#and giving us back our lab packets

[boycritter]

'unless youre begging for mercy you shouldnt be on your knees' - my physics teacher wondering why we werent sitting down during our lab

[yama-does-art]

Magic on the Lost Light - Part 5

Lost Light x (gn)reader

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | [Here] | End

Content: mtmte human oc insert, discontinued

Warnings: None

Word Count: 1.7k

Drift

"Good morning Ratchet, I can feel the industriousness of your aura today."

"That's one way of putting it. I only have a few more bots to clear before I can finally write off our post-launch failure for good."

"Then it may be a good thing we are so close to Delphi, where we can recruit more medics and you can have some much needed rest."

"I'll rest when I’m dead, besides even when we get to Delphi, I have no idea what state the facility is in now that the war ended, for all we know all the medics are needed."

"Then all the more reason to give time to yourself. You have done more than enough good in the past few orns already."

The waved him off, almost to dismiss the thought. "Enough about me, you're here for the human, aren't you? You're not usually up this early."

Drift shrugged. "Brainstorm is finished with their habitation suit and Ultra Magnus had requested to meet with them today to discuss their training as our future inter-species liaison. A bold choice of Rodimus."

"I know, I was there."

"What do you think of this human?"

"They are fine. Not as jumpy as one would expect when meeting Cybertronians for the first time. Their boldness definitely impressed Rodimus and Ultra Magnus."

"Not you?"

"They are a bit too feral for my liking. It's not like they are unpleasant. In fact I would rather take their company over half the bots I had to service in the past cycle. It's just that I've been off-world for far too long to recognize when cleverness can be dangerous. See for yourself." He said, pulling the monitor of his office. 

"What are they doing?"

"They constructed a sling to whip small projectiles with greater speed and velocity. The weapon is crude but there is undeniable skill In both its construction and of its use."

"What are they using as projectiles?"

"Their fragging nutrition packets.

"Impressive, and it looks like they are consistent in their accuracy. What do they call themselves."

"Cartographer, part time archeologists, and full time drifter; their words not mine. Other than that, we have no idea who this person is."

"I don't recall 'Buddy' as a common name among humans."

"You caught that too? Humans have weird naming conventions but you can't help but wonder…"

"If that is only an alias."

"What am I doing, rambling on about fuel tank theories? Talk to the kid yourself and you decide. I’ve got work to do."

Drift looked back at the human. The fact that the human decided to craft a weapon, no matter how primitive, gave him pause. He wanted to tell Ratchet to trust his feelings, because sometimes those feelings are based on something important. Even if it might not seem obvious at the moment. He shook away the thought, and entered Ratchet’s office. Buddy immediately looked up with a small tilt of the head. A part of him was relieved that they did not look upon him with fear, in the far recesses of his processor he could still picture the organics he used to terrorize as Deadlock. He pushed that memory aside.

"Hello, my name is Drift. I am the Third in Command to the Lost Light."

He was surprised, they gestured the universal greeting. Rodimus mentioned something about that. "It's nice to finally meet you Drift. Are you here to take me to see Ultra Magnus?"

"In a bit, first we are to visit the science lab to get you better accommodated for ship life. Then we will meet with the SiC. We will be gone for a few hours so I suggest preparing for such."

Good, they were understood enough to make efforts to purge their bowels and stockpile some liquid and sustenance. It was curious how they chose to bring their sling with them as well.

"I am ready, so what now?"

He held out a servo, "Let me carry you to the floor before I transform."

They looked at his servo and back into his optics. He could hear a fluctuation of their breathing and a rapid intake of their breath. They nodded, walking to his palm. Their eyes seemed to narrow with suspicion. "Okay, I am trusting you. My life is in your hands."

In an instant it wasn't just their weight that put pressure in his palms. A myriad of emotions swept through him. Guilt, pain, awe. He was holding a life, delicate, finite, and most importantly fragile.

Then he looked back at the same intense gaze that never left his frame. Drift understood why Ratchet seemed hesitant with this human. Those were the eyes of a trained predator.

He brought the human to his optics and nodded to them, matching their intensity. "A responsibility I do not take lightly."

They let out a breath with a small smile, their posture slackened immediately. Barely audible to his audial receptors, "That is good to hear."

Once he placed the human down, he folded into vehicle mode. They gingerly climbed into his cab.

The effect was immediate. Drift could feel their EM field. It was wild, chaotic and messy. He realized the increased heartbeat was not because they were scared. They were excited. Then he felt their touch glide across his dash.

"You are amazing," they said in reverence.

The bot had to suppress his shiver as his engines stuttered. Evidently, the human still noticed.

"Shit! Sorry, I didn't just grope you, did I? Fuck, I'm going to stop talking now."

He could not help but chuckle, feeling their field shift to embarrassment before any word was said. "You are fine. I must apologize, this is the first time carrying passenger in a while, so bear with me as I adjust."

They paused as if processing what he had said before they had laughed, "For you and me both. Seriously though, I didn't make you uncomfortable did I?"

"No more than what would arise from this situation." Confusion. "Let me explain, humans have an em field that is normally undetectable. When you're this close to my spark I can feel its wild fluctuations in full force. Combined with tactile data I received from your movements and multitude of sounds that your body emits leaves me with an overwhelming amount of data to process."

"Information overload. Got it. Do you need more time to adjust?"

"No need. It is done. I am more impressed as how you noticed my discomfort."

"Your fans kicked on and your engines stalled. Rung did the same thing when he was uncomfortable too."

"I am surprised you manage to pick up our body language so quickly."

"It's a human defense mechanism to seek out patterns. Besides, it's a good survival skill when dealing with strangers."

"You seem to have a lot of experience in that regard. I heard from Ratchet that you called yourself a drifter, what do you mean by that."

"Where do I begin? I fancy myself as a explorer of the unknown but really I am just a wandering vagrant.  I was displaced from my home when I was younger and have been on the move ever since."

"I am sorry to hear that. While I never had fond memories of life before the war, the conflict had made it impossible to settle down. I know the feeling of never being able to stay in one place."

"Then we have that in common. I am glad I get to be your roommate then. Us wayward vagabonds have to stick together, after all."

If Drift could smile, he would. There was so much energy from this small being that it was infectious. "Your aura is far clearer now than when we first met."

"My aura? Are you talking about my Electromagnetic field like before?"

"Not entirely. An EM field while biological, can be manipulated. An aura is your truest self. Spectralism is a belief presenting the most honest version of yourself through our aura and through colors."

"That's a lot to unpack. First, what do you mean by EM fields can be manipulated? How is my field different from yours?"

"For Cybertronians, it is how we can convey emotions. It is one of the most basic non-verbal forms of communication we have. That said, it is subject to many of our social stigmas. Due to such stigmas, it is no longer a completely honest expression of oneself.

He continued. "Your field is chaotic and untamed, yet to me it comes off as completely honest. It fluctuates with your emotions. In a very real sense, your field is what we spectralist strive to emulate with the colors we present ourselves with."

They chuckled. "So when you say that my aura is clear, it just means that I am less of an emotional wreck than I was when I first met you. And here I thought I had a good poker face."

"Don't take it as a slight. I am naturally better at sensing these things, and I would have not noticed if you hadn't stepped into my cab. Actually, why did you make a point about me holding your life?"

"A few reasons. First, it was to express the severity of the situation. I can't avoid jumping into your servos, especially with a ship this size, but I can definitely be dramatic about it."

"You certainly were. I admit being caught off guard by the comment. You wanted to see my reaction, didn't you?"

"Guilty as charged. For what it's worth, I believe you." He felt Buddy pat his dash. "That's why I feel so comfortable now. I know I am in good hands."

"I can see why Rodimus likes you. 

“I am glad that he does.” Drift could feel the human lean against his frame, no doubt watching the other crew outside. “He really is really something, though. Giving me the position of Liaison. Not that I am complaining. I thrive in situations like this. It’s just quite a leap of faith to place so much responsibility on a stranger."

"True, no more than say, putting your life in another servos."

They  laughed softly. "Clever bastard, using the same tactics then i.”

“Indeed, more than most give him credit for.” Drift said.

Next ->

[deke-rivers-1957]

ECU High - Chad's Business

Chad walks into school about a half hour early. He always helps his friend Scott with his lab experiments.

"Hey Scott up early as always I see."

Scott doesn't even look up. "This is time sensitive, Chad. You know I can't dawdle with getting this done. Once I get this done, I can finally turn this into my father."

"Yeah, yeah I'm just messin' with you. I just don't know why you can't hire Danny. He's got a more of a mind for science than I do. His dad's a pharmacist."

Scott mixes up a beaker. "Danny works in the mornings before school and then after school. I can't ask him to change his sleep schedule just for me."

"Yeah I know that, but if you pay him some real good money he might quit his job."

Scott sighs and sets the beaker down. "I asked him back when I first started this experiment. He said he didn't want to accept my charity and feel like he didn't earn his money."

Chad shakes his head.

"I don't know why poor people still want to have their pride. It's not like you're asking him to do something illegal or defuse a bomb."

"My experiments are not a guaranteed money maker and Danny knows that. Poor people are not that different from us. They want a reliable paycheck and I just don't have the funds for that."

Chad makes an awkward gesture of shock and confusion.

"Don't have the funds?! You're the richest kid in school! Your dad's the biggest oil tycoon since the Rockefellers!"

He looks up at Chad. "Yeah and my dad wants me to prove I can do this on my own. Pull myself up by bootstraps as he says. He only gives me grant money when I give him an itemized list of expenses with prices."

"That sucks man. He knows you're gonna do a great job of this. Why can't he just have faith in you?"

"I have to prove to him that I'm willing to put in the work. Getting good grades just isn't enough to prove I'm willing to spend time innovating a product."

"Yeah but why does he have to make it so hard on you like my own dad?"

"You don't even have a business plan, Chad. How can you possibly convince your father that you can run a successful business?"

Chad shakes his head and whips out a packet. "I do have a business plan! See for yourself."

He hands it to Scott.

"I'm telling ya Scott this is a good way to make a name for yourself. With your goop and my boats, we could run our own Marina."

Scott looks over his best friend Chad's business plan. "I know you feel that way Chad, but you need to have the capital to even get a boat. How much do you have so far?"

Chad looks a little deflated. "I... I got about 10 grand. Pops isn't willing to give me more if I can't get any support on this."

Scott rubs his eyes and looks through the plan again. "You need to add a lot more detail to this plan Chad. No one in business would invest in this. There's a lot more to running a business than just throwing money at things."

Chad sighs. "Scott you know I'm not a business type of dude. There's a reason why I put you down as my partner."

"I know that Chad but this business plan just isn't good enough to convince anyone. I don't have the time to fix it for you so you're going to need to educate yourself by taking some business classes. At least research how to write a business plan."

Chad takes the packet back. "I just... I don't know where to start. Who do I even go to for help?"

Scott can tell that his friend is looking very down. As bogged down as he is by his own work, he still wants to help.

"You need to ask your father, Chad. He should know how to write a business plan or at least know where you can learn how."

"Pops is against my plan from the start he'll never help me out on this."

Scott sighs again. "Then ask the school counselor or the librarian on where to go. It's still not too late to change classes if you want to take a business class."

Chad leans back in his chair and rubs his eyes. "I get it. I'll go on and schedule an appointment with the counselor then."

Scott watches as Chad sadly gets up and leaves the lab room. He goes up to the principal's office and knock's on the door.

"Come in."

He opens the door and looks very nervous.

"Hey, Pops. I just... gave Scott my business plan to look at."

"Oh and what'd he say son?"

"I... still need to work on it."

He looks up at Chad.

"So why'd you come over here to my office just to tell me that?"

Chad flinches. "Well it's because I want help. I don't know where to go on how to write a business plan. I'm serious about this plan Pops but I just don't know where to start."

Principal Gates rubs his eyes, sighing. "You need to ask your counselor Chad. It's not my job to help you with matters like this. My job is to manage this school and stick to the rules that were established."

Chad looks dejected and opens the door again. "I understand, Pops. I'm sorry for bothering you. I'll go now."

Principal Gates sees the look on his face.

"Chad. I don't want you thinking that I'm making this impossible for you. I want to be reasonable while also make it clear that just because I'm rich doesn't mean you can get everything you want."

"I know."

"When I bought you the dune buggy, it was because you proved to me that you were a responsible driver. This is no different."

Chad looks up. "It isn't?"

"No. I want you to prove to me that you're able to network and learn what goes into entrepreneurship. If you are able to write a business plan that's willing to convince an investor that knows nothing about the Gates company, I will personally give you the capital you need."

"Ok. I understand, Pops."

"Then why do you still look so down?"

Chad rubs his eyes. "It's just so hard Pops. I need help! I have what I think could be a good idea but I just don't know how to make it happen."

Principal Gates can tell his son is feeling overwhelmed.

"Chad I believe it would be a good idea if you join the business/entrepreneurship club. Mr. Kelman's the organizer and can help you with your business plan. Here's a flyer for the club. I highly recommend joining."

Chad sniffles and takes the flyer. "Thanks, Pops."

The morning bell rings.

"Now you just worry about getting to class on time. You still need to have decent grades so investors can have faith in you. That doesn't mean straight As but at least have Bs son."

"Yeah I understand, Pops. I'm doing my best and I've been going to Scott for tutoring. I'll get going."

He closes the door and heads to his math class.

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[saminourd]

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[primis-marshmallow]

Two German Scientists

Chapter 2

Dr Brandt had been pleasantly surprised at a job offer to work for the secret government organisation Omega. However, things take a turn when her boss decides she’s more of a nuisance than a valuable member of the group. How will Dr Brandt survive when thrust into a new world, one where the actions of four men will dictate the survival of the universe?

At 3:50 I hear a knock at my door, engrossed in the material I was reading I forgot to check the time. “One minute!” I yell, quickly putting on my lab coat and lacing up my boots. I flatten down my hair before opening the door.

“Don’t worry, you’re not late. I just thought you might want to walk down to the meeting with me?” I turn back, picking up my notepad and pen before going back to the doorway.

“Yeah, sounds good, Dimitri, I lost track of time there. I was trying to read up on the data packet Peck left me.” We both walk out, down the hallway and towards the conference room.

“It’s a good job you read it, I wouldn’t put it past Peck to try and quiz you in this meeting. Do you know a lot about dimensional rifts?” I look at him, confused and slightly worried. Of course I’d now read the information, I know what they’ve been trying to achieve as of recent, but that can’t be why I’m here…right?

“Uh no…actually I know very little…not really my forte. I’m more of a biological scientist to be honest.”

“Yikes, well you’re going to enjoy this meeting.” He replies sarcastically. “I’m sure you’ll be fine. If you’re not here to help with stabilising the dimensional breaches then I’m sure there’s a lot of other things for you to be working on.”

“I hope so…” I mumble back.

We finally reach the conference room, Dimitri holds the door for me to walk in. “Ah Kuhlklay, Brandt, you’re not late, I’m surprised.” Peck announces from the end of the room, sitting at the head of the table.

“How could I possibly be late to my first meeting at this facility, Dr Peck?” Confidence, confidence is key. I can’t let him walk all over me.

“Is that sarcasm I hear, Brandt?” He grunts out, albeit slightly amused.

Sitting down in the seat next to him I reply. “Not at all, Doctor.”

Kuhlklay sits down in the seat opposite me, giving me a look of approval before speaking. “So, what is this meeting for, Peck?”

“Well Dimitri, I thought it would be a good idea to fill in our new addition on our work. I assume you’ve read the data packet Alvarie, you’ve had all day to do so.” He turns to look at me, I nod shyly. “Good. I know Kravchenko doesn’t want you here to assist with the breaches but until we achieve one, you’ll have to help out. We’re not just gonna pay you to sit around looking pretty, pretending to have a clue of what’s going on.” God he’s such an asshole. “Anyway, tomorrow we’re gonna be continuing our tests for the dimensional portal, and we’re going to achieve one. Alvarie, I want you to manage some of the controls, if you’ve read the data you should know what they all are and how they work. Even with your limited knowledge, I think you should be able to follow instructions. It’s what children are good at anyway.” I narrow my eyes at him slightly, he’s a horrible man but he’s not exactly wrong, I don’t know much about physics.

“Of course sir, I can assure you that I will follow orders to the best of my abilities.” He chuckles at this.

“I’m starting to like her, maybe you could learn a bit about respect from her, Kuhlklay.” The meeting continues, Peck explaining how the tests will run tomorrow before eventually dismissing us.

Dr Kuhlklay and I leave the room before giving each other a knowing stare. We don’t say a word until we get to the kitchen. Walking over to the cabinets, he pulls out some dry pasta before looking at me. “So he was an asshole, but he wasn’t as much of an asshole as I thought he would be.” I walk over, grabbing a pan and filling it with water before putting it on the hob.

“Yeah, I don’t appreciate him calling me a child but I suppose it could be worse.” Dimitri adds the pasta to the water before sitting down in one of the metal chairs.

“He just likes making people think they’re worthless to boost his own ego. One day he’s going to pay for his attitude, I won’t mind the blood on my hands when that smug look is wiped off his face.” I chuckle slightly, his eyes going dark as he slips into his mother tongue.

“I’m glad I took the time to learn Russian.” I sit down across from him, leaning my elbows on the table.

“How long did it take you?” I look off in thought.

“About six months.”

“That’s impressive, took me a few years to learn English.” I shrug.

“It’s a bit easier when it's your fourth language. I was raised speaking English and German, then I did a year of my PhD in Tokyo and picked up Japanese.”

“You’re full of surprises.” I grin at him.

“What can I say, I am a woman of many talents.” We continued talking before finally eating our food. After both calling it an early night, I head to bed to be prepared for my busy day tomorrow.

15 hours. 15 goddamn hours we have been doing these stupid tests- and not a single one has worked! Every time we get close, we approach the limits, we have an unexpected power surge, we lose membrane integrity. All day I’ve been following orders like a good little dog, pushing buttons, pulling levers, reading out numbers. I’m so tired of this shit. Dimitri and I are so frustrated at this point, we just want to give up.

“Are we sure we need to keep going today? Clearly we need to change something…it’s clearly not working.” I gesture over to the countless logs, how can he not see that this is pointless.

“I’m sorry, when did you become in charge of this project, Brandt? Did you suddenly gain a PhD in theoretical physics and nearly 30 years of experience? Oh-wait sorry, you haven’t even been alive that long.” I roll my eyes at him as he walks over to his cassette recorder, pressing a button.

“This is Dr. William Peck. It is the 8th of January, 1984, 1:13 a.m. this is test number 32 for dimensional breach-”

“Must you start with that every recording?” Kuhlklay groans.

“Do not interrupt, Dimitri. This is your chance to learn something from a real scientist. Now, as I was saying. Test number 32. ‘Dr’ Brandt, you may proceed.” I walk over to the panel.

“Activating resonator…beginning magnetic amplification.” Dimitri looks over at my monitors. “Dimensional Barrier identified. Beginning particle distortion.” He pulls down a lever, keeping his eyes on the monitors.

“Barrier membrane integrity at fifty percent.” Peck announces. Kuhlklay whips his head back to look at Peck.

“Amplification is still approaching the limits prematurely!” Peck still stays calm.

“Increasing voltage output from Aetherium Crystal.” We look out to the test chamber, the anomaly expanding and contracting rapidly.

“It’s working! Membrane integrity at forty percent!” My eyes go wide, unable to speak. I frantically tap at the glass displaying amplification. “Amplification has reached safety parameters!” Kuhlklay screeches. Peck chuckles.

“Let it ride, Dimitri. let it ride! Increasing voltage output.”

“Amplification exceeding safety parameters! I’m shutting it down!” He reaches out towards the termination button but Peck smacks his hand out of the way, pointing his finger towards Kuhlklay’s throat.

“You touch that button, I’ll have you gutted like a fish and fed to your comrades in Solyanka soup!” My eyes dart back to the monitors.

“Doctor! Membrane integrity down to ten percent!”

“You mудак! You’ll get us all killed!” Peck rushes back over to the controls.

“Wait! Adjusting distortion frequency to pattern echo-four!” As he does this, the anomaly stabilises…a- a portal.

“Mein Gott…” I mutter, eyes fixated on the purple glowing anomaly.

“Eat your heart out, Dr. Vogel! We’ll see who history remembers.”

[creep1ngdeath]

Hiii can I request a Steve Harrington x male reader where the reader is the new kid at school and is kinda a rebel but in a fun way, (personality wise the reader is fun-loving, witty and a bit of a rebel), and Steve sorta crushes on him because he thinks he’s the first exciting to happen at Hawkins High. The reader actually starts crushing him back hard and becomes best friends w/ Robin. Maybe they get together at the end, this could take place around season 3

Hawkin’s New Boy - Steve Harrington x Male!Reader

Thank you for your request! Honestly I wish I could have ended this a bit better, hope you enjoy it though! (Also it isn’t proof read so I apologize for any mistakes)

Ciswomen/fem aligned DNI, this isn’t for you!

Word count: 2.8k

You walked down the hall trying to look for your next class. Luckily the hallway was almost completely empty due to the fact that you had gotten completely lost in the new school, but at the same time it would make randomly walking into your physics class really awkward.

After another minute of roaming the silent halls you finally found your class. You took a deep breath before entering the classroom. ‘This was the last class of the day, just one more time do I have to introduce myself’ you kept repeating in your head as you entered the room. As expected, the room fell silent and all eyes were on you. The teacher greeted you with a smile. “We have a new student joining us today,” she said. You took that as your que to introduce yourself. You stated your name and where you moved from, hoping that unlike last period, this teacher wouldn’t make you stand up in front of the class answering random questions that other students had for the next five minutes.

The teacher grabbed a packet of paper from her desk and handed it to you. “You can go sit next to Robin Buckley,” she said. You scanned the classroom for an open seat but unfortunately you found more than one seat so you weren’t quite sure where to sit. “Oh!” the teacher gasped, realizing her mistake. “Robin, can you please raise your hand?” she asked.

You saw a girl with decently short hair raise her hand. You walked over to the open desk that was just to the left of her and took a seat. “Great! Now we can continue,” the teacher said. She took a quick glance at her lesson plans before continuing with the rest of class.

You grabbed your new papers and shoved it all into your backpack as the bell rang. “Hey,” you heard someone say. You didn’t look up, assuming someone was trying to get someone else’s attention. However you were proven wrong when you heard your name being called. You looked up to see Robin staring down at you. “That’s your name right? You’re giving me a weird look,” She questioned. “Yeah, that’s my name. Why?” you asked, you couldn’t think of a reason for her to try to talk to you. “I was told that you’re going to be my new lab partner for the rest of the school year. I just wanted you to know so you were confused for our lab next week,” she said. You gave her a small smile, appreciating her kindness, “Oh okay, thanks for letting me know,” you replied as you grabbed your backpack from off of the floor and swung it over your shoulder. Robin nodded before exiting the classroom, the two of you parted ways.

The next day of school went a lot more smoothly. Even though you were still pretty lost in your class material, you were able to at least find your classes on time for the most part. However then came lunch where you felt completely lost again. You scanned the room for Robin, the only person who actually talked to you yesterday, however after being shoved and being told to move a few times by some other kids since you were standing in the middle of the cafeteria, you just decided to sit down at a random table.

The table seemed empty enough so you hoped that no one would really care that you were sitting there. Even if they did care, it was their problem, not yours. You reached into your bag and grabbed your Walkman and a random mixtape and put your headphones over your ears.

“I said, what the hell are you doing here!?” someone shouted from behind you. You took off your headphones quickly to see a jock towering over you. “What?” you questioned. “This is my seat,” he said in a stern voice. You only laughed, “and what is your name?” you asked. “Billy Hargrove.” You scanned up and down the lunch table to see more white jocks sitting at the table looking a little pissed off. “Yeah… I don’t really see your name anywhere on this table sweetheart,” you said in a lighthearted tone. You snickered as you saw Billy’s face turn bright red in either embarrassment or anger. However you took that as a sign to collect your stuff quickly and run away.

“This is not over, you hear me you little shit?!” Billy yelled, chasing you down the hallway. Even though you didn’t know the hallways very well you just figured that as long as you kept taking random turns you’d be fine. “I can’t believe this school let a queer in.” you heard Billy grumble behind you. “What if I am actually gay, what are you gonna do about it?” you asked. Starting rumors about you being gay in a small town in Indiana definitely wasn’t the best idea, however Billy’s disgusted look on his face made it pretty worth it. You laughed as you continued to run, however you were losing speed as you were getting tired and Billy was catching up to you. Now slightly panicked, you tried to run faster but your lungs and legs were betraying you. Soon enough you were pretty sure you could walk at a faster speed then you were running. Billy quickly ran towards you, finally catching up. He grabbed both your shoulders and slammed you into the lockers. “Are we going to make out?” you teased. Billy gave you a glare that seemed to have a murderous look to it.

“Hargove!” Both you and Billy freeze to see your gym teacher standing down the hall. “What the hell son, let him go.” The teacher said sternly. After scowling, Billy took his hands off of your shoulders and stepped away from you. “Detention for both of you!” the teacher yelled. “Sir- he was trying to harm me, I was just trying to not get hurt,” you said innocently like you hadn’t just provoked Billy on purpose. The PE teacher took a moment to think. “You’ll be excused. But this is the last time I’m ever going to see you running down these halls. If you’re being threatened you need to go get an adult,” the teacher said sternly. He still looked disappointed. “Mr. Hargrove, follow me.” the PE teacher said, turning around and walking off, expecting the teenager to follow him. Billy gave one last glance at you and you happily flipped him off before walking in the opposite direction to the lunch room.

As you entered the big cafeteria your eyes immediately landed on Robin. You were quite relieved that you didn’t have to go and deal with someone else being pissed because you were sitting at their table. Robin instantly made room for you once she saw you walking over to her. “Guys, this is my new friend. He just moved here,” Robin introduced you to her other band friends. You greeted them with a smile and then talked with them for the rest of lunch. You guys all got along well which was a relief.

“Robin, who the hell was the guy who Hargrove was chasing yesterday?” Steve asked. His co-worker gave him your name. “Oh he’s also in my physics class,” she replied. Robin was cleaning ice cream scoopers while Steve was unflipping chairs that were stacked on top of the tables from closing last night. Scoops hadn’t opened quite yet. It was still decently early in the morning and the manager said that they shouldn’t open until 11 when people actually want ice cream. “He’s an interesting guy,” Steve huffed out. “Yeah I guess you could say that. I mean how many people do you know that would tease Billy Hargrove?” Robin asked. Steve couldn’t think of anyone else besides you. He watched you as you stood up for yourself, even though it was for something really simple, he found it fascinating how you kept teasing Billy.

It’s been a few hours since the parlor opened but Steve just couldn’t get you off of his mind. The way that you just didn’t care made you so interesting. He lived with his parent’s high expectations all his life, and then when he became the King of Hawkins High it felt like everyone was constantly watching him. However even when everyone else was watching you, it was like you could still be yourself. It didn’t seem to matter to you what people thought, you just did what you wanted to do. Steve admired that.

“Is this bell just decoration?” someone asked. Steve jumped at the voice. He completely forgot he was still at work. “I’m sorry sir what-” Steve’s face reddened when he saw it was you at the counter. He felt embarrassed like you had known that he’s been thinking of you all day. “Can I get you…” he finally continued. You chuckled, “Whatever you recommend,” you told him.

After that day you had gotten closer with Robin and would come to Scoops more often. When the teen’s manager wasn’t there watching them (which was almost never anyways) you’d sit behind the counter and talk to Robin while she worked. When Robin was on break the two of you would go explore the mall. The place was huge and was always packed, but you could understand why.

Robin called your name to grab your attention. “I’m going home now, Steve is gonna be staying here for the rest of the night. I have a huge test to study for” she explained as she was putting on her bike helmet. “Sounds good Rob, I’ll see you tomorrow then,” you told her as she walked out of Scoops.

“Well looks like it’s just me and you pretty boy,” you told Steve. You chuckled when you saw his face flush a bright pink color. Steve just stayed silent which made you worried that you had just made him uncomfortable. It’s not that Steve was uncomfortable, however it didn’t help his growing crush on you. As much as Steve would like to say that you were actually flirting with him, he just figured it was something you just did to make anyone embarrassed as you called Billy Hargrove several pet names anytime you saw him. He remembered the first time he ever saw you, it was in the cafeteria when you were running away from Billy. He couldn’t believe that several months have passed since then.

“Did I make you uncomfortable, Steve?” You asked genuinely due to his silence. “No, no it’s not that.” Steve replied. He wasn’t looking at you. Instead he was cleaning off counters to keep himself busy. “Do you… want to talk about it?” You asked Steve. Steve shook her head “No I’m good,” he simply replied,

The two of you could both feel the awkward tension. “Y’know, we’re closing soon and I gotta clean up. You should get going…” Steve said quietly but you were still able to hear it. “Yeah…” you replied in the same hushed voice. You looked at Steve but his back was still turned to face you. His body looked all tense, you couldn’t tell if he was annoyed, upset, or uncomfortable. But you figure it was one of those. “I’ll see you at school…” you said slowly while standing up from your seat. “Yeah. Sounds good.” Steve simply replied in one breath. He moved so his back was still facing you as you got up and left.

Steve couldn’t risk you seeing his bright red face. He felt terrible for making it extremely awkward. He didn’t know if you were genuinely flirting with him, if you were then he wanted to return those feelings. However he still recognized that you call Billy strange names like “love, babe, or even baby girl” if you’re really looking for a fight. Taking the safe route Steve decided to not flirt back with you in any way even though he wished he could. It was most likely just your personality he kept telling himself.

Steve let out a long sigh after you left. He liked you. He knew that. He liked you as much as he liked Nancy. Maybe even more. But he couldn’t bring himself to tell you. He was tense everytime you were next to him. Your looks, your voice, the way you carry yourself, it was just so different from the way everyone else was. You stood out to him, it made you interesting, it made him fall for you.

“Robin, is it just me or is Steve being weird?” You asked your best friend. The two of you were hanging out at her house over the weekend. You were laying down on her big mattress and she was lying sitting right next to you. “What do you mean? Isn’t he always a dingus?” Robin asked. She definitely could see that sometime was going on. “Well I don’t know, he acts weird. He’s kind of ignoring me. We don’t hang out that much anymore and he always tries to end the conversation when we talk. Maybe I did something wrong?” You said, thinking of all the moments in school when you tried to talk to him he’d just turn you away. Maybe it was because he didn’t want to associate with you at school? But then it wouldn’t make sense for him to ignore you when you, Robin, and him hang out after school.

After a moment of silence Robin gasped. “He might like you!” She said with much enthusiasm. You sprung up from your position, now sitting on the bed. Your eyes were wide, “What!” You exclaimed. “Well he stopped talking about girls. We used to talk about them all the time but now he’s kind of silent,” Robin exclaimed. “Maybe he just moved on? There’s no way it’s because he likes me.” You said. If you were being completely honest you liked Steve, it was a little unfortunate because he had to be one of the straightest men in all of Hawkin’s High besides Billy Hargrove.

“No he probably likes you.” Robin said. “He gets all flustered around you. Just ask him what’s wrong. If he makes a bullshit excuse he definitely likes you,” Robin explained. You disagreed, not wanting to ruin your friendship with Steve.

Robin paused the movie and declared that she was going to the bathroom, you knew what she was doing. It was obvious given the smirk she gave you after she left. Steve however looked like he was about to explode, anxiety ran through his veins.

“Steve is everything alright? You’ve been pretty quiet recently… Did I do anything wrong?” You asked him. Steve’s heart dropped. He didn’t mean to go as far as completely ignoring you, he just didn’t want you to figure out his feelings for you. “Y-yeah I’m fine.” He stuttered.

“No seriously Steve. You’ve been acting really weird recently. It kind of hurts Steve. The way you always turn me down whenever I try to talk to you…” you told him. You weren’t looking at him, instead you were looking down at your hands, fidgeting around.

Steve’s heart broke when he looked at you. You looked upset and hurt. And it pained him even more knowing that it was his fault. “I’m sorry, you didn’t do anything wrong.. it was me just being weird. I didn’t mean to hurt you in any way…” Steve replied, he started to play with his hair to soothe himself. “Yeah but why…” you said, looking for the terrible answer Robin said he’d give you.

The room was silent. “It’s because I like you… a lot… I’m sorry. It’s just that I didn’t want you to find out because I value our friendship and I feel like I’m going to ruin it,” he admitted. He honestly didn’t know what excuse he could make. And seeing the hurt expression on your face made him feel so guilty for purposely pushing you away.

“Steve?” You asked. He turned to you instantly, “yeah?” He replied nervously. “I like you too,” you told him. Steve was about to speak but the two of you jumped when you heard Robin clapping. She was leaning on the door frame. “Yes! I got my two best friends together!” She celebrated. The two of you rolled your eyes.

Steve moved his hand to gently cup your face before he pulled you into a soft kiss. Steve looked at you with loving eyes after the two of you pulled away. Robin joined the couch, sitting on the right side of you so you could sit next to Steve. She gave you a grin before reaching for the remote to continue the movie. Steve put his arm around you and you kissed his cheek before resting your head on his shoulder, enjoying the rest of the movie with him.

[havin-fun-imagining-twd]

Too much thinking before bed, Pt. 1

When - right after Like a traditional Sunday dinner, so we’re still at the CDC in episode TS-19. If y’all are interested in more of the Slowpoke Series, here’s the Masterlist.

Perspective - 2nd person

Relationships - you and the gang! This one heavily stars our wonderful Miss Jacqui because she deserves it and we don’t have much time left with her. And yes, work-in-progress Daryl’s in it, too, don’t you worry.

Genre - varied.

Pronouns - ain’t got none, son.

TWs - language, mention of suicidal ideation, intoxication, arguing

Word count - only one way to find out.

“The man asked us to go easy on the hot water, Theodore. You used how much, then?”

He hesitates before answering just long enough for that sheepish smile to give him away. “Wasn’t no long one, but I enjoyed myself some. And I know Carl used warm water at least, right, little man?”

The kid just ducks behind his book and holds in his giggle.

Eyebrows raised but eyes warm, Jacqui tuts that “You best make that doctor a good breakfast tomorrow, then.”

“Even Dale used some hot water, sister.”

“We all may do as we choose,” she reminds him. “Don’t mean that whatever we choose is best.”

When Carol and Sophia walk into the room, T-Dog appeals to them. “Tell me y’all also used some hot water?”

Little Sophia blushes slightly and her mother makes a lopsided grin. “Perhaps a little,” Carol admits.

Turning to you with an amused expression on her face, Jacqui concludes that “I think it was just you, myself, and that brother of yours who took our showers cold.”

“Do we get a prize in the mornin’?” you joke dryly.

“Your prize will be that breakfast I’m gonna whip up!” T-Dog is quick to joke back. “I cannot wait to get me a look in the pantry here.”

It was mainly Carol and Mr. Morales who oversaw the meals back at the quarry, but T-Dog always helped out with breakfast. He’d been reminiscing about how much he missed bacon and eggs for a few weeks now, actually. Not that The CDC could have that kind of stuff. You assume that there are only MREs or maybe oatmeal packets or other non-perishable things.

Mmm, you’re already daydreaming about possibly having grits with that shelf-stable cheese stuff. That’s reasonable, right? Either way, can’t hurt to hope. After all, you are three for three on your dumb guesses for what the CDC would have inside it.

You still can’t believe that random luck.

Though technically, the video game system that you’d hypothesized a bunch of scientists might have in the breakroom wasn’t a Wii, it was an Xbox. So close yet so far.

Naturally, the first words out of your mouth were “No Playstation? This place blows, I’m out.”

To your relief, Shane had genuinely chuckled a little when you’d said that. His eyes crinkled and he even appeared to relax somewhat. “No video games anyways, weirdo, doctor’s orders.”

“Oh, I ain’t touching no Xbox, loser.”

The group let you shower first due to you having that migraine earlier (and subsequently getting sick on the roadside). There was only one, really nice, big shower stall. Like, unusually big to allow for assisted emergency washes if necessary; it was a lab, after all. There was a locker room type deal with shower stalls and toilets down the hall, but most wanted to wait for the nice one.

And since Dr. Jenner had asked that you go easy on the hot water, you took your shower cold. You feel a little foolish now, but at least you can say that you respected your hosts wishes...annnnnd you’re now daydreaming about a steaming hot, excessively long shower.

The cold felt nice on your bruise, you suppose. You’d laughed too much at dinner earlier so it was really sore now.

Full disclosure, you did flip the faucet to hot (just for a moment!) after you were all rinsed just to get one douse of heat because ahh, but otherwise you’d been good and did as your host asked.

Shane also took his cold. You know this because he came back to the room covered in goosebumps. He often took his cold, though. Something to do with keeping healthy and fit.

If only he hadn’t also come back to the room carrying the half-full bottle of Southern Comfort.

“Hey, thanks for setting up the cots – oh.” That’s when you noticed the bottle. “Daryl shared?”

“Please, not now. Unless you want in on this.”

“Just brushed my teeth,” you declined. “It’s just a little...” Alarming to see you this way. “Different for you.” you worded carefully. Then, half-smiling, you tried to tease that “Grandma Jean would scold you somethin’ fierce.”

Your brother wasn’t having it. “Yeah, well not all of us are good little prudes,” he’d muttered.

Which was damned rude. And God help the two of you, you’ve both got tempers. You technically didn’t sound angry yet, though. And you weren’t fighting yet, you were simply taken aback. “Hey. I ain’t attacking you, Shaney, watch your mouth.”

“Then shut up.”

Okay, that’s when the two of you were full-on fighting.

“Don’t tell me to –”

“ – I don’t have the patience your snide little judgements right now.”

Snide little judgements? Is that what he thought? You weren’t condemning, you were concerned! “I was worried, asshole.”

“Go try and be useful someplace else,” he warned. “I don’t need this shit right now.”

“But you do need to get drunk and start actin’ up, is that right?”

He hadn’t been himself more and more, but for the past few days, he’d been almost foreign. What was his deal?

“I’ve always been a cocky asshole, Y/N, you know that.” Ugh, then he was doing that thing where he was smiling even though he was furious. “Even Grandma Jean knew that,” he ranted.

Then your brother had taken another gulp, and your anger was replaced by plain, old disappointment. You sure as hell sounded disappointed as you cautioned “This ain’t you, man.”

“It really is.”

“Stop,” you’d growled as you reached over to grab the bottle from him.

But he lifted it away, blocked you with his arm, and hissed “Yeah, how about you do the same while we’re at it?” His muscles had tensed up like he was about to punch something.

“Is this about Fort Benning or what, Shane? About the camp?”

“You really don’t know shit, naïve little brat.” What the fuck?

“Then open your idiot mouth and tell me what’s behind this, you limp dick!” you’d shouted back.

“Just – please! I need to fuckin’– ”

His eyes were squeezed shut and his fists were clenched but he said nothing further. Then he sat, his shoulders slumped, and when he finally spoke again, his voice was hoarse and sounded higher than usual. “You need to le – I’m sorry, um...” And he rephrased it: “Please, give me some space. ‘Take the kettle off the burner,’ right?”

Your blood pressure was sky-high, but the little part of your brain that wasn’t hot and angry stood at attention when he said that little phrase. Mama had used that one a lot. You were a household of hot-heads and fosters; it had been a requirement. And it somehow worked for you guys.

Slowly, you gritted out “I’m gonna go to the rec room.” You were gonna head there anyways.

Quickly, you looked under your cot and rummaged around for the – “Shane, where’s the med bag at?” You’d shoved the mp3 player in there. Your brother had been charging it up for you in his Jeep during the drive here. So when you and Glenn were grabbing the essentials to bring inside, well, you’d yanked it off the charging cord as fast as you could before running to the next vehicle.

“On a chair outside the shower room,” he mumbled, hands covering his face. The bottle sat the floor near him. “That way people can take what they need.”

With that, you saw yourself out and headed down the halls until you found your way back to the shower room door. Sure enough, there was a chair next to it on which sat the med bag.

You saw the music player sticking out of the side pocket, grabbed it, and untangled the earbuds as you stormed to the (at the moment, empty) rec room. Leaving the lights off, you laid down on the floor, propped your legs on the couch, put the headphones in, and blasted whatever was already playing when you switched it on.

It was still on the Zeppelin playlist. Your eldest sister had made that playlist. It used to be her mp3 player, actually. She’d upgraded and given this one to you a few years back.

Shane’s favorite playlist, too.

Whatever. You ended up replaying Communication Breakdown on repeat (felt very appropriate) until the lights flicked on and Jacqui walked into the room with her crossword puzzle book.

“Be mindful about blasting the music in your ears too loud, baby. You only got one set,” she gently reminded you as you pulled out the earbuds. Then she waltzed over to the bookshelf just about glowing with anticipation. “Oh Lord, would you look at all these!”

Wasn’t that something? The room was packed with games, a tiki bar, a jukebox – and she beelines for the bookshelf.

Carefully perusing the titles, she mentioned that “Nothing like reading before bed to keep your thoughts reined in. I think we’ll all be needing distractions before sleeping for a good, long while.”

“Amen, ma’am.” Thinking before bed in the before-times was iffy. Thinking before bed nowadays was downright treacherous. Hurt too much.

Reading material selected, Jacqui headed over to the couches, picked her spot, and with the new book beside her, opened up her crossword. “I imagine you need some more quiet just like I do,” she hinted.

You sighed. Resigned, you then asked “Did you hear Shane and I, Miss Jacqui?”

“I showered right after that brother of yours, so I did not – but Glenn mentioned it,” she let you know. Leaning in, she chuckled that “You shoulda seen him, he waitin’ right outside the shower room door like a kid in line for a roller coaster.”

That made you crack up, so you didn’t feel quite so full of dread when you checked “Do you reckon everybody heard us?”

“I’m not certain,” she answered simply. “But it ain’t no big thing either way, we’ve all heard something like it before or done it ourselves. Besides, we’re all family here.” She turns her head to you and eyes the earbuds still blasting music where they lay on the floor beside your head. “Now treat your ears kindly and turn down that music, Y/N.”

Obeying her request, you lowered the volume, then changed the song to a calmer one and let yourself relax and rest your eyes a moment.

Not your best idea, because suddenly, you inhaled and noticed that there was a completely different song on.

And shit, you’d had a weird dream.

Dale and Jim were working on the RV. Dale was trying to pour Southern Comfort into whichever part kept breaking, saying that the alcohol would clean it, while Dr. Jenner told them to conserve the power and not turn on the ignition. Jim kept trying not to swear and was repeating over and over that he was fine. Amy was listening to someone cry over the radio and didn’t know what to do.

But the part with Shane upset you the most. He had driven back to the camp in his Jeep after filling up the water barrels, but then blasted a hole through each one with his shotgun while your mama watched. Then when Jacqui saw what he was doing, she frowned at him and said that they hadn’t drunk any water in days.

That last part must have been because Jacqui was talking to you in real life. “Ah, you’re awake. How about a five-letter word for ‘pheasant relative?’”

“Um...g-grouse?” you guessed, still dazed and trying to blink away the dream.

“That’s six letters, baby; I tried the same,” she mused softly. “Oh! ‘Quail!’” she remembered. “How could I forget those little things? Alright, the next one that’s stumped me is ‘one of seven on a harp.’”

Your mind was still reviewing the details of that dream. Quickly, you tossed a prayer up that you could get some decent sleep tonight without any more dreams like that haunting you.

That’s what you get for thinking too much before crashing, you supposed. Now, what was the wording for the prayer Jim asked you to say, again? “Jacqui?”

She looked up from her book and noted your expression. “What’s on your mind?”

“You remember that long prayer Jim was doing for his family, right?”

Her smile faded. “Of course.” It was a month-long, daily ritual he’d kept.

“I asked him what we should say for him, when we lef...back at the tree. He told me a very short little phrase.”

“How short?”

“Um, ‘Blessed is the true judge. He is full of compassion.’” That was it. Short, right? “Is that part of the longer one he did?”

She seemed to weigh what you told her, then exhaled slowly. Her eyes looked wet. “Dale would know more. He, if I recall, was also raised Jewish. And Theodore might as well, since he started to pray along with Jim in his own way.”

“Okay,” you said softly. You’d ask one of them once they’d had their showers.

Sniffing, Jacqui offered “Alright, how about this one? You’d know this: ‘a cheese in Indian cuisine.’ I believe it starts with a p.”

“Oh, it’s on the tip of my tongue!” you exclaimed. What was it, what was it, what was it...Come on, “Suri and Zee’s mom made that spinach thing with it, it was really good!” Then the lightbulb goes off, and you proudly announced “Paneer!”

“P-a-n-e-e-r?”

Sounded okay to you...“Maybe?”

“Might as well try it! Which means this answer is…well that one is definitely an h, and that answer is ‘Athanasius,’ so this letter is an a, so this word here must be ‘Praha.’ Hm. So that’s how the Czech say ‘Prague.’” Murmuring to herself out loud, she wondered “Why don’t we just call it what they call it? It’s their city in their language. Seems silly to not.”

Her eyes flitted back over to you. “Alright, how about ‘tragus piercing place?’ Is that the ear? Because it is only three letters, but I don’t know what you young things are doing these days. Could be ‘lip’ or ‘gum’ or even the ‘hip’ or ‘jaw.’”

Well, she made you giggle again, God love her.

“And speaking of jaws, Y/N, that bruise is looking like it smarts a bit.”

“But I look very cool with it, right?”

“Cool or fool, both sound the same.”

Again, she made you giggle. “The tragus is this little part of the outer ear that sticks out right here, ma’am,” you showed her. One of the foster siblings who’d lived with you once had that part pierced.

“Thank you much! And speaking of ears now – why you turning up that volume again?” she chided.

You stooped your shoulders slightly. “Nat King Cole. It’s Mona Lisa.” Tilting your head, you held out an earbud. “This song calms me.”

She eyed the earbud. Then her mouth twisted to the side. “Okay, for him, Nina Simone, or Celine Dion I’ll give you a pass, sugar,” she relented. “Let me in there, but let’s turn the volume down to a healthy level.”

After a few songs and several more words correctly guessed (let’s be honest, it was all Jacqui’s knowledge. You peaked at “paneer”), a wet-haired Glenn slumped in to say a very exhausted “Sorry, Y/N, but I gotta hit the sack, dude. Wanted to hang out n’ stuff, but...”

“It’s okay, bud. Foosball can wait until mornin’,” you assured him.

T-Dog’s voice came from the hallway to tell him “It was all that wine, my man, it can get people sleepy.”

“I thought drunk people partied all night. Like, thank God, I’m pretty sure I’m not even gonna dream I’m so tired.”

T-Dog by then was grinning next to Glenn by the door frame. He patted his shoulder a few times and instructed him to “Drink two glasses of water before crashing and take two ibuprofen, okay?”

“Is that Tylenol, T-Dog?”

“Nope, it’s Advil or Motrin. We still got some in the med bag, right Y/N?”

“Yup,” you confirmed.

“’Kay,” Glenn slurred before trudging away. “G’night everybody, g’night Y/N.”

After Glenn was gone, T-Dog sighed that “Sure hope he sleeps okay. Drinking too much causes a longer REM cycle, not a shorter one.”

Soon, Carl also joined you, listened to some music with you for a while (”You got a lot of old stuff like my dad likes.”), then busied himself with an I Spy book from the shelf – and heck yes, you were going to snag that afterwards. That would be a great way to fall asleep without thinking about things.

“Hey punk, where’s your mom and dad?” you casually checked, still trying to figure out what the capital of Oman might be based on what letters you and Jacqui already had.

And yes, you realized what Rick and Lori might could’ve been up to, but that was after asking. Jacqui groaned only slightly, while T-Dog had to clear his throat to hide his laugh.

Lucky for you, Carl hadn’t learned the ins and outs (...pun intended) of that subject just yet. “Dad’s next for the shower, so he’s waiting for mom to finish up. Andrea took a while,” he replied, absorbed in his book.

“I don’t blame her, she needed a long, hot shower,” T-Dog said.

Absent-mindedly nodding and agreeing “Mmhm,” Jacqui suddenly paused and squinted at T-Dog when he next commented “Lord, but did that hot water feel nice.”

“You used the hot water, too?”

His cheeks began to turn a deep shade of rose. “Maybe a little.”

“The man asked us to go easy on the hot water, Theodore. You used how much, then?”

During this playful bickering about the hot water, Carol and Sophia had walked in, which lead to T-Dog announcing his plans to make breakfast in the morning.

And that’s where you are now.

“The Breakfast King is back, bitc – babes,” T-Dog quickly corrects. “Hey now, I didn’t say the cuss fully, you ain’t getting no quarters out of me today, kids.”

Having avoided the only two quarters he has ever neared paying up, he asks “Alright, ready to go?”

That meant it was prayer time, so you and Carol head to the kitchen while T-Dog made his rounds with his usual offer for others to join if they wished. (Hopefully he avoided Rick and Lori’s room.)

He’d begun to do that with the adults in the group back when the camp first formed. Kids were welcome, that goes without saying, but he always made sure that the adults could have an outlet to say things that wouldn’t be suited to little ones’ ears; this one was one of those nights where that outlet was needed. But it all worked out; Sophia and Carl had just entered into a checkers match.

Dale joins the group this time, taking his seat in a chair in between yourself and T-Dog.  He’s still in his bathrobe, actually, and looks very disturbed by something. That makes you frown.

He seemed fine earlier. Was it something with Andrea, maybe?

The doc is in the kitchen, too, but was already sitting alone at the tables. That’s sad as all get-out.

Is it that your group is making him feel unsafe, or was he simply working through something?

“Edwin, how about joinin’ us?” T-Dog asks him.

The doctor’s answer is quiet. “I’ll listen.” Politely, he then responds “Thank you.”

The prayers are always simple and straightforward. Half of it is usually silent intentions and stuff. The rest is praying for the dead and those who were apart from you.

The new names on the list send tears down your cheeks. The Morales family. Amy. Jim.

Dale does help with the prayers for Jim. You started by quietly saying the words that Jim told you, few as they were. You felt self-conscious doing so, but Dale nodded in familiarity when you said the words. Then he takes over, rocking gently and keeping his head down and hands cupped, palms facing inward near his chin as he recites the longer, traditional prayer. Some lines he did in Hebrew, some in English. T-Dog tries to quietly follow along since he knows some of the words while Carol and you keep your heads bowed respectfully.

But when that’s finished, Carol timidly requests prayers for ‘Ed’s soul.’

Hell, you had to pray for your own once you realize how bitter and downright hateful you react internally at hearing the words. Which is precisely why you should do as Carol asked, you suppose.

As if on cue, T-Dog then suggests praying for “Everybody that hurt us or everybody we hurt.” Mentions prayers for Merle again.

Dale requests special prayers for Andrea and Jacqui “and for everybody else struggling with going on.” The doc gets up and leaves, you notice.

 A subconscious shiver went up your spine. You hadn’t expected Jacqui to be struggling with that, of all people. You’d just been with her and hadn’t noticed any signs.

Your own struggles with that had somehow stayed away ever since the outbreaks, believe it or not. So far anyways. Even with how horrifying and hopeless things appeared to be. You’d kept finding something to hold on to and live for, you reckon. Hope is a powerful thing.

Whatever, if it was working, you aren’t fixing to argue with it.

Protecting Carl and your brother seemed to be your goals, at the moment. Well, not “protecting” Shane in a physical sense as much as...you aren’t sure how to describe it. You don’t want to call it protecting his “soul,” that was dramatic. But his personality type is prone to...forgetting his goodness. You love your brother so much, but that’s one of his struggles.

Ugh, the downside to praying is thinking about this shit. Especially so close to bedtime.

“You okay?”

“Just mopin’, Teddy.”

“Wanna share, or call it a special intention?”

“Special intention.” Actually... “Nah, never mind; pray for Shane. please. Y’all saw how he was at supper.”

Carol rubs your hand for a moment, the doctor returns and sits back in his corner, prayers are concluded, and you all stand up to leave.

“That bruise is looking pretty purple,” she quietly murmurs.

To which you obviously have to put a hand to your chest and joke “It looks pretty?”

Smiling and shaking her head, Carol announces that she’s going back to the game room for a while before she and Sophia do their bedtime prayers and get some sleep. “It’ll be nice to get a proper night’s rest in a safe place. I bet we’ll even be able to fall asleep without worrying too much.” Looking over her shoulder, she says “We owe you our lives, doctor. Thank you.”

Hesitant smile, all that he responds with is “You deserved a chance.”

Then he hands you a thin flat packet – is that a heat pack?”

“They stocked us with a ton of those oxygen-activated body warmers,” he tells you. “It’ll help your bruising dissipate faster. Just wrap a t-shirt around it first, since it will get very hot and the skin on the face is generally more sensitive. Just don’t press too hard, since that could irritate the area further.”

“Dr. Jenner, th-thank you!” Your words are failing you.

“Consider it my thank-you as well, for assisting me with the blood samples earlier.” And with that, he seems to dismiss you from the room.

Whatever, you’ll go with the flow – he just gifted you with a heat pack!

You pass Rick in the hallway, who’s still lugging around a wine bottle. He made a happy drunk, though. “Where’s that doc of ours, Y/N? I need to thank him again.”

“Hidin’ in the kitchen,” you whisper, still beaming. “Don’t scare him off, I think he’s a good egg.”

“I won’t. You just have a good night now, troublemaker.”

Oh no, Dale must have mentioned that nickname he’d teased you with. But if Rick had gotten a hold of it, that means it was here to stay. You were barely able to convince him to not call you “weirdo” like Shane does.

Oh poop, and now Rick is giving you that mischievous look because he knows. So, you make a face right back and annoy him with “Nighty-night, then, porkchop.”

You’re about to turn into your room when you hear a rhythmic thudding (no, not that kind of rhythmic thudding). Following the noise and peeking into one of the lecture rooms, you see Daryl leaning in a chair and tossing a ball against the wall.

“Hey.”

He glances over. “Hey.”

*ka-thunk*

“Where’d you find a bouncy ball, Daryl?”

“The office I set up shop in.” *ka-thunk* “Found it on the desk.” *ka-thunk* “They made it outta rubber bands.” 

*ka-thunk*

“Cool.”

*ka-thunk*

“So did y’all have fun singin’ Lord, Send a Revival?” he grates. 

*ka-thunk*

That was kind of rude. Would be rude even if there was singing. It was just a quiet, little prayer circle. Heck, it was even religiously neutral when not all parties in it were of the same faith.

Dryly, you ask “So you’re tellin’ me,” *ka-thunk* “That if we sang that song, you’d wanna join us?”

*ka-thunk* 

Just as dryly, he seems to joke back “Sure, maybe that and some donuts.”

*ka-thunk*

*ka-thunk*

“How long you been at this?”

*ka-thunk*

He makes a tiny shrug. “Dunno.”

*ka-thunk*

With another glance at you, he pauses before tossing the ball again. “Wanna join?”

*ka-thunk*

“Yup.”

[iam93percentstardust]

Hi, happy Shared Birthday Month, cause it's my birthday month as well!! Can I please prompt you a WinterIron, where Bucky and/or winter soldier is a science nerd and a massive Tony Stark stan? Happy with setting in any era, any rating 😄 Thank you! You are amazing and I love your stuff!

Happy late birthday! Sorry it took me a bit to get to this prompt but here is a cute no-powers au, featuring some minor Natasha/Steve and some science from a paper my lab group read in group meeting yesterday (check the ao3 story for the paper citation). Sorry I didn't come up with something more original for the science but this was on my mind.

As always, everything I write is also on ao3.

~

“Okay, Steve, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me—for us,” Bucky quickly corrects when Steve shoots him an amused look. “So what are we going to do?”

“We’re going to sit quietly in the audience,” Steve says.

“And what are we not going to do?”

“Shout that our best friend would like to bang Tony Stark like a screen door in a hurricane,” Steve dutifully repeats what Bucky has been telling him for the whole drive to the studio. He gives Bucky a sly smile. “Even if it’s true.”

Bucky swats his skinny arm lightly, enough to sting but not so hard that it’ll bruise Steve’s arm, which bruises like a peach. He still can’t believe he managed to win the tickets to watch the live taping of the one hundredth episode of Tony Stark’s show, It’s Only Science If You Write It Down. He’s been following the show since its first episode five years ago. Growing up, Tony Stark was to him what Britney Spears was to other kids. Stark was always in the news for his innovative inventions for his father’s company. Everyone had thought he would take over SI after his parents’ deaths, but instead he’d handed the company over to Pepper Potts, a then-unknown young woman working in SI’s financial department. Stark still held the majority of shares in the company but he’d turned his focus to becoming the next Bill Nye, along with his best friend. Bucky had stumbled across one of the articles about him when he was young and immediately developed one heck of a crush on him that hadn’t at all disappeared with age.

And now he’s here, attending the first ever live taping of Stark’s show.

It’d be a dream come true if only Steve wasn’t the one attending with him. Don’t get him wrong, Stevie’s great, but he’s also convinced Bucky needs to date more often and he’s very… enthusiastic about making sure that everyone they meet that Bucky thinks is even the slightest bit cute knows that.

Stark is the crush to end all crushes. He knows that Steve knows it. He also knows what Steve is like, and he thinks he’ll die of shame if Steve feels the need to let Stark know it too.

“You have your inhaler, right?” he asks as the line creeps forward.

“Yes, mother,” Steve sighs, patting his pocket. “And an EpiPen in the other pocket and my meds in my wallet.”

They’re reminded to keep their phones firmly in their pockets by the surly security guard—incongruously named Happy, according to the badge he’s wearing—at the front door and then ushered inside the studio, only to be stopped by a young woman with a clipboard as they’re climbing the risers.

“Hi,” she says with a sphinxlike smile that makes Bucky want to check that his wallet is still in his pocket. “Which one of you is Bucky Barnes?”

“Uh, that would be me,” he says, raising his hand slightly.

Her eyes catch on the silver sheen of his prosthetic. They don’t register anything other than idle curiosity, but Bucky still awkwardly tucks the arm away. It’s been almost ten years since the accident, but he’s still not used to the looks he gets when people see it.

“I’m Natasha,” she says. “Mr. Stark’s personal assistant. JARVIS noticed you when you entered the studio. Mr. Stark wanted me to inform you both that there’s been a change to the contest winnings.”

Dread starts to pool in Bucky’s stomach but it doesn’t have long to settle before her smile gentles and she adds, “Don’t worry, it’s nothing bad. He just wanted to invite the two of you backstage after the show is over.”

Bucky’s mouth drops open. Steve reaches over to close it and asks, “Why?”

To Bucky’s surprise, Natasha gives Steve a clear onceover, seemingly pleased by what she sees. “Mr. Stark wouldn’t like me to give away his secrets, but I’d imagine it has something to do with the way he spilled his coffee all over his front when he saw your friend’s picture.”

“Really?” Steve asks skeptically. “A notorious playboy tripping all over himself for this yahoo here?”

Natasha laughs, hard enough that Bucky mutters, “It wasn’t that funny.”

Once she’s calmed down, Natasha says, “He’s not as bad as you think. A lot of it is just reputation. And yes, as soon as he got a look at him, he was demanding I figure out a way to get him backstage.”

“What am I, chopped liver?” Steve demands, taking an indignant stance.

Natasha hums, eyes going dark. “Oh no, you got invited backstage because I wanted to meet you,” she purrs. “I’ll come find you boys later. Enjoy the show.”

She saunters off, putting just enough of a sway to her step that Bucky suspects if he were attracted to women, he’d be mesmerized. As it is, he’s the one who has to reach over to close Steve’s jaw this time.

They take their seats and a few minutes later, Tony Stark and James Rhodes walk on set. They’re quietly talking to each other as the crew bustles around them, makeup artists darting up to make sure their faces look perfect. Stark is dressed in a t-shirt that says Engineers do it on the test bench—which is a terrible joke really and shouldn’t make Bucky want to laugh as much as he does—and well-worn jeans that perfectly mold to the shape of his bubble butt. Rhodes could be dressed in a paper sack for all that Bucky notices him.

Steve leans over and whispers, “You sure that I can’t yell that you want to bang Tony Stark like a screen door in a hurricane? Natasha made it sound like he’d be open to it.”

“You do,” Bucky hisses back, “and I’ll tell Natasha you were looking at her rear when she walked away.”

Steve makes an indignant noise and sits back in his chair, sulkily crossing his arms.

“Quiet on set!” the director yells. “And… action!”

“Hi!” Tony Stark says, smiling right at the camera. “I’m Tony and this is Rhodey and you’re watching Disney Channe!”

“He’s kidding,” Rhodes says long-sufferingly. “You’re watching It’s Only Science If You Write It Down.”

Later, Bucky wouldn’t be able to tell anyone what the show had been about. He’d spent the entire show too entranced by Tony’s voice and charisma to pay any attention to the actual science, which is a bit of a shame. He really does like science—he wouldn’t be getting his PhD in physical chemistry if he didn’t—but he can’t tear his eyes away from Tony long enough to actually watch the experiment. It’s fine; he can always watch the show later when it’s released (and maybe, if he’s lucky, he’ll have Tony to watch it with).

It seems like both an eternity and only a moment before the show wraps. Tony and Rhodes leave to thunderous applause, only coming back out for quick bows before disappearing backstage again. Bucky and Steve stay seated while the rest of the audience filters out slowly until Natasha comes to get them. She and Steve chat quietly as she leads them backstage but Bucky can only listen with half an ear; he’s too nervous about meeting his personal hero.

Rhodes is leaving the room Natasha leads them to. He breathes a sigh of relief when he spots the three of them. “Good, you’re here,” he says, specifically looking at Bucky. “Maybe you can calm him down. He’s been bouncing off the walls since he saw your picture.”

“Really?” Bucky squeaks. He clears his throat and tries again. “Really?”

“Really. He read all your papers last night—twice.”

“He has?”

Rhodes nods. “He really likes your piece on inelastic electron wave packet scattering.”

“Yeah? What did he—”

“You’ll have to ask him,” Rhodes interrupts. “I might be a rocket scientist but chemistry isn’t my preferred field of science. If you don’t mind, I’ve got a date to get to.”

He pushes the door open, letting them in, and leaves. Natasha slips through the door, followed immediately by Tony saying, “Where are—oh god, they left, didn’t they? I knew this was too much. Nat—”

“They’re right outside,” Natasha says smoothly. She opens the door further, revealing the two of them awkwardly standing there. Bucky’s gaze darts around a fairly nice dressing room before finally landing on Tony, who is blinking back at him with a wide-eyed, slightly stunned look.

“Hi,” he breathes out.

The corner of Tony’s mouth twitches up in the tiniest of smiles. “Hi.”

“Great, now that that’s out of the way, get out,” Natasha says, giving Tony a shove so that he stumbles out of the room, right into Bucky’s arms. She reaches out and grabs Steve, pulling him inside. “Don’t disturb me for the next hour.”

“Uh,” Steve begins, but he doesn’t actually look upset by this turn of events, so Bucky doesn’t worry—too much, anyway.

He does, however, turn to Tony and ask, “Is he going to be okay?”

“Oh yeah, he’s fine,” Tony says breezily. “Natasha’s just very direct.”

“Right.”

Now that it’s just the two of them alone in the hallway, it’s a little more awkward. Bucky opens his mouth twice to say something, only to shut it again as soon as he realizes his question is stupid. For his part, Tony shoves his hands deep into his pockets and rocks back and forth on his feet.

Then the sound of what is obviously Steve moaning floats through the door. Bucky cringes and jerks his thumb in the direction of the door. “We should—”

“Yep,” Tony agrees.

They get all the way back to the set before they stop. They look at each other for a beat before dissolving into giggles. “Oh my god,” Tony says, clutching his sides. “I knew she moved fast but—”

“Well, Steve doesn’t move fast at all,” Bucky says, “so you can see where I’m a bit lost.”

That sets Tony off into another round of laughter. Bucky is calming down a bit so he takes the moment to admire the way Tony laughs with his entire body. It takes Tony a moment to realizes he’s being stared at. When he does, his laugh tapers off as he gives Bucky a lingering look.

“I’m Tony,” he says eventually.

“Bucky.”

“Wow, that’s really unfortunate.”

“You’re not wrong,” Bucky agrees. “Blame Stevie for that one.”

“Childhood friends, huh?”

“Literally played naked together in the kiddie pool.”

Tony grins. “That sounds familiar.”

“You and Rhodes—”

“Oh no, but if you ever get the chance to meet Janet Van Dyne, remember to ask her about the time she thought she could make a living selling mud pies.”

Bucky takes a moment to marvel that this is his life now, that Tony thinks nothing of giving him dirt on the most prolific fashion designer of their generation. “So, uh, Rhodes told me you read my papers?”

Tony’s eyes light up, and, wow, he looks really pretty when he’s excited. “Yes!” he exclaims. “I want to hear your thoughts on the—uh—the time-dependent density functional theory model.”

“I’d love to,” Bucky says honestly. He bites his lip. “Maybe over coffee?”

A delighted smile spreads across Tony’s face. “I’d really like that.”

He holds out his hand for Bucky to take, which he does. Tony’s hand is small and warm, fitting perfectly against his. They stand there, smiling at each other like idiots, until the surly security guard pokes his head around the corner and asks, “Boss, do you need me to drive you?”

Tony jumps. He shoots Bucky a sheepish grin and then calls over his shoulder, “No, I think we can walk, Happy.”

“Are you sure? There’s—”

“It’s only two blocks.”

“Yeah, but—”

“You know what, Happy. You should go see if Natasha needs you to drive her somewhere. I think she’s got a date too.” While Happy is distracted, Tony tugs Bucky towards a side door he hadn’t noticed earlier. “Come on,” he mutters. “Before Natasha decides to kill me for sending Happy to interrupt her.”

“You could not antagonize her,” Bucky points out.

Tony shoots him a mischievous grin. “Where’s the fun in that?”

[luci-in-trenchcoats]

By Your Doorstep (Part 4)

Summary: The reader and Dean celebrate Tessa’s birthday with a big surprise before making a drastic change to their relationship...

Pairing: Doctor/Neighbor!Dean x reader

Masterlist

Word Count: 4,100ish

Warnings: language, angst, mentioned past sexual assault (not graphic)

A/N: Parts of this series are told from two different POV’s. Dean’s POV are written from limited third person. Reader’s POV are second person (like a typical reader insert). Enjoy!…

_________

Dean’s POV

Two Weeks Later

“Oh fuck yeah!” said Dean, jumping up and down in the driveway as he read over the letter in his hands. 

“Dr. Dean that’s a bad word,” said Emily, the five year old three houses down. Dean slapped a hand over his face as she rode past on her bike, her father laughing to himself.

“Hope it’s good news, Dean,” said Chris.

“Very. Sorry about that,” said Dean, Chris waving him off as Dean jogged back inside. He read over the letter again and looked through the packet. “Alright. As long as you keep a B average or above you’re golden kiddo. You get straight A’s anyways so that shouldn’t be a problem.”

Dean smiled and gathered up all of the documents, getting them together with Tessa’s birthday present. Y/N had tried to tell him that giving away his old iPhone was too much but all it did was sit in a drawer now when it worked perfectly fine. He was pretty sure she wasn’t going to be thinking about the phone at all once she found out about the grant.

He looked back at the bag on the table and frowned. Maybe she’d take it the wrong way, like he was trying to save her sister or their family or something like that. He could have given them the application and had them fill it out. They would have probably gotten it still. Dean knew his letter he’d included didn’t hurt but he didn’t want to be that guy. He was already a doctor, already helped Y/N with a job, already paid for dates and things. It was no issue for him at all and he knew she didn’t care about the money but he didn’t want to rub it in her face that he could help more than she could.

Dean grabbed his phone and called Cas, Sam stuck in some network client thing all night he’d told him. It rang a few times before it picked up, the echo in the background telling him he was on speaker.

“Deano!” said Benny. “Gonna make it over tonight after all?”

“Hey guys,” said Dean, sitting down on his couch. “You got the crew together?”

“Nah, just us and the girls. They’re still out shopping. What’s up?” asked Cas.

“You know Y/N?” asked Dean.

“The girl you’re clearly in love with? Yes we know her,” laughed Benny. Dean was quiet and heard them shift on the other end.

“Everything okay?” asked Cas.

“I think I fucked it up. I think I’m going too far too fast.”

“What do you mean?” asked Benny.

“Tessa, her little sister, she’s in high school and I applied for a grant on her behalf for her college and she got it,” said Dean.

“That’s a problem how?” asked Cas.

“I don’t want it to come off as me trying to save them or anything. I’m nervous she’s gonna get mad at me,” said Dean. His friends were quiet and knew a teasing comment wouldn’t come. “Guys.”

“Tell her you applied on a long shot and a grant is what helped you with school. You’re not saving the day, just sharing a benefit you got,” said Benny. “Shit I wish I’d had someone do that for me.”

“What’s going on Dean? You’re normally the last person to freak over shit,” said Cas. Dean sat back and stared up at the ceiling. 

“Talk to us bud,” said Benny.

“I like this girl and it’s been years and years since I had a girlfriend. You guys know I’m not good for more than a fuck,” said Dean.

“Lisa was a super bitch and you know that’s not true,” said Benny.

“I am in my thirties and I’ve never had a real relationship. I don’t even know how. I’m gonna fuck this up so bad. I know it.”

“Contrary to how often I call you a dick, you are one of the best people I’ve ever met,” said Cas.

“I agree and you know all our friends and especially Sammy would say the same thing. Brother you gotta relax. This girl from what you’ve said and everybody else says, well we ain’t never seen you so happy so stop freaking, go get ready for your date tonight and put some faith in this girl that she’s not gonna hurt you back,” said Benny.

“I didn’t say-”

“Dean, we’ve known you forever. We know when you’re scared. I know most people in your life end up hurting you but take it from us, not everyone will. I got a good vibe from her,” said Cas. 

“Me too,” said Dean quietly.

“You doing okay?” asked Benny. “In general you know.”

“Yeah. Most of the time I’m great now. The past few weeks have been awesome. I think maybe that’s why I keep freaking out over this girl. It’s like, fucking finally, I understand what a good relationship can be.”

“You been to Ketch lately?” asked Cas.

“No, not as a patient. I’m okay.”

“Well still go for a tag up every once in a while for us,” said Benny.

“I know. Never would have gone without you assholes getting on my back in the first place.”

“That’s what friends are for,” said Cas, Benny chuckling. “So where you guys going tonight?”

“Monico’s.”

“Fancy,” they both said and Dean rolled his eyes, smiling to himself.

“Goodbye assholes,” said Dean, hearing them laugh before he hung up. He sat up and took a deep breath. “Alright. Shower. Shave and fingers crossed tonight goes well.”

Reader’s POV

“Okay, presents before or after dinner?” you asked as you carried in a bag to Tessa’s room. 

“Before, obviously,” she said. 

“Alright, well I know you wanted something really badly this year,” you said. “Why don’t you open the green one first?”

“This feels like an iPhone box…” she said with a big smile. She tore off the paper and grinned. “Awesome! What one is it?”

“It’s a ten. It’s used but in really good condition. I got you a case and extra charger too,” you said. “We can swing to the store and activate it tomorrow.”

“Thanks, Y/N, really,” she said. She grabbed the card next and her eyes went wide when she saw the cash inside. “Y/N.”

“It’s your money you gave me. It’s yours. Buy whatever you want, okay?” you said. She nodded and unwrapped a few more small things, a book she’d been talking about, some make up you knew she’d use, a new pair of her nike running shorts that’d been on sale thankfully. You smirked when she picked up the last two presents in the bag. “Alright. I hope these are...suitable for you.”

She tore off the wrapping on one and started to laugh.

“It’s hot pink,” she giggled. “Why is it hot pink?”

“Cause vibrators come in a variety of colors,” you said with a laugh. “I will let you read through the charging instructions on your own and same for the other box. There is toy cleaner because yes you need to wash these things properly and I got some water based lube. Go with water based. It dries up faster but it works better to me. Oh and wash everything like five times before it goes anywhere near anything, okay?”

“Okay,” she laughed. “I can’t believe you actually bought me this stuff.”

“Can’t get pregnant off a toy,” you said.

“Definitely can’t do that,” said Dean, Tessa wide eyed as he popped his head into the doorway. She shoved the boxes back into the bag and he laughed. “I’m a doctor. Sex doesn’t bother me and I think your sister has a point.”

“Oh my God, I forgot he was here,” she said, running her hands over her face.

“I was wondering where you two ran off to,” he said. He stepped inside and pulled out a box from behind his back. “Happy birthday, Tessa.”

“Thanks,” she blushed. She undid the bow and paper, smiling as she opened the box. There was an envelope inside but she picked up the headphones and shook her head. “Dean I can’t accept this. It’s too much. I already know the iPhone must have been yours.”

“You are smarter than you look,” he said. “But I can’t accept your refusal of my present. I have new ones and those never get used and I’m bigger than you so you’re gonna lose this argument one way or the other.”

“I’d listen to him, Tessa. He gets his way when he wants it,” you said. She rolled her eyes but smiled.

“Thank you. People haven’t been nice to us the past couple years,” she said. You glanced down to the floor, Dean leaving his arm wrapped around your waist. 

“People weren’t all that nice to me either for a long time,” he said with a nod. “Someday when you’re able, you help somebody else out, understand?”

“Yeah,” she said with a nod.

“Open the envelope. This one’s a present to you both,” he said. You cocked your head as she tore it open, reading for a long time before she pulled out a paper and handed it to you.

“Dean,” you said, sitting down on her bed after you’d read it a few times. “Dean this…”

“It’s a grant. It’s very similar to a scholarship. I’m an alumni of Elmdale and the medical school there. Tessa you qualify and so I applied on your behalf a few weeks ago and you were accepted. The grant will cover half of four years of tuition,” he said.

“What does that mean?” asked Tessa.

“It means we will have to pay very little with financial aid,” you said. She was beaming and you shook your head. “You applied weeks ago?”

“After I met you two. This house seemed familiar to me for some reason until I remembered. Y/N I told you someone helped me when I was eighteen?”

“Yeah?”

“I think his picture is hanging in the hall,” he said.

“Our dad?” asked Tessa.

“He got me a job and helped me pay for part of my school. I came here once when I needed his help. Your father was a very good man and it’s clear his daughters are the same. Neither one of you deserves to go through all the pain I did. I don’t want you to. It was no trouble at all to do, I swear.”

“Tessa, I work at Dean’s office as a lab tech,” you said. She turned her head and you saw Dean nod. “I lost my job before. We were scraping by. Barely. We’re okay now but without this grant...it would have wiped out our inheritance. That was for weddings and down payments for houses. We can keep it now...we can keep the house now.”

“You hate this house though,” she said. “I hate this house.”

“Tessa-”

“We can downsize,” she said. “Y/N, every night you stare down at their bedroom door. It’s like we live with ghosts or something. It doesn’t have to be so tight. Do we really need a five bedroom house?”

“It’s not as tight anymore. We’ll talk about it. Let’s go celebrate all the good news,” you said. “I’ve been dying for a Monico’s steak.”

“She seemed pretty happy tonight,” said Dean as you sat on the front porch a few hours later. You hummed and rocked in your seat beside him, resting your head on his shoulder. “Did I overstep?”

“No. You were the boy in the mailroom, weren’t you. Dad used to talk about you sometimes. Mostly when I didn’t want to do something. He told me some people my age have it so much harder.”

“True. But you can’t compare one person’s struggles to another’s. It’s not fair to either one.”

“Would you sell this house if you were me?” you asked.

“I like that you live close by. I’d miss that. But it’s a lotta house for the two of you and it sounds like a change might be a good thing. You could downsize to somewhere else in the neighborhood and probably bank a good chunk of money for later on.”

“We could.” Dean was quiet, gears turning in his head. “What are you thinking of?”

“My house is a five bedroom too.”

“Yours is also newer,” you said. “And bigger.”

“Tell me if I’m crossing a line but...you guys...could stay there if you decided to sell this place. Temporarily. Or not temporarily,” he said. You stared up at him and he looked away. “Like I said, I’m sorry, I know it’s...I should go.”

“Hey. I’m not afraid of you.” His head turned back towards you and he swallowed thickly. “Tell me another secret and I’ll you one.”

“I think I I’m falling in love with you and I’m afraid I’m going too fast and that you think I’m creepy or weird deep down and I’m up to something when all I really see is me and my brother in you and your sisters places and I know how much it sucks and how much it hurts and I know you protect her from stuff she doesn’t even know about. I’m sorry for saying that about the house just now. I’d still like to see you though if that’s okay.”

“I think this is fast too but I also think that part of me fell for you the day you carried her home. You don’t want anything from us. Just to help and it’s not because you pity us or anything like that. If I’ve learned anything yet in life it’s that you don’t know when it’s gonna stop and there’s no use in wasting time.”

“What are you saying?”

“You willing to put up with a teenager, a service dog and someone who has not had a moment to themselves in two years?”

“As long as you don’t snore,” he smiled. You laughed and kissed his cheek. “Are you serious?”

“I don’t like this house anymore. If she doesn’t want it, I don’t want it. Maybe we can do some test runs, stay over for a weekend or two, see if we want to make it a not temporary thing.”

“That sounds great,” he smiled. “We’ll figure it out, sweetheart.”

Two Months Later

“I’m home,” you said on the way back from the store. You’d been staying at Dean’s for two weeks now after a nice couple closed on your old house. So far it’d been great and you were perfectly happy to stay there with him and Tessa for the foreseeable future. “I picked up some-”

“He is not my dad. I am eighteen,” said Tessa as she stormed over to the foyer. You glanced back to where Dean was over in the kitchen and sighed. “I want to go to Paulie’s tonight.”

“Who is Paulie?” you asked as you kicked off your boots.

“A friend,” she said.

“You’ve literally never mentioned him before,” you said, carrying some groceries through the family room and to the kitchen.

“That’s what I said,” said Dean as he peeled a potato at the island.

“I thought I said you’re not my dad so you can shut the fuck up.”

“Hey!” you shouted, Tessa freezing up. “Apologize to Dean.”

“He-”

“We are stable for the first time ever because of him. I trust Dean to make decisions for you when I’m not home. If he said no, then the answer is no. Go to your room,” you said. She grumbled and pounded her feet upstairs. You washed up and gripped the countertop. “I’m sorry. I can’t believe she said that to you.”

“It’s okay. I’ll be the bad guy,” he said as he picked up another potato. “Paulie what’s his face doesn’t sound like he wants anything other than in her pants so she can swear all she likes at me.”

“What’d she say exactly?”

“She wants to go over to Paulie’s tonight to hang out with some friends but I overheard her and Hailey talking earlier this week about a party and I don’t need a medical degree to put it together.”

“If she sneaks out I’ll kill her,” you said. You glanced down to Toast’s dog bowl and paused. “Dean what would happen if she drank on her medication.”

“She can’t drink alcohol on that stuff,” he said. 

“What would happen if she did.”

“She could have a seizure,” he said. 

“Tessa!” you shouted. You jogged upstairs and found her bedroom empty. “Tessa!”

The house was quiet and you put your hands on your head. 

“Toast!” you shouted, the dog trotting out from Dean’s bedroom. You immediately ran inside, Dean already upstairs and you saw her sitting out on the balcony in a chair, her face in her knees. 

“Can I…” said Dean and you nodded. You followed him outside, Dean walking over and squatting by her seat. “Tessa, what are you doing out here?”

“I wish I was normal, didn’t have a fucked up head.”

“I got one too,” he said.

“Do you have to take medicine for seizures? No?” she said.

“No but my dad used to beat me up,” he said. She turned and he nodded. “He would try to beat up my little brother too sometimes but I would take the hits when I could. Tessa, you can’t drink when you’re on your medicine. You just can’t.”

“I know that,” she said.

“You can’t sneak out and leave Toast behind either. It’s not safe.”

“I wasn’t going to.”

“Y/N and I get scared too is all.”

“You just pretend to like me cause you fuck my sister.”

“For the record, I don’t fuck your sister. Relationships are complicated. You might not realize this but I care about you for you. If I didn’t I would not want you in my house, in our house, and I wouldn’t get scared about you going to parties with guys that just want to use you for sex. I give a shit about you Tessa whether you believe me or not.”

“You don’t care,” she scoffed. “You feel sorry for us. Nobody on earth would ask two strangers to move in unless you-”

“Tessa you can think whatever you want about me. I’m not your father and I’ll never try to be him. But I sure as shit know how to be an older brother. So be pissed off and be rude and whatever else you want to. I’ve done this before with my own brother. You don’t scare me. The only thing that does is you getting taken advantage of or you getting hurt and Toast isn’t there to help. Someday you’ll get it through that thick skull of yours what the truth is but until then, I’ll be the asshole who doesn’t let you go to parties you’ll get hurt at.”

“You pity us.”

“I’m jealous of you.” She stared at him and you swallowed in the doorway. “Your parents loved you. Mine didn’t. You want to talk about being fucked up? I’m here anytime.”

She nodded and he sat up on the bench with her. You went inside and finished preparing the potatoes, mashing them up and saving them for later. It was nearly ten by the time you heard the stairs creak and Dean walked down them.

“Y/N,” said Tessa. You got up from the couch and walked to the bottom of the stairs, Tessa glancing down. “I’m sorry for how I’ve acted today and treated Dean lately. I was…”

“It’s okay,” he said quietly as he rubbed her back.

“I was scared when we moved in here a few weeks ago. I don’t want to lose you too and Dean takes up time that it used to be just us and I know the accident wasn’t my fault but I feel guilty still sometimes and I know your life is different because of it too and I want you guys to be happy, I do. I just get scared you’ll forget about me. I don’t wanna be alone. I’m not ready.”

“You don’t ever have to be alone, Tessa,” you said. She nodded and looked up at Dean.

“I know. I was silly. But I’m better now,” she said. 

“It wasn’t your fault,” you said.

“I know,” she said. 

“Why don’t you head to bed, Tess. Tomorrow I can come to your session with you like we talked about,” said Dean. She nodded and walked upstairs, Toast trotting into her room. You walked upstairs and into your bedroom with Dean, shutting the door after yourselves. “I should have...change is difficult on kids with PTSD. I should have realized that’s why she’s been so snippy. I thought it was just hormones.”

“Probably both,” you said, climbing onto the bed. He lay down next to you, staring up at the ceiling. “You care for her.”

“You two are a package deal, sweetheart,” he said with a light chuckle. “Can’t love one without loving the other.”

“Like you and Sam,” you smiled. “I can’t wait to meet him in person.”

“Me too.”

“Is Tessa okay? You guys talked a really long time.”

“She was afraid I would replace her, push her out. Granted I do like spending alone time with you and everything but she needs you and I’m not here to take you away from her. I think she understands that now.”

“Dean why haven’t we had sex?” you asked. He sat up and you shrugged. “We’ve dated nearly three months and you don’t even try to cop a feel. For how fast certain things are between us, that one feels a little slow. I just want to understand. I don’t...I’m not saying it’s a problem I just want to know.”

“You asked me on our first date, or you made a comment, that I don’t seem like the shy around women type.”

“Yeah?”

“I didn’t use to be. A smidge, especially if they were the one that seemed to be controlling the situation but it was always good. I had some girlfriends, had some hookups. More than my fair share of hookups. The girlfriends…”

“The bitch one?” you said, getting a chuckle out of him.

“I stopped thinking I was relationship material for a while. So I did hookups for a long time and that was good. Until about two years ago. I haven’t had sex since.”

“Did someone hurt you?”

“No. I just...I asked her to stop and she didn’t.”

“Dean she hurt you.”

“It’s not that big a deal.”

“Yes, it is.”

“Well I don’t want to talk about it anymore, okay?” he said. He put his back to you and you took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I know we sleep in the same bed and…”

“And I don’t need to have sex with you. Would I like it? Sure. But my sister and I aren’t the only ones in this house that need to be taken care of. You’ve done a really good job of that lately and I’d like to start pulling my weight in that department. When you’re ready for sex, you tell me, otherwise, I will just cuddle you real hard until then, okay?”

“Alright,” he said quietly. He reached behind himself and wrapped your arms around him. You kissed the back of his neck, Dean taking slow breaths. “I don’t really know how to let someone take care of me though.”

“We’ll take it slow,” you said. “Like maybe with you being little spoon tonight.”

“Alright. I can try, sweetheart.”

_______

A/N: Read Part 5 here!

[biromanticbooknook]

My Most Ambitious Crossover

I got bored by posting only my second gen Amazon AU, so I’ll get back to that tomorrow, but enjoy this one-shot about Chloe and Marinette creating their own trip instead of their class trip in the meantime. Can’t have you all thinking I’m a one-trick pony, can I?

“-and that’s why we think you shouldn’t go on the trip this year.” Mlle. Bustier tried to look apologetic, but it was as much her idea as the students. Between Marinette refusing to set an example and Chloe associating with her, neither of them deserved to go.

“Oh, thank goodness. I was afraid I would have to get my daddy to donate 30% of the funds like he does every year.”

“I’m just glad I don’t have to take 60% of the trip funds out of my commission profits. That will give me a much bigger budget for fabric and accessories.” Everyone blanched at the statements of the 2 girls. They were saying that they paid for 90% of the trip every year, but that couldn’t be right. They worked so hard on fundraisers every year, they must be lying about how much they contribute.

Marinette just ignored them, turning to her seatmate. “Do you think that our other friends would want to go on a trip with us? Most classes take their trips during May, so we could leave at the beginning of June and take the entire summer.”

“Nice thinking, Maribug. With fewer people, prices go down and we can afford more bang for our buck.” They walk out of the classroom, discussing who to ask and when.

The class just made a big mistake.

-----

By the time the weekend rolled around, Marinette and Chloe had their group list finalized. The people going on their trip were themselves, Luka, Kagami, Aurore, Mireille, and Marc. They got together and started brainstorming fundraisers.

Marinette started. “There are the given examples; you know, car wash, bake sale, raffle. What else?”

“We could host a show.” Luka suggested.

“Like an exhibition?” Marinette asked. “We could have you perform, Kagami do a fencing demonstration, and I could do a small fashion show, using Chloe and Marc as models. Aurore and Mireille could be our MCs.”

“To capitalize on money-making, we could sell tickets, food and drink, and merch for Luka’s solo career as well as commission spots for our resident designer.”

“That’s good.” Marinette starts scribbling in the shared notebook.

“At Le Grande Paris, we could host parties. I know days when the grand ballroom is open. We could host an auction, sell lessons and creations and stuff. We could also host a masquerade ball that we sell tickets for. We could charge for food and drink. The pools are open for private reservation quite often, we could have parties there too.” Chloe takes the notebook and starts writing down her ideas, mapping out all the resources needed while muttering.

“We could also host a carnival or a gaming tournament in the ballroom.” Kagami looked thoughtful. “I’ve never actually been to one.”

Chloe added that to the list. “Should we do anything else?”

“We could start a go-fund-me. Artists and writers do it all the time to get their creations off the ground.” Marc murmured.

“That would be great. What’s our goal for this entire endeavor?”

“Our goal, Maribug, is €45,000. That should cover travel, boarding, tours, food, and souvenirs. Whatever we don’t spend gets redistributed to the group.” Chloe supplies.

“Then that should be it. Nice job, guys!”

“My, what a whirlwind of a planning session. I hope nothing rains on our parade. I wonder weather Mlle. Bustier’s class is doing this well.” Aurore beams at them.

“Mm-hmm.” Mireille agrees with Aurore.

“Probably not. Our classmates couldn’t pour water out of a boot with instructions on the heel. They’ll just listen to Lila that the boot will empty by itself through the toe because ‘I worked on patenting this boot’, then they’ll get mad at the boot for not doing it.” Chloe chuckles dryly.

“Be nice.” Marinette reprimands half-heartedly.

-----

Chloe immediately filed the paperwork with the school board so they could go on their trip with no safety or legal concerns. She recruited Mme. Mendeleiev and M. D'Argencourt to be their chaperones, who were more than happy to go on an all-expenses-paid trip to Los Angeles, Star City, Central City, Metropolis, Gotham, New York City, and Tokyo.

They had their first fundraiser at the end of September, a pool party at Le Grande Paris. Even Mlle. Bustier’s class attended, though they didn’t know who had set it up, only that Luka was performing. They hadn’t even started their planning  yet. The group made €3,041.

The next was a car wash in the middle of October. It was cool enough for a car wash to be pleasant while being warm enough that everyone was still out and about. They earned €2,632. Bustier's class was getting ice cream and listening to Lila brag.

They then had an All Hallow’s Eve bake sale, complete with candy decoration reminiscent of the American holiday. They earned €1,800.

During November, they held a carnival, with a full fall theme. It was wildly popular with families from all over Paris, earning them €6,483. It was around this time that Mlle. Bustier’s class held a bake sale, and earned €1,594. They celebrated.

Throughout the holiday season, they took advantage of peoples’ spirit. They held a raffle throughout the 12 Days of Christmas, while also holding a bake sale the day before winter break. Overall, they earned €10,749.

Over winter break, Chloe bought plane tickets and reserved tours and hotels, so all that was left was to get money for the tours and food. They were over halfway to their goal.

During January, they rented a theater, and held their exhibition. They had a crowd of fencing enthusiasts, rock music lovers, and fashion followers. They made €5,830.

They held a date auction and a masquerade to celebrate Valentine’s Day. It was amazing, and they earned €7,284.

They had checked their go-fund-me, and had found that €10,000 was there, putting them €2,819 over their goal. They were ecstatic!

They still held the gaming tournament at the end of April, but let it be free for everyone to enjoy as their celebration of reaching their goal.

-----

Mlle. Butsier’s class had made €7,000 over their 3 fundraisers, and they were pretty proud of themselves. No doubt they would be going somewhere much better than whatever Maribrat and Chloe have planned. Once the girls walked into the classroom, the class started to brag.

“We’ve finished fundraising!”

Marinette smiled and decided to be nice to them. “Cool. Where are you going?”

“We are going to New York City.”

Chloe was not as kind. “Oh, so are we! It was so hard to raise the €45,000 needed for our trip, but we did it. It was so euphoric to meet our goal. How much did you guys raise?”

“We made €7,000.” The smiles slowly slipped off the faces of the class. “What do you mean the €45,000 needed?”

“Well, we needed to cover food, travel, boarding, and tours, and that was just for the 7 of us. I can’t imagine what the budget would’ve been like for an entire class.” Her smile got an edge, like a lioness who knew she had cornered her prey.

Her classmates blanched. “What was our budget, Alya?” Rose looked towards their new class representative, hoping that she had an answer.

“We never had one.”

“Well, at least you filed the paperwork right?”

“What paperwork?”

Marinette responded this time. “The paperwork needed to go on a trip. You were supposed to submit it to the school board for approval of safety and legality. It was on page 17 of the packet I gave you at the beginning of the year. Didn’t you read it, Alya?”

“I-I-no. Lila said that was just extra work that you had given me to throw me off my game. She said you didn’t actually need to do all of that.”

“I didn’t know that Lila had more experience being a class representative than me and Marinette, the only 2 people who have ever been class representative here.” Chloe’s voice became as sharp and sweet as her smile. “Well, have fun with your trip. Marinette and I have to do last-minute checks on our arrangements.”

The class looked at the people that had carried them the previous years, and realized how much they relied on the girls. Lila was cursing herself for pushing away the only people who actually did anything in this class.

-----

The class ended up going to Disneyland Paris, and tried their best to look as upbeat as possible on their social medias. Meanwhile, The group was having the time of their lives.

They stayed in LA for 2 weeks, visiting movie sets and meeting actors. They spent another week just going on everything at Disneyland and California Adventure.

They then spent a week in Star City, touring Queen Industries and having a meet and greet with Oliver Queen and his ward, Roy Harper, who seemed to enjoy Aurore’s outgoing personality. They even saw the vigilantes.

They spent another 2 weeks in Central City, touring STAR Labs and watching the rogues try to fight the Flash family. It was the most meta-filled city in the world, and They toured a forensics lab with Bart Allen. Chloe seemed grimly pleased with seeing the bodies. She might’ve been projecting certain people onto them, not that she would ever admit it.

2 weeks in Metropolis was really fun. They toured the Daily Planet with Clark Kent and Lois Lane. Mireille was amazed by what you could do to report without having to be in front of a screen. They made a scavenger hunt of how many Supers they could find, and they found 2 different superboys. Lex Corp also gave them a tour, although it was more professional than the tour of the Daily Planet.

They spent 1 week in Gotham. They toured Wayne Enterprises and stayed out of the Bats’ way. Luka got the phone number of Tim Drake. Marinette enjoyed the inspiration that the gothic architecture brought her. There wasn’t much of a nightlife scene, considering only fools stay out after dark in Gotham.

Their 1 week in New York City was hectic. The Avengers were all at the tower when they were touring with Pepper Potts by Chloe’s request. Chloe might’ve been unofficially adopted by Tony Stark when she stood up to them and made them ‘cease their bullshit’. The Black Widow also took a liking to the girl. They also ran into these weird teens muttering about monsters when they were waiting for the elevator at the Empire State Building.

2 weeks in Tokyo. Their last stop. They visited the prestigious Ouran Academy, the host club getting Marc to come out of their shell by constantly helping boost his self-esteem. Chloe enjoyed talking business and finances with Kyoya Ootori. Kagami led them all in a traditional tea ceremony, before they all stormed the streets to try the unfamiliar street food.

Marinette ended up being unofficially adopted by 3 heroes, 2 rogues, and 5 billionaires. She was happy getting to spend 7 weeks on the road with only her closest friends.

The class was incredibly jealous of the trip their classmates took. They hoped next year they could go on a trip like that as well, but they had missed their shot.

[olivarryprompts]

Fanfic Friday #11

Welcome to Fanfic Friday! Each Friday I post a new here and on A03. Enjoy x

Read and save it on A03 here https://archiveofourown.org/works/33567529

{fancy suits from dad}

Ships: Peter Stark & Tony Stark, Pepper Pots/Tony Stark

Warnings: swearing, just fluff otherwise :)

Wc: 2,319

Here’s the thing, Peter Parker grew up in Stark Tower, which eventually became Avengers Tower of course. So whilst his whole class was buzzing about their field trip, all he could think was, “shit, shit shit.” His dad was going to embarrass the hell out of him. His Aunts and Uncles were going to endlessly tease him.

So, no Peter was not looking forward to the field trip. Not in the slightest. He still wanted to go, though. He knew that the rumors of his internship being fake were started by Flash, the annoying teen. He also knew that Flash had not once said his real name, preferring the name Penis Parker. It didn’t bother him as much as it used to. Also since highschool began, Flash had calmed down with his bullying. Well, maybe Flash hadn’t calmed down and high school was just bigger and he had thicker skin. And a new support system with plenty of people to go to.

Peter had been adopted by the Starks when he was a mere ten years old. At first, he was terrible at receiving any gifts or even too much attention. Slowly but surely, he got more and more used to it. Now, he wouldn’t not know what to do if any of that was taken away. Plus, he really did find a liking for expensive suits, however shallow. He looked good in them, and his father always insisted on buying him more and more. Tony would always find an excuse to spoil the kid a little more, however much Pepper tried to stop him.

“Peter, please see me after class regarding an urgent matter.”

Brough out of his thoughts, Peter swiftly nodded his head.

He looked at the board to see the words from before still written on them, “Field Trip to Stark Industries!” It might as well have said, “Dig Peter Stark’s Grave!”

“So, let’s get started with today’s lesson, graphing imaginary numbers on the complex plane!” He’d done this one a while back with his father. Something about not only learning applicable science and engineering. Peter tapped his glass, and the episode of Arrow he’d been watching on the car ride over began playing. He’d be ever grateful for his father’s gift of EDITH to him. Pepper had tried to ban him from wearing them to school, but hastily gave up when Peter pulled the spiderman danger card.

“Alright, class dismissed. Please remember to do this homework pages 11-18 on this unit’s homework handout.”

Peter, forgetting his teacher's previous request, was very glad to be on his way home. He was one foot out of the door when the teacher called his name. Now, his day had gone pretty well up to that point. Bucky made pancakes for breakfast, which were delicious. There was wayyy less traffic on the way to school. He’d aced an essay and a couple of quizzes, and then he even participated in PE effectively. But alas, all good things had to come to an end.

“Mr. Parker? The discussion.”

“Right,” Peter thought, joining the teacher at his desk.

“Peter, you are truly a great kid. I know you’ve been through a lot recently and in your life, but it is no excuse to make up an internship. We both know that it is not real. Now, acknowledging that you have a bright future, the administration and I have come forward with an offer. If you agree to write an apology, expressing that you understand what you did was wrong and immoral, you will both be allowed to come on the trip and no punishment will be given to you. If you choose to not take this opportunity, you will be banned from the trip and will be chastised.

Peter just stood there, not really comprehending. Apparently Flash’s little rumors were a lot bigger than he anticipated.

“I-i-I’m not lying,” was all he could manage. He had filed all the right paperwork and proved his internship.

“I’m sorry to hear that you will not come forward with the truth. You have up until the day before the trip to hand in the letter if you change your mind. Goodbye Peter.”

Peter just let his legs take him out of the classroom, then out of the school, and then to the road, a couple blocks away, where his dad picks him up from.

“Hello mini-me.”

“Hey,” Peter said, jumping into the passenger seat.

“‘Hi Dad, thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to pick me up each and every day. Sick new car by the way! I’d love to drive it sometime!”

Peter just rolled his eyes with a smile, “Car looks great dad. McLarren’s are superior yet.”

“Ungrateful, so so ungrateful. What’s got you in a mood then?”

“Nothin,” Peter said, pulling out his phone.

“Oh come on, tell me. Tell me or I’ll call Ted.”

“Ned, Dad. We’ve been friends for like three years.”

“Not the point.”

“Just something at school.”

“Wow how very descriptive. You know I’m trying to do the whole feelings thing here, and you should appreciate that coming from my emotionally stunted self.”

“You’re so dramatic. Basically we’re having a field trip to your tower, and I’m not allowed to go because the teacher doesn’t think I really have an “internship.” Which, to be fair I don’t but that’s on you and not me.”

“Nah na na. I offered you an internship, and you said I’d be bored.”

“It would be. Doing a project for your company under strict supervision of some person would be sucky. I mean I can do anything I want from the lab you built me.”

“I know, but remember technically you are my intern. Remember we did that whole personal intern bullshit for the school.”

“Oh right. Is that why you keep harassing me about submitting all my completed projects.”

“No, that’s all your mother. Something about not wanting a lawsuit over a fake internship.”

“Make sense. She tends to be a lot smarter than you.”

“Ah, I feel so attacked. The abuse I suffer.”

“You’re terrible.”

“I am internally crying, kid. Sobbing.”

“Shut up,” we laughed.

“Who’s home?”

“You saw Buck and Sam this morning. Nat and Steve came back from their mission this afternoon. Thor and Loki are back for dinner tonight.. Strange might be coming round, not sure though. Cliff and the family aren’t back for at least a couple weeks. Oh and Bruce is wholed up in his lab as usual.”

“Shit. Everyone staying till the end of the week.”

“Yeah, oh the field trip. You’re screwed. You should have not told me.”

“Ughhhhh!!!”

“I love your life Petey.”

Peter walked into the kitchen and saw Steve reading a newspaper.

“Uncle Steve! Your back!” he smiled, dropping his bag off near the sofa. Steve got up to give the smaller boy a hug.

“Yep. Mission completed.”

“Nice. Can you tell me about it?”

“Yeah, it was nothing too interesting. We just needed some more intel into a terrorist organization stationed in the US. Most of the mission was recon. The next steps are being taken in a couple weeks.”

“Good to know there’s an active terrorist organization out there,” Peter said lightly.

Steve just smiled, not quite understanding the modern humor.

“Where is everyone else?” he said, realizing the living room was not in it’s normal chaotic state that he’d come to love. The chaos was his favorite reminder that he had so many people. He liked having lots of people, even after all this time.

“Nat and Buck are training, they invited you to join if you want. Bruce is in his lab, and dont worry he slept and ate last night. Not sure about the rest.”

“Right, thanks. I think I’m going to go train.”

Before he knew it, it was Friday morning, and his school was coming to his home. He was going to try very hard to ignore them. To do so, he asked his mum to let him sit in on some meetings. He had an easy in to the R&D and mechanical side of the company via the other interns. He was actually planning on hanging out with some of the “other” interns later that day. They were always happy to let Pete in on their projects and let him give them a hand. But he was always interested in getting more detail about the business side of the company, and he liked to get a window into it. Pepper was always happy to show her son the ropes. I mean he was heir to the company after all, even if he didn’t know yet.

He asked his mum to only schedule meetings after 12 as he requested a sleep in. Pepper was always happy when Peter slept as he was a little too much like his father. So, he woke bright and early at 11:00 o’clock.

After a scroll through his phone and a quick shower, he was ready to pull on his far too expensive Brunellio’s custom suit. It was one of his favorites. His father had got it custom made when he was in Italy, and told him he simply could not resist getting one for the kid. Pepper just smiled.

He had a large breakfast (enhanced metabolism) and headed towards the 34th floor where his first meeting was located. He’d been shadowing his mum for almost a year now whenever it was convenient, so he had the rointine down. He was almost sure he could take over a few of her meetings.

“Hi honey,” Pepper said, giving the boy a quick kiss on the cheek on the way to her own chair beside him. Peter blushed before resuming his professional posture and facial expression.

“Good morning everyone, as you can see Peter will be joining us today. I want to talk about some of the services we provide for our employees and their feedback. I’m aware we have a large portion to talk about so Kendra please take it away on that front.”

The first meeting went smoothly as planned. It was a discussion on the progress of the internal services, aka the IT department. Peter hadn’t learned much about their IT department, so it was good to listen in to. Pre these meetings, he, of course, does research into the background stuff, so he’s not completely lost. Pepper’s assistant usually provides him with a packet of info about the Stark Industries side of things. He is also given a list of key words and concepts he might want to make sure he understands. The research is fun for him, it makes him feel all professional.

Usually he spoke during the meetings, asking a couple questions and suggesting some ideas, but for this one he just learned and took in. The next meeting, however, was very much so his field. He’d spoken a lot with advertising, becoming very interested in the data analysis behind it. He even took a stats class so he could keep up. In that one he asked questions Pepper was on the verge of asking twice. He also contributed to the analysis of data once. Pepper usually liked him to participate as it was good for him, but he always felt bad suggesting stuff to the senior adults. He usually spoke to his mum or dad about projects for the company, preferring that.

They hung back in the room of the second meeting.

“Good job in this one Pete. Took two questions right off my tongue.”

“Thanks ma,” he said, always appreciating some approval.

“That’s all I’ve got for you today, kid. Rest of the stuff is, ya know.”

“Course. Thanks for these two. It was good to learn about internal affairs a bit more. Have a gap of knowledge there.”

“Yeah. Was that the first time meeting our CIT?”

“I believe so.”

“Well, next time we have a broader IA meeting, I’ll pull you outta school,” Pepper suggested.

“Really? That’d be epic.”

“Course, hun. Jarvis, sort that out please.”

“Of course Mrs. Potts.”

“Thanks J,” Peter yelled.

“Anytime mini-boss. No need to disturb the entire floor.”

“Are AI supposed to be so snarky?”

“Dad programmed it, what else would it be?”

“Valid point.”

“Right, got to run. See you later.”

“Bye, love you mum!”

“Love you too, Pete.”

“Jarvis, could you send me the tour plan for the visiting tour today?”

“Absolutely, sir. They’re on your phone now.”

“Thanks J.”

Looking at the plans Peter smiled. He had successfully avoided them the entire day. It said they were supposed to head back to school at 2:30, and it was about to be three. Smile on his face, he trotted down to the lobby to grab a coffee before going to meet Loki at the arcade. Don’t judge them, it was their thing. Taking the private lift down, and then walking straight to the coffee stand and ordering.

“Mr. Parker!” he heard the angry voice of his teacher, “How dare you show up here aft-”

Shit. shit. Shit.

“Edith, call dad, and tell him it’s urgent in the lobby.”

“Of course Peter.”

“Peter, are you listening to me! You are going to face extreme consequences for this.”

“Your coffee,” the man said, not realizing it was Peter, level ten personal of the tower, that was being yelled at.

“Thanks.”

“How dare you get coffee! In this building! Security!”

Tony arrived spotting his son instantly.

“Kid this best be impor- I see.”

“Hey Mr. Stark,” Peter said weakly.

“Mr. Harrington is it? Please stop harassing my intern.”

“H-he, he is y-your intern?”

“Yes. My favorite. Please exit the building and never question him again. You will be hearing from me.”

Let’s just say, Monday was an interesting day. At least Flash backed off, he was definitely an intern at SI, and no one embarrassed him on the trip.

[ka-writes]

——————

Notes: First of all... thank you so much for the support!!

Second, space vocab: starling: young unidentified species ISF: intergalactic safety force

Anyways, take care of yourself <3!

——————

Warning: flashbacks to abuse, if needed skip past any italicized words, mentions of child labor exploitation (Someone forces Tommy to steal), attempting to drug character, cussing, kidnapping, fear.

——————

Incase you missed:

Chapter 1:

Chapter 5:

——————

Inspired by:

Humans are Space Velociraptors

By:FreshRoses_InMyGarden_NeedTheRain

Some kids come from storks, others come from crashed spaceships

By: mmmajora

Home Again, Home Again

By: teeth_eater

All works can be found on Ao3

——————

Ao3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/33147661/chapters/82290709

——————

Chapter 6: Causing Chaos

——————

Planet Amari was their next stop. It would take only four hours to get there and usually this would be no problem if they weren’t harboring a human. Let alone the human that had just escaped the Dream Team Ship.

Phil shook his head and focused on the increased security around the boarding docks.

Amair is a planet whose only purpose is to entertain, meaning they already have some of the best security in this part of the galaxy. The added security came directly from the ISF and were now searching suspicious ships.

“Check check, one two.” The microphone turned green, “As your captain it is my duty to warn you about extra security measures. The ISF is boarding ships and checking for abnormalities. Please complete protocol 35.0.” Phil spoke into the mic and waited for everyone’s confirmation.

He got up and started the process of taking maps and blueprints that were not available to the public along with future plans and hid them in a document compartment behind one of his shelves. He then changed his normal illusion monitor and changed it to the default screen.

He stepped out of the cabin and cleaned the surrounding area, while also checking for anything that could be confiscated.

“Tommy. In order to go onto the planet I need you to wear this.”Wilbur confronted.

“No! It looks like one of those serial killer masks!! My face is too beautiful to be hidden.” Tommy scoffed.

“Tommy if you don’t wear it willingly, I will tell Ranboo about-“ Wilbur was cut off by a series of curses and Tommy fiddling the mask around his face. “Good. Put this on too.” Wilbur handed the blonde a bundle of clothes and made his way to the lab. Phil chuckled at the brotherly bond that was already forming.

He made his way down to the lab checking for abnormalities before seeping back to the holding cell. The human was pulling at his clothes while packing things back into the shelf.

“Hello mate! Whatcha doing there?” Phil asked, casually. What he didn’t expect was the human to practically jump out of his clothes in the captain’s presence.

“W-who are you?” Tommy stammered, Phil had completely forgotten he had never introduced himself before.

“Oh! I forgot we haven’t formally met. My name is Captain Philza Mine Craft, but you can call me Phil or Philza, whichever you prefer. I use he/him pronouns and am the legal captain of the SBI Craft.” Phil finished his introduction with an easy confidence, even with the face mask you could easily see the kid’s wonder, “We are currently waiting for a formal check from the ISF.” The human tensed at that, “So if you would please follow me to the common room, so I may hide the holding cell.” The human nodded vigorously.

Once Phil had dropped Tommy off in the common room he made his way to the holding cell. With a few clicks and checks the holding cell made a perfect illusion wall, which molded it into the wall not to be seen by any inspectors or gadgets they may have.

Once he had gotten confirmations from all crew members, he made his way back to the pilot’s cabin. If they were even a minute slower with preparations, security would have deemed the ship suspicious.

They settled the ship at the checkpoint and waited for a security officer to signal them.

——————

Wilbur’s leg bounced anxiously as he wore his disguise. He had finished briefing Tommy about the plan. They would lie about their origins, Wilbur doing the talking, and would get what they needed and get out.

The only thing anyone was waiting on was the guard.

Almost on queue the door began to open and a young starling stood at the door. He seemed to be genetically engineered and had wires attached to his head and 3D glasses.

“Hello everyone! My name is Jack Manifold, and I will be checking your ship!” The starling chirped, “I hope you have both we have to confiscate, because everyone here seems like lovely people. I have to ask where is your captain?”

“Right here mate.” Philza said, stepping out of the pilot cabin. “I am Captain Philza Mine Craft, of the SBI Craft. Feel free to look around.” Phil said with a hint of impatience. Jack didn’t seem to notice and made his way around the Craft.

Everyone sitting in the common room shared a few nervous glances. The only one who seemed oddly comfortable was Tubbo.. Wilbur took note of the behavior and tried to busy himself with the magazine he was holding...

When did he get a magazine?

He was immersed in an article about room design when Jack returned.

“Everything seems to be in order! The only thing I ask is that everyone introduces themselves.” His tone turned serious as he looked at the crew.

“My name is Technoblade. I am the security officer on this ship and second in command.” Techno said without faltering in tone.

“I am Ranboo. I am Technoblade’s hired assistant and do most chores around the ship.” Ranboo said clearly anxious with the attention on them.

“Tubbo, I am a hired gardener and take care of food supplies and medical ingredients.” There was a coldness to Tubbo’s voice as he finished his introduction.

“Dr. Craft, I am a toxicologist. This is my medical student, Tommy, he doesn’t talk much.” There was a suspicious glint in Jack’s eye as Wilbur continued, “We have been working for this crew for two months, before that we were traveling on our own licensed craft.” Jack accepted the answer and finished checking his notepad off.

“Alright, that will be all then! Welcome to Amari! Once I give this report to my manager, you should be able to enter the atmosphere!” With that the cheery starling left the ship and Phil closed the door before disappearing into the pilots cabin.

To say Wilbur was relieved was an understatement.

——————

Things were falling into place.

Once they were on the planet all Tubbo would have to do is add the substance to one of Tommy’s drinks and he would be acting out in no time!

But is it worth it?

He pushed the thought out of his head and finished packing the small packet in his bag before getting off the ship with the rest of the crew.

“Before we head to the shopping center, why don’t we stop by Las Nevada’s? I mean it’s Tommy’s first time on Amari after all.” Tubbo said. Las Nevada’s is the most well known restaurant and casino in Amari. It was the perfect place for Tubbo to start his plan.

“I don’t see why not. Just stay in the restaurant bit, we don’t want to draw any more attention to ourselves.” Phil answered.

With that the group walked into one of the best and worst places in the city, though no one knew of the worst bit yet…

——————

They sat around a booth compartment. It had soft red padding and purple looking palm trees, without the coconuts.

It reminded Tommy of a stereotypical mafia restaurant. Something Tommy never got the privilege of seeing.

It made him very uncomfortable, especially when the waitress gave them drinks in glass cups. He felt like whatever he touched would instantly shatter into a billion pieces.

Techno was taking Ranboo to the bathroom and Phil and Will were talking to a waitress leaving only Tommy and the scary bee boy . alone.

“I told you I was done Miranda!!” A man shouted from a nearby table causing Tommy’s attention to be focused on the couple fighting.

“You had one job. And you failed it boy.” A man slapped his face.

He was in his third foster home again. They had asked him to get at least $50 from people on the subway, he had only managed to score $20, and the man was furious.

“You’re lucky I see potential, otherwise you’d be back in that goddamn group home.” Tommy’s eyes dropped yo the floor, another slap and a hand grabbing his chin to look at the man, “PAY ATTENTION TO ME BOY. I saved you from that hell hole and I can take you back.” The man sneered. Honestly Tommy would rather be there than here.

“Hey!” Wilbur snapped in front of his face, “You with us?” Tommy nodded. The couple was gone and everyone returned. Now Ranboo and Wilbur were sitting next to him and Tubbo was sitting next to Ranboo. Did bee-boy always look so guilty?

After a minute of awkward silence, Phil and Techno started talking, their voices drowned out by the surrounding noise. Wilbur had turned his attention to his menu and Ranboo was writing in his book again.

Tommy reached for his water and Tubbo turned his attention to the human. The mask he was wearing had a flap so he could easily breathe, eat, and drink. He took a sip of water….. was water supposed to be this sweet?

“Why the fuck would someone put sugar in water as a prank?” Tommy mumbled, everyone’s attention was on the human again, “What?” He asked defensively.

“Did you say sugar?” Wilbur asked as if it was the craziest thing he had ever heard.

“Umm… yea?” Tommy said. We’re these people pulling a prank on him? Why was everyone looking at him like that?

“Tommy, can you give me your water?” Wilbur asked, he was genuinely confused by the reactions. After a few seconds he gave his water to Wilbur who immediately took a sip and spit it out.

“What the fuck?!” Tommy asked as Wilbur gave him the water back.

“That is definitely sugar.. Tommy do you feel weird at all?” He asked.

“Erm no?” This was getting stranger and stranger.

“So humans are immune to sugar…” Will said as if it was a scientific breakthrough.

“Yea? Why wouldn’t we be?”

“Well for one, most species go absolutely crazy after eating sugar, for some it could lead to death.” Tubbo informed. He looked even more confused than Tommy felt.

“So like, aliens go psycho when they eat sugar? That’s lame.” Tommy laughed out the last line. Everyone looked at him with concerned glances, “I don’t think I am gonna go psycho after drinking a small bit of sugar water, I mean most people have been eating sugar their entire lives, me being one of ‘em.” Tommy finished and the underlying tension died down. Well except Tubbo’s which felt more like an angry glare meant to affect him in some way.

When the waitress came everyone gave their orders, Wilbur supplying Tommy’s. The rest of the meal was comfortable, with Phil telling stories and the rest supplying jokes and chatter, along with the occasional glare from Tubbo.

To be honest Tommy had never felt so comfortable around anyone before, he wanted so badly to let down his wall around these people. Still there was that annoying voice that told him not to trust them. For once he didn’t listen to it.

I mean what could go wrong?

——————

The plan failed. Shit.

Tubbo was mad. Not just mad, furious.

The others were having fun with the human, yet again. Tubbo had wandered off, he wanted to destroy everything, and yet he simply walked off without a second glance. He could feel the tears streaming down his face.

“Hello bee-boy!” The human scared the droneling, his ears falling flat against his head.

“I am not in the mood to talk.” Tubbo sniffed.

“Oh..” The human’s tone dropped, it was almost as if it was hurt by Tubbo’s words. “That’s alright big-man! We don’t have to talk.” The human settled with that response, with that the pair walked through the busy street in silence. Tubbo tried to throw the human off his trail but gave up after a few minutes.

After fifteen minutes of them wandering around Tubbo spotted a shop and made his way over to the electronic shop. The human followed him into the small store.

It was a small shop with tight isles and jazz music filling the silence. At the register a tall creeper hybrid fiddled with a redstone contraption. Tubbo paid no mind to him and turned his attention to some of the smaller devices scattered throughout the shop. The human shifted nervously behind him.

Once Tubbo found what he was looking for he took it over to the register. Another man stood behind it along with the original one. His eyes shifted to Tommy.

“Are you sure that’s him?” The original man asked, his name tag reading Sam.

“Yes, positive. Dream will be happy with this.” The other man replied, he stretched one of his fingerless black gloves and turned towards the pair. “Hi. I am assuming you have my boss’s patient?” The black hair man asked. He was a blazeling and had a cruel glint to his eye.

Without warning another man came up behind them and slapped a cloth over both of their faces. Within seconds the pair was out and everything went black.

He woke up in a cage.

——————

Chapter 6- End

Words: 2206

——————

Notes: The next bit will be hard to write ;-; but then we get to the fluffy-angst :D

Also this was harder to write... motivation went poof, but I won’t quit on you!!

<3

——————

Tubbo: *tries to cause chaos—fails

Tubbo: *wanders into a random shop—causes chaos

Tubbo: .-. Wtf

——————

Chapter 7:

[junemo10]

Okay so ✨Story time✨

Today in AP Bio the online students were put into breakout rooms with in-person kids and observing as they did a lab. And these two Juniors that I got put with were so funny to watch. never met them before, but they really remind me of two people....

Only one of them knew what they were doing, calling him Merlin. The other guy clearly didn’t read the lab, but like im not judging, we are calling him Arthur.

(It is very important you let me use these names) (I will also be referring to my teacher as Gaius. Because I can.)

Merlin seemed passionate about Biology, and he was very kind to us. He narrated everything he did, so we could follow along in the packet (even though we didn’t really need him to, but we appreciated it anyway)

Merlin: I’m going to set the tube into the rack now-

Arthur: they can SEE that. You don’t have to narrate EVERYTHING

Merlin: im just trying to make sure!

Arthur was increasingly worrying me as we started the lab. He was in charge of picking up the computer and tilting the camera to show us what was going on in the lab, but each time he picked it up it nearly fell right onto the electrophoresis chamber (which is full of gel to be used for the DNA samples.) He also was shaking it so badly, the other online girl with me asked him to just put it down.

When using the micro-pipet to put the DNA into the chamber, Arthur wanted to go first, but then he sat for a good 5 minutes trying to figure out how to use it.

Merlin: it’s easy. For real. Just push the button all the way down and don’t lift until you take the pipet out.

Arthur: okay. Got it.

Arthur:

Arthur: wait so-

Then we were working on some of the lab questions, Merlin asked us how we were doing, and we told him we were keeping up with him.

Merlin looked up at Arthur and deadpanned in the most hilarious way: okay so you’re just slow. Hurry up.

When they used the micro-centrifuge, Gaius explained how to balance the tubes, and Merlin was placing them with Arthur (who was holding us) looking over his shoulder.

Arthur: balance

Merlin: yep

Arthur, pointing (computer, *shaking*. my eyes, SWIMMING): b a l a n c e

Merlin: I’m sorry, did you want to do this??

Arthur, in a very quiet voice that we heard perfectly: balance?

After they got the DNA into the gel, we had more lab questions. I did them on my own, because they were pretty straight forward. But then all of a sudden there was a COMMOTION, and I looked up to see this:

Merlin: you dumb fuck that is *not* what the question is asking

Arthur: whoa whoa whoa. This is slander. First of all, no need to swear. Second, what is it asking then?

Merlin: it’s asking about how it would appear if there was 500 pieces of each FRAGMENT, not the entire set.

Arthur: yeah? Well I say we get Gaius to weigh in.

Merlin, practically ready to rip his hair out: FINE. Gaius?

Much to your shock, Arthur was wrong. But he didn’t seem surprised, just smug that Merlin had gotten so riled up.

At one point Arthur hit Merlin in the head with a meter stick. I don’t know why he had it. We didn’t even use meter sticks in this lab.

Merlin, deadpans again:

Arthur: social distant forehead flick!

We had to read details on what came next in the lab, so it went silent as we each read it. So, of course, Arthur started humming and snapping his fingers.

Merlin, not looking up from his packet: read

Arthur: I am!

Merlin, still not looking up: READ

Then they were both confused:

Merlin: wait so he said to take this out-

Arthur: uh huh

Merlin: pour this in-

Arthur: right

Merlin: do I just hold it down with one finger-

Arthur: you just. You gotta do it.

Merlin: for how long though?!

Arthur: we time it for 10 seconds. I think it says here.

Merlin: okay I’ll let you do it then.

Arthur: I don’t have gloves on. You have to do it.

Merlin: okay fine fine. I’m just going for it

Two minutes later:

[loud indistinct chatter of girls from another lab table]

Arthur, seemingly to himself: that’s hilarious

Merlin, literally doing the stressful part of the lab that Arthur is meant to be timing: what??

I think Arthur was banging his head on something at some point?? It was very loud. Merlin was just repeating that Arthur was annoying.

Arthur: -said something I missed-

Merlin: that’s rude. what if you have covid.

Arthur: I don’t

Merlin: you don’t know that. You might. Keep your tongue to yourself

Yeah im not sure I want to know what Arthur said either.

Arthur, talking to himself: I just want to do a lab right for once

Gaius, overhearing: you’re doing it right

Arthur: oh snap. you hear that Merlin?

Merlin, whispers after Gaius moves away: you ain’t doing shit my man

The worst part (and I mean the best part, that had me CACKLING) was during the wait for the gel staining.

They just had to sit with each other, doing nothing for 10 minutes. And they spent the whole time just saying “you’re an idiot” to each other, back and forth.

The other girl and I were just shaking our heads at each other the whole time.

While soaking the gel, they had to wait for 15 more minutes and I’m just gonna make a list of all that occurred:

Arthur sang “pretty woman” but only the chorus several times in a row

Merlin announced: “SCIENCE.” And I’m really not sure what it was over. But it sounded cathartic.

Arthur tried to touch something Merlin was doing and Merlin just swatted his hand and said “stop it”

Arthur: you’re not doing it right-

Merlin: *just glared*

Arthur got more water in the bucket and then immediately spilled on himself

Merlin threw paper towel in Arthur’s face

Arthur, to Gaius, while Merlin stepped away from the table for a second: do we rinse out the buffer bottle too?

he asks, AS he rinses it out

Gaius: I mean. Since you did it. Sure.

Merlin, comes back a minute later: wait what happened to the buffer? Arthur?? Gaius, was he supposed to rinse this out?

Gaius: ....well he did...so it’s fine

Arthur finally put gloves on and immediately whined about it.

Merlin was telling Arthur something about his dog, and I kid you not it was the most civil part of the entire encounter. Arthur’s voice brightened over the zoom

When the timer was up, Merlin almost fell out of his chair trying to reach for his phone, saying: NOT THIS ALARM. TURN IT OFF.

They needed to measure the fragment lines, and Merlin was reading off measurements, Arthur realized too late that he was supposed to be writing them down.

Merlin, says a measurement:

Arthur: I think that’s a little large for DNA

Merlin: what the fuck are you talking about

Arthur: -says his thoughts, I was trying very hard not to laugh-

Merlin: that is just not how it works buddy boi

They called Gaius to settle the argument, and he told them the numbers were fine.

Merlin: I told him DNA just works in mysterious ways

Arthur: oh so you’re saying science is magic now

Merlin: it’s like you purposefully misinterpret everything that comes out of my mouth

And then Merlin finally lost patience for the day, and honestly, I don’t know how he lasted as long as he did. He basically carried this entire lab.

Merlin, sing-songing and doing a little dance: I need to get this right. I’m doing this right (repeat)

Arthur, leaning over the table to look at Merlin’s measurements:

Merlin, still singing, swats at Arthur’s head with the ruler:

Merlin, doing math and saying out loud a number every once in a while:

-Moment of silence-

Merlin: I’m just pulling my numbers out of my ass

Arthur: oh good. Me too.

Merlin: guesstimation baby

And they didn’t forget about us:

Merlin, telling us his results:

Arthur, as if we hadn’t heard everything up until this point: but disclaimer, we don’t know shit

Yes Arthur. I think that’s very clear. But it’s okay. Me too.

Then, when we were all just writing down data, this occurred. And I was CACKLING, and I know Merlin saw me on the zoom just dying:

Arthur: where did my pencil go??

Merlin: I don’t know Arthur

Arthur: no but seriously where is it

Merlin: Arthur I don’t know

Arthur: bro

Merlin: if you ask me one more time

Arthur: well it’s gone!

Merlin: well it ran away because you weren’t using it

Arthur, clearly not hearing him: I’m so sad

Merlin: good

Arthur: did you take it. give it back

Merlin: did you check the floor

[chair SCREECH]

Arthur: you fucking saw it fall off the table didn’t you

Merlin, not looking up: it ran away from you

After some time, Arthur left to go to the bathroom.

Merlin: finally some fucking peace

Merlin, pulling the computer closer: don’t worry guys, he’s gone now. how are you guys doing

I spoke with him for a while, he asked me if I like AP Bio so far and I told him I have no idea what’s going on ever. He said “oh. Is that not what AP classes are supposed to be about?”

Overall, they are literally the best group I have ever been with while online and I’m requesting my teacher to put us with them again.

[my-simp-land]

Broke Bitch Derby

I started this months ago and finally finished it today. It's okay. Fluffy but funny. Solid fic 1489 words :))

Life sucks with beginner’s luck. You go on a few missions, everything is a walk in the walk, you think you’ve mastered missions, wow everything is amazing, the boom. Broken leg.

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t the broke bitch herself. I never thought it would catch up to you.” Bucky Barnes was something else. He moved into the compound about the same time I did. At first, I thought it would mean that we would be close friends because we were finding our place in the compound at the same time. Wrong. We were like enemies in a friendly way. Like a rival but the same team. I still haven’t figured out what we’re fighting for, but it’s fun to pick at him sometimes.

“Oh. My. Goodness. The original broke bitch in the flesh. Will you sign my cast? Omg you’re my idol.”

The eye roll is strong with this one. “Ahaha. How funny. What’s next, doll? Want to touch the arm? Brush my hair?” He plops down on the couch beside me, being careful of my leg. We might fight like kids, but we’d never hurt each other.

“Well, you started it. Don’t start something you can’t finish.” All I get in response is a grunt.

I change the channel to Wheel of Fortune. These game shows have actually helped Bucky and Steve more than we thought they would. Now they watch them religiously. I go back to my book though.

We sit in silence like this often when it’s just us. If anyone else was in this area of the compound, in the compound at that, we would bicker and fight, but if it was just us, it was like that competition was gone. We were no longer rivals. There was no attention or favor to fight for. Of course, I wouldn't fight for attention. I understand he needs all he can get because of his time as the Winter Soldier, but I was just a regular freak that Steve picked up on the side of the road. It wasn’t that simple, but you get the jist.

“So....what ya reading?” I peel my eyes from the page. “Uh, it’s this book called Howl’s Moving Castle. I love to reread it every once in a while. There’s a movie, but it isn’t anything like the book. But in the best way possible.”

His eyebrow raises. He turns his head from the television to look at me. He’s doing that stupid smirk. I bet it stole many hearts in the forties…

“Are you saying the movie is better than the book?”

“What? No! This is a case where the book and the movie are both amazing. They focus on entirely different points of interest. The movie is a beautiful tale of love and accepting one’s self while the book is a magical adventure of societal structures and women’s place in society. They are both amazing pieces of art!”

“Here they go again. When are you two lovebirds gonna get on with it and get married? I can hear the wedding bells now.”

“TONY!” Bucky and I scream then our heads swivel back to each other and the fight begins.

“Well, I’m sorry that you have to get so butt hurt about some stupid book. Why can’t you just handle things like an adult?”

“That’s rich coming from you James. I don’t think you’ve handled anything like an adult. Should we bring up Steve’s apple pie? Or what about when you put pop-its under Sam’s toilet seat? Or the time you put KETCHUP PACKETS under Sam’s toilet seat?!”

The argument carried on for a few minutes more, but Tony must have gotten far enough away that the fire died out. We’re both children, so Bucky is cross armed at the television while my nose is back in my book. We probably sat like that for 30 minutes before the explosion happened.

Bucky sprung into action. I sat up as much as one could when their entire leg is in a cast. F.R.I.D.A.Y. comes over the intercom. “There has been a chemical leak in the east wing lab. Immediate evacuation is requested. We ask that you remain calm and follow the predetermined route outside. Further instructions will be given there.”

“Bucky, we’re in the east wing!”

“I know that! C’mon. We’ve got to go. Now.”

Bucky helps me off the couch. I grab my crutches, and we begin our journey outside. Everything is going fine and dandy. No one else seems to be in the east wing, so we carry on quickly. Well, until we get to the elevator.

“I’m sorry Miss. The elevator is not in working condition right now. I must ask that you take the stairs.”

My face falls. “The stairs? Friday, my leg is broken. There’s no way I can wobble down the stairs. Friday? Friday?!”

“I’ll carry you.”

“What? No. You are just gonna throw me down the stairs. I know what you did to Sam.”

“That was different!”

“How so? You were supposed to carry him down the stairs, just like me, but you threw him!”

“I did not throw Sam down the stairs! I rolled him down the stairs. I’m not gonna do that to you.”

“Why should I believe that?”

“Because you’re different. You’re different from everyone else. You’re not Steve or Sam or anyone else for that matter.”

“So, I’m throwable, but Sam isn’t?”

Something broke in him. His eyes darken and metal plates shift. He looks like he could growl. “You’re different than everyone. In the best way possible. Just like your book and movie. Everyone is them, but you’re you. So, let me help you!”

Something in me goes all warm and fuzzy. “Okay. I trust you.”

The air around us changes, There’s no more fear or anger. It’s like we’re a team. He sweeps me up into bridal position, but it’s a little more chaotic because one of my legs is straight out. We quickly descended the stairs. His arms around my body. My arms around his neck. Our faces have never been so close. I can feel his breath on my cheek. From the corner of my eyes, I can see his concentration. I can see the cogs spinning in his head, mapping out every step, so he doesn’t throw the both of us down the stairs. His blue eyes sparkle in the flashing red light. If I was in my right mind, I would even say he was beautiful.

We reach the bottom of the stairs, but he doesn’t put me down. He breaks out in a full sprint. I’m forced to hug his neck tighter. I pull myself into him, trying to make myself smaller for his advantage. It feels like I’m riding a horse. The huffing. The bouncing.

“What are you over there giggling about?”

“It’s like riding a horse. Your huffing, bouncing in your arms, the breeze on my face, the absolute terror of falling.”

“Oh, you think I’m a horse now? I’ll be a horse.” And like the absolute madman he is, Bucky starts doing some weird gallop run, Basically jostling me all around. It’s terrifying, but I can’t help but laugh. A big, full belly laugh. I grip his neck as he twirls and jumps around. Bucky begins to laugh, and not like the hardy hars he gives Sam and Steve. Full body laughs that fill me with happiness. We spin and jump and laugh. We’re like two birds but nowhere near as graceful. That part of me begins to beat and flutter ever fast.

We gallop our way outside, only to be met with no one. “Where is everyone?”

We start looking around from anyone when Tony calls to us from the roof. “There you two are! You missed the debrief. There was a spill. It was just some grape juice onto one of F.R.I.D.A.Y’s sensors. The alarms went off a while ago. Where were you guys?”

Bucky and I looked at each other. “We were trying to get out. I had trouble on the stairs, but we figured it out.”

“Uh huh. You two look like you were in a marathon or a tornado. Are you sure it was the stairs?”

We both scream “yep!” and hurry back inside. Well, Bucky hurried back inside. I can feel the heat coming off of Bucky’s face, so I'm sure he could feel the heat coming from mine.

We make it back to the commons area. Bucky carefully puts me back onto the couch and reclaims his place at my feet. I pick up my book and he continues watching Wheel of Fortune. It’s almost as if nothing happened, but something has changed.

“Hey Buck?”

“Yeah doll?”

“I wouldn’t oppose going horseback riding with you sometime.”

He throws his head back; his body full of laughter. “I wouldn’t mind either, doll.”

[mommymooze]

Dreaming of a Different Day

Reader, Fe3h Characters, Modern AU

Blood, gore, fighting, dead bodies, homework, sweating

7986 words

Working night shift at a gas station isn’t the most glorious job, but it helps pay the bills while you are trying to complete your degree at college. Determined to graduate without getting buried under an insurmountable amount of student debt, you work two jobs, sometimes three, even if it means taking 10 years to get a 4 year degree. Scoring a job in building maintenance for the college certainly helps with getting reduced fees on classes and books. Between two current jobs and classes or study time, there isn’t much time to sleep. Sometimes you volunteer your body as a lab rat for some of the studies done at the university, if you can work them in to your hectic schedule. This time they want to study your brain while you sleep. Getting paid to sleep? Sign me up!

Filling your 32oz. thermal bucket with coffee, you head out to catch a bus to campus. You have about an hour to study before you make it to the appointment at the psychology building.

An alarm sounds on your phone, time to pack up to make it to your appointment on time. Stashing your laptop and books into your backpack you head up the stairs to the third floor. Opening the door, you see a sleepy looking green haired student gathering forms together and stapling them into packets, placing them into manila folders.

“I’m here for the 8:00am appointment.” You announce.

He hands you a folder and a pen, telling you to fill out the paperwork and return them to him when complete.

You fill out the forms completely and honestly. Your sleep schedule is hell, you sleep when you can, mostly during daylight hours. You don’t recall any of your dreams or nightmares. No drinking or drugs. No sense in lying on these forms, they’ll find out if you’re trying to say something to please them or force yourself into their study group. Forms complete, you place them on the front desk as the young man nods.

Returning to your table you pull out your laptop and begin working on homework. You notice someone is standing in front of you.

A tall young woman with short blonde hair smiles at you, asking you to follow her. You grab your things, she leads you to a small room with a bed and several different machines, some on tables, some freestanding.

She tells you to change into a hospital gown, tie in the front because they need to attach some wires for monitoring. Most of the wires are attached to your head. She tells you the liquid they use to have it stick to your head is easily washed out of your hair. Once you are fully wired, she leaves and comes back with the fluffiest, warmest blanket you have ever felt and wraps it around you leading you to the bed. She asks if you want a sleep mask to block out the light and you do. The hum of the machines, the darkness and the fluffy warm blanket are enough to get you to fall asleep quite quickly.

A soft alarm goes off and you hear the voice of the green haired man asking you what you remember. You stay still, thinking. You recall walking down a corridor, speaking with other people. They are dressed differently. Maybe wearing a school uniform? You were carrying a book headed to…you can’t remember. It is strange, why suddenly have a dream here of all places? Taking the mask from your eyes you look to see him writing. He finishes his notes and leaves muttering a soft “Thank you.”

The wires are removed, you are told to change back into your regular clothes. They will message you if you will be chosen for further study. Handing you an envelope full of cash you head out the door, just in time to make it to your class.

Classes done for the day. You are mopping the floors of the student housing building 3. Yet another party to clean up after. Sure, you could notify the RA’s and make the other students do it, but they would make more mess and take too long. It is easier to simply clean it up yourself. Giving the floor a final mop, you shriek as someone steps behind you and taps on your shoulder.

“Hey, sorry we made so much mess for you.” A handsome male with dark hair, darker skin and brilliant green eyes smiles at you.

“No prob. No mess, no job, right?” You answer. They always show up when the work is about done.

“Can I interest you in some cake? We have some left.” He gestures with his hand open towards you.

“Nope. Smelled it too long cleaning it from floor vents.” You keep swiping the mop back and forth, then dunking it in your soapy bucket, squeezing it out and slapping it back on the floor.

Claude attempts to introduce himself. “Claude Riegan, Senior, Political Science.”

You answer in a monotone voice, “I am the janitor.“

“Hah.” He forces a laugh. “I’ve seen you in the halls here and there. You’re a student as well.”

You shrug, going to the closet to dump out your bucket. “Gotta run. Bldg 2 calls.”

He smiles and waves, you sort of wave back.

Work complete you head back to the smaller than an efficiency apartment you rent. Hotplate, and microwave for cooking, it has a half bath so you wash in a plastic tub. One small room for everything, no closets. Everything you own is in labeled tubs. No windows, but there is a door that locks.

You work on homework until your brain is fried. Collapsing on your bed you set an alarm, plug in your phone and laptop and sleep for a few hours before you have to get up for work tonight at the gas station.

Making it to class 5 minutes early you haul your bucket of coffee with a straw in it to your seat. Did you see that Claude guy in the halls? He likes yellow shirts. Both times you saw him in that color.

Today you listen to the lecture while looking around the room. Most of the time you take notes but you know this particular subject well. There’s a guy with light green hair and glasses to the right. Why does he look familiar? Have you seen him in a class before? You recognize the emo guy in front with a brown haired girl always huddled together. Oh no. The horrendous heartbreaker is here. Who doesn’t know about him? How many messes of his have you cleaned up because he’s dumped a girl and she resorted to violence and damaged school property? At least 100. You had no idea he was in your class. You lift up a book to block his direct view of your face. Perhaps you can remain nonexistent to him.

The professor ends the lesson. You note the work to be turned in, due date, assigned reading. Just as you’re about to finish tossing everything into your bag, you get a text. The psych guys want you for another sleep study. You tell them you can daytime sleep Tues or Thurs or Fri til 5. Great. They take all 3.

Cool. You may actually have some free cash for a few weeks. Maybe you can splurge on new shoes.

Monday night at the gas station is quiet. They usually are. Coffee keeps you coherent enough to make correct change and clean things properly. You have enough time to get home, clean up and hit the psy lab by 6am. They are to wake you 2 so you can make your class in plenty of time.

Mercie is the girl that wires you up to the machines. She hands you the sleep mask and fluffy blanket. It doesn’t take you long to go to sleep having come off your caffeine high a couple hours ago.

The alarm goes off and you bolt upright to a seated position in the bed, gasping for breath.

“Tell me quickly.” The green haired man encourages you to speak.

“I was fighting for my life. There was a battle. It was primitive. There were swords and long spears and huge axes with blades bigger than your head. A woman had fire coming from her fingers killing a man. I could smell his flesh burning. I stabbed bad people with my spear. I had to help my friends. We were fighting…um…a gang? thieves? They were hurting people nearby. My friend was hit by a spear and I killed the guy that hit him. Then I was…touching my friend’s stab wound. Light came from my fingers and I watched the hole in his side close up.” You sat there, staring at your hands. They were your hands but no longer covered in blood. You were grimacing as hard as you were in the dream, concentrating on your hands. But they did not glow.

“What else? What about the land?” His disinterested voice demands more.

“It was in a wild undeveloped area. No buildings. Just trees and rocks and bushes. We were fighting our way up a hill. Some of us going up one side, some going the other. I could hear them fighting on the other side of the hill. We were going to meet at the top. I couldn’t wait to see the leader, I kept looking for her blue hair. I knew she was the best fighter ever and would do everything to keep us safe.”

“Anything else?” His last follow up question.

“It’s faded a lot now. So much blood everywhere. The smells, they were awful. Metal banging on metal was so loud.”

He stands and stretches. “Thank you.” He says as he closes the door behind him.

You get dressed and grab your stuff heading for your afternoon class. Why are you suddenly dreaming? You don’t remember dreaming much before since you were a kid. This was a nightmare. You didn’t drink anything. You had slept over 7 hours, that’s the longest you’ve slept in…months? If the nightmares keep up, you’re not sure this is worth the extra cash.

After class you head home. You don’t feel as exhausted as you normally do, so you work ahead on a class or two. Most of the time homework can be done while you’re at the gas station counter.

Class in the morning is boring. Only a few more weeks to suffer before you get a break. Heading home you lay in your bed. You want to sleep. You really, really do. But now you’re afraid if you close your eyes, will the dreams continue? You grab your accounting book and start reading. You wake up with your alarm going off so you can get ready to head to work tonight. You do not dream, not even a about spreadsheets.

Work is uneventful. Mostly the same people coming in to buy the same things. Taking deliveries of different foods and replacing the purchased items on the shelves. Completing homework as time allows. Finally, it is time to clock out as the next shift comes in to deal with the daytime crowd.

You hit the bus, get to your room, swap out what you don’t need with what you do, toss your backpack on and head out to the Psych lab. You’re wired up and under the blanket. You feel a bit anxious about sleeping, however it is totally dark and the humming of the machines soon overtakes your thoughts and you fall asleep.

You awaken to hear the same guy as before asking you to talk.

Not opening your eyes you go through what happened.” There was a battle but not a real battle. Everyone is fighting but you aren’t really trying to kill each other. The weapons are fake. The magic is real but not seriously real. It reminds me of watching football practice. Each team wore their colors and are trying to beat up the others. The yellow team wins and everyone goes to a party. The blue haired leader lady said I had done a great job. She asks me to have tea and wants to talk about joining her house. Is she leading a fraternity? I woke up as I was helping clean up the mess after the party.”

“Tell me where this happened.” He asks.

“Well, the battle was on a big open field. There was a hill that someone could pull a lever and fire stuff at others. Scattered clumps of trees here and there, where some people would hide. It was a long walk to get to the field there. When walking I spoke with a grayish haired guy that would talk about stories he read about knights and do gooders. Oh, and on a big hill were three people with bright green hair. A man, woman and a younger shorter girl. They were watching. But they did not go to the party after. The party was in the dining area back at the school.”

You’re dressed, your hair feels sticky, so you put on a baseball cap with the university logo on it and head to your janitorial job. Mind numbing floor sweeping, mopping, and emptying trashcans fills your night. You are glad you had a good sleep at the psych lab, because it’s a short night tonight after getting off at 3am and having a class again at 8am the next day, you make it, like any other college student.

Grabbing something awful to eat after class, you head back to the third floor in the psych building for the last sleep of this week.

You wake up completely and totally freaked out. What a nightmare. Walking forever in the rain until you are soaked through, your skin all cold and wrinkly, and now you go into the creepy tower with the rest of the Blue Lions. You’re on the blue team. An older woman is the teacher, you wish you had the blue haired lady, she was so awesome.

Everyone creeps around and around going up higher in the tower while bad guys are firing arrows and popping out of hidden spaces. You remember using magic. You concentrated and this circle with marks on it appeared in your vision and next thing you know you shot lightning out of your fingers at a monster. A horrifying monster. It used to be a mean ugly guy but he changed and got big and evil looking, like a T-rex heavy on the claws and teeth. Everyone is fighting for their lives.

The worse part is one of them was his brother and had to get something back for his family. There was so much blood. Everyone was freaked out, especially the guy that killed his brother. It was horrible. By the time you finished talking to Linny, you were shaking and holding yourself. He just kept saying it was only a dream and told you that you would be fine.

You head to classes trying to best to concentrate.

Normally the job of polishing floors is nice. The machine does all of the work, you just change out the heads to clean then polish. The hallways here lead to rooms that have been reset for a large Art show presenting the student’s works. Many of the students are in your way, hauling in stands and setting up displays of their work. You keep looking down, studying the polishing machine. You can’t look at most of the artwork it, reminds you of the monsters you’ve dreamed of, or swords, or there is blood everywhere. What happened to fields of flowers? Paint a bowl of fruit or something bland.

You clock out at 3 am, head back to your room and crash burying yourself under a ton of blankets. One class today then you don’t have to be back to the university until 6pm. You need to hide in your bed. You are mentally exhausted. You need to sleep, so you down some cold medicine and it knocks you out.

Sleep is not kind. You aren’t in the lab, you are in the safety of your own bed. The dreams, okay, nightmares continue. Some girl is missing. Everyone is trying to find her. The Blue Lions leave to find some item and fight monsters, when you come back they found her, some other gal that was missing, and a creepy skeleton looking guy on a horse fought them in the basement. Ugh. You remember that head someone had on a stand in the art class, with the red glowing eyes. At least before you woke up you remember having tea with the blue haired professor and you agreed to join her group. She also gives you nice flowers for your birthday. You wake up just after tea was over.

You’ve never dreamed before. What the hell. You aren’t getting paid to dream at home. You don’t want this. What can of worms have they opened on you? You want your regular dreamless close your eyes, sleep, open them and go again. Not running miles and chasing horrible things and stabbing stuff and getting hurt and bleeding.

After class this morning the library is your destination today. Gotta get some references and info for a class. You stop by a quicky mart on the way. Need coffee. You’re not one of those fancy coffee kids, just creamer and go. You could care less what mountain they grew the coffee on as long as it is caffeine and keeping you awake.

Filling your cup with the elixir of consciousness, you see a girl with purple hair having problems with the whipped cream function of the expensive coffee and creamer dispenser.

You walk up to her. “Hey Bernie, want me to help?”

“Sure.” The girl says still punching buttons.

You fiddle with the machine knowing how temperamental they can be and get plenty of whip cream on top of her coffee.

She looks at me to say thank you, drops her books and screams. “Who are you? I don’t even know you!”

You shove a lid on her cup and put it in her hands. “Take your coffee.” Picking up her books, you stuff them in her arms. You head for the checkout. Your brain is confused too. You don’t know her, but she’s in the dreams and it’s her, Bernadetta.

Heading to the library you pull out your laptop and begin working on a project for class. You keep your head down, concentrate you keep telling yourself, but pieces of the dreams creep up on you every time you try to focus. Writing a few sentences, you click on an arrow on your laptop screen. You remember Bernie shooting arrows and she’s an amazing archer along with Ignatz. They love to paint. You wonder what it would look like if they did something together.

Concentrate. Fingers on the keyboard. The page is filling with text, the project is coming along. You need to find another book for reference. Signing into the library website you search for its location. You find the book and take it back to your seat. Flipping through it you find the section you want. Inside there is a postit note:

“Don’t bother with this. It’s wrong. See…” It lists a book you passed on, thinking this would be better. Perhaps the mysterious postit writer has been through this class and is saving everyone else from the same headaches. Nice. You get up and trade out books. This one does have exactly what you are looking for and your project speeds forward. You flip through the book once you’re finished with its contents and surprise! Another postit. “Bonus: Check out…”

You are enraptured, of course you go to find the next book. It is even better than the last one. The section related to your task has a note. “BTW, don’t quote that last book, Prof hates it. Do this instead. The curious get the rewards!” OMG. This is the greatest stuff. But the game is over, no more notes, you even check behind the last one. It did keep you entertained and focused though, a great help or you may have never finished this.

Saving everything and backing it up onto the cloud you have enough time to toss your stuff into the employee lockers and get your janitorial getup on. Baseball cap and earbuds in, it’s time for 8 hours of cleaning up after everyone else.

Building 3 is the party hub of the campus. At least they cleaned up some of the party decor, floor vents contain no cake, but they still leave a mess. You have to wash down the walls.

About 1:30am a dark haired guy with a ponytail comes in all frazzled asking if I’ve seen a red headed guy passed out somewhere. Nope. We both check the balcony and there he is out on a plastic chair. It is heartbreaker Sylvain.

You ask for help picking him up to get him to a standing position. You tell his buddy to hold him still. Throwing your right shoulder into his crotch you grab his left arm and throw it over your opposite shoulder. Sylvain is now up over your shoulder in a fireman’s carry.

His buddy gets the door and elevator for you. When the door opens there is a wheelchair close by and you dump Sylvain into it.

“How’d you know how to do that?” His friend asks.

“I’ve carried him before.” You answer as you help wheel Sylvain to the car. You help pour him into the front seat and reach over the seatbelt to his friend.

“Good luck. He’s your problem now.” You mutter as you turn around and head back to work.

At least this time he wasn’t bleeding you think. Wait. You’ve carried Sylvain before, during a fight. To get him to safety. That was Felix who came to get him. When you carried him, you were in leather gear and had more muscles. It reminds you of highschool wrestling. You did that for a few years. It felt so right doing that, but this college doesn’t have women’s wrestling, so you left it behind. It was how you got the job in janitorial because you are a female that can lift and move heavy weights, doing it the right way and not getting hurt.

Finishing your shift it is early Sunday morning. You go home, sleep, and dream.

You’re playing chess with Hubert. You’re beating him and he is pissed. He threatens you with cheating, distracting him, etc. You laugh at him. He’s always threatening someone or something.

Byleth comes in and ends the game. You head to a war meeting with the rest of the Black Eagles Strike force. Now that Byleth has returned Edelgard wants to recapture the great bridge at Myrddin.

After the meeting you head out to the training area for magic users. Warming up with a few Thunder spells, you work through Thoron then Bolting. The magic flowing through you feels amazing, you are one with the forces of nature.

You can feel the cold flowing from your fingertips as you cast blizzard at a target. Casting Fimbulvetr you watch as a solid ice grows around and surrounds the target.

Taking a few cleansing breaths, you then cast sagittae, the arrows breaking chunks of ice off of the target. Agnea’s Arrow finally strikes the ice, causing bright flames releasing steam into the area. The ice and target are obliterated.

You feel a good exhaustion come over you. Practice complete, you head to your quarters to complete additional research for some spells you have been working on.

The next moment you are on the bridge, fighting Alliance fighters and a few former classmates. Byleth has you stationed further away from the students, your goal is to take out a number of heavily armored ground troops and clear the way to Judith, leader of the enemy forces. Your fingers spark with electricity as your favorite spells are prepared. You remind yourself to keep your jubilant shrieks to yourself, in the last battle Hubert chastised you for frightening Bernadetta.

You wake up in your bed. This time you are not revulsed by the fighting. It felt thrilling. That scares you more than when you were upset and afraid. Things are so different in this dream. Byleth is a woman. But you’ve seen them before as a man. You know Edelgard was your enemy before, but this time you practically worship the ground she walks on. You remembered the singular focus you had in the dream. Nothing to distract you from your goal. You would forgo sleep, train well into the night.

Why were you playing chess with Hubert? Oh. He had tricked you, saying that chess is training of the mind to think more strategically. You thought he was trying to keep you out of the training grounds for a while. He’s always playing mother hen over everyone, sticking his nose in where it doesn’t belong.

Sitting up in your bed you shake your head. That was not part of the dream. It felt more like a memory. Are these dreams making you delusional now? You would like to get off this mental merry-go-round.

The next two weeks are filled with working nights, classes or sleeping during the day. Your bank account is getting fat. Your brain is not doing so well. Things from your dreams hit you during the day. Stopping at the cafeteria of the college, you look down at your tray of obviously poor choices. Mercedes voice is in your ear, suggesting that you eat more vegetables. You swear you can hear Manuela tell you to put the pie back on the shelf and get brussels sprouts, dark greens are much healthier for you.

You wear hoodies to class now that the weather is getting a bit colder. Tying the hood around your face to block your peripheral vision helps you concentrate on where you are going. Otherwise you feel like you recognize so many people.

Yesterday, while in the cafeteria you ate your oatmeal with extra raisins and apples, less sugar, thank you Marianne, when you heard a male voice over the rest of the throng. You knew it was Ferdinand. He was being boastful and incredibly proud of his stance on the subject, as a noble should be. It had to be him. Gulping down your food you grab your carton of 2% milk and head out the door to take the long way around to class.

Being a lab rat for the psy group seems to be getting easier. It is like you slip into an alternate universe in the past. Everyone there has the right names and faces, while here in the future, most of them don’t know themselves as you do.

Linny gets lazy about writing down everything. He simply records everything on a laptop and someone else can transcribe it. He sits in his chair, folds his arms and drifts off to sleep to the sound of your voice telling of your dreams.

It is getting harder to keep your accounts of what happens in the dreams simple. You know everyone’s names, the weapons, the enemies, the spells. You feel the need to translate them into something that relates to modern equivalents. You are also trying to be careful about revealing just how deep you are into these…are they just dreams? Memories? Recollections?

Finishing your recitation of the dream, Linhardt is asleep again. Linny!! It’s Linny now. You poke him in the ribs where you know he is ticklish, he quickly wakes and demands that you stop. You ask him to unhook the wires so you can head out. Taking your envelope, you head out to the ATM, deposit the cash then get ready for work.

Noting the amount of posters on the walls for the party in Student housing building 3, Claude is going to have a huge mess for you to clean up. Finishing work on the admin building you head over to whatever disaster awaits you after the party.

The common area and meeting room used for the event are not the worst you have seen. They even bagged up most of their trash. Hauling in a huge plastic dumpster on wheels, you load up the bags to make room to maneuver. Wiping down the tables and chairs you stack and move them to make mopping easier.

“Hey, hope things are better this time, Janitor.” Claude announces as he walks into the room.

“It’s nice. Thanks.” You mumble, surprised that he is here.

“I know we left a huge mess before, so I put Hilda in charge of cleanup.” He has that smirky grin on his face. It’s funny how some things never change. He’s still handsome too.

“I bet she was pissed that you’re making her work.” You say without thinking.

“She was.” Claude nods. “You know her?”

“I..uh..know some people in common.” You answer, wiping a table harder. Claude has always been intensely curious and you are now on his radar. Great.

“You look familiar. I can’t recall where I know you from.” Claude’s voice trails off as he puts his hand to his chin and thinks.

“I have pretty common looks. One head, two eyes with bags under them from lack of sleep. Same as most students.”

Claude sits cross-legged on one of the not too dirty tables, making himself at home. He is staring at you, his chin resting on his fist.

You finish the tables and chairs, except for the table that is occupied and sweep the largest chunks from the floor.

“Please tell me you are not majoring in sanitation or building maintenance.” Claude finally speaks.

“I thought you fell asleep.” You shake the broom onto the building pile of crumbs and debris. You answer him, “No.”

“Too simply dressed to be arts. Rocket scientist?” Claude asks, raising an eyebrow. “You hang out in the science and mathematics buildings.”

“Allergic to RP-1.” You answer, sweeping the crud into a dustpan and heading to the janitorial closet for a mop and bucket. As you emerge with your tools, Claude is in the hallway waiting for you.

“Thank you for an engrossing and in depth conversation.” He yawns and stretches his arms. “Next time don’t talk my ear off.”

Giving a happy sigh of relief you finish cleaning and reassembling the room into its standard configuration. Finishing for the night you grab a shower and head home for a nap and a homework filled day.

Sunday night at the gas station starts off with the normal routine. Delivery trucks unloading overpriced snacks, little old ladies holding up the line while they dig out exact change from their purse, kids dumping sodas on the floor. Past midnight the customers are few and far between. The door sounds and you look up from your bookwork. Some guy with messy red hair starts to come in, turns around and yells at whoever is in the car parked outside in the handicapped spot.

He turns around and faces you. First, you see the gun in his hands. Second, you look at his face and see Miklan.

“Hands up, Bitch. Listen or you are fucking dead.” He snarls, waving the gun.

You put your hands in the air alongside your head. A gunshot rings out, you hear the bullet hit the wall behind you, just over your head.

Miklan snickers, “Yup, loaded. Open the fucking cash register then get back.” He orders.

You open the till then push your back into the cigarettes displayed behind you. He climbs on the counter, reaching in the drawer, looking to grab the cash, but still pointing the gun at you. You keep your hands up, moving them in familiar positions as you softly mouth the words.

An incredibly bright flash of light goes off in front of you combined with a near deafening boom. Miklan’s body flies in the air, landing on his back on the floor. The entire store goes dark. The car outside flashes its lights, then backs up, crashing into a gas pump and speeds off.

You grab your cell phone out of your bag, thrilled when the screen lights up. Calling 911, they say they are on the way. In minutes police, a fire truck and ambulance arrive. They let you grab your belongings and take you outside away from the building under a nearby streetlight. You see camera flashes coming from the building as the ambulance hauls a stretcher inside. An officer speaks with you for a while, telling you to relax and saying a lot of nothing. They frequently ask if you are okay. Your voice shakes and you are visibly trembling from the experience.

After almost an hour they make you lock up the building (minus one Miklan) and take you to the station for questioning. You call your employer while riding in the car. They will handle the store, they are happy you are alive. Take off the rest of the week with full pay.

At the police station you tell them what happened. He came in, shot the gun, you opened the drawer and while he was taking the money something electrical must have happened because there was an electric flash and the whole building went dark. You try to describe the car that was parked outside. You never got a look at the driver.

The police thank you for your cooperation, giving you a cup of coffee, a Danish, and a ride home. You head up the stairs to your apartment and unlock the door. Turning on the light you notice an unmarked envelope on the floor. Nervously you open it. Inside is a slip of paper that says:

“We need to talk. -B.”

You fall onto your bed. You know the handwriting. Its them. Byleth is here, now. There is nothing else on the paper. No phone number. You have no idea what to do next. The only thing you can think of doing is wait. Since it is 3am, you may as well try to sleep. For seeing a dead body for the first time in this life, you are more relaxed about it than you feel you should be.

You wake up to your phone announcing a text message. You sit up and see you have 3 unread messages from an unknown number. You take a deep breath.

[8:00] Hey

[8:05] Wake up

[8:07] Wakey, wakey

I’m up. [8:07]

[8:08] Blue Prius outside, get in and take a ride

Every alarm in your head is going off telling you that this is a bad idea.

Give me a couple minutes to get ready. [8:08]

Stepping outside there is the Prius. As you arrive you open the door to see a huge man hunched over the wheel. He is so large part of him is in your seat. You close the door as you wonder how he got into the car in the first place. You move his elbow away to put on your seatbelt.

“Heya pal.” He says.

“Balthus?” you ask, raising an eyebrow.

“The one and only.” He smirks and hits the gas so hard you fly back in your seat.

He takes you downtown. You are glued to the seast, white knuckled, hanging on to the door handle as he drives like a maniac. You can’t say anything because your heart is in your throat. He suddenly stops in front of a large, unmarked brick building with a 16 above the door.

“Go on ahead, it’s going to take me a while to get out of here. Elevator is through the doors, fourth floor.” Balthus grunts as he opens the door and begins to unfold himself to get out of the tiny car.

As you step up to the door you hear it unlock. Going inside there is no doorman, no security, simply a hallway that leads to the elevator. Punching the up button, you wait. Checking your phone there are no new texts. The doors open and you go inside, hitting the 4thfloor button. You are shaking with excitement, nervousness, dread and who knows what else. As the doors open, they reveal an elegant and very tasteful office setting. Behind a high counter you can’t recognize the person sitting there until they stand up and smile widely at you, holding out his hand.

“Hi. Just call me Gavin. I’m sure you know me as-“

“Gatekeeper!” You gasp and laugh, shaking his hand warmly.

He hits a button on the desk and a voice on the intercom responds, “Okay.”

The door on the other side of the room clicks and opens.

“You can head on in now.” Gavin gestures to the slightly open door.

You walk to the other side of the reception desk and the door is open to a richly wood paneled hallway. The door on the other end of this hall opens as you approach. You pull the door the rest of the way open, stepping in to see Byleth sitting in a large comfortable office chair and Yuri partially seated on the top of the desk on the opposite side.

“Welcome to the fold.” Yuri holds his arms out wide.

You rush over to give him a huge hug, like you would any dear friend. Because he was? Is? You’re not sure, but you hug him anyway.

“I’m sure you have many questions.” Byleth folds his hands on his desk and looks at you, waiting for your response.

“I don’t get a hug?” You ask, holding your arms out.

Byleth stands and steps around the desk and hugs you, then looks down at you. “I apologize. I am not certain what you know and what you remember.”

“A lot. This is going to take a while.” You answer. “Can we drop the formal setting and sit somewhere comfy? With you behind the desk it’s like we’re back in school.”

“I’ll get us some coffee.” Yuri offers. “Cream only, right?”

“Yup.” You chime as Byleth leads you to an overstuffed corner couch in front of large windows that offer a great view of the city. You take a seat at one end and take your coffee, placing it on the end table next to you. Yuri and Byleth sit beside each other on the other end.

“So you two are together this time?” You ask.

“Yeah.” Yuri smiles as he takes Byleth’s hand in his own.

“Awesome. My favorite.” You nod.

“Just how much do you remember?” Yuri asks, tilting his head.

“I remember fighting alongside each of the houses. If I was not in the house when Byleth led them, they recruited me. Byleth was a male once, a female twice. Three times altogether.” You begin, then frown. “Strange. None of them are like the history books.

Yuri and Byleth look at each other for what seemed like a long time. Yuri bends over and hits a button on the telephone on the table.

“Gavin, order lunch to be brought in and make reservations for dinner. Cancel any remaining appointments for today. Thanks”

“Okay. Start from the beginning. Let’s say Blue Lions. What is your first memory with them?”

“I was staying at an inn, Remire Village. I just made it to the dining area and was stuffing my face full of food when Jeralt comes in all pissed off because these kids show up and they’re in trouble.” You begin. They let you keep talking. Yuri tents his fingers at times, mostly sits back sipping his coffee.

Byleth is spellbound as you begin. He stares into your face like he is reliving your memories with you. Well, they did live them with you. They were your best friend.

You tell them of the battle with Miklan, finding Flayn, Remire, the fall of Jeralt, the defeat of Solon, the battle of Garreg Mach, the five years of being without Byleth, reuniting for the Millennium festival, Dimitri’s madness, the battle at the bridge and Dedue’s return, the nightmare that was Gronder, Merceus and Enbarr.

You then go silent. You look at Yuri and Byleth. You grimace for a moment.

“BylethmarriedDimitri.” You cough into your hand. “I don’t remember much after that.”

Byleth sits back on the couch. “Fascinating.”

“You never told me that-“ Yuri begins to say until Byleth gives him a look that obviously says now is not the time for this.

A beep sounds from the telephone.

“Time for lunch.” Byleth says as he stands up.

You leave through a different door and are led to a dining room. The food smells delicious.

Over lunch you begin your questioning. “Okay, so was this all real? I know you merged with Sothis and everything, convenient to leave that out of the history books, but this actually happened? It’s not just dreams. I began to remember while dreaming, then it moved on to remembering while I was awake. The memories flooded my brain like a tidal wave.”

“Yes. It was real. It did happen. Several times.” Byleth answers you without hesitation.

“You kept reliving that part of your life over and over until you arrived at the best solution? That is fucking amazing. Hawking would've loved it.” You shake your head in near disbelief. “You were the archbishop, but the church isn’t around any more. I guess you just let that go away on its own. What are you doing now?”

Yuri comments about how well the meat is spiced and that they should order this dish again. You interpret this as new subject time.

“There was no mention of dragons or Agarthans in the history books. Did that happen?” You ask quietly.

Byleth nods, “Yes. It did. It was a fantastic combined effort to take them down. We agreed it was best left unwritten.”

The food is quite delicious. You try to think of more pleasant things to talk or ask about, your head spinning with this revelation before you.

“Who else remembers?”

“Just you.” Yuri answers.

“You gotta be shitting me.” Your jaw drops nearly to the table.

“Only you.” Byleth nods.

“Is anyone else supposed to remember?” You’re happy about these two, but you also hoped to speak to a few others. Reminisce about old times? Something like that.

Yuri explains, “Well, in the past we tried a few times, reincarnation is a thing actually. Most of you appear close to the same time. We had tried different ways of bringing through their memories. The problem was that when some remembered they mentally crashed. Now with counseling and medications being as advanced as they are we thought we would try again.”

“So then I volunteer to be a lab rat and something clicked…” Your voice drifts off as you recall the early dreams. .

Yuri continues, “When we read the reports of your dreams we were very excited. What we weren’t’ prepared for is how quickly it awoke the memories in you. We had no idea how you would respond.”

“You are a secretive creature, keeping mostly to yourself.” Byleth nods.

“We’ve been spying on you here and there.” Yuri grins. “You are so damn boring. Anyway, hiring you at the university made it easier to eavesdrop on your conversations.”

“What about the gas station incident.” You have a puzzled look on your face.

“That was all you.” Byleth shakes his head. “We had no idea that you could retain so much knowledge that you could actually cast spells. Crests have pretty much faded from existence. There are probably a few flickers here and there but nothing manifesting.”

You head back to the comfy couch, a fresh cup of coffee in hand. “So what now?”

“Well you can go on with your best life. You can work with us. What do you want to do?” Byleth shrugs. “We want to give your soul some closure. Maybe to be able to move on? Not like some creepy ghost or anything.”

Yuri winks, “Hey what about your love life? Do you remember much about it?”

You scrunch your face remembering what a mess it was. “Yes, I do. Ugh. I fell for Claude but had no chance because of supersexy female Byleth. I chased after Felix who was a good friend, but he was in love with Sylvain for forever. Then omg, can’t believe I am saying this, Hubert, and well, he was all over Ferdinand.”

They both look at you with a slight frown.

“I don’t know what order Byleth went through the different houses. I never remembered from one experience to the next. Now that I remember them all, I can certainly see what I didn’t before. A whole lot of ‘love is blind’ going on. Wanting something so much you can’t see the signs blocking your way.”

“How about now?” Yuri has that sly look about him. What a gossip.

“Working two jobs trying to pay for college and not be buried in debt, I have not dated. Ever.” You shrug. “It isn’t fair to someone else, we would have almost no time together. I work nights 7 days a week then school and homework. There is no time to breathe or eat, much less look for love.”

“Well, Byleth is unavailable.” Yuri moves a bit closer to him to assert his ownership. “You know Claude is quite curious about you, ‘Janitor’.” He taunts.

You roll your eyes. “What part of my life don’t you spy on?”

The three of you talk about fond memories, precious victories, even recalling a few of the tragic events.

“So you’ve poked a hole in my brain and all of my memories are out. What would you like to see me do? Wow. I feel like I just dropped a card into the Advice Box.” You laugh.

Byleth, who loved to answer these, sits up. “You should finish your degree and get your Masters.”

“Masters?” You groan, “I am dying right now, you want more? Degree, Masters, required internships and I’m already behind not being able to take things on full boat. I’ll be graduating when I’m 40.”

“Well, there’s a scholarship you may be interested in.” Yuri has his sneaky sneak face on. “You qualify of course. Pays for your schooling, housing, and monthly stipend. Funded by the Eisner foundation. Very private lot they are. More of a don’t call us, we’ll call you kind of group.”

You fall back onto the couch in shock. “W-why are you doing this?” trying to choke back tears.

“The usual.” He drawls. “Finally being able to catch up with old friends. Thank them for everything they’ve done. We would not be here without you. Hoping maybe you want to hang out with us. Maybe awaken a few others?”

“This is all beyond belief.” You shake your head. “If you asked me six months ago that I would be here with you two, talking over past lives. Wow. Do Seteth and Flayn come and visit?”

“They’re around.” Yuri gestures just vaguely enough to let you know yes, but that is not readily available information at this time.

“You are not planning on forming a vigilante superhero group or something weird like that are you?” You frown.

Yuri pouts. “You don’t want to be Lightning Lady or the silver bolt?”

“No.” you answer resolutely. “Masks freak me out these days. You should’ve seen some of the stuff in the art show. Made the Death Knight look like a fairy princess.”

Byleth stands. “We deserve a great dinner, care to join us at Dedue’s?”

“He’s here? Cooking? You bet!” You realize this is the beginning of something amazing.

[riversofmars]

Prompt - - Post Library River coming to live in the Tardis with 13 and finding everything a complete mess or things just not done properly. (bonus if you do something about the waste tanks on deck 7)

Thank you for a brilliant prompt, hope you like it! <3

Word count: 1500

Rating: G

Call For Help

“Ah there you are, hello Swee… what the…“ River stopped mid-sentence as she closed the door behind herself and looked around the TARDIS. The TARDIS gave an unhappy wheeze and whimper and River was utterly dumbfounded.

“Right, okay, I see why you called.“ River gave the TARDIS a reassuring smile as she stepped over a large pile of tools. The console room was a mess, there was stuff everywhere. Tools, equipment, books, sheets of paper, blueprints, charts, messy notes… “Has she gone full on mad scientist now?“ River asked as she picked up some notes. The TARDIS just hummed helplessly. “Where is she?“

“How did you get in here?“ A voice sounded at the far end of the control room and River looked up.

“Oh, hello there.“ She greeted Yaz with a smile. “Door was open.“

“You can’t just walk inside the TARDIS.“ Yaz stated, unsure what to make of this mystery woman.

“Fair enough, she let me in, let’s say it was a call for help… looks like I got here just in time.“ River gestured to the mess all around.

“The TARDIS called you?“ Yaz frowned. She had never seen the woman before but so far, she didn’t appear dangerous.

“So where’s the Doctor hiding away?“ River asked with a kind smile, trying to reassure her. She realised that this was probably the first time Yaz was meeting her. Life as a time traveller was complicated, she couldn’t be sure. “Is she okay? Because this doesn’t inspire confidence… what happened?“

Yaz hesitated for a moment. It was obvious that this woman knew the Doctor and that the concern in her voice was genuine. The TARDIS’s encouraging humming convinced her to answer at last:

“Well, some of our friends decided to stay back on Earth and stopped travelling with us… she didn’t take it too well. I think it reminded her of the people she’d lost before now… But she keeps saying, not all those endings were final and there are some things she could fix, given time… so…“

“She threw herself into all sorts of research trying to undo past mistakes?“ River concluded and the TARDIS wheezed with confirmation too.

“I guess… We were meant to go travelling but she got sidetracked…“ Yaz help up the mop and bucket she was carrying. “Now the only travelling I’m doing is down to Deck 7 to clean up…“

“Waste tanks?“ River asked with a compassionate smile. “She always forgets those are down there…“

“Got emptied during some experiment or other… how do you know that’s what’s on Deck 7?“ Yaz frowned, feeling like she needed more information about her.

“The TARDIS and I go way back.“ River answered with a chuckle.

“So you’re a friend of the Doctor’s?“ Yaz confirmed.

“You could say that.“ River smiled. “Like I said, the TARDIS called for help, so here I am.“

“Are you going to get her out of her funk?“ Yaz asked hopefully. The Doctor had been very hard work the past few weeks.

“I shall certainly try my best.“ River confirmed. “Care to show me where she’s hiding?“

“This way.“ Yaz smiled and gestured for her to follow.

River followed Yaz and even the corridors along the way were messy. Things had been dropped, left for later or simply forgotten about.

“Doctor?“ Yaz called out as she opened the door to what River knew to be one of the many on-board laboratories.

“Not now, Yaz, really critical phase here, if I don’t get this to the right frequency it won’t work against the Vashta Nerada and you and me will be very sad looking skeletons.“ The Doctor retorted working some sort of huge transmitter.

“She keeping going on about this, really incredibly cheerful subject.“ Yaz sighed to River who just shook her head in disbelief at the state she was finding the Doctor in. The lab was even worse than the rest of the TARDIS. Equipment and books were stacked high, left over and forgotten about food and drinks was scattered everywhere. There were about five open packets of custard creams and amongst it all, the Doctor was wearing huge goggles to complete the messy scientist look. It seemed as though she hadn’t left this room in days.

“And once you get past the Vashta Nerada, what are you going to do then?“ River called out but the Doctor didn’t look up, she didn’t even seem to register someone else apart from Yaz being there.

“Well, there are several options, android body, clone, download to my phone for the time being if anything else fails.“ The Doctor replied with a shrug. “Damnit!“ She exclaimed when the transmitter she was working on suddenly started sparking and shut itself down.

“Or you could arrive a bit earlier than planned, before the Vashta Nerade swarm the place and destroy the body. You know Timelords, even ones that don’t have any regenerations left, take forever to die…“ River suggested watching in amusement how the Doctor still hadn’t realised she was there.

“My regenerative energy, theoretically my supply could be limitless…“ Her suggestion seemed to have reached the Doctor as she seemed to be contemplating it. “If she’s not dead yet, I could give some to her and… Yaz, that’s brilliant!“ The Doctor exclaimed as the penny dropped.

“Wasn’t actually me that suggested that…“ Yaz replied and River chuckled:

“You’ll have to forgive her, she’s probably not slept in days.“

“More like weeks…“ Yaz sighed.

“What…“ The Doctor turned towards them and took her goggles of, staring at them in shock.

“Yes, dear, I’m not a figment of your imagination. The TARDIS is rather concerned about you and I can see why…“ River smirked and gave her a little wave. “Love what you’ve done with the place…“ She looked around shaking her head at the mess in front of her.

“River…“ The Doctor spoke softly, not knowing whether to believe her eyes or not.

“Hang on, you’re River? River is who she’s trying to save!“ Yaz’s head whipped around as it occurred to her that she never bothered to ask for her name.

“It would appear so.“ River grinned.

“River, how are you here.“ The Doctor stepped closer and nearly fell over a pile of plates.

“Spoilers.“ River chuckled with a wink. “The TARDIS thought you might need a bit of cheering up and to show you that, yes, you will figure this out.“

“You just told me how to save you!“ The Doctor exclaimed as she skipped over the last obstacle and flung herself at River. River laughed and hugged her tightly.

“Did I?“ She feigned innocent. “I’m pretty sure you just figured that out for yourself. Secret to a successful marriage, Yaz. You put ideas in your spouse’s head and make them think they were their ideas all along, works every time.“ She winked at the young girl next to her as she let go of her wife.

“You’re… married?“ Yaz asked in surprise. The Doctor hadn’t exactly been forthcoming with information about the mystery woman she was so keen to save.

“Not even death can do us apart.“ River smiled and the Doctor tried her best to cover up the effect River’s sudden appearance was having on her. With a little sniff, she quickly wiped her face, trying to compose herself.

“You let your wife die, Doctor?“ Yaz crossed her arms in front of her chest and frowned at the Doctor accusingly.

“I didn’t know she was my wife at the time…“ The Doctor replied averting her eyes in embarrassment. “And I’m trying to fix it, okay?“

“Yes and maybe you should also try tidying up around yourself every now and again, hm?“ River suggested playfully. “Eventually the TARDIS will kick you out… Like the last time you exploded inside her, she tipped you out.“

“She told you about that?“ The Doctor exclaimed.

“She tells me everything.“ River shrugged.

“Who’s side are you on?“ The Doctor called into the laboratory.

The TARDIS gave a wheeze and a hum that made River grin and the Doctor groan. Yaz laughed, the answer was pretty obvious without her being able to understand her like the other two seemed to.

“Get tidying, Doctor.“ River chuckled and hooked her arm around Yaz’s. “Let’s have afternoon tea, Yaz, get to know each other. You come join us when you’re done, Doctor!“ She waved goodbye to her wife and set off down the corridor towards the kitchen with Yaz.

“Do I not even get a kiss?“ The Doctor called after them.

“Not until you’ve tidied up your mess.“ River called back and Yaz laughed. She was sure that having the Doctor’s wife around would prove to be fun.