#and it seems it is not cancelled it's just slowed down a little and series three will be based on the book where he gets to be evil! 💛

[tyrannuspitch]

finally saying fuck it and rewatching the alex rider show. i love you child endangerment 💛

[padfootagain]

Love in verses (XXVI)

Chapter 26: ‘Well, how else are you to live except by denial’

Hi! Here is a new chapter! This is one of my favourites, just… some adorable stuff!

I hope you like this chapter! Tell me what you think!

****

Pairing: Hozier x fem!reader (professor!AU)

Warnings: slow burn, angst, hurt, hurt/comfort, tooth-rotting fluff in later chapters, some scenes in later chapters will have heavy sexual themes even if it’s not explicit nsfw description, so minors here

Summary: Your life seems perfect. You're engaged, your career is thriving as you become an assistant professor at Trinity College, and this Andrew Hozier-Byrne you're sharing an office with seems to be a nice guy you hope to call a friend soon. Life seems to be smiling at you... until everything goes sour. When your fiancé breaks up with you, your perfect world shatters. And when your colleague also gets his heart broken soon after, your shared office seems to be a curse rather than a blessing. But Andrew seems determined to mend your broken hearts... Will things finally go according to plan?

Word Count: 4227

Masterlist for the series – Hozier’s masterlist – Main masterlist

Earl

In Sitka, because they are fond of them, People have named the seals. Every seal is named Earl because they are killed one after another by the orca, the killer whale; seal bodies tossed left and right into the air. “At least he didn’t get Earl,” someone says. And sure enough, after a time, that same friendly, bewhiskered face bobs to the surface. It’s Earl again. Well, how else are you to live except by denial, by some palatable fiction, some little song to sing while the inevitable, the black and white blindsiding fact, comes hurtling toward you out of the deep?

Louis Jenkins

The pain in your abdomen was a sensation you were used to, sadly. You recognized the pattern in the intensity, you knew it perfectly after years of suffering once a month. This month seemed to be particularly nasty though, and there was little doubt on to why. Your stress was so high these days, between your new job, your research, your career, and Frank’s bloody wedding… You were drowning, to be fair. Drowning in an ocean of emotions. You bent in front of your sink, waiting for the wave of pain to fade again, closing tightly your eyes, while the microwave beeped with the heating pad now reaching a burning temperature. You placed it on your stomach, not caring about your skin, only about the pain under it.

Damn… that was a bad month…

You stood straighter again, letting out a long and careful exhale, relaxing once more. Your head was spinning a little, but you didn’t dare to eat too much for now, your nausea was too bad and you didn’t want to end up throwing up. You settled for a bit of rice and an apple for lunch.

You were supposed to see Andrew this afternoon, but there was no way you could plan on fucking up Frank’s appointment at the tailor when it was hard to stand… At least, it was the weekend, you didn’t have to deal with work, and could spend your day being a burrito on your couch while watching TV and eating junk food.

You were supposed to shop for groceries in the morning, but you didn’t have the strength for that either, so you decided that you would get some food delivered for the rest of the weekend and would tackle the issue of not dying of starvation on Monday.

You sat down on your couch, at long last, heaving a sigh of relief. You held the heating pad against your stomach, covered yourself with a blanket and grabbed your phone while you turned on the TV.

You pressed on Andrew’s name on whatsapp while the tu-dum noise of Netflix echoed in your living room.

You heaved a sigh…

… you had forgotten tea… never mind, you were too much in pain and too tired to be bothered making some tea now that you were seated.

Back to your phone, you typed your message quickly.

Hi Andy! Sorry, but I’m not feeling well today, gonna have to cancel for this afternoon. We’ll talk about our plans next week. Hope you have a nice weekend, see you on Monday! Xx

You pressed ‘send’ and started browsing in the list of movies available on your TV screen.

Your phone lit up with Andrew’s name.

Sorry to hear that! Are you alright? Do you want me to drop you something?

You were too tired not to acknowledge the warmth that spread in your chest as you read his text.

Nothing to worry about, don’t worry.

His answer was quick to arrive.

Are you sure? You want me to drive you to a doctor or something?

You chuckled at his obvious worry. He really was too sweet…

No, I’m okay. Period being bitches, that’s all. I can handle it.

He answered with a thumbs up right under your text, right when you found Pride and Prejudice was on Netflix…

Well, it looked like your afternoon was all set.

You cursed under your breath. You didn’t have any snacks. Not even chocolate… and your kitchen was so fucking far… a whole ten steps away…

Damn you and your stupid brain.

You were surprised when you received another text from Andy.

So, what’s planned for today? Did you get your groceries this morning?

You snorted at the mere thought.

Nah. Too much in pain. Too tired to go to the kitchen and make myself tea, so imagine going outside with people?! No, thanks.

I’m gonna spend my afternoon with Mr. Darcy instead.

You waited for his answer, ignoring your TV now.

The Keira Kinghtley movie?

You sent him a thumbs up.

Will you hate me if I admit that I’ve never watched that film?

You almost dropped your phone.

YOU’VE NEVER SEEN PRIDE AND PREJUDICE?!

OH THAT’S IT! DISHONOUR! DISHONOUR ON YOUR WHOLE FAMILY!

He sent a laughing emoji.

You’ve forgotten the dishonour on me and my cow too…

You couldn’t refrain a laugh, even though it hurt your stomach.

You don’t have a cow. But I’ll take it out on Elwood.

You could picture the grin on his face at the joke.

HOW DARE YOU! HE’S SUCH A GOOD BOY!

Elwood, my son, don’t listen to the nasty lady…

You laughed again, but quickly stopped this time, the pain getting too strong.

You didn’t think as you wrote your next text.

You could drop by and watch it with me.

You reread the text and realised your mistake; your eyes grew round. You were in your old pyjamas, you hadn’t showered and had no intention to do so, your hair was a mess, you hadn’t washed your dishes…

You wanted to delete the text, but the blue symbols under it let you know that he had already read it.

Damn it!

I mean… I’m in pain, grumpy and look like trash…

So… maybe not the most pleasant way to spend your afternoon.

Feel free to refuse.

You waited for his answer, watched the dancing dots, until a text was received.

I’d love to, actually.

Besides, I am not five, I know about menstrual cycles, thank you very much…

You bit on your lips as you hesitated.

You’ve never seen me like that.

 A pause. You guessed that he had rephrased his text several times.

Would that make you feel uncomfortable?

You thought about it for a second. Frank didn’t really pay attention to that part of you. It was cliché, but you knew he was making a conscious effort to acknowledge your period and how much of a burden they were to you. You saw it as him making an effort at the time. Now, you were worried Andrew would be the same, with typical disappointing male behaviour…

And yet, you didn’t care. You couldn’t find a way to care. You couldn’t imagine Andrew, out of all people, disappointing you on that. Perhaps it was naïve, you weren’t sure. Your answer was earnest anyway.

No

His answer came in a matter of seconds.

Give me forty minutes to come over then.

You smiled.

An hour then.

You laughed again at his answer.

Gobshite…

You didn’t select the movie for now and merely watched some crappy TV instead, with whatever was on.

You tried not to pay too much thought on how excited you were at the idea of Andy coming soon…

Andrew ended up ringing at your door an hour and fifteen minutes later, proving you right about his time blindness, and the thought made you smile. You had washed your dishes waiting for him, using a fifteen-minutes break from the pain to stretch your legs and attempt to look like a human being. The pain was soon back with full strength though, and you gave up on the idea to change into a proper outfit. You remained in your comfortable pyjamas, tied your hair up to hide the mess it was, and went back to suffering on the couch, the heating pad growing colder and less effective, but you were too tired to get up again.

You groaned as Andrew rang at your door, forcing yourself to stand. You couldn’t hold yourself completely straight, not with the pain in your stomach being now combined with a sharp stinging sensation in your lower back. You opened the door still, and welcomed Andrew with a genuine smile.

He was wearing his hair in a bun today, his glasses perched on his nose, and a warm smile on his lips as his gaze rested upon you. He looked gorgeous in a simple brown jacket, dark jeans and a black turtleneck. You couldn’t refrain the way your heart fluttered at the sight, nor the butterflies that were added to your painful stomach.

“Hey! God, you do look like shite,” he exclaimed, but there was worry in his frown despite the obvious teasing in his voice.

“Thanks for the compliment,” you stuck your tongue out, and he couldn’t refrain a chuckle.

He walked inside, took off his shoes and jacket, and it’s only when he set the bags on the floor to do so that you noticed them.

“What’s that?” you asked.

“Groceries.”

You looked up at him with a puzzled look.

“Jeez… if you were busy this afternoon, you should have declined!”

He laughed, and you were more puzzled than ever.

“These are for you,” he clarified, picking up the bags again.

You blinked up at him.

“For… me?”

“Yeah… you said you didn’t get any groceries this morning. Can’t let you starve! Come on, get a move on, these need to go in the fridge.”

You let him pass, followed him in your kitchen. He started to empty the two paper bags on your kitchen counter.

“I didn’t get you much, just enough to last for a couple of days. Pass the weekend. Nothing that needs fancy cooking either, don’t worry. Mostly pasta, rice, and a few vegetables and fruits. I also got some take out for tonight, so you don’t have to bother with cooking today. Chinese, hope you’re in the mood for that. And then, the obvious ice cream, crisps and chocolate combo. Oh, and I bought you this tea! My mom recommended it once for menstrual cramps to one of my cousins, and it’s apparently pretty nice, so… thought you could use that too.”

He looked up at you then, after his little babbling. He frowned at your expression though, and you noticed the shift in his demeanour: the way he shrank, bending over himself instead of standing straight, with his full height. Trying to look smaller than he was, to occupy as little space as possible. He rubbed nervously at his collarbone.

“I… I thought it would make things easier for you. I… I’m sorry if I’m overstepping… if you… sorry. Sorry…”

But he was interrupted by your arms around him; you almost tackled him with the strength, and you heard the loud huff he let out at the impact. It took him a couple of seconds to close his arms around you too, but then it felt like he was unwilling to ever let go.

“Thank you so much,” you mumbled into his chest. “That’s… so fucking sweet, Andy.”

“That’s nothing,” he tried to brush your thankfulness away, but you could hear in his voice that he was smiling again, feel that his body was relaxing once more. “I didn’t mean to overstep… I just… I just thought it would make it easier for you.”

You spotted your favourite chocolate on the table, along with some ice-cream.

“These are my favourite,” you whispered.

“I know.”

“You didn’t have to do that…”

“It’s nothing.”

You didn’t say it. You didn’t say that Frank had never done that for you. And Andrew did? When he wasn’t your boyfriend? When he didn’t even have feelings for you?

“Do you need anything else?” he asked, rubbing your back, and the caress was so soothing you were ready to cry. “Painkillers or something? I can go to the pharmacy…”

“I’ve got that covered, don’t worry. Thank you.”

“Right…”

Another cramp came breaking your embrace, you let out a groan as you held your painful stomach. You tried not to think of how your heart stumbled and missed a few beats when Andrew brushed a messy strand of your hair behind your ear.

“You really don’t look well. You should sit down.”

“I need to reheat my heating pad…”

“I’ll do it. I’ll do that, love. Sit down, okay?”

‘Love’… he had called you ‘love’… You wanted to cry…

Why were you so affected by it? It was Andy. It was Andy, not Frank, and you wanted Frank, you wanted Frank, you wanted…

He walked into the living room about 10 minutes later, carrying your heating pad under his arm, ice cream and some chocolate. He had to go back to the kitchen to fetch your two cups of tea.

“Alright… need anything else?”

You shook your head, and he settled on the sofa next to you. Readjusted the blanket so it would cover your feet. You didn’t recognise the flavour of the tea, you reckoned he had made a cup of the one his mother had recommended.

You refused to name the feeling that was spreading across your entire body, the unbearable fondness aimed at Andrew that came with it.

I want Frank, I want Frank, I want Frank…

“Alright, let’s watch Mr. Darcy getting rejected…” he grinned at you, as if he was at his happiest, as if he couldn’t have thought of a better way to spend his afternoon than to watch Pride and Prejudice with you while nursing you back to health because you were on your period…

You scoffed, trying to hide the tears in your eyes by looking for the movie on Netflix again.

“He doesn’t just get rejected. They do get together at the end, you know?”

“Thanks for spoiling it all to me…”

“Wait… you told me you read the book…”

He laughed.

“I did! I was joking, like… It was a joke. I did read it. I simply haven’t watched any adaptation.”

“Wow… Oh… so you haven’t seen the one with Colin Firth either?! The BBC series?”

“Nope…” he answered, popping the ‘p’ before taking a sip of his tea.

Two teabags. As always. The detail made you smile.

“Okay, that is going to be our next activity together.”

He laughed, but didn’t contradict you, on the contrary.

“Well, I guess my next Sunday is all booked…”

“Indeed, it is!” you grinned, but your tone was too soft not to show how emotional the thought of spending another afternoon like this with Andrew made you feel.

He didn’t comment on that, though, and you were grateful for it.

He reached for your coffee table, where he had put the two sets of ice-cream and spoons, and handed you one.

Your heating pad was back on your stomach, warm and effectively soothing your cramps. You seized the opportunity to eat a large spoonful of chocolate ice cream.

You moaned at the taste.

“Andy… this is perfect, I hope you’re aware of how amazing you are.”

He chuckled, but there was something a little sad in his eyes when he looked down at his food, a tinge of melancholy. You didn’t know why.

“Bribing you with chocolate is the way to your heart, then,” he joked, clearly stirring the conversation away from himself, while pushing his glasses higher on his nose.

“Of course,” you rolled your eyes, starting the film.

You exchanged another smile, while the movie started. You didn’t realise your own movements as you scooted closer to him on the couch, and neither did he notice how he leaned towards you, until your arms were softly touching.

“You have bewitched me, body and soul. And I love… I love… I love you…”

You heaved a sigh after whispering the words in sync with Mr. Darcy, clutching at your heart, burying your face further in Andrew’s shoulder.

You weren’t sure when you had ended up in Andrew’s arms, but you were now. He had wrapped an arm around your shoulders at one point, noticing how livid you had become because of the pain, how you had tried to withhold your wince but failed. And it was meant as a temporary anchor, a soothing gesture that should have lasted just a few minutes, until the pain subsided again. But when you relaxed once more, he didn’t pull away, and instead of freeing yourself from his hold, you leaned closer, sank deeper into his embrace. And now, he was resting his long fingers on your waist, while you leaned into his chest.

Which was… better not think about boundaries and friendship and professional behaviour and all those limits you were breaking.

Meanwhile, Andrew was brushing a tear away, but you spotted it before he could pretend it hadn’t happened.

“I know… I know…” you patted his chest, trying not to notice that you were touching his chest. “I cry every time too.”

“For proof,” he chuckled, brushing your tear away with his thumb, making your heart stutter and expand to the point that you wondered how it hadn’t broken any of your ribs yet.

“It’s Jane Austen’s superpower, Andy… we can do nothing against it,” you concluded before nuzzling into his chest again.

“I’ll have to agree,” he nodded.

You noticed how his breathing was a little irregular for a moment, when you shifted to be a little more comfortable in his arms, but he didn’t push you away, didn’t move at all, in fact. Instead, he waited for you to settle again, readjusted the blanket on both of you, and stared at the end of the movie. His cheeks were turning a bright shade of red. You hated the thought that crossed your mind…

There were but a couple of minutes left, it was the end: Mr. Darcy had walked across the moor already, he had declared his love and Elizabeth had accepted his hand in marriage. They were waiting for Elizabeth’s father. You were staring at Andrew, the feeling of your gaze on him made him look down as well, catching your eyes with his. His hazel eyes, they looked so green now, in the rather bright light of the late afternoon, and the tears he had dried just before had enhanced that colour too. Green… like leaves bathed in sunlight during the summer… you loved that shade…

You didn’t even notice when the screen went dark, when the credits started rolling. You were thinking of Andrew, of how sweet he had been all afternoon, of how handsome he looked now, how much turtlenecks suited him, how cute he looked with his glasses…

He blinked a couple of times, as if he were coming back from a reverie, and looked at the TV again. You looked at his profile, found yourself longing to run your fingers through his short beard, noticed the red tainting the brown of his hair.

“Well, that was an amazing film,” he easily admitted, bringing you back to earth.

And indeed, the story was over. Mr. Bennett had accepted their union. Elizabeth would marry Mr. Darcy. All ended well. Black screen and a list of names, printed in white pixels…

You pushed yourself out of Andrew’s arms.

Back to reality now… and in the real world, you wanted Frank. You wanted Frank. You wanted Frank…

You looked away in a hurry, and trembled at the loss of contact, when Andrew finally moved his hand away from your waist.

You kept on talking about the film for a while, but eventually, Andrew checked the time.

“I should get going, let you get something to eat. And I mean… something proper. Not snacks,” he teased, standing up and taking the remnants of your various snacks with him to the kitchen.

And you had to tell yourself that mantra again. Because your heart was aching at the thought of Andrew leaving. Which was ridiculous because you would see him in two days. Which was ridiculous because he was only a friend. A colleague, even. And it was ridiculous because you didn’t want him, you wanted Frank. You loved Frank. You wanted the life you had with him back. You… you wanted Frank. You wanted Frank… You… You wanted…

“Andy?”

He reappeared, coming from the kitchen, and tilted his head a little as a silent invitation for you to speak again.

“Do… do you want to stay for dinner?”

He stared at you for a few seconds, long enough for you to start spiralling and babbling…

“Unless you need to take care of Elwood…”

“No, my parents took him to the seaside today, they’re keeping him for the night. He’s living his best life, trust me. I bet my dad is giving him all the treats he wants.”

“Or like… I mean… you’ve already spent your afternoon with me, even if I’m sick and not the best company today, and… yeah, I totally get it if you don’t want to stay, like… that’s…”

“Y/N.”

“Hmmm?”

“I’d love to stay.”

“Really?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”

Because I’m too much to take care of…

You merely shrugged in response, making him chuckle, clearly unaware of your thoughts.

“Well, if you’re not bored of me yet, I’d love to stay for dinner.”

You grinned.

“Grand…” you nodded, and Andrew disappeared in the kitchen again to prepare dinner.

Still, you noticed how he was smiling when he turned around, how he was blushing, too…

You ended up watching tv again after dinner. The pain wasn’t as vivid as it had been during the rest of the day, and so you were more comfortable during that part of the evening. So much so that you started dozing off, as you were watching for the nth time how Luke and Han were trying to save Leia.

You had stumbled upon a rerun of the old Star Wars movies, and settled on the nostalgic feeling of these stories to end the day. Andrew was supposed to go home after the end of the movie, once the Death Star was gone and Leia was placing medals on the heroes’ chest.

Andrew had made you laugh with his best impression of Chewbacca, and you had made him choke on his glass of water with one of your jokes and snarky remarks. It was lovely, but you were so tired you neared exhaustion by now. So, it was quite logical that you started dozing off after a while, losing tracks of the story when Han and Luke were dressed as stormtroopers.

You hadn’t noticed that your head had fallen on Andrew’s shoulder as you were falling asleep. You didn’t notice how he stopped paying attention to the movie when you did. How his heart started pounding at how adorable you looked like this. He waited for a few minutes, to see if you would stir and wake up again, but you didn’t. He stared at you for a moment longer, but you weren’t aware of it. You weren’t aware either of the longing in his gaze, of the smile on his lips as he watched how peaceful you looked in your sleep.

You blinked your eyes open again only when you felt something slipping under your knees and behind your back, felt the warmth upon which your head rested move.

“Andy?” you called in your drowsy state, still unable to understand what was happening, where you were…

“I’m here, love.”

That pet name again… were you dreaming it?

You reached up, held onto a soft fabric, and somehow, despite the fact that you had closed your eyes once more, you knew it was Andrew’s turtleneck.

“You’re falling asleep, you need to go to bed,” he said softly, his voice unbearably low and deep, it made your heart skip a few beats and warmth spread across your entire frame.

And it sounded so reassuring… so safe… He was so reassuring…

You nuzzled into his shoulder, breathing in his scent. His cologne, his softener, him…

“Can I help you reach your bed? Can I do that? Is that okay?” he asked in the same caring voice, and you nodded. But then again, you would have accepted anything, for as long as you could remain in his warmth, as long as his voice came back…

You realised then that he was slipping his arms under you, it took a moment longer for your brain to register he meant to carry you.

“I can walk,” you whispered, opening your eyes again and forcing yourself to look at him.

You were too stunned when he bent down to kiss your hair to argue when he told you there was no need, that he got you, that you could close your eyes again. You obeyed, having no strength left to argue, and you wrapped your arms around his neck when he stood up and lifted you off the couch.

He readjusted your position, and then you were vaguely aware of moving, while he walked through your apartment. You nuzzled closer, your forehead brushing his jaw and your entire body trembled as you felt his beard against your skin.

Too soon, he was gently putting you down on your comfortable mattress, tucking you in, under your warm blanket.

You blinked your eyes open before he could leave, found his hazel eyes looking down at you. He seemed so tall like this, standing above your bed.

“Thank you, Andy. For everything.”

He smiled, gesture gentle and full of fondness.

“Sleep well, Y/N. Goodnight.”

He tucked a strand of your hair away from your face, and the brush of his fingers across your cheek made you close your eyes for good.

Your last thoughts were of him, while you heard him move away from the bed, recognized the creaking of the tiles by the door of your bedroom.

God, you wanted him so much…

[forest-hashira]

First Birthday

long time no update for this series, sorry guys! but i'm back with some sweetness bc it's our girl's birthday today!!! this isn't very long but did wind up being longer than i expected, but i'm happy about that for once lol. i hope you guys enjoy this as much as i enjoyed writing it 💜

series masterlist | read on ao3 | wc: ~1.7k | cw: gender neutral reader, transfem gojo, mostly fluff with some very light angst, obligatory birthday fic bc i love this character sfm

Ever since coming out to Megumi, Satoru seemed a bit lighter, like the weight of keeping her transition just between the two of you had been lifted. Megumi kept the information to himself, of course, keeping his promise not to utter a word to anyone else until he was given the okay by his teacher.

Satoru had chosen to keep her transition pretty close to her chest, though privately she’d confided that she was gearing up to share her transition with Shoko, and you were, of course, incredibly supportive. She decided not to do much to indicate that anything had changed with her, besides the fact that her hair was growing out, and she continued to paint her nails at least once a week. That wasn’t really strange to anyone anymore, though, especially since Yuji had started wearing nail polish sometimes, too, because he thought it was cool. 

Time passed quickly around all of those things, though, with both of you sent out on missions fairly regularly, though thankfully it began to slow down as winter drew closer. Soon enough, it was just a couple of weeks before Satoru’s birthday, and you realized you had yet to plan anything for her special day. You tried to be realistic about what would actually be feasible for her birthday, and eventually you decided on a nice dinner and dessert for just the two of you. Reservations were made at her favorite restaurant, and you ordered a cake from a bakery you knew she loved. It wasn’t huge or overly fancy, but it felt like a good way to celebrate her, without involving everyone you knew.

A few days before her birthday, Satoru got sent on a mission. That wasn’t unusual, of course, but what was a bit unusual was how little the higher ups were willing to share. All they would say was that the curse was strong and wreaking havoc, and that it was far away. That frustrated you more than it frustrated Satoru, who just rolled her eyes.

“I’ll get it taken care of and be home as soon as I can,” she promised, offering you a soft smile.

“Just come back in one piece, okay?” you replied, doing your absolute best not to pout like a child.

“‘Course I will, baby,” she agreed, kissing your forehead. “I’m the strongest, after all.” 

In an effort not to get too upset about the mission happening so close to your partner’s birthday, you left your plans – and the dinner reservation – in place, as if by not cancelling, Satoru had no choice but to be back in time for them. Logically, you knew that was a foolish way to think, but it was the only thing keeping you from being overly worked up about it all.

Unfortunately, your wishful thinking wasn’t enough to bring your princess back to you before her birthday. Within twenty-four hours of when she left, Satoru had called to say that the mission wasn’t just taking her to the other side of Japan, like the two of you had initially thought, it was taking her out of the country completely. Leaving the country also meant there was no longer an end date in sight for the mission, which upset you more than you wanted to admit.

With a heavy heart, you cancelled the dinner reservations you’d made, but you couldn’t cancel the cake you’d ordered, as there was a no refunds policy at the bakery. Besides, you told yourself, Satoru will want something sweet when she gets home. I can just freeze the cake if I need to. You tried to tell yourself that a late celebration with cake was better than no celebration at all, even if it wouldn’t get to happen until after her birthday.

The morning of Satoru’s birthday, you went to the bakery to pick up the cake. It was just as cute as you’d hoped, with baby blue frosting and little hearts piped all over it in a slightly darker shade of blue, and you knew a very pretty pink strawberry cake lay beneath it all. As you walked in your front door with the cake in hand, your phone chimed with a text, and the sound of Satoru’s ringtone made you smile. You removed your shoes, then carried the cake into the kitchen, and only after the dessert was safe in the fridge did you pull your phone from your pocket.

👑 Princess Toru 🩵: awe baby 🥺 u didn’t need 2 stay up late 4 me!!

👑 Princess Toru 🩵: i luv u sooooooooo much 💖💖💖

You smiled at her messages, shedding your coat and hanging it on its designated hook by the door before you replied.

You: I know I didn't have to. I just wanted to make sure I was the first one to wish you a happy birthday, and saying it right at midnight was the only way I could make sure.

You: I love you too, princess. Missing you extra right now, tho

Her response came in almost impossibly fast

👑 Princess Toru 🩵: :(((

👑 Princess Toru 🩵: i miss u 2 :( 

👑 Princess Toru 🩵: wish i could b there w/ u

👑 Princess Toru 🩵: tryin 2 get home soon, promise

You: It’s ok, it’s not your fault the higher ups suck. Just stay safe ok?

👑 Princess Toru 🩵: i will! see u soon baby 💖

You hearted her message, then tucked your phone back into your pocket. With a sigh, you looked around the apartment for a moment, before ultimately heading into the living room. Hopefully you could find something to watch to keep you occupied for the rest of the day, so you wouldn’t be focused on how unfair it was that you didn’t get to celebrate your girlfriend’s birthday with her.

The sound of the door being unlocked startled you awake, and you sat bolt upright from where you’d fallen asleep on the couch. You had no idea what time it was, but it was pitch black outside the windows, so you’d probably dozed for a couple hours at the least. The TV was still playing your show in the background, but that was the last thing on your mind as you turned to face the door, eyes wide as it opened and your girlfriend stepped inside. 

“Satoru?” you called hopefully. 

She turned towards the sound of your voice, and she grinned when she saw you were up. “Hey, baby,” she replied, pulling her blindfold down so it hung around her neck. “Did I wake you up?”

“Kinda,” you admitted, pushing yourself off the couch and going to meet her in the entryway. “What time is it? Did you just get back?”

“It’s late,” she answered vaguely. “Yeah, I did. I took a cab home from the airport ‘cause I didn’t wanna wait for Ijichi to get there.” She dropped her bag on the floor, then pulled you into her arms, hugging you as close as she could get you. “Missed you a lot.”

“Missed you too.” You hugged her back tightly for a moment, before tilting your head to look up at her. “Is it after midnight?”

“Dunno,” she answered, “Hang on.” Still holding you tight with one arm, she pulled her phone out of her pocket with the other, tapping the screen to check the time. “No, not quite. Got about five minutes ‘til midnight. Why?”

You smiled up at her. “That means it’s still your birthday.” Though you were hesitant to separate from her, you wiggled out of her hold, taking her hand and pulling her into the kitchen. 

“Cover your eyes,” you instructed, “And no peeking until I say.”

Satoru looked a bit confused at your command, but she didn’t question it, just doing as you said and closing her eyes.

Once you were sure she wasn’t looking, you turned to the fridge, pulling out the cake you’d gotten for her, then rifling through one of the kitchen drawers until you pulled out a candle and a lighter. You were incredibly careful as you unboxed the cake on the counter nearest to your partner, not wanting to mess up the frosting, and thankfully it didn’t prove difficult. You stuck the candle in the center of the cake, then lit it.

“Okay,” you told her. “You can open your eyes now.”

After she opened her eyes, Satoru’s gaze dropped to the cake almost immediately, and her eyes went wide at the sight. “You got me a cake?”

“Yeah, from that bakery you love down the street.”

She looked back up at you, and if it wasn’t just a trick of the light, there seemed to be tears pooling along her lash line. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“I know,” you agreed with a slight shrug. “But I wanted to. You deserve a nice treat for your birthday. Go ahead and make a wish before the candle wax drips onto the cake.”

The words seemed to bring her back to herself, and she nodded, looking back to the cake. She paused for a moment, presumably deciding what to wish for, before she blew out the small flame. It was quiet for a moment as you plucked the candle from the cake, then grabbed her a fork – it was a pretty small cake, not really worth cutting into slices – before she spoke.

“Why just one candle?” she asked curiously. “I know I look young, but I’m not that young.”

You chuckled at her joke, handing her the fork as you answered. “Because it’s your first birthday as a woman, that’s why,” you said simply. 

Satoru’s eyes really did fill with tears at your words, and she dropped the fork before surging towards you. Her hands cradled the sides of your face as she brought you into a passionate kiss. The sudden touch pulled a muffled mmf! from you, but you were quick to melt into her, eyes sliding shut as you returned the kiss. 

Only pulling away when the need for air overwhelmed your desire to keep kissing your girlfriend, you smiled up at her again. “I love you, princess. Happy birthday.”

dividers by adornedwithlight

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[goldenempyrean]

Nyquil After A Night Out

« Day 4: "We could've cancelled, I would've understood! »

« Pairing: Supercorp »

« Notes: Cute lil supercorp fic for everyone today :D How are we liking the co-written advent this year? Lmk! Also sorry if this is kinda unedited not really with it today :,) »

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Lena pulled her sleek coat a little tighter around herself as she stepped out of her black car and into the bustling street as a sharp chill ran down her spine. She’d already started to notice the telltale signs she was starting to come down with something earlier in the week and truthfully Lena knew she probably should’ve slowed down a little to rest but not only had she been thoroughly swamped with work, her excitement for today’s date with Kara had kept her going.

She muffled a raspy cough into her elbow as she navigated down the streets toward

the cosy secluded restaurant where she and Kara had planned to meet. But Lena's steps were slower than usual, and she couldn't shake the feeling of fatigue settling in. Yet as she entered the warm ambiance of the restaurant and spotted Kara sitting at a corner table, she was helpless to fight back the bright smile forming on her face.

Kara looked up from the menu and her eyes immediately softened at the sight of Lena approaching the table, "Hi darling," she greeted her warmly but concern flickered across in her gaze when she noticed the unnaturally crimson flush sitting on Lena’s cheeks. "You okay?"

Lena managed a small nod, attempting to push through the weariness. "A little under the weather. I’m okay, don’t worry.” She stammered as Kara stood up to pull out her chair, thanking her kindly, “Just a little peaky.”

Truthfully Lena surprised herself a little with her own honesty but Kara always had a way of making her feel so safe in her presence that she couldn’t help but give in.

Kara’s infamous crinkle formed in her brow as she pouted a little, “We could’ve cancelled, I would’ve understood!” She exclaimed, a little too loudly causing some to glance over in their direction, “Look, I just don’t want you forcing yourself to be here if you’re not up to it. We can get dinner at a later time whenever you’re feeling better.”

“No, no. Please,” Lena began, “I want to be here Kara, I’ve been looking forward to seeing you all week, please.” She mirrored Kara’s same pout and the blonde was helpless to do anything except cave in. After-all, how could she deny that face?

Throughout their dinner the poor Luthor looked as if she was fighting to stay awake. Despite wanting to seem aware and engaged, her eyes keep dropping closed, as her dizzy head continually bobbed forwards.

Luckily their meal didn’t take long to arrive and the two delved into their food, Kara excitedly shoving the large pizza she’d order in her mouth. But as they shared their food, a little itch at the back of her sinuses caught Lena’s attention. She tried to ignore it, wanting to keep focused on their conversation. The CEO subtly rubbed her finger beneath her nose in an attempt to chase the tickle away, but ultimately she had no such luck. It only seemed to make things worse and she barely reached for a napkin in time to muffle a series of sneezes into it, her face blushing with embarrassment as she excused herself with a quiet apology.

“Bless you, hey, I think we should get you home, you look exhausted darling.” Kara purred as she sipped the last of her wine before placing her hand over Lena’s, gently using her thumb to rub small circles over her skin, “We could go back to my apartment if you’d like? I can take care of you a little.” She offered sweetly.

“But I dont- You dont- Look, you and I, we’re not even official yet.” Lena almost whispered, “I don’t want you to be put off by this.” She gestured to herself before muffling a cough into her napkin.

“Being ill, being taken care of. It’s not something I’m used.” She admitted, her eyes cast down to the table hiding from Kara’s sympathetic gaze.

But the Kryptonian only shook her head in reply, raising her hand to gently tilt Lena’s chin up so that the two locked eyes once again, “It’s okay, don’t worry. We can stop buying the store on the way home, pick you up some things that’ll help.” She smiled, taking the same hand and outstretching it to hold Lena’s, “It’ll be okay darling. We’ll figure this out together.”

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[laf-outloud]

https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/the-boys-supernatural-jared-padalecki-eric-kripke-1236014798/

Another interview with Kripke saying he wants Jared on. And this is new, like today new (they said they talked to him Thursday - aka today - and that Walker "was canceled earlier this week" and it was only cancelled Tuesday so this is a brand new interview).

I love this little bit with them excited because Jared was on GG!!:

Kripke was speaking with Variety ahead of “The Boys” Season 4 premiere, in an interview alongside “The Boys” actors Colby Minifie (Ashley Barrett) and series newcomers Susan Heyward (Sister Sage) and Valorie Curry (Firecracker) — who were all very on board with the Padalecki casting conversation. “As a childhood fan of ‘Gilmore Girls,’ I would also vote for that,” Minifie said. “That would be great.” Curry added: “Same! Same! Second that.” “OK, all right, the crowd has spoken!” Kripke declared, which hopefully seals the deal for Padalecki.

Boy, Kripke's really not letting the news of Walker's cancellation slow him down. I know it's just another day in Hollywood, but for a lot of cast and crew members, they no longer have jobs. A little tact and time would be nice (not that I expect the showrunner for The Boys to employ that).

I guess he's really trying to push now before Jared gets signed on to another project, likely because he knows Jared is a hot commodity right now, though I'd be curious to know if the interviewers are asking him about Jared or if he's mentioning him unprompted.

I do worry though, that with Kripke being this vocal about getting Jared on The Boys, if Jared turns him down, he's going to look like a jerk that wouldn't let Kripke have his complete set. Kripke's putting Jared in basically a 'can't refuse' situation. Though, if Jared really doesn't want to do it, I trust his ability to side-step the invitations tactfully (as he's done so far).

I will say, I do appreciate that Kripke call's him the "...one big one - very big one..." It makes it seem like Jared's the Holy Grail of SPN alumni (which he is, lol).

And also, lol at the GG fan from the cast!

[the-ace-with-spades]

List of Works-In-Progress I'm still intending to write/actively writing 📃✨

or my accountability list to look at in a few months...

last updated: 09/04/24

Fandoms: 🚒 9-1-1 [5-7 works], ✈️ Top Gun (movies) [9 works], 🔪CoD (reboot only for now) [4 works]

Already posted on AO3, ongoing works:

✈️ Top Gun, hangster — (sometimes I feel) like a monkey pilot, trans!Rooster fic with a hangster confrontation (and getting back together), 6 years after Rooster's transition. When recalled to Top Gun. #(sif) lamp tag

✈️ Top Gun, hangster, slow down (you're doing fine) — Rooster-centric/character study fic with Getting Back Together trope and past-hangster flashbacks and icemav as parents #slow down tag

✈️ Top Gun, hangster — just hold my hand, outsider Mav POV, kind TG:M retelling AU

Bradley and Jake are married and have four kids and Mav didn't know about any of it until the special detachment because he and Bradley haven't talked in years. Things happen and Mav gets to be a grandpa. (vague, unspecified kind of mpreg is in this story)

*

Planned out and started sequels/bonuses, not posted yet:

✈️ Top Gun, icemav — bonus for slow down (you're doing fine)

It is the 5+1 icemav prequel from the slow down universe I talked about, I just don't seem to finish it (it's really hard to write Ice POV...)

The 5 times Ice waited for Mav to be ready and 1 time Mav realized he'd been ready for a while.

✈️ Top Gun, hangster — sequel for slow down (you're doing fine)

The weeks after Bradley and Jake decide to try being together again, mostly trying to figure out how to be together in a way that is healthier and more honest. Including meeting the parents (icemav), meeting the sister (Jake's), and Nat's judgment.

✈️ Top Gun, hangster — sparks (working title), sequel/bonus for ignition, the firefighter! Bradley AU #ignition tag

Done in snippets/drabbles. The adventures of firefighter!Bradley and still a naval aviator!Jake, which would include the world cockblocking them from finally going on their first date (5 times they had to cancel their date, and 1 time didn't), the awkward first times, as well as Bradley lecturing Jake on safety a little bit too often (and Jake finding it hot...)

*

Started writing, but haven't posted yet and don't know if I'll ever finish it even if I want to:

🔪 CoD, ghostsoap — exhumation, different first meeting and (kinda) secret identity AU — overview here, a snippet here

Written in a flashback/present sequence. Soap and Ghost met when they were just Johnny and Simon, starting in the Army. From dates, to sharing a Manchester flat, ending with Simon being MIA in Mexico for months, they'd been together through a lot. But the Christmas Eve Simon's family, bar Johnny, is killed, he chooses to die with them and never put anyone in danger. Years pass, and Soap joins TF-141.

🔪 CoD, ghostsoap — don't shoot me, santa, first Christmas Ghost spends with the MacTavish family (and first Christmas he spends with anyone in almost 10 years) and all its troubleshooting — overview here

Johnny takes Ghost to Scotland to spend their first Christmas together. Johnny's family is not too thrilled about Ghost — about the mask he wears, about the job he has, about the family he doesn't have, about how faceless he is, even to Johnny. Ghost decides that Johnny is worth taking the mask off and starting living as Simon again.

🚒 9-1-1, buddie — brand new information, the 5+1 jealous!Eddie fic — a snippet here

5 times Eddie found something new about Buck's taste in men (and was ridiculous about it) and 1 time he found out Buck's type (Eddie)

Used to titled in my drafts 'eddie trying to prove he matches bucks taste in men'

🚒 9-1-1, buddie — the cure series, a canon-divergence au after Wrapped in Red with a side of trans!Buck

Part 1, 'cause boys don't cry, a snippet here — Buck decides to leave the 118 after Wrapped In Red in order to stop defining himself by the people he loves and learn to live alone and both succeeds and fails at it. Includes Buck long-distance parenting Chris, Eddie feeling like a long-distance spouse whose husband refuses to stop taking long-distance jobs, jealous!Eddie, Maddie&Eddie bestism, and people all over the States assuming Buck is divorced. Longest part of the series and the most angsty one.

Part 2, like I'm home again, a snippet here [coming soon??] — future fic, Buck is back at 118, he and Eddie are married, Chris is choosing colleges, and Bobby is trying to get Buck into leadership training so he can retire. And then, Eddie enters what Buck and Chris think is a mid-life crisis, but is in reality a baby fever.

Part 3, untitled, a snippet here — future fic, outsider POV from a new probie at the 118. Captain Diaz and Lieutenant Diaz are running the firehouse, but their family, including kids, Buck's not-dad and retired captain Bobby, keep on popping up and confusing the new probie. Buck also pulls a Bobby and 'adopts' the new probie.

Parts probably won't be posted in order.

🚒 9-1-1, buddie — accidental trans pregnancy, a short one-shot based on a meme post.

Buck is nauseous, Chim makes a joke (not knowing Buck is trans and have been dating Eddie for a few months now), and Eddie has a metaphorical heart attack at the table.

🚒 9-1-1, buddie — Buck wants to be a parent and thanks to Connor, he realizes he can be a parent without finding a partner first — overview here

The most ridiculous fic idea I've had the desire to write. Involves trans Buck, sperm donor arc in reverse, Eddie doing mental summersaults to be said sperm donor.

🚒 9-1-1, buddie — AU for the post-lawsuit arc, with buddie already being a couple before the lawsuit — snippet here [coming soon??]

Buck takes the settlement and becomes a (maybe temporary) househusband/stay-at-home-dad. This would be centred on Buck, but would not have the crew bashing, but rather a realistic view on how everyone feels and how the lawsuit and settlement deal would affect the team, etc.

✈️ Top Gun, hangster — with arms wide open, omegaverse mpreg that follows the TG:M storyline (kinda) — overview here

(in my head, this fic is very soap opera-like, but I like it this way so...) Bradley and Jake had been together 7 years with no mating, no marriage, and or no even just meeting Jake's family, and Bradley was okay with it. Until he found out he was pregnant. So when Jake doesn't want anything to change, Bradley leaves and seeks help from the only person he can think of — Ice. Cue the wayward son getting reconciled, a few months passing, and by the time Bradley meets Jake again, he's six months pregnant.

*

Drafted only but I still want to write it sometime:

✈️ Top Gun, hangster — Pacific Rim AU — a tag for this fic is #hangster pacific rim au

History repeats itself — Mav loses his drift partner and raises his kid and years later, Bradley loses his drift partner and raises her kid (with a twist). Mav doesn't leave PPDC, but Bradley does — at least until Ice shows up telling him the world is ending, this time for good. Featuring Jake being both Bradley's fanboy and a tsundere (ala Chuck about Raleigh) and weirdly good with kids and the typical mortifying ordeal of being seen during the drift.

✈️ Top Gun, hangster — sequel for (sometimes I feel), like a monkey pilot, that would dive into the idea of Jake and Bradley starting a family

I'll make a post about this at some point because there are so many ways this could be written. I do think that they're the type that would have an accidental pregnancy, but there are so many ways this could happen (on deployment, right before deployment, cryptic pregnancy, with some miscommunication involved - I think they're dumb enough any of it seems feasible)

🔪 CoD, ghostsoap, possible side gazprice?? — blindsided, tattoo artist/florist au but not really, with a misunderstanding twist

Where Ghost and Soap are both ex-military, Ghost and Price have a tattoo shop, and a street away what they think is a florist shop opens. Totally self-indulgent because I wanted to give Ghost a full-body skeleton tattoo, skull-face tattoo included. I have absolutely no other details besides this, this is slightly recycled from another fandom...

🔪 CoD, ghostsoap — with lights off, a longer one-shot about Simon and Johnny still being badass even if retired from the military

Retried, Simon and Johnny move to Glasgow and start a family. While Johnny still craves the adrenaline and works with the Glasgow Organised Crime and Counter Terrorist Unit, Simon rides among the streets as a paramedic in the Motorcycle Response Unit and only shows up when the guns and stabs are done. That is, until the day when Johnny and his team are taken hostage in a terrorist attack and he's the first responder on scene and The Ghost is needed again.

There are probably a few more in this category and in the kinda-abandoned-but-not-really category, I never fully abandon my works but I'll leave it at that for now

[nitrosodiumofficialuses]

Music Games Investigation

This time, I have broader genres. Any game that uses music or sound in an interesting way, for my purposes, is a "music game".

Friday Night Funkin - This is a game I was obsessed with back in 2021. It's a prototypical falling-arrows rhythm game, with the funky counterculture aesthetic of late 2000s Newgrounds. You know, Madness Combat, Pico's School, all of that. Mechanically, it's nothing special, but a few of the tracks really stand out, and the levels have interesting gimmicks - Week 3 has a rushing train to throw you off, and Week 7 takes place in an active warzone, with soldiers running about and tanks rumbling across the screen, further blocking your arrows. The fanbase is... difficult, it seems they can't go a week without ending up with a mod cancellation or some new drama. But, mechanically, it's fine. I'm no way near as good as I used to be at it, but sometimes I still open it up and play a round or so.

Metal Hellsinger - I've only seen a little of this game, but it looks really sick. You enter Hell with a cool sword, and then you kill demons to the beat of heavy metal, starring actual metal singers. I don't know what else to say; it's pretty distilled, no real bloat or feature creep. You can do combos and executions, and the longer you kill on beat for, the more your combo meter increases. Interestingly, unlike a lot of music games, the focus isn't on going at ludicrous speeds, it's about staying on beat, so the character is actually pretty slow.

Hi-Fi Rush - I've heard of this game, but I honestly knew nothing about it until today. All I know is it's a rhythm game and possibly a JRPG, and it stars a cat, and it's all really stylised and cel-shaded. After watching a few videos, I've found it's pretty cool! It's some sort of third-person action game, where everything in the world is tied to the beat - screens flash, trees bob, and enemies move according to the music's BPM. You also have to attack, using elaborate combos and moves to the game's alt-rock soundtrack. Everything in the environment just pops with colour; it's a very bright game, taking you from lava pools to gigantic robot factories. It seems like something I'd actually enjoy, to be honest.

Also, here's a quick look at dynamic soundtracks. The first one I'll look at is the hi-tech hack n' slash Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. Apart from having some of the best music in the Metal Gear series, the music is sort of dynamic. In boss fights, it loops the bridge of the song until you get to a point where you can critically wound the boss, at which point, the chorus flares up, perfectly timed with you slicing a chunk off your current cybernetic foe. Once you've cut them down to low health, the lyrics kick in. It's so amazing. Doom 2016 had a similar system, where the music would fast-forward to a high-octane segment when you got into combat, and the beat would loop until you were at a point in combat where the beat would drop. The earliest dynamic soundtrack I know of is System Shock. Different parts of the soundtrack would be louder/quieter, higher/lower pitch based on your current health, SHODAN's grip on the floor you were on, whether you were in combat, and a bunch of other features. Thing is, nobody noticed it, and so they removed it for System Shock 2.

[thissliceofnonsense]

As a rottmnt superfan, I think it's very shameful I have not actually watched the full series. I have been trying to get myself to watch all of it for literal months, and I will finally start now.

To keep my motivation to actually watch my favorite show (wow) I will be writing down little things I like/notice/one sentence summary of each episode.

Plus I want to do the AU with the events of the show but a "little to the left" including the missing sisters, Mikey getting his deleted episodes back, ideas that couldn't be used because the show was cancelled, fandom ideas, etc. etc.

AND this is also doubling as info from each episode, so that way I don't forget anything important.

(Like I forgot Heuso existed. Who does that?)

To start -

Leo seems very unsure of himself/ is scrambling in the intro. Compared to the rest of the turtles, he seems the least sure of himself. Even the lyrics say "Leo's making a scene" while everyone else has a definite positive word associated with their character. In fact, "making a scene" definitely has the connotation of a bad thing.

Leo's insecurities are so strong that even the show agrees lol.

(I'll just keep editing this into one really long post, and also, I need obvious stuff to be stated to me, so I'll write it down anyways.

Okie, Donnie's first words in the show are him using his science to support his brothers and be overdramatic.

April helps them all with shenanigans using her connections with all the jobs she has, and is in no way the 'responsible older sibling'

Even Raph (at least in the beginning of the series) is not that responsible in the grand scheme of things.

Also also, I want to slow down the show so I can catch every single detail, every single expression, but that would make this take too long. So I'll miss expressions they make... sad.

Donnie has tech in his shell for when April needs a ride, meaning that, again, he is constantly making tech to help others, along with his own interests.

(Also the way he flies? So overdramatic princess-y. I love him. And I can't take screenshots for some reason. Sadness. )

Also, does Mayhem have a scar on his forehead? It looks like a scar.

And Raph saying 'Aw' and wanting to save him. The precious bean. <3

Mayhem immediately goes for April out of everyone there. My headcannon is that he was sent specifically to watch the turtles and make sure Baron Draxum's experiments don't cause any havoc, so he is wary of all of them.

Also also also... the 'brushes' for the line art of the show? I'm obsessed.

They do have rehearsals for 'if they come in contact with humans'. So.... do they worry about that? Also, Donnie never goes to them. I can relate. Things I find unnecessary that I take away from my 'writing time' are things I try to avoid at all costs.

And I wish something that was cemented more in my head from the show is that the turtles constantly went on adventures with April, even before finding out about the hidden city, perhaps they wanted to be like Lou Jitsu, and I also wish there were more adventures in the hidden city afterwards.

Donnie screaming 'Fibonacci' or just being happy and showing off his tech makes me so sparkly inside.

(I'm not even five minutes into the first episode.... this might take awhile)

Donnie's tech does not work, he tries but it does not work a ton. Which I love. Our favorite/ special things not working, or just not being that great is something I relate to a lot/ want to see more in media. It's the thing we base our lives on. It HAS to be good. Otherwise, what's the point of our existence?

Yes... I kin Donnie.

Leo is incredibly fast, even from the beginning, especially for a turtle

All of Donnie's lines are immediately iconic in my brain

Leo has murderous intent/his eye glows red for a moment. I saw a comment once that the turtles WERE created to be killing machines, and those instincts may or may not still be there. IDK, it would be fun to see Baron Draxum's original intents placed upon the turtles. Although... in my rise sisters AU.... oh I could do that.

They all try so hard to live out their fantasy, adventure, Lou Jitsu dreams. Little beans. <3

Mayhem is an agent and he is carrying a vial. Vial for what?

Mikey is the most artistic and the most mystically inclined. He notices the sign on the wall and where's he's seen it before. My artist sibling also tends to see things as they are/ find un-findable things + predict the future.

We were robbed of Mikey content

Splinter has a cabinet full of memorabilia, and the weapons they all broke in the beginning were 'priceless'

My headcannon is that the brothers understand Japanese from watching Spilnter's shows, but can't speak it. (Yes I'm projecting my own second language skills)

Donnie again tries to make things better with his tech abilities, and Raph tries to make a good plan (because he's the leader, he should be able to make plans.) But Leo already completes the mission. So he can bask in the praise.

Because Leo notices things and can plan ahead, impromptu.

Raph is super anxious about doing things right.

Mikey again, uses his 'art/mystic intuition' to open the wall.

OHMIGOSH the Hidden City looks so cool. I really really (that's two really's) there were more Hidden City episodes.

When Donnie 'insults' his brothers. ('You guys are fools') He'll say something positive about it later. ("You beautiful fools') he's basically doing /pos all the time.

AAAAA_-__hgavihelutw

Donnie, upon finding the hidden city, says "Exactly what I expected." (At 11:37) Meaning that he is a cryptid theorist confirmed. He has theorized about the existence of mystic beings since before they found the hidden city.

(I will do another "Why Donnie dislikes mystic powers" later, because this gives me the notion that Donnie dislikes mystic powers the same way some physicists dislike quantum mechanics or the Copenhagen interpretation of it. It doesn't make sense. It contradicts and he can't figure it out, that wouldn't be an issue if it weren't for his brothers immediately getting it. In the AU, I would have an 'episode' where their mystic powers start making Donnie inconsequential. They already don't listen to him most of the time. And now his tech doesn't help anymore....

anywho that's for later, back to episode one!)

According to Donnie's calculations, they are in a 'Tertiary metaverse'.

A google search revealed nothing on that. But ..... DONNIE HAS CALCULATIONS FOR THESE SORTS OF THINGS, AAA-

And April has explored this hidden city beneath New York. I feel like, with Mikey, she's the most mystic-inclined. Something that other people in the fandom have pointed out.

Donnie loves Draxum's lab. Specifically, the color scheme and the style. These two would get along so well.

Draxum has captured Mayhem. Supports my headcannon that Mayhem was an agent specifically sent to watch Baron Draxum and his experiments, carry on.

I FORGOT ABOUT HUGGIN AND MUGGIN. WHAT.

They are precious.

Also also, humans do not care about the existence of mystic creatures apparently. I like that tbh, makes way for better storylines.

Mayhem stole a vial from Baron Draxum. Probably to bring as 'proof' to the three heads.

hhhmmmm.... Maybe Mayhem was sent to watch Baron Draxum and his experiments, and eventually the three heads council thought that the threat was neutralized. Baron Draxum rebuilt his lab, but hasn't done anything nefarious. And no turtle has been found for a long time. (Except for the one Big Mama has, but no one dares oppose her.)

But Mayhem found a vial of ooze, enough to convict Baron Draxum of crimes, but Draxum sent his assistants after him, retrieving the vial.

Draxum's color schemes do look cool.

He mutated a human in this episode.

The turtles ARE aware they are mutants.

I love the headcannon/unexplored plot thread that Splinter was a little afraid of what his sons were: mutations meant to be killing machines. Hence the "rehearsals".

April finds things. She's crafty, knows how to use her surroundings to her advantage.

Donnie has high grade titanium, how did he get high grade titanium?

(my headcannon is that he goes on 'shopping trips' with his siblings, mainly April, sometimes Mikey. And he steals things.)

DONNIE IS NOT AGAINST MAGIC IN THE FIRST EPISODE WAT.

He seems awed. At 14:41 he says "it's like mystic and science had a baby"

OKIE OKIE, here's my headcannon.

Originally Donnie was a science person (obviously) but he was like - "well there's no definite evidence that cryptids and magic AREN'T possible. I mean... black holes and quantum mechanics make no sense. Science does wild things sometimes, why can't these things exist? And you know what? I'm going to prove it!"

But then he actually SAW mystic powers and everyone else doing really well with it. Replacing him. And while his prior experiments with the crystal have led to good results in tandem with his goggles, but when he tries afterwards, it doesn't work. (Because mystic powers are based on emotions and he's frustrated.) That's weird. Science should lead to definite, predictable results.

So *character arc*

April is literally more athletic than the turtles. She keeps landing on her feet while everyone else is in a heap.

That's it. I'm a believer in April supremacy now.

Leo is scrambling. He may be good at impromptu plans, but he struggles at the application. My personal, maybe headcannon, is that he doesn't actually like going on some of these adventures. He's not that good at them, but he will support his brothers, because of his inferiority complex

DRAXUM CAN MAKE THESE HUGE MECHS AND THAT KIND OF MATCHES WITH MY LOUISE AU HOLY TRUFFLE MAC AND CHEESE.

Also also, Draxum has been trying this whole time to continue his work. I'm wondering how I can work my 'He's looking for Louise' storyline. Perhaps he needs mutants to eliminate the human threat and also to save his child warrior.

Mikey gets star eyes like his older sibling :D

Baron Draxum's magic is with his vines, mechs and potions. Like alchemy. Using this for Louise reference later.

Donnie has the Bi flag in the background of any of his scene things <3

His tech is constantly on the fritz in this episode. Mainly his tech bo. Maybe that's a newer piece? His battle shell seems to work fine. I think that may be one of his first pieces of tech, and the flying part looks like what would become Shelldon in the future.

AND, I think he gets better at making his tech in the future, while still making mistakes :D

Plus, his tech being on the fritz, makes his whole "they care more about what I can do for them than me"/needing to be useful, and fix things, mean that much more.

Also also, I'm basing above off of the fact that the siblings like his tech, but don't trust it, and they often don't exactly listen to him that often ('DONNIE NOT HELPING!') Which I feel like would hurt after some time. Also this post.

Donnie goes to his phone after his achievement of his tech bo working, he's probably documenting his success + photo archives + data points.

I've heard the hc that the brothers keep Mikey's drawings, maybe Donnie scans each one for his archives? They have a whole scrapbook?

Oh wait... that's really cute actually.

Mikey gets bored of the Villain banter really fast. Donnie wants his own world to keep working as it does and just coast along with his family while still 'spending time with them' (I can HEAVILY relate... or maybe I'm just projecting, but wanting to be in your own world while being around others is literally my whole life in a nutshell.)

I think Raph trains on his own + counts Lou Jitsu movies as training, Leo does not.

April has successfully defeated Huggin and Munnin. Clap clap.

Notes for Louise: Baron Draxum is show-offy and thinks he's 'all that' and truly bettering humanity. His lab is huge and colorful, full of alchemy experiments. He has 'bio-inspired' magic. Like plants and spiderwebs and huge fleshy gauntlets

Mikey activates his mystic powers after he gets angry at Baron Draxum for trying to hurt April. He can't really control it, but his anger activates it.

Mikey's mystic weapon is a cackling fireball gremlin that is absolutely uncontrollable. Everyone (including Donnie) thinks it's REALLY COOL

[starseedfxofficial]

European Markets Rally Amid US Tech Hangover - Hidden Insights Revealed The Hidden Optimism Driving the Forex Market and What it Means for You Picture this: European markets start the day as flat as a pancake, but somehow, after a few sips of optimism-infused coffee, they begin their climb upwards. That’s how the trading day kicked off in Europe today. It was as if the bourses needed a gentle push from Wall Street’s success yesterday, and suddenly, we were back on track. And honestly, isn't that just trading in a nutshell—waiting for that spark, that nudge, to finally make a move? Despite an initial slow start, European sectors opened with what we’ll call a "mild positive bias." You know, the kind of optimism that’s not quite a cheer, but more of a knowing nod, like a trader who’s just seen a promising chart pattern that they’re not quite ready to bet the farm on—yet. Before long, that sentiment spread, and the markets got a bit of an upward groove on. It’s like a dancer finding their rhythm just after the DJ drops the beat. Suddenly, everyone wants to join in. And here’s where it gets spicy. President Macron and his government survived a vote of no confidence—an event that came and went with all the drama of a canceled soap opera. Traders shrugged, the CAC 40 moved on, and Macron’s team decided they’d rather replace a cabinet member than have the whole country revisit the ballot boxes. Honestly, you can almost picture Macron looking at the situation like someone trying to decide between rewatching a favorite series or doing a full-on Netflix binge with something new. Spoiler alert: he’s rewatching. Across the pond, US equity futures weren't feeling as upbeat. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures were nursing a mild hangover from Wall Street’s previous rally—a rally that saw US stocks print fresh record highs, led by those overachieving tech names. You know, the Teslas and Googles of the world, always striving for the top spot like a student who insists on finishing every assignment a week early. Nasdaq’s tech-heavy swagger seems to be leaving a little tension in its wake, as traders nervously keep one eye on tech and the other on their economic calendars. Meanwhile, Foxconn reported a 3.47% year-over-year increase in November revenue. Sure, it’s not the 8.59% they boasted in October, but let’s face it, Foxconn is still growing, and it's hinting that Q4 will be a strong one. It’s kind of like someone who’s been eating super healthy all week, had a cheat day, but knows they're still on track to smash their fitness goals by the end of the month. Good vibes all around. In other noteworthy developments, European antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager has brought up the idea of breaking up Google—again. You’ve got to give it to her: persistence is key. It’s like that friend who keeps trying to fix their ancient laptop rather than buying a new one. In Vestager's world, that fix is splitting up Google, and this time she’s making sure everyone knows it’s still on the table. And if that’s not enough for your "underground news fix," let’s talk about TSMC and Nvidia. The whispers on the street say they’re talking about making Blackwell chips at TSMC’s new Arizona plant. It’s like two big-shot friends planning to open a boutique coffee shop in a trendy neighborhood. Arizona just might be the next Silicon Valley—or at least a pretty hot spot for chip production. For those looking for an edge in Forex, these tech moves are important—because where tech goes, often the broader market follows. The Hidden Patterns in Today’s Market So, what does all of this tell us, really? Beyond the headlines and the superficial noise, there are undercurrents in these movements. Let’s break it down. - Market Sentiment is a Game of Influence: Just like that push from Wall Street gains this morning, sentiment is highly contagious in trading. A small move on one major market can ripple across others, much like an influencer’s trending post that makes everyone else jump on the bandwagon. Don’t underestimate how important it is to keep a finger on the pulse of the big movers. - Contrarian Opportunity? Look Beyond Tech Hype: Nasdaq leading gains might make tech look like the only game in town, but contrarian traders know that when the spotlight’s on one area, there are hidden opportunities elsewhere. Financials, energy, or even utilities—all are worth a second glance right now, particularly if tech falters. - Regulatory Headwinds Are Real: When the EU talks about breaking up tech giants, it’s not just for dramatic effect. Regulatory risk is an ever-present, slow-moving shadow over big tech. Traders need to take this into account, especially when weighing long-term exposure. Where's the Real Edge? You might be wondering, what does all this mean for a trader looking for the next edge? The truth is, it’s all about reading between the lines. Whether it's Foxconn showing resilience amid a broader slowdown, Macron’s attempts at political damage control, or Google’s potential future as a smaller conglomerate, each piece contributes to the bigger puzzle. The key is to see what others miss—those seemingly minor details can provide serious strategic advantages. As always, don’t get caught up in the noise. Look for the hidden trends, the shifts that others overlook, and stay ahead of the game. And if you want exclusive insights and some of those underground trading tactics, you know where to find them. (Hint: Scroll up to those links—we’ve got the tools and community to help you level up.) —————– Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated   Read the full article

[razzleberry]

22 June 2024 - summer at the windows

I have been rendered largely immobile by a terrible bout of cold the past 6 days. I have not had meaningful human contact since last Sunday, as I fight the worst cold I've had in years. I haven't actually been ill, COVID aside, since the pandemic started. I had been bracing to be stricken by COVID, as it seems to catch me every June and knock me out just as the city finally awakens to summer. This time it appears to ... i've lost my original thought now. This time the cold/mystery bug is determined to take me down, with a slow build up a week earlier, where I hadn't felt poorly enough to take days off work or to cancel any plans, but not felt fully fit. The past few days have been a rotation from my bed, to the desk (for a few hours each day because I didn't draw clear boundaries to take full days off work), and to the sofa, as the warm June sunlight spills into the flat, and London hums along outside in what feels like the coming of summer.

In between naps, hot cooling tea, and Paracetamol top-ups, I have kept an eye on the summer sports, catching Euro games and the Queens Cup. The summer of sports cannot feel further away from me, as I quiver under a blanket in the sunlight, forcing myself to drink my Chinese herbal tea before it runs cool. What little energy I have has also been spent obsessing over The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley, which has made me weep, laugh and feel so much. I adored it. I am almost done with my re-read, after completing it only a few nights ago. It's kept me up at night, winning the competition easily against sleep. No wonder I am not recovering as quickly as I would like.

This has been the first time I've been home-bound in a while, and forced to slow down. It reminds me of the lazy lockdown days - without the undercurrent of anxiety. I have read much, and enjoyed losing myself in reams of text (preferably in paper). I've also been lucky to watch some interesting films, which I've been ruminating on since. Some of these were before my ill spell, nevertheless, I'll write about them since I have the time and mood to.

Ripley

A slow burn of a show. A reviewer called it a series of beautiful moving postcards. It truly is. Andrew Scott lights up the screen as our Ripley. On a podcast, I heard the director discuss how he's more interested in the process than the outcome, and his storytelling focuses on the process. This show was very compelling, so much so that I paid £10 just to watch the final 40min of the show (damn you Netflix on your crackdown on account sharing!). My only gripe was that Andrew Scott and the bloke playing Dickie are too old to be playing 20 something year olds, but if you wave that aside, this show works. The Italian actor playing the police chief is one of a kind.

The Talented Mr. Ripley

I have actually never seen the Minghella classic starring Matt Damon. The original is a sun soaked jaunty affair. How gorgeous was Jude Law, resplendent in the Italian sun!? The Netflix show has stripped away all the colour and liveliness of the original, but I might prefer the Netflix one in terms of storyline. Less haunting, more chirpy. 90's Matt Damon was swaggering.

Good Will Hunting

A friend told me he'd rewatched this recently, and this prompted me to put it on after he lamented that they don't make movies like this anymore. I was also keen to continue my streak of 90's cerebral Damon shows. And damn. They really don't make movies like this anymore. The storytelling is beautiful and highly romantic - not in a lovers' sense, but in its wider romantic view of the world. It has everything you want in a good story - struggle, loveable characters, friendship, romance, a boy's coming of age. It's a simple story, and is told brilliantly with much warmth. Who better to direct than Gus Van Sant? Robin Williams doesn't appear for the first third of the film, and when he does, I could swim in the sadness in his eyes. I was holding back tears at Ben Affleck's little speech at the end. Damon is a movie star. Harvey Weinstein is a monster, but damn, did he give us some good movies.

Hit Man

I put this on even though it wasn't on my watch list after I saw the overwhelmingly positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. And boy am I glad I did. A new original film from Richard Linklater - he who gave us the Before series - and Glen Powell, it centres around a dweeby professor who dabbles as a policeman in his free time. He is put out to field acting as a hitman in attempts to entrap criminals who seek his service. The fun bit is that he does his due diligence on each criminal, assuming a different identity he customises to what he thinks his client would like. The unbelievable part is that this is actually a true story. Hit Man fizzes with effervescent energy from a very good script and a star-making turn from Glen Powell. Apparently he was in Top Gun Maverick, but all I remember from Top Gun is Tom Cruise. Hollywood has been seeking out its next generation of leading men, and has thrown its weight behind stars who either never quite made it (see Ansel Elgort, Miles Teller) or have not yet reached the dizzying heights of being able to sell a film based on their names alone (Timothee Chalamet, Tom Holland, Austin Butler). My bet is on Glen Powell. He reminds me of a young Tom Cruise, disarming you with his easy winsome smile, and oodles of charisma. He also co-wrote the script, so there! The film is a blend of thriller, screwball comedy, mixed identities, and romance. Because it is a Linklater film, it deftly weaves in some high brow philosophy, on identity and our potential for change. This was a very funny and smart film, and I wish I had seen it in the cinemas because it deserves to be a blockbuster. It is also incredibly sexy, Adria Arjona and Glen Powell sizzle. I thought to myself once more, as the credits rolled: they don't make films like this anymore. Thank you Richard Linklater and Glen Powell.

Furiosa

The prequel to Fury Road. It is a good film, with impressive action sequences, but when the credits came on, interspersed with clips from Fury Road, I realised how much I missed Charlize Theron. Fury Road is an epic, I came out of that film in 2015 shaken and screaming, and it remains to me one of the best films I've seen in the last ten years. The prequel is similar to Fury Road, and is also helmed by George Miller. Fury Road was a notoriously difficult shoot, but the results are stunning. Likewise for Furiosa, you are immersed in the thrilling action sequences. It felt like the camerawork for Furiosa was less frenzied than Fury Road, but it might also be because we've seen it before and it is less groundbreaking. Nonetheless it is a joy ride, and Anya Taylor Joy is a commanding Furiosa, even if she lacks the physical statute of Charlize Theron. I cannot believe George Miller is 79 and making such energetic, crazed films. It is disappointing to see how poorly it's performed at the box office, especially for an original film with a female lead. Head to your local cinema and support this film!

Alright, time to move a few steps now for my paracetamol top up.

Ta.

[lyndonriggall]

Door 34

Photo by Georgie Todman.

A few months ago, I got a gnawing feeling. It felt like the slow rising of a wave of overwhelm, and that the little boat I called my life was floating somewhere in its path.

I was behind on edits working with my wonderful mentor, Mark Macleod, on my children’s novel. I was attending a series of workshops developing a brand new project for a local theatre company. I had just returned from an international holiday, and I had a job application to complete and a stack of creative writing folios to mark, not to mention all of the emails I had to answer. My house was in disarray (never a good sign), and I was recovering from a knee injury that was making running difficult. I was a busy boy, and it felt like everything that had once been a blessing had suddenly become just one more thing to constantly be worrying about.

I sat down on the couch with my head in my hands. What was I going to do?

After a moment (and a big sleep), I thought about everything a little more. What was I really doing? I was writing a children’s book, and in a month’s time I would have the opportunity to pitch its concept to some of Australia’s best publishers. I was creating an original play in an environment where I had an enormous amount of creative support, and it was growing every day. I had been to Japan, where I had driven a go-kart around the streets of Tokyo, undertaken a traditional tea ceremony, and visited the world of Harry Potter at the Universal Studios theme park. I had almost cracked a twenty-minute five km personal best in my running, and I was working at my favourite school, teaching my favourite subject and had a new leadership position. I was co-President of one of Tasmania’s largest literary festivals.

It was a lot to sift through. But, I reflected, Lyndon at 24 would have killed for the problems that I had now. For all of my challenges, I was living the dream of a younger version of me. I am living the dream of a younger version of me, even now.

Much has stayed the same for me in 2023. I wake up in my little house, largely following the same routine in which the clock might be set by coffees in the morning, green teas in the afternoon, and a cup of earl grey in the evening. Some things have changed, though. For the first time in more than a decade, I will be acting in April, in the Launceston Players’ 2024 Production of Martin McDonagh’s The Pillowman, a darkly funny comedy about a writer living in a totalitarian state being interrogated about the grisly content of his stories. Georgie and I, as co-presidents of the Tamar Valley Writers Festival, will be heading up our first fully-fledged event this year in October, bringing local and national storytellers to our hometown. After six years teaching English 3, this year I will be taking my first Philosophy class, and will spend at least some of my time unpacking the big concepts of the good life, ethics, and the mind/body problem.

I have been so very spoilt on my arrival at thirty-four. There were messages that my phone buzzed with all day that spoke of me in the kind of way that seemed perhaps to indicate a person I wish I was, rather than the way that I am, but which nevertheless made me feel that I might be doing something right. There was cake, and decorations, and presents that were as thoughtful as they were generous. There were enthusiastic happy birthday declarations at school, a family member who cancelled their plans that night to be able to spend more time with me, and food… food… so much food.

I live the kind of life now where I have almost an entire year laid out before me at every turn. The school calendar ticks forward from day one to exams with a frighteningly predictable progression that always gradually increases in speed and intensity. Trips, activities, performances and adventures start filling in the gaps long before the diary has officially turned from one year to the next. It is a gift, certainly, on some days, to be busy. There isn’t time to worry about the sorts of things that used to turn over in my mind for hours: the things said and unsaid, heard and not heard, the mistakes made and the undeserved successes. There is only time to hold on tight.

Most days, when I wake up, I feel lucky. I used to think of each new day, and each new year, as a blank page, but perhaps it would be more accurate to say that it is a door… not necessarily something that I get to write for myself, but something that waits for me, and that I only need enter to discover. There are times when it all feels really, really hard. Of course there are. But through all of the challenges I’ve faced, I haven’t yet had a year where I regretted where I've found myself. I have learnt and grown so much. I think Lyndon of ten years ago, and twenty years ago, would be proud of me. I think he’d be excited that one day he would get to be me, and open Door 34 for himself.

If you’re reading this, the chances are that somewhere behind that door you are waiting. Today, as I step through and turn the lights on to face the surprises of the year ahead, I feel so grateful to be here, and so grateful that you are too.

Whatever happens, this place is home now. And as the way back closes behind me, knowing that you are in here somewhere beside me, I am excited to see, and embrace, whatever lies ahead.

[nitrosodiumepicfps]

Music Games Investigation

This time, I have broader genres. Any game that uses music or sound in an interesting way, for my purposes, is a "music game".

Friday Night Funkin - This is a game I was obsessed with back in 2021. It's a prototypical falling-arrows rhythm game, with the funky counterculture aesthetic of late 2000s Newgrounds. You know, Madness Combat, Pico's School, all of that. Mechanically, it's nothing special, but a few of the tracks really stand out, and the levels have interesting gimmicks - Week 3 has a rushing train to throw you off, and Week 7 takes place in an active warzone, with soldiers running about and tanks rumbling across the screen, further blocking your arrows. The fanbase is... difficult, it seems they can't go a week without ending up with a mod cancellation or some new drama. But, mechanically, it's fine. I'm no way near as good as I used to be at it, but sometimes I still open it up and play a round or so.

Metal Hellsinger - I've only seen a little of this game, but it looks really sick. You enter Hell with a cool sword, and then you kill demons to the beat of heavy metal, starring actual metal singers. I don't know what else to say; it's pretty distilled, no real bloat or feature creep. You can do combos and executions, and the longer you kill on beat for, the more your combo meter increases. Interestingly, unlike a lot of music games, the focus isn't on going at ludicrous speeds, it's about staying on beat, so the character is actually pretty slow.

Hi-Fi Rush - I've heard of this game, but I honestly knew nothing about it until today. All I know is it's a rhythm game and possibly a JRPG, and it stars a cat, and it's all really stylised and cel-shaded. After watching a few videos, I've found it's pretty cool! It's some sort of third-person action game, where everything in the world is tied to the beat - screens flash, trees bob, and enemies move according to the music's BPM. You also have to attack, using elaborate combos and moves to the game's alt-rock soundtrack. Everything in the environment just pops with colour; it's a very bright game, taking you from lava pools to gigantic robot factories. It seems like something I'd actually enjoy, to be honest.

Also, here's a quick look at dynamic soundtracks. The first one I'll look at is the hi-tech hack n' slash Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. Apart from having some of the best music in the Metal Gear series, the music is sort of dynamic. In boss fights, it loops the bridge of the song until you get to a point where you can critically wound the boss, at which point, the chorus flares up, perfectly timed with you slicing a chunk off your current cybernetic foe. Once you've cut them down to low health, the lyrics kick in. It's so amazing. Doom 2016 had a similar system, where the music would fast-forward to a high-octane segment when you got into combat, and the beat would loop until you were at a point in combat where the beat would drop. The earliest dynamic soundtrack I know of is System Shock. Different parts of the soundtrack would be louder/quieter, higher/lower pitch based on your current health, SHODAN's grip on the floor you were on, whether you were in combat, and a bunch of other features. Thing is, nobody noticed it, and so they removed it for System Shock 2.

[padfootagain]

Love in Verses (XXXIII)

Chapter 33 : ‘The scent already in the air’

Hi! Here is a new chapter! A quiet chapter after the party… Siobhán and Saoirse are back!

I hope you like this chapter! Tell me what you think!

****

Pairing: Hozier x fem!reader (professor!AU)

Warnings: slow burn, angst, hurt, hurt/comfort, tooth-rotting fluff in later chapters, some scenes in later chapters will have heavy sexual themes even if it’s not explicit nsfw description, so minors here

Summary: Your life seems perfect. You're engaged, your career is thriving as you become an assistant professor at Trinity College, and this Andrew Hozier-Byrne you're sharing an office with seems to be a nice guy you hope to call a friend soon. Life seems to be smiling at you... until everything goes sour. When your fiancé breaks up with you, your perfect world shatters. And when your colleague also gets his heart broken soon after, your shared office seems to be a curse rather than a blessing. But Andrew seems determined to mend your broken hearts... Will things finally go according to plan?

Word Count: 2536

Masterlist for the series – Hozier’s masterlist – Main masterlist

The spring haze. The scent already in the air. The moon and ume.

Matsuo Bashō

It was Spring. Soon, there wouldn’t be students anymore roaming the corridors of the large buildings, laying in the grass to drink in the sun the way you did now. Soon, there wouldn’t be anyone left on campus to watch the blooming branches of trees bathed in sunlight, softly swaying with the breeze. Sitting on a bench, you watched the busy life at Trinity go by. You spotted some of your students sitting on another bench nearby. You couldn’t picture it, the campus empty, quiet, without students around. A shame. Such a shame, really. Seeing all this empty. It was so lovely to see the old buildings buzzing with life, and joy, and laughter…

“What are you thinking about?”

Andrew’s voice brought you back to earth, and you looked at him again. His hair kept in a messy bun after a long day. His voice a little hoarse after giving lectures all afternoon. His glasses slipping a little down his nose. He looked lovely. He looked gorgeous, actually… with the sunlight making the green of eyes shine through their brown hues, the kind smile on his lips, the soothing effect of his voice, the freckle above his eye, the red in his beard under the sun, and simply… him. Him in general was a beautiful sight.

You shrugged, but he tilted his head, silently encouraging you to speak again.

“Just… that it’s sad to think that this year is about to end. I’ve never seen Trinity empty. It must be so strange to work here when no student is around.”

Slowly, Andrew nodded, humming softly.

“Yeah… it can be… erm… disturbing, I would say. But there’s no need to be sad about that. In October, there will be plenty of students again.”

“I know… still… it’s my first year teaching here, so… it felt special. Seeing it ending feels special.”

“I understand. We should go out for a few drinks then, on the last day! It will be good craic!”

You nodded, enthusiasm back in your smile. But soon enough, you were heaving a sigh again.

“Damn… we only have a week left before the wedding. And we’re not closer to getting it cancelled.”

A pregnant pause, the birds took advantage of it to sing a little more loudly. Or perhaps you were simply waiting for Andrew to speak, longing for his voice.

“Would that be so bad, though? If they really got married?”

You refused to ask yourself that question, you were too afraid of the answer your heart would summon.

“Of course!” you replied, sitting straighter. “Of course…”

Andrew didn’t say anything. Slowly, he nodded, his expression blank, but you noticed the way he clenched his jaw, so tightly the muscle there jumped.

Still, his voice was unbearably soft when he answered.

“Alright. If that’s what makes you happy.”

But then he was looking away, blinking repeatedly and blushing, and you didn’t know why. He started rubbing at his neck, but you focused on the flowers and the trees again, trying to ignore how fast your heart was beating whenever Andrew looked at you.

“Are you coming to the rehearsal for the ceremony?” you asked him, voice weaker than you wished for it to be.

“Are you?”

“Frank asked me to be there.”

“But do you want to go?”

You pushed that question away. You were too scared to face the answer.

“I need to be there.”

Slowly, Andrew nodded.

“Sam asked me as well… Alright, I’ll be there too.”

A week. A week, that was all there was left before the wedding. What would happen then? You had a choice to make, but you were too scared for now… Working seemed safer.

“We should go back, we need to get ready for the conference. I can’t believe it starts tomorrow…”

“Don’t mention it. I’m freaking out.”

“You’ll be brilliant, Andy. You’re ready for this.”

“I hate this. This is the one part of my job I truly hate.”

“But we need to go through it, or we won’t have any money for our research and we’ll get fired.”

“True… but maybe I could just… drop everything and go hide in a monastery in the Himalayan mountains?”

You laughed, bright and happy like the sun that shone upon you.

“I highly doubt it’ll work out for you.”

“A shame… Sounded so much better than that lecture though…”

“Come on, I need your opinion over something.”

You and Andrew finally got up, walked back to your office.

Meanwhile, on a nearby bench, Saoirse was taking in the view, and thinking that the flowers in the trees were particularly gorgeous gorged with sunlight, that the sight of Trinity buzzing with life was a sight to see.

“Can you imagine what this must look like during the summer?” she asked Sean by her side. “It must be so weird, to have no one around.”

“It must be quiet,” he nodded.

“I’m so stressed about the exams.”

“You’ll be brilliant. You always are.”

She blushed at the comment, hoped he wouldn’t notice. Sometimes he said things like that, things that made her heart warm and restless; and she didn’t know what to make of it.

“You’re going home for the summer?” she asked, and Sean nodded.

“All the way back to Kerry. Gonna help my folks at the bakery. I’ll come back in September.”

“I’ll miss you.”

Their gazes met.

“I’ll miss you too, Saoirse.”

She liked it when he said her name. It sounded soft on his tongue. Like he was careful with it, like he tried to protect its vowels and consonants.

“I’ll call you all the time,” she warned him.

“I expect nothing less. You’re so damn talkative.”

“And you’re too quiet!” she nudged him, their laughter playful.

There was a pause, when Saoirse listened to the rhythm of the university, the busy conversations and the laughs, and the treading of feet on the pavement…

“Please, call me. Every day,” Sean whispered, and she could barely hear him, but she did. “I’m gonna miss you. I really am going to miss you. Don’t forget about me.”

“I will. I promise I will call. And forget about you? You’re too insufferable for that!”

They chuckled, and she pretended to ignore how his pinky finger brushed hers.

“What will you do after the exams?” he asked, tilting his head.

“Eat something disgusting, like… a burger. And then… sleep for a whole week. If you could do anything after the exams, what would it be?”

“Hmm… I don’t know… just… not caring about exams and grades and lectures will be enough really. Can you believe we’ve almost survived our first year?”

“I wouldn’t have done it without you.”

“I wouldn’t have done it without you either, I’m so glad we’ve met.”

“But… What about you? What would you like to do once exam season is finally over?”

She saw him struggle to swallow, and she wondered why he seemed so nervous all of a sudden. On the bench, across the tiny space between them, his finger reached for hers again, and she didn’t move away.

“I… There’s this girl I like.”

His confession came out of the blue, took Saoirse completely by surprise.

“I’ve… liked her for a while. A long while. But we were busy with studying, and I was really afraid she’d reject me. But I… I’d really like to take her on a date, once we don’t have to worry about exams, grades and lectures.”

Her lip trembled, she did her best to hide how much his words hurt. And she didn’t have any right to be upset in the first place. Because she was the idiot who had caught feelings for her friend, and they weren’t together, he was free to date anyone, and she should have told him sooner, now it was too late…

“Right… you definitely should! I’m sure she’ll say yes!”

“Will you?”

She looked at him again, frowning.

“Will you say yes?”

“What?”

He took a deep breath, but didn’t back down.

“I like you. A lot. Ever since that first day when you helped me log into that stupid computer. I like you. Would you… would you go on a date with me? After the exams?”

Saoirse’s heart was pounding, she had butterflies not just in her stomach but all over her body at this point. She blinked tears away, nodded.

“Yeah… Yeah, I’d really like that.”

“Grand!”

“Grand.”

They looked at the busy life that went on before them, at students and teachers hurrying towards classes and lectures and long hours of work.

On the bench, in the tiny space between them, their fingers touched, intertwined, held, and didn’t let go for a long, long time.

You were brilliant out there.

Andrew was staring while you spoke. He knew already everything you would say, you had rehearsed your speech several times with him. Still, you seemed so at ease. Of course, he noticed from time to time your shaking hands, but your voice was unfaltering, your explanations clear and convincing, your study flawless. You were so fucking brilliant. And Andrew was in awe.

The perception of feminity in the Irish Literary Revival. That was the title of your session. It went from comparing female and male authors, to pamphlets over women’s rights, to the allegory of Ireland under the features of Cathleen Ni Houlihan in Yeats and Lady Gregory’s famous play. Andrew loved it. Every second of it…

After your perfect presentation, you answered questions, about your interpretation of texts, about your sources, about the notions you developed in your speech. You went through them brilliantly.

By Andrew’s side, Siobhán was grinning.

“She’s impressive, isn’t she?” she whispered, and Andrew could only agree.

“Very.”

She was staring at him, and Andrew wondered why. He frowned, silently questioning her. She smiled, something amused on her features.

“I like you, Andrew. You’re a nice lad.”

He quietly chuckled.

“Thanks… you’re good craic too.”

“You should tell her, you know?”

“Hmm?”

“Y/N’s brilliant, but she’s also a little thick sometimes. You should tell her how you feel.”

Andrew looked away, blushing fiercely. And he stared at you again, how you stood there on that stage, talking calmly, being your smart self.

“If you start bugging me about my personal life, I will do the same to you,” he warned her under a false menace.

“Hmm… do you have any bad boys I could like?”

He winced.

“I’m afraid not. Only nice ones.”

“Ha… nope! These are the most dangerous ones! They’re the ones I could get attached to, for real.”

“I’ll give you my best friend’s number then. I’m sure you and Alex would get along fine.”

“Not interested, especially as you’re simply changing subjects.”

He remained quiet for a moment, staring at you. It was almost overwhelming, how much he admired you, how much he loved you…

“Is it that obvious?” he asked Siobhán, but his eyes remained locked onto you. “That I have feelings for her?”

“Yeah… sorry to break it out to you, but you’re not exactly hiding it well.”

“Damn…”

“Tell her. You should tell her.”

“I don’t think she’s ready for that. She still wants Frank.”

“She doesn’t want Frank. She wants the life she thought she would have with Frank. She’s ready, even if she doesn’t realise it yet. And she likes you.”

“I’m not so sure about that.”

Siobhán shook her head.

“Christ, the two of you are driving me insane, you are so fucking blind…”

Andrew blinked, stared at you as you answered yet another question.

Was he really blind? Did he really stand a chance against Frank? Against the life he had once promised?

Could you really like him that way?

This was ridiculous.

Andrew read his own poems in public. He played guitar and sang in public. He gave lectures for students every day of the week…

And yet there he was, about to throw up the tiny piece of bread he had managed to swallow this morning. He could feel his heart rushing, his palms sweating, his face grow paler and paler by the minute.

He tried to breathe, he really tried. But the only thing he could think of was the same phrase, going over and over in his head, like a mantra; only, an evil one.

You can’t do this, Andrew. You’re not good enough for this.

He was on the verge of a proper panic attack, and he knew it. He couldn’t get on that stage and talk in front of hundreds of his peers, in front of people who knew literature and poetry better than he did…

“Andy?”

He heard your voice behind him. You must have just come into the office. But he couldn’t look at you. It was hard enough to simply focus on not choking up…

“Andy? You’re okay? You’re breathing funny…”

That was because he could barely breathe at all at this point… at least he wasn’t crying. He simply needed to calm down, control his breathing…

How was he supposed to do that?

He felt your hand on his arm. Touch gentle, yet firm enough to anchor him in the present, in reality, in his office, instead of his busy head.

“Andy… breathe. Take deep breaths. You’re okay. You’re okay. Is it because of the conference?”

Slowly, he nodded, letting air escape his lungs.

He could see himself fail, again and again the scenario played in his head…

“Andy, you’ll do great. We’ve rehearsed this. You know exactly what you’ll say.”

“I can’t remember a thing.”

“Of course, you can. We’ve rehearsed this. You’ll do great. You’re ready, Andy. It’s alright.”

You rubbed soothing circles into his arm, and Andrew didn’t think that you were aware of how good it felt, but it did. It soothed him, the pressure on his chest wasn’t so strong anymore.

You took his face in your hands, forced him to look at you.

“You’re the smartest person I know,” you spoke in a quiet, gentle voice but it was determined as well. Andrew’s heart did a happy jump at your words. “You’re a brilliant poet yourself. You can talk about modern poetry. You do it every day. And you do it so well. We’ve rehearsed this. So, you’re gonna get out there, and explain your points one by one, and you’ll be amazing. Okay?”

A smile tugged at his lips. His skin was burning under your touch. He didn’t feel so lost anymore.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Good.”

“It’s your fault anyway.”

“What?”

“You were too good yesterday, you’ve set the bar too high for us mortals.”

You chuckled at that, shying away.

“Thanks… but I thought you were the un-dead one, and I was the mortal in this relationship.”

Relationship… did you know what your words did to him?

“True… but you were too impressive yesterday. You’re up there with the Gods.”

“Stop!” you laughed, playfully swatting him on the shoulder.

“I’m not joking! You were brilliant. You were… You are so fucking smart.”

“Well, now it’s your time to shine. So, let’s go. Professor Hozier-Byrne, you have a lecture to give.”

He smiled, nodding.

“Then, lead the way, Professor Y/L/N. Lead the way.”

[reveluving]

beemo ; andy barber x reader

summary: the Barber's were never pet enthusiasts, let alone a cat. but, yours is an exception.

warnings: fluff (slow burn, the Barber’s becoming cat dads)

a/n: a little filler, but also not really? idk just sumn quick & cute HAHA don’t forget to leave some sugar, babe! ᐠ( ᐛ )ᐟ

˚ · . series m.list

'Y'know he's not my cat, right?' ;

Coach Fury had to cancel practice one particular Thursday — he was called to a last-minute meeting between sports coaches of the school whereas you had students in need of help for the upcoming literature tests. So, Jacob decided to walk home with AJ and Cass.

Though, judging by the dark clouds, maybe they should've waited on the school grounds and called Uncle Sam for a ride. Still, they were halfway through, so they could only hope for the best.

But they weren't expecting to meet someone along the way.

"Hey, look," Cass pointed out, "It's Beemo!"

Jacob raised his eyebrows — Beemo? 

Meow.

Oh.

"You guys never told me you had a cat?" Jacob watched as the tabby approach the younger Wilson from the bushes.

"Oh no, Uncle Sam would never," Cass continued to stroke Beemo's head, emitting a purr out of the feline, "This is (Y/N)’s," Jacob blinked owlishly, partially because he has yet to get used to the brothers calling you by your first name outside the school premise but more so to the cat. Thankfully, AJ explained further.

"We've been using the same route home so we kinda took him as her cat," He shrugged, "She told us from time to time that Beemo's a stray, but we usually see him hanging out in her front yard, so…"

Jacob nodded, returning the look of curiousity that Beemo was giving him. He, like his father, wasn't exactly a cat person. Not that they hated them but they were more drawn to dogs. One may think it's because of the whole 'dogs are friendly, cats are evil' statement but he never believed in that generalization in the first place. He just… never had an opinion on them, that's all.

"Can I?" The brothers immediately understood as soon as Jacob held his hand out, "Hey," Thanks to those tens of cat videos he's watched on a random day in one seating, he allowed Beemo to sniff him before nuzzling his head against his hand.

"He likes you," AJ smiled, "Normally, he just runs away or hides from new people," 

‘Like’ was suddenly an understatement — Who knew Beemo would be so keen on Jacob that he'd be the one holding him not long after. AJ had to show him how to properly hold the cat but all in all, Beemo seemed pretty comfortable.

“We should drop him off at her place,” It was a thing for them or even the Maximoff brothers to bring Beemo to your house, “Wanna tag along?”

Jacob didn’t have anything to lose. If anything, he just gets more time with his new friend. His father was only coming home in a few hours so, why not?

Little did he know today just so happened to be one of Andy's slower days, allowing him to leave the office earlier than the usual hour. It wasn't long till he spotted his son with two somewhat familiar faces. He slowed his car before eventually stopping next to the three.

"Jake?" He had his window rolled down, eyes immediately zoned in on the cat in his son's arms but continued to ask, "You're heading home, too?" 

"Hey dad, yeah, training's cancelled today," Jacob explained before motioning to the two behind him, "Dad, you know AJ and Cass," 

"Nice to see you guys again," He smiled, nodding to them as they waved in return, "And uh, that cat you got there?" 

"This is Beemo, they said he's Ms (L/N)'s cat," Oh? "We were just on our way to drop him off at her place since it's gonna—"

As if on cue, the groans of thunder did the answering for him.

"Rain," Jacob added, smiling sheepishly at his father. He saw the way he contemplated for a moment.

"C'mon, I'll send you boys home," Andy took notice of the brothers’ side-glancing at the cat and sighed in defeat. He wasn't going to be heartless, "We can drop him off, too," The boys seemingly perked up, "But, you boys gotta help me navigate,"

Absolutely asking for the sake of the cat.

"Thanks, Mr Barber!" He waved off their gratitude and unlocked the doors. AJ and Cass took the backseat whereas Jacob rode shotgun, letting Beemo rest on his lap. In any other circumstances, Andy would've warned him about being too comfortable with a stray, let alone holding one in his car. 

Then again, petting a cat should be the least of his worries.

Plus, Beemo wasn't even a stray; they did say he was yours. 

"So… Ms (L/N)'s cat?" He glanced at the rearview mirror, particularly at the older Wilson.

"Not really," Andy raised an eyebrow, "It's not her cat, but he prefers her company the most," 

Huh. 

Well, alright. Couldn't blame the lil' fella.

Days had passed since the Barber's introduction to the tabby and when there were good days, there were bad ones too. 

Today was no exception. 

Andy didn't even try to hide his frustration towards the end of his shift, which sadly lasted till midnight. He was as gloomy as this particular weekend's weather forecast; a full-on downpour with the chances of a thunderstorm. The only saving grace he had was a message from Jacob telling him to drive safe' in the middle of his drive.

Though, he didn't feel like going home just yet. He felt the need to unwind somewhere else, preferably outdoors. Fortunately, his prayers were answered.

He was driving in complete silence, not bothering to turn the radio on when he spotted a ball of fluff chilling on one of the sidewalk benches. 

Beemo?

He had no idea what compelled him to stop the car by the park entrance. He looked around, making sure nobody was nearby before exiting his vehicle and walk over to the cat in question.

"Hey... you..." He tried not to spook the feline by sitting on the other end of the bench. 

‘This is stupid,’

Talking to an animal but that was likely because he hasn't done that in a long time. He never found the need to, plus, he was never a pet person in general. Well, other than dogs, "Shouldn't you be at home with your master?" 

Beemo tilted his head but never moved from his spot. Andy, too, remained silent, unsure if he should keep talking to somehow ease his mind or leave the cat alone.

He exhaled through his nose and leaned back against the bench. He looked up at the night sky. The dark clouds were accumulating but he could see some stars twinkling ever so often. 

"I hope she's having a good day," He snorted humourlessly, "I sure as hell didn't," 

Paperwork after paperwork was one thing, and then dealing with some people was another. 

Meow.

He jolted at the sudden nudge on his arm, only to relax at vibrations coming from Beemo's purring. He chuckled, allowing the feline to nuzzle into him. 

"You're not a bad company yourself," Upon realizing that someone could've passed by him casually chatting with a cat, he shook his head in disbelief.

‘I’m really losing it today,’

That, or Beemo's big, round eyes were sending him into a trance.

But, a tranquil kind, that is.

"C'mon, let's get you home," He tried to pick the cat up, only to stop in his tracks when Beemo backed away in fear, "Okay, okay, sorry,"

At first, he wasn’t sure how to approach this, not until he remembered that one cat video he accidentally clicked on before watching it till the very end. So, he let Beemo sniff his hand first and just like with Jacob, Beemo immediately melted into his touch, allowing the man to pick him up. 

"Alright, c'mon," He wasn’t going to leave him be, and the cat seemed trained enough not to piss in his car.

But, he knew damn well just needed an excuse to see you.

The idea of marking your students' homework was long abandoned. Instead, you've been pacing back and forth in the living room, considering how Beemo has yet to make his appearance at your doorstep. It didn't help that you've just seen the weather forecast; heavy rain was expected from 2 a.m. onwards and you were this close to searching for him around the perimeter. 

Suddenly, the sound of someone knocking at your front door had you frozen in your spot.

'At this hour?' Your heart was already beating fast at the idea of Beemo out in the rain, so, the thought of literally anyone behind that door didn't help at all. It was only reasonable for you to reach for the baseball bat from under the couch. 

Hey, you were pretty alone in here. 

Beemo couldn't save you.

You tiptoed to the very end of the window closest to the door, moving the curtain just by an inch to take a peek. 

If you weren't close to having a heart attack before, well, you definitely were now.

Why was Andy Barber at your doorstep and why was he holding Beemo?!

You couldn't stop yourself when you choked on your own spit, though you were lucky enough to refrain from coughing loudly. Just then, you looked around for your phone, hoping to at least tidy up your hair or pick off any loose ends of your shirt first. 

"Just a sec!" You called out. Looking presentable as you could, minus the oversized shirt and boy shorts, you threw the phone somewhere on the couch before scrambling to the door.

In midst of it all, you tried to ignore the shameful thoughts nagging at the back of your head; the hopes of Andy checking you out. 

You opened the door slightly, peeking out of the small gap and pretended to look surprised. 

"Andy?" Your attention went from his to the, well, your cat, "Beemo?!" 

Okay, well, maybe you were a little surprised but at this point, you had a feeling that the Wilson's had something to do with this.

"Hey, uh, hope I'm not bothering you or anything," 

Oh, you could never, Mr Barber.

You thought he heard your thoughts, judging by the bewildered look on his face, only to realize that you were still holding the baseball bat.

"Uhh…" You hid the weapon behind your back, "I… don't get late night visits often," 

Your palms were getting sweaty, even more so when he chuckled lowly. 

"A 'Hello Kitty' bat, though?"

"I…" You resorted to looking down, missing the way his eyes darkened when you bit your bottom lip and noticed the sleepwear you were wearing, "I liked it 'cause it was pink…" 

At least he found some entertainment out of your embarrassment but thankfully, he decided to spare you the teasing. 

"Well, speaking of cats," He motioned to Beemo who he held in those muscular arms of his, "Found him on my way home," 

You had placed the bat elsewhere by now before taking Beemo into your arms, who immediately snuggled up in your chest, the shirt you wore was what he most familiar with. 

"Let me guess; Sam told you about him," 

"Close. I was heading home the other way when I saw Jake holding him with AJ and Cass. Told me you were pretty much the owner so…" He trailed off, cocking his head as if to say 'you know what I mean'. 

"The Wilson's," You deadpanned — of course. If it weren't them, then your next guess would've been the Maximoff's, "Y'know he's not my cat, right?" The way Beemo nuzzled against your cheek had you scrunching up your nose.

“I know,” So he’s been told, “Couldn’t just drive past the lil’ guy. You’ve read about the weather soon, right?" 

"I did," You sighed, though, you were glad enough that the thunderstorm wasn't going to hit on a school day, "I can't thank you enough. I don't think I could sleep, knowing he could be out there, all wet and cold," 

"S'not a problem," He pushed down the feeling of pride for a moment, "Though, I'll admit; I was never a cat person," 

"Oh? What changed?" You subconsciously nuzzled against Beemo's soft fur. 

You.

"Jake likes his company," If Andy noticed the subtle disappointment in your face, then he never showed nor mentioned it. 

You could only hope he didn't.

"Well, Beemo has been keeping lonely ol' me company," You weren't a fan of being alone for too long, which is why you were thankful to know people who looked at you more than a teacher.

Yes, including and especially the Wilson's.

"Hey," Your stomach flipped, not only by the softness in his tone but the way he looked at you in general, "Tell me if I'm being inappropriate, you know, between a parent and a teacher and all but, as a friend, I'm all ears," 

You were taken aback by his offer; you may or may not have heard about how intimidating he was in his office. 

'A hard-headed father starting anew in this little neighbourhood with his son', they said. 

Many were curious but none were brave enough to ask. 

Yet, here he was. 

You shouldn't be surprised since the very day you two met, he's been nothing but gentle with you. 

"I couldn't subject you to that," You wanted to decline partially because he likely had more issues to deal with than you, but more that you wouldn't grow too attached to him. 

Then again, maybe it was too late to say no. 

"But, I do appreciate the thought," Being friends was better than nothing, "I can't be spending all my time with just Sam and Sarah, I suppose," 

"Believe me, I can only handle Sam's company so much," Andy groaned before taking something out of his pocket; a card and a pen, "In case you need a call, for whatever reason, you’ll have both my business number and personal number,” 

Andrew Barber

Assistant District Attorney

xxx

You were more drawn to the number he just scribbled below, though.

Hell, you'd be lying if you said you weren't honoured of receiving his personal number, but pushing the giddiness aside, you were also extremely touched. 

"Sooo… I can either call you for a chat or for help if Beemo goes missing?" He snorted — well, anything to help you out, right?

"Definitely. Let's just hope this guy doesn't do that too often before we even talk on the phone," As much as he'd like to stay longer, he wasn't too keen on the idea of someone in the neighbourhood taking this particular scene the wrong way and slander not only his name but yours as well, to the world. That, and you both could hear the thunder roaring.

"You should get going," You urged, "Wouldn't want Jacob in the house alone when the raining comes," 

"Yeah," He was already on the move but not before saying his goodbye, "Take care, alright?"

"I will!" You were very close to bouncing off the walls, "You and Jacob take care as well!" 

He gave you a thumbs-up before rushing to his car. 

As soon as you closed the door, your self-control finally broke. 

"Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh!" You were gushing to no end, not entirely since Beemo was still catching some z’s in your arms. So, you gently placed him on the couch before taking a pillow to scream into.

Not only was your cat-but-not-really safe and sound, but you also had his phone number!

You couldn’t sleep a wink that night, and you didn’t mind it one bit. 

Just like you and Andy, Jacob had earned himself a newfound friendship.

The moment they realized how much they enjoyed each other’s company happened one fine day. Jacob had finished his homework, and as one thing led to another, he started a random video game to kill the time. Just as he was about to, though, he jolted at the silhouette coming from his window.

"Oh shit," He clutched his chest where he felt his heart beating rapidly before taking in the newcomer’s appearance, "Beemo?"

The feline trills at his greeting, pawing the window to be let in.

“I can’t let dad see you, so,” He walked over to his door, closing it before letting the cat roam around his room.

Satisfied, Jacob sat on the floor, resting against the side of the back and waited for the game to load. At first, he had to stop Beemo from licking his hair from time to time. Then, for whatever reason, he just… allowed Beemo to do his thing.

Soon enough, these two were inseparable. Even if Jacob thought he had hidden the feline’s visits well, limiting them to his bedroom, Andy knew better. 

Why else would he have found sachets of cat food in the trash? 

So long he wasn’t making a mess around the house, Andy’s not entirely concerned. 

Plus, it was only fair since Beemo didn’t mind his presence, so that was just a green light to get closer to you.

˚ · . f i n . · ˚

˚ · . taglist: @wanniiieeee​ @whiskeytangofoxtrot555​ @0mrs-evans0​ @sophiaedits​ @innerblizzardbird​ @knifevsstageprop​ @marvelmenwhore​ @nasawho​ @paracosmic-dorothea​ @liecastillo​  ​

» gorgeous rose divider by the amazing @firefly-graphics ♡

[weasleywinchester]

Slow Motion - Ch.4

My World is Standin’ Still

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 5

Who am I updating two fics on the same day?? Hope y’all enjoy this chapter, we get a little serious, a little steamy and a whole lotta cute 💙 enjoy!

Series Summary:

I mean, love at first sight has to exist for some people. Guess you’re one of the lucky ones. Bob had said it so nonchalantly. Like it was a thing that could, did, happen in real life. And yet here he was, Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, falling for you faster than his plane could take off. But even if everything felt slow motion, was it possible the two of you were moving too fast?

Chapter Summary:

First dates: that thing most people fret about so much they get nervous. But for you and Bradley it’s just something that needs to get out of the way. This feeling like you were made to be together only gets stronger by the day, but it seems like the universe needs you to stand still before you can take off.

We have a smut warning for this one 👀 (hand job, both receiving)

A Week Later

Tuesday

“Talk to me Phoenix.” Mav excitedly whispers as he catches Phoenix walking down the hall. He was so excited when Bradley wasted no time in planning the perfect first date. 

“Rooster had to cancel.” She sighs, opening the door and gesturing for Mav to walk ahead.

“What, why?” He turns to face her, walking backwards down the hall.

“We had to do a diagnostic flight. It took way longer than we thought.” She hands her paperwork off to an officer passing by and gestures for Mav to follow.

“How’d she take it?” He gently puts his hands on her shoulders, looking into her eyes for any hidden answers. Phoenix opens her mouth to answer when Bob walks over.

“She’s totally fine. They got another reservation at a different place for tonight. So, fingers crossed.” He nods.

“Rooster was pretty upset. He had the whole thing mapped out. And he apparently pulled every card he could to get the reservation.”

Mav nods in agreement; dinner at a fancy restaurant by the beach, new suite and a giant bouquet of flowers in your favorite color. Rooster had even roped him into helping clean the Bronco spotless so it was a worthy first date car.

“Small hiccup. It’s the first date, they’ll mosty remember the feelings, not necessarily how fancy the place was.” Mav shrugs it off. “It’s not like lightning strikes twice.

_______

Wednesday

“Bob.” Mav shakes the WSO by the shoulders, his grin wide at the excitement of hearing how your date went.

“Red had to cancel this time.” He sighs. “How do you not get this information from them?” He laughs at Mav’s disappointed look.

“Been helping Penny at the bar. Also afraid that if I ask too much I won’t get any of the good details.”

“The entire time Red’s been here she has never been trapped in a meeting!” Phoenix exclaims as she walks up to the pair.

“How did she get stuck in a meeting? She's the queen of leaving on time, no matter what.” Mav asks. Your philosophy is that you’ll work overtime during an audit, a huge deadline on a project and before major holidays, that’s it.

“Admiral’s putting her on the project we were all called in for.” Bob answers. Mav and Phoenix share a knowing look; you’d do anything to work with the group.

“Well, at least they’ll be on the same work schedule.” Mav smiles. “And Bradley didn’t come home last night…”

“And he wasn’t in the barracks.” Phoenix laughs. They are falling so hard for each other.

“They’re trying again tonight.” Bob smiles, showing the text from you.

“They act like their life depends on this date…” Phoenix shakes her head, letting out a small laugh.

“Think they just want the first date jitters to be over.” Mav smiles.

_______

Thursday

“If you feel like you can’t keep a clear head on this mission…”

“Admiral, I’ll be fine. If anything, it'll make me work harder.” You smile, gently thumbing through the files of classified information.

“Admiral Cain should be here on monday. You think you’ll be able to have notes for us by then?” He stops in front of his office door, his face neutral but you can see he needs everything to go as smoothly as possible.

“I’ll start my reading tonight.” Well… maybe tomorrow morning. Actually scratch that, tomorrow evening.

“Excellent. Meeting Friday after lunch, before we bring the rest of the team in.”

Tomorrow morning reading it is then. You give him a nod, which he returns and steps into his office. You quickly return to your desk, cleaning up the mess of papers you left earlier.

“Ready?” Bradley knocks on the wall next to your desk.

“Let me send this email and sign off…” You type as fast as your fat fingers will allow and quickly gather your things.

“Ok. Let’s cross our fingers we make it this time?” You  laugh, holding both sets of crossed fingers up and Bradley does the same. 

“Made the reservation for much later this time. We got this Red.” He reassures you, both of you breaking into a smile and taking each other’s hand as you quickly bolt to your cars. The drive seems faster than the last three days, whether that be from the speed you both drove or the lighter traffic… who knows.

“Ooo! I almost forgot.” You shout as both of you get out of your cars. You grab a box off the workbench and hand it to him. The butterflies in your stomach flutter as he carefully slides the lid off.

He smiles down at the garage remote nestled in the box with a note: Left side reserved for Captain America.

“I know we’ve just started dating, but considering we’ve been living at work I thought this would be easier for you to just park the Bronco in the garage. No need to worry about street cleaning or trash day.” You shrug. You don’t want it to feel like it’s a big deal, because it honestly feels totally normal, like when you gave Mav a house key.

“Wow...” He smiles at the remote, gently taking it out. He clicks the button and the garage door starts sliding shut. “No house key?” He shoots a grin at you.

“How about we go on a date first?” You wrap your arms around his middle, tilting your  face toward him.

“That’s fair.” He chuckles, pressing his lips to yours.

“Get dressed… very quickly.” You giggle as you pull away; he hums in agreement, keeping his arms firmly around you as you unlock the door to the house and shuffle the two of you inside. You run to your bedroom and Bradley runs to the guest room. You told him to just leave his stuff here since you weren’t sure when this date would actually happen. And since you both had to be at work at the same time this week, he might as well just stay here. Unfortunately you both have just ended up falling asleep on the couch instead of making it anywhere near a bed. Date, focus on the date first (Y/N). You shake off all the negative energy from the week and walk out into the living room.

“What do you think?” You twirl so he can see a 360 view. You’d had this dress sitting in your closet begging to be worn for something fancy (which you hardly ever did anything fancy), but it makes you feel perfect and judging by the way Bradley is looking at you, it was very much true.

“Babe you look-“ you both frown as his cell starts blaring. He glances down at it and sighs.

“Admiral.” He says curtly into the phone. He gives a few small nods before his eyes shift to you. “Yes sir. Right away.” He hangs up and walks over to you.

“Beautiful.” He finishes his original sentence, gently putting his hands on either side of your neck and pulling you into a kiss..

“You have to go to work?“ You mumble as your phone starts ringing and you quickly answer.

“Admiral.” You nod just the same as Bradley. When you hang up you give him a sad frown.

“Looks like we both get to go back to work, again.” You place your hands on his chest and sigh.

“Can I hitch a ride?” He chuckles, placing a kiss on your temple. “The Bronco looks too nice in its new spot to move it.”

“Ya. And we better change.” You grab him by the lapels of his jacket and press your lips to his for a few seconds before playfully pushing him off. 

“Wasn’t expecting your lipstick to taste so good Red.” He chuckles, his lips chasing after yours. 

“Get dressed Bradshaw.” You push him towards the guest room as you head back to yours.

______

“We’re late.” Your curse under your breath as you both walk through the door to find everyone there. Rooster can feel everyone’s eyes looking both of you up and down.

“Did we interrupt something?” Admiral Simpson asks, eyeing your hair and makeup.

“Yes, but-” you habitually say, instantly regretting it.

“No Sir.” Rooster says a little louder than you.

“No sir.” You correct, giving the admiral an apologetic nod; you and he have had a good back and forth banter, but sometimes you forget he’s your boss and an admiral .

“Sorry for the inconvenience. Wouldn’t call if it wasn’t important.” He says quietly to you.

“I know sir. Just frustrated with timing.” You nod, hoping he understands you’re ready to work.

“Everyone, this is Admiral Cain.” He gestures to the man Hangman was chatting with. All of you nod, and turn back to Simpson.

“The Admiral comes with an updated brief on our current mission. As you are all well aware, you have all been asked here because of your exceptional skills, both as individuals and as a team. Admiral Cain, we're glad you can finally join us in person and earlier than we expected.”

“Thank you Admiral Simpson.” He nods and everyone takes a seat. He begins his slide show, talking through each point on what naval intelligence has gathered.

Out of the corner of his eye Rooster sees Admiral Simpson hand you a packet. Your pen instantly starts moving as you furiously scribble notes. He looks up and catches Bob’s eye, both puzzled by the amount of scribbling you’re doing in a simple debrief.

“And that is our plan of attack. We have two months or less to prepare. We will assume less.” He nods.

The pilots all share a look, it was one thing when Maverick gave an impossible plan, but this seemed a bit out of reach, even by his standards.

“Miss (Y/L/N), thoughts?” Admiral Simpson asks.

“Permission to speak freely?” You ask Simpson, eyes shifting to Cain.

“Permission granted.” Simpson answers.

“It would be a good last resort plan.” You sigh, flipping through your packet, searching once more to see if you misunderstood something.

“It will complete the mission in the timeline we need it to.” Cain strongly states, irritation clear in his voice. Everyone can tell he’s wondering who the fuck you are to question him.

“Yes, I agree.” You state, Simpson opens his mouth to interject, but you shoot him a look. “The current plan puts the plane in a difficult position, banking on the fact that the pilots in this room won’t accidentally put the nose into the ground while inverted.” You hold your hand out for the presentation remote, which Cain begrudgingly gives you. You quickly flip back to the defense system layout, rolling the screen up so you can draw on the whiteboard behind it.

 “If there’s a S.A.M. here on this ridge, then they’ll probably be one here too.” Your marker squeaks in the silence as everyone closely pays attention. “That means your first plane will be easily struck down. And depending on how close and fast the second one is coming behind, it may result in losing the second one.” You turn to Cain waiting for his retort.

“Who are you exactly?” He asks, coming to stand a foot in front of you so he can peer down at you.

“This is Miss (Y/Full/N). She’s been working here as a flight risk analyst for a few months.” Admiral Simpson answers, giving you a silent warning about staying in line.

“Civilian. You think you know combat missions better than the people in this room?”

“No sir. That’s why my opinion has been asked for. I point out things most military personnel overlook.”

“Sometimes soldiers are lost in the line of duty; a concept you should get used to if you plan on continuing to work for the Navy.”

“Sending your soldiers into battle and expecting to lose half of them is not something I will ever be ok with.” You point the edge of your packet into his chest. “You and I, Admiral, we are the ones who die trying to get these soldiers to hit their target and come home.” 

After a moment of staring you dead in the eye he gives a small nod.

“Then what do you suggest?”

“Bring Maverick in. He’s done the impossible over and over. If that plane is going to be inverted for that long, it’s going to have to be a little farther off the ground.” You sigh, looking at the white board. “Like I said, this is a good last resort. But we’re the fucking United States Navy, we will do better.”

“Very well.” Cain concedes, giving you a look of understanding.

“We will reconvene tomorrow at 0900. Get some rest everyone.” Simpson announces, showing Cain out the door. When it clicks shut you can hear someone’s chair roll and spring up as they stand.

“Damn Red, didn’t know you had it in you.” Hangman applauds, gently squeezing you to his side.

“Only for you guys.” You sigh, letting all the tension flow out of your body as you squeeze him back. 

“Or maybe when the Navy keeps screwing with your plans.” He chuckles loud enough for only you to hear. You roll your eyes at him, a smile playing on your lips as you gently shove him away. Rooster walks over and they share a nod before Hangman walks out with everyone else.

“If we hurry we might be able to change and make it to the restaurant.” He whispers. The smile is quickly back on your face as he takes your hand and guides you back to the car.

_______

“Hi, ugh, reservation is under Bradshaw.” Bradley breaths out. His lungs are on fire, but anything to make this date happen, especially after the way you stood up to Admiral Cain.

“Oh, looks like your reservation was for an hour ago…” the hostess sighs. Bradley tries to convince her to let you in, explains that you both got called to work.

Your phone buzzes and you see Bob sent a few texts.

Have fun!! Not too much fun though 😉

You roll your eyes and text him back that it looks like another day will go by without the official first date.

“No worries, we understand.” Bradley tells the hostess, backing away from the counter.

“We’ll try again tomorrow.” You smile at him, lacing your fingers in his.

“I got to see you in that dress twice in one day.” He grumbles into your ear, kissing you on the cheek. Both your phones buzz, Bradley glances to see a text from Phoenix:

Meet us at the Hard Deck?

He turns to you as you turn to him.

“Hard Deck?” You ask in unison. You both laugh, making your way to the car.

_______

“Penny, can we ask you a favor?” Phoenix asks over the noise of the crowd.

“Sure. What’s up?” She looks between Phoenix and Bob.

“Rooster and Red’s date got postponed again. And the restaurant gave away their spot because they didn’t show.” Bob tells her.

“We were wondering if you could help us set up something for them right now?” Phoenix pleads.

“Now?” Penny gasps, shaking her head as she tries to figure out something.

“What about now?” Hangman squeezes between his friends, curious about what’s happening.

“Trying to do something nice.” Phoenix raises an eyebrow at him.

“Care to elaborate Bob?” Hangman’s eyes shift to him.

“Rooster and Red’s date has been canceled every day this week. We wanted to see if we could do something tonight.” He answers, ignoring Phoenix’s glare.

“Tell me what you need me to do.” He grins.

_______

“We can count this as a first date…” you suggest as Bradley opens your car door.

“If we’re going by that standard then it would be our second date.” He counters, throwing his arm around your shoulder, happy when yours wraps around his waist. “The bonfire would have been the first.”

“That means I could give you a key…” you tease. He wraps his other arm around you, giving you a squeeze as he gently shakes you around until you squeal for him to stop.

“Messed up my hair Bradshaw.” You fake pout.

“Good thing you look so beautiful all the time anyways.” He smiles back. The two of you step around the corner and Bob is waiting out front.

“Hey Bobby.” You smile.

“Sorry to hear about the restaurant.” He takes your free hand in his giving it a squeeze.

“No worries. Tomorrow’s a new day and another chance.”

“Well… maybe you don’t have to wait until tomorrow.” He smiles, gently dragging you to the side of the Hard Deck.

“Where’re we goin Bob?” Bradley chuckles. But Bob doesn’t elaborate, just leads you to a little blocked off section of the outside deck. He swings one of the room dividers out of the way to reveal a little table set for two. There’s some fairy lights strung from the dividers, creating a beautiful ambient glow.

“A table for two, at the best restaurant we know.” Bob gestures for the two of you to take a seat.

“How? When?” You giggle as Bradley helps you sit.

“When the Navy is sent on a mission, we make sure it gets done.” Phoenix answers, setting a basket of bread on the table.

“ And we can’t let the only love at first sight any of us have witnessed die down because of a little thing like a government mission.” Hangman adds, handing you both a glass of whiskey. You and Bradley look at each other and then back at your friends. How are we this lucky?

“Penny will be out with food in a minute, but we will make our exit.” Hangman grabs both Phoenix and Bob by the backs of their necks and leads them back into the bar.

“I know work has gotten in the way of everything this week…” Bradley shakes his head.

“But we also have to thank work for giving us the best friends we could hope for?” You finish.

“To family.” Bradley raises his glass.

“Both the ones related by blood, and the ones we choose.” You clink your glass to his. Penny comes out moments later with your usual order, shooting you a wink as she leaves. It may not have been the date Bradley had planned but you both quickly realized it was perfect. The stars will twinkling above, the waves of the ocean lapping at the shoreline and the bar unusually quiet for so late in the evening.

When you both were done Penny and Hangman shooed both of you away, telling you to not worry about a thing and go home. You both give them each a hug, waving to Bob and Phoenix who step outside as you walk back to your car.

“Think my car’s a bit easier to be romantic in.” Bradley chuckles, leaning across your center console to kiss you.

“I agree. Your seats are much more makeout friendly.” You mumble against his lips. Your mouths move lazily against each other until you can feel yourself falling asleep.

“Let’s get home before I knock out.” You whisper, giving him one last peck before starting the car and driving home.

When you open the garage door Bradley smiles at the sight of his bronco sitting in its new home. You both are quiet, trying to keep the dred of waking up early off as you enjoy the last bits of bliss.

“Goodnight baby.” Bradley mumbles as you stand in front of the guest bedroom.

“Goodnight.” You smile, wrapping your arms around his neck and pulling him close. Your mouths collide, moving slowly at first; his hands slowly moving away from your waist until each has a handful of your ass. He hums in delight at how soft and squishy it is, he can only imagine what it would feel like without your dress in the way. He slides his tongue into your mouth as he presses you into the wall, hiking one of your legs up onto his hip.

“Bradley.” You halfheartedly push him away. You don’t want him to stop, but you’re dead tired and the stress of tomorrow is already creeping in the back of your mind.

“Bit carried away. We’ll save that for later.” He grins, pressing one more kiss to your mouth before unwrapping himself from you.

“Goodnight.” You whisper, a dazed smile on your lips.

“‘Night Red.” He winks, walking into the guest bedroom. He listens to you pad down the hall, waiting until he hears the shower start before he moves to do the same. He sadly washes the smell of your perfume off and gets ready for bed. As he sets his alarm a soft knock comes from the door. He opens it to see you leaning against the doorway with a sleepy smile.

“You know, I barely make my own bed; and my guest room has looked so nice and clean for only a few months…”

“I can assure you I can make a bed.” He scoffs playfully, leaning against the wall so your faces are close to each other.

“I don’t doubt it.” You gently take a handful of his shirt. “But we can’t cuddle if you’re here and I’m all the way down the hall...”

“And we can’t have that.” He smiles, letting you drag him into your room. You both jump into bed, checking that alarms are set for the morning before settling under the covers.

“Come ‘ere” he whispers, patting the space next to him. You lay your head on his chest, pushing your body flush against his side. You both lay in silence, the gentle whir of the ac mixes with the muffled sound of the ocean and you can’t help but think this is perfect. Dinner was perfect, Bradley is perfect and him next to you is perfect. You can feel his breathing even out, the arm around you falling to the bed. 

“We can’t let the only love at first sight any of us have witnessed…” Hangman’s words ring in your ears. Love at first sight. It’s right here that you decide to stop wondering why it’s happening to you and to just let it sweep you off your feet. 

“I love you Bradley.” You whisper to the dark. You love him. Simple in theory, and impossible to explain.

“I love you too (Y/N).” He whispers back. You sit up so you can look at his face, well try to look at his face anyways.

“You don’t have- I don’t want to freak you out.” You can feel the panic start to rise in your chest.

“I’m not, I promise.” His hand gently cups your cheek, bringing your face to his as he sits up to meet you halfway. It’s a gentle kiss, warm and fuzzy and full of love.

______

One alarm blaring is bad enough, but two scares the daylights out of you.

“Take it easy baby.” Bradley chuckles as he quickly taps his off.

“Why is yours so loud?” You playfully whine as you shut yours off.

“Sometimes I’m dead asleep so i don't hear it. But I set it early, so we don't have to get up quite yet.” He pulls you to his chest, pressing himself flush against you.

“Dreaming about me last night.” You tease, wiggling your ass against his morning wood.

“Been dreaming about you since that night at the bar.” He mumbles into your neck, placing a string kisses down it as his hand slides under your shirt to play with your boob. He gently kneads it, pinching your nipple until it’s hardened.

“Well, that’s flattering Lieutenant.” You giggle.

“You tellin me if I reach into your underwear right now, you’re not dripping for me?” His fingers softly brush against your side, palm settling against your hip, scrunching your shorts higher and higher until his fingers reach the hem of your underwear.

“Bradley, please.” You whisper, hooking one leg over his so you’re spread open for him. His hand moves your underwear aside, cupping your mound, gently teasing the curls before running one finger through your folds.

“Fuck…” he breathes out, hips automatically bucking into your ass. His fingers start gently rubbing your bud, trying a few different things.

“Like this.” You take his hand and guide his finger around just the way you like it. Your back arches in anticipation, fingers reaching for his hair. He gently rocks against your ass, loving the way you're wrapped around him.

“Faster.” You whisper. He’s not sure if you mean his fingers or his hips so he does both, which by the moan that pushes past your lips he knows was correct. 

Your body jolts as your orgasm hits, the warmth spreading through you like hot tea on a cold winter's day. He slows his hand as he feels you relax. “Bradley…” you croak. 

“Mmhmm?” He hums against your shoulder.

“You gotta finish too.” You smile, grinding into him.

“No, I’ll be fine.” He whispers. You can tell he’s practically willing his body not to push himself over the edge, but you won’t stand for it.

“Bradley, if you don’t cum like this, I’m going to turn around and stick my hand in your pants.” You feel his smile against your shoulder but he doesn’t say anything. You roll your eyes, unhooking your leg and trapping his hand between your thighs as you flip to face him. “Or is that what you want? To cum in my hand.” You tease. He gives a nervous chuckle as your hand slides down his toned stomach to his very pronounced erection.

“What was your dream?” You whisper into the shell of his ear, your hand slowly working up and down his length. “I want to know.” You hum, kissing his neck. 

“Thought about what it would feel like to be inside y-you.” He groans as your hand picks up speed. “How pretty you’d be when I make you-“ his hips jerk into your hand and you feel the stickiness of his cum cover your palm. “-cum.” He sighs, pressing his mouth to yours. You hear his second alarm go off and unattach your lips.

“Maybe we can find out later?” You smile. He eagerly nods as the two of you get out of bed to get ready for work.

_______

Tag list:

@dilfsandtherapy

@kajjaka

@scott-mccall-could-lift-mjolnir

[magalidragon]

summer joys | a Jonerys drabble

Hey look another drabble, lol. I promise I am working on WW, I can’t write the smut when parents are visiting that’s all, so it’s a little slow. Enjoy this drabble! Also I’m using the beautiful sunshine moodboard from @youwerenevermine 🥰😘

Jon Snow hated his fucking life.

He was currently in the tiny, leaking, overly humid bathroom in the back of the surf shop, scrubbing his skin raw after an absolute shithead of a teenager named Joffrey had thrown up on him post-riptide rescue.

And the fucker’s mother had the gall to say she might sue him because her precious baby was coughing up seawater after almost drowning in the Summer Sea. And he’d saved the little shit.

He needed a new job.

This whole part-time beach lifeguard, part-time surf shop, part-time waiter, part-time valet was a full-time shitshow.

Unfortunately his evil aunt decided he didn’t get any of his uncle’s and adoptive father’s estate for college money so here he was saving every penny in the summer instead of actually enjoying it like everyone around him.

He finished removing the last layer of his skin and stepped out, right into his cousin. “You look like death,” she announced. “Take off the rest of shift.”

“I can’t I told your boyfriend I’d cover for him.” He made a face. “Maybe so you two can go fuck off.”

Arya stuck out her tongue. “Fuck you, by the way noise canceling headphones tonight.”

He gagged, pushing by her and up to the counter, the shop blessedly empty. He took a swig of water from

his bottle, leaning down to tuck it under the counter when he heard a soft, accented voice call out.

“Excuse me?”

Jerking up, he didn’t realize how low he actually had been or how deep he was under the counter, because when he stood so fast, the back of his head cracked loudly under the countertop, sending a shot of pain right down his neck.

“Fuck!” he cursed, rubbing the offended spot, blinking away stars.

The woman who had startled him gasped, hands to her mouth. “Oh! I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to frighten you!”

He smiled weakly. “No problem.” And he got a good look at why his brain and decided to play off a concussion instead of get pissed. It was because the woman in front of him was a legitimate mermaid.

Her silver hair was bound in a messy series of braids, in a coil tossed over her shoulder, a pair of sunglasses perched on her head. Lavender eyes peered at him, concerned, her elven features creased in concern. She wore a bikini top that shimmered like it was scales, purple and teal and gold. A pair of cutoff shorts and sandy bare feet completed the picture. She was tiny, but there were decent muscles on her little frame.

He swallowed hard. “Uh…I’m fine, sorry about that…how can I help you?”

She gestured to some of the surfboard wax that was sitting behind him on the back counter. "I was wondering if I could borrow some of that for my board?"

"Oh, sure...um, we can do that free." He didn't think they did, but he also didn't care. At this point if they wanted to fire him, go for it. He walked around the counter, swiping the wax, and gestured towards the sawhorses set up outside. "Just here."

"Thanks, appreciate it." She darted out and around the corner, returning with a board that he envied; it was gorgeous, black and red with dragons painted up it. She easily maneuvered the board onto the sawhorses and stepped backwards. "I can do it if you want."

"No problem."

"You seemed busy, I saw you with that kid."

He smiled sheepishly. "Just doing my job."

The woman grinned, her eyes sparkling in the sunlight. "Saving someone's life in the sea and then hvaing his mother scream at you? That's a bit mroe than just doing your job. That's patience."

"I try."

"You know I also saw you at the Salt Shack." She pursed her lips, fighting another smile. She crossed her arms over her chest; he tried to avoid looking, but it was very quick, he would swear on it, before forcing himself to focus on the board. "You were bartending."

"Um, aye, I bartend too."

"So you're a lifeguard..." She began to tick off her fingers. "A bartender, work the surf shop...anything else?"

Jon glanced up, moving from one end of the board towards the other as he rubbed the wax on it. "Uh...I park cars too at the resort. Tuesday and Thursday mornings." He wasn't sure why she was sticking around; he could wax the board and get it back to her faster, but she was standing pretty close now and wasn't really moving, so he had to edge around her to keep waxing the baord.

"Quite busy. Do you have any time for yourself?"

"Some mornings I get out to surf."

Her eyes lit up. "You do? Where?"

"Um..." He bit hs lower lip, narrowing his gaze on her. He pointed the wax cloth towards her. "Yo uknow a surfer doesn't give up the best spots."

The woman laughed; yes, she was definitely a mermaid. It was bubbly, genuine. Definitely not flirting with him. If she were flirting, it would be fake. That's what he'd experienced. "I've been coming to Sunspear my entire life, try me."

He tossed some hair out of his eyes, which had come undone from the messy knot. "Serpent's Cove."

Her lips twitched. "You're the one," she said softly.

He cocked his head. "HUh?" Now he was really confused.

She moved her arms, sticking her thumbs in her back short pockets. Her muscles flexed, abs tight. "You're the one," she repeated. "The one on the white board, with the red eyes. You're always leaving when I'm coming." She arched her brows, leaning towards him, voice soft. "Maybe you should stick around while I'm coming next time."

His face flushed red at the double entendre. Maybe he was reading too much into this. "Uh...I don't..." he stammered.

"Relax," she chuckled. "I won't steal all the good waves." She nodded towards her board. "You keep working that wood, I'll get us some drinks."

Jon almost fainted. He froze, unsure what was happening, and watched her saunter off. He swallowed the dry patch in his throat and turned around, seeing Arya staring at him, her mouth on the ground. "What?” he croaked.

Arya grabbed the nearest item-- a sunscreen bottle-- tossing it at him. "You idiot! She was flirting it up good with you and you didn't even notice! What is wrong with you!? Has all that sun burned up your brain?"

Quite possibly, yes. "I noticed," he mumbled, although to be fair he really wasn't sure. His back stiffened and he bit out, "She was just being nice, so I could wax her board free."

"Whatever Jon. Too much work, not enough play, makes you boring, boring, boring."

But he liked being boring. Boring meant he could work, work, work and shove all that money away so he could pay for school. Living on the beach all summer wasn't his vacation time. He made a face at Arya, who sauntered away, and he returned to waxing the board. He finished before she got back and so he also inspected it for any cracks, spotting one on the end that he decided he'd seal for free too.

He was in the process of doing so when the woman returned, holding two fruity drinks and plastic shopping bag over her wrist, the smell of the beach fries from Davos's filling his nostrils. "I got some snacks," she announced and handed him the drink, her fingers brushing against his. Another smile came his way. "I see you're fixing the baord too. Thank you."

"You won't be able to use it for a few hours while it dries."

"No problem," she chirped, hopping easily onto the counter and opening up the fries. She chomped on a few and smiled around them. "My name is Dany, by the way."

"Uh...Jon. I'm Jon."

"I know, I heard your sister say so."

"Cousin," he mumbled, not that it mattered. He reached under the counter for his wallet, hidden in the back. "What do I owe you..."

"No charge, consider it payment for waxing and resealing the board." She tossed her braid over her shoulder and cocked her head. "So are you sure you don't get time off during summer? If you're at Serpent's Cove in the morning, we can meet there. You can show me your moves." She popped another fry into her mouth and wiggled her brows. "Or maybe we can go together."

Flirting, he thought. That's what this was. He really, truly fucking sucked. And gods did he hate his life if he still hadn't figured this out and he was already twenty-three. He bit his bottom lip hard, drawing blood and nodded. Just do it. “We can go together."

"After dinner."

"Dinner?"

"Sure, we'll get dinner and then tomorrow morning we'll go together to surf." Dany jumped down from the counter and took his hand, reaching for a pen on the counter and scribbled her number on his inner arm. She patted it and smiled up. "My number. If you're working tonight, I'll see you there. You can get me a drink."

The boss moves on this girl, he thought, staring dumbly. He swallowed hard again, drawing up on all his confidence-- sometimes he really didn't have much and definitely getting barfed on today drained that well already-- to put his hands on his hips and say: "I'm not working tonight, so I'll take you to dinner."

A smile flirted on her lips. "How about you come to my place? I'll make dinner."

He smiled; she was actually making this seem easier. "Oh?"

"Oh. It will be quite easy, you see, because well..." She took his arm again and wrote out her address. She picked up her board and winked at him. "See you there."

Jon gaped at the address-- it was right on Serpent's Cove. He'd been surfing in her backyard and didn't even know it, this entire time. He gazed over his shoulder at her back, just in time to see her throw a wide grin over her shoulder and wave, before running towards the ocean, kicking up sand and shining like a silver light, the sunshine bouncing off her at every angle.

That evening, with dinner abandoned in the bungalow behind them, and Dany humming contentedly in his arms as he kissed down her neck, the two of them twisted around each other on a sandy blanket near the shore, a glorious sunset somewhere in the distance, Jon decided he actually didn’t hate his life at all.