#and our other car is a normal minivan

[skyward-floored]

Okay I may be totally dreading the upkeep and everything that goes into have a car but also I cannot get that thing soon enough

[t4tstarvingdog]

had the craziest nightmare today. hit every nightmare genre and added a new one just for me

[nervoussagittarius]

which triplet is most likely to ft. matts girlfriend y/n!

matt sturniolo x reader

summary: matt invites his girlfriend to a car video with nostalgic vibes

warnings: none :)

you were sitting in the passenger seat of the minivan, you're normal spot when you were driving with the triplets. this time though, a camera sat in front of you on the dash of their car.

being home with the boys in boston was still something you were getting used to. your boyfriend matt had spent a big part of the day taking you around all the iconic spots in the city. the boys had asked you earlier in the if you wanted to participate in a video. you, of course, said yes.

your relationship was no secret to the world. you guys have been together for a couple years, and you had been featured in many og videos.

"gotta turn the world into a dance floor" chris sang, as matt got into the car. he pointed at you to finish the lyric

with a roll of your eyes, "determinate d-determinate" you sang back.

matt and nick looked at the both of you. one in anticipation of you guys to keep singing, and the other in anticipation of starting the video.

nick cut all of you off quickly to intro the video. "hey guys! welcome back to the fridays video"

"today we have a very special guest, drumroll please, my girlfriend y/n" matt said as he looked at you with a stupid smile on his face.

"hi guys! im back" you replied looking at the camera.

chris started from the backseat, "if you're new here, y/n has been in a bunch of our old videos, and were bringing her back to see her take on 'who's most likely to'"

"we've done this before but we figured y/n could give you guys an outside perspective” matt said as he looked at the camera.

“i’m giving y’all the dirt. we’re getting deep… i- okay” the boys laughed at you while nick pulled up the first question.

“okay, which triplet is most likely to get mad at another for chewing to loud?” nick asked as you immediately looked between the camera and matt.

“we already know the answer because the viewers have seen this happen multiple times”

“yeah, i have to say it’s matt. i’m so sorry for coming at you first honey” you said in between giggles as matt rolled his eyes.

“i disagree. i don’t think i’m most likely to do that”

“matt! we’ve witnessed it bro. you can’t say it’s not you when it is. either way it’s a who’s most likely to question not who’s actually doing it! but you’re actually doing it. good god” nick exclaimed.

the car was packed with laughter as nick went in his tangent. you all calmed down as nick asked the next question.

“who’s most likely to not be able to sleep alone”

“all of you.”

“what!?” “no way!” “that’s not even true”

“no it’s so true” you responded to there complaints. “let me explain. nick is probably the least likely. he’s okay sleeping alone i just feel like people come to him the most to sleep with him so he’s used to sleeping with other people.”

“that’s very true. people are always in my bed” nick said giving the camera a little wink.

“matt and chris need to have someone with them at all times. chris can’t sleep in the same place for more then a night. he’s always sleeping everywhere but his own bed. and matt texts me at least once a week that i need to come over and sleep in his bed with him because he can’t fall asleep.”

“let me just clarify,” matt started, “i can sleep alone. i would rather have my girlfriend with me though. and that’s okay. that’s fine”

“yeah and i just don’t like being alone.” chris defended.

a few more questions were answered before you guys decided to call it quits for the night.

matt grabbed the camera off the dash pointing it at you. you smiled and put up a peace sign.

“look at how cute she is” matt said as he put his hand on your cheek.

“alright matt, end the video”

matt screamed in the camera quickly ending the video.

comments:

i can’t get over how beautiful matt and y/n are together

i need someone to look at me the way matt looks at y/n

i love nostalgic boston videos

petition to bring y/n back on the channel more.

an: this kinda sucks because half of it was deleted when i tried to save it to my drafts and i don’t really like it but y’all wanted a matt fic. first part of the matt series will hopefully be up soon🤍

[nice-meanie]

Lucifer Morningstar helping overworked s/o

A/N: I haven’t written in a while so im trying to get back into it again. Don’t be scared to shoot over a request - especially not for our fav short king

1.2k - Lucifer Morningstar x reader (Hazbin Hotel)

Warnings: fluff, very sweet, already established relationship

Overworked s/o gets some comfort and love from our all-time favourite Lucifer.

You walked to the hotel door with a painful ache in your neck. All the sitting around, reading documents and arguing with some wanna-be rich people about car prices made your neck and shoulders sore. With slumped shoulders and an annoyed look, you stumble into the newly rebuilt hotel. Greeting you with a beaming smile, Charlie hopped over to you:

“Hey y/n, are you ready for a team-building exercise of trust and friendship? Now that you are finished with work, you can join us!!!”

“Sorry, not today Char Char. It was an exhausting day at work”

Normally you loved helping out Charlie in the hotel and talking to the others, but today you just wanted to go die for the secound time on the couch. You shot a quick smile and waved at Lucifer, who smiled back with slight pity noticing your tired deminer.

You walked up the neverending set of stairs, which seemed to just get longer and longer. After finally reaching your and Lucifer’s bedroom you fumbled with your keys in your pocket and opened the door. You walked to the bedroom and clumsily opened the door. Seeing the sweat relief of the king-sized bed, you flopped your tired body on it and let out an aching moan. You looked around the room, letting your eyes glide over the hotel room, which was more like a small one-bedroom apartment. It seemed like the concept of time had disappeared. Everything began to feel like a blur and your brain got foggy from the exhaustion. Minutes felt like hours in your trance-like state, when you heard a small klick coming from the door. You couldn’t be bothered to pick up your head let alone your body, so you just slowly rolled your eyes in the direction of the sound waiting for the bedroom door to be opened. You thought it was someone who came to check up on you or even worse, ask you for a favour so you presumptuously let out an annoyed huff. What you didn’t expect was to see Lucifer at the foot of the door, opening it slowly and carefully as if not to wake up a newborn baby. Seeing your lovely partner made your heart flutter and a barely visible smile crept up on your face despite your crushed state.

Seeing hell’s King sneak around your bedroom to not wake you if you were asleep had something heartwarming about it. This gave you enough strength to barely pull yourself from your lying position into a sitting one, letting one of your legs dangle off of the edge of the bed while the other was resting on the bed folded near your body. A silent “oh shit” echoed through the room as your boyfriend walked up to you and sat next to you on the bed.

“I’m sorry honey. Did I wake you?”

“No, no, not at all. I was just… resting on the bed”

“You look beaten, are you alright? You need to start watching out for yourself more. I mean, no one should be this tired. What if someone attacked you and you were too overworked to fight back?!”

You chuckled at your worried man and let your head fall on the shoulder pad of his pearl-white suit. He tensed up from the sudden touch but quickly relaxed. His hand found their way to your hair stroking your head gently. He carefully lifted your head to remove his jacket and hat and threw them on the bed to make his shoulder more comfortable to lie on.

“It was a loooooong day. First, some overlord was pissy that the price of a car he wanted to buy went up and wanted to bargain it down. As if that wasn’t bad enough some imp came to argue that his insurance won’t cover the car damages after he tried to transport two horses and a hellhound in his minivan. He just wouldn’t understand how the insurance couldn’t cover the damages his fiasco made on the car!”

“I don’t understand why you keep doing this to yourself y/n! I mean you come home being tired to death after your job. Why don’t you just stay and work in the hotel? We’ve got plenty to get done so you won’t be out of work!”

“Luci, I can’t. I know my job has some downsides, but I’ve always loved cars. They are the only good memories I have left from Earth. I’m fine”

You said the last sentence through your teeth. You knew you weren’t fine and so did Lucifer, but you still tried to reassure him. He sighed and decided to let this argument go. He was worried sick from you working yourself to the bone and wanted to take your pain away, but he also knew that you were stubborn and wouldn’t listen to him. So he decided to take care of you once again. His hand crept up to your cheek replacing it with his shoulder and carefully slid behind you on the bed. You melted into his touch, savouring every last drop of love and affection he gave you. You moaned from dissatisfaction when the support of his shoulder was gone, but were nicely surprised by his hands gliding to your neck and shoulders and massaging them. You hummed at the release of tension in your muscles and let your head fall backwards with shut eyes. Lucifer couldn’t help but kiss your forehead gently flashing a smile at your satisfied face. Your eyes fluttered open and he let his hands slide lower across your whole back running circles. His fingertips and nails tickled your back. The painful fog in your brain started to lift and be replaced with gentle love. While savouring hell’s boss’ touch he snaked his hands behind your neck and legs picking you up effortlessly startling you. Your hands clutched onto his chest. It is still surprising how easily he can pick you up despite you being taller.

Carefully he walked over into the other room while you let your head rest on his body trying to get as close to him as possible as if you were afraid to lose him. While setting you down on the couch you cluched his arms almost anxiously.

“Hey, it’s ok. I’m still here. I’m not going anywhere.”

You loosened your grip and sat up letting him slip behind you on the backrest of the couch. Lucifer kissed the top of your head letting you fall in his touch once more and resting your body between his legs. His hands slipped into your hair once more scratching your scalp softly and peppering your head with soft kisses. Taking care of you. Slowly you felt the stress of the day lifting. His hand slid over to your chin and pulled your face up. His back bent down and he planted a soft kiss on your lips. You let yourself get lost in the kiss and reached up to his head placing your hands on the side of his head pulling Lucifer deeper into the kiss. His golden hair tickled the tips of your fingers making you smile into the kiss. After pulling away your boyfriend gave you a gentle look and kissed your nose making you giggle softly.

“I love you y/n”

“I love you too Lucifer”

[kdogreads]

Waiting in line to pick up my nephew from pre-school and thinking about picking up the kids from school with Carmy

We exist in the amazing @thebearer ‘s universe ok ���🫶

—

He is usually at work so you pick up the girls by yourself. It’s no big deal, of course, but their first question is always, “Is daddy home yet?”

You try to let them down easily everyday with a gentle, “No, but he will be soon,” and a promise to stop at Starbucks on the way home.

Today was a special day, though. It’s the day before Halloween, the crisp fall air swirls around your mom SUV (You told Carmen absolutely not to a minivan) when you pull into the pick up line and roll the windows down. And Carm had somehow managed to take the afternoon off.

The girls were so excited to wear their costumes to school this morning. Teddy dressed up as a magical-fairy-princess-slash-mini-Michael-Myers and Willow is a chef, just like her Daddy.

It was only a few minutes of chatting with Carm about the restaurant and what you needed from the grocery this weekend before the school bell rang, signaling the girls would be running out any minute. Carmen ducked down in the driver’s seat as much as he could while you got out of the car like normal.

Both girls came running towards you with some kind of Halloween craft and a small bag of candy, already squealing and excitedly regaling their spooky party and what all of their friends wore.

“Okay, okay! Let’s get home so we can make dinner for Daddy,” You prompted hoping they would start climbing into the car.

Both girls popped open their doors and slung their backpacks in. You had to look away to hide your smirk as the big reveal was about to happen.

“Katie had on the biggest princess dress I’ve ever seen, Mama, and James was a Power Ranger and— Daddy?” Teddy squealed with joy and caught Willow’s attention who also started giggling uncontrollably.

“Hi my babies! How was sch—uugh,” Carmen started but was met with an elbow to the ribs as the girls started climbing over each other to get in the front seat and hug him first.

A chorus of giggles and kisses filled the air and your heart. You ducked your head a bit in embarrassment when someone’s knee bumped into the car’s horn, but the smiles in the cars nearest to you melted away your worries. It seems the parents and teachers nearby thought the sweet reunion was just as precious as you did.

“Mama! Did you know Daddy was in here?” Willow questions you with a hand on her hip. Boy were you in trouble when she got a little older and a little sassier.

“Alright, alright, girls. Get in your seats, yeah? We have a surprise for you at home,” Carmen finally put an end to the adorable cuddle puddle happening in front of you.

“A surprise?” Both girls squealed as they climbed back into their own spots. Carmen simply wiggled his eyebrows in the rearview mirror as giggles filled the car yet again.

You could feel the buzz in the air as they excitedly discussed what it could be. You piped up only once with a solid, “Nope,” when someone said something about a puppy.

You spent the evening carving pumpkins Carmen and you had picked out earlier that day and drinking warm apple cider that had been steeping on the stove all day.

It was a simple fall activity day, but it filled your heart to the very brim with love for your perfect little family.

—

A/N: I could die I love them 😭😭 thank you again to my idol for creating such an in-depth universe for us to live in our delulus 🫶❤️

[etraytin]

News from the Hurricane

Still in Charlotte but the deliveries from Amazon are starting to roll in, giving us supplies we will need to go back in the next couple days. We now have a portable toilet, a solar panel for our large power bank, and a safety gas can that will let me carry and store five gallons of gas without freaking out about it constantly. I also got bath wipes and those shower caps they use in hospital for waterless hair washing, plus more paper plates and plastic cutlery. Most importantly, I sank just an obscene amount of money into a legit battery pack for my CPAP, one that is supposed to last for 4-6 nights per charge rather than one night per charge like the power bank.

Being in Charlotte is comparatively great, we are staying with family and they have a guest room so we have privacy, lights, air conditioning, toilets and showers. I don't forget for a minute how lucky we are. It has still been kind of rough at times, sometime in weird ways. I came right to the edge of a mini-breakdown in Walmart yesterday, trying to stock up on things that were not available, trying to decide what was important enough to add to our very limited car space, wondering what things are going to be like when we get back and what I'm going to be kicking myself for forgetting. And around me everyone else was just shopping like normal, of course, because life is normal here. It was a little like being in a dream where I knew I had to get ready for something important and scary but nobody else around me understood anything was happening and whenever I tried to find something it wasn't there. I ended up cutting my trip short and sitting in the car to decompress with emergency candy and some texts with my best friend, talking me down from hundreds of miles away.

It finally occurred to me last night that now that we have a gas can, whole new horizons of supply-getting have opened up for us. If we take that gas can back and I put it in the minivan, I can easily make it back to Charlotte, or to Greenville, or several other places depending on which roads are open. We can get more stuff, it's just a little more complicated right now. It was enough to calm my rabid squirrel brain down and let me relax, at least. Things are going to be okay. The power will not be off forever. Heck, once we get the power back on we will be able to help the folks on city water who need to wait for the treatment plants to be repaired before they get water.

Oh, and my dad talked me out of buying the last gas-powered chainsaw at Lowes just because I thought I ought to have a chainsaw and this was the LAST ONE. I think I probably owe him one for that. Sure I had some vague idea of helping with a chainsaw crew, but I don't even know how to use a chainsaw. I know how to run a shelter and do mass-care feeding and drive an emergency response vehicle, why on earth would I try and help out with a chainsaw instead?

On the actual news front, our family in Spruce Pine is safe and sitting pretty on generator power, just completely cut off. My 101 year old client is safe too, taken out of town by his adult kids as soon as the roads opened up. And I heard from our neighbor this morning, there is cell service in our neighborhood, patchy and poor but real! Things really are looking up.

[elacular-kink]

Poly-techhic 3: Maya Learns

Today we'll be going back in time to see how Maya learned about Susanna's fetish and started dating her. This does have hiccups, but not a whole lot, and it's more on the feelingsy, story-y type side. I've written one 3.5 that's all feelings, so hopefully I'll write another 3.5 that's all hiccups later. We'll see.

Character Sheet

TW: Inebriation, Gender?, Anger, Emotional meltdown, Self-loathing, Kink anxiety

Kinks: Hiccups (Relatively small amount), inebriation

"Blaaaaaa-aaagh!" I threw myself into the backseat of Olivia's car along with my half-asleep, hiccuping, drunk teammate. I was halfway drunk myself, which was one of the many reasons I wasn't driving us home from the away game, but I was sober enough to make sure Kaeligh's ass was belted in, at least. I was also sober enough to be in a bad mood. "Hey, Liv! Anyone ever tell you your girlfriend's a real pain in the dick?"

"She's not my girlfriend, but yeah."

I let Kaeligh lean on me and drool on my shoulder while I pouted. "I don't get you two."

"We don't get you either, Maya," Liv said, completely focused on the road even though she hadn't started driving yet.

"How come she's not riding home with us anyway?"

The ancient minivan grumbled as Liv shifted it out of park. I couldn't believe that anyone in our goddamn college actually knew how to drive stick, much less owned one of the fuckers. "Because she's riding back home with Charlie."

I rolled my eyes and made a jerk-off motion. "You know that's not what the fuck I meant, Liv. Seriously, I don't understand Susie at all. I get you. You make sense. And when you don't make sense, I can just have you explain shit."

"More people should be like that," she said, and even though I was too grumpy to say it out loud, I agreed with her. "Susanna doesn't make understanding her easy. She never has. What's specifically annoying you about her right now? Was it when she told the other team's three that if she smoked around me she'd break her bong over her head?"

I snorted. "Nah, that was hilarious. It's just...she's so fucking mysterious and weird and stupid about the most random shit! Like, I don't think she's fishing for compliments, not on purpose, so why the fuck does she keep saying she sucks at rugby?"

"Because she's the slowest and physically the weakest on the team."

"Yeah, but so?" I shook my head. "Does she seriously not get that when a normal person gets hit by someone a hundred pounds heavier than them, they immediately fall the fuck down? They don't give physics the finger and stay up long enough to chuck the fucking ball!"

After a moment of thought, Liv nodded. "Yeah. She seriously doesn't get that."

"Does she not have eyes? God...dammit, Kay, stop trying to kiss me, you smell like Four Loko. And not in a good way." Kaeligh muttered and hiccuped something, but at least she listened.

"No, her eyes work fine. But she only sees things that she's actually looking for. And she's never looking for things she does well."

"God that girl's fucked up." I crossed my arms and sulked.

"...you're still worried about something, aren't you Maya?"

I huffed and took off my glasses, rubbing the bridge of my nose. "I get why Susie says you're annoying now."

"Yeah, I get that too. But I'm right."

I glanced over at Kaeligh. She seemed to be snoring enough to at least be mostly unconscious. "...okay, did Kay offend her or something?"

"No, she'd have said so if she did."

"Then what the fuck is up? Because she's avoiding her, right? I can tell. That's why she's in Chuck's car instead of yours."

Liv heaved a sigh as she pulled onto the highway, sticking to the left lane and barely pushing her rustbucket up to the speed limit. "Yeah, she is. But I can't explain why. Everyone's life would be a lot simpler if I could, or if she'd just be in the car anyway, but she isn't here and she doesn't let me because she's stupid."

"Man, no kidding." After a long moment, I sighed. "How the fuck am I supposed to get through to her, Liv? I like her. I think she's interesting."

"Yeah. I like her too."

"So how'd you do it?"

Olivia was silent for a long while. "...I guess I didn't let her run. She can say what she doesn't want. She's really good at that. So assume that if she hasn't said anything she still wants you around. You've gotta push her. And it feels kind of weird saying that because I'd really hate it if someone did that to me."

I frowned. "Yeah, I'd hate that too. And I know some people gotta be pushed like that, but..." After a long moment, I decided I could be honest with her. "But I know I can go too far with it. I've done that before. Are you sure she'll tell me if I'm fucking up?"

"Positive," she said. "Sometimes she'll be uncomfortable and not explain that, and that's really annoying, but if she's upset at you, she'll say so. And it's not hard to tell the difference between her being fake upset and real upset." After a bit of silence, Liv sighed. "I think Susanna just can't accept the fact that good things can happen to her."

"How the fuck does a person get to be that way?"

"A lot of Catholic school, probably."

"God damn. Literally." I stared out the window and watched other cars zoom past us. What the fuck was up with that tiny lesbian? I really really really needed to know.

That Friday I got a chance to try and learn more. When I heard a knock on my dorm room's door, I opened it, halfway dressed and having been mid-post-class nap. "What."

"It's six." A skinny brown blur said in front of me. After a moment, I realized that I recognized Olivia's voice. I also saw a tiny mostly-black blur by her side and context-clued that it was Susie. "You said that was when the pregame would start."

...shit, they actually thought we'd start pregaming at fucking six? Damn. I swore that I wasn't this naive as a freshman. "Cool. Cool. C'mon in. I'll, uh...beers. Yeah."

"I'm not coming. Only Susanna is."

"Ex-fucking-scuse me?" I saw the tan blob near the top of the black blur twist towards the brown blur, and I snorted.

"I told you I wouldn't be coming to the party. And the list online said not to pregame if you won't go to the party." Oh my god, they looked up a fucking listicle to learn how parties worked? What fucking turnip truck did these two roll off of? And how had I ended up boning Liv a week after meeting her if they were this fucking...pure?

God, I had so many questions.

"So what, you're just gonna abandon me to—" The answer must have been "yes", because the black blur was pushed inside, and the brown blur shut the door behind her. "...cool. Uh, if you wanna go back to sleep, you can."

"Pff, bullshit. Like I'm letting your ass escape now."

"...great." I wrapped an arm around the blob that I was 98% sure was Susie and led her over to the chair next to my desk, shoving her into it and feeling around for my glasses. Eventually, she reached out and put them in my hand like a magical helpful spirit of darkness. Or something. I was still waking up. Once I put them on, I was able to confirm that it was, in fact, Susie, and she was, in fact, glaring at me. That wasn't weird though. "You wanna put on a shirt or something?" She said, and it occurred to me that I was wearing nothing up top but a bra.

"Nah, we're both girls here." I moved back towards my bed, then paused. "Unless we're not? I mean, it's chill either way."

Susie opened her mouth, let it hang open, then closed it and pursed her lips. "I'll, uh...I'll get back to you on that one."

"Fair 'nough." I scrounged under my bed and pulled out a box of beers, grabbing one and giving it to her before pulling out one of my own. "You ever drink?"

"Does wine that tastes like it's literally 2000-year-old blood count?"

Whaaaat the fuck? "...I'm gonna say no on that one, chief."

"Then no. Do these need a bottle opener or—"

"Nah, it's a twistie." Susie pulled one hand inside one of her massive hoodie sleeves, then twisted the cap and managed to get it open. After a long moment, she put her lips to the bottle and took a sip. "So? Whadaya think?"

"It, uh, definitely tastes." She burped softly. "Don't dislike it as much as I thought I would though."

"Think you might be more into girly fruity type drinks?"

"Might be easier at least. If Olivia was ever gonna drink, it'd have to be something like that. If she tasted this, she'd probably light the entire box on fire." Even so, Susie took another sip. "Oh, fuck, that reminds me. Olivia's, uh, pregame research said we shouldn't come empty-handed and that carbo-loading was important, so we ordered pizza. She tried to plan it so that it'd arrive here at the same time we did, but, uh...well, pizza places aren't exactly that fucking reliable."

"Dude, have you two ever been to, like, any parties?"

"No."

I blinked and stared at Susie. She stared right back at me. "...no, you know what, that makes sense. Yeah. Well, I definitely wouldn't say no to pizza. 'Specially with someone else paying. So, what's got you here tonight? I know you haven't come to any before, and it damn sure wasn't 'cause I haven't invited you."

Susie looked down at the brown bottle she was holding. It was wider than a lot of bottles, so she had to use both of her tiny hands to hold it comfortably, and goddamn if that wasn't cute as fuck. "Well, I knew this one was going to be at the Queer house. And, uh..." She reached into her hood and scratched the back of her head. "I mean, besides Olivia, I've never really been around other Queer people my age. So I don't really know what they...what we...do?"

Huh. That was...something. "Your high school was a normal one, right? You not have a GSA?"

"I mean, maybe we did, maybe we didn't. I don't actually know. For most of high school it was just...me and Olivia."

God, I had so many questions about these two. If their lives were as sad as Susie made them sound, why wasn't Liv more emo? If their lives were as normal as Liv made them sound, then why was Susie so emo? How the heck did these two go together? What did they have in common? Maybe it was a weird poly thing about me, but I was almost more attracted to their relationship than I was to either of them.

I was still pretty friggin' attracted to both of them, though, as Susie reminded me when she pulled off her hood. I had no idea why the fuck she kept it up so much because her face was fucking adorable.

Hm. Given how scary she liked to try and look, maybe that was why she kept it up all the time.

Susie's phone blinged with a text. "Ah, shit, pizza guy's outside. Okay, could you keep the door open for me? I'm not gonna be able to get it together while I hold a whole fucking pizza." I nodded and she went off. While she was gone, I took a look at her beer bottle.

...there was a tiny bit of lip gloss on it. Shit, she wore makeup for this? Maybe she really did wanna be here.

Over the next hour and a half, it was just the two of us, but I didn't really mind. If any of those other bitches wanted pizza, they should have been adorable and naive as fuck and arrived at the actual right time. So we got a whole-ass pepperoni pizza to ourselves (and by "we" I mainly mean me), and once she'd got a whole beer in her, she'd warmed up a little bit. She was still a snarky little fuck, but I actually got to see her smile and hear her laugh.

...and notice she had on eyeliner and mascara too. Okay, yeah, she was definitely here on purpose. Also, how the fuck did someone this butch learn how to put on eyeliner that well? Did Liv do it? She never wore makeup either.

That question would have to wait since the other girls started showing up. Susie got a little shyer, but she managed to keep her feet under her pretty well, and I could tell I wasn't the only one who liked her. Mandy even asked if she could put makeup on her, and Susie let her do it. The fact that that interaction didn't end up with the two of them kissing was the dumbest thing in the universe. My teammates were truly fucking gifted in useless lesbianism.

Once my other teammates were there, I wasn't just keeping an eye on Susie. She seemed like she was handling herself well enough, and I absolutely didn't plan on playing babysitter all night. So we kept pregaming, and eventually, we got to the Queer house, and the goddamn party actually got started. I spent that night drinking and dancing and making out with guys, girls, and anyone else who'd put their mouth on mine.

I wasn't sure quite how long it'd been or how many deep I was, but my night was interrupted when I caught a case of fucking drunk hiccups, of all things. "Oh shit! Liv's here!" My teammate Chloe said, grabbing me in a headlock and completely ruining my seduction of a cute person whose gender I was particularly unsure of. 

"Yeah yeah, shut your fu–*HUK* fuckin' trap," I shoved her away. Hearing Liv's name reminded me, though, and I looked around. "Hey, an–*EEP* anybody know where Susie's *UCK* at?"

"She's been hanging out on the stairs," Mandy sighed. "I tried to get her to be a bit more into it, but I couldn't even get her to take off her hoodie."

"Take off her ho–*OOP* hoodie? What kinda slut d–*HUK* do you take her for?" I gave Mandy a quick punch on the arm. "Well, if an–*EEK* anyone can get her into the pa–*HURP* party, it's me. Wish me luck, girls, *HMK*, this one's on hard mode." Once I'd had my luck wished, I made my way over to the stairwell and saw Susie, in fact, sitting right in the middle of the stairs. It was hard to tell from inside of her hood, but I thought she might have seen me first. Either way, I knew I'd caught her eye. "Hey! Hey Susi–*EEK* Pfft. Fuck, I sound so fu–*HUK* fucking stupid."

"Uh...hey, Maya." Her voice was a little uncertain, which I wasn't sure what to make of, but she had spent the whole night a little unmoored, so maybe not the most surprising thing in the world. "Aren't you supposed to be licking someone's tonsils right about now?"

"What, you offerin'?" Even from in her hood, I could see her face go redder, and I couldn't help but laugh. "Don't even wo–*HURK* worry about it, Susi–*EEP*. Susie Q. I got a–*UCK* all the time in the world *HUP* to give out pro-bono de–*HNK* dental exams."

"Wow. And I thought the way I phrased that was gross."

I sat down on the stair right above Susie, trapping her between my legs. She twisted to try and see me so fast that her hood didn't move with her head, which was kind of hilarious. Laughing didn't help with my hiccups, but if anyone wouldn't mind, I figured it was probably Liv's best friend. Either way, I rested my head on top of hers and flopped my arms over her shoulders. I didn't actually put much weight on her. Given how goddamn tiny she was, I didn't know how much she could handle. But there was something weirdly comfortable about how her hoodie felt under my chin. I could see why Liv did this so much, even though they had enough of a height difference that she had to lean over to do it if they were both standing. "But an–*EEP* way, you enjoying the pa–*UHP* party, hot stuff?"

Susie's head moved under her hood, and after a second, I was able to figure out that she was looking out at the dance floor. "I've heard more songs that I like than I expected to."

"Re–*HEEP*–eally?" I wished I could see through her hood and get a look at her face. "Aren't you one of those pri–*HIC*–ks that only listens to screamo 'cause ev–*HUP* everything else is too mainstre–*EEP*–eam?"

She shook underneath me, and it took me a second to realize she was chuckling. "Nah. I just play one of those on TV. I mean, don't get me wrong, everything else is too mainstream, but I'm not such a sad-sack that I'll pretend I don't like Queen. I'm also not too good for all the gay anthems made by straight women."

"Heeyyy, you're dru–*UCK* drunk enough to admit you're not a pre–*HIP* pretentious dickface!" As I said that, I realized that I was a complete idiot, and I moved out in front of Susie and grabbed her hands. Of course this was the way to get her into the party. "Hey, *HUK* if you like the mus–*IC* then why don't you come and da–*UCK* dance with me?"

It was easy to pull her to her feet (and I was still taller than her from a stair below. Goddamn, she was short), but her face was red and her eyes had gone wide. "Uh! Not, uh...not sure that's the, uh...best idea."

"Why the fu–*HUCK* not?"

"Uh..." She looked away and didn't come up with anything.

Fuck. I was too drunk for this. Liv said she was able to say if something was wrong, right? "Okay, look. *HMK*. I'm gonna bring you ou–*HUP* out on the floor, kay? *HMK* If you wanna stop, just say. Sound good?"

After a few long moments, she took a deep breath, closed her eyes, then opened them and nodded. She looked...weirdly innocent staring up at me like that. Especially with how flushed her face was. "Okay, yeah. Yeah, I can...yeah. That works. That sounds good."

"Awesome!" Victory! I grabbed her and dragged her down the stairs and out onto the floor between other sweaty bodies, maneuvering us close to as many cute girls as I could. Susie danced like an alien who'd only ever had gravity explained to them once, but at least people would barely feel it if she stepped on their toes. Eventually, I had to take a little more control. I grabbed her from behind and pulled her back against me, bending my knees into hers and putting her butt right up on my crotch. "Hey, Fred Ast–*UCK*–staire. Anyone ever tell y–*HOOP* that you dance like you're alr–*UP* already doing it backward in h–*EEK* heels?"

"Uh..." Her voice was weird and shaky again, even more than last time. Her body was still moving to the beat of the music, though, and I couldn't deny that that felt nice. "Literally nobody, but that's not exactly surp-prising." She stuttered, and I realized that my hiccups were seriously shaking her up. I'd never noticed just how much they moved my gut and my boobs.

"You know, not ev–*URK* every gay guy or queer folk's *HMK* gotta go to the clubs. *HUP*. It's not a requirement. *HMK-mmp*" I felt her nod underneath me. The idea that she was not that kind of gay wasn't exactly surprising. 

...but her coming here with makeup on meant that she wanted to try it. And I didn't want her first time to just suck and completely put her off getting drunk and having fun.

So I leaned in closer, pulling her tighter back against me while my head was on her shoulder so I could whisper in her ear. "But if you wann–*UCK* wanna be that kind of gay, I could he–*ULP* help you learn how to d–*HOOK* do it." I ran a finger up from the fly of her jeans to the base of her belly under her hoodie and she breathed in sharply. "I've heard I'm a pre–*HIP* pretty good teacher. *HMK*. And sure, I'm a lil' dru–*HUK* drunk right now. But I fi–*HIG*–guuuure that if an–*HEEK* anyone wouldn't mind me havin' the hic–*HULP*–s it'd be you."

"Fuck!" Susie suddenly wrenched her way out of my arms and whipped around to face me. Her face was so fucking red. Even though her hood was still on, it couldn't hide it at all. Her pupils looked huge, and her eyes were wider than I'd ever seen them before she slammed them shut. "S-sorry!" And before I even knew what was happening, she'd bolted off of the dance floor.

My brain took way too long to catch up with reality. "Shit, Sus–*EEK*! Susie!" And I ran off in the same direction she did.

After searching for ten minutes and finding absolutely fucking nothing, I was getting really scared, especially since she wasn't responding to my texts. Fuck, this was not how I wanted to spend my night. But my two brain cells were able to hook up long enough for me to realize that Susie wasn't the only person I could text.

Maya: Liv Liv I fucked up Susie ran off and I dunno where the fuck she is Wait Please fucking tell me she's with you

Liv: No, she's not with me. She'll definitely tell me where she is though. Give me a minute. While I'm texting her, you can tell me what happened.

Maya: Okay fuck Thanks dude Gotta be real tho I dunno quite what happened I mean I got a guess But I was tryina dance with her and teach her how to do the thing and all a sudden she just fuckin hoofs it

Liv: This'll seem like a weird question. Did you have the hiccups?

Maya: uh Yeah How the fuck did u know that?

Liv: You didn't do anything wrong, then. But I'm not allowed to get more specific. So instead of doing that, I'll tell you that Susanna's hiding in the unisex bathroom in Liberty Hall's entry area.

Maya: wut What the actual fuck is she doing there?

Liv: Hiding.

Okay, this shit was officially driving me fucking crazy. Liv was still texting me, but I shoved my phone back into my pocket anyway and started running for the hall. I was sick and fucking tired of being confused about these two, and especially about Susie.

Once I got to Liberty Hall, the fact that my hiccups echoed through the whole empty building was funny enough to cool me down a little bit, but I was still pissed. So I stomped over to the bathroom and banged on the door. "Hey. Sus–*EEK*. Wanna tell me–*HEEP* what the fu–*HUCK* you're doing in there?"

After long enough that I started wondering if she'd already left, I finally heard her voice. "Not particularly, no."

Fuck, that was an annoying answer. "We–*UCK* well too fuckin' bad, pal! *HULP* 'Cause my ass ain't *HUK* leavin' until I g–*HUP* get some answers."

After a few long moments, I heard a weird sound from inside. "Yeah, that—" her voice stopped in a very weird way and sounded tenser than I'd ever heard it. "That makes sense."

I wasn't not angry, but I was getting more and more worried. "What the fuck, dude? *HMLK* Are you o–*KUP* okay? Why are you hiding in a g---goddamn bathroom?" I sucked at telling time at the best of times, and right now I had no idea how long I'd waited for her to respond except that it was too fucking long. "Look, do I ne–*HEEK* need to get Liv he–*URK* here or what?"

"No." I heard her sigh, though it was cut oddly short. "She's not—" Her voice kept hitching. "She's not gonna help."

"Since fucking when? A–*URK* Aren't you two li–*HUK* like, married or somethi–*IC*–ing?"

"I'm not saying that she couldn't or she wouldn't want to. She's just not gonna. She says this is something I need to do myself." Something like a laugh came through the door. "And she's probably right. She's definitely right. But...fuck, not everyone's like her. Nobody's like her. And she just doesn't get that."

"...*HULP* Okay, whatever the fu–*HUK* this is, I'm way too dru---drunk for it. Give me a minute to *HNK* get some fuckin' water."

"That's probably a good idea, yeah. There's a fountain right nearby."

I did go over to the fountain and drink a bunch of water, I wasn't lying when I said that. But I also pulled out the phone to see what the fuck Liv had texted me.

Maya: wut What the actual fuck is she doing there?

Liv: Hiding. It's infuriating when she gets like this. You're probably going to want to be gentle with her anyway, though. This is one of those times where she's actually sensitive instead of having her walls up constantly. So being rough with her probably won't get things to happen any sooner.

Maya: ...shit. Olivia what the fuck am I doing?

Liv: I don't know. I'm being literal there. I don't know what you're doing. And I can't know that. I know you mean that more existentially, but I don't know that either.

Maya: Fuck why couldnt someone else do this? Why couldnt literally anyone else fucking do this? Im too fucking drunk for this! Im too fucking stupid for this! Im too much of a pissed fucking dickhead who hurts people for this!

Liv: No you're not. You're honestly perfect for this.

Maya: what

Liv: I'm serious.

Maya: I fuckin know that liv your always fucking serious

Liv: *you're

Maya: Fuck you I just What? How in the fuck am I perfect for this? I'm a dumb drunk slut!

Liv: The middle part isn't ideal. But everything else about you is perfect for Susanna to finally tell somebody else her secret.

Maya: her secret? That weird context that you always say you cant talk about?

Liv: Yeah.

Maya: you think im perfect for that?

Liv: About as much as anyone can be.

Maya: Wait hang on Are you tellin me that literally nobody else knows about whatever the fuck you're talking about?

Liv: If they do, it's not because she told them. Honestly, when she finally does tell you (which she'd better do tonight) it'll be really nice to have someone else to talk to about it. At this point, she's texting me to just tell you it, but I'm not going to. She has to do this herself.

Maya: Why?

Liv: A lot of reasons. But the main one right now is because if she doesn't, she won't be able to see how you react right away. Her brain will fill up the space that creates with some sort of illogical bullshit about why I somehow tricked you into acting like exactly the person you are about it.

Maya: Shit you thought a lot about this.

Liv: Of course I have. I love her.

Maya: No fuckin kidding dude. Okay Wish me fuckin luck with whatever this shit is I guess

Liv: Just be yourself. That's exactly who she needs right now.

There were almost zero situations where I was sure I would be exactly who someone needed, and there were a negative number of situations where I'd actually want that to be true, but...well, shit, I was already in it, wasn't I? Like a very wise listicle said, don't pregame if you're not down to party. Don't...flirt with the repressed girl if you're not ready to...do emotion management through a door? I'd workshop it.

Either way, I walked back to the bathroom and knocked on the door again. "Hey. I'm back."

"Yeah. You are." There was a long, dumb stretch where neither of us said anything. Eventually she was the one to talk. "You didn't do anything wrong, Maya."

"Liv said that too, but if I didn't do anything wrong, then what the fuck are we doing here instead of back at Queer House?"

I heard Susie sigh through the door again. "We're here because I'm weird and fucked up."

"Bruh, we're on a women's rugby team. We're all weird and fucked up."

Something thudded against the door. It didn't sound hard enough to be someone punching it or something, but I wasn't sure what other option there was. "I'm weird and fucked up in specific ways. Ways that'll..." There were three smaller thuds and I realized that she was banging her head against the door. "...ways that'll make you think I'm creepy. And that I'm a terrible person. And that I absolutely shouldn't spend time around Olivia."

That sentence hit my brain like it'd just walked in front of a truck. "Wait, what? What the fuck? No! I mean, no, what?" I shook my head. "Okay, those first two are fucking stupid, we can get to that later, but who the fuck would think that you and Liv shouldn't be together? Like, even if I was someone who got to make that kind of decision for either of you, no? Liv loves you, dude! Literally! I was literally just texting her and she said 'I love her'! And 'her' is definitely you!"

"I know." She laughed again. Her laugh was always quiet, but right now I could only just barely hear it. "I know she loves me. That's the only way that the past five years of my life make any fucking sense. And...and I love her too. But if people knew the truth about me, they'd say that I was a gross freak taking advantage of an autistic girl."

"'Taking advantage of'—fucking what?" I shook my head again, then stopped when that made it hurt like a bitch. "Nobody who's ever fucking met you would think that. Like...fuckin' spend two seconds around you two and it's pretty goddamn clear who's wearing the pants in this relationship. Spoilers: it's the one that sometimes wears skirts."

She laughed a little louder. "I mean, yeah, I know that. I know that that's not actually what it is. Olivia's made that, uh...pretty fucking clear. And she'd be happy to do it again if she needed to. I don't know why, but...she is. She's amazing." There was another goddamn sigh. "I don't know if anyone as amazing as her exists. That's what makes this so scary."

Well, shit. What was I supposed to do now, say that I actually was as amazing as Liv? She wouldn't fucking fall for that. Nobody would. So what else could I do? How the fuck did you deal with someone this pessimistic? Was I supposed to fucking get on her level or something?

...actually, yeah, I could do that. That could work. "Okay, lemme put it to you like this: What's the worst thing I could possibly do if you told me whatever the fuck this is?"

"Report me to campus police for sexual harassment and get me expelled."

"Sexual harass—what? Dude, I was the one who was grinding on your ass, not the other way around! You think I'm drunk enough to get confused about that? No, fuck that and fuck you. And also fuck cops. Now what's the second worst thing I could do?"

It took her a minute to get back to me. "I, uh...okay. Um, second worst thing you could do would be...to tell my parents?"

"I don't know your parents. Third worst thing."

"That doesn't mean that you couldn't—"

"Third. Worst. Thing."

I could hear something moving on the other side of the door, but I didn't have a fucking clue what she was doing. "Okay, uh...third worst. I guess...you could tell everyone my secret so they all know what a freak I am?"

"Jesus fucking Christ," I rolled my eyes. "Okay, how long's the last dick I sucked?"

"...I beg your fucking pardon?"

The way she said that made me laugh, which was kind of annoying since I was trying to be serious here. "Right, you don't know. And who's into me using a strap-on on them? Lemme guess; you don't know that either. Do more people call me 'mommy' or 'daddy'? Imagine the jeopardy theme playing out here. Ding-ding-ding, time's up, you don't fucking know. You don't know any of that shit, do you?"

"...no. I guess I don't."

"Yeah. You fucking don't. You don't even know the names of a lot of people I sleep with. Because I don't fucking talk about 'em unless I know they're cool with that." I huffed. "I may be a dumb slut, but I'm not a fucking narc."

"You're not a dumb slu—..."

Susie's voice stopped in a completely different way from how it did earlier. And god dammit, she made me laugh again. "It's okay, dude, I wouldn't be able to finish that sentence either."

"...you're not dumb."

"Thaaat's more like it." She was still wrong, but eh, I'd take it.

"Yeah." She took a while to say anything else. "I, uh...I knew those weren't super realistic, but...you know. It's still nice to have them gone. And...with that out of the way, the main thing I can think of is just that you'd hate me and everything would be awkward."

"Dude, if I make things awkward, it'll be on purpose." I heard her snort, and it made me smile. "And if I'm gonna hate you, I'll do it for something more interesting than whatever the fuck this is."

"...Yeah. Yeah, that sounds like you. Maya, could you, uh..." Susie's voice trailed off, then I heard something rock against the door. After some noises from the other side, I heard the deadbolt, and then the door opened and Susie was there.

Susie was there with her hoodie off. Susie was there with her mascara in lines all down her face. Susie was there in a tank top with a rainbow flag that said "The gays can do whatever they want". Even though I knew I shouldn't, I snorted. "Why the fuck were you wearing your hoodie over that? That's great."

She smiled. It was small, but it felt pretty real. "I like it too. And that's...yeah, that's a good question. Uh..." she pulled back and held the door open. "Would you, uh...come in here with me?" I shrugged and walked through, then leaned back against the tile wall. Susie closed the door, looked at the lock, then shook her head and left it alone. I could see her hoodie crumpled up on the floor between the door and the wall. She walked over and stood in front of me, and I couldn't believe how small she looked. "It, uh...it might take me a minute to...to work up the courage. To say it."

Fuck, I hated waiting. I made myself smile anyway. "Just as long as you say it, dude."

Susie nodded, then took a slow, deep breath. Her face very quickly started going red. "So, uh...so." She swallowed. "The reason I ran away from you at the party was because I was...really fucking turned on."

"...bruh, that was the point."

"I mean—" Susie smacked her forehead, and I snorted again. "Okay, fuck. I mean, yeah, fair. But it wasn't really...I mean it was and it wasn't, but it..."

"Dude, I have no idea what the fuck you're talking about right now."

"Right, of course you don't." She covered her face with both hands. "Fuck, I'm just gonna have to say it out loud, aren't I?"

"Probably. I'm still kinda drunk. And not super in the mood for riddles."

"Okay." Susie pulled her hands down and clenched her fists. She glared down at my feet like they owed her money. "Okay. Okay." She took one more deep, annoying breath. "So I was turned on already. Before you started dancing with me. I was really turned on. But it wasn't by anything you were doing on purpose."

"If you tell me you were charming some other chick and let me pull you away from that, I'm fuckin' killing you."

"No, no," she did that weird one-off laugh thing she did sometimes. "Nah. Nothing like that. You were the one who was turning me on. But not on purpose."

"...okaaaaaaaay?"

"Fffuck. Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuck. Okay." She shut her eyes. With how hard she'd been glaring, I was surprised that she didn't somehow laser vision through her own eyelids. "Okay. I was...I was turned on because...b-because..." Her teeth were clenched together hard enough that I was kinda worried that she'd break them. "B-because you had the hiccups!"

She said that loud enough that it echoed in the bathroom, then immediately pulled her fists up to cover her eyes. But I was just confused. "You were turned on...because I had the hiccups." She nodded. "Okay. So, uh...what's the secret?"

Susie pulled her fists away and stared at me. "...what?"

"You were turned on by my hiccups and then...what. What's the deep dark secret?"

"Tha—" She turned around and looked behind her like there was some other Susie for me to be talking to. "That...that is the secret!"

I could feel my jaw going slack. "That's the secret?"

"Yes!" She covered her eyes again. "And I know that it's fucking weird and gross and I shouldn't—"

"Bro, you thought I'd be offended that you were turned on by me?"

Susie stopped talking and her fists slowly fell off of her eyes. She still stared at the floor, but the look on her face was turning less terrified and more confused. "Well, it sounds really stupid when you put it like that."

"That's 'cause it is really stupid, dude. Susie, what the fuck? Is this your big fucking secret?"

"I mean, not completely. Because it's...it's not just your hiccups, it's everyone's." She was glaring at a wall now. "I...I have a hiccup fetish. That's the secret."

"...well what the fuck am I supposed to do with that, Susie? I thought I was gonna have to help bury a body somewhere, but instead you're just flipping out over some weird cute sex thing?" I slapped myself internally for calling it weird.

Susie's head whipped up and she finally looked me in the eyes. "...'cute'?"

"Okay, not the word I thought you were gonna have a problem with there, but yeah. Cute."

"Not...creepy?"

"No? Why the fuck would it be creepy?" I seriously meant that question. Why would it be creepy?

She grabbed her upper arm with the other hand, gripping it way too tight. "You don't...you don't think that I'm just using Olivia?"

"'Just usi—' the fuck? Susie, what in the actual fuck is wrong with you? You think that I think you're 'just using' someone who you threatened to beat a stranger with a bong for?" Every time I got her to laugh, I felt just a little bit better about...everything really. "Jesus, Sue, you flipped out this hard over this? Why?"

"Because it's...weird." She had her arms crossed and had gone back to staring down walls. "It's weird. And it's something people don't have control over. So I'm getting turned on by something people can't help doing."

"...so?"

Susie stared up at me. "So that's...bad?"

I stared right back at her. "Uh...no? No, that's not bad. That's...okay, one, do you think that I chose to have boobs this fucking bodacious?" The shocked laugh that got made me grin. "Do you think I chose to be a total fucking sex bomb with a body that can go all night? I mean, I've put some effort into parts of that, but these titties just happened. And all kinds of people get turned on by that. But, uh, two, it's weird that you get turned on by a thing that a human body does? No! You think that fuckin' neolithic cavemen were going around imagining shit like latex and high heels while they jacked it? No! But liking those is normal as shit! So you're not fucking weird, the world's the weird ones. You're just old-fashioned or something."

Susie was squinting at me. "That is...the weirdest fucking argument I've ever heard." Honestly, it was probably the weirdest fucking argument I'd ever made.

I decided not to say that out loud. "Weirder than being into hiccups, maybe?" The minute I said the word, her whole face burned and I couldn't help arching my eyebrows. "Whoa. Shit, you weren't kidding, huh? You're seriously into that."

"Y-yeah. Yeah. With Olivia I've gotten enough exposure that I can kinda deal, but it..." She huffed. "It's a lot."

"Alright. So," I sat down on the tile floor. "What do you like about 'em?"

"...wuh?"

"Oh come the fuck on, Susie," I slapped the floor in front of me between her feet. "You can't seriously fucking think you can say a thing like 'I'm super into hiccups' and then not tell me how that works, right?"

"You...wanna know?" She looked seriously, actually confused as she sat down in front of me.

"Uh, yeah, duh." I looked at her, then decided I could push a bit and smiled. "How else am I gonna know how I should flirt with you?" Her back went dead straight and she stared at me, her whole face looking like it was about to light on fire. I just barely kept myself from laughing, but how long she went without blinking kind of worried me. "You, uh...you good dude?"

"You wanna...flirt with me too? L-like...turning me on?"

"...thought that'd be pretty obvious by now, but yeah."

"Why?"

"What a stupid fucking—" I cut myself off. Susie may have needed "me" right now (and I was finally starting to get why Liv had said that), but she needed the nicest me I was able to give her. So I smiled at her again, and I reached out and touched her cute, blushy face. "It's 'cause I like you, dumbass. I like you. I think you're interesting. I wanna know more about you."

I actually gasped when I felt her hand touch the back of mine while I cupped her cheek. I'd been too lost staring at her to notice her moving.

...shit, this was more serious than I thought it was.

It got even more serious when she put her hand completely over mine, holding it against her cheek and leaning into my palm. Her eyes closed for a second before she opened them again and stared at me. "You really do?"

"Yeah. I really do." That was...scarier to admit than it should have been. And my heart was going faster than it should. "I know I like Liv. And I know she loves you. I wanna see the person she loves." Shit, what was I saying? I swallowed, and my mouth just kept going. "I've already seen the person you love. I already know Liv. But I wanna see the other side too. Of course I wanna know you."

...fuck. Fuck, I had feelings.

Fuck, I had feelings for this couple.

I really fucking wanted to watch them be...them.

Shit, this could be a problem.

"I..." Susie managed to surprise me again. She was staring up at me, and fuck, her eyes were way too fucking pretty and brown. "I think I wanna know you too, Maya. And...and I think I even...would like it if you knew me."

I could feel myself laughing. I could also feel myself leaning closer to her. "That works pretty well for me, Sue."

"I don't really know what I'm doing."

"That's fine." I didn't really know what the fuck I was doing either.

"I've never...I've never actually dated anyone."

"I'll teach you." It'd been a while since I'd "dated" anyone too. But fuck, I wanted to. And we just kept getting closer and closer.

"I..." I could feel her breath on my face as she tilted her head in my hand. "I'm scared, Maya."

"I know." I was scared too. But... "But Liv told me you could be brave."

Our bodies were close enough that I felt hers shake as she laughed. I felt the air of each chuckle puff against me. "Yeah. Yeah, she tells me that too. And..." She took one more breath, "and maybe she's right."

She kissed my lips.

That fucking bastard. She kissed my fucking lips.

She had no idea what she was doing.

I was gonna teach her. I was gonna teach her everything.

Fuck, how did this happen? How did I get in this deep this quick? How had I ended up catching feelings again?

Was I gonna be okay?

Susie kissed me again, and for the rest of the night, it didn't really seem like it mattered that much.

[akehoshimystar]

Chapter 6

We had met up with Shinkai-san and ridden the car for several minutes. About 20 minutes after Mika-san’s arrival, we arrived near the scene.

Shizuka: Basically, the rules are the same as always. "Don't make the first move." "Don't break anything except the other person's heart." "Don't leave any evidence."

Soyogu: Oh. It’s fine as long as I don’t break anything, right?

Shinobu: That is preferable~

Ito: (They're talking about breaking stuff again...)

As the two of them exchanged their opinions, Fushimi-san handed them a small accessory. He handed me the same thing.

Shizuka: Put it on.

Ito: Allow me.

(This can't be normal ear cuff. An earphone?)

Shizuka: GPS-equipped bone conduction earphones and microphone.

Ito: ! Bone conduction...

Shinobu: Normal ones will just fly away somewhere while you're moving.

Soyogu: That’s because your movements are sloppy. Fasten it with your ear properly.

Shinobu: I think it's all set now.

Shizuka: No, it isn’t, idiots. Are you going to rip your ears off every time you charge it?

Ito: (The conversations in this department are full of scary vocabulary.)

Shizuka: Communication confirmed. Mika, say something.

Takeru: [Hello, this is Mika. Sound check, no problem.]

Soyogu: Ah, ah, Shinkai. I heard you loud and clear.

Shinobu: Aizawa, okay. Aiueokakikukeko…. Yashiro-san, it’s your turn now.

Ito: Ah... This is Yashiro. I can hear everyone clearly.

Shizuka: As I briefly explained on the way here, I spoke with the client and we decided that "rescuing" should be top priority, so I'll go with a simple, rough, brute force approach.

The computer screen pointed towards us displayed a map of the area around our current location.

Ito: (...The reticle shows our current location, and the red number is probably the GPS on the earphones. What is this green square?)

Fushimi-san tapped the green square around Tohru-san’s apartment. A window opened at the bottom left of the screen and showed a video of the entrance.

Ito: (Hidden camera...!)

Shizuka: First, Aizawa will face these guys around the entrance and get them as far away from the apartment as possible

Shinobu: Roger that.

Shizuka: Once there’s an opening, Mika and Tohru-san will leave the apartment from the bicycle parking lot exit. Take this route to point A.

Takeru: [Consider it done.]

After the yellow line reached the point A, Fushimi-san tapped the screen again, and the video switches to a view from a higher vantage point. A minivan was displayed at the edge of the screen.

Shizuka: That’s the car. Shinkai will go over there and open the door to let Maro out.

I'll be waiting nearby and take care of it and come back here.

Ito: Eh?

Shizuka: What is it? Mind repeating?

Ito: ………………It's nothing. Sorry, please continue.

Soyogu & Shinobu: …….

Shizuka: Yashiro will do the driving, and we will immediately depart for either point B or point C depending on the situation at the time.

After taking care of those thugs, Shinkai will go to B and Aizawa to C, we will meet up with either of you. After we retrieve both of them, we'll all meet up at A. The operation will be over once Tohru-san reaches the hotel.

I'll give instructions while checking everyone's situation until halfway through, but I won't be able to cover the few minutes it takes for me to get out of the car and come back.

Acting on your own like usual is strictly prohibited. Or should I say, don't ever do it.

Soyogu: You heard that, Shinobu?

Shinobu: You’re one to talk, Gucchi.

Takeru: [It's both of you actually.]

Shizuka: Every single one of you.

That's all for now. Any questions?

Ito: ……

Shinobu: Our leader is Fushimi Shizuka-san, he's like the commander of the Watchdog Dept.

Shinobu: On the very day, Shizuka-san will support you with his instructions, so it's a pretty safe role, you can rest assured.

The words I heard from Aizawa-kun on the first day have been floating around in my head ever since.

Ito: (It may be a special operation with my presence here, but the role of each person hasn't changed much from the original plan. The only thing that has changed is...)

......Excuse me, can I say something?

Shizuka: Go ahead.

Ito: The reason why Fushumi-san took over my role as a carrier is... by process of elimination, correct?

Shinobu: !

Shizuka: Well, yes.

We didn't have a proper meeting, not to mention, this is the first time you work together with the Watchdog Dept. and you already got yourself involved in dangerous situation.

Under these conditions, I couldn't come up with a plan to use Yashiro as a carrier and guarantee a safe and successful outcome.

Ito: (.….I guessed as much.)

……… What if…..

What if I say that I’m fine with having no safety guarantee.

Shizuka: Pardon?

Takeru: [Hey...Are you sure...?]

I know. I know I'm talking to these people right now. And I know I’ve just said something crazy and difficult for them to accept. Fushimi-san sighed in exasperation, and just before he was about to say something, I ventured to continue.

Ito: I heard that Fushimi-san is the commander of the Watchdog Department.

Shizuka: ………………And?

Ito: Instead of taking action, you see the whole picture and grasp the situation before giving appropriate instructions.

Exactly because it's a special operation with insufficient discussion, your presence is more valuable than usual.

Especially if it leads to everyone's safety and security.

Shinobu: ……..

Ito: Sorry if what I said is irrelevant.

Soyogu: So, rather than having Shizuka-san move, you’d rather take his place?

Ito: …..The bottom line is that you don’t need to take my safety into account.

I didn’t say that I’ll do it.

The only person who gets to decide what to do is you, Fushimi-san.

Shizuka: …………I haven't heard the details, but didn’t you have a scary experience when you were working with Administrative Dept. the other day?

Ito: Scary experience... Ah. No, it’s just a misunderstanding.

(I guess he’s talking about when I was chased by Shigeta-san?)

Shizuka: Isn’t that a hindsight? Not sure if I should say this, but is there any reason for you, a helper, to go to such lengths?

Ito: .….My job is to support anything that leads to the success of requests.

If being protected lowers the success rate of requests, then it's no different from putting the cart before the horse. There would be no point in doing my job as a deputy.

Also, if Roka-san was in my position now, I feel like he would make the same suggestion.

Shizuka: ………..

Takeru: [......Ito.]

Shizuka: ………….

Ito: Of course, I’m well aware that my abilities and conditions are completely different from those of Roka-san!

Obviously, there’s a chance that the situation will go south if I go instead of Fushimi-san. If you think that’s the case, I'll focus on the driving.

Soyogu & Shinobu: ………….

Ito: (……There I said it……)

Shizuka: ……………….I don't think the situation will be worse if you go out. But there’s a really high chance you'll get hurt, you know?

Ito: !

Then..... I'll do my best to make sure that the injuries are as minor as possible.

Shizuka: That’s what you gonna do, huh…...

Shizuka: Fine. Change the carrier.

Shinobu: !

Soyogu: Understood.

Takeru: [Haa... so it comes down to this.]

[Seriously, all I can say right now is “be careful”... I appreciate your help but don't do anything reckless, okay?]

I may not be able to see Mika-san’s face through the earphones. But I nodded slowly to respond to the warmth conveyed by his voice.

Ito: Thank you. I'll be cautious as much I can.

Shinobu: If you're in danger, please call for help immediately. Don't be shy and reserved!

Soyogu: It's rude to tell someone who's determined not to push themselves too hard. When that happens, we just have to cover for them.

Shinobu: Here we go again. The usual sly Gucchi.

Soyogu: What did you just say? Anyway, we’ve reached a conclusion now. Give us the command, Shizuka-san.

Shizuka: Before that, here.

Ito: ?

He handed me a pair of lensless glasses and a simple cap.

Shizuka: Hair tied back, cap and hood. A disguise set for your own comfort’s sake.

This may sound unpleasant, but these types of people change their behavior based on the gender of the person they're talking to.

Hide your traits as much as possible.

Ito: ...Yes. Thank you.

Shizuka: Well, there’s still a lot to say, but we don't have much time.

Commence the operation.

Chapter 7

[metaldragoon]

410/2023 KM done for the year Lots of events have happened over the past two days! Mostly bad, but, oh well.  You may notice I have done but a baby’s run, which is what I’ve done both days since last I run, as I managed to somehow gain 15 pounds in the two days I was visiting my mother so it’s just, not feeling great to run.  I already lost 3 pounds since yesterday so I’m certain I’ll shed it off quickly especially since I’m going to be conscious of it for a bit.  Anyways! I almost hit a wolf going 120km/h, he ran in front of some car going the other direction, and then picked up speed to avoid that by running directly in front of me.  Definitely did like a 40 foot skid and was turned like 20 degrees sideways, but, at least for those few seconds the wolf managed to live.  Who knows if the next care didn’t just drill it.  I went for my fat run yesterday and it’s a shame since the weather has been so beautiful the past two days, I wanna go fast!  Anyways, today I woke up and my mom informed me her brother died, which is very sad.  I didn’t see her other message until lunch time since I mute my emails, but she emailed me last night about it saying “doctors say he’ll make it through the night” and then to already know the result was a bit of an oof.  I am not particularly heartbroken, I was not very close with him, I met him twice.  Once I went to his place, he lived in Niagara Falls so I was there for three weeks between Gr.7 - Gr. 8 summer break, but I didn’t really talk with him.  He had 2 daughters I mostly hung out with there and he was just old man spending time with my mother, but truthfully it was at worst the 2nd best holidays of my life.  The other time, his daughter happened to be moving west and driving through Winnipeg, which is where I was living at the time, so he picked me up along the way so that I could also move west.  He then told my mother I was ungrateful so I assume he didn’t like me.  But! that said my mother has not had parents for over 45 years so it’s just been her and her two brothers for most her life, and so for that I am sad that she is suffering and without someone so important to her.  After work today, driving home, two lanes, light turns red, and the guy stopped beside me got rear-ended! That is... accident #4 I have witnessed in real life I believe.  Some old white lady in a minivan rammed in to him, I could see her slamming the wheel after in frustration and then, y’know, cars were just sitting there, light changes green, and she speeds off.  A hit and run, folks!  Well, of my three other accidents I have observed one of them happened to me, in not-a-particularly-similar situation, but a hit and run none-the-less! And I was such an idiot and deleted the license plate I wrote down so I never was able to get my revenge... but not today! I took chase after our criminal!  I made sure to keep my distance so she wouldn’t panic, we were in the city and I am but a normal grey sedan... the most unassuming predator.  I followed her for like 3 minutes until I got close enough to read her license plate, pulled over to write down the information in my NOTES APP, and then returned to the scene of the crime.  Our blue subaru would be so happy to know I tracked that witch down and his insurance would not have to take the hit! And then he wasn’t even there anymore! Good grief.  So I headed to the police station, ready to file a witness report, I only know where one station is from my previous hit-and-run experience, and I don’t have data on my phone, so I’m not sure it was the closest but it was like 10 minutes out of my way.  Get out my car, and some fella tells me police station’s shut down today on account of two officers were murdered today.  How inconvenient for me personally.  So, now it’s the weekend and we have to wonder if I even care enough to return by Monday when the station will re-open.  RIP to Uncle Cameron!

[sombrashe]

The Hospitable | Part 1 | Day One

content non-binary oc (they/them pronouns), teenager oc, (almost) gun violence, death mention, canon familial death, survivor guilt, child oc

note(s) this is going to be a three-part series about my snowpiercer oc razel, any other fic's with them will have a link back to this series to keep everything conclusive.

The end of the world is always filled with chaos. People fight to stay alive, animals prowl the streets searching for scraps, and children scream through broken windows as families slowly succumb to the cold. I’m in the middle of lunch when I got the call. Dad’s voice comes out rushed and with the cell towers slowly freezing our service was spotty. Finally, I can make out what is being said when Mom takes over. I push through the sparse crowd making their way back to class. Parents want their kids to spend their last few days with some semblance of normality. My steps echo as I move from the cafeteria to the even larger hallway leading to the front doors. Swinging open the glass doors I yank my gloves on before the cold can infect my muscles. I stand still as a car I’ve never seen before waits halfway on the curb. I pull out my cell and am just about to redial when my sister yanks open the sliding door. Rushing forward I stay conscious of the ice coating the concrete and slip into the car, I barely have time to sit before we’re bouncing off the curb.

"When did you get a minivan?"

"Your father and I traded in our cars a few days ago and were lucky to get a big enough vehicle for all… most of us."

I keep myself pressed against the passenger seat as my brother slides off the seat and allows me to lie down the seat. Moving to the very back I click the seat back into position and take over the seat furthest away. Picking up my youngest sister and placing her on my lap she shifts and starts to wake up before I smooth her hair. She ends up swiftly settling back down as I fire off questions.

"Why is dad with us? Where's Martha and Mr. Smith?"

"Martha decided to stay with her family in Washington and Mr. Smith went to find his children. Your father and I talked about it and we decided this was the best decision."

Her voice cracks as she explains and I want nothing more than to reach forward and give her comfort. I do a headcount and notice a combined five siblings crowding the interior.

And I make six.

"Best decision? Where are we going? You guys aren't getting back together ‘cause of the end of the world are you?"

"Mrs. Nilsa and Daddy are getting back together?"

"No. Don't say shit like that around your siblings. We're going to Chicago, it's going to be a long ride so I packed snacks."

"Wait, what? Why?"

“Remember that ticket you got from Mr. Wilford? Well, I read over it and the train takes off in Chicago. We just have to get there before noon tomorrow.”

“But the ticket only had my name on it, what about youse?”

“Oh, honey. Don’t worry. Trust me. Ainsley, hand this back. Let them read over it again. Just make sure you hand it back so I can put it away."

I reach forward and gently grip the paper ticket Mom kept for safekeeping. I trace the outline of my name before flipping it onto its back. It explains, well, everything. What room I’ll be in, what job I’ll be retrofitted for, who I’m supposed to check in with every morning at 8 am and every night at 8 pm. When I first got the ticket months ago I had barely skimmed it before my mom had ripped it out of my hands and declared that it would be going into the safe until the day arrived. I guess today is the day. I go over the words again and again until they start to blur together. I barely register the crying until a glob of tears drips onto the creased paper and I have to yank it away before more cover any of the letters. I scrub at my wet eyes.

"Wait. What about my bag? I didn't have time to pack anything."

"I took that emergency bag I had you pack a few weeks ago. I even went through and added a few extra pairs of socks and underwear since you packed so few. I thought I taught you better than that."

"Did you pack Shirley Temple?"

"I was able to make room for her, yes. I did have to leave behind that Gizmo plush of yours though. I'm sorry sunshine."

"It's fine."

I drag my finger from a single drop of salt water to the end of the paper a few inches away.

"Why don't you go 'head and put this in for the little ones, yeah?"

I nod and trade Mom the movie for my ticket. Getting to work setting up the built-in movie screen imbedded in the ceiling of the car I force myself out of my thoughts. Popping open the small TV I click the screen on and allow the movie to be eaten by loud clicking. The Disney logo pops onto the screen and that's when I stop paying attention. My heart hammers loudly in my chest and I’m surprised no one complains. Closing my eyes I rest my forehead against the freeing window covered in frost. The bouncing of the car does nothing for the headache pounding against my skull, but I’m able to largely ignore it. My heart doesn't stop hammering even when I eventually give into exhaustion hours later. Unmoving I allow sleep to take over my body and simply keep my arms wrapped tightly around my sister. Both my ailments only get worse as I wake up to the sound of asphalt turning into gravel. Blinking my blurry eyesight starts to transform and I take in the sheer amount of fancy cars littering the makeshift lot. Dozens of old Mustangs from before the freeze and plenty of outfitted Volvos. Sitting up I cradle my sleeping sister's head. From the crumbs covering her chubby cheeks, I assume everyone got their snack and my heart twinges in guilt for not being awake to help hand them out.

"Mom?"

"We're here honey. I need you to do something for me. Go on ‘head and find this Commander Grey. Give him your ticket and follow him. We’ll be right behind you. Okay? Don’t forget to give hugs in case we don’t see you before you’re settled in.”

Despite the nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach, I follow Mom’s order to a T. I herd my siblings out of the car and take turns giving each of them a strong hug. A few complain about how I’m crushing their bones which makes me hiccup as tears well in my eyes again. I can’t pinpoint exactly why I’m having this reaction, but I know it’s because of something bad. A few minutes are spent with everyone before my bag is slung over my shoulders with Dad’s help. A huge suitcase is placed in my hand and I turn to face Mom. I take the ticket from her hand and hold it close to my heart. Taking a moment to catch my breath I make my way from the back of the lot to the front. A few expensive-looking couples are being guided to the open train doors. I find a militant man I can only assume is Commander Grey and speak up to grab his attention. He looks behind him, down at me, and gives me a forced smile. I hold up my ticket and he takes it looking it over for a moment.

“Name and Job.”

“Um… Razel, oh. Full name? Sorry. Razel Lilya Marie Mészáros. I’m, um, hospitality? Yeah, Hospitality on the apprenticeship program.”

He nods and hands me my paper back, I shove it deep into my pocket, settling it next to my parents' discarded rings. He motions for another militant man to come over. He is scarily tall and finally, my stomach turns fully. Bending over I gag and throw up bile. It burns the back of my throat and I back away in fear as I notice just how alone I am. Looking back I see my family a few feet away. Siblings smile wide as they wave while Momma covers her mouth and Dad tries his best to comfort her.

“Wait. Wait. My family, where do they check in?”

“If they have tickets they would be here with you. Come on.”

The rest of the armored men have already moved on and mine was starting to get impatient. I shake my head and go to move back. If they didn't have tickets, neither did I. The man assigned to me grabs at my bicep and despite the leather gloves covering him to his wrists, I can feel his nails digging into my skin. I yelp and Mom rushes forward. His gun holster is unclicked and she must have noticed because she stops a few inches away, just far enough that even our fingertips won't be able to touch.

"Look at me, no matter what you make sure you get on that train. No. I know you're going to fight for your siblings but you need to make yourself the priority. Do you understand me? I need to hear you say it."

"Momma, why? What's happening?"

The guard lets out a sound to alert us that I’m on borrowed time. My mom smiles but her eyes are a void of crushed spirit. Taking a wide step she cups my face gently as she softly explains.

"You were the only one who got a ticket, munchkadee. Now hold on, I know you want to be upset but you don't worry about us. You let me and your father worry about youse kids. This is your life, and we knew this was the best decision for you. You worked so hard and I am so proud of you. So so proud."

She hugs me tight and I can't let go even when her arms drop and I’m being yanked away. Finally, I’m pulled off her and land ass first into a snowbank. My suitcase is knocked out of my hand and ends up laying facedown in the glaring snow. While I worry about the snow soaking through my thin jeans someone breaks away from the car and runs directly into my shivering arms. I bundle her up and finally notice it's Marina, the baby of the family, barely five years old with eyes as blue as the oceans she was named after. I hear the sound of metal sliding against leather and subconsciously shield her body with mine.

"Get up."

My legs are numb as I force myself into a standing position. Smoothing my sister's hair I smile sadly down at her.

"Sissy, I wanna come with you. Why are you leaving?"

"Let's go, now."

The gun is directly pointed at her now and she doesn't even understand to be scared as her eyes never leave mine.

"Please, one minute."

"Now."

My sister is pulled without regard from my arms and her cries make my head swim. Lunging forward I practically hiss at the armored man. I’m held back by a Glock being held to her temple.

"No wait please, please. I'll raise her. I promise she'll be my sole responsibility. I promise. Please don't shoot. Please, there has to be someone I can talk to. Mr. Wilford?"

A round is cocked into the chamber and all I can do is scream as my parents watch helplessly. The large man pauses and my head swims with hope that he has a change of heart. Scratching at my skin I remove the tears that lace my cheeks. Pressing his finger against his ear he goes back and forth with whoever is on the other line. Asking for the child's name, he goes back and forth for another minute. Finally, with an annoyed grunt, he faces me once more.

"Saved by the grace of Mr. Wilford, get her stuff and come on. You have one minute. No, I’ll hold onto her. Think of it as insurance so you don’t try anything."

Dropping to the ground I give myself no time to register before I’m crawling then sprinting back to Dad who holds out her bag to me. She must have dropped it. I alter the straps of the bag so I can sling it over top of mine. Mom must have followed because when I turn around to leave she smiles as she shoves two more bags onto my body. A brown canvas belonging to Dad that fits over the front of my body and a white tote that slides onto my shoulder. Everything weighs down on me adding to the discomfort of the day, but I don’t utter a single complaint.

"We love you."

I say nothing as Dad attempts to wrap me in his arms for a brief moment before I’m given a verbal warning. Thirty seconds and my heart sinks. How does someone explain to a bunch of children that I get to live? That they’re going to die slowly and painfully. Oh, God, I’m going to throw up again. I have no time to dwell as I’m herded away by my parents.

"Wait-"

“No more waiting, you need to get on that train.”

“You are responsible for Marina now, you need to think of her first.

“Look at how terrified she is. Go. Now.”

They take turns giving me small kisses across my face between gut-wrenching sentences. Removing their rings from each other's fingers, Mom shoves them deep into my parka. I don't even get a word out before we're a few inches away from the guard and the last seconds are used to squeeze the life out of Marina. Her giggles make my hands shake as I'm finally given her to be led onto the last ark of humanity. A humanity where I'm solely responsible for a child, a child whose parents and siblings will succumb to the bitter cold nipping at our skin. Picking up the now soaked suitcase I Intertwine our fingers and guide my sister away from our crying mother. My feet sink into the snow in stark contrast to my heart which swells into my throat. Soon the snow is less of an issue as we’re led to a human-made trail created by hundreds of shoes. Hoisting my sister up and over the stairs I follow suit mere seconds later never once allowing myself to look back because I know, deep down, I won't be able to stop myself from joining them.

[one-spaceship-to-historia]

Writing Snippet #1

This is a discarded prologue. It is written from a POV that quite frankly had no impact on the story, it also doesn't help that I wrote this approximately five years ago now. It's also the second attempt at this sequence. It also portrays a discarded version of the character Auden, before they had finished unfurling into the being they are in the current narrative. Enjoy this clunky old piece of writing.

It started like any other day. 

  Well, at least it seemed to. She woke before the sun rose, was listening to the radio through her head set and looking out the hotel window. She was fully dressed, off in whatever fantasyland she’d been reading about that week. If at that moment I had bothered to read her expression. I would have noticed that she was frowning. But I sat up and sent my gaze into the adjoined hotel room where I could hear my other friends grumbling as they woke. I had called out to them, asking what today’s plan was. Asking her specifically what café she wanted to visit, because I owed her a raspberry tea. 

We had decided, being young and infallible, that going to the beautiful city of San Francisco after Graduating High school was a good game plan. A couple weeks pretending to be preppy shopaholic city girls. All while getting to see the sights with the eldest of our group being the tour guide. Then head off to college ready to start our next step in life. We drove in an older minivan that could seat the nine of us. Chatting, laughing, screaming, crying, yelling, and most of all singing our way from a small town east of Yellowstone a couple hundred miles to California. Nothing could go wrong, we had told ourselves and each other. We’re all together ready to take on the great big world of adulthood. 

We were oh so wrong. 

We had left the hotel that slightly brisk summer day, with smiles on our faces as we went to the nearest open book shop. We had a good deal of fun skimming the newer books, laughing at the clichés we were finding. Werewolf men and drama queens, fighting over some poor nerd who wasn’t even interested. Ha! 

 Now that I think about it, she didn’t laugh as loudly that day as she normally would. Her lips were extra red from her nervous chewing, as she walked the shelves with the books of legends bound in gold. The tales of heroes such as those were always a favorite. Her fingers had been gentle, as if she was saying goodbye to one of her art pieces. Her hair, once again cut short, hung in a messy gold curtain over her face as she looked at an antique copy of The Sword in the Stone. Her eyes had been sad. For something that I now know had yet to happen. 

After a couple more stops, Fate found us crossing a street. Sometimes I swore I could see the magic that exploded from the oldest of my friends at that moment. After it was over, she told me that she had been looking up at the sky as a butterfly flew through her vision. That she had felt the pull on her right hand as I tried to pull her out of the way. The harsh sting of the man’s magic as he tried to teleport back to his home world, to avoid the car; when he slammed into her shoulder. Sending her into the car's path. How she registered the scent of the burning breaks. Acidic in my own memory. But she stressed, that wasn’t what had her attention as her body fell asleep and her soul was ripped away to another world. No she was focused on the horror and regret in the poor woman, who was driving the cars, eyes. 

Looking back. I think she knew that this was only the catalyst. That she had seen the aliens that morning while she watched the sunrise. That she had been waiting for it. I think that she knew she was going to lose her mortal life. I think she knew she was going to die that day. 

All I can say on the matter now is that wherever she was taken, when she came back she was a hero. Even if her scars told a different story. And as her friend I had just held on to the fact that she would return because I owed her a raspberry tea.

[activatebutterflyshield]

Last part of Debt! I really gotta finish this one… WIP Day 7!

-

Debt (Part 3)

-

The Murder’s station wagon trundled through Los Angeles, followed by the Wild and Free’s minivan. The failing light of the sun at dusk cast long shadows over the two vehicles, seemingly hounding them through the streets.

Inside both cars, the atmosphere was tense. Not that any member of either crew would dare attack one another; Raven had made that explicitly clear the moment Crescent Moon shot Harpy a dirty look. But even the members of the Murder weren’t exactly enthused about meeting with the Dog Whistles. No-one spoke, no-one fiddled, no-one did anything more than stare out the windows and think.

Eventually, the two cars trundled up behind an auto repair shop, the gates to its back lot hanging open despite the time. They parked, and both crews made their last preparations to meet the Dog Whistles. Albatross shook out his wings, a welcome stretch after the cramped ride. Red Herring and Cat’s Paw swept their tails about, fanning away the mist nervously trailing from Harpy’s nose. Midnight Raven affixed his long cloak, casting Golden Lighting one last glance. His former classmate nodded as he straightened from cuffing his pants up. They were ready.

Raven led the odd procession into the asphalt lot, great wings almost invisible in the dark night. He let his feathers swish, even though they’d normally be silent; it was good manners to announce your presence. He could hear Albatross’ heavy footsteps, the clinking of Crescent Moon’s lantern, and Harpy’s steady breathing, his exhaled clouds making Raven’s neck go cold. Even Cat’s Paw was making an effort to be audible.

Suddenly, six figures stepped into what little light Crescent’s lantern produced. Torres (Bottlenose, Raven reminded himself) was at their head, the silver snout-like mask of the Dog Whistles marking his high rank. His ice blue eyes reflected the lantern-light, betraying no emotion.

Raven recognized four of the other five as longtime Whistles: Quicksilver’s plaited platinum blonde hair gave her away, as did Inkwell’s exposed tattoos, while Undertow’s numerous vials of liquid and Dustdevil’s pouches of sand betrayed their identities. The last person Raven did not recognize, but they wore the mandible mask and shockingly yellow and black uniform of the Golden Hornets.

Bottlenose held out a hand, offering a harpoon gun. Midnight Raven extended his own in response, holding out a dagger-sized feather. They swapped weapons before dropping them in unison to the pavement. The harpoon gun clattered. The feather made no sound.

“A truce is made,” Bottlenose declared.

“A truce is made,” Raven agreed.

The Dog Whistle leader visibly relaxed, nodding as he motioned to his gang mates. “You already know my lieutenants, I am sure. But Rose Gold here was a last minute addition, a representative of the Golden Hornets. They wish to support our… expedition. The False Queens have done much damage to their business. We are all very excited—” his eyes lit up dangerously for a moment “— to begin acting.”

Midnight Raven met Rose Gold’s eyes; internally, he was startled at their bright yellow color. “I have no objections to your presence, Rose Gold. But I must know if you wish to observe or join in the action.”

The Hornet blinked at him before reaching a hand into a pocket. They withdrew it holding a small golden container, shaped like a pill capsule. “I very much intend to join in the action, Midnight. I am very capable. But if I should fall, and if Bottlenose is not able, I wish you to deliver this to the Hornets. In person. I trust you know the location?”

Raven smiled behind his mask. “Yes, I know where. It is good to have you.”

He turned back to the Dog Whistles. Bottlenose was looking at him expectantly, and the others were very poignantly staring at the Wild and Free. “Pardon me, Whistles. You are already familiar with my Murder of Crows, but may I introduce the Wild and Free? They are white-hat, yes, but we have known each other for a very long time. They are also personally invested in this matter. I can vouch for their trustworthiness, and I take responsibility for their actions during the expedition.”

Bottlenose looked to Golden Lightning, flicking his eyes over each Wilder before returning to his own crew. He nodded slowly, returning to Midnight Raven’s gaze. “Aye. We can work with these white-hats. After all, this is a Golden Rule matter. All bets are off.”

He held his hand out to Raven. “We are ready, Shadowpinner at Midnight. Let us fight these False Queens together.”

Raven grasped and shook it. “We are ready, Bottlenose at the Surface. We shall fight those False Queens on the morning.”

-

Weapons were exchanged again, and both the Murder and the Wild and Free piled back into their respective cars. Everyone sighed in mixed relief and exhaustion as they drove away from the meeting place, with Victor’s exhaled cloud fogging up the windshield. Evie slumped, her arrows disappearing with her tension.

Will leaned back in the front passenger seat. “Well then… we got Quicksilver, Inkwell, Undertow, Sandstorm, and Bottlenose as definites. But what about Rose Gold? They look like they got power?”

Zach sighed again, grateful for the air conditioning. “I honestly couldn’t say. With a name like that, they could have an transforming power, like Logan, or they could be a manipulator, like Undertow. Hell, they could be a physical and just hiding it. Not that hard to conceal a second pair of arms in those wide sleeves, or a tail under that coat.”

“True, true. But to be completely honest, I just want to get this over with. Too much anticipation, too much waiting. It’s making me nervous.”

“Same here, mate.” Zach sighed again. “But it’s got to be done.”

-

Zachary got up before the sun, yawning and instinctively reaching for the shadows. He dressed quickly and reflexively, mind on autopilot as gunmetal buttons snapped through black fabric and his coat’s asymmetrical tail flapped like a wing with his movements. Throughout the safehouse, the rest of the murder was going through similar motions; William buttoned, unbuttoned, and rebuttoned his collar several times over, nervously eying the vapor Victor was exhaling from across the hall, while Evelyn flickered her arrows, unsettled by the lack of Logan’s clacking keyboard, usually audible through the thin walls.

Everyone was silent and grim as they scarfed down toast and gulped down orange juice as quick as they could. No-one could seem to eat quick enough. Zachary led them in gearing up, going over harpoons and bowstrings, smoke grenades and… that was it. No video-recorders, no gunsights, no three-pound laptops or three-yard cables or three-lensed sniper’s scopes. Just his cloak, and his mask, and the silence.

Zachary said one last thing that morning.

“Read the newspapers, Logan. They’ll be your sights this time.”

[anewswire]

Two US citizens kidnapped in Mexico found dead, two others alive

Two of the 4 US citizens kidnapped in crime-plagued northeastern Mexico have been found useless Tuesday, prompting a vow by Washington to make sure that the perpetrators are delivered to justice. The two others have been situated alive a number of days after the group was snatched at gunpoint having apparently crossed the border for medical causes, Mexican authorities mentioned. The lawyer normal's workplace confirmed that of the 4 abductees, two have been useless and one of many others was injured, Tamaulipas state governor Americo Villarreal informed a information convention by phone. The US citizens traveled to Matamoros, in Tamaulipas state, on Friday in a white minivan with North Carolina license plates, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) mentioned in an earlier assertion. It provided a $50,000 reward for assist resulting in the return of the unidentified victims and the arrest of the perpetrators. "Shortly after crossing into Mexico, unidentified gunmen fired upon the passengers in the (minivan). All 4 Individuals have been positioned in a automobile and brought from the scene by armed males," the FBI mentioned. The White Home denounced the kidnappings as "unacceptable" and provided condolences to households of the victims. "We will work intently with the Mexican authorities to make sure that justice is completed in this case," White Home nationwide safety spokesman John Kirby mentioned. He informed reporters that Washington was nonetheless studying about particulars of the incident from Mexican officers. "Proper now our focus may be very squarely on these 4 Individuals and the households which have been affected by the assault," Kirby added. "We do not have these 4 Individuals again on house soil. And actually that is what our focus is true now," he mentioned. - Cartel scorching spot - Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador mentioned on Monday that the victims have been believed to have entered the nation to purchase medicines and received caught up in a confrontation between prison teams. "We're very sorry that that is occurring in our nation," Lopez Obrador informed reporters after the affirmation of the deaths. "We ship our condolences to the households of the victims, to mates, to the folks of the US, to the US authorities," he added. A Mexican nationwide was killed in the incident. Matamoros, situated throughout the US border from Brownsville, Texas, has been beset by violence linked to drug trafficking and different organized crime. Mexico is stricken by cartel-related bloodshed that has seen greater than 340,000 folks murdered because the authorities deployed the navy in the warfare on medicine in 2006. The US State Division advises in opposition to journey to Tamaulipas as a result of crime and kidnapping. "Organized crime exercise -- together with gun battles, homicide, armed theft, carjacking, kidnapping, compelled disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault -- is frequent alongside the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria," the state capital, in accordance with a US journey advisory. "Felony teams goal private and non-private passenger buses, in addition to personal cars touring by way of Tamaulipas, usually taking passengers and demanding ransom funds," it warned. Regardless of the dangers, Matamoros, situated on the banks of the Rio Grande river separating the two nations, is a significant stopping level for migrants heading for the US. jla-dr/bgs Initially revealed as Two US citizens kidnapped in Mexico found dead, two others alive Source link Read the full article

[croissantbae]

January 8, 2023

So much has happened. Yesterday we went to The Row to support Hatty at Maum.  We got in line for pizza at Bianco b/c a line was already forming before the restaurant opened.  After taking turns entertaining the girls we got in.  We were like, there’s no way it lives up to the hype.  I mean come on, its pizza. But wow it really lived up to the hype.  I didn’t watch the Netflix documentary but Jason described the legend and I knew enough to assume that this was like God’s gift to man in pizza form or something crazy like that.  So I had high expectations too.  But seirously I was blown away by how delicious it was.  We liked the New York style thin pizzas the best.  And I was shocked but I may have liked the Salami the best (which is usually not my thing).  But upon further consideration I think I would love to just eat the regular old Margherita.  Everything else was good (the lemon, the sicilian, the green one, etc.) but the tomato sauce was so good. and the crunch was so satisfying on the thin pizza that’s what I’d want to eat over and over again.  

We couldn’t get into Maum b/c the line was too long so we dropped off a box of pizza for Hatty and bounced.  Jason mentioned that his friends were playing pickelball and asked if we wanted to stop by.  I said yeah let’s do it.  We kind of waffled on whether to go or not because we weren’t sure if the timing would even work out but we did.  We go and its actually a ton of fun.  Jen was there so she and I played, while trying to avoid hitting the kids lol.  But Dani wanted water so I took her to the car to get her water but when I get back Jen runs up and she’s like Jason got hurt.  I was like .. no.  because Pete had just gotten injured a few weeks prior.  I walk over and Jason is like I think I tore my achilees.  I feel the back of his heel on his normal leg, and it feels normal but I feel the heel on his other leg and its just mushy.  No bone/tendon.  We immediately go to my mom’s (after a miscommunication w/ my mom) and then realize she’s at our house so we go home and my mom watches the girls while we go to the ER.  Man I felt pretty dirty after being at the hospital b/c there was a homeless guy there that smelled so bad.  and there were people who were yelling out in pain. it was just a weird vibe. they warned us it could take a long time so I went to get everyone homestate, dropped it off for jason and then went home to relieve my mom.  also jason’s phone died so he wanted to keep my phone to stave off his boredom but also so I could contact him.  I felt so naked driving around w/o my phone in the minivan b/c I couldn’t look directions up. I just had to trust my memory (which it was easy to do given we know the Kaiser Sunset so well but still). 

I get home, relieve my mom, put the girls to sleep, and then wait.  Eventually I go back to get Jason and he’s waiting with crutches. He has to basically jump on one leg up all of our stairs (our house is so not ADA compliant) and he’s sleeping on the couch right now because it would be too hard for him to sleep in either of the girls’ rooms without waking them up with his crutches.  At first I thought I should sleep on the couch b/c I didn’t see how he could go get dani but he said he could just use the crutches to go into her room and then throw her on the bed lol.  But we realized he can just take her out of the crib and then she can walk on her own.  

Today I took the girls to church and jason stayed home and oh my god it was not fun.  I couldn’t focus on any convo because dani was just a menace at the table.  I was terrified whenever she grabbed one of the ceramic plates, sure she was going to throw it down on the ground and send shards flying.  But lunch was actually super delicious.  I’m already craving the tomato and egg with hand cut noodles.  I might try to make tomato and egg this week. 

After we went to get boba and then ofc dani poops. so we walk over to a courtyard area with a bathroom but I have to carry dani the whole time.  In total after we got there, I changed dani’s diaper 2x (thank god for trudy providing us with wipes and diapers) and I took naya (and wes haha) to the bathroom 3x. The whole time was just a brief intermission between going to the bathroom.  

I felt spent by the time we got home but had to do some work.  I’m scared that there’s going to be a lot of work this week since people are really going to be back from vacation now.  But just got to face it head on. 

Also I really hope the ortho calls soon so Jason can go in and ask for the surgery.  We both want him to get it because it seems like the recovery time is shorter and recovery is more assured.  Johnny or Paul was saying today that they know someone who tore their ACL like 3x.  Tore it once and then every time they tried to take their boot off it would just re-tear again.  I don’t want that for Jason. It seems like if you just do natural healing, you just have to hope your tendon re-attaches together and it eventually heals, which could take like a full year.  What a weird thing to happen.  Stiill doesn’t feel fully real.

[stephenandsparklesdokorea]

Monday September 26, 2022

Jeju Island: Woljeong Beach 

Today we made the journey to Jeju Island, the second of our four Korean destinations (Gyeonju, Jeju, Busan, Seoul). 

In the morning we packed up at the mini hotel, Stephen walked over and got everyone tickets in advance at the bus station (a good thing because the 8:40 sold out and we were able to get tickets on the later of our two options, the 9:20), then we walked to get breakfast at McDonald's. Gil and Matt met us from the nearby GG hotel because they forgot to make their mini hotel reservations through Monday. Breakfast was pretty divine, between the two of us, Stephen and I had a hallabong (local citrus fruit) slushie, chicken and cheese McMuffin, hash browns, hot cakes, and coffee. Josh and Alexis joined, and after eating we all picked up our bags from our hotels and walked to the  intercity bus terminal to wait outside for our ride to Busan, where we’d then transfer to the airport to fly to Jeju. The bus was super nice bus with reclining leather seats and foot rests, curtains for the windows. It was a quiet hour ride to the bus station in Busan, followed by a short, Stephen-led walk to the train station, luggage in tow,  and finally two stops on the metro to the airport. 

We had an easy, in-person check in for Jeju Air (except I got called back to the luggage security area because I left too many lithium batteries in my bag), and ultimately nobody had to pay extra despite a few of our bags being over the advertised 15 kilo weight limit. While we waited at the terminal, Alexis sipped on a sweet potato latte, I tried some grapefruit soda, and after queuing to board in an organized manner, we were all seated at the back of the plane together. It was a quick, hour long flight to Jeju Island, most of which offered ocean views and as we approached Jeju a vantage point of the entire island. Although not large, Jeju is home to Korea’s tallest mountain, Hallasan, which occupies the middle of the island with coastal cities to the north (Jeju City) and south (Seogwipo). The Jeju City airport was outrageously busy, it was probably the most chaotic and claustrophobic feeling place we went to in Korea.

While the others waited for our baggage, Stephen and I got started on the car rental process. With the help of Kheumhee and Davis, I had rented us a 9 seater Kia Carnival minivan from a korean company, Lotte Rent A Car. We took a shuttle from the airport to their Auto House, where it was busy but streamlined, especially since we were the only group in the “foreigners” line. (They make it difficult to book from abroad because you have to use a Korean system of payment, hence the help from Kheumhee). 

While the check in was easy, it turns out a 9 person van is just a regular minivan with an extra fold down seat where the trunk (aka luggage!)  space would normally be. I think the pit of our whole trip was realizing were were going to have to fit 7 grown ass adults and their luggage in a 7 seater minivan. With Stephen’s international driver’s permit (which you can get at an AAA with your regular US driver’s license), he can’t operate larger 12 seater vans per Korea’s rules, so we were stuck with what we had. It was a good thing that the majority of the car was full of engineers because it certainly took some tight tetris-ing to get arms, legs, bags inside the vehicle. Although cramped, the car was a nice kia carnival otherwise and we made the 45 minute drive to our first destination, Wolji Beach, without incident. 

Overall, the speed limit on the island feels ridiculously slow, with so many speed bumps and 30kph school zones through otherwise agricultural areas growing citrus fruits. We found out Stephen actually got a robo-ticket at one point, which he paid upon dropping off our rental car at the end of our trip. 

Wolji Beach was a cute little beach town, I picked it as a lunch stop given it’s proximity to the Manjuggul lava caves. Unfortunately, we arrived mid afternoon so most restaurants were between their lunch and dinner hours. Matt and Devin bought some croissants at a bakery then we found a very small but trendy place open with only 4 menu items, all served on wood slabs: a hamburger, a pasta dish, American brunch, and French brunch plates. We were hungry so didn’t deliberate, and it ended up being pretty good if not a little pricy compared to most eateries. Of my brunch plate, the rosemary potatoes and roasted eggplant were the best part.

[hope-drunk]

- let’s take jesus off the dashboard | s. harrington

| you can’t help but stare at your boyfriend while he’s driving

| content warning! 18+ PLEASE, pwp, implied f!reader, reader’s bold and mouthy, steve’s mean but it’s an act, implied subspace? a little?, fingering, piv, unprotected sex.

“would you stop looking at me like that?” steve said, passing you a glance.

in his defense, you had been staring at him driving for the past 15 minutes. he just looked so, good. you couldn’t explain it. something about him being so concentrated on the road. it did something to you.

you were on your way to your friend’s lake house that was quite a ways away. you had already been driving for a while. while you loved steve, you were quite bored.

“i’m sorry, can’t help it. you’re so handsome, stevie.” you tell him with a little smile, putting your eyes on the stretch of road in front of you instead of the side of his face.

“yeah, well, you’re looking at me like you want me to pull over so i can fuck you.” he says, quietly, but with a small laugh.

“what if that is what i want?” you were mostly joking, mostly. the car fell to silence and you put your feet on the dash. steve’s car was some minivan his parents had gotten him, which was perfect considering he always had the kids with him.

steve lets out a “hmm” and looks over at you. you’re shooting him a shit-eating grin. you knew he wouldn’t ever actually fuck you on the side of the road. i mean it was steve.

steve who holds your hand during sex, steve who kisses your forehead while his cock is buried so deep inside of you. steve who barely lets you suck his dick, even if you’re begging for it, because he feels like you don’t get anything out of it.

before you know it he’s slowing down, pulling off by some random corn field in the back of an unknown town. he unbuckles his seatbelt and looks at you, “we gonna do this or what?” he’s smiling, pearly whites on full display. 

“oh we are so doing this, big boy.”

“oh we are so doing this, big boy.”

you’re quick to climb into the back, already kicking your shoes off and yanking the red tank top over your head. steve’s not far behind you, he’s already got his polo off when you look at him. 

you both lean into each other, hard. a kiss that’s so rough you think you might break his teeth. it’s sloppy, and quite honestly gross. you hop into his lap and pull away, gasping. there’s a line of spit connecting you two together still. 

“you’re so hard already, steve. were you being an unsafe driver? thinking about my pussy instead of focusing on our safety?” the look he gives you is something you’ve never seen before. he’s wild, the hair he spent so long on is messy now, from your tugging. 

“do you ever stop running your fucking mouth?” he asks. in his normal tone, nonetheless. steve’s running his big hands up and down your thighs.

you let out a laugh of disbelief, “what?” you’re tilting your head, like a lost puppy. 

“you heard me.” all you can do is look at him. you truly do not know what to say. 

“i guess that answers the question, then. just need to be a little mean and you get quiet, is that it? you want me to be mean to you? y’want me to fuck you on the side of the road, like you’re some whore?” his voice sounds deeper to you. and he’s still rubbing your thighs, up and down and up and down. you find yourself nodding without even realizing. it’s like your body is responding to him. he raises his eyebrows, your eyes search his face all over. you realize he wants verbal confirmation from you.

“yes, want it.” you sigh out. steve flips you over. his chest is pressed to yours and you’re kissing again. you realize that you’re trying to grind up into him, grind onto anything, really. “so needy.” he mumbles against you. your hands have found the button of your shorts and while you’re in the middle of undoing it, steve’s hands are yanking them down, along with your panties. he rubs a finger through your folds, earning a gasp from you. 

“oh you’re fucking wet, sweetheart. y’sure i was the distracted one? you were supposed to be my navigator. did you get us lost? were y’thinking about my cock in you?” he doesn’t wait for a response, he just slips his middle finger into your hole, and you realize he wasn’t lying about how wet you are. you can hear the squelching sounds your making, but you can’t seem to care. your back is arching off the seats while you let out pathetic moans. steve adds another finger into your weeping cunt.

you don’t really know what to do. it’s not that you were usually in charge during sex, but he wasn’t usually in charge either. all you knew, is that it was driving you crazy. you loved how he was putting you in your place. you loved that he was making you speechless, and you especially loved how he was touching you.

“you’re so pretty when you’re like this, baby. all quiet for me. you don’t have a thought in your head, do you?” you’re grasping steve’s wrists, not sure if you want him to slow down or speed up. small please’s are leaving your lips.

“what d’ya want, honey? tell me what you want and i’ll give it to you, you know i will.” he’s kissing all over your neck now. it’s just adding to the overwhelming sensation of him.

“want your cock, please steve. want it so bad.” he brings his head up to look into your eyes.

“yeah? you want my cock? poor thing.” he says, followed by a tsk. steve’s taking his fingers out of you fast, making you whine. but he’s quick to undo his pants and line his cock up with your cunt.

steve pushes in and lets out a groan. “oh shit, you feel so good. always so good for me, huh? yeah, you’re my good little girl.” you’re mumbling back to him, “good girl for you, steve. good girl.”

he laughs at you. steve’s pounding into you hard. his balls slapping against your ass. you have your hand on the window behind you, trying to steady yourself, but it’s no use. it slides down and makes an ugly squeaking noise. they’re too fogged up from all the panting and moaning. 

“look at me, sweetie. wanna see your eyes. can you keep your eyes on me? yeah?” he’s gripping your jaw, and you’re doing your best to keep looking at him.

“wanna cum, stevie. please wanna cum so bad.” you’re crying into his hand. steve uses his thumb to wipe away the stray tears. 

“you wanna cum, puppy? go ahead, give it t’me.” his words are all you needed to let go. and when you cum you see white. the coil in your stomach snaps so hard you don’t even remember what’s going on.

steve’s thrusts are getting sloppy as he fucks you through your high. you can feel his cock twitch, and you clench around him from overstimulation. he lets out a final moan and buries himself into you, releasing his load. 

he lays on top of you, cock still deep inside of your cunt. you gently rub his back which makes him lift his head up. he pushes the sweaty hair off of your forehead and lays a sweet kiss onto your nose. when he pulls out, he’s quick to grab a towel from your bag in the back to get you cleaned up. 

“was i too mean?” he asks, barely above a whisper.

your, much louder, voice comes, “no steve, are you kidding? that was so good.” you lean up to give him a reassuring kiss. he smiles into it.

once you’re both dressed again and ready to get back on the road, steve lets out a sigh.

“you really did get us lost. we went the wrong way.” you let out a little giggle, and steve loses the fake angry dad act and laughs with you.