? Me and Soap will keep an eye on duck, maybe take them into town to get them some nesting supplies…?”

Gaz nodded, looking a bit frustrated. “Simon needs to pull his head out of his ass..”

“Is Simon, Ghost?” You ask, looking between the men confused.

Leaning close to your ear, Soap’s breath fanned over your neck making you squirm a bit from the sensitivity “yup..” then he licked your neck again causing you to squeal.

“Soap!” 

Pulling you both apart Gaz kissed the cheeks of you and Soap before pulling away to kiss Price on the cheek. “I’ll be back, I gotta knock some sense into that big wanker.” Gaz then left out the sliding glass door running back into the forest.

Soap took the distraction to flip you both so he was laying on top of you on the couch. He buried his face in the crook of your neck “You smell so good duckie..” sighing he melted against you “could do for a kip”

You and Soap laid comfortably on the couch for about 45 minutes before Price loomed over you both.

“Soap” Price rumbled, gently running his hands down both of your backs. “We need to get some things for their heat, and for duck’s den…”

Soap made a grumpy noise, wrapping his arms around you. “ah ken but-”

“Soa-”

“You could nap in my bed while me and Price go out?”

“But it wouldnae be warmmmmm.” Pouting, Soap made a sad noise as he snuggled against you more.

“I have a heated blanket?”

“A what?” Sitting up, Soap manhandled you into his lap again. He looked incredibly intrigued. 

A spark of arousal lit through and before shaking it off you hum “It’s an electric blanket that has settings and stays fairly warm..” You look at Soap kindly “It used to help a bit when I had the implant in my arm..”

“Ooo” rubbing his eyes, Soap looked interested. “Would be nice..I’m always cold..”

Climbing out of his lap, you stand ready to get Soap into bed.

“You can do that or you can come help get some good treats for duck..” Price murmured slyly. “If not I’m sure me and duck can find 'em well enough, yeah?”

A conflicted look decorated Soap’s face, he did look exhausted and like he needed a nap but he really wanted to help.

Picking up on Soap’s exhaustion “Me and duck’ll wait on groceries so you can nap okay?” Price looked at Soap softly. In a fluid moment Price picked Soap up and brought him up to your room with you trailing close behind.

As soon as he was set on the bed and covered up with the blanket Soap was dead to the world, softly snoring as he fell asleep on his side.

“Alright duck, get dressed.” Patting your shoulder, Price walked down stairs. 

You bush, remembering you were only wearing a thin robe. Quickly and quietly you toss on some comfy clothes and walk down stairs. Price was sitting at your kitchen table scrolling on his phone.

“Ready, duck?” 

“”Yessir” 

[allinestarr]

Competitive Part 6

Alec Lightwood x Fem reader!

Summary: After Y/n’s parents died during a hunt the Lightwoods took her in. Izzy and Y/n were inseparable so it was no surprise they became Parabatai. Now Alec and Y/n that was a different story. They hated each other and constantly competed to be the best. One day Y/n takes it to far and there was no turning back.

Tw: Violence, Angst

Masterlist | Next chapter

You watched in horror as Valentine held the mortal cup triumphantly in the air while your friends dead bodies surrounded you. A sharp pain from behind had you fall to your knees and when you looked up, Maziken was smirking down at you. Your vision blurred and you struggled to stay conscious as he kneeled down and whispered into your ear, “ I told you I had plans. To bad you won’t be around to see them through.”. You jolted yourself awake and as you tried to get up, you couldn't move. In a panic you looked around just to see you’re in an unfamiliar room but you weren't alone. The figure of a man sitting across the room alarmed you but the smell of cedar and leather confirmed who it was, Alec.

Alec POV- 4 hours ago

She walked past me and her eyes lingered for a couple seconds and it’s like I’ve seen a ghost. Those eyes… I’ve seen them before. But it can’t be...Y/n?. I have to find out. I noticed Izzy’s reaction and knew she felt the same. As soon as she left and we stepped outside I looked at Izzy with the same question in mind.

“ Did you see it?”

Clary and Jace didn’t understand but Izzy did and nodded.

“ What are you guys talking about?” Jace asked.

“ That woman.. there’s something familiar about her.”

Jace and Clary were still confused.

“ You’re right. She’s hiding something. When she shook my hand I felt a weird spark crawl up my arm. I think we should find her and get some answers cause I can’t help the feeling that she knows something about Y/n. This is the first real lead we’ve had in a long time and I’m not letting it slip. Let’s go before we lose sight of her.”

Everyone agreed and we began tracking her down. We lost track of her for a little bit, but caught up when she was about to cross past an alleyway. Izzy ran up to her first and pushed her into the ally.

“I won’t ask again. Who are you!?.”

Before she could answer the strangest thing happened. Her skin glowed and her appearance shifted from this women we’ve never seen, to Y/n. My heart beat so fast and a feeling of relief passed through me. I never realized how her presence affected me and how I’ve actually…missed her. Truth be told, since she’s been gone nothing has been the same. Everything seems more quieter and dull…No!, I can’t do this right now!. Just as she was about to collapse I ran to her side and held her up against me.

“Y/n?” I whispered.

She was unconscious but still held a strong pulse. Now comes the hard part, what do we do?. I looked over to Izzy as she was wiping away tears from her face. Clearing her throat she said,

“ We need to take her to Magnus. He’s the only one who will know what to do.”

A phone call later we were rushing over to Magnus’s place. He said the only way to purge the elixirs from your system is to give a concentrated dose of an antidote he would prepare. The worst part was it would be painful, perhaps even worse then when he searched through your memories. The thought of you in pain made me uneasy, but i knew it was a necessary.

When we finally arrived at Magnus’s he directed me to set you down onto the bed while he secured your arms and legs to the frame. When he double checked you were secure he turned toward us and said,

“ No mater how much she screams, do not intervene.”

As he finished his sentence he brought the syringe to your neck and emptied its contents. We watched in anticipation, but nothing happened.

“ Why didn’t it work?.” Izzy asked.

“ I’m not sure. I followed the recipe just as it was written. I’ll have to console with a fellow warlock friend of mine. Stay here but don’t remove the restraints. We still don’t know how she’ll react once she’s awake. I’ll be back in an little bit.”

Magnus portaled off while Jace and Clary headed back to the institute to not raise any suspicion. Ever since the institute has been attacked and Jace and Clary have been going off unsanctioned to look for her mom, the Clave sent over an envoy to oversee everything. There just waiting for a slip up to take control and that can’t happen. If it does, I don’t know if I can protect my family anymore. Izzy was pretty tired so I told her I’ll keep watch till Magnus comes, so she went off into the living room to take a nap. As I stared at Y/n, I couldn’t help but wonder what she's been up to all this time and why she left in the first place. Suddenly her face scrunched in discomfort and I heard a strangled whine as she jolted up in a panic and looked around until her eyes landed on me.

“ Alec..?.”

Present

You stared at each other for a few seconds as he hesitantly got up and walked up to you keeping a few feet of distance. He looked the same as when you last saw him but there was something different about him.

“ Um… why am I tied down?..”

“ We had to make sure you weren’t going to hurt any of us. Last time we saw you, you did promise to kill us if we got in your way.”

“ Oh… right. Well... you don’t have to worry, Im not going to hurt any of you. Would you please take these off me?.”

“ How do I know your telling the truth?. We know what those elixirs did to you but we don’t know if it’s permanent. Magnus injected you with the antidote but there was no reaction.”

“ First of all, I don’t appreciate being injected with whatever snake juice Magnus concocted while I was unconscious and secondly, I stopped taking those elixirs months ago. So, again, please take these off of me.”

Alec hesitated but agreed and removed the restraints. When he was done I decided to lay a little longer and try to reel myself back in after the nightmare I just had. Alec broke the silence and said,

“ Why?. Why would you leave and not say anything?. Do you know what you put me… I mean us through?. We looked everywhere and this whole time you cloaked yourself."

“ I did what I had to do. I was in deep on Valentines trail. I had to leave, they were catching on to me. I couldn’t let you all be used as collateral against me. I wouldn’t forgive myself if anything happened to any of you. My friend cloaked me so none of you could find me but she still knew where I was in case anything happened. I caught wind of Valentine causing havoc in the institute so I came back.”

Alec tilted your chin up to look at him and held onto your face and your heart skipped a beat as you were frozen in place.

“ You should have told us. This wasn’t your burden to bare alone. We’re a team. I can’t say I accept what you did, but there’s more pressing matters at hand right now. Just…. promise you won’t do it again.”

Unable to speak, you nodded your head. He was still holding onto your face but when Izzy cleared her throat he quickly let go. He excused himself and Izzy took his place next to you. Instead of saying anything she just hugged you.

“ I can’t believe it’s really you. I’ve missed you so much. I’ve felt so lost without you. Please don’t ever leave again!.”

“ I won’t I promise. So I assume you heard everything Alec and I said?.”

“ Yea. I also didn’t miss how you were practically frozen while he held your face. Is there something I should know?” Izzy teased.

I smacked her arm playfully and we laughed. God I missed these moments so much. Magnus walked into the room covered in mud holding up a vial but upon seeing you up looking perfectly fine he shook his head in disbelief.

“ Well I guess I tracked through mountains and ruined my favorite pair of ferragamos for nothing. I’ll be sending you my dry cleaning bill.”

You and Izzy laughed as he walked away saying he was going to take a bath. Eventually Izzy and you left the room to go back to the institute with Alec. Jace and Clary greeted you and while you filled them in, you noticed Alec had walked off at some point. Before you could ask them where he went, he was walking toward you. The closer he got you realized he wasn’t alone. A woman walked up to you and held out her hand as she introduced herself.

“ Hi, I’m Lydia Branwell. The Clave sent me to oversee the institute. I’ve heard a lot about you. We have much to talk about but it’s late, It’s best you rest. I’ll see you in the morning.”

She was charming, that you couldn't deny. But the atmosphere changed once she and Alec walked away so you knew something was up.

" Um, what's going on?."

" Well... she's not just the envoy... She and Alec are engaged."

A sudden tightness washed over your chest and a wave of panic followed. Why were you feeling this way if you and Alec are just friends?. Its not like you ever thought of Alec in that way, but his sudden change toward you had you questioning if there was something there. Either way, you couldn't change the past, only accept the present.

" Well, I hope the best for them. I have to call my friend and let her know I'm back at the institute. Ill see you all in the morning."

You hugged everyone and bid them goodnight. After calling Sookie to catch her up you decided a bath was well needed. When the tub was finally full and warm to your liking, you got in and laid down instantly relaxing. You managed to doze off at some point but was awakened by footsteps in your room. Immediately you were on high alert. You wrapped yourself in a towel and grabbed your knife that was on the sink. Quietly you cracked the door to the bathroom and peeked out. There was someone siting at the edge of your bed.

"Its me."

You instantly knew who it was.

" Alec?. What are you doing here?."

Taglist: @babygirl2022​ @zealouspursecowboydeputy​ @melaniepeep​ @destielshipper88​ @abbiesxox​ @mrs-billyrussooo​

Competitive Masterlist

[heavenlyvision]

Blushing

Word Count: 3.2k

Pairing: Adrian Chase x reader

This is a part two to crushing, you can read that here

A/N: Sorry I abandoned this for over a year, bit embarrassing on my behalf but I have some more time now and I want to try and commit to this. Thank you for reading and again if you have any suggestions don’t hesitate to reach out!

Summary: It's your second day back in Evergreen and you find yourself being abruptly awoken by Adrian Chase. Not only that but after spending the morning with him you find yourself bumping into the infamous vigilante in the evening.

Warnings: 18+ but also not really, swearing, sexual tension? Dialogue heavy sry, also like a tiny bit of angst, like so tiny if you squint, you’ll miss it

You wake up to a rhythmic knocking on your motel room door, without opening your eyes you roll over and pick up your phone. Eyes fighting against the bright screen in the dark room. What’s the time? 6am. 6:00am? Who the hell is knocking at your motel room door at 6:00am in the morning.

Then your sleep addled brain catches up, who else would it be?

Slowly… you get up, slowly and waddle over to the door -tap tap tap- lighter wraps against the door this time, more tentative. He’s probably realising that it’s atrociously early in the morning and people are not usually up at this time, or at least, not accepting visitors. Usually.

Normally being awoken this early would piss you right off – it still kind of does if you’re being honest with yourself – but the promise of seeing Adrian makes you giddy, like you’re in high school all over again and that feeling outweighs the anger over any sleep you may have lost.

“Give me a second!” you call out – pants – you think, you need to put on pants. Scrabbling around the room you locate your sweatpants that were discarded last night before bed.

“Okely dokely” he replies through the door.

Dork, you think to yourself, you resent that your heart pulls with fondness, too much depth to your feelings and not enough time to unpack them. Your time here is limited.

Pulling up your pants you walk over to the door and open it, Adrian cracks a goofy smile at you as he takes in all your morning glory. You’re all messy hair and dishevelled clothing. A blush breaks out across your face and down your neck against your will, his eyes on your skin only makes your blush deepen.

“You’re cute when you blush, petal.”

He’s still smiling at you, not maliciously but there is a playful sparkle in his eyes.

“Get in here” you mumble turning around quickly, you don’t want him to see the blush on your cheeks turn from pink to bright red.

Turning around you ask him, “may I inquire as to why you’re visiting my motel room at this ungodly hour?”

He kicks the door closed behind him, he looks a bit sheepish at your question, like he’s not entirely sure himself.

“Well… we agreed to see each other today –”

“– not this early” you cock your head at him,

“See that’s what I had trouble with though, cause we never specified on a time and I don’t have your number because I’m pretty sure you changed it and I didn’t get time to ask for it yesterday and when I remembered you were gone but I did remember you telling me where you were staying and I really wanted to see you today and I didn’t know when to show up but I thought maybe I was thinking too hard about it –”

“– Okay, Adrian you need to take a breath.”

He sucks in a deep breath and lets it go.

“Better?” you ask.

“Better” he nods his head “I did bring you coffee though, I’m not a complete psycho.”

You thank the lord because you notice he is holding a coffee cup for you, a reusable one at that.

“Where did you get this?”

“I made it at home, I wasn’t sure where to get coffee this early… is it okay?”

You take a sip, “It’s perfect” you smile at him.

He managed to make it just how you like it.

“I remember, how you take your coffee.”

“I remember you used to suck at making coffee.”

You find it endearing and surprising that he still remembers how you like your coffee, you’re not sure if that’s because it’s been a while or because you perceive yourself as easily forgettable but it’s nice to be proven wrong about the impact you have on others.

You come back from your thoughts to see Adrian’s hand waving in front of your face and calling your name, “woohoo, you still there?”.

“Sorry, got lost in thought.”

“Thinking about?” he pries.

“Thinking about how it’s nice to be remembered.”

“Who could ever forget you?” he says this in a way that shows he’s genuinely asking; he’s genuinely puzzled by the idea that anyone could ever forget you and that has your heart pulling in your chest again.

The blush starts creeping up to your face again and your eyes burn a bit, like if you kept thinking too hard you would cry. You blink your eyes to reset them and give him a big smile – a genuine smile.

“You always make me feel special, A. I’ve missed you.”

Adrian is a bit taken aback by that, like he wasn’t expecting the vibrance of your smile or the honesty of your words.

“I’ve missed you too, petal. I really wish you stayed but I understand why you left.”

“Doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt though, hey?”

“It hurt but it must’ve hurt you a lot more, I mean you’re the one who left.”

He’s right, it hurt too much to stay. Hurt too much to be reminded of your brother in every crevice of this town but it hurt in Gotham too, not having anyone, not actually being seen. That’s not to say it wasn’t good there though, the crime sucked but ironically it made the pain about your brother less painful, seeing suffering everywhere but also seeing the hope people had. It was nice, good character building if anything.

“I have regrets about leaving and how I left but I don’t regret leaving, does that make sense?”

He considers your words for a second, “It does, and it doesn’t, but I guess that’s just the wonder of emotions, good thing I don’t have them like normal people, seems exhausting.”

“It is exhausting.”

You shake your head at him, you know he’s different from other people, but you also know he does feel things and when he does. He feels them intensely. You think it’s probably best to just change the subject.

“I think I should get dressed for the day and we can find somewhere to have breakfast together? Catch up?”

“Sounds good to me.” He nods.

“…Alright.”

A beat, then two, then three, if you stand here staring at him, he’s just going to keep standing there staring back at you. You’d change in the bathroom but it’s small. So, you decide to break the silence.

“A?”

“What’s up?”

“I need to get changed.”

He’s still staring at you, nodding his head “I know.”

“Could you maybe… wait outside for me? The bathroom is small.”

A couple more beats and then it clicks for him “right! Sorry, I wasn’t trying to perv on you or anything!”

“I know, A, it’s okay,” you think for a second, it’s the middle of winter and it’s six in the morning, in other words, it’s cold, very cold “Uhm, actually, it’s cold outside and I have the heat on in here. I mean to say, it’s warm in here and if you maybe just turn around for a bit I can quickly change.”

You feel like a dickhead, but you also don’t think you’re being weird, actually, are you being weird. Are you over thinking this, like how Adrian over thought his visit here and ended up coming over insanely early in the morning.

“okely dokely.” He winks at you and spins around, hands covering his eyes.

He’s so goofy, You think to yourself, but you also trust he won’t perv on you, like he said.

You walk over to your suitcase and pick out some clean clothes, you turn around and keep your back to Adrian’s, quickly changing into the fresh clothes.

“Okay, I’m decent.”

Adrian spins back around, dazzling smile and all “you look great!”

“You’re being dramatic,” You playfully roll your eyes at him. You’re wearing a shirt and pants “I’ve gotta brush my teeth and hair, I’ll be ready in 5.”

He gives an approving sound as you walk into the bathroom.

☆

You both wandered around the streets near the motel and ended up at a local café. You chatted about mundane things, reminiscing on old times, fond memories of your brother.

“Do you remember the time you both got chased by a stray dog for like, 4 blocks or something?” you asked Adrian.

“Remember? How could I forget? We ended up running all the way back to your house, I still have a scar on my leg from a stray wire on the fence.”

“I do remember that scar! I ended up having to clean it for you and I also remember that you’re the most dramatic patient I have ever had.”

“Hey! It really hurt!” he sulks.

You give him a faux pitying look, pouting at him you say, “I know it did.”

To be fair, it was pretty gnarly, you had to be very careful when cleaning it but if memory serves right, you were shaking more than he was.

“Your brother and I were just trying to feed the local strays when that one got aggressive and ran at us, scared the shit out of us honestly.”

You laugh at that, of course that’s what they were doing, your brother had a soft spot for strays. He was always begging you to let him bring them home.

“I miss him a lot,” you say “it feels good to be able to talk to someone about him, someone who knew him.”

“I miss him a lot too, I try to visit his grave as often as I can.”

“I saw the flowers you left there; they looked like they had been pulled out of someone’s garden.” You smile knowingly at him.

He rubs the back of his neck awkwardly, “I kind of… maybe… took them from some persons garden on my walk over. I forgot to buy some.”

You chuckle at him and his antics, you had suspected as much when you visited the grave yesterday.

“It’s nice that you took some, it was comforting to see that you were visiting him. I’ve been feeling guilty about it... not seeing him.”

“You know that he would understand though.”

“I know but I still feel bad.”

This conversation has taken a dark turn, you don’t want your visit back to Evergreen to be haunting. You came back to check on Adrian and his safety, not mope around and feel sorry for yourself.

Adrian looks like he’s about to say something more, but you cut him off, “Actually, how have you been? I heard Evergreen has its very own vigilante of sorts.”

“I’ve been good! I haven’t even run into him – or her! Could be a woman, definitely could be a woman!”

He is being so weird about this topic; you thought it was just his propensity for being a little odd but now you’re starting to get suspicious. Of what you aren’t entirely sure but there’s something going on here.

“…okayyy, well I’m glad you’ve been safe and haven’t run into them.”

You think it’s best to not rock the boat and push him too far on this, seeing him and catching up is really your only goal while back in town.

“Yeah, hah – uhm, how long are you planning on staying in town for?”

“For as long as I can afford it honestly, I didn’t have much of a plan coming back here but when money is out, I’ll be going back to Gotham.”

He frowns, “What’s waiting for you in Gotham? I mean, why go back?”

“I’m a fresh veterinary graduate and there’s a job that’s been promised to me.”

He’s pouting now, he’s being subtle about it but, yep, he’s definitely pouting. Cute.

He gets a serious look on his face, “You know, you could always stay with me, if you want more time to consider your options.”

His offer makes your heart flutter again, the effect he has on you is criminal and as much as you would love to accept his offer, getting too involved before you know exactly what you’re doing with yourself could end up hurting you both.

“That’s really nice of you A, but I don’t know if that’s a great idea, I’m feeling a little lost at the moment and we haven’t seen each other in years. I could be crazy now.”

You’re not sure if you’re trying to convince him or yourself that staying with him is a bad idea. Although you wouldn’t burn through cash as quickly if you stayed with him.

“Come on! We both know you’ve always been crazy.” He cracks a smile and you do too.

“I’ll think about it A, but seriously, no promises.” You mean it too; you seriously will consider his offer.

He nods his head excitedly, “Of course, just think about it, no pressure or anything!”

You smile politely back at him, you feel awkward and comfortable at the same time, Adrian was right, human nature is weird.

You both finish up breakfast and head back out the café for the walk back to the motel.

“Thanks for breakfast, A.”

Adrian insisted on paying even after you insisted he didn’t but he told you he was paying you back for showing up at your motel room before dawn barely cracked.

“You’re more than welcome, I’d buy you breakfast for the rest of your life if you asked me to.”

You chuckle a bit but that damned blush he pulls from under your skin comes back, stupid crush you think. You decide to be cheeky in return.

“Alright, this is me asking you to buy me breakfast for the rest of my life.”

“Okey dokey.” He smiles bright at you, no complaints on his end.

“I was joking Adrian; you do not have to buy my breakfast for the rest of my life.”

“Oh, alright… I would have though, just so you know.”

“I believe you” and you do.

You both walk in a comfortable silence the rest of the way back to the motel. When you arrive back at your door he says, “I’m glad we got to catch up today and I’d like to maybe get a couple of drinks together tomorrow night?”

He pauses, “Wait you can legally drink right?”

You smack him on the arm lightly, “Of course I can legally drink, I’m not a child!”

He grins at you, a sign that he knows and was just trying to get under your skin.

“I know, I just wanted to make you blush again.”

Fucker.

It works, you’re blushing again, curse this man. Before you can open your mouth, he opens his again, “I think I’ve already said this but you’re cute when you blush.”

“You have already said that today.”

“I have a feeling I’m going to keep saying it.”

“And I’m going to keep cursing you inside my head every time you do.”

“Worth it.”

Again, fucker.

He looks at you, classic goofy smile on his face, “I have to go but I’ll see you tomorrow night?”

You feel the urge to hug him goodbye, “I will see you tomorrow night,”

You step forward and hug him goodbye, he reciprocates and wraps his arms around you. He leans down and whispers in your ear, “Have a good day, petal.”

An involuntary shiver runs down your back at his breath in your ear, pulling back you both say your final goodbyes and part ways.

You’re blushing something fierce.

☆

You fill the middle half of your day by visiting your brothers grave and cleaning it before leaving some fresh flowers at the grave, you sit there for a while talking to him but mostly thinking about life. Thinking about your morning and Adrian, thinking about your morning with Adrian and you find yourself seriously considering staying with him. Something you think you should tackle at a later date.

The rest of your day is spent in your motel room looking at job listings in Evergreen, you’re not convinced you’ll stay, it’s more like morbid curiosity but scrolling the job listings has your eyes drooping and you end up dozing off.

When you wake up it’s late evening, you slept through the whole afternoon and most of the evening. Well, shit, that’s a waste of an afternoon but you’re choosing to blame Adrian for waking you up too early.

Your stomach is yelling at you, so you decide to venture outside the motel room to find a place to get some takeaway. Walking the streets of Evergreen at night has always made you uneasy but even more so now, with that masked maniac running around things feel a bit scarier.

It’s not like you’re a stranger to masked vigilantes running around the city you live in, but you’ve always been sure of their motives. This person makes you feel unsure of your safety and you’re not sure what would happen to you if you were to run into them.

Which is why bumping into them on your way back to your motel room makes you freeze with uncertainty.

Thud

The sound of the bag of food you were holding hitting the pavement, yeah, the bumping into them wasn’t a metaphor. You somehow find yourself literally colliding with the aforementioned vigilante.

It’s your fault really, you weren’t looking where you were going, too busy looking at your phone to notice the figure in front of you.

That uncertainty from earlier washes over you, should you run? Are you going to have to fight? Will they ignore you?

“What the fuck?”

The voice of a man, Adrian was wrong, you can tell now that you’re up close to him, he’s definitely a man – a well-toned one at that – he turns around to face you. Your eyes are wide, trying to process what is happening in front of you.

“Ah, I – uhm, I’m really sorry! I didn’t see you there.” You manage to spit out, you fumble a bit. You’re trying to be strong without seeming impolite but it’s just coming across as scared. Which you definitely are.

“Oh!” he says before he drops the pitch of his voice, “Oh, that’s okay, it’s the mostly black thing, trying to blend into the night.”

“Right! Uhm, well it’s working,” you give an awkward thumbs up and a crooked smile.

He holds both his hands up in a placating manner, “I’m not going to hurt you, I only hurt criminals.”

Kill, he means he only kills criminals.

He’s trying to calm you down; you can see that. You genuinely don’t feel any malice coming from him but you’re still a little uneasy, you can’t help it.

He bends down to pick up your bag of food and hands it to you, “late night snack?”

“I… slept late and only just woke up, I mean, I haven’t eaten since breakfast.”

“You know, it’s really not safe around here this late at night.”

“I know – but I was hungry.”

He pauses for a second and cocks his head to the side, “Would it be okay if I walked you home?”

You ponder it for a moment, you feel like the responsible thing to say is no.

“You’re not going to kill me?”

He shakes his head, “never.”

For some reason, you trust him and say, “okay.”

☆

Dun dun dun, to be continued.

As you can tell, the formatting of this series has changed, I almost feel compelled to go back and change the last chapters formatting but I am lazy and feel like it should stay how it is. Humble beginnings and all (nvm, I went back and changed it haha). Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed and continue to follow along, I'll try to update more consistently if people keep reading :)

Part Three

[raainberry]

Tis’ The Season

« Silly Series - 6 »

Momo x gn!reader

Fluff

synopsis - a chaotically sweet moment with gf momo as the holidays typically allow

wordcount - 823

T/W - suggestive (very (not) subtle)

A/N - some domestic holiday fluff with momo bc i can and why not🤭

“Do you want to put the star on top?” You asked, handing the ornament to your girlfriend.

Her eyes lit up, and you couldn’t help but smile at her excitment from how infectious it was. You could never explain why or how, but her happiness happened to be yours from the moment you met.

If you cared, you’d try to at least understand where that came from, but it seemed much less enjoyable than just embracing it.

So that’s what you’ve done for the past two years. Trying to make Momo as happy as she made you, embracing her love and what came with it, never missing an opportunity to share yours with her.

Momo loved to feel it through your touch. Your hand in hers, your fingertips on her skin, your lips on hers… She loved it all. But she didn’t expect her arms around you in that precious moment, much less the way you lifted her off the ground.

“What are you doing? There’s a chair right there.” She giggled, pointing at the wooden chair you’d both been using to decorate the tree.

“I’ve been wishing to be this chair for a while, let me have this one.” You whined and she rolled her eyes, hoping it would distract you from the blush creeping on her cheeks.

“I can’t even reach it.” She said, resting the ornament on your shoulder before suddenly getting sent a little higher.

“How about now?” You smiled as the sound of her laughter filled the small living room of your apartment.

“Yes, perfect!” She grinned, putting the golden star where it belonged.

Once she made sure it was secure, she looked down at you with that eye-smile of hers along with the same bright grin you fell for. The combo still made you weak in the knees, but you fought through this one to keep the both of you safe. The cookies you’d baked earlier were already enough of a disaster, you didn’t need a trip to the E.R.

For some reason, the recent memory of her disapproving face after volunteering to test-taste warmed your heart. Sure, it was bad and a waste of ingredients, but at least you tried and it made something more to laugh about until the next holidays.

You couldn’t wait until then already, feeling an absurd amount of love for the woman in your arms. It was overwhelming, pulling at your lips as you fought to keep it under control. You felt crazy at times, how was it possible to love someone so much?

You never bothered to find the answer to that, and you certainly weren’t going to start now. Instead, you decided to release this tension within yourself by laying an innocent kiss on the exposed skin of her stomach.

The butterflies in Momo’s chest were a habit at this point, but the tickling sensation was a surprise. She couldn’t help but bring her hand to where you’d kissed her, folding into it and causing herself to slip out of your grip.

You managed to land her on her feet as her survival instincts pushed her to wrap her arms around your neck. Her laugh was ever so chaotic, yet so sweet to your ears—it sent you into such a blissful daze that you barely saw her coming for your lips.

She left a couple of kisses on them as a thank you, and you could only kiss her back at the second one.

You could have used a warning, but you didn’t mind. You loved her surprise kisses, the ones you expected the least yet practically screamed how much she loved you in fault of not finding the words to.

Those were your favorite.

Momo knew that thanks to the smile adorning your lips every time she pulled away. She considered it an answer to her wordless confession. An assurance that you loved her just as much, if not a little more.

“Thank you for saving my life.” She giggled, cupping your cheeks as you leaned into her touch. “And for helping me even though I didn’t ask.”

“Any time. Whenever you need a chair just call me.” You joked, earning yourself another eye-roll (although still not the one you’d prefer to see) as she pushed you away.

You nearly tripped over one of her dogs, as the commotion had caught enough of their attention to come and see what it was all about.

You couldn’t tell which one it was because it started chasing you as soon as you unwillingly proved yourself to be a threat.

“Yes, Dobby, attack!” You heard Momo yell, and a quick glance towards her offered you a sight you’d have melted over once more if you weren’t busy fighting for your life.

It all went so fast. One second you were melting over your girlfriend’s love and the other you were trying to escape said girlfriend’s enraged dog.

The sound of her laughter reaching your ears through Boo and Dobby’s barking oddly made you think you could go on running around forever.

Gosh, you were so down bad.

[scentedpepper]

Missions, Malaise and Migas Pt. VIII | Leon Kennedy

Pt. 1 Pt. 2 Pt. 3 Pt. 4 Pt. 5 Pt. 6 Pt. 7

Fandom: Resident Evil

Pairing: Leon Kennedy x Male Reader

Summary: Leon and Y/N have some underlying issues. Ones they tried to warn DSO about.

Content Warnings: None

Other Pairings: Luis Sera x Reader

Author Note(s): AHHHHHHHHH

"Y/N. " Over and over he calls your name, a hand gripping your arm. He wastes no time, trying to nudge you awake as he pulls you closer to his shoulder and your head lulls the slightest, a gush of air whispering through your lips as you weakly say his name.

There is blood. Warm, wet, blood stuck between the crevice of Leons neck and the bridge of your nose and he wants to freak out, he wants to panic when he feels your eyelashes fanning down against his skin, leaving specks of droplets as you fall from your own consciousness and all he can do is cradle your form, like the most valuable object in the universe has been dropped. It's like his world is floating out of existence, a speck that keeps getting smaller.

And it does get smaller. Every time your eyes slip shut, every moment you can barely let out a proper breath or the smallest whimper of your partner's name, the tighter he held onto your dying corpse.

Somewhere along the way he'd found himself on his knees, unable to think as he holds on to you as if it'd somehow preserve your lifeline. He doesn't know what to do. He has no clue. For once, he can't seem to conjure up a solution, a plan, the next course of action, an escape route, a different outcome. Anything.

When his hands cup the sides of your face, your skin is still hot, your body limp, all he can manage out in this flurry of seconds is your name, again and again as if it would be the one thing to bring you back into the world. You always seemed so solid, a rock, the one he could lean against but his foundation was gone now, his only salvation left in the form of Luis who was beginning to kneel in front of him, his frame coming back into focus.

Luis rests a hand on Leon's shoulder and he nearly flinches at the action. "Hermano, a breath. " He needs the mans attention. "This is serious. " It isn't easy to break Leon out of his mental state, but there's panic swelling in his own chest as he tries to figure out why your breathing is only growing worse by the second.

His hands travel from the gentle cradle of your head and he's feeling around the right side of your neck. First, in desperation and then in a more calculated manner, following the trail from your jawline to the soft spot and then he feels it. It's a hasty thrum, a pattern of pounding. Something erratic and unsteady but enough of a pattern to cause relief to swirl around in his stomach. "Stay calm. "

He's shaky and unsure but he nods once.

"You need to call. Someone. Anyone. " He says urgently and Leon fumbles for the piece of equipment in his ear. He pushes the button quickly and he mutters a relieved thank you when contact is established and a voice fizzles through the tiny speakers.

"Leon?" Hunnigan's vocals ring out over the static and for a moment, Leon feels his heart being cradled in the sound of her. His fear, his anger. "We've been trying to locate you. What's your status?"

"I.." Leon can't find the words, can't force out the information he so badly needs to relay, even his fingers begin to feel weak and Luis nods reassuringly before responding to the woman on the other side.

"Ingrid! It's Luis. " Luis is already reaching for your limp form, ready to lift you, take you out of this god forsaken place and into somewhere safer, to people who can take care of you. "Y/N, he's injured. "

"Injured? " The panic in her voice mirrors the amount that Leon tries to swallow down. "What happened?"

"Its-- I don't--" He cuts himself off, hands leaving you for a brief moment as if to search but they fall back to your form. "I don't know. He passed out. The injuries we see aren't severe enough for that. "

"You're gonna have to elaborate. Can you carry him out?"

"Leon? Listen to me. " Hunnigan's voice is gentle but stern and it's enough to center Leon in what he needs to do. It's clear to her that the distress is beginning to consume the agent. She can practically sense the slight hysteria creeping its way into his veins. "Listen to me. " Her voice picks up and she's watching the screen pull up various pieces of data.

Your vitals.

It does not read well.

"I see them. " Leon responds slowly.

The data says your heart rate is unsteady, and even climbing. Your breathing is sporadic at best but with every passing second, it gets easier and then harder to manage.

Hunnigan isn't sure if she should force anything else out of him, and the way his body coils around the air is enough to determine this is not the time. "Carry him out. " It's an order. One that he mindlessly follows like a programmed bot.

"Hand him to me. " He says to Luis as he stands up and for a few seconds, Luis is hesitant.

"Please. " Leon can almost see him processing what he'd just said, how desperate his words sounded and the glazed stare is enough for Luis to get moving again, delicately adjusting you into your partners hold.

Leon takes you gently and when he cradles you against his frame, it's one of the most secure things he's ever felt, your head on his shoulder, your breaths against his skin. He's taken aback by the weight that appears heavier than it should.

Luis doesn't speak but keeps a watchful gaze over Leon's shoulder as he exits the storage facilities. His walk is fast-paced with Luis just a few paces behind him, your gun in hand as he keeps a watchful gaze on the surroundings.

“I’m sending a chopper. “

...

The sounds in his ear, or more specifically Hunnigan, begins to fade out and at some point becomes useless as it shifts to something unimportant and distant. He's worried. Too worried.

The waiting room is cold but he's sweating.

Once he has time to reflect in the moment, away from people watching and judging, he begins to come to.

That maybe he wasn't actually capable of being so distracted as he was being an uncaring imbecile.

He wishes you could see him now.

Terrified.

A mess in the middle of DSOs medical facility.

Alone.

His chin dips down to his chest, his hands clenching and unclenching.

He tries not to think about it. He does. The way you could barely breathe or the way you forced his name past your lungs.

Hunnigans gone silent beside him.

The fact that he's here right now grows distant as his gaze fades into the mucky brown carpet. The color of it is close to the stains on his face. He hasnt been cleaned up, checked, or treated. He doesn't want to be.

He wants to sit in the filthy mess of dried blood for the rest of his life.

Maybe thats dramatic.

But its how he feels.

Hes picking at his fingers, shredding them and hes almost certain he can hear muffled cries from the public bathroom Luis had excused himself to moments earlier.

That or his eardrums are finally giving out.

His head lulls against the wall, shoulders drawn in tightly, feet spread apart, like a child.

It feels like he's too big for the seat, that all he has to do is move, and it will shatter beneath his weight. It feels like his head is too large. His heart too massive and it's fighting against his sternum.

He breathes out slowly.

He blinks in long waves.

He's supposed to be responding, he's conscious enough to know that there's someone standing in front of him wanting to know why one of their best agents is facing a sentence of death. But he can't focus on the words. He can't decipher them.

The look on the persons face reads loud and clear.

Their hands. They pull him up. They hurt, tight against his bruising forearms.

"Agent Kennedy. " It's an older man. He has thinning hair and the buttons of his shirt are loose, the collar even worse. He's almost as much a mess as Leon is. Almost. "I need you to answer these questions. "

His ears ring.

The words blend together and fade to white noise. His jaw opens and he can't find himself able to respond.

"Kennedy!" There's anger in the man's voice.

"Yes. " It's a breath, a strangled answer that the older man doesn't quite make out. There's confusion. An unwelcome scowl.

He tries to get a few more words out of the the man but only ever so many seem to get through. Something about 'understands the policies and how the public services they pay for cannot be wasted'. He seems to believe Leon doesn't care enough about his partner and the 'goddamn mission'. Like its more important than a life.

It becomes easier to disconnect.

When he does finally process the last few words out of his superior's mouth, its enough to settle him.

"..be put on a tight rope, Agent Kennedy. As soon as Mr. (L/n) awakens and is properly handled, you will be called for a meeting that is required to take place after the events that took happened here. Or–" The man is scowling, "You can suck it up and tell me what the hell went on here. "

It's an oddly polite wording and as Leon falls back into the seat after his arm had been harshly released he starts to put together what had transpired without his permission. How lost his mind had been.

To be honest it's still lost.

Everything around him is one big mess.

"Alright then. " The man sighs. "Mr. Sera came to me earlier saying his own explanation would be a bit.. disheartening. I agree. Until we get to the bottom of this mess, you are not to leave. Got it, Special Agent Kennedy? I'll give you an hour and a half to wrap your mind around everything that has happened and then-- "

"I got it. " Leon cuts through the thickness of his voice with the strength of a samurai. His eyes lift to his superior's and despite how numb he'd felt before, when he watches the man's jaw tighten and his nose flare in irritation, all he can think of is standing up and putting his hands around the slimy fellows throat. His back lifts off of the back of the chair, his body tense and unforgiving.

"...Fine. " The man responds and leaves without another glance.

It's a while before he finds the energy to breathe.

Even longer before Luis comes out of the room he'd locked himself into and tries to hide his raw face and sobbing voice.

If Leon were capable of doing anything, he'd acknowledge the pain the Spaniard felt. The potential loss of someone so close. He'd apologize. Tell him how sorry he is for how he reacted when you came into your last breaths.

For all he knows, Luis is your best friend.

He doesn't know. He doesn't. He doesn't know as much about you as he should. As much as he now realizes he wishes he did.

There are so many things the agent needs to do and say to the Spaniard that comes out of his sight after managing the tears welling in his eyes, wiping away the lines streaming down his cheeks, cursing and muttering under his breath as he tries to push the feelings back down into the depths of his heart.

"Leon. " His voice is as soothing as a song and it only puts him at the slightest of ease.

"Yeah. "

"Lo siento. " I'm sorry. Luis' voice breaks at the tail-end of the sentence but there's that constant levelness behind the tone.

Leon shakes his head, as if the man is wrong for apologizing, wrong for saying it. Its habitual, to act like you don't mean a thing to him. That you haven't taken up such a large part of his life, that you are simply just a distant presence. Partners, associates, even. But you're both well aware of the truth.

He wants you to live, just to see what a future where you have to spend every waking moment with him has to bring. A future you two might even consider putting a label to.

He wants to say something to Luis. Anything. Even a 'Don't'. Don't apologize. The words form in his brain but refuse to make it to his lips and his forehead creases in confusion, in frustration. With himself. For his fault.

He wants to try again. Again and again until he can get the right words out of his mouth but his minds focus is quickly altered when he sees the door to the waiting room open from the corner of his eye and a man steps through.

By the time his eyes focus and fixate, Luis has already stood up.

He sees Luis turn his body towards the approaching doctor and hes quick to follow suit, his vest, which Hunnigan had forced off his body an hour into waiting to check up on him herself being carelessly discarded to the floor.

It's about three seconds after he joins Luis' side that he's forced to choke down the painful thudding coming from his heart. It takes three seconds for his eyes to begin to tear, burning, stinging, as if his pupils have become a cauldron to melt his skin.

Three seconds and he can no longer keep the tight hold on his breath.

Three seconds is too soon for Leon to push back the hotness pressing behind his lids.

Three seconds and all he can think is that you're gonna be alright.

Three seconds and the doctor is speaking.

"Mr. (L/n)?" He asks for confirmation even when it's been evident for the last twenty seconds that it's the right people.

"Yes. " Luis looks so pale, so fragile and suddenly all Leon wants to do is tell him he'll take care of talking to the doctor, that you'll be okay, that he can promise he'll bring you back to him clean, recovered and fully functional.

"Mr. (L/n) is in a very delicate state. " He glances at the three faces in front of, holding a soft gaze that reads nothing but empathy. "He has a few broken ribs, one of which has punctured his liver. His ankle is fractured. There was major bruising and swelling around the throat, which caused most of the issue when it comes to breathing. Luckily for him, it wasn't quite enough to end him. There are a few other wounds that have been correctly patched up with cleaning and stitching. "

Luis' head tilts down to the floor. His hand going to cover his mouth and its clear the man is struggling not to breakdown again.

"We have him on life-support at the moment to ensure his hearts strong enough to go on without it. The first day or two are never easy, but like I said. Mr. (L/n) is in a... delicate state. The next day or so are going to be risky. "

Leon's arms feel tingly, numb and he wants to move them, to take a breathe but hes become stone.

"Can I-- Can I go see him?"

The doctor narrows his eyes. "I'm afraid that right now, it is recommended that no one visits Mr. (L/n). If that changes, I will be sure to let you know. If anything else happens regarding Mr. (L/n)'s case, I will be back as well. "

Leon's fingers itch to connect. Wrapped around your body again, around anything of yours he can get a hold of, for the sake of knowing you're okay. He needs that.

He needs to say it, to tell you something he's waited too long to confess.

"Will he make it?" Luis' voice is low and it's a sentence as forbidden as the one he'd asked about Leon when you first came limping into his hotel room.

Will he?

Leon wonders the same and it's becoming hard to keep himself standing, his legs feel unused, struggling to hold his weight. They want to buckle, give out. He has told hold the nearest thing next to him. Luis. The only thing that'll keep him up.

"I.. Over the many times that I've found Agent (L/n) in my office, he's insisted on giving me the allowance to talk a little less than formally. So I won't be lying or sugar coating any of this. " The doctor takes a breath.

"He went over the permitted amount of stress for his heart. He had a significant amount of bleeding into his chest cavity and if he wasn't a fighter, as I know from our various chats, we'd be having a different conversation. I'm sure you and him are close and I hate to inform you with such grim details, but Mr. Sera, he is in an incredibly difficult position. "

..It is possible that he will make it. He'll say, to comfort, even though Leon is barely breathing, fighting to keep the dark dancing along the edges of his vision at bay.

He hopes.

But he can't feel it enough in his heart. Not right now.

What's obvious now, to Leon is that you're at your limit, that you're done for.

You're at your most fragile point, this man clearly knew you well to take away the false promises, the pointless fluff that comes with any story after these events. The story where his partner beats impossible odds, reaches the insurmountable and becomes unbreakable.

This is the part where you pull the plug.

Where it all ends, even the fantasy Leon's created in his own head.

Hunnigans head hangs low behind the men. Her eyes closing tightly. "Right..." She says, her voice soft, choked on with sympathy and grief.

She doesn't lift it again until the doctor gives them his sincerest condolences and not much else.

Her eyes follow him out the door, silently chasing after some foreign fantasy as if he'll suddenly turn around and deliver different news.

"...I want to see him. "

It's Luis. Luis is crying.

He's holding onto Leon like hes the last piece of you he has, the last connection to the living.

"Me too. " He says weakly. His voice cracking under the pressure of his emotions.

When their eyes meet, they seem to be trying to draw strength from each other.

Their bottom lips twitch, their hands shake, and their eyes gloss over and the more the atmosphere settles the closer they lean into each other, as if its keeping them on Earth.

Leon is the first to grasp the man.

Pulling him into a tight, desperate hug.

Hunnigan knows that and not much else as she meets the eyes of the figure standing in the frame of the door your doctor had just walked through.

Her eyebrows twitch.

How odd. The strangest time to show up, she thinks. The most unexpected appearance of those sharp features that had some how managed to hold a quiet resonance of sympathy in them. A sadness.

Hunnigan thinks it's unfitting for Ada.

But she supposes, at the end of it all, she's human.

[natrogersfics]

The Anthology - Chapter 6: So High School

Artwork by @faith2nyc Read on AO3

“What are you looking at?”

A sheepish smile crosses Natasha’s lips. At some point, her head had found its way to his shoulder as they sat in the back of the cruising SUV, neither of them so much as flinching when his arm had come to wrap around her, holding her flush to his side. It’s dark save for the twinkling lights of the freeway, but if he notices the sudden rush of pink to her cheeks from having been caught gawking, he doesn’t say. “You.”

“Why?” he asks, and she can’t help but scoff at his genuine confusion.

“‘Cause look at you!” she exclaims with a giggle, only for the V between his brows to deepen further as he looks at her as though she’s absolutely lost it. She reaches up, cupping his face in her hand and running her thumb over the line of his jaw. The subsequent sigh that falls from her lips is a little too saccharine for comfort, but she can’t bring herself to care. She knows she’s not the only one that sees it. She could get out of this car at this very moment, walk up to the first person she comes across and know that they, too, would notice. “You, Steve Rogers, are frustratingly beautiful.”

He huffs, amusement coloring his expression. “You really are drunk outta your mind, aren’t you?”

She wanted to be. So damn much it hurt. At least then she could blame the alcohol for the warm, fuzzy feelings in her chest right now. That would be a more palatable explanation, surely. In reality, though, her buzz had started to subside by the time he’d put out the cigarette they’d been sharing, taking with it the courage she needs to actually speak the truth. But he didn’t have to be privy to that, so instead, she shows him her hand, bringing her thumb and index finger close but stopping just short of letting them touch. They both laugh – his sounding like music to her ears and causing her stomach to flutter with what feels like the wings of a million butterflies flapping away.

The arm he has draped over her pulls her closer, their faces so close now that she finds herself holding her breath. “Are you gonna kiss me?” she asks, the longing slipping right into her voice.

His lips quirk into a rueful smile. “No,” he whispers, but just as the sudden hurt from his response begins to wash over her, he adds, “But only because you might not remember it tomorrow. And I want you to remember it, Nat. So badly.”

As if she could forget. As if there’s enough alcohol in the world that could erase the feeling she got every time their lips met, their every kiss already seared indelibly into her brain. But admitting that now only feels as though it would hurt them somehow, so she chooses to simply nod, letting him pull her down to rest her head in his lap.

“Why are you doing this?” she finds herself asking a beat later, the playfulness in her tone and her will to keep up any pretenses suddenly gone. She asks because nothing about the way he’s been acting tonight makes any sense. She’s hurt him plenty these last few weeks with her lack of words and her every action. And while he hadn’t said it outright, hasn't accused her of doing so, he didn’t need to. She saw it – could still see it – in his face now, in the way his blue eyes just aren’t as bright as before. Even still, he’d been adamant about her not going home alone. Of shielding her from the cameras and the prying eyes, holding her close to him as he guided her out of the party and into the backseat.

This would cost him. He could be paying for this already, in this very instant, in fact. She’s as sure of it as the sun rising in the East come morning. The second the pictures of them find their way to someone’s screen, the collective rage will roar deafeningly. There won’t be a place to hide, and he has to know that, too.

So she wouldn’t really blame him if he changed his mind. If this is merely his way of extending a courtesy to her, one human to another. If, after he drops her off at her rental, she never hears from him again. It’s what others have done, regardless of how steadfast they had proclaimed their constitution to be. Sooner or later, her baggage always gets too heavy for someone else to bear. And yet, as she stares at him, her question hanging in the air between them, she finds herself desperately hoping – coveting – a different ending.

He runs his fingers through her hair, the sincerity in his eyes so frighteningly clear that it makes her own sting with tears. “You know why.”

It’s not until she stumbles out of bed the next morning, relying on her muscle memory to lead her as she pads her way out of her room in search of some aspirin, that she truly understands. For there, on her couch, she finds him slumbering still in his clothes from last night. Instantly, everything from her fears, valid as they still are, to the throbbing in her temples suddenly feels inconsequential in that moment. And for the first time in weeks, it’s as though she’s remembering what it’s like to breathe.

She makes her way to him, reaching for the throw draped on the back of the couch. He stirs as she lays it over him, and she watches as his eyes flutter open to reveal her favorite shade of blue.

“Hi,” he says, his voice still gravelly with sleep. “How are you feeling?”

“Better than I deserve,” she admits, prompting them both to smile. He shifts closer to the back of the couch, his hand patting the small space he creates, and despite her initial reluctance, she finds herself settling down next to him. “You stayed.”

His hand finds hers. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

Chapter 5 | Chapter 7

[thepacifistrouter]

Chelley week, day 6: Heartbeat

Okay, I was excited about this day and category, it was the first one I actually did, but I didn't feel like I could convey it in drawings (or that it would take me too long if I did it with that), so I turned it into a short-fic

I know it probably won't be well received for that reason, but it was something I really wanted to do, so… well, here it goes.

Thump

It was a cold, but mostly calm winter night, the wind was blowing outside Eaden's bakery, it wasn't especially strong, but it managed to generate howls and the trees to move enough for their wood to make a crackling sound from time to time.

The place, like most of the town, was mostly made of wood, but firmly and solidly built, even though until not long ago, they had to remodel a little inside, mostly the room in which its inhabitants slept - After all, since the second of them arrived, or rather, since they started sleeping together, it had become a necessity to make the ceiling a bit or two higher.

Yeah, a lot of changes had happened in that place, how it had turned from a place of tension, of banging on the wall and night terrors, to not only having an adequate roof so that anyone could stand without crashing or hitting or needing another bandage in his head, it also has a proper window, normal curtains, furniture, and decorations. It was a completely different place. Just like the people sleeping in it.

One of them, the one with the shortest stature, opens her eyes slightly, having woken up, with the weather - or rather the wind - being the main cause, along with a slight drop in temperature. When she was alone, she usually didn’t notice the presence of those stimuli due to being busy with her own nightmares, which either woke her up or kept her distracted. It could also happen that, if she manages to sleep with no nightmares or no dreaming at all, if she noticed them, than the sound plus the cold would bring back bad memories of unpleasant, cold places with hollow sounds on a smaller scale -usually that involved a short walk to the kitchen for a warm milk cup. and a re-reflection on her life and the events surrounding her until she could fall asleep again.

Things are different now. She had managed to get used to it, to feel those signals that reminded everyone that there was still a long time before winter left and spring take place, to stop associating every small unpleasant and cold noise with That place. But of course, as with any person, there could be exceptions, it could happen to anyone that the seasons could wake you up with the weather in the middle of the night, always something inopportune. The main difference was that, in the current time, she had other, new tools to deal with them and, her untold favourite, involved the person who slept a few centimetres from her.

A tall, too-tall, skinny, gawky blonde man who was fast asleep facing her. He was also the main person responsible for the vast majority of changes that both her house and her life had undergone. The mere presence of him there had been and had had a couple of changes.

Not that she was complaining at all, au contraire, having him there, next to her every night, was nothing less than welcome. In fact, at times like this, it was exactly what she needed.

Moving stealthily and carefully (never a problem for her) so that she becomes attached to him. That, at first instance, fixes the problem of the cold, probably for both of them, she knew he could have woken up at some point because of the same reason, neither of them were very fond of the cold after all- but of course, this was not just about the cold, if it was, being like that would have been enough or she could just have gotten up quickly and stealthily, as only she could, to get a blanket and come back and problem solved. No, this was different and required a small specification in her movements. And that was to put her head right at the height of his chest, so she could carefully rest her ear on it, close her eyes and just pay attention.

*Thump-thump*

She smiled.

There it was.

*Thump-thump*

The sound she was looking for.

*Thump-thump*

It wasn't a necessity, but it was something she liked to do from time to time, if the opportunity and circumstances presented themselves (like in this moment) - it was something more like an habit, perhaps? She didn't know, she just knew that for her it was almost like that feeling that comes from the sound of rain and a crackling fireplace on calm nights. Maybe even better. It was simply something that brought her peace.

And it wasn't just because of how she felt about him, although that was an important reason, but she knew it wasn't the only one. It was complicated, after all, it was, on a small scale, a vague reminder of everything they had experienced, but somehow... in a good way.

*Thump-thump*

It made her remember different related moments. How, the first time she saw him in a human form, that prototype avatar of solid light that they had made, was just that, an almost perfect, almost empty mirage, it wasn't real... it wasn't alive, Wheatley was the one that, while being awake, gave it life. Remembering, also, how, watching him asleep (or well, in sleep mode), if she hadn't known, and anyone who didn't know, she would have thought he was dead.

*Thump-thump*

Then, that time on the hill, when she leaned her face as she was doing now, but back then, there was nothing, just something similar to the noise of the LED light in a kitchen or the hard light bridges in That place. It was a strange, uncomfortable feeling... even sad, it made her think about what they did to him, what they took from him and that his whole being, in fact, was actually in something not much bigger than a pen with lights and a lot of unnecessarily complicated Aperture technology.

*Thump-thump*

Even more, at this point, it was… almost hard to believe that he didn't always look like that. Human. Even though, he always acted like one. Who knows how long he was in his little spherical body. She was sure that even now he must feel, at least in part, as if he still is in some level. She knew that at least he still didn't stop completely feeling like a machine and she had her doubts than that would ever change - if it could, there was still plenty of time for that and it was fine, she didn't mind giving him time to adjust to things, it could be annoying, yes, but it was even sweet to see when he made progress on something, how happy he was and how, truly, he kept trying after failing and learned from what he did - achieved or not. Little by little he had begun to stop pretending so often that he knew or could do things that he really didn't, to quick so fast, and start to actually try, to practice and learn despite failing till he gets it and finally being able to do it. Frustration could still become an issue for him, depending on the situation, he could still seek responsibility or blame in others (or things) while failing - fortunately that was something that had also been slowly decreasing over time. Probably, knowing that no one would harm him or throw him up if he failed, specially not her, was a great help on his progress (Plus, the enthusiasm and shine in his eyes when he finally managed to do something well was priceless)

*Thump-thump*

Then, she also remembered the first time she heard that beat, that last time they stepped into That horrible place never to return. He was naked and soaked in a slimy, stinky, gross substance, but in that moment she felt such a relief to see him, she couldn't have cared less about any of it -he was there, he was alive and he seemed to be fine, that was all that mattered -she just needed to go check him and make sure of the “being fine” part. It was in the middle of a hug when she heard it. She was so excited to see him alive that she had overlooked it, distracted by so many emotions and sensations, but being who she was, it didn't take her long to react and, after a small check, It didn't take her long to solve the puzzle. That was not a mirage or an artificial body, it was his actual body, this was real. He had his human body back.

*Thump-thump*

Of course, at that moment there wasn't much time to process it, they were a little more worried about getting back to town all in one piece.

*Thump-thump*

Someone would think that after a couple of 101 lessons on being human and relearning how to use their organic body, everything should have gone fine, but the truth is that they would still have to go through one or two more big Aperture Science Labs headache, but at least this one wouldn't involve the "labs" part, so, by comparison, they weren't that big… but still.

*Thump-thump*

At first it was just a couple of colds, flu, stomach pains, allergies (luckily they taught him not to take too many medicines at the same time to get better sooner because it doesn't work like that), his forehead testing all the edges of 2 meters or less of the town. A lot of unpleasant stuff, but nothing particularly bad - who knows how many decades in suspended animation without even contact with air wreak havoc on anyone's immune system and physical condition -at least he managed to cover his mouth by reflex when sneezing or coughing... most of the time.

The real problem came later, a couple of months later and it started with what seemed to be another case of the flu, but accompanied by a lack of appetite and more and more noticeable fatigue, among other things. He was trying to hide the seriousness of the matter, trying to make it seem like just the flu, saying from time to time that he was starting to feel better and finding ways to make it seem that way. But there was no way to continue the attempt of a theatre once she saw him fall passed out, burning with fever while he tried to go down the stairs (luckily it was almost halfway). The scare plus her own instinct helped her react quickly enough and effectively to first check that there were no serious injuries and then go find help.

The details of what happened are long, complicated, almost worthy of an adventure, but at that moment, Chell could only especially remembered being there, in Dr. Dillon's guest/patient room, him asleep in the bed and her in a chair next to the bed. She went there when she could to check on his progress, changing wet towels and checking him, his temperature, his breathing...and his pulse. Since she checked him after the fall, she could feel how his heart took on such irregular rhythms, sometimes almost at the level of tachycardia... and sometimes so low... without a doubt they were days of worry and discomfort for everyone, including fear for them both. It was an absolute relief when things finally became normal and she could see him acting with the same energy as always, having regular breathing, and being like this, in that very moment, while she was listening to that sound in the rhythm it should.

*Thump-thump*

Of course, not all were bad memories, you could say that a third and final part of what makes this pleasant for her is what that sound transmits to her, his heartbeat could become as much or more communicative than his voice-which is saying a lot, especially on those... private occasions, planned or not. Like that first time, when she found him in the bathroom naked, confused and scared by a part of his own body's functioning that he knew nothing about, so she helped him to... clear up the misunderstanding… by using the empirical method.

She discovered 2 things that night: First, that she liked to feel how, at that moment, the most obvious part of his body was not the only one that showed emotion when they were that close, it was as if they had disconnected his mouth so they could say almost everything that needed to be said.

*Thump-thump*

Second thing was, deep down, she liked having that kind of control over him. Perhaps because he was someone so vulnerable and at the same time so paradoxically unpredictable and predictable at the same time. Having that level of control over him and the circumstances around at such an intimate level was an extremely satisfying delight, almost irresistible to her so, of course, when she managed to prepare, from time to time, very occasionally, she would gladly take advantage of her position. During those encounters, she even learned that there was difference when the heart races out of fear, out of happiness, or out of pleasure.

*Thump-thump*

And now this.

Moments like this, in some certain different way, also counts as a private, intimate moment, but instead of hot, they are warm.

These moments not only allow her to feel his more honest and vulnerable side, but also allows her herself to be openly vulnerable, knowing she would be safe by being it, even if it was just for a bit of a time.

*Thump-thump*

*Thump-thump*

Someone could say, in summary, that these moments, taking the time to listen and/or feel carefully, from time to time, was something that, in some way, for her defined very well his presence in her life and himself, a reminder of what he went through - what they both went through to get here, of who he was and what she liked about him, his fragility, his spontaneity, and that strange paradoxical strength that he himself doesn't seem to realize, but it does seem to be based in that cheerful endless optimism. He made her feel warm inside and happy to have him there with her, alive and in peace. Maybe it wasn't all always joy and happy and fun, but right now, there was no way she could ever say that she regretted it.

*Thump-thump*

*Thump-thump*

It didn't take long for her to begin to fall asleep again, without separating a single centimetre from his chest, from his heartbeat, as if it were a little coo just for her.

*Thump-thump*

Shortly before she completely falls back in the Morpheus arms, she gives herself the small luxury of carefully wrapping one of her arms around him.

*Thump-thump*

To her surprise, somehow he, unconsciously -because she was very sure he was still asleep- seemed to realize this and, in response, slowly and clumsily moved his own arm to lightly puts it around her in the same way.

After that slight initial surprise and a quick processing, she simply smiled - without moving from where she was, without taking her face off his chest, she closed her eyes again and, letting herself be carried away by the calm, but somehow cheerful way of his heartbeat, she finally fell asleep.

*Thump-thump*

[hockeyisforwomen]

My PWHL Playoffs Thoughts

To be blunt: I don't have super high hopes for Montréal. Their last 6 games are even on wins/losses. Of course, that's not on par with Minnesota's recent record, but it's the second worst of the playoff teams. Also, their recent wins were almost only against teams that didn't clinch playoff spots, besides their one recent win against Minnesota. Considering that they won't match up with Minnesota unless both teams make it to the finals, that doesn't help them at all.

On the other hand, I think Boston has great chances for an upset win. The only games they lost in their last 6 were against NY and Ottawa. They beat the other playoff teams in their most recent match ups. In fact, their playoffs clinching game was a regulation win against Montréal, who they will be facing in the semi finals. 👀

Obviously, Toronto is the "hot" team right now with a 4 game win streak. Their two most recent losses being against Ottawa (back in March) and Boston (in their first game after the international break) means their outlook is very bright. That doesn't mean it's impossible for them to lose, however. We've seen them lose in upset circumstances before, win streak be damned.

Minnesota did unfortunately lose their last 5 games. There's no denying it. You have to keep in mind though that before the international break, they were in a 5 game winning streak. If they're able to overcome whatever their recent slump was caused by (mental exhaustion, emotional fatigue from losing to team Canada, any combination of these and other possible factors) they absolutely have the potential to return to their former strength and cause havoc. The fact that they could lose their last five games of the regular season and still clinch playoffs over a team with a recent hot streak (Ottawa) speaks volumes to what they have been able to accomplish. They can absolutely pull that back and take the Walter Cup in the end. Anyone pretending that they are a garbage team who can't win a game needs to get their eyes checked.

All of that said, one thing is for sure: these are going to be spicy playoffs.

[batwritings]

Kinktober Day 6 - Dub-con

So, on of my headmates who adores Gaz wrote this and it has to be THE MOST fluffiest dub-con I've ever read in my entire life. Enjoy!~

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

You really didn’t think you had drank that much when you were out celebrating with the task force. A mission well done deserved equal celebration, but…well, you were starting to think, somewhere in your mind that you had over done just a teensy bit. Walking was hard, and you were nothing but giggles left and right.

“Bit too much tonight huh mate?” Gaz asked you with a warm chuckle as he helped sling your arm around his shoulder. You and the sergeant had been growing much closer as of late. With you up for a promotion within the ranks and him having held the position for a number of years now, he knew a thing or two about the process and was more than happy to give you some pointers.

“I didn’t think I was such a lightweight,” you slurred with a laugh, leaning your weight into him. The two of you, through some careful maneuvering made your way back through the barracks to Gaz’s room. His was a bit secluded from the rest of the squad, which was probably the purpose of him bringing you here. Less light and noise for the inevitable hangover come morning.

“There we are,” the man hums, helping lower you to his bed. “I’m gonna run and get you some water and aspirin. Be right back.” You tried in vain to lift your hand and ask him to stay as you watched him slip out the door. In no shape to chase after him, you simply let yourself flop over.

You couldn’t help but cringe at your own drunken thoughts that crept up as you lied there. ‘The sheets even smell like him.’ You hadn’t wanted to say anything through being nearly carried back, but you loved every second of the closeness. Despite the added body heat, Gaz was like a cool breath of fresh air that soothed the alcoholic flush that came over your body. 

You whined a little when you grabbed onto his pillow, wishing more and more that it was him. “Miss me that much?” You heard, followed by teasing laughter. The sergeant was back, putting a cup of water and two red and white pills on the small nightstand beside his bed. A rough, war-beaten hand came to ruffle your hair affectionately. “Try to get some sleep Y/N. We’ve still got work to do come morning.”

Your hand moved of it’s own accord, gripping onto his in a clumsy attempt to hold it. “Don’ go,” you whine, trying your best to give puppy eyes. You knew they were his weakness, and you weren’t the only one noticing the closeness. 

A number of times as the two of you had gotten closer that little things had happened that would cause one, if not both of you two blush. Bumping arms, getting a little close when filling out paperwork, the whole works. It was like the two of you were two high schoolers with crushes versus grown ass adults that could express your attraction to the other, regardless of the rules your company had around insubordination.

Well now was that time, your drunken mind decided. “Want you to sleep here…with me,” you told him. Sure, you sounded a bit childish, but you could easily blame that on the alcohol come the morning. You watched as Gaz’s cheeks went up in a flush.

“I..” he started, before sighing. “Love you need some rest. Having me in the bed with you isn’t going to help that.” You’re sure you would have appreciated the gesture any other time. Unfortunately (or potentially, fortunately), your fuzzy mind didn’t exactly have a care for pleasantries. 

You’re not sure where you found the strength to pull the young man closer, but you did, easily letting your lips crash into his. You heard Gaz let out a surprised noise before he melted, fixing the two of you so the kiss was a little more coordinated. For a while, time stood still. The two of you and your connection was all that existed. 

Slowly, Gaz pulled away, his breath a bit heavy. “I…” you could practically see the gears turning and as he tried to process what had just happened and how to best proceed. “I should…go. I…you’re really drunk love. It would be wrong for me to keep going, as much as I want to.”

You felt yourself get teary-eyed at this; you knew full well why he was saying it, but…part of you didn’t care. The sergeant caught on immediately, hushing you gently and cupping your face. “No, no no no love it’s okay,” he cooed gently. “Don’t cry Y/N. It’s not because I don’t like you. But I’m sure as hell not going to take advantage of you while you’re drunk as shit.”

You took hold of his wrist to hold his hand against your face. “Promise?” your voice wobbled as the tears threatened to fall at even the inkling of a wrong word.

“Promise sweetheart, I promise,” Gaz reassured you with a kiss to your temple. “How about a compromise yeah? I stay here the night, sneak out in the morning so the Captain doesn’t have a conniption, and we talk about this tomorrow when we’re both more level headed. Sound good?”

You could barely keep your eyes open between the tears, waning adrenaline, and the overall rough day you’d had. The ebony-skinned man chuckled, standing up to strip off his shirt. If your body temperature was any indicator, it would be a rather warm night in all of his clothes. He quickly switched out of his uniform cargo pants, popping on a pair of sweats before helping you sit up to get you out of your clothes as well.

You felt akin to a rag doll with the way you needed Gaz’s help. You giggled drunkenly when you watched chocolate eyes linger on you a bit longer than was probably appropriate when your shirt had been taken off. He couldn’t help it; even with all the scars that marred your skin, you were positively gorgeous. 

The sergeant ripped his eyes away, quickly getting you into one of his older shirts that was just a bit baggy on your frame. He helps slide off your cargo pants and got you into a pair of his old basketball shorts before laying you back down. It was a tight fight with the both of you on that old military cot, but spooning you word just fine. 

“Thankyouu…” you mumbled, sleep already trying to claim you. You felt Gaz kiss the back of your head softly before he spoke.

“Don’t thank me yet love. We’re still gonna have to talk about your dubious actions come morning.”

[hbyrde36]

Life is a Game (and True Love is a Trophy)

Chapter 12

Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 4 Ch 5 Ch 6 Ch 7

Ch 8 Ch 9 Ch 10 Ch 11 ao3 link

CW: Smut/NSFW

*Steve*

“What about Billy?” Steve asked once everyone took a seat on the cabin’s front porch. 

It had taken a few minutes to calm Chrissy down and convince her that they didn't blame her for the trouble Jason had caused. Eddie kept assuring her that it was all okay, and of course she wasn’t responsible for anything her douchebag of an ex said or did, but it wasn't until Robin stepped in and pulled the other girl into a hug that she stopped crying. 

Even now the two of them were sat together cross-legged on the porch floor, knees brushing, holding hands. Steve would have liked to do the same with Eddie, knowing they could both use a little comfort and reassurance too, but that sort of casual intimacy just wasn’t done between male friends, and while Wayne knew about them, no one else did yet. So he held himself back from reaching out while other eyes were on them.

He and Eddie really needed to have a conversation about that at some point.  Preferably sooner than later.

Steve resolved to bring it up the next time they were alone. He was itching to tell Eleven about them. Robin too. His friendship with her might be brand new but if their barely coded conversation in the car was any indication, he was sure that she would not only be cool about it, but happy for them. 

Hell, if he was totally honest he wanted everyone to know, would shout it from the rooftops if he could. He knew It was a crazy thing to think, but everything else that was happening aside? He had never been so happy. Eddie made him happy, and he wanted the world, or at least their little pocket of it, to know. He could only hope his new boyfriend felt the same.

“I think Carver was hoping he would press charges,” Hopper began. “But Hargrove refused to corroborate the story. I don’t know what you boys said, but you must have scared the shit out of him. He wouldn’t answer any questions, just kept repeating that he’d been home all night and didn’t know what Jason was talking about.”

Steve choked back a laugh and fought not to look at Wayne, who was sharing a pleased grin with his cup of coffee, and he was pretty sure Eddie was doing the same. They both knew it wasn’t due to their efforts that Billy had kept his mouth shut. 

“Then these two showed up raising hell at the police station ready to defend you-” The chief continued, pointing at Eddie. “-to the death and give statements that Jason was making it all up.”

“What did you expect us to do?!” Robin yelled. 

“The whole school was talking about it! We had to take action.” Chrissy added.

Hopper groaned, raking a hand over his face. Steve felt for the man, truly. He had to be exhausted. “Not that it even matters if Carver keeps up his crusade, but statements equal paper trail and I don’t think I have to remind you that this evil wizard or whatever the fuck he is isn’t the only enemy we have.”

Everyone nodded in agreement, the girls a bit sheepishly, but the chief was right. Fire or not, the lab and whatever shadowy sector of the government was in charge of it, was as looming a threat as Vecna.

“Ah shit, the whole school? Do the kids know what’s going on?” Eddie asked, shooting Steve a worried glance. 

“You’re all kids.” Hopper muttered, mostly to himself, and sighed. “Claudia knows about this place, and I called her too when I realized how bad this could get. I wouldn’t be surprised if they all- “

As if on cue, Hopper's sentence was interrupted by the sound of leaves crunching under the wheels of a car, as a station wagon pulled in to park beside his SUV.

“-Showed up here at some point.”

Dustin, Lucas, Will, and Mike all clambered out of the car the second it stopped moving. Each one with a backpack over their shoulder and a sleeping bag tucked under their arm. They rushed through the trees, pushing and shoving each other as if in a race to be first to reach the house. 

Lucas won, an unsurprising turn of events considering he was the only one of them who played a sport, and threw himself down next to Max and El who were giggling at the whole display. 

Dustin was a close second, hitting the bottom step just behind his friend. What he lacked in physical fitness he made up for in passion. He and the other two younger boys took up posts against the railing across from Eddie and Steve. 

“What’s with the sleeping bags?” Eddie asked, though the answer was obvious.

Dustin rolled his eyes. “Look I know you're on the lam now and everything, but it’s literally been less than 12 hours and you’ve already lost track of the days? It’s Friday!”

“So?”

“So, we’re sleeping over! We have the whole weekend to come up with a plan to defeat Vecna and discredit Jason Carver so you can come home.” Dustin declared.

Eddie stilled, and Steve felt his own heart drop. He didn’t know how much hope Eddie was clinging to, but based on his reaction he had at least partially come to realize what Steve had known from the second Wayne told them they had to go. 

There was no coming home. They would never be able to set foot in the Munson trailer again. 

Now that Steve knew about Jason giving him away, he was even more sure of that fact. It would take nothing for what remained of Hawins lab to connect Steve and El to Eddie and put the full picture together. They were past the point of no return now. No matter what happened with Vecna, if they survived, Steve, El, Eddie, and even Wayne would probably have to run and hide for the rest of their lives.

Steve couldn’t help reaching out then, smoothing a hand along Eddie’s back. He hoped no one noticed, or that if they did Eddie wouldn't mind. He just couldn’t not offer what little comfort he had to give in that moment. 

There was no reason to burden the kids with those harsh truths though, not yet anyway. There would be time for that later. 

“That sounds great Dustin, thanks. I'm glad you guys are here.” Steve said, saving Eddie from having to respond, and he leaned into Steve’s touch as if to say thanks.

Claudia made her way up about a minute later, hefting a grocery bag brimming with snacks that she dumped into Wayne’s lap on arrival.

“Right.” She said, a little out of breath. “They’re your problem now, Wayne. I’ll be back to help out in the morning.”

Eddie’s uncle took it in stride. He was probably used to hosting the group of teenagers, at least occasionally. 

“Where are you going? Do you think it’s a good idea for you to be home alone right now?” Hopper asked her.

“Oh, I'll be fine Jim.” She said, waving him off. “I'm certainly not spending the night here. Also there's some sort of emergency meeting at the school tonight for the parents. Considering that it’s almost certainly about our boys, I think it’s best if I attend so we can see what people are saying about all this.”

Hopper huffed. “I didn’t hear anything on the radio about a meeting.”

“Be hard to when it's not on you.” She said, nodding down to the spot where it should have been attached to him. 

“Shit.” He said, patting himself down. “I better get back before this whole thing spirals even further out of control.”

The chief jumped up out of his chair ready to take off but Steve was right there, getting up from his own spot to grab the man’s arm.

“Wait! What about the fire?” Steve asked. He couldn't let it go. He’d been patient so far because they had more pressing concerns, but he needed to know.

“Honestly, kid, it’s probably not what you want to hear but there's not much to tell. There was no one standing around outside according to the first responders on the scene. The place was mostly deserted before the fire started, apart from a few cars in the parking lot. The building’s a charred mess. They had a hard time putting the flames out, blamed it on whatever chemicals that must have been in the labs acting as accelerants. No one’s been allowed to search inside yet for potential survivors or victims. At first because the fire department deemed it unsafe, then come morning a government agency, whose name I was informed is classified, showed up and said they’d be taking it from there.” Hopper shook his head. “I’ll keep my ear to the ground for any sign of your Doctor Owens, but if he was in there… “

“He’s probably dead.” Steve finished the sentence for him. 

“I’m sorry, Steve.’ He said, and it sounded like he meant it. “I’ll go check in at the station and then come back so we can figure out our next move.”

“Have you slept, Jim?” Wayne asked.

“It’s overrated.”

“Go home. Check on Joyce, get some rest, and come back in the morning.” Wayne said, and surprisingly, Hopper agreed.

He and Claudia said their goodbyes and left. The woman offered to give Robin and Chrissy a ride home but the two girls had decided to join in on the massive sleepover. 

“The more the merrier I guess.” Wayne said gruffly, but it was clear that he didn't actually mind. 

It had grown dark and a little chilly out as they talked so everyone piled inside and the negotiations for later sleeping arrangements began. Wayne split off to the kitchen, and Eddie, who had been uncharacteristically quiet since the boys arrived, quickly joined the fray, letting the kids know in no uncertain terms that the couch was Wayne’s and both beds were spoken for. Really they were just battling over floor space at that point.

It was loud and chaotic, and Steve took the opportunity to slip away from the group and retreat to the comparative quiet of his and Eddie's room, pressing fingers to his temples to try and relieve the pressure that had been building behind his eyes all day. He should have known a certain someone would notice his absence right away. 

“You okay?” Eddie asked, opening the door just enough to stick his head inside.

“Yeah, just a headache.” He replied, sitting on the edge of the bed.

“I saw a pretty impressive first aid kit in the bathroom. I bet there’s some sort of pain killers in there. I’ll be right back.” Eddie said, ducking out only to return a minute later with a bottle of aspirin and a glass of water. He shut the door behind him and shook a few of the pills out into Steve’s waiting hand.

“Thanks” He said, downing both the medicine and the water in one go. 

“You don’t think… Eddie began hesitantly after a beat of silence, and it took Steve a moment to realize what the other boy was getting at. 

“Oh! No, definitely not.” He said, shaking his head. He pulled Eddie down by the hand to sit beside him. “This is normal, for me at least. I get headaches all the time. It’s nothing. Besides, doesn’t Vecna usually go after people that are like- ” He paused, trying to think of the right way to say it. “Sad and depressed and stuff? People with real problems.”

“Steve, you were held prisoner for two years.”

Eddie had a point. 

The past few years of his life had been mostly miserable save for a few stolen moments of happiness with his chosen sister. Even now that they had escaped, they still weren’t safe. They were being hunted by a legion of evil scientists and a man turned interdimensional monster with an axe to grind against an innocent girl who’d only done what she had to do to defend herself. 

He shrugged it off, smiling despite it all as he wrapped his arms around Eddie’s neck, suddenly realizing they were alone, and he could do that. “Yeah, and now I'm here, and I have my sister, and you.”

Eddie’s hands found his waist like they were always meant to be there. “No need to get cute, Harrington. We’re already dating.”

Steve pouted. “But I'm always cute.”

Eddie laughed quietly. “You can say that again.” He whispered, pulling Steve into a deep lingering kiss. 

-

Steve exited the bedroom about an hour later when Eddie softly knocked to say that everyone was eating dinner. The other boy had convinced him to lay down until his head was feeling better. He was glad for it now, to be able to stand in the middle of things without pain while the teens loudly talked and argued over each other. They seemed to agree that Eddie was their secret weapon, or could be if he could remember what his powers were and learn to tap into them.

“I think I could help you with your memories. If you’d want that.” El said, bringing the conversation to a crashing halt. 

Everyone was quiet, waiting for Eddie to respond, and Steve had a bad feeling.

“I, um… I don’t, uh know if I- ” Eddie stammered.

“It’s not just about the powers either, it could help in a lot of ways!” Dustin chimed in, blissfully unaware of his cousin’s discomfort. “I mean, El remembers Henry from before and you’re older than she is. Maybe you know something she doesn’t. We need some kind of leg up here, and we can’t just assume that this Vecna is exactly the same as the one from the campaign. Who knows if he has the same powers, or less, or more. We’re fumbling in the dark here, and- ow! ” 

Max elbowed him hard in the ribs, effectively cutting him off.

Eddie's head was down, eyes screwed closed and he was breathing too fast. Steve threw a look at Robin, a silent plea to keep everyone busy and away while he helped Eddie through whatever he was feeling. He slid an arm around the other boy’s shoulder, guiding him to the kitchen and sat him down in one of the chairs while he knelt in front of it. 

Steve took both of Eddie’s trembling hands in his, and whispered to him softly. “Come on baby, you gotta breathe nice and slow for me, okay? Can you do that?”

Eddie kept his eyes closed but nodded slightly and tried to control his breathing. Steve ran his thumbs across Eddie's knuckles as they took deep even breaths together. It didn’t take long, just a minute or two and Eddie’s pulse slowed, but he still wouldn’t look up. 

“Eds, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. If you decide you want to recover your memories one day, I fully support that, but you should do it for yourself, because you want to. I don’t want to see you forced into it when you’re not ready.”

Eddie shook his head. “I don’t know why the idea of remembering scares me so much, but what if Dustin’s right? What if I… “

Steve squeezed his hands. “It's not worth it if this is what it's going to do to you, and there's no guarantee that it would help anyway. We have a little time. The music is working so far, and he hasn’t taken any other victims yet. We’ll figure something else out.”

Eddie finally looked up to meet his eyes, and smiled softly. “Thank you.”

-

It was decided unanimously that that was the end of strategy discussion for the night, and when Eddie escaped to the bathroom to shower no one stopped him or said anything about what had just happened. 

Steve helped the girls get set up in their room, digging extra blankets out of a closet and arranging them on the floor to make it a little more comfortable. Max and El invited Robin and Chrissy to crash on their floor so they wouldn’t have to deal with the boys. Robin kept trying to catch his eye. He knew she wanted to talk, to ask if he was okay but she accepted the little shake of his head without complaint. 

He tucked El in even though Max was there, and she really was too old for it these days, though she didn’t seem to mind. It almost felt like old times.

By the time he was done Eddie was out of the shower, and he gratefully took his own turn in the bathroom getting clean. When he emerged, Wayne was sound asleep on the couch surrounded by the whispering voices of the younger boys on the floor around him, zipped into their sleeping bags. It was quite a sight, Steve wished he had a camera.

Going to bed together was awkward in a way that it hadn’t been the night before. Maybe because they weren’t as bone tired, or maybe because they had actually established themselves as a couple now and neither of them knew what to expect. 

Whatever the reason, Steve didn't like the tension in the air when he’d come in from his own shower, but he thought he knew how to fix it. 

He made sure the door was shut and locked before crossing the room to stand in front of Eddie. 

They were alone again and Steve took full advantage of it, taking Eddie’s face between his hands and kissing him deeply while he pressed their bodies as close together as their pajamas would allow. Eddie tilted his head, melting into the kiss. He opened for Steve immediately inviting his tongue to lick in and explore. 

Eddie gripped his shoulders and Steve's hands wound their way into hisdamp hair as the kiss turned desperate. Finally he was forced to pull back or risk passing out from lack of oxygen. Eddie whined and tried to follow, but Steve, remembering that there was a gaggle of teenagers in the next room, chuckled and slapped a hand over Eddie's mouth. 

Eddie’s eyes widened and Steve brought his lips close to his ear. “If we’re going to do this we’ll have to be quiet. Do you think you can be quiet for me?”

He felt as well as heard Eddie swallow hard. He was breathing heavily through his nose, eyes dark and pupils blown. He nodded, chest heaving. Steve slowly removed his hand from Eddie's mouth and kept his voice at a whisper. 

“Will you let me take care of you tonight?”

“Yes.” Eddie breathed.

Steve crashed their lips together again as he walked Eddie back towards the bed, sitting him down on the edge of it. Eddie looked up at him questioningly but sucked in a sharp breath as Steve knelt in front of him, realizing what he intended to do. 

Steve looked down at the floor, confidence faltering a bit under the weight of nerves. “I want to… I mean, can I… ” 

He must have looked even more unsure than he felt because Eddie reached down to caress his cheek and tilted his head up to look at him. “Hey, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.”

It was exactly what he’d said to Eddie earlier in the kitchen, and it made him smile, instantly more relaxed.  

“It’s not that, trust me. I really, really want to do this. I've just never gone down on a guy before and I guess I'm afraid it won’t be good for you.” 

Eddie quirked a brow. “Virgin, remember? I’ve never gotten a blowjob job before and I gotta be honest with you, just the idea of you putting your mouth on me has me about to cum in my pants, so I don't think there's any chance that it won’t be mind blowing.” 

Steve leaned up, pressing another kiss to Eddie’s mouth as he slid his fingers into the other boy’s sweatpants and started to work them down his thighs. Eddie was right, just the idea of what he was about to do had him hard and straining in his own pants, and he had to palm himself when Eddie’s cock finally came free. It was bigger than he expected, a little red and leaking at the tip.

He started slow, darting his tongue out to lick circles around the head before taking just a few inches into his mouth. The last thing he wanted to do was gag himself and throw up by accident. No matter what Eddie said, that would be decidedly unsexy. He bobbed his head a little, using his hand to work the remaining length the way he’d had girls do on him before.

“Oh my god.” Eddie moaned, just a little too loud, and threw his own hand over his mouth to muffle the sounds that followed. 

It was all a little intoxicating, to be surrounded by Eddie’s scent, the warmth of his thighs so close to Steve’s cheeks, the weight of him on his tongue, the taste. 

He loved it.

“Close.” Eddie whispered through his fingers before clamping his mouth shut again. 

Steve already knew he wasn’t going to pull off, not a chance. He wanted the full experience, not just for Eddie but for himself. He wanted to know what it felt like to have his boyfriend spill on his tongue.

He tested out hollowing his cheeks and bobbed his head a little faster. Eddie’s breath quickened and his hips jerked, cock pulsing between Steve's lips. His mouth was flooded with warm slightly bitter fluid and he moaned around Eddie’s length as he swallowed reflexively, so incredibly turned on that one touch and he’d be coming too. 

Eddie hauled him up into his lap, kissing him thoroughly, either not caring or not minding that he could taste himself on Steve's mouth. Without breaking the kiss he slid a hand into Steve’s pants, stroked him a few times, and that was all it took to have Steve seeing stars again. 

Once they’d come back down to earth, and Eddie had cleaned him up with one of their bath towels, they snuggled down into bed together under the covers. Steve sighed contentedly, wrapped up in Eddie's arms was quickly becoming his favorite place to be. 

“Do you think we could ever… tell people about us?” He asked softly, face pressed into the crook of Eddie’s neck. 

“Is that something you want?”

Steve nodded, running his hand up Eddie’s arm. “I’d like to be able to tell El, and Robin. If you’d be alright with it.”

“Yeah I think that would be okay.” Eddie said, squeezing him a little tighter. Steve couldn’t see his face, but he could hear the smile in his voice. “I’m pretty sure Dustin already suspects, and I think I’d like Chrissy to know, if that’s okay.”

Steve sat up a little, beaming. “Yes, of course. Eddie. I… “ He stopped short, afraid he was asking for too much too soon. 

“What?”

“I don't want to push you, if you’re not comfortable, but I don’t want to have to hide. Not here with our friends and family. If you would want to, I’d be okay with everyone knowing.”

“Oh. That's, um- ” Eddie hesitated. 

Steve tried not to look disappointed. “Too much?”

“No, not at all.” Eddie said quickly. “It’s just, that’s a lot of people to come out to all at once, but I think I want that too. I don’t want to have to hide how I feel about you. I want to hold your hand, and sit too close, and have you call me baby and whatever other names you want without feeling like you have to whisper.”

“Yeah?” Steve said, happy tears threatening to spill from his eyes. 

“Yeah, fuck it. We’ll tell them all tomorrow.”

“You think everyone will be okay with us?”

“I hope so, and if someone isn’t, then at least we’ll know.”

-

Steve woke with a gasp only a few hours later. Eddie was shaking him and shouting his name with an edge of hysteria to his voice that made it clear that something was very, very wrong. 

“What’s going on?” Steve asked, taking in the other boy’s wide, panic stricken eyes.

“El’s gone. She’s not in her bed or anywhere else in the cabin.”

Steve tried to remain calm even as his heart began to race at a frantic speed. Maybe she’d just gone outside to get some air, or it could even be something as silly as her being in the bathroom, and they had somehow missed each other along the way. A fairly unlikely scenario given the size of their hideout, but he wasn’t willing to jump to worst case scenarios just yet. 

He slipped out of bed, thankful that he and Eddie had slept in pajamas tonight. It saved him the time of having to find and put on pants in a tired haze. He opened their bedroom door quietly expecting to be faced with a room full of sleeping bodies, but the living area was empty.  

“Wait, where is everyone?” Steve asked.

“They must already be out looking for her. Come on, we should hurry up and join them.” 

Eddie was ahead of him now, holding the front door of the cabin open, waiting for him. 

He felt like he’d missed a step somewhere. 

Steve shook his head, trying to clear the sleep from his mind. He needed to get it together and find his sister.

He nodded to Eddie wordlessly and made a beeline for the door of the cabin. He flew down the steps and into the trees. It was dark out there in the middle of the woods, but he could see several beams of light in the distance from what he assumed were the other’s flashlights. He should have grabbed one himself, he realized, but he wouldn’t have even known where to look for it anyway. The moon was full, so he could at least see a little and it's not as if she would have gone far. 

“Over here!”

He heard Dustin call out to his right and raced toward the sound of the younger boy's voice, trusting that Eddie would be right behind him. He ran as fast as he could but it seemed like no matter how hard he tried, the light of the younger boy’s flashlight was always just out of reach. 

He glanced back to check on Eddie, knowing that his boyfriend wasn’t exactly an athlete, and skidded to a halt when he realized wasn’t there.

Steve turned a circle twice, squinting into the dark, but Eddie was nowhere to be found.

In the process of looking he lost track of Dustin’s light, or any sense of where he was in these god-forsaken woods. He was never going to find Eleven at this rate. Even if he did, he had no idea which direction would take them back to the cabin. 

How had he gotten lost so fast, and what happened to Eddie? He was sure the other boy had been right behind him, he’d heard his footsteps. 

Hadn’t he? 

He needed to find one of the others, and fast. 

“Dustin!” Steve shouted out for the last member of the party he’d seen, or heard anyway. Figuring he’d be the closest by and most likely to hear him. 

“Dustin!” He tried again. 

“Eddie!” He was getting desperate.

“Where did they all go?” He muttered to himself, worried and frustrated. 

“Steve! This way!”

That was definitely Eddie’s voice, he’d know it anywhere. He sounded nearby too.

Steve sped in the direction the sound had come from until a figure with extremely short hair stepped out from behind one of the wide trunks and took off at a sprint.

El, it had to be El. 

He adjusted course and ran after her, screaming her name until he was out of breath. She never turned around or even looked back. Why couldn’t she hear him? She must be terrified. 

Suddenly he burst through the tree line and came face to face with a familiar stretch of chain link fence. It was the exact spot they had escaped through only days ago. He had no idea what would have made El come here of all places, but he wasn’t about to turn back now.

He pushed through the opening in the fence just as the sound of a heavy metal door creaking open reached his ears. He rushed to the exit door, assuming it was the source of the noise and luckily managed to catch it before it fell closed and locked itself. She must have used her powers to open it.

He called El’s name over and over as he searched the building, realizing far too late that something didn’t add up about all this. He’d wandered the familiar halls and even gone down into the lower levels of the lab searching for any trace of her, completely forgetting that there had been a fire here last night. 

Yet there was no damage.

No burnt walls or signs of smoke. Hopper had said the place was a mess, surely it would take weeks if not months of cleaning and repairs to get it looking this good again. Steve's blood ran cold.

It could mean one of two things. Either he had never really woken up and was still in bed dreaming, or this was all an illusion. 

At that realization, the quality of the light around him changed, taking on a sinister red hue, while the air that he was pulling into his lungs became thick and stale.

There was only one person, if you could call him that, that he knew of with the ability to create such convincing visions. The type of thing that could perhaps lure someone out of bed, trick them into leaving the safety of their friends and loved ones, and end up in the last place they’d ever want to go alone. 

Vecna.

The crisp white walls of Hawkins lab fell away, leaving Steve in a place he did not recognize but had quite recently read an awful lot about. Particles fell from the sky like volcanic ash and crimson lightning flashed in the distance. Thick vines criss-crossed over the ground around him, seeming to come from everywhere at once. He had never seen the Upside Down with his own eyes before but he knew without a doubt that somehow that was exactly where he was.

Before he could get his bearings and figure out where in the alternate Hawkins he was, several of the vines came to life at once. Two of them wrapped around his ankles, pushing him off balance and sending him sprawling to the ground. Another set gripped him at his wrists, tugging them to either side, and a final tendril snaked its way firmly around his neck, pinning him to the dirt. 

He thrashed and struggled to no avail as the hold on his throat became tighter and tighter. A shadow fell over him as his vision began to dim, and a pair of disfigured legs with the appearance of raw meat came walking into view. Steve’s gaze rose up the figure above him and he took in the disgusting sight in the distant way of someone who was about to lose consciousness. He was even uglier in person than Eddie's description painted him.

Vecna crouched, scratching over his face with a single long claw.

“Hello, Steven.”

Chapter 13

Thanks forever to @penny00dreadful for being the best friend, cheerleader, and beta in the whole fucking world💜

Taglist: @newtstabber @goodolefashionedloverboi @adaed5 @buckleybarnes @soaringornithopter @eddie-munsons-lunchbox @bestwifehaver @5ammi90 @sofadofax @ellietheasexylibrarian @manda-panda-monium @hardboiledleggs @mentallyundone @epiclazershark @herebedragons404 @estrellami-1 @paintsplatteredandimperfect @the-s-is-silent @brbsoulnomming @goinsteddie @steddie-there @yeahhhh-suga @thestarslittleking

[she-karev]

Planning Ahead (Jolex Season 21 Imagine)

Age Rating: 12+

Chapters: One of One

Fandom: Grey’s Anatomy

Ship: Alex Karev x Jo Wilson/Jo Karev

Canon Episode: Season 21 Episode 6

AN: I didn’t like how Link was being a dick to Jo when she was clearly hormonal not to mention stressed over expecting two babies so I wrote how Alex would have handled it. Jolex will always be canon in my heart and mind and I will continue to write them how they should have been written on social media. Like and reblog below and let me know what you think.

Summary: Alex and Jo take care of Luna who has the cold. Jo suggests they do a scheduled C-section that causes Alex to argue it isn’t safe. He later tells her he can’t watch her die like Izzie and she feels guilty at that. Jo later apologizes and explains why she wanted the C-section at first, Alex comforts her and tells her they will figure this out together.

AKA: 21x06 but with Jolex instead of JoLink

Words: 3065

June 3rd, 2023

Jo sprays the disinfectant on the coffee table and wipes it with a rag while wearing rubber gloves so there’s not another sick person in the house. Luna has been sick for the past two days with a cold causing her parents to worry and take care of her around the clock. Alex took his vacation days so he can help Jo who is getting agitated as her pregnancy continues.

Ever since they found out they were carrying twins; Jo’s mind has been racing with what’s to come of her for the next 7 months. She is still debating whether to have a vaginal birth or opt for a planned C-section since this is a high-risk pregnancy.

She wanted to deliver naturally but since finding out she’s delivering two babies Jo is becoming more inclined to a surgical option that leaves her and her babies less vulnerable to preeclampsia and cord entanglement. Jo only hopes Alex can support her decision for a planned C-section once she lays out the facts she knows as an OB.

“Okay Luna’s temp is still at 100.” Alex tells Jo as he comes downstairs exhausted from taking care of their sick daughter, “Symptoms still haven’t changed so we can rule out RSV and all the other scary illnesses.”

“It’s just an average cold.” Jo says in relief wiping down another table.

“It’s not average to her or to us.” Alex sits on the couch with a groan, “I gave her Pedialyte and she’s keeping it down so that’s something. I’m hoping it gives me at least 20 seconds of rest, God I am glad I saved up so many vacation days.”

“I imagined our vacation days at Disney Land on that Dumbo ride or those moving teacups.” Jo tells her husband who is closing his eyes, “Of course with three kids we’ll be lucky to fit in that tiny cup without cracking it.”

“And I was a big kid so it’s probably gonna be a given for at least one of the twins.” Alex chuckles lightly, still lying on the couch with closed eyes, “Don’t worry once Luna is okay and those twins are out of your uterus, we are gonna get tickets to Disney Land. Do you think they have a section for adults to drink and unwind while their kids are in magical heaven?”

Jo stops cleaning and sits on the couch next to Alex with an imploring look, “Actually that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Not about Disney Land, but about the birth. I think we need to make a plan.”

“We have at least six months until the big day, right now I just want to rest so I can help take care of the child we already have.” Alex yawns, “We’ll make a plan and look into birthing classes or Lamaze or whatever is supposed to help keep us calm while you’re screaming and pushing.”

“That is actually what I wanted to talk to you about.” Jo says before getting to the point, “I think we should talk to Carina about doing a scheduled C-section.”

Alex opens his eyes at that and looks at Jo surprised who explains, “This is a high-risk pregnancy, we both know that better than most. There’s a high chance of preterm labor and by then the organs aren’t fully developed. At least with a C-section at 36 weeks there is a NICU team ready and a neonatal surgeon if anything goes wrong. Not to mention I’m less at risk for hemorrhaging than if I delivered naturally.”

“But you’re at a higher risk for free fluid in the belly and getting an emergency surgery that could have been avoided if we opted for a vaginal birth.” Alex argues already against this plan to Jo’s annoyance, “Not to mention a risk of infection for both you and the babies and fetal trauma and blood clots and limited mobility after for you that is gonna be hard to do when you have three kids at home. You’re an OB you should know all of this and this shouldn’t be an option for you and the babies at all.”

“There are risks for natural birth too I know that as well due to my job.” Jo argues back with Alex rubbing his eyes at this hurdle, “I know hemorrhaging is just as likely to happen after giving birth and the time it takes to prep me for surgery won’t be needed if I’m already in an OR with surgeons to operate. Also, the baby’s cord getting tangled is likely as well putting one or both of them at risk. And the placenta could rupture risking me and the babies. I am trying to plan ahead before we go in with no contingencies and no surgeons around if anything goes wrong.”

Alex tries to get Jo to come to her senses once again, “Jo you know that a C-section is a major surgery. It’s a surgery that should only be planned if the benefits outweigh the risks and they don’t so far. Your ultrasound showed two strong and growing babies, your placenta is perfectly intact and your healthy with no underlying conditions. There is no factor here that calls for a C-section.”

“I’m healthy but I’m not exactly young enough to have a safe natural birth.” Alex scoffs at Jo’s statement, “Do you know what is considered a geriatric pregnancy? 35 years old, as much as I hate to admit it, I am no spring chicken. I’m at a higher risk for complications that come with giving birth.”

Alex inhales deeply to keep calm, “Okay look honey I know that you’re scared of what is gonna happen but right now I think you’re letting your fear cloud your medical judgement. This is something that needs to be made by a sound OB who can tell us if this is necessary or not. Right now, you’re not an OB you are an expecting mother of twins who has been up for the past two days taking care of our sick daughter. Let’s take this to Carina once Luna is okay and we rest, okay?”

Jo is adamant in her decision however shaking her head, “I’m not making a hasty decision here Alex I am planning for the future and making sure both of our babies live to see it. Ultimately, it’s my decision and you and Carina will have to respect it.”

“Excuse me?” Alex asks offended, “This is not just your decision, these are not just your babies they’re ours and my opinion matters here too. And my opinion is that you are not having a C-section, I won’t allow it unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

Jo looks stunned by this barbaric side of Alex, “You won’t allow me to exercise my own medical decisions? Despite Roe v Wade being overturned this isn’t Gilead from The Handmaids Tale, this is my decision too.”

“A decision that you are not making clearly.” Alex argues trying to keep calm in this tense standoff, “A decision that could kill you or one of the babies or both of them or all of you. I am not trying to bully you I am trying to think for all of us after you dropped this bomb out of nowhere. I am trying to protect our family from something that could have been avoided if we both made sound decisions.”

Jo sighs at this ready to argue back when they hear Luna upstairs crying calling out for dada. Alex immediately stands up rubbing his face tired from taking care of Luna and from this argument that is making him close to bashing his head against the wall.

“I got her, I…I gotta calm down and think before I say something I am gonna regret.” Alex goes upstairs leaving Jo on the couch groaning at this argument that is leading nowhere.

Later

Alex comes downstairs to find Jo still in the living room folding laundry tensely. He is also tense from the argument that is playing every worst-case scenario that has to do with Jo requesting a C-section. He imagined her after the surgery bleeding internally and leaving him to raise their kids on his own. He imagined one of the babies being accidentally cut with a scalpel and losing one of them. He imagined all three of them hemorrhaging and he would lose all of them.

Alex keeps his face calm from these dark thoughts as he sits on the couch next to Jo who is still folding the laundry. He thinks of how to tread carefully through this landmine not wanting to ensue an argument that could wake up Luna.

“She’s sleeping.” Alex informs Jo in a low voice, “The Pedialyte seems to be working, and she hasn’t vomited all night, so I think we’re nearing the end here.”

“That’s good.” Jo says as she folds Luna’s blanket before sighing as she sets the blanket down in the basket, “Childbirth is unpredictable, I know it, I’ve seen it its why new protocols were implanted to begin with. I know the risks of both a C-section and a natural birth and I feel like if I choose the first these babies have a stronger chance of making through the delivery safely and a stronger chance of coming home with us.”

“And what about you?” Alex asks imploring instead of pressing, “This C-section affects you too, it mainly affects you, you’re the one whose gonna be on the table. Forget being able to move around or breastfeed, a C-section increases your chances of hemorrhaging and bleeding out. At least with a natural birth you’ll have a faster recovery time and Carina DeLuca is an excellent OB. She won’t miss any steps or ignore you if you tell her you’re in pain. I-I am trying to understand why you are so insistent on a surgery that has higher complications.”

“Because I am trying to plan ahead like my mother should have when she was pregnant with me.” Jo snaps clearly agitated to Alex’s surprise that this goes back to her birth mom, “She didn’t plan, she didn’t go to doctor’s appointments, she didn’t even tell anyone that she was pregnant. She just ignored it until it was too late, and I know she had trauma, and the pregnancy warped her thinking but then I think what if there was a complication with me that she could have resolved if she made plans. What if I had died because she didn’t go to anyone for help? I am doing what she couldn’t. I am thinking about these babies and what could happen in that delivery room. I don’t care what happens to me, I care about what happens to these babies unlike my mother who never cared about what would happen to me.”

Jo goes back to folding the laundry with Alex left silent at this confession. He thought this was just from the surge of hormones going through her body but it’s more than that. It’s from being reminded of her mother not being able to acknowledge her pregnancy that ultimately led to Jo being left at a fire station and into foster care. It’s from Jo fearing that she will react the same way her mother did and hurt these babies as a result.

Alex thinks for a moment on what to say to ensure his wife sees reason before starting, “I was in the room when Izzie coded.”

Jo stops folding the laundry at this mention of his ex-wife but stays quiet to let him finish, “She just had surgery and was trying to regain her memory. It was hard and it was hell that the woman I loved didn’t recognize me, but I stayed, and I reminded her who I was. And when she finally remembered who I was her heart stopped, and she died in my arms.”

Jo looks at Alex in sympathy knowing how difficult that must have been for him, “She signed a DNR, I screamed at Webber and the others to revive her, and they did. They brought her back after the cancer almost killed her. I was stuck in that moment for years, feeling her slipping away in my arms, not being able to do anything, feeling like I lost the most important person in my life then.”

Alex looks at Jo with a pained expression, “I can’t do that again, I can’t have you die in my arms and leave our kids without their mom. I can’t let that happen when I can stop it. I can’t lose you or our kids, I won’t survive, that is gonna be the thing that breaks me so please don’t let your mother’s mistakes make you make a decision that could upend all of our lives, please.”

Jo is left stunned at this confession that makes her feel guilty for making her husband go back to a time when he thought he was gonna lose everything. It makes her feel terrible for willing to risk her own life and her children because of something her mother did when she was pregnant and traumatized. It makes her feel like she is bringing unnecessary pain to her family when they have had enough pain to push through.

A shrill cry upstairs calls their attention with Jo standing up knowing Alex needs space again, “I’ll get her. I…I’m sorry.”

Jo leaves Alex in the living room to tend to their child with both feeling raw as this night keeps on giving.

The Next Morning

Jo and Alex lay in bed feeling tired from taking care of Luna all night who finally went to sleep with a normal fever. The expecting parents have been busy taking care of their child and silently agreed to leave the conversation for after. Now that it’s after Jo decides to start.

“I know I sprung you with the C-section out of nowhere and I should have known it was gonna be a bigger conversation between us.” Jo lies on her side curling up against a pillow facing Alex who turns his tired head towards his wife, “I am not thinking clearly your right about that, and I am ignoring the fact that your in this with me too. I’m so sorry, I feel like my mind is somewhere else half the time and it makes me crazy.”

“You have a good excuse.” Alex reminds her, “Two excuses. I might not be as exposed as you are, but I know hormones are a beast that can cloud a genius’s thinking. So double that I wouldn’t be surprised if you went to work with no pants on.”

Jo chuckles at that before looking at Alex with a solemn grin, “I know it’s gonna be hard for us in the beginning and the middle, but I really want that big family I never had. I want it with you, and I want to be around to see it and live it. I just…I’m so worried that I’m gonna mess it up before we even have these babies. I’m worried that I am gonna repeat my mother’s mistakes. But instead, I am playing games with my own health and my babies as well by letting my fear win. I don’t know why.”

Alex lies on his side to face Jo fully, “You are a resident working crazy hours raising a deaf child with your husband all the while carrying two babies in your womb. And…with your history of depression it would be shocking if this pregnancy wasn’t stirring up feelings about your mother who abandoned you. I mean you told me that you didn’t want biological kids because you were worried you would react like your mother did when she was pregnant. Now your pregnant and that fear is clouding your hormone riddled brain.”

“I think your right.” Jo sighs at this, “I think I am feeling a little bit how I felt when I was depressed. I’m happy to have these babies with you and I was shocked, but I want to continue this pregnancy. I just feel so out of control like my mother was and that scares me because I don’t want to be like her at all. I want to be the mother she never was and give these kids the childhood she couldn’t give me.”

Alex rubs her arms in comfort, “You already are. I mean you were Luna’s rock when she was in the NICU, you raised her while you were working to bring life into this world, you took her deaf diagnosis with stride, and you are learning sign language for her. All of those things are not something your mom would do, it’s something you would do because you are the best mother our kids could have. It’s just the issues with your mother you need to work through again and you will because you are stronger than you give yourself credit for.”

Jo looks at Alex grateful for having him here, “I know that I do. I’m gonna talk to my therapist about this and see what she recommends. Because I love you and our somewhat chaotic family so much and I don’t want that darkness to take it away from me. I’m gonna fight for our family and I’m gonna protect these babies, starting with not getting a scheduled C-section. I don’t want to risk my babies or myself and I don’t want to put you through that pain if I can help it. The screaming and the pain will be worth it once these babies are in our arms safe and sound.”

“Thank you.” Alex grins at this decision, “I love you.”

“I love you.” Jo leans forward to kiss Alex who kisses her back passionately for a few moments before she pulls back to yawn, “I’m sorry.”

Alex chuckles sharing the feeling as well, “It’s okay trust me, at this moment I think I love sleep more than you.”

“Same. Let’s do that.” Jo states before curling up against Alex’s chest as he lies down ready to welcome the sweet lull of sleep they have been deprived of for the past two days, “Good night.”

“Night.” Alex wraps his arms around Jo holding her against him as they sleep in each other’s arm content and blissful after the night they had.

[skymaiden32]

Brothers and Enemies

Read on AO3 here

Fandom: Thunderbirds

Tagging: @dragonoffantasyandreality @thundergeek59 @janetm74 @katblu42 @liseylou @amistrio @uniwolfcorn @idontknowreallywhy (Please ask if you would like to get alerts when I update or post new stories.)

Thundertober Day 6: Spiritual

Kyrano gives three feuding brothers a few words of advice.

Continuity: TOS

------

It was a beautiful day on Tracy Island. An array of tropical wildlife thrived in the trees of the jungle and the reefs of the surrounding sea, all vibrant and colourful. Kyrano inhaled deeply as he watched it all from the sanctity of his garden. Days like this, when the world was at peace and all was still, were what he lived for.

So of course, the powers that be decided it was high time for some chaos. “ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!” The shout carried from the main house across what must have been the entire island. Kyrano immediately recognised the voice as Virgil. He sighed, wondering who was responsible for the second brother's anger. And what the reason was. It took a lot to make Virgil angry, but when he was, the entire house knew within seconds.

“Then next time,” a second voice replied to Virgil. Alan. “Don’t steal my cheesecake!” Kyrano chuckled. A trivial disagreement between brothers. Seemed like this would get resolved by itself fairly quickly. At least hopefully. With Grandma on the supply run with Scott, and Jeff away on business, there was no-one to keep them in check.

“That doesn’t mean you can just do that, Alan! I could’ve really gotten hurt there…” Of course, Kyrano thought, he could be proven wrong about it being resolved quickly.

Alan scoffed. “Really? By slipping on some spilled water?”

“Spilled water from an ice bucket,” Virgil explained. Kyrano could practically see him getting angrier from here. “That YOU kicked over while I was walking past!” Kyrano’s interest was definitely piqued now. He moved closer to the house to hear a little better, and to intervene if need be.

“Yeah…” Gordon’s voice was nervous as he joined in. “It was going a bit far for a slice of cheesecake, if you ask me, Al…”

“Well nobody did ask you, Gordon.” Alan replied harshly. “So you can stay out of this!”

Virgil gasped as if what Alan had just said had been directed at him. “Don’t talk to Gordon like that! Or me for that matter!”

Just as Alan was about to retort, Kyrano decided it was high time he stepped in. “What seems to be the problem, gentlemen?” He walked over the threshold. “It sounds like quite the argument.”

Virgil argued against the intervention. “Oh, it’s nothing, Kyrano. Don’t worry. Just a normal brotherly spat.”

Gordon chuckled without humour. “Sure, let’s call it that...” 

Alan glared at his immediate brother. Kyrano raised his eyebrow. “Oh? Well, I happen to have had my fair share of these ‘brotherly spats’. I am happy to help where I can and offer advice, if you so desire.”

“It’s fine-”

“I insist, Master Alan.” Kyrano stated matter-of-factly, giving his daughter’s boyfriend a pointed look. “Come sit, all of you,” he pointed to the chairs outside. “And we will discuss over a nice cup of tea.”

The mere suggestion calmed the three enough that they exchanged a puzzled look, before nodding. Gordon and Alan sat on the balcony, looking out to the sea, with Virgil offering to help Kyrano with the tea. Soon, the four men sat in a circle, calm, but subdued given what had just happened.

“It is not easy,” the manservant started, causing all three brothers to look up at him from their drinks. “To get along with your brothers at all times. In fact, it may well be impossible. Believe me, I understand that perfectly. After all, it is simply what happens when you live and work with people who are so similar to you for so long.” He sighed. “But Master Alan, your brothers were right when they not only said someone could’ve gotten seriously hurt, but it was also a step too far.” They all listened, attentively. “My own brother hurt me, and continues to hurt me near daily.” Three pairs of eyes flew wide open at the statement, all of them knowing exactly who Kyrano was talking about. “We were as close as you five were, once.”

“What happened?” Alan’s voice was quiet when he asked that question. “How did he become…” He hesitated, but he didn’t need to finish that sentence. He tried anyway. “The Hood…?”

Kyrano sighed again, sipping his tea. “I wish I knew when it started. All I do know is that one day, he went too far. My wife…” He shook his head. “Forgive me for not being as forthcoming as you would like.” Kyrano looked at Alan again. “It may seem trivial to you, but it was not to your brothers. I will not let your family be split apart like mine was.”

Alan sighed, reading between the lines, and turned to look at his two older brothers. “I’m sorry. I really am…”

“We know sprout. Just don’t do it again.” Gordon ruffled his hair. The radio in the lounge beeped urgently. “That’ll be Grandma and Scott. I’ll guide them in and you meet them on the runway, okay?”

“Okay.” Alan nodded in agreement, and the two left, leaving Virgil and Kyrano by themselves.

Virgil breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Kyrano. You always know just what to say. Guess you’ve learned a thing or two from the spiritual lifesyle.”

“That, and being old.” Kyrano smiled, and Virgil laughed. “I was just happy to help.” He made his way back down the steps to the garden, only stopping to say one last thing. “Remember to finish that tea. It wouldn’t do to let it get cold.”

Back down in the garden, he breathed in and out, taking in the new but familiar sounds as one more Tracy brother and their grandmother joined what was soon to be a cacophony once again. Kyrano didn’t mind. It was a beautiful day, and he could feel at peace anywhere.

[frostynovaprime]

Mmmmmm post sleep Tennocon Rambles under the cut

Ofc because I just started vet school last week (yay) I couldn’t attend in person. Really sad I couldn’t attend because I’ve always loved it when I went to the 2017 and 2018 events. Had to watch the stream, but it look like from pictures everyone had tons of fun and I’m glad it was a success. Next year, please let it be closer to the middle of the summer akdjejak

Art panel, the highlight for me as always as an artist myself. Really cool to see all the concept works from way back in Dark Sector. I’m so sad the art book was so expensive and sold out so fast, but I hope this means they can be inspired to do a reprint in the future (maybe when food expenses arent draining my bank like a whirlpool….) The new upcoming concepts I can’t say I’m a fan of all too much. Grendel is my most hated frame but the boar is a cool inpiration for him. I personally think the game is very oversaturated with Liger concepts, so as per most Liger deluxes Sevagoth wasn’t my cup of tea. They designed the frame, why not have someone else take a shot as his deluxe? I didn’t catch who designed Yareli’s bu that one was interesting.

And….. the Heirloom skins collection. They’re pretty. I though Mag’s was for Nova and got too excited for a bit. And as a Frost main I’m always glad for more content containing him, hell I squint at his skin because it has a few elements that are strikingly similar to my Deluxe concept for him back in 2021. But. The price. I want to buy it, but this entire collection pitch is exactly what Digital Extremes has vow to not do in all 10 years with their fair free to play model, and this sets a very bad precedent if it were to continue. $90 USD is too high of a price for a pack of skins marketed as being in celebration of 10 years, inflated artificially with the Regal Aya. A pack of 6 (with an extra bonus, making 7 total and 400 platinum) is $40 which means everything in the second tier pack is only $30. The same price as the low tier. The only new thing the skins intoduce are the Signas, which are cool, but I gesture to Kaithe coronets. The skins have no new visual effects for abilities, no new animations, not even new idles like recent Deluxe skins have. Rebecca used the word “prestigious” for describing the pack. And I beg her to NEVER use that word again for cosmetics. Prestigious content is a very slippery slope. Take the Prestige skins from League. Because of those skins Riot is now thinking they can make a variant recolor of a very old Jhin legendary and mark the price up to $200. Warframe doesn’t need that. Not to mention the FOMO. The Heirloom pack is gone at the end of the year. Even past Prime Access comes back in Resurgence after a few years. Nightwave brings back old items from past story events. The only thing that has never returned was the Founders Packs, for a good reason. The Heirloom collection feels like a rehash of the Founders marketing in the present state of them game where it’s most likely not trying to stay afloat. FOMO has never existed in Warframe, and it shouldn’t be added now.

Don’t even get me started on that 10 year Accolade in the packs. Accolades have usually been for people who made a notable contribution to the game. Founders, Closed Beta testers, Creators. All of them have some sort of impact on the game be it keeping it afloat in the starting year or contributing to the Community. Now a shiny sticker can be added to any account for as low as $30. I’ve been playing the game for 8 years. I’m not a ‘10 year supporter’ yet. The wording itself insinuates that to supoort the game for a decade, you need to pay. That Accolade should have been something added automatically when your account turns 10 years old.

Overall I’m extremely disappointed bu the Heirloom marketing as it stands. Will I buy it down the road? Chances are high when I’m not bleeding for food with school going on, which is at the very end of the year right before it goes away cause I also give into FOMO. DE has adjusted their strategies before, and I hope they do so now. But this has already set a bad first impressions for any future Heirloom content.

Anyway, rant over on that. Sound panel was cool. Always cool to hear how specific sounds are made like Kullervo. The Heirloom debacle kinda soured my mood for a bit, so I focused more on studying my classes and then went shopping with my roommates.

Came back a little late to TennoLive, probably halfways thru the Soulframe demo. From what I saw I really like the whole concept and thematic. The little turtle guy is so cute. Excited to see more of its development and eventually play it.

The Warframe aspect I had more range of feelings. Whispers in the Wall looks really cool and I’m excited for exploring what the fuck Albrecht is doing. I love how its expanding Deimos more, instead of adding another island and button to navigation. It feels like it’ll require the New War to access, since its all based around the aesthetic of the Man in the Wall seen at the very end of the quest. I’m very interest in the human Loid (best design from Liger since Nezha Empyrean imo). I hope he gives more insight into the attitudes of the Orokin since he is 99% likely from before the Old War.

And… Warframe 1999. I got sucked into Warframe because of it’s unique spin on fantasy sci-fi. And throughout the 8 years I’ve played it’s stuck to its aethetic formula to a T. Seeing CRT monitors and Nokias along with Entrati designs, the modern sci-fi elements and callbacks to Dark Sector makes it feel out of place. Blasphemous almost. But, I’ve had this feeling before with Duviri. I had reservations as to whether Duviri would break the Warframe Universe as we knew it. But DE made the Paradox make sense, and the aethetic language of the world fits perfectly into the formula. I absolutely love Duviri. I need to see more and play 1999 in order to feel how it connects to the Origin System and Duviri as a whole, be it the very distant past (and being born in 99 myself makes me…. Haaaaa) or a parallel universe connected by Void Fuckery(tm). But seeing how Duviri played out I have no real doubts DE won’t pull it off again.

[painacony]

a lot of you don't know about my thread of kagihira as carly rae jepsen songs so here it is

i imagined specific scenarios for some of these but feel free to imagine what you want. you only need to listen with a kagihira mindset for the intended experience

au where hirano doesnt love kagi back but he accepts to date kagi with no strings attached (the one)

Truth is I never thought of us together You're just a friend of mine We should know better This can't last forever Kiss me one more time Romance is fine, pour me some wine Tell me it's just for the fun of it Far from your eyes, hard to deny when I don't want love, don't want none of it

2. au where the daily touching doesnt work and kagi ultimately gets rejected by hirano and he's not over it (party for one)

If you didn't know that you were right for me Then there's nothing I can say Tried to call you out to spend some time to see But somebody's in your way Tried to let it go and say I'm over you I'm not over you But I'm trying

3. au where hirano realizes he likes kagi back but is afraid to lose focus on his studies so he ignores it (happy not knowing)

All our friends that I know They've been trying to set us up together I lie, I lie I say somebody else would suit you better But I'll only go so far I don't have the energy To risk a broken heart When you're already killing me But if there's something between you and me Baby, I have no time for it I'm happy not knowing

4. in which hirano falls first (now that i found you)

Waking up next to you, every morning How did we get this far? It came without a warning And in the night time, you tell me your whole life You and me get too real, but all I feel is alright

5. au where kagi lies about dating hirano to get an admirer off his back (body language)

I think I'm in trouble, I can't see the end I call you my lover, you call me your friend I'm keeping it secret, yeah, even from you I call you my lover Oh, what can I do?

6. in which hirano realizes he wants kagi after kagi has already moved on (gimmie love)

I know I said that I'm too scared to try But I still think about you, think about you And I can't lie I like the feeling, how you make me shy I share my secrets and I will not hide I know that one could be two, one could be two

7. i only know this is kagi's pov (felt this way)

But I can't take much more of your hesitating Both our hands speak for us and complicate it My home is your body, how can I stay away? And if my love's too strong for you, walk away But I can't make this wrong when I see your face My home is your body, how can I stay away?

8. hirano falling in love arc (this is what they say)

And when you hear me calling your name It's always different, never the same And every morning, when I wake you up Sugar, you won't need a cup You got me feeling confident, yeah This is what they say Falling in love is supposed to feel like

9. kagiura being down bad (summer love)

I just live for the feeling Dance to the feeling Wait for the feeling of you I was down for the first night And I'm down for a second try When you touch me, I wanna fly I'm so down for you all the time

10. in which they sort the whole thing out (let's sort the whole thing out)

What it feels like when I'm next to you It's a soft touch that I read in to Was it just me? Did you linger for too long? But it's alright if it's on your mind 'Cause it's all I'm thinking all the time

11. post-graduation established relationship kghr / kagi's pov (sideways)

Oh, now I smile at strangers I'm that annoying type Who don't care if there's traffic 'Cause I've got plans tonight, oh Later we'll meet at your place Later we'll be together Ever since you said that you were mine Everything's going my way

12. this one is just 100% kagicore (i really like you)

Who gave you eyes like that? Said you could keep them I don't know how to act Or if I should be leaving I'm running out of time Going out of my mind I need to tell you something Yeah, I need to tell you something, yeah! I really, really, really, really, really, really like you And I want you, do you want me, do you want me, too?