#and probably asked her to take the wig off before they really Got Started

[walkingstackofbooks]

Doctor Bashir I Presume AU where Julian transitioned during the Academy but never told his parents: (This totally got out of hand I'm sorryyyy 😅)

"What did you do to your lovely hair?" - Amsha's first reaction to seeing him in Sisko's office (He always wore a wig to visit them. This is exactly why.)

"You must be very proud of your son." "Our... son?"

Richard and Amsha trying to hide how unimpressed they are because they know it's socially unacceptable to be transphobic

(Not that they'd call themselves transphobic, of course. They have trans friends! But with Jules, well, it's different, isn't it? With all that they spent on her enhancements, there's no way her DNA would have been left with any... imperfections. And when it comes down to it, their her parents - they know her better than she knows herself.)

Amsha complaining at dinner how Julian hadn't prepared them for the shock of seeing him. "How could you do this to us? We were so embarrassed in front of your Captain."

(As if it wasn't them in the first place who had showed up totally unannounced 🙃🙄)

Richard saying that if Julian had told them he'd been having these feelings from the beginning, they might have been able to get help for him before he ruined his body.

Richard (angrily): "You've got some nerve, asking us to be careful with this Zimmerman chap! With the sort of risks you've been taking? Don't you realise how easily you could have been found out, all for some unnecessary surgery?" Julian (painfully restrained): "I don't expect you to understand, father, but it was necessary for me." Amsha (sadly): "Your father's just looking out for you, Jules. Try to understand that."

Misunderstandings abound when talking to Miles*, but eventually it's cleared up that Julian's parents are shit.

Cue a lot of anger (and a lot more anger than Julian thought anyone would feel. Because, you know, when you grow up knowing that your parents aren't the most accepting people, you figure that's just what some parents are like, rather than assuming yours are among the most outliers of outliers...)

Miles tells Julian he should talk to Sisko and get his parents kicked off the station. Julian's like, "That's a nice idea, but the captain can't just do that unless he's got a good reason" and Miles is like "You do know that persistently misgendering someone is literally a Federation hate crime, right?"

The Bashirs of course deny any wrongdoing. Richard gets angry, claiming "it's a family matter". Amsha starts crying about how unfair it all is.

"You have to understand, Captain -- she's been our daughter for over thirty years. We know Jules is angry with us but please, she knows that we love her really. If you could just let us talk to her--"

Sisko is fuming. "I might believe you cared if you had made any attempt to get Julian's gender right." "You don't know what it's like!" Amsha protests. "This is all so sudden!" "I know exactly what it's like!" Ben snaps back. "And I'll tell you, I didn't for a second consider telling Jake that I didn't believe him, or that he must be mistaken, or that he needed to be patient with my mistakes. In fact, I made sure as hell that I didn't make mistakes. There's no case here, as far as I'm concerned. You're both confined to quarters until the next shuttle arrives."

So I guess in the aftermath of all that, Julian's enhancements never get revealed. Even if the Bashirs were to make an apology, Miles would shut the hologram down, now he knows what Julian's parents are like.

But I think they probably feel too betrayed to try and make an apology, even a bad one.

So yeah, they're forced off the station and Julina actually gets, like, support and stuff from his friends!

Also, for like, a month afterwards, all of Molly and Yoshi's bedtime stories have trans main characters because Miles is low-key anxious about them ever starting to feel like Julian had about it not being okay.

(Keiko catches onto this and just happens to invite Julian around one night when it's storytime. Molly gets Julian to read her book. It's cute.)

(Afterwards, he enthuses about how he wishes he'd had books like that when he was a kid. And that's... sad.)

About two months later, when enough time has passed that Jadzia can pretend this isn't about Julian (although it totally is), Jadzia gets Quark and Jake involved in digging up some Earth history and holding a stationwide Pride celebration. (Julian appreciates both the gesture and the pretense.)

Garak makes some huffy comment to Julian about how "of course the Federation would have a whole festival devoted to degeneracy". Julian rolls his eyes and is about to take the bait, when he suddenly realises, "Wait, didn't Dukat once accuse you of being a degenerate?" "Wholly unsubstantiated claims, my dear Doctor." "Of course," Julian agrees sagely. "Although," he adds, a grin dancing across his lips, "if you ever find yourself wanting to substantiate them, Mister Garak..."

*The Misunderstandings:

"No offense, Julian, but you look wrecked. Is everything okay?"

Not meeting Miles' eyes, Julian takes a breath, as if to compose himself. "Let's just say that my parents are not exactly taking the news that I'm trans well."

In the moment, Miles chooses the wrong part of the sentence to focus on. "Wait, you're trans?"

Julian shrugs unhappily, a flash of anxiety passing over his face. "That doesn't... change how you feel about me, does it?" he asks hesitantly.

"'Course not!" replies Miles. "It's a bit of a surprise, I'll give you that, but-- No, sorry, I mean: what pronouns do you want me to use? Do you want to go by a different name?"

Before Julian can respond, Miles has another thought. "And what do you mean, your parents aren't taking this well? You're their son! -- Sorry, daughter-- offspring-- their child, I mean--"

"Hold up, Chief," Julian says, shaking his head in bemusement. "I'm still Julian. I'm very much a man. My parents just didn't know that until... yesterday."

"You never told them?"

"No."

"For how long?"

"Twelve years, if you're counting from when I first came out. More like twenty if you go from when I first knew."

"Jesus." Miles runs a hand through his hair. "Well, at least that explains why they're mad. That's an awfully big thing to hide from your own parents, Julian."

Julian grimaces. "I know," he replies, looking down. "It wasn't exactly brave, I guess but... I don't know. It was easier to cope with being misgendered because they didn't know, than being misgendered on purpose, you know?"

Being misgendered on purpose? This is such a bizarre statement, so at odds with what Miles knows of the world, that it takes him a minute to try and wrap his head around it.

"I'm lost, I'm afraid," he says eventually. "I can't, um-- Julian, what happened when you told your parents?"

[opiopal]

I was thinking abt this and I wanna ask, does anyone else have any little headcanons that are canon but only to their own personal Mc that literally doesn’t make any sense but you have it bc YOU like it? Cause I sure do,

one of them is that Luci does my Mc’s hair every morning,

like, this is a day one thing which is what makes it a little wonky. My mc, as seen in drawings I’ve done of her, doesn’t really have her hair controlled apart from her two front braids, which she grows for like, growth from trauma. Her entire head of hair is very thick and untamed, and she rly only brushes it. she has a hard time doing her own hair so that’s how she just leaves it, (she has a few visual impairments and sometimes her hands just don’t listen to her) SO, first day at RAD she does her usual thing of just brushing out her hair and leaving, however Luci notices their hair looks just as messy as when he had first met her. He just thought she was such a mess bc she got randomly teleported, but does she seriously just live like that?? so he stopped her before she left and tied her hair up into a simple high ponytail, tied off with a purple bow to match her uniform tie. Really it was because he didn’t want the exchange student to look bad, because it would also made Lord Diavolo look bad. He didn’t want anyone to assume anything about Diavolo, and he makes sure to make that clear to her, he wasn’t doing this because he wanted to, it was just because he didn’t want the future king to be shamed. (Though I’m sure that paternal instinct in him also was kickin in but we know he would never admit it..)

over time it becomes a routine, he tried to get mammon to try and do their hair… but ofc he didn’t want much to do with mc in the beginning so luci always had to step in. He (kinda harshly) questioned my mc as to why she just doesn’t do it herself, which she, while embarrassed, awkwardly explained that she has a hard time with it and she’d rather not get into why. But she did stress that he didn’t have to do it! It’s completely fine! Yet every morning he’s ready with a hair tie, hairbrush, and the bow to do their hair. Honestly, my mc is absolutely a creature of habit and does NOT want it to be ruined, she needs all the stability she can get dang it! So it doesn’t sit right with her if there’s a day where her hair doesn’t get done by him, and it gets weird for him too if he doesn’t do it, like something in his schedule is missing. Even when all the tense crap is going on and Luci and mc lowkey are close to murdering each other, she’ll still walk into his room in the morning, hand him the stuff, and turn around. And he’ll do it, she’ll say thank you, then leave.

I can also imagine the other brothers wanting to try and help too, but mams struggles a bit with her hair(though he gets used to it and helps often once they start dating<3), Levi got really embarrassed but tried his best! He’s honestly good bc of styling cosplay wigs.. but she doesn’t always want ruri-Chan pigtails…. S8n would probably get frustrated but still manage a cute hair style, asmo… gets carried away, suddenly he’s braiding and curling- then doing a different style to see what else he could do- and it’s just a mess. I don’t think sweet boy Beel could manage much beyond helping to brush hair, which she can do just fine, and belphie… doesn’t know how to take care of his own hair let alone someone else’s, so he wouldn’t try lol,

another little thing I have with her is that like, she LOVES fruit, like, I like to imagine RADS cafeteria is kinda like a buffet but with the main course always changing, so she always gets like, a burger or something, and stuffs the rest of her tray with cut and uncut fruit, nearly every snack she has is fruit, So I have it like, if you were to give her a plate of fruit she’ll just zone out and eat it until it’s gone, then come back into reality. So it’s sometimes used to the brother advantage when they need to do something without mc stopping them or telling Luci, literally they just give her a bowl or plate of fruit and she blanks out til it’s gone, then she’s like “wait where tf did they go”

AND another thing is that she often has tea with Diavolo! It’s a weekly thing, they go and vibe together and just chit chat while barbatos makes sure their cups are never empty, over time she does actually get the both of them in on the convo, despite the fact that at first Barb insists on them enjoying their little hang out, since the young master has just been dying to see his human bestie, but he caves and usually joins in after a few visits

also my mc and luci have a father daughter thing going on, since he looks/reminds her of her father who she only knew for the first few years of her life, and Luci is just.. well himself, but ofc the game kinda ruins it for me sometimes🥲 I just pretend them hanging out is just wholesome fun bonding time and not an implied date 😔

[cibeeorsomeshit]

Stolitz Week 2024

Day Four: Human Disguise/Blending Family (ao3)

Running into your sort-of date’s daughter in the human world while wearing a dress and wig probably didn’t help her opinion of you.

“What are you doing here?”

Blitzø was just about to snap at this girl to fuck off, but the slightly hooked nose, the softer but still inhuman glow to her eyes cut his aggression off, so instead he stammered: “Octavia?”

Octavia looked so unimpressed with him that Blitzø felt like he was getting bullied by the tilt of her mouth alone, even though he was more than ten years her senior. Maybe it was the Goetia pride that oozed off her naturally, or — more likely — it was because she was Stolas’ daughter and he was always a little afraid of that.

“Unnnnnf.” Blitzø was suddenly very conscious of the fact that he was by all means, dressed as a slutty college sorority girl (with clothes he stole from Moxxie’s wardrobe). Not that he was self-conscious about being in makeup and a dress. Hell-knows he did that enough when clubbing, but it was not really something he wanted Octavia to see when her opinion of him was already lower than the last ring of hell. 

She was still waiting. Blitzø belatedly remembered he was asked a question. 

“I’m looking for a gift. For Loona. For her two-year sobriety anniversary. She probably doesn’t even remember it but I do and I heard about this species of spider that sounded interesting from…” — your dad— “...sooo, that’s what I’m doing. Here. In a dress.”

Octavia looked down at his clothes like she was only just noticing it, and her frown somehow managed to deepen. Blitzø felt his nervous smile wobble. Sweat collected in his ass crack. Why didn’t he just wear a thong like a true sorority slut?

“No luck so far.” Blitzø tried to fill the uncomfortable lack of response with some uncomfortable response. 

“I can see that,” Octavia said. “Did the spiders do that to you?”

By “that,” Blitzø assumed she meant the torn and smudged clothes and the scratches all over him. “Oh, pfft, no. I accidentally stepped on a snake and it bit me. The venom got me so high I fell into a bush.”

Silence.

“Okay, there were several bushes. On the way down a cliff.”

“Uh-huh.” 

They stood, staring just past each other’s shoulder for a few moments, before Blitzø rubbed his arm and said, unnaturally civil and lacking in lewd vocabulary, “Well. I’ll leave you to your…thing. And I’m just gonna…yeah.”

Blitzø scampered off. When he thought he had a good distance between them he stopped and put his face in his hands. Fuuuuuuck….

Wallowing in mortification was familiar to him but this was a whole new kind of pit, since he had been trying so hard to get Octavia to hate him less so Stolas wouldn’t be put in a tough position. The last few attempts (when they ran into each other in the palace) had been icy ( Octavia) and awkward (Blitzø) and Stolas looked as though he would burst into tears on the spot when Octavia would just walk away without saying anything to either of them. Blitzø always left very soon after each encounter, and his self-hatred was only soothed a little when Stolas would ask him to stay, to just let him talk to Via first. He never stayed. 

Yeah, so, fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck.

“You said it was for Loona?” A voice suddenly popped up behind him.

“HOLY FUCK!”

“Wow. I thought you were supposed to be an assassin.” Octavia looked up at the low branch where Blitzø had decided to take refuge. 

“And I thought you were,” Blitzø dropped down before her, patting himself to conceal his blundering response to a teenage girl sneaking up to him. “Somewhere else.” 

“I want to help you find the spider.” Octavia said. 

“...Really?”

“My dad sent me to practice collecting plant samples, so I’ll probably come across them at some point anyway.”

“Oh, uh. That’s good. Thanks.” Then because Blitzø was so astonished and confused, he added another “Thank you?” with the question mark loud and clear.

She didn’t look at Blitzø, started in a direction seemingly at random. “It’s whatever.”

They walked in tense silence for a few minutes before it became too much for Blitzø.

“Your dad kept nagging me about coming up there without at least attempting to pass as a human.”

“And why did you pick,” Octavia made a vague gesture with her hand. “That?”

“It’s easier to get away with things as a girl.” Blitzø paused and took a chance, blinking up at Octavia dramatically and hoping her sense of humor was somewhat similar to her father. “And looking cute is just a bonus.”

Nothing. Blitzø considered pitching himself off the nearest cliff. 

“Pfft,” came the tiniest, most understated snort. Blitzø’s dramatic puppy eyes suddenly became very genuine and very watery. Octavia turned the snort into a cough.

“I only laughed because that was ridiculous.”

“Hey,” Blitzø replied easily. “That’s what clowns are for.”

After that the quiet air between them was less one that made Blitzø regret not becoming a relatively respectable citizen of hell and more one that had him checking Octavia’s expression every so often to make sure he wasn’t irritating her with his proximity alone. So far so good. Maybe.

Octavia was quick at locating the spiders’ whereabouts, though left the catching to Blitzø, watching silently as Blitzø darted around trees, plucking them up from their webs. 

“Never thought of you as particularly athletic,” she said when he landed neatly next to her, jar full of crawling spiders. “I always assumed you just used guns for your work.”

“I do love a good bullet through the head,” Blitzø grinned. “But I was raised in a circus and it’s all muscle memory,  like learning how to ride a —” Blitzø cut himself off before accidentally making things very, very weird.

“A bike?” 

“Eh, close enough.”

Thankfully, Octavia’s attention was elsewhere. “Dad loves the circus.”

“Yeah. That’s where we met.”

The shock must have been truly intense because for a second her human face morphed back into a demon before pulling itself together again. “What? I thought you guys met when—”

The unspoken “When you fucked my dad and ended my parents’ marriage” hung very loud and charged at the end. Blitzø’s tail swished back and forth anxiously.

“We actually met when we were both kids. His dad brought him to my family’s circus for his birthday or some shit. Then my old man decided to sell me to spend a day with Stolas.”

“That’s…extremely troubling.”

“If it makes it any better, I don’t think your dad ever found out about that.”

Even more shock. “He doesn’t know?”

“I sure as hell aren’t going to tell him.” Blitzø pursed his lips, feeling somehow protective of Stolas in front of the man’s own daughter. “It doesn't matter anyway. I ended up having a great time. Stolas was really sweet.” It took him a second, then Blitzø started sputtering. “I mean he was fun! Not the, not the other thing. We had fun.”

In an uncharacteristically droll tone, Octavia teased, “Aw, did you have a crush on him?”

“What? No!” 

“You so did!” 

“I really, really didn’t.” That was true, but Blitzø suspected the way he was struggling to keep his blush down made it hard to believe. It didn’t help that now he had a big, fat, scary crush that was embarrassing for someone over the age of thirty to have. 

Octavia giggled. So really, Blitzø had no choice but to let her have this win. 

“Let’s go then.” She seemed to have a complete turn in her mood. 

“Go where?”

Octavia didn’t answer. Instead she flicked her fingers at him, and his torn and tattered clothes repaired themselves to better condition than they were in before. Blitzø couldn’t see, but he suspected his makeup was all pristine and way classier now as well. He guessed he shouldn’t be surprised that Stolas’ offspring learn spells of improving appearance before spells that mutilate your enemies. 

A portal opened up. “Where are we going?” Blitzø asked again. And again, Octavia didn’t answer. They stepped through, onto a very expensive and posh looking street in front of an equally posh hotel. Blitzø was about to be extremely childish and obnoxious to get an answer out of Octavia when a familiar voice interrupted him: “Via, darling! You finished your work so quickly! How wonderful — oh, who’s that with—”

Stolas’ rambling cut off when their eyes met. Blitzø didn’t think much of humans, so he thought it was unfair for Stolas to look so pretty as one, but Stolas burst into a full-blown blush at the sight of him first. 

“Blitzy!” Stolas’ red eyes were almost blending into his red face. “What are you doing here?”

“We ran into each other,” Octavia said. “Where’s Loona?”

“She’s at our usual table, dear.”

“Loona’s here?” Blitzø asked. 

“Why don’t you go and find her. I’ll go order you something. You must be starving.”

Octavia just hummed and shot Blitzø one last look. “The brunch here is great. You should try it.” And walk through the hotel entrance.

“Did she just invite me to stay and have brunch with you guys?” Blitzø asked dumbly.

“Blitzy.” Stolas didn’t answer his question as well — what the hell was wrong with this family? — but instead tugged him behind some ridiculous hedges that were shaped like people. “You cannot just show up with no warning—”

Blitzø shrank into himself. 

“ —looking so cute. It’s too much for me. I need at least a two-hour notice to prepare myself—”

Blitzø looked up at Stolas like he was crazy. “What the fuck are you yapping on about?”

Stolas bent down to look Blitzø in the eyes. “I am going to kiss you now.”

Blitzø was very confused, very hot, and very weak in the knees. “Okay.” 

It took them a solid twenty minutes before they made their way into the hotel restaurant, and also completely forgot to order anything. Luckily their daughters were smart and knew their dads too well. Stolas and Blitzø were greeted with a table full of food and pastries and strong smelling coffee, with seats readied for them by the side of their family.

(Day Three) ← →(Day Five&Six)

[yubellia]

Miraculous London. My opinion and … a problem(?).

Soooo…. The new special. It’s here. Before I start, I would like to say that I watched it ‚somewhat‘ completely. I watched reactions, snippets and videos with heavy filters on top for copyright reasons.

However! I think I got enough to have an opinion.

So! Spoilers ahead! You have been warned!

First, I loved seeing Lila and get a feeling for her as the villain. The writers couldn’t resist the urge to make her look like a psycho but… I think this tells us a lot about her character. What we saw was a mental breakdown but she recovered relatively quickly. Remember when Sabrina and Marinette exposed her? After what we know now, I think she was really keeping it together while boiling on the inside.

Also, this special gave us new questions. Lila didn’t seem like the person to be into sports. We now know, that it was mostly because she is wearing a disguise most of the time. She can‘t have her makeup or wig fall off. However, it now seems like she has some fighting skills. Unless that was part of her transformation. (A shame that we didn’t see that process. And an even bigger shame because we didn’t see her wish. What does she want?!)

Lilas Plan was pretty smart too. I mean, once you know how it works, it’s not THAT special but since she works alone, it was pretty crafty. First giving herself the power to find out who ladybug is and once she knows, taking the power to be untouchable but able to take what she wants. I still remember how people asked how one girl is supposed to be better than a grown man with lots of money at his disposal and all his options. Well…. We just saw it! I thought that she would use her knowledge to manipulate Adrien. That the writers would use that to show how Adrien CAN‘T find out the truth. I think they will do that but later. Although getting Adrien akumatized again is getting old by now.

I didn’t like how the ‚fight‘ became a joke once Marinette changed the notebook. It was the normal ‚I‘m the hero and I will get you.‘ speech. However, Lila is mad now. And we know, once she gets mad, she gets extreme. So we should be excited for that. Also… was it because Lila wore a full body disguise or why didn’t Marinette see through her? I mean we had villains that turned into monsters, stone and more. She still knew who it was. What was different this time? Was it because Lila didn’t speak? So many questions!

So overall the special was… ok. Why only ok? Because I think, they could have turned this into a longer special episode. It didn’t really FEEL all that special. It didn’t feel like Shadybug you know. I mean we did get confirmation that yes, Lila is using the Miraculous better than Gabriel did. But that’s pretty much it…

Why is she better at it than Gabriel? When she was Hoaxxer, Nathalie gave her all the information she needed. Including most likely the decoded book. Meaning that she is pretty much on the same level as Marinette when it comes to knowledge.

Now…. The problem I have with this special…..

I watched the last scene of season 5 just to be sure. I had this weird feeling during the special… and it got confirmed. This special takes place after Marinette lies to Adrien and before we get this last scene with Lila. With the blue light and all that. So… why is Lila still in her Cerise disguise? I mean she could have changed that. Ok. But where is Nooroo? We saw him in the special. Is he trapped in the miraculous? Maybe. But more importantly, this scene takes place AFTER we are all the heroes with the miraculous. So it’s AFTER this special.

What is this light?! What happened to her?

We still don‘t know. At first I thought it could have been something with time traveling but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Could this be a retcon? If so, it’s only a little one but I am confused because Lila still seemed so fixated on Marinette. Although that’s probably only her own drive for vengeance.

Anyway. I liked this special. It introduced the new villain pretty well and Marinette admitted that she is better than Gabriel. But aside that, it wasn’t all that much. Sorry.

[crusty-chronicles]

The Moon and Sun (Big Sib Reader x Gon/Killua)

Ch 9: The Woes of Traveling

Synopsis: While waiting for the airship that would take you to the NGL, you spend some very much needed time with the boys. Showing them a little more about your ability, until you get into a slight disagreement with a certain silver haired hunter. But he has a knack for calming you down and regaining your favor.

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

While the boys continued to hound you with questions, Spin used the observations you gave to help narrow down the search. She concluded that the most likely location of the Chimera Ant would be somewhere along the Balsa Islands. (Of which you were not familiar with)

"Unfortunately that includes the Mitene Union," Kite had added.

Unfortunately?

"Oh! Where the NGL Autonomous Region is," Banana clarified.

"Yes, and that's not to mention East Gorteau. No chance of getting information out of those two countries."

You frowned at that. And before you could question Kite about it, Killua decided to ask one of his own.

"What's the NGL?"

"NGL's an acronym that stands for Neo-Green Life." Banana started to explain.

"It's a country founded by people who reject modern technology. Choosing instead to live in nature." Stick finished.

Bingo

"Then we should check there first. No technology means it's the most vulnerable. News of a giant ant wouldn't spread as fast and it'd take a while for them to get help," You speculated.

Plus, it was better to get a place like that out of the way if the ant wasn't there.

The only issue was, places like that tended to be sticklers to their own rules. No exceptions.

"You've got a point, let me pull it up real quick," Spin said as she typed away. A few moments later, a map of the country was pulled up. All of you crowded around the computer to see.

"They primarily communicate by mail, and primary travel is by horseback Anyone who brings technology into the country could be executed."

And there it was.

Spin explained how there had been a situation with a small television crew. They were caught with equipment, and one was executed. The rest are still in jail to this day.

If you were being honest, you didn't really like the primitive societies. Having grown up in one yourself. You could understand them being upset from the disregard to their culture, but death? You found it hard to believe such a small offense would call for such a brutal punishment.

"Let's agree and assume for now the Chimera Ant washed ashore there. How would the NGL's citizenry react?" Kite's question hung in the air for a second.

If they rejected modern technology, then they'd probably reject modern help. It also depended on how primitive they were. They could've believed the ant was sent by god or something. Or that it was fate/destiny whatever may happen.

Then there was that aspect of government, if they even had one. Big Wigs tended not to give a damn about the people under them as long as it didn't affect them directly. So the off chance that the ant was already there and eating people....

"They probably wouldn't do anything, and it's not like they could anyways. No tech, no weapons," you answered.

Kite nodded.

"True. When a deadly epidemic spread through the area, they refused international medical aid. Because they preferred to let nature run its grisly course instead."

You wanted to be respectful, but it was getting harder the more you learned about this place. Why would you let yourself die, your family die just to enforce a belief that didn't matter.

It was selfish. But you figured that had more to do with the makeshift government than the people.

"Your point about communication is also correct," Kite continued.

"Even if they tried to contact the outside world, it would be too late by the time word arrived. So if the arm that was discovered did belong to the Chimera Ant queen, then it's entirely possible that she's already begun constructing her nest."

Goddamnit

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

You weren't too thrilled to be going on this trip. After purchasing tickets that would get you there, you found out a little more about the NGL than you would have liked.

Mainly, the rumors about drugs being manufactured there.

The last thing you needed to deal with was coked up ants. Especially if the boys were the ones fighting them. But there really wasn't anything you could do about it. You'd already given your word that you'd help find the Chimera Ant queen.

So here you are, wandering around the airport in the hopes to pass time. At least you had some decent company.

"Hey, Y/n?" Gon called. You stopped walking and looked down at him.

"Hmm?"

The other boy backtracked towards you when he realized you weren't behind him anymore.

"What made you decide to make your ability tracking?"

You tensed up slightly at the question. You should've guessed it would have been brought up so soon. You momentarily debated another half-truth but decided against it. You let out a tired sigh before answering.

He was too curious for his own good.

"Circumstances called for it, in a sense. It wasn't really my choice if I'm being honest. Just something I had to do."

To be fair, you could have developed a fighting ability as well, but it wasn't something you had been focused on at the time.

"What circumstances?"

"That's a story for another time, kay?" You lightly elbowed him. He pouted but dropped it.

"How young were you when you developed it?" This time it was Killua who asked. He seemed a little hesitant to, probably due to your reaction the last time he pried for information.

You were such an ass for that.

"Let's see," you thought back on it for a sec.

"Around four. It was fully developed by five."

"What!?!?"

You wanted to laugh at the bugged-out expression they both wore.

"There's no way! That's like how Killua was dropped off at Heaven's Arena as a baby!"

"Yeah but I didn't even know about nen until now! How did you figure it out at four!?!?"

Heaven's Arena? Like the place where people fought for money? God they were so reckless. First Chrollo, now this? You didn't think they'd ever run out of ways to surprise you. (For the worst that is)

You put your hands up before they could start shaking you again.

"Hey, hold on. I didn't just wake up one day and decide to use nen. It's thanks to the people I was with that pushed me there. And no, I will not be answering anymore questions today. Please and thank you."

You could feel the disappointment from both auras. See the grumpy frowns on their faces. And instantly your resolve broke.

God what was wrong with you. You were becoming too damn soft.

"How 'bout I show you two something cool instead. Fair?" You offered. They both beamed up at you.

Fakers.

"Let's find somewhere to sit first, okay?"

"Okay!"

"Fine, but it better be cool."

You spotted a bench a little ways away. You were grateful it was empty. You didn't think you could tolerate being squished together like sardines again.

It was also right next to-

You couldn't stop the gasp that left your mouth. Nor the way your eyes immediately lit up with stars. The boys sent you questioning stares and followed your line of vision.

A small snack shack with cookies on the display.

And as quickly as your delighted expression came, it also left. You shook your head and continued to your destination.

Killua looked over to Gon. They nodded to each other in agreement.

"I'll be right back. Go ahead and show Gon first," Killua called as he dashed past you.

You tilted your head in confusion. They were plotting something, weren't they? Goblins, the both of them. But you decided to let it go.

So long as it didn't lead to any trouble.

You sat down on the rickety old bench and patted the spot next to you. Gon complied, anticipation radiating off of him.

"You wanna know how I see the world?" Well, how you saw people more like it. But you thought the way you asked was a little cheesier. It fit with the vibe you were going for.

The softness

"Yeah! I wanna be able to see people's auras like you! It sounds fun!" You laughed at his enthusiasm.

"Wait! Are you gonna train me!?!?" He beamed up brighter at you.

"No, that'll be a while from now. I said I was gonna show you something cool, and training you to see them would take months." You clarified with a genuine smile.

The boy deflated slightly, but was all smiles again as he saw you make circle shapes with your hands and coat them with nen.

Like glasses.

Oh

He understood now.

You moved your hands to his eyes and waited for his reaction.

What he could see was everything. Little outlines of aura trailing every person. Sparks of emotion that seemed clearer to read. And the field of vision went further than he was used to seeing.

It was pretty cool. And useful. No wonder you had been able to find him so easily on Greed Island.

Your hands moved away at the feeling of Killua's presence.

"Took you long enough, gremlin."

He scooched on the other side of you.

"Yeah, well the line was long okay."

Before you could question him about it, a small bag was placed in your lap. You picked it up to inspect and let out another gasp.

The choked sound earning a laugh from the duo on either side of you.

Your eyes closed and you cupped your face to stop the warmth from spreading. Little delighted squeaks as you realized what it was.

A little baggie of chocolate chip cookies.

They had never seen you beam at something before. Never seen a smile so pure and bright from you. Like whatever had been weighing you down before was temporarily gone.

Not even when you had been talking with Kite were you this happy.

You snapped from your delighted daze after a few seconds.

"Oh right, let me show you the thing," you said as you clutched the bag close to you. Like it was made of the most precious material in the world.

Killua's face scrunched in confusion at your words. Then turned into shock as you once again made glasses with your hands and lifted them to his eyes.

Like Gon, he could see everything. The auras, the emotions, and much to his delight-the strength of everyone. So this was how you detected Binolt. Pretty handy. Maybe he could bribe you with candy to teach them how to see like you.

Which begs the question...

"Can we see your aura?"

You thought about it for a minute and inevitably gave in. Mourning the loss of setting your cookies down to do so.

"Sure, just don't get all scared." It was meant to lighten the mood, but a small part of you really meant it. You weren't trained to read yourself, so you didn't have any clue what they would see. You just hoped it wasn't bad.

You kneeled in front of them, one hand for each eye. You coated the space with your nen and waited.

The first thing they noticed was how faint your aura was. Like you were suppressing it. The next thing was your emotions. Nervousness, exhaustion, and that spark of uncontainable joy from before. Which made sense considering the events that just transpired.

But it was the ones buried under them that were concerning.

Guilt, fear, and regret.

A silent agreement was made not to mention those. Not to press you on them. Whatever caused you to feel that way, you'd tell them when you were ready.

You moved your hands away all too soon.

"Soooo, was that or wasn't that the coolest thing you've ever seen?" You stood up with mock confidence, unnerved by the worry now radiating off of them.

"It was okay, not as cool as the visualization thingy." Killua's quip had the mood lightening slightly.

"Well beggars can't be choosers, gremlin." The worry was gone.

"I can still return these," he said lifting up the small bag.

Your eyes widened in dispair.

"Nononono!!!! Please, my precious little Moon Star don't do it!!!! I'll die! I won't be able to go on without them!"

Killua ignored your light attempts to get the bag back, instead smiling smugly at Gon.

"I've got a cooler nickname than you now," he mouthed.

The boy in green puffed out his cheeks.

"No you don't!"

"Yeah I do!" The small assassin verbalized.

"Don't!"

"Do!"

"Don't!"

And while Killua was distracted, you made a fast grab, successfully taking the bag away. He didn't notice as he continued to argue with his best friend.

That was until both of them heard a crunch followed by another excited squeak. They peaked over the bench to see you happily munching away on a cookie.

"Stealer," Killua huffed out.

Gon nudged his shoulder.

"Leave them." He scolded.

It was quite comical to see someone with such a rough exterior go so soft over a few sweets. And the fact that you would growl if they tried to reach for one just to tease you.

It was almost enough to make the three of you forget about the situation at hand.

Almost.

You'd felt Kite's aura approach, then stop. A feeling of hesitance replacing the calm.

And in truth he was a little hesitant. The three of you looked so peaceful. So happy.

Like a little family.

It'd be a damn shame if something happened to it.

All the more reason he should confirm you all knew what you were getting yourselves into. This job would be dangerous. And it just might ruin the peace you had created with each other.

So he'd let the three of you have your moment. Hopefully not the last one if things went according to plan.

With that he continued on to your small group.

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

Your head snapped up at the sound of footsteps approaching. Realizing it was Kite, you relaxed. Seems he was gonna talk to the three of you after all.

"It may be too late to ask this, but are you all sure you want to come along?" His voice immediately catching the boys' attention.

The question was genuine, but a little redundant to ask.

You all were still here, weren't you?

And these boys were the furthest thing from cowards.

But you supposed from an outsider looking in, things would look different. An emotionally and physically drained adult chasing around two hyperactive kids. You probably would have been concerned too.

Their answer was immediate and you wouldn't have expected anything else.

"Of course."

"You weren't kidding about the 'late' part, huh?"

There was momentary shock from Kite's aura. Then eyes fell on you expectantly.

"What? I thought I was in this by default. Can't exactly track an ant without a tracker, you know?"

Unwavering determination from the three of you. Safe to assume where one went, the other two would follow. Still, Kite needed to make sure you all knew of the potential risks entering the NGL. That the three of you would be prepared for it.

"As you know, we have no idea what the situation is inside the NGL. There may very well be a swarm of giant Chimera Ants already hunting humans down. And if that does indeed turn out to be the case, then my priority will be saving them."

Kite's gaze lingered on his team. A surge of protectiveness radiating off him. You could respect that. You could relate to that.

"Be aware that I may not be able to help you three. If you're going to join us, you must be able to protect yourselves."

And again your boys had answered without hesitation.

"Right, I got it!"

"We'll be okay."

Surprisingly, you weren't pushed for an answer. And it may or may not have to do with the fact that he had seen your strength the day he met you. Your speed that rivaled his and was probably even faster. Your strong will to protect those boys.

You'd already proven enough of your capabilities.

Too bad he was unaware it was purely for defense.

"...And if it happens to be me who finds himself in danger, then leave me there. You got it?"

An uncomfortable tension filled the air. Unease in Gon and Killua's auras. And yours too.

"DON'T LEAVE ME HERE! PLEASE! DON'T LEAVE ME!"

"Shut the hell up, would you?" Your tone was harsh and all the previous joy gone. Instead replaced by agitation. The change in mood was very much unexpected.

Not good. You were scary when you were angry. Especially since you seemed to be getting along well with Kite before.

"You don't leave your friends to die if you know you can save them. Whether you want the help or not, I don't give a damn. If that upsets you then you can shove it. But I will not have you instilling bad morals onto my brothers. End of discussion." Your eyes were colder than they had been. It was hard to pinpoint exactly what it was in them.

But it wasn't hate, wasn't exactly anger. The closest to it was disappointment. Like you were scolding him over something that seemed like common knowledge. Before he could properly explain to you what he meant, you had already gotten up and left for the airship. The two boys trailing behind you, casting an apologetic glance his way as they passed him.

A bear and its cubs.

Kite had to remember to pick his words better addressing those boys. He supposed it was sweet in a way, how serious you took raising them. It let him know they would be safe with you.

It was just dealing with your troublesome temper that would be a pain. (Good thing he was very experienced in that area.)

If you and Ging ever did meet, the two of you would probably kill each other.

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

You'd never been on an airship before. Usually when you had to get somewhere, you'd walk. There was the occasional hitchhike, but you never had the proper money to afford decent travel.

And this was nice. Very nice.

The city lights below you and the sunset unobscured. It was calming. Something you really needed right now.

You hadn't meant to snap, but there were just some things that would inevitably set you off. It was nobody's fault but your own for not conveying them. Still, you weren't too fond of somebody telling your boys to leave their friends when things got rough. No matter how much you liked him.

It wasn't because you thought it would make them cowards. God no, you always reminded them not to pick stupid fights. You just didn't want them to regret running away.

Survivor's guilt was a bitch.

It was not something two twelve-year-old little boys should have to deal with.

You glanced over at them. They were looking out of the window, expressions somber. You could feel nervousness, but you'd give anything to know what they were actually thinking about.

Should you say something?

You were never good at comforting people.

But you didn't like the quiet. Not anymore.

"You two okay?" Were you being awkward right now? Yes, yes you were. But you were trying, that had to count for something, right?"

A moment of silence that seemed to stretch on for eternity.

"You called us your brothers." There was a twinkle in Gon's eye as he said it. It was hopeful.

Then it disappeared as Killua thwacked the back of his head.

"Idiot! Was that the only thing you've been thinking about!?!?"

"Well no, but it's still pretty important!!! They've never called us that before!!!"

"Yeah but we can focus on that later!"

Before you knew it, you were laughing at their shenanigans. You'd been worried over nothing. They were fine. Stupid, but fine.

"Hey! Just whaddya' think you're laughing about!" Killua pointed an accusatory finger at you, face red from embarrassment. You did your best to stifle your giggles before answering.

"Nothing. You two are just goobers is all."

"Ew, what're you fifty? You sound like a senior citizen. You look like one too with those bags under your eyes."

You let out a fake noise of offense.

"Yeah? And what, does that make you Ben Franklin, you little eel."

His embarrassment worsened as Gon laughed at your comment.

"I forgot about that! He is an eel!"

Killua huffed and crossed his arms.

"Can't believe you turned my own best friend against me. Not very big sibling behavior."

You shook your head in amusement. What a day you were having. At least it would end on a high note.

"Oh, Y/n," Gon called.

You turned your head to give him your attention.

"Thank you for earlier."

Your face scrunched in confusion.

"For what?"

"You remember what Kite said before we left? That we should escape without him if he's in danger?"

"Yes?" What did you do that deserved thanks? If anything, you were just being a snippy bitch.

"I wanted to thank you for what you said. That friends don't leave each other behind. I don't think me and Killua would have been able to put that into words. Well, more like say it directly. So thank you."

"Yeah, he didn't make it sound like it was a choice. So I guess I appreciate that you gave us one," Killua added.

You didn't know what to do with this. The gratitude for something you thought was common sense. It wasn't like you'd made some heroic speech on the power of friendship. You just talked from experience.

So you did the only thing you could think of and flicked their foreheads.

"You goblins. Don't thank me for something small like that. I'm the Big Sib, remember? I can't just let someone be teaching you bad habits. What kind of example would I be setting if I agreed to let you run away with your tail between your legs?"

The resounding laughter from both of them had your face going warm.

"Hey! I don't recall saying anything funny! So quit it!"

"It's just-" Gon started before getting cut off by a wheeze.

"You're being so serious over a 'thank you'. You know, you're acting more like a parent right now!" Killua hung off of Gon to steady himself.

Your face went a darker shade.

"I'm nobody's parent! I barely agreed to be your sibling!" You turned to leave, trying not to fluster yourself further.

"Waitwaitwait!" A small grab on your wrist.

"You never let me finish talking." It was Gon who seemed to have collected himself at last.

"You said thank you, sounds like you finished to me."

He shook his head.

"I didn't. That was only part of it. Please sit down and listen." And there were the puppy dog eyes. You hated yourself for how easily you gave in every time.

"Fine. Not like I wanted to nap or anything." You gave his hair a ruffle before sitting on yet another rickety bench, Killua next to you.

"Okay, there's something that I've been thinking about. I want your honest opinion. Do you really think Kite, a guy Ging respects, can ever actually be in that much danger? He said to leave if things got bad, but how bad could they really get if he's so strong?"

Technically, the one friend of Ging's you'd met was a titan. So the odds of Kite being in trouble seemed slim. Then again, you still didn't know how strong these ants would be.

"People slip up. They get tired. Reckless when protecting something important. No matter how strong or respected someone is, there will always be a weakness. And because this is an enemy we've never faced, it's hard to predict what will happen. We can just hope for the best."

So many damn factors could determine a fight. No matter how skilled someone was, one small mistake was all it took.

You wished you didn't know why he had asked that, but you did. And it was because he was considering Kite's words in full. Mulling over what would be the right decision to do. Honor his wishes, or agree with you.

Then there was that familiar spark of determination. And you knew the words that would accompany it would be said with so much certainty, there would be no room to argue.

"I don't know the reason Ging brought me and Kite together, and maybe I never will...But I won't just give up. It doesn't matter what's going on here, I just don't wanna disappoint him, you know?"

You decided then and there that Ging Freecs was the worst person in the world. Gon, who had never even met him, was worried about his approval. The man who had dropped him off at his cousin's and told one of his best buddies to fight him full force. That was the one he didn't want to disappoint.

This kid, who had always felt like he failed when he couldn't accomplish something, didn't deserve that. Didn't deserve to have his self-worth be determined by a man who wasn't there.

So yes, you decided you officially hated Ging. And if you ever met him, you'd be sure to knock him down a peg or two.

"Or me. I couldn't forgive myself either. I won't run away. That's what I've decided. I won't leave my friend to die, not if I can save him." Gon's voice snapped you from your thoughts.

And after processing what he said, you felt a surge of pride. Such a good kid who was cursed with an ass of a father.

"Atta boy." At your praise, he ducked his head down, a feeling of bashfulness overtaking his aura.

"And you? What've you decided, gremlin?" You nudged the boy next to you.

"Don't know. I guess I'd just think about it when the time comes," Killua answered.

"Really? What if it was one of us?" You were being a little mean, pressing him like that. But no matter his answer, it wouldn't change a thing. You'd die to keep these boys alive. And you probably would.

"Well, if it's you two, I'll try my best. But anyone else, it just depends. I don't do these hypotheticals, okay!?!?"

You patted his head, much to his dismay.

"Then let's all agree on something. We look out for each other there, okay? Do what we can, so the rest can do what we can't. And don't be scared to ask for help. I know you two are stubborn, but please be careful."

Were you making another promise?

They nodded, hands reaching towards yours to shake on it.

You were about to make yourself comfortable to start napping when your eyes caught a flash of silver. A familiar calming aura approaching, then it stopped.

You stood up to get a better vantage point and sure enough, there he was. Perhaps he had caught the last part of your conversation with the boys and stopped himself from interrupting.

He noticed you a few seconds later. You were still very much agitated by his previous statement, but you weren't about to be an even bigger ass over that.

He did buy the three of you tickets to come along. And he did double check with the three of you before boarding.

Goddamnit, you couldn't even properly hold a grudge now.

So with the boys distracted with each other, you started up another silent conversation.

'You wanna talk or something? Away from the boys though. You've gotta earn that privilege again.'

Was that relief you were sensing?

'I was hoping to talk to you in private, if that's ok with you?'

You looked back over to the two boys who were currently arguing over dibs for training with you first. Dummies.

You turned back towards Kite and nodded.

"I'll be back, don't do anything that gets me in trouble."

A protest of 'hey's' as you left to follow the taller male. Which wasn't far. The airship was spacious but not big. You two stopped a little ways around the bend.

Your arms were crossed and your stare was expectant. He really did prefer it when you weren't mad. The way you looked a few moments ago. But even though you were upset, you were not an unreasonable person. He'd seen that firsthand himself.

The uncomfortable tension was back. But you'd disrupted it soon after. For better or worse, neither of you could tell.

"This the part where you apologize for traumatizing my boys by asking them to leave you to die?" You may have been exaggerating. But damnit, they shouldn't have to think about things like that.

Your dramatics were expected and like before, Kite would bite back.

"Is this the part where you tell me to screw my explanation?" It was slightly teasing, but completely dispelled your previous agitation.

Your eyes widened, not expecting his response. However, you rebounded quickly.

"If it sucks, then yes. But if you've got a good one I'd love to hear it."

The air became thicker as his expression turned serious.

"You care about those boys, don't you?" You both knew the answer to that very well. Nevertheless, you nodded to confirm.

"Then it's your duty to keep them safe. If I'm in a fight I can't win, what hope to they have?"

And before you could protest on their behalf, he continued.

"They would be putting themselves in a danger they can't beat. Letting emotions get in the way and making mistakes they shouldn't. Good intentions or not, they'd only end up getting in the way. It's your responsibility to take them out of that situation. To protect them."

The same song and dance as before. He was right and you'd jumped the gun a little too soon. The rational part of your brain listening to his words and knowing he was right. But....

"That's not the issue. Trust me, I'm gonna make sure nothing happens to them, even if it kills me. But you don't know what you're talking about asking them to run away. It's not just about doing what's morally right. It's the affect it's going to have."

Affect? Now he was the one a little at loss for words.

"What do you mean?"

You hesitated for a second. Dread and guilt bubbling to the surface.

"As someone who has had to make that choice...I made the wrong one. I don't want them making the wrong one too. It's not something that goes away, the guilt. It festers and grows and it just..." You shook your head, trying to rid away everything negative.

"You don't know what you're asking of them. If there's a chance, even a small one that everybody comes out okay, then we'll make it happen."

Oh

So that was why you were mad.

It made sense now. All of it actually. And when you put it like that, it was hard to argue with. But there was still that image of the happy family broken because one of you had gone back.

You needed to know that. You needed to see past those feelings to understand that. Maybe it was asking too much of you, but this was an important job. One he and his team could not mess up.

"What if you can't? What if it's too late to save someone and you know it? Would you still foolishly try?" It was cruel, but there wasn't a nicer way to put it.

You looked down then. Like you felt defeated. And for a brief moment he thought he knew what your answer would be. He was wrong.

"No...I wouldn't have." He thought the conversation would have ended there, but it didn't. And why it didn't made him respect you all the more.

"But things have changed for me. They've changed me. And even though I know it's a fool's game," Your hands had clenched.

"I would do it in a heartbeat. But if you're so adamant about this, then I want you to make me a promise in exchange."

You didn't agree with him, but you had agreed to follow through in his wishes. It was only fair he do the same.

"Promise that if I have to fight to give them time, you'll get them out of there. You'll keep them safe for me. If I need to die, then make sure they live." Your eyes met Kite's. He would never tire seeing your resolve, but now there was something softer mixed in. Vulnerable.

"I know they can be a handful, but they'll grow on you." He didn't need you to try and convince him to agree. He'd already decided the second you proposed it. Still, you loved your little family and wanted to ensure they would be safe.

A breath of fresh air compared to some of the other hunters he had met. (Even if you weren't exactly one.)

You extended your hand towards his. He took it, noticing a small amount of aura coating it.

"I swear on my nen, that if I know you can't be saved, we'll run."

It was a curse. No a condition. He had never met someone who bet their nen on their word. But your resolve was absolute, not worried about the potential ramifications of your actions. You were serious about keeping your promise.

A spark of something akin to admiration was felt. You stood strong and unmoving and it was having an affect on him.

It wasn't hard to see why both boys looked up to you so much.

You'd place a condition on your nen to keep your promise. So he would too. As a show of good faith. A show of trust.

"I swear on my nen, as well. If something should happen to you, I'll take care of Gon and Killua in your place." His own aura coated his palm.

You looked up at him in shock. Did he have any idea what he was about to do? That this was permanent until the conditions had been met or null?

"You know what happens if you break it, right? This isn't something to take lightly. It's binding." You warned. But Kite looked unfazed by your words, aura a familiar calm.

"I know. Does it make you uncomfortable that I'm willing to meet your stakes?" It was a genuine question. He assumed you would have been happy. Maybe a snarky comment here and there, but not surprised. Was this another boundary he was unaware of?

"No. I just wanted to make sure." You finally shook on it, a feeling of your nen exchanging with his before it was over.

Why had he done that? Why had he put a condition on himself? Just because you did it??? You didn't get it. Promises were important to you, and now a promise like this? Where both parties had agreed to give something up in case it was broken... Where stakes were mutual...

No

You knew why

And it had your slowed heart beating in overdrive inside your chest.

"You're.... You're a good person. For meeting me halfway on this. Thank you, Kite." Your tone was the softest it had been with him. There was gratitude yes, but there was something else. It was almost intimate.

And when you said his name like that, with such fondness, it made him want to keep you around. Just to hear it said in the same way again.

A tongue for a dagger with a heart of gold. That's what you were. A smart ass with a big heart, especially with those two boys.

Maybe he would invite you to stay when this was all over.

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

Unbeknownst to the two of you, pairs of eyes watched the exchange from afar. Both of them trying to wrap their heads around what you just did.

You shook hands coated in nen and that was it. But why? They couldn't figure it out. From where they were, they couldn't really hear you all that well.

But one of them could read lips, and what he deciphered shocked him in a way that was terrifying.

Because what Killua had just witnessed was you willing to give up your nen, what made you you, for their safety. That you would give up your life to make sure he and Gon got out safe.

What the hell was wrong with you!?!? Doing something so stupid over something that wouldn't happen!!!! You'd made a big deal about not running away a few minutes ago, so what was the-

Your wording.

There was an 'if'. If you know you can save them.

'But if you couldn't' was what you bet your nen on.

And it brought the earlier conversation to full light. What he would do if you and Gon were just in danger. Without knowing if saving either of you was an option.

Would you hate him if he decided to run?

He knew Gon wouldn't leave you, that he wouldn't have even entertained the thought. But it wasn't as cut and dry for Killua.

It had been instilled in him to flee from battles he could not win. To run and save his own life.

And what if that actually happened? Would the two of you stay?

Would either of you forgive him?

Would you still think of him as your little brother? A killer turned coward?

You never stayed mad or upset with him. And Gon always believed the best in him.

"One day you'll betray your friends and then you'll kill them." He froze at the sound of Illumi's voice. His words were still engraved in his mind.

"You don't leave your friends to die if you can save them." But so were yours.

"You're no good."

"Okay, I'll admit it. That was pretty unexpected. And cool."

"You're weak."

"Just try a little harder and you'll have it down."

"Foolish little brother."

"He's cautious and knows how to pick his battles. And despite the shit his family's put him through, he's still a good kid."

His brother had taught him everything he's ever known, and a part of him was grateful for that.

But you and Gon had shown him a different way. A way built on trust rather to than fear. And out of the voices battling in his head, yours was the one he would rather listen to. The better one.

The one that made him feel safe.

He would try for you.

Try to be a good person for you and Gon.

Try to save the two of you if anything happened.

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

Not so Fun Fact #10: Y/n's Hemophobia stems from being exposed to too much at a young age.

Not so Fun Fact #11: Y/n became homeless at the age of 8

MASTERLIST

Tags: @fandomhoe101

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

An: Me??? Making a small filler chapter 😱😱😱 Yes, now let me stall for Kite's life. Kite my beloved, I apologize for what I'm about to do to you next chapter.😞😞😞 Gon and Killua my scrunkies, I also apologize for what I'm about to do to you the following chapter after that😞😞😞 (Or maybe through the power of procrastination I can stall the angst for one more chapter.)

[a-student-out-of-time]

// If Mod wants to take a temporary hiatus, *now* might be a good time to do so (because all everyone is gonna talk about for a while is the Danganronpa: Despair Time hype!)

//Yeah, I'm gonna be really clear this time around:

I like to wait until the episode is out in full, so I can pause and analyze on my own time. Timeline Anon and I watch these together, so there's always a lot of discussion that goes on between us as well, so that can go on for a couple hours at least. Which is why...

I will not be on Tumblr while we watch, but I know there's gonna be a TON of asks once I check back in. Please see point 1 for why I won't answer immediately.

I know I have supporters and I have doubters, but regardless, I'm going to ask politely that we NOT immediately start deciding the theory is true or false based on new details. I expected there to be things brought up that we have not been privy to yet, so my biggest concerns are the questions I want addressed:

Why did we bring up Teruko's prosopagnosia?

Why have J and Arei not been a major focus until now?

Why is J acting so different in Deadly Life and the Trial?

Why does Arei's hair look different compared to when she was alive?

What did Charles and Whit learn during their hackerman adventures?

What role did the wigs and dressing rooms' soundproofing have?

What connection do Nico and Hu have with David concerning this chapter?

Was Rose refusing to see the body simply due to her not wanting more nightmares or a sign that there's more to all this?

Most importantly, what did Teruko remember when Arei was crying?

//I know it's tempting to point to anything small and say "This proves/disproves the idea," but let's lay off the gas until we get some hard evidence. New evidence doesn't necessarily immediately prove or disprove anything, and the puzzle pieces will probably not come together until we get to the end.

//People keep saying this episode will prove/disprove what I'm saying, but even I as the originator of this theory will withhold any judgement until the end. I am prepared to adjust my theory accordingly as we learn more, but I'm not gonna decide I'm right or wrong until it's proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

//Plus, guys, this is just episode 12. We've got plenty of time to consider the evidence before Chapter 2 is over : P

4. Most importantly, let's not be hostile here. This is just a fangan series and we're all here to have fun. I have no ill will toward people who disagree with my theory, nor will I have any toward anyone if it's definitively disproven. This is, after all, just one guy's crazy theory.

So let's not have any hate mail spammed in anyone's direction or anyone made to feel bad about anything they believe now or used to believe. This is all just in good fun, alright?

5. I understand it's tempting, but a character dismissing an idea isn't evidence of anything, especially when they have every reason to lie about it. We need only to look at Leon's "stupidstupidstupid" rant as proof of that.

//With all that having been said, I sincerely hope everyone has a good time! Ultimately, I'm glad we have some new things to discuss in depth ^^

[sea-owl]

Oof the angst when the Bridgertons find out about Penelope is gonna Hurt especially for Colin who I know almost went bat shit crazy trying to find out what happened to Penelope. Add in the fact that this btch Lady Whistledown keeps taunting them about bits and pieces about his Pen and keeps changing what she says like one moments she's insinuating that she's been tortured and another time is that Pen is being held captive and also times where LW comments about Pen being dead and Colin is hair thread away from snapping because he knows LW knows exactly what happened to Pen and he, Eloise and the rest of the Bridgertons will stop at nothing to figure out the truth.

Ya'll gonna hate me for this but I can probably make it extra sad. (We really should find a happy post for this au)

After Lucy accidentally snatches Penelope's hood and Felicity's wig and they see red hair on Lady Whistledown and Black Cat the Bridgerton brain cell starts working overtime. The clues are there but if they were wrong it would be like losing them all over again.

Before the confrontation, one of the sisters had managed to find a video of the night Penelope died. Every single one of them were horrified. But that wasn't right, they have no memory of this! That night they were . . .they were . . . they were? Ugh! It's all fuzzy!

Colin, Gregory, and Lucy manages to track Lady Whistledown and Black Cat to a church. They were supposed to be meeting some of their clients but their siblings had gone off to take care of them. (aka the other spouses)

The masks comes off, it's official, Penelope and Felicity Featherington are alive.

The sisters are about to make their escape when Colin dropped to his knees in front of Penelope, begging her to look into his mind and see what he saw that night. He understands why she hates him now but he needs her to do this.

Gregory and Lucy ask the same thing of Felicity.

Free access into a heroe's mind? How could they refuse?

Going into their minds the sister's saw that night from a different perspective.

"You were mind controlled."

"You did try to save me."

Colin hugs Penelope, Gregory and Lucy hug Felicity. Eloise and Hyacinth rush in not long after and give their own hugs to their best friends. The other Bridgertons join in as well too.

"The others got away, but hey with you two it would be no problem tracking them down!" One of them say.

Penelope and Felicity look at each other. "No."

"No?"

"No," the sisters said more firmly. "We have a lucrative business. Why would I give up being Lady Whistledown just because we cleared up that night?"

"I actually enjoy being Black Cat as well," Felicity added. "Plus the ones that were here tonight were actually close friends. Why would we give them up?"

The masks went back on. Lady Whistledown and Black Cat left the church.

[causewhywouldnti]

My thoughts as I’m watching 24 seasons of law & order svu:

Season 10

Kathleen and Elliot are great together in 10x01. As hard as it is for Benson, I love that they show how Sealview is still affecting her. Ooh right in the nuts, deservedly so.

10x02 whether legally wrong or right, I think Elliot beating up the guy, who posted Elizabeth's picture online, was very understandable. Even Fin agrees with it.

10x03 makes me think that Stabler is the main character more than Benson. We do see a lot more of his private life than of anyone else’s. The hair in the old pictures of Elliot!!! You can also see the difference between Kathy and Olivia in handling Elliot. Kathy slaps him then puts him in the dog house, Olivia tells him she is disappointed and fixes it. Probably unfair, but it was just very glaring in this episode.

10x04, that wig is not a good look on Benson. Stabler fanboying over the austronaut and Benson entranced by it is just a really cute scene. Why would someone choose to go by the nickname of Dick? I mean, I didn't get Dickie either, but I assumed that’s just the nickname the parents gave him. So why would you choose Dick? I mean, Rick is right there! Olivia asking if she should invite Stabler on the date had me laughing out loud.

10x05, that doctor sounds like my coworkers sometimes. Freedom of speech is good and all, but at some point science has to prevail. How often can Elliot break something?!

10x06, Munch screaming conspiracy theories whilst walking down the street is awesome. Didn't need to get hit though. Tina in the episode is something else. Having to ask about what the "big" words mean but wanting to get pregnant.

10x07, Elliot is injured again. And Benson really did say "I'm his partner", like someone would say they'e his wife. Fin making fun of a rapper is funny though. Benson really shouldn't be lying to Kathy for Elliot. Stabler's hesitation before he ate the tiger meat is just funny. That was some quick thinking by Olivia (posing as a prostitute). Also, just how badly is the Stabler marriage doing at this point. He doesn't want to talk to her, and she is willing to leave him. Benson and Stabler's codependency is really showing this episode. Pretty sure, Elliot shouldn't be chasing someone the day after being shot (considering there's blood on his shirt afterward, I think I'm right on this one). At least he went back home afterward.

10x09, I like that Benson's PTSD came back into play.

10x10 Stabler was very fast to step in when Benson got slapped. And her calling him off, of course.

Love their interrogation tactic in 10x11.

10x12, Benson is looking good undercover. Fin walking the perp into the stairs because he threatened Benson, that's a good friend right there.

I can't really put my finger on it, but I'm not feeling like there's a rush on finding the little girl in 10x13. The pacing just seems slower than usually.

10x15, yay, Tucker is back… Stabler really doesn't like him, and it shows. The grainy image for the flashbacks is an interesting choice. Cabbot is back!!! The kid is so excited to help them when they are going after his father. Jim Harper trying to flirt with Benson is hilarious. Someone other than Stabler got hurt (Poor Huang).

10x16, so, I know how Stuckey ends. But his energy is quite fun. Especially Benson and Stabler's reaction to him.

10x17 why does Stabler say the Devil also goes by Ryan Seacrest? What did Seacrest do to him? And why did he go solo on arresting "the devil"? Did he really think that was a good idea?!?

10x20, that judge is very sketchy. Cragen is a savage, savoring Olivia being held in contempt. Huang as the defense attorney and Cragen as the "suspects" father had me laughing.

10x21, I don't think that's how you suffocate. Because if he really needed that much oxygen, you could hear it. And if he doesn't need that much oxygen, it takes a while until he would start having symptoms. I did not see that plot twist coming.

10x22, as terrible as Stuckey's arch is going to end, I just love his energy (not 3eps ago when he called the press though). I honestly believe the show could use someone like him to lighten up the stories every now and then. Stabler annoying O‘Halloran with Stuckey's catch phrasenis funny. And then Stabler goes to judge Donnelly's private home, and her reaction is everything. The arraignment was exactly the kind of chaotic energy that I'm enjoying. Stabler losing it on Stuckey when he compared a future vic to Benson. And Cragen totally agreeing with Stabler. Donnelly is just funny in this episode. Donnelly stops breathing, and they just stroll her down the aisle calmly, no attempts to revive her. O‘Halloran, noooo. Oh look, Elliot is getting injured again. Tiny mistake, but the blood on Stabler's shirt is very inconsistent. Did Benson really have to slap Stabler that hard? But they really are a great team! I'm going to miss O'Halloran...

Familiar faces: Michael McManus (One Tree Hill), James Brolin (Castle), Chris Elliott (HIMYM), Clea DuVall (Grey's), Brenda Blethyn (Pride & Prejudice 2005), Mike Farrell (NCIS), Frank Whaley (House), Michael Trucco (Demming on Castle), Christine Ebersole (Richie Rich), Aya Cash (The Newsroom), Aisha Hinds (9-1-1), Alex Kingston (Arrow), John Gallagher Jr. (The Newsroom), Laura Leigh Hughes (Rizzoli&Isles), Carol Burnett, Robert Klein (Two Weeks Notice), Jeri Ryan (Body of Proof), Hilary Duff, Mike Pniewski (Madam Secretary), Swoosie Kurtz (Overboard, 2018), Sprague Grayden (24), Nick Stahl (Body of Proof) and Carol Kane (The Bounty Hunter)

Favorite episodes: 10x03, 10x07, 10x11 and 10x22

Favorite lines:

"What the hell just happened?" "Maybe god remembered how cute you were as a carrot." - Stabler and Benson 10x03

"Sex is dangerous. I mean, at its core, it’s a power struggle between men and women." "Not if you're doing it right." - Suspect and Stabler 10x04

(After the suspect got a hard on) "…that’s not an objection you’re raising." - Greylek 10x10

"And I would like to see you castrated with a rusty steak knife. Neither are gonna happen, but we can both dream." - Benson 10x11

"I have rights." "You can have a toothbrush." - Suspect and Cabbot 10x21

"People, take your meds." - Donnelly 10x22

[aconstantmotion]

YU YU HAKUSHO LIVE ACTION SPOILERS

Okay! So, I have thoughts. Not all bad!

Let's start off by saying that I think this show heavily struggles with being only 5 episodes that weren't even an hour long.

It felt as if we were just getting to the point of the character progression by the time the show ended. None of them had really changed. Unfortunately, it's because the live action cut out some of that to help make the storyline make sense. What they did cut out, that I think would have fit, was Yusuke defeating Hiei. That is what starts Hiei's respect for Yusuke, and then their slow friendship. Hiei needed to lose to Yusuke to have that character progression and see it life isn't all about anger and revenge, but of love and companionship, but we didn't get that. It honestly felt so on point for the live action Hiei to just fuck off and go try and save Yukina by himself, because he and Yusuke never finished their fight, Yusuke never spared Hiei's life, so there isn't the obligation to help Yusuke.

Then there's Yusuke' and Genkai's relationship. That relationship also suffers because of short run time. It was probably my least favorite because it felt like the episode was put in the wrong place. It didn't really make sense to have the training take place before really fighting Hiei, because as was shown earlier in the show, Hiei could track Yukina's tears. So, was Hiei just sitting in the warehouse for that whole month? Anyway, it would have made sense to do it before the island fights, especially with Genkai's connection with the younger Toguro. We could've gotten the backstory there, Yusuke asking Genkai why she cares and how she knows him and her giving him the story, instead of the short exposition we got. It worked in the anime because we had a lot more time to get to know and connect with the characters, but since this was so short, they couldn't connected everything to Genkai. It would have made her death scene more emotional. I am also a little disappointed that we didn't get the hard ass Genkai whipping Yusuke's ass. I was also hoping, that since Kuwabara was there that we would get some joint training, but that's fine, only so much time.

Those were the main things that bugged me. Overall, it looked great! Costumes overall were amazing (Bui's was fucking spot on!), some weren't (looking at you Hiei and Yukina's wigs). The fighting overall was amazing, albeit a little janky at times because of the CGI, but still awesome. Oh! And I wish they had incorporated the music, I feel like that was what was missing as well.

Overall I give it a solid 7. I think it might've done better with a few more episodes, and if they had started making it after the One Piece live action came out, so they could get a better understanding of how to go about the show.

I am in no way a professional critic, these are just my opinions. You can agree or disagree, as is your prerogative. The people who made this show clearly love the source material, it shows, and that's what really matters. Hopefully they get to do more and we can see how they finish the show off.

[captainwaffles]

I liked the whales stuff so a new word.

Circus

I got. After she leaves her parents no one she meets is transphobic

I don’t have a name yet but a 16/17 year old MtF girl comes out to her parents in probably the like 50’s they kicked her out and she ran off to quit literally join the circus

The ring master or whatever takes her in. She explains she took gymnastics lessons from probably 8 to present on and off but the dude starts her off as a Clown

She lowkey hats it but she has a place to sleep, food and some money coming in. She started making friends with the other clowns and circus people in general. A month into it she got bored one night and found some of the trapeze and other stuff and started fooling around

She did some mat work and stuff and the trapeze dude came in. He’s like 18/19. He watches for a bit and express he would like a partner. He had one a little bit back but she left cause she got pregnant

She agrees to try tomorrow morning

Stuff happens here’s a little scene like two weeks later. From her perspective

__________________

We both sit down breathless after the show. Sweat drips from underneath my wig and I pull it off. I run my hair through the short strands, just past my ears. I smile a bit and look over at *name*. He smiles up at me.

“You did really good tonight *name*,” he leans farther down on the bench almost laying down. “The next town is gonna love you.” He finally plops onto his back. I need to tell him.

“I don’t want to date you.” The words stumble out of my mouth before I can stop them. He sits straight up with a crazy look on his face.

“What?” His smile pushed at his ears.

“I didn’t mean to leave you on, I’ve been told to like girls for so long I don’t really know who I like an—”

“You where leading me on?”

“Wasn’t I?”

“I don’t think so considering I’m Gay.” I give him a puzzled look. Now I was the confused one. “Did you not know I was dating *insert small background charecter name she’s found hanging around him a few times*.” I shake my head.

“Not at all…” I shake my head. And then a little laugh bubbles up and then another and so me and him are a pull of laughing limbs.

“What’s so funny?” *boyfriend* asks.

“Speak of the Devil,” he manages. “She didn’t know we where dating.”

“Really?” He smiles at this and puts his hand on his shoulder. “Did you also not know *a girl and a boy* where engaged?”

“You’re lying!” I say through a laugh.

“No I’m not!” *boyfriend* says raisning his free hand in defense.

“Maybe you’re just not cut out for relationships,” he says with a laugh.

————————————-

Hope that’s not to confusing, I just thought it was funny. It wouldn’t be confirmed in the book but she’d be Aro possibly ace. Idk yet

Thanks for the prompt!

[themculibrary]

Peter & Ned Friendship Masterlist

5 Times Ned Gave Peter His Sweatshirt (ao3) - red_to_black ned/peter T, 6k

Summary: Five times Ned Leeds gave Peter his sweatshirt, and one time Peter returned the favour.

(AKA Ned is a dork in love and Peter’s a mess but someone has to take care of him. That someone is Ned.)

5 Times Spider-Man Needed Help (ao3) - CivilBores, starsinyourveins T, 23k

Summary: …and the one time Peter Parker did.

A Better Friend (ao3) - friendofspiderman G, 591

Summary: Fictober Prompt #28 - "do I have to do everything here?"

---

When your best friend is Spider-Man, you get used to picking up the slack.

A Friend in N(e)ed (ao3) - bluhawk G, 471

Summary: My best friend asked me to write "some wholesome friendship between Spidey and Ned". How could I say no to that?

Ned comforts Peter after the post-credit scene of Far From Home.

A So-So Popsicle (ao3) - friendofspiderman G, 393

Summary: Fictober Day #21 - "this, this makes it all worth it"

---

Ned tries to cheer up an injured Peter with Spider-Man popsicles.

I'll be there for you ('cause you're there for me too) (ao3) - Want_to_read234 G, 1k

Summary: Peter Parker and Ned Leeds would probably describe their friendship as friendship at first sight.

It may sound cheesy but it is what it is.

It’s not SELF pity (ao3) - ChocolateAndRedbull G, 1k

Summary: When Peter and Ned come down with the stomach flu, it’s up to MJ to look after her boys

It's The Great Big Christmas Tree, Mr. Stark! (ao3) - ciaconnaa T, 2k

Summary: Peter and Ned cut down a Christmas tree that's way too big. And they need Iron Man to take it.

Ned Leed’s field trip to Stark Industries (ao3) - Drake_DiAngelo G, 15k

Summary: Your generic Field Trip trope, but slightly different because it’s Ned centric and hopefully everyone stays in character.

Also, Peter is absolutely everywhere they go but they never quite manage to actually see him. (Or realize its him) They did see Spiderman though, so that’s nice.

Ned the Dumbwaiter (ao3) - whumphoarder G, 3k

Summary: Peter gets horribly sick on Halloween night and his very overwhelmed Guy In The Chair attempts to take care of him. But when both boys find themselves in over their heads, Tony takes over.

Not All Heroes Wear Masks (ao3) - MondayVibes G, 4k

Summary: Peter’s ears were still ringing and his limbs were still cramping uncontrollably when he finally—finally—spotted the poorly fitting catsuit and garish wig that he’d seen way too many times in the weeks leading up to HeroCon. Clumsily, he dropped from the façade of a half-ruined building and all but collapsed on the sidewalk next to Ned.

“Dude,” he gasped out, as Ned jumped, wide-eyed and wild-haired, at his sudden appearance. “I need your coat. That cheap Thor knock-off fried my webshooters I can’t get out of here before the cops show up.”

Across the street, a Tony Stark with a penciled-on goatee and a Goddess of Thunder were comforting a crying Iron Man. A Captain America was cautiously brushing off his ruined shield. In the distance, sirens were wailing.

And maybe Sparky’d fried Peter’s brain along with his suit, but the whole if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em was starting to sound like a really good idea right now.

Nothing Like the Movies (ao3) - friendofspiderman T, 1k

Summary: Fictober Prompt #2 - "you have no proof"

---

Ned gets kidnapped and does not play it cool.

Poison Apple (ao3) - whumphoarder G, 5k

Summary: “I-I think something’s wrong with me.”

Ned gives a short laugh. “Pretty sure we established that when you puked in a corn maze. You’ve got like, food poisoning or something.”

Peter shakes his head. “No, not that.” He takes a few short breaths. “Chest feels weird. Kinda hard to breathe.”

the earth turns from sanity (ao3) - teafrqmes G, 846

Summary: Peter forgets that Ned is supposed to come over, which puts Ned in a position for some surprising realizations.

The Guy in the Chair (ao3) - whumphoarder T, 7k

Summary: Between having a reckless superhero for a best friend and dealing with his own family’s vast array of issues, Ned gets used to being everyone’s support system.

The Spider a Web (ao3) - friendlyneighborhoodsecretary G, 3k

Summary: Surprise identity reveals aren't easy for anyone. Not even for your friendly neighborhood Guy in the Chair. A perspective on the events following the FFH credit scene from Ned Leeds.

[charmed-asylum]

Damnnnnnn CheChe!!! U done unlock my WH level w this chapter. Damn girl if I didn’t think I was deep diving into this chapter this one was the sign seal and deliver okurrrrt. Before we start I want to start it’s long so your gonna see spoilers sorry it’s a reblog but please read this and her other stories bc this chapter here was one of many ( even every chapter of any story is a true reminder of who she is this one is some top level good good)

ALRIGHT AND IIIIIIIIIIIIII WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOUR SHITTTTTTTTT okay had to get out my system bc shit went down but I was here for it with my sun-visor and shades living the good life.

Last chapter cliff hanger had me hanging at the edge my seat like damn she gone and add a fuckin mid season finale cliff hanger or something.

Girl can I say only you can have a god damn my wig slip off bc of all this sweat with this love screen with a man like Rafe and wrap that shit with a , “ He wrapped it around you and pulled you against him, mindful of how cold you could get “ girl that had me taking this wig off and shaking a bit bc girl mmm mmm girl in this chapter I had me doing this same shit more then twice .

😪😪😪

THE SHE THING I MEAN CAN ANYONE EXPLAIN THAT SHIT I WAIT

When Rafe ask about JJ girl like oh he cares about my friends biiitch stop that lyin he probably saw with his eyes u can see and know this man is trying to pull you away from him . ( and again I say it’s funny I’m like nah in this Rafe actually ain’t the crazy man) “ You knew what he was referring to, and it made you smile. He didn’t like JJ, that was no secret, but you were glad he asked about him because he knew how much you cared about him.”

“I beg him and I beg him to get out, but JJ is one of those people where family is family,” you scoffed. “He’s going to stick by him no matter what, and I hate it.”You had similar thoughts about Rafe, but you kept that to yourself. Sometimes it scared you just how alike he and JJ were, just how much they had in common. You both heard and felt Rafe sigh, and you wondered if his mind had gone to the same place that yours had. “You’re a good friend,” Rafe murmured, and you looked at him just as he brushed a finger down your face. “I like that about you.” You gave him a soft smile. “I try to be.

It’s sad bc idk what we can call this girl she genuinely stuck in a place where she trying to nice I see it and it makes her blind. Bc she cares so much but like in last chapter when JJ knows how she is decide to manipulate ( which for me I’m like zaaaaamn boy you really that desperate) like mmm but for her to say this in away to get this off her chest even tho it’s not like she uses his name I hope Rafe get it . And a clap tho bc she not stupid nor blind like other think like she reminds but like others would want to do if it was reversed she gave him a chance that’s good we finally get announcement 📢

Nos back to my WH SHIT GIRL THAT NECKLACE IS WHAT THAT BC ALOT OF IDEAS CAME IN MY HEAD GIRL IM TOO CRAZY TO BE LEFT W SOMEONE SIMPLE IN SWEET SHIT.

…………. I’m mad bc 😪 shit was just like she said before perfect and I’m like shit this is too nice like we only got to worry about JJ the creep and yandre vibe mother fucker but even this part movie night part was like mmm he ight

After he had apologized, things felt more like what they used to be than they had in a while. You didn’t know if it was because JJ had snapped, letting out everything he’d been keeping inside for months and making you aware of just how much he’d been struggling with this… Or because everything being out and in the open now had relieved him, had been the first necessary step to actually trying now.

I think I see a cycleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ( u know we getting back to this in a minute)

Way you talk about Ward relationship really had me wondering if it’s true like we see Rafe and Ward and Sarah but she ever think 💭 what it’s like for Rafe or oh he crazy he probably did this or that not that I’m his favorite and Rafe only trying to be seen or heard . And as her friend she now sees both sides so how can she truly deal with . Crazy “She’d take it the wrong way, would feel like you were saying she had some blame, and you only just got one friendship back on steady ground. You didn’t want to shake the table on another.”

Look I don’t wanna say it but again I’m gonna put out the fact this man called her a fuckin slut sorry nope slut shame her last chapter ish to give JT sorry shit . Like I understand technically he would understand but I wouldn’t tell JJ anything about Rafe bc he so fuckin manipulative that he make u look back w the wait huh. Think im wrong . She tells him about Rafe and what does he do . Jokes and use that shit against her .

Neatly they reading this chapter 8 times I can finally say they fuckin knew and then wanna guilt trip her was fuck up like how many times did she say it and they forgot. Shows how much they care alot to say but why she feels more free w someone else not her friends mmm to the point she do what ever to keep it .

This part like this really got me feeling I’m in a 4D movie btw bc it felt so real like again going back to what I was saying before like imagine like most siblings feel bc idk about yall but I know the feeling of feeling less then enough and trying to do what ever to get that approval and then get the spit in the face you never cut it bc it’s just I’m a dick saga

Apart of me feel bad bc again who wants to feel your not good enough like why be here and stuff and lord boy totally having those thoughts as he was driving .

Idk why while I’m reading this the song Stan comes to mind and that part at the end when it’s raining and he driving ranting and shit

I mean hot damn

The whole car crash screen had me on the hotline to any bitch better come tho bc I’m about to fuckin lose my shit line .

Level of love this girl has for him is damn like you say what your idea of RIDE OR DIE BITCH DOING IT RIGHT NOW GOD DAMN IT

Now I do want to be that girl butttt JJ A PETTY ASS BITCH BC WHILE EVERYONE ALL oh no poor you JJ OVER IN THE FUCKIN CORNER FACT CHECKING YOUR ASS W EACH LINE

“… your eyes met JJ’s then. He was frowning at you, studying your face, but he pulled you into a hug anyway. He deeply inhaled, breathing you in, and you didn’t want to think about how worried they’d all been. Especially JJ who struggled to let you go.” Like boy just can’t help his creepy ass out can’t he.

Yo Sarah ahah come come next time I tell you to shut the fuck up I mean it okay okay let’s keep the family business out your mouth okay hahaha shit girl like your not much help oh he not herreeeeee okay and neither are my parents so what good sis. Then we got JJ w the ““Ward wouldn’t let Rafe come and see his girlfriend at the hospital after she crashed his car?…“We all know what Rafe is like. Ward’s not gonna stop him from doing what he wants to do…” your heart sank. “So, why wasn’t he at the hospital with you? Why didn’t he at least meet you there? Hmm?” Like mind your business petty pa

Then again like you all her friends she just got in an accident and you wanna have a bunch of oh and ahha and wait a secs moment NOW REALLY OKAY SO ALL THE SHIT WE ALL DO WE GONNA SWEEP UNDER THE RUG BUT U GETA CHANCE TO drag Rafe even tho it gonna pull ur girl down to you do in a heart beat. Bc no lie you all switch up on her real quick like wtf ( sorry but if that was me I be like 💨 oh tia in the Tim’s and thug braids for real )

Welcome back now is this what we call a cycle ⭕️ bc if I’m not mistaken we had last chapter or so ago when JJ decide to be super toxic and nasty and shit at her before and try to play like it was on her.

“I am trying,” was the first thing he said when he forced you to face him. “I promised that I would be better, and I am trying, but you have to meet me halfway.”

You opened your mouth, but he continued.

“What am I supposed to say—do when you wind up in the hospital with bruises and a concussion because your boyfriend snorted a few lines of coke and thought it was a good idea to drive? Tell me how I’m supposed to react to that.”

BOY NOW LETS BE 💯 ight Pope John B even Sarah example of trying you. YOUUU DIDNT EVEN BAT A MOTHEF FUCKIN EYE LASH TO TRYIN 1st chance you get you always down playing her calling her names and making her feel bad then be all 🥺 boy bye .

Then again he got her thinking she in the wrong now honest should she had took the blame to think the worst and someone could of died no no she shouldn’t but still she was thinking of Rafe and the trouble he was in so her being the to she is bf if it was JJ she would of done same shit toooooooo she did it but bitch boy forgot that shit real quick mmm

THEN HE DID IT LIKE THIS IS UR BEST FRIEND BUT ITS NOT RAFE WHO MAKES HER CRY ( besides pleasure or holy shit we about to die bc of the car crash ) but you .

NAHHH NOPE HAHA HE TRYYYYY IT OH DONT COME NON OF YALL COME TIL U COME CORRECT OKAY I WANT A SORRY A GET WELL CARD W A TEDDY AND FLOWERS AND A SIDE OF A 10$ or more gift card to a official place and JJ to get a nerve . Shit like no thank god she alive we all dumb and so shit nope you slow af no thank you for thinking of my dad . You alive okay but girl next time think about logics of what could have happen u is poor girl nope YOU STUPID LIKE YOUR MOMMA. And if toooooper catch me outside boy did speak to Sarah then you telling me he didn’t mention to Sarah how he had to pull him back for going after her . Folks are funny bc they only remember what they want to when they want to bet next time it be like yea girl he did mention how hard Rafe tried to get to you but you was trying to protect him . Nope you stupid ass bitch .

Also side note if papa Cameron don’t have respect for our girl doing this he stupid . Mmm mmm mmm but to wrap it up I knew I hit my level bc after all of this this ending had me hitting new heights as reader and how I was emotionally and mentally at

“He didn’t respond to that, only nodding in defeat, not putting up a fight when you pulled him to lay down with you. When you kissed him, he seemed hesitant to kiss you back, your hands on his as you guided them over your skin. At some point, he didn’t need your help, fully being hit with the knowledge that things could’ve gone so wrong. Rafe was afraid to let you go, and even after you came around him for the third time, he still refused to let you go.”

The Less I Know The Better IX (JJ Maybank x Reader x Rafe Cameron)

Warnings: eventual NON-CON, eventual DUB-CON, jealousy, manipulation, DUI, mentions of blood, underage drinking, drug use, mild unhealthy relationship, eventual violence, one sided kiara x jj, non canon ages, pogue!reader

➥ banner by @vase-of-lilies​ | divider by @firefly-graphics​

➥ series masterlist

summary:  When you start dating Rafe Cameron, no one is more surprised than you when your best friend JJ takes it really well. However, no one is more surprised than JJ when he’s forced to see his once frumpy BFF in an entirely new light, suddenly terrified of losing what he never knew he had to the person he hates most.

Keep reading

[vczcv]

so the other day i decided to download sims 4 on my new pc (haven't played it on pc for 8 yrs since my pc broke) ive been playing it on my xbox ever since. so i downloaded it and wicked whims, extreme violence, and some other cc including animations and cas stuff, which was working perfectly up until a little less than an hour ago. A couple hours ago, I decided to get more cc including more cas stuff, but i spent hours looking for the perfect britney spears sim, finally found it, proceeded to find same one for free, found that, got it, worked fine in cas, and probably wouldve worked fine in game if i didnt go on a download spree for outfits before i transfered britney cc to mods, i decided to download lots of clothes and hairs, then when i got bored of searching, i transferred them to mods and proceeded to launch sims, go into cas and make britney, she was perfect and so was all the other cc in cas. after i was done, moved her in my main household, moved my house hold to an empty lot, spent hours making a britney themed house (dw its safe i didnt use cc so i still got a house with a britney shrine) , when i was finished i decided to go into live mode after saving and made britney flirt with one of my sims, then that sim's wife snatched britneys wig lmao, but then i noticed my notifications from my wall were blank.. then the sim that got pressed asked her girl to get some, so they went to a random corner and started doing one of the new animations i don't remember the exact name of but that isn't important, really none of this is..., but anyways i then immediately noticed my sims booty cheeks were invisible, i was hoping it was just something wrong with that animation, but honestly wasn't believing it because of my notifications being blank.. and then i went to switch animations and most of the choice tabs were blank, so i had my sims stop what they were doing and continue else where with a different animation, for a moment i thought it was working then turned to see my sims cheeks were still invisible during the animation, invisible qussy being eaten?? im really upset and none of my choice tabs would load, also when id click on a sims emotions the descriptions were blank, also kept getting ine notification that wasnt blank "wickedwhims is sad :(" and itd direct me to the ww request an issue page, and so i knew what was wrong immediately, I either had doubled a file somehow, skipped one, got one that is either incompatible, out of date, or it just clashed with another in someway, or it was corrupt. So i spent awhile rearranging my mods file and transferring and retracting files back to downloads, I even took all the files i downloaded today out of my mods folder, restarting sims trying again and again and again, still the same, i got super upset and figured the only way to fix this was to either delete added cc in my mods folder or delete it all (not resource ess) and so i deleted 90% of it, leaving base packages, wicked whims and extreme violence. I decided to give up on switching, moving, rearranging, and deleting extra files so instead i deleted all extracted files instead of keeping them in downloads.... im really stressed out and theres nothing anyone can do to help me with that, i just hope i can get it all fixed tomorrow, i got really irritable and decided to head to bed, its 5:17am now.. i shoyld sleep tomorrow is a bad day probably because i have to get all 3000 million plushies off my bed because i have to changw my sheets and i dont feel comfortable putting my plushies on the floor or just getting my heart rate up. it sounds teally bad i know i sound bad but i donr want to do anyrhing i have to take a shower tomorrow which makes me feel disgusting and i feel each shower head hole spraying water on my head which feels like needles poking my braincells. ineed sleep its so late early late early late goodnight i hope i sonr have nightmare and i hope i dont sweat thst much i canr wahr ti get off my meds so i can be extra suicidal instead of having cold sweats everu night and waking up in layers of pools of sweat ka

[skyler12sworld]

Sully chapter 3

Where have you been" Sully's mom asked. She looked tired and eyes looked red from crying.

Sully felt bad about putting her mother through, she could see she haven't slept through the night. She was thinking about what to say next as she felt whatever she said wouldn't sound real. Who would believe you got captured by a big spider.

"Uh" she said looking down. She really couldn't think of anything to say at the moment. Her mom saw her hesitation but to her that didn't matter right, what matters was that she is here.

"Lets just get you clean up I will just ask you later" her mom said still suspicious about where she was.

Just before Sully could even walk back into the house she passed out.

She wakes to a white ceiling unable to move for a moment. The place she was in felt cold and the lighting seem to too be to bright her. She looks to her right to to see a iv stick to her arm. Sully slowly realized where she was, at the hospital.

A couple of people were sitting next to her probably her mom, brother, and dad who is always of town. She said up to see a tv playing in the background, the currently news was currently on.

They talked about the current state of the world recently with the war and climate change. Things seem to be getting worse now. A nurse walked in seeing that she was awake.

"How are you feeling" the nurse asked.

"Good" she said

The nurse started to check over her, only to see that her eyes are different colors. Her brown eyes looked as if they were fading into white. This worried the nurse and she decided that Sully needed to stay longer.

" Hmm it's seems that you'll have to stay awhile until we figure out what wrong with your eyes." She said.

As the nurse walks out the room her family wakes up. They all look relieved to see her awake, her mom was the first speak.

"Thank god you're okay" she said trying to hug he gently.

They rest of her family, her brother and father, was happy for her in there own way. They don't show their emotions much and they show their appreciation through actions not words.

" It's good to your awake" her dad said patting her on the back.

"Here your Auntie bought you this" her mom says pulling out a get well card.

She was grateful that her family was with her at this moment. With everything that has happened to her recently it was nice to that there are still people who will be there for you.

That comforted her enough to go to sleep.

After spending to weeks at the hospital, it's was now time for her to get out again. The doctors still couldn't find out what was wrong with her eye but advised her to thicker glasses on just for safety.

Sully starts to get ready for school and put on a pair of shades to hide her eyes. The shades are just your typical sun glasses but it has rainbow design on the sides. She puts on her school uniform and she was ready to go.

The bus ride to school was normal , all the kids seem to in their own little world. On the way to class however , people notice her pair of shades. They we're asking why was she wearing the shades, which Sully refused to answer. The trio Stephanie, Tori and Tooti began to ask her questions as well.

Why are you wearing glasses"Tooti said.

Sully shrugged her shoulders while looking at her phone. She didn't what to answer that question and she didn't want to be bother.

Stephanie tries to take the glasses of only for her wig to be pulled off. She screams.

Everyone in the glass laughed and her including her friends. They were some face of confusion to what pulled the wig of as there wasn't anything behind her. Sully instantly had flash back from the battle with the spider. Think back to that mysterious force that was protecting her. She keeps questioning it until the end off class.

School was boring as always with the same happening over and over. That was until she heard the school alarm go off.

"Students this is an emergency we need to evacuate immediately."the principal said in the intercom.

All of the students evacuated outside the school. Sully manage to get to the school porch. All of the school buses were lined ready to go.  As soon as she saw the bus she went ahead and got in. She wondered what was going on and why everyone evacuated the school.

As home she heard explosions and screams around. Everyone in the neighborhood was trying to find a safe place to hide as things began to get chaotic. Sully around the neighbors trying to find her with crowds of people in the way. She eventually finds the house and unlocks the door.

"Where are they"she thinks looking around to find around house. That's until she was her parents inside at the bedroom closet.

"Sully come on" her parents yanks her in the closet.

They family sits inside her the scream and silents outside. They are questioning what are that going to do. Until her dad suggests something

"We need to get in the car and leave." He Says

"How we suppose to do that's it's chaotic there" her mom says disagreeing.

"Well what other choice do we have, Candace." He yells. They began arguing.

Sully agrees with her plan with escaping in the car. They sit here only for thing to get worse, they have to leave immediately.

"No, I think we should leave now"she says.

Her stays silent for a moments. Until she eventually agrees to the plan.

"Fine" her mom sighed.

They all leave the closet to head outside. As they immediately open the door chaos was heard all around them.

"Everyone stay close" her dad says

They were all close despite everyone running or crowding them. Everyone moves step by step but every step they take things get worse. They make the car with everything by the door. As they open the door her dad get by hurt someone in the stampede. Sully could blink the crowd begin to surround her with smoke block sight. Fire is around the neighborhood burn bright like the sun. She in the up in the middle the street from the crowd push.

Cracks starts forming in the middle of the road with red lava spewing beneath. Some people fall in and it just made things worse. She her mom scream her name in the crowd looking for but Sully couldn't see her.

Sully couldn't see nothing but black smoke she starts panicking. She felt like she was going to pass out any second now. She couldn't find her family anywhere and she couldn't hear them anymore. She started Sunny push through everyone looking for her family but still couldn't find them. She pushed to back the drive way of her family's house. They are not there.

She waited by the house to if any of them will come back but they didn't. She couldn't stay here long it was to dangerous. The fire was starting so she ran.

"Mama"she yelled ran anywhere and everywhere.

As she ran she was pushed. She was far the from the neighborhood at this point and was by the creek. She falls was rolling down form road into the creek.  She face down on the grass and and was possibly covered in mud. 

She started sobbing and slowly started to breathe heavy breathing heavy. She stands to see fire in the distance. She didn't know what to do, she was never in this situation. Her parents always knew what to do but now she by herself. She felt all hope was lost until she saw something blue.

Sully looked at it with panic at first then calmed down. It reminded her of a game where blue fairy guides you on your journey. It seems to want to guide her somewhere. Sully ran and followed followed.

The around a seems to look familiar as she followed the blue light. It came to her, this was the forest from the other day. The blue light stop it seems they were deep in the forest. Sully looked scared thinking back to that encounter with the spider.

" Are there similar creatures here" she thinks. She starts to panic think the blue light took her into trapped. That was until she heard a similar voice

" Ah, your here".

[punkscowardschampions]

Rio & Buster Pt.2

Rio: I wasn’t about to indulge you, there’s a dare at stake, remember

Buster: Firstly, compared to me, you are and secondly, how could I forget?

Rio: Only in lifestyle, I wouldn’t hang around with the crowd in Dublin who acts like yours here

Rio: not for long enough to pick up any bad habits, anyway

Buster: Because you have the luxury of diversity and your choices of bad habits to pick up

Buster: I wouldn’t spend [the insanely long time it takes to get to a different area because London be cray like that] trying to search out a different crowd

Rio: That’s a terrible excuse

Rio: You couldn’t be in a more multi-cultural city, literally

Rio: the diversity back home is awfully white, like

Buster: What I’m in is a bubble, as you’re well aware

Rio: The most popular kids who fitted in the best at your school looked and acted like you are now, that’s all

Rio: it doesn’t mean everyone within your postcode is as bad as them

Buster: The majority are, and rules, babe

Rio: Well, bubbles burst

Buster: Yeah

Rio: Just get out, soon as you can

Buster: You’re years too late with the warning, I’m not Nancy, I’ve already made plans

Rio: no, I know, I’m reminding you, it’s not meant to be a pity dinner

Buster: It isn’t, nobody has sympathy at the ready for rich kids, least of all waiters and sommeliers

Rio: Too right

Rio: well I’ve just made your sister significantly less rich 

Buster: Good, a significant amount of champagne bubbles are probably going to her head as we speak, and she’s bound to already be in the perfect setting for a pity date of her own

Rio: I’m glad I don’t have to feel bad for her because it would really be a downer right now

Rio: no sign of Velma or any of them on the socials today

Buster: Let’s give her the benefit of the doubt and assume she’s lost her fake glasses

Buster: it’d be a downer to discuss how few brain cells she had available to sacrifice

Rio: She had to be talked into being the ugly friend somehow

Rio: and you made fun of my wig

Buster: No I didn’t, I just made sure you weren’t going to be able to find it in the cold light of day either

Rio: You prefer blondes

Buster: I prefer hair that isn’t plastic, obviously

Rio: Rude!

Rio: Fire engine red is never looking natural, boy

Buster: I didn’t ask you to appear with Ferrari coloured hair

Rio: I didn’t get your suggestions on that one

Buster: You should’ve

Rio: You didn’t invite me, otherwise you could’ve been more specific

Buster: If I’m going to invite you somewhere it’d be an event we both actually want to attend

Rio: It’s not as if I was waiting for you to, don’t worry

Buster: It’s not as if I was waiting at the door to turn you away

Rio: The party hadn’t got that bad when I arrived, no

Buster: Be a record even for Nance

Rio: Are you going to tell me your costume ideas now, before we start talking about one of the things we don’t want to again

Buster: Are you doing fancy dress for your birthday as well?

Rio: I can think of my own ideas, tah very much 

Buster: Then you’ve got no need of mine and I’ll keep them to myself

Rio: What if I dared you to tell me

Buster: Are you?

Rio: I’m undecided

Rio: you might just reel off the top 5 uninspiring costumes you remember from last night and liked better than mine

Buster: I don’t remember liking anyone’s better than yours

Rio: then I am actually curious

Buster: [I’m not committing us to specifics in case I accidentally do reel off uninspiring costumes lol because he would not and is just shamelessly outing himself and his fantasies rn we all know it, y’all are flirting]

Rio: Now I know

Rio: I’ll be better prepared for the next event we actually want to attend

Buster: But you were a perfect mermaid, again

Buster: I can’t lie

Rio: It might be worth stealing your party MO if you wore your costume again

Rio: as we’re telling the truth right now

Buster: Wouldn’t you like to see what other costume ideas I have for myself?

Rio: You’ve never heard of a costume change?

Rio: Even matching the amount of ideas you had for me, could fit it into a weekend, just

Buster: I suppose, I’ve had to take mid party showers before, it wouldn’t be a first

Rio: There you go

Buster: I’ll wait impatiently for your invite

Rio: Would you actually come though, as you’re already obligated to at the end of December

Buster: If you actually want me to, yeah

Rio: If I have a party, I want you to come

Buster: All you have to do is ask and I’ll be there, party or not

Rio: I feel like [boyf’s name, idc lmao] is going to take me away, that’s more his style, so

Buster: Style isn’t the word

Rio: At any rate, would be awkward if I invited you to that

Buster: Slightly, but at least it would get rid of him

Rio: then it would be just us

Buster: That’s how birthday girl perks work, you get what you really want

Rio: Shh

Buster: True, your wish might not come true if you tell me about it

Rio: You’re so ridiculously arrogant 🙄😏

Buster: It would be ridiculous if I was [flop bf’s name]

Buster: but I’m me

Rio: Yeah, you’re you and I’m me and we’re cousins, remember

Buster: I’m not allowed to forget, like it or not

Rio: That’s family, I guess, nicely summed up

Buster: Yeah, no choice in the matter sums it up exactly

Rio: It’s not even a compliment to also remind you that there are worse members of said family than you, tbh

Buster: You love giving me backhanded compliments, I don’t need reminding of that

Rio: Obviously I’m just fishing for you to say it back

Buster: You know how high you are up my list and how short it is

Rio: do I?

Buster: Don’t you?

Rio: I dunno

Rio: we’ve argued loads, like you said

Buster: Oh come on, I love arguing

Rio: Mm, I do know that

Buster: and now you know you’re one of my favourite people to argue with

Rio: Damn

Rio: sorry for being so nice this whole time, feel bad for depriving you now

Buster: Without the challenge you’d be one of my least favourite, so don’t be

Rio: That was backhanded, that’s my gig

Buster: I take what I want and nothing is off limits to me, I’m not sorry for it

Rio: I’ll live without the apology

Buster: I’ll try and live with you being nice to me

Rio: Do you want me to stop

Buster: No

Rio: I could try, if you needed

Buster: You need [those cocktails], remember

Buster: I could wear them almost as well as you’re going to wear [whatever he picked, we don’t know] but I’d feel bad for depriving you the full spotlight

Rio: If there’s one thing I know, it’s how to pull focus, making a scene is pretty high up the list of skills I possess too

Buster: Still, tonight’s a truce

Rio: I’m not going to waste a good [cocktail]

Buster: You’d send grandad to an early grave

Rio: 🥺

Buster: It’s a big enough tragedy how much time we’ve wasted

Rio: I told you I’d be late, it’s entirely your fault

Buster: I thought you meant fashionably

Rio: I had to go get my makeup done, you can’t wear a dress like that with a bare face

Buster: You could, a face like yours

Rio: You’re coming for nice today too

Rio: I don’t mind, for the record

Buster: For the record, whatever it takes to get you through the door some time before you’re due at the airport

Rio: Alright, alright 😅

Buster: 🥺 even, if necessary

Rio: That won’t be necessary, not sure I could handle that

Buster: Be here in less than 15 and you won’t have to

Rio: Telling the driver to hurry is too rich kid for me but 

Rio: up for the challenge

Buster: Having to make up for my behaviour with a big tip is standard for me, don’t worry

Rio: I’m not going to think about that at all

Buster: I promised distraction

Rio: You could always try harder

Buster: It is my gig

Rio: I can agree with that

Buster: The driver wouldn’t argue

Rio: yeah?

Rio: Wouldn’t want to risk his tip

Buster: I’ve paid it, but if he’s checking the app right now, tell him to stop risking your life

Rio: I’ll ruin my makeup if I 😳

Buster: Impossible

Rio: not how it feels

Buster: I know, I could ruin your makeup as easily too

Rio: Easy isn’t the word

Buster: Yes it is

Rio: It can’t be

Buster: It could be, that’s the issue, I could ruin you in a second

Rio: it’s the then what that’s the real issue

Buster: Yeah

Rio: that’s going to last longer than a second

Buster: So would I, the dramatic effect of what I said before aside

Rio: Not long enough

Buster: You’ll have to use your superior imagination and leave it at that

Rio: Is that what you reckon then? Alright

Buster: It’s dinner and then you’re going back to your real life

Rio: If you say so, see you when I get there

Buster: We don’t have long enough, you said so

Rio: That’s just true, we never will

Buster: I’ve never lived my life like that

Rio: Me neither but it’s not exactly a run of the mill eventuality, why would we know how to deal with it

Buster: Because I know how to deal with everything

Rio: It isn’t as if anyone is going to find out about this mark against your record

Buster: That’s not why it matters

Rio: you headfucked me too

Buster: You can’t be the fucking exception, there aren’t any

Buster: I know what I’m doing, that’s who I am

Rio: So we stick to the plan, it’s dinner

Buster: And after, I drop you at the airport

Rio: you want to just prove you can

Buster: I don’t have anything to prove

Rio: maybe I do then

Buster: You don’t either

Rio: Okay

Buster: Nothing happened last night, nothing’s ever happened

Rio: you can finish the sentence, I get it, like

Buster: It is a complete sentence, you can be alone with me

Rio: We’ll forget it

Buster: No, but we won’t ruin Christmas

Rio: Alright, that’s something, we’ll work with that

Buster: We can do this, it isn’t anything we haven’t had to do loads of times before

Rio: I barely said anything 

Rio: you either, it’s all good

Buster: It’ll be fine

Rio: Sound more sure

Buster: How long do I have to work on that?

Rio: 5, could be 10 if you don’t mind paying for the breather

Buster: I don’t mind paying for anything you need

Rio: Call it 10 then 🙃

Buster: Consider it done

Rio: Sorry I still look great

Buster: We both do, I’m not apologising

Rio: You should, it’s rude

Buster: You like surprises, you should be thanking me for not sending you any selfies

Rio: Nope, not going to

Buster: Not nice or polite of you

Rio: have to switch it up, you like it too much

Buster: Don’t you like knowing the exact effect you’re having?

Rio: Yes but

Buster: The answer’s yes, we don’t have to include the but

Rio: You didn’t have to ask a question you know the answer to, but you did

Buster: Knowing the answer isn’t the same as hearing it from you

Rio: Talk is just that, right

Rio: you don’t have to explain to me how interesting it can be

Buster: Right

Rio: can say whatever you want, it’s not as if I’m going to waste time thinking up a way to use it, if it was even possible not to incriminate myself at the same time

Buster: It isn’t who you are or someone I could turn you into

Rio: Just sounds boring, exhausting for all the wrong reasons

Buster: I couldn’t agree more

Rio: It’ll be something to cheers to

Buster: Everyone else in my daily life is boring, cheers

Rio: Slainte, to rub it in

Rio: A lot of people I know are shit too, just… less egregious

Buster: I’ll cheers to you, showing up

Rio: My time is up?

Rio: [voice note of asking this driver to turn around]

Buster: 🥺

Rio: I swear if you spoiler me right now I will turn right back

Buster: You can’t

Rio: [actually arrive and come through because no you can’t unless you’re literally not coming in and we’re not doing that so]

Buster: [this boy STARING at her with his jaw on the floor like he didn’t pick that outfit and know exactly what to expect]

Rio: [you really did that, and all this vibe, to yourselves and there’s no one else to blame honestly, but the staring is V mutual so excuse us, other people] 

Buster: [I love them I really do, it’s so fun and funny, I can’t wait for Christmas and the vibes it will bring, but for now, literally not breaking said STARE until he pulls her chair/bar stool out for her because v necessary + helping her up onto it if it tis a high one because she’s smol]

Rio: [y’all are going to die and it’s going to be everyone’s problem; but today we are mute because we dare not say a god damn thing as if the tension is still not extremely palpable like this]

Buster: [at least you don’t have to speak gal because he’s gonna order every drink and scrap of food for her as per without consulting her about any of it, thank god he’s not the sort of boy who’s passive aggressively ordering you a salad and is actually picking things you’ll want]

Rio: [the boy knows you and you’re about the vibe as a whole so we’re here 😍 can cheers you when these drinks arrive though, as you said you would]

Buster: [shamelessly will cheers to her like he said he would, less of a pisstake and more intense in this moment but we care not]

Rio: [smiling but shaking our head because it is way more intense and we don’t actually know what to do right now ‘tell me about [his match]’ because that’s the last thing you can actually recall either of you were doing before this blatant flirting]

Buster: [obvs give her all the deets because you would’ve slayed it, something is very very wrong if he doesn’t and soz Nancy but he doesn’t care that much about y’all’s party row we all been knew you’re a flop]

Rio: [just listening intently ‘cos we’re about it so love that for you boy and honestly it’d be a good way to get said party frustrations out]

Buster: [when it kills you a little bit that she is genuinely interested because who else is he getting that from in his life rn except baze, the answer is nobody, just giving her major heart eyes whenever he stops to take a drink or a breath]

Rio: [we are that hype woman always, don’t even need to try, just the vibe, tell him about the various things your siblings are doing that you’re also supportive of]

Buster: [love that you can talk about Ava because she doesn’t suck like your twin]

Rio: [thank god, and this chat somewhat working in the sense you didn’t jump him which was very much where we were, so we can take a big breath like it’s okay, SO under control here]

Buster: [We all know you wanna and would in a heartbeat but I respect how hard you’re both trying to kid yourselves rn and stick to it and that it’ll give you confidence to keep ordering cocktails like that’s not a dangerous game]

Rio: [when you realise you haven’t complimented what he’s wearing because you didn’t pick it and you were too busy staring and being stared at, so you take another sip of said cocktail and do an appreciative nod at him]

Buster: [his cocky af face though like I know + I told you because soz but he do always look great and I shall try and do a lewk on the polyvore-esque thing again even though I shall likely be cockblocked as hard as I was for the st paddy’s one and it’ll probs take me a decade, taking the shameless opportunity to check her out again as well of course, simply must]

Rio: [rolling our eyes at you as a means to look away eventually otherwise we won’t and we have to appreciate the vibe of this place as it was your suggestion]

Buster: [‘What do you think?’ of the signature cocktail and overall vibe because genuinely wanna know not just trying to brag again]

Rio: [we’re obviously about it because love the finer things in life ‘why’s it better than [wherever his friend was gonna take her] then?’]

Buster: [‘He’s not here’ jk but also true we weren’t happy about you going on a date with whichever friend that was, do actually also tell her why you genuinely think so though whether the vibe’s off or the drinks suck in comparison or the menu or whatever it is]

Rio: [do a little lol because okay ‘you should be glad’ like how serious can I be about my boyfriend if I date other boys when he’s not around, shrug ‘less pretentious, sounds like’ because we’re never about that]

Buster: [‘I can’t’ just openly admitting that because it’s true and as much as he just knows her bf sucks because they lowkey all do he also is too painfully aware of how much all his friends are flops and he honestly HATES the idea of her dating anyone lbr]

Rio: [nudging him with your foot like it’s okay because it’s a big ask, as well as a weird one but we’re not addressing that fact lol ‘I wasn’t in the mood to sleep with anyone’ that was clear but still spelling out that you didn’t last night]

Buster: [yes I am turning this into a lil footsie moment because I can and because we’re trying to be comforting and soz about how shit of a mood she was in and why without bringing it up again because he said he wouldn’t ‘Neither was I’ because I’m sure you would’ve but then Chlo and James appeared and that turned you off even before the Nancy and James cockblock happened]

Rio: [clinking your glasses in commiseration like poor us because you know you were both having legitimately bad times but you can only be so serious about it now after the fact and the footsie is distracting]

Buster: [‘A real waste of all that body paint’ because it would’ve taken him ages to apply and honestly a tragedy that nobody got covered in it in a saucy manner]

Rio: [doing a tut-sound ‘tell me about it’ like I know all about wasted outfits]

Buster: [just talking about all the outfits he didn’t pick for her like he’s so genuinely gutted she couldn’t wear them all because he is]

Rio: [‘she won’t invite me back if I keep using her account’ like there’ll be plenty of occasions I could be in London for but]

Buster: [‘she doesn’t have to, I’ll invite you’ so sincere and serious like idc go buy all those ootns rn]

Rio: [biting our lip to hush because obviously we wanna be like okay but also obviously that goes against the whole not ruining christmas vibe]

Buster: [‘we’re family too’ like nbd I can invite you if she can but the way he said the f word just being flirty and indecent on the low, we see you there, boy]

Rio: [the not at all casual shift we just did in this bar stool like excuse me ‘invite me then’ quietly but so seriously]

Buster: [‘invite me to your birthday’ the way he’s not at all casually saying don’t go away with your bf with that, as seriously]

Rio: [nodding, putting your hand out and holding his gaze like it can be a deal]

Buster: [the amount of eye contact and the way he’s touching her hand is absolutely unnecessary RIP]

Rio: [definitely on the edge of this barstool right now for attempting to be as close to you without making it beyond apparent and undeniable that that’s what we’re doing]

Buster: [I say for the love of god someone seat them at a table so they can get starters sent their way as if that will in any way calm y’all down lol]

Rio: [fr lmao ‘no bodypaint’ just admitting you don’t wanna see anyone else covered in that on your birthday]

Buster: [‘I promise’ nbd just promising you won’t get with any of her friends on her birthday, it’s fine it’s chill as is the way he’s gonna help her down on this seat when they gotta move cos the person has shown up to show them to this table, basically picking her up almost]

Rio: [you already know how we feel about that and how we don’t even fake mad about it is the least of the giveaways, accidentally making a noise at being picked up, soz to this waiter]

Buster: [continuing his totally unnecessary behaviour by leading her to said table by the wrist as if she’s gonna get lost otherwise, after his own lip bite in response to that involuntary noise escaping there, he knew what he was doing and yet was not ready for how that would sound and how he’d feel about it]

Rio: [getting yourself sat down with speed so this person isn’t lingering honestly because as much as this is just proving how being alone together is a terrible idea, we also don’t need this random seeing how blushy we are now]

Buster: [respectfully, please leave mr, I know you are only trying to do your job but you don’t want or need to see any of their antics ever]

Rio: [shamelessly doing the thing where your fingers hold onto his when he’s taking his hand away from your wrist, like you’re thinking about holding his hand but don’t fully commit to it]

Buster: [playing with her fingers in that absentminded kind of way except it isn’t at all because once again you know exactly what you’re doing hun and we all see you]

Rio: [the novelty of this lingering closeness is not lost on us because you’d have no call to act like this around the fam, even if it is relatively innocent, it would still be a bit odd, so we’re casually comparing how small our hands are in relation to his]

Buster: [try not to die at how adorably small her hand is the way you died when you gave her your jumper on st paddy’s, you brought this on yourself, boy, I have no sympathy, use the excuse that you simply must catch the eye of a waiter and order all this food, despite having not looked at the menu or asked her opinion]

Rio: [just here making no attempt to look, soz we’re already used to this life]

Buster: [and he knows what they both want, regardless of whether it’s on the menu tonight or not, he’s that bitch and he’ll make it happen sis + probably seductively eating an olive or whatever boujee shit they give you for free on this table just cos]

Rio: [‘you do that on purpose’ as if he can help being hot in any way really but we’re putting an olive in our own mouth and pouting]

Buster: [when her saying that reminds you again of the accidental noise she made before, as if you could forget truly ‘Yeah, but you can do as much by accident’ because it was the hottest thing]

Rio: [‘you did that too’ like would not have happened if you didn’t pick me up, boy]

Buster: [‘my fault’ but not at all like he’s soz and only like he’s proud to claim it because duh]

Rio: [smiling down into our lap ‘couldn’t be mine’ like far too good, of course]

Buster: [‘no, not a good girl like you’ because have to say it, always]

Rio: [the !! energy we’re LOOKING back up, have to take this plate of nibbles out of his reach because how else can we let you know that was rude]

Buster: [a little lol but he’s looking at her with the same !! energy]

Rio: [going to start a sentence several times but stopping yourself because whatever you’re going to say is going to be beyond transparent in this moment]

Buster: [STARING at her lips while she does, as blatantly and then wiping something off them with the fancy napkin that doesn’t exist because she’s literally only eaten an olive so]

Rio: [when he has such daddy energy and you’re literally left open-mouthed about it ‘why don’t we hang out more?’ blurted out betraying how uncasual that question is, despite the words used]

Buster: [‘Because if we did you’d become my favourite’ as uncasually, just going from one of his faves to ultimate fave so fast there]

Rio: [trying to pull a face like oh yes, that sounds terrible but also we do understand what you’re saying so nodding for the serious reply, as it were]

Buster: [I’m delivering these starters to y’all so he’ll shh for a sec and not say anything more extra]

Rio: [thank God for the distraction, though you probably feel too giddy to truly be hungry you have to try because all the things we could say]

Buster: [‘Do you like it?’ instead of all the other things he could say and a fair question because he did choose it especially for you]

Rio: [take a sec to fully taste and appreciate this before doing a big smile like yes because there’s no reason you should’ve missed boy and also 0 way she’s fussy she was raised by a Hippie so ‘you haven’t gone wrong yet’ with the why do you think I keep letting you make decisions? Unspoken but obvious]

Buster: [trying to do a cocky/smug smile in response but it’s more real than that because he’s genuinely glad + ordering some expensive wine y’all defs don’t need rn because gotta keep those decisions coming]

Rio: [me like you’re gonna be tipsy on this flight girl lol, obviously not a concern to you]

Buster: [soz not soz we live for danger as if you two being alone on a romantic date isn’t enough already, me just imagining it’s her bf who picks her up from the airport, hello sir]

Rio: [oh god, in one way, I hope not because duh but also if you just had to go home and be around your fam and not process any of this, also not the one so you can’t win, tbh; but we’re not in the the least thinking about any of that, just having a lovely time]

Buster: [if you can’t hook up with him while thinking about your hot cousin he might as well not exist haha, but for now, it goes without saying that said hot cousin is also letting her try whatever his food is because no chill ever]

Rio: [truly, we know you’re on the outs not long after her own 18th honey so take it whilst you can, sir; the shameless joy of being the cliche of leaning over so he can be fully checking you out, when you could just slide this plate over, no no]

Buster: [my boo says tick tock, because yeah time is running out for you hun, sorry bout it, those are the cliches we know and love, likewise playing with her hair/holding it back under the guise that we don’t wanna get food in it as we aeroplane this fork into her mouth in the sauciest way, just shameless hot moves]

Rio: [those involuntary noises are back because what else can you do but that and 🥺 when you’ve committed to not doing anything, just look like we’re really enjoying this food nbd]

Buster: [also shamelessly cleaning her up after the fact as if he’s spilled food down her cleavage, neck and over her entire mouth when he has done no such thing, because the noises were everything yet again and he wants more of them, this napkin doing the most and we’re only on the 1st course]

Rio: [when you’re leaning so far out of your own seat now you’re grazing being in his lap ‘Buster’ as if you’re chastising him for making such a mess and didn’t basically just moan his name a lil]

Buster: [Shoutout to his own napkin blatantly being in his lap and it’s not gonna stay there with all these movements and shenanigans occurring so you’ll have to get it for him and put it back when it inevitably falls off, gal, it’s the polite thing to do, we don’t make the rules, except I do and there’s no way he isn’t making an involuntary sound of his own for the first time thanks to the way she’s saying his name]

Rio: [got to remember your manners, even if bending down to the floor in front of him has you this close to forgetting them completely and you are not okay, properly smoothing this napkin back down instead of just throwing it at him as you should because, manners and terrible ideas]

Buster: [It’s beyond mutual at least and thank god because it couldn’t be more obvious]

Rio: [someone please bring some more wine over, the way we’ve glitched and otherwise are just going to go for it in a way you can’t take back]

Buster: [literally same, the way he’s moving in his seat rn because of this napkin moment, it’s so close to being a feral scene, busy restaurant or not]

Rio: [like I’m glad you bought this dress because we know what the situation is and there’s no returning that, just like there’s no tearing our eyes away from his lap, even as we force ourselves back into our own seat by the nature of the waiter coming over]

Buster: [Oh lads, you tried for all of a second, god bless, there’s no breathing normally rn soz to this poor man trying to pour wine or clear plates or whatever]

Rio: [y’all are being weird to a level I don’t think you even realise because a normal couple would just be hugging or holding hands or doing something to mitigate the energy somewhat]

Buster: [that’s the scalding hot tea of it]

Rio: [gonna send you to the bathroom somewhat abruptly before the main comes being the excuse blurted out for the rest of the room who might hear but really you just need to have some privacy]

Buster: [my boo says maybe you’ll calm down, but truly, you’ve both gotta, boy you can’t come back here after this weird vibe tonight and you don’t even know]

Rio: [I don’t hold much hope but you’ve tried]

Buster: [how close y’all just came to being utterly feral will probably stall you a bit like it did earlier, but for how long, who can say lol]

Rio: [we’re SHOOKETH but are we mad? We are not, not even a bit, in this bathroom WEAK but shooketh will buy enough time here lmao]

Buster: [I’ll make him go when she comes back to delay y’all having to interact for as long as poss, maybe then the food will arrive or be close to and you can just eat and hush]

Rio: [sit yourself back down and do a look like whoops, as if that was an accidental faux pas and not a whole thing lol]

Buster: [take your turn to go to the bathroom and calm down but he’s likewise unrepentant and smirking as he goes]

Rio: [going with the we’re amused by this vibe and not still shooketh AT ALL, mhmm]

Rio: He’s avoiding our table now ❌🍷

Buster: He won’t avoid me once I give him his tip early

Rio: That’s your answer for everything, yeah?

Buster: It’s my answer for pissed off drivers and waiters

Rio: Not not going to work, unfortunately

Buster: It always works

Rio: Yes, I can see how that’s positively reinforced your behaviour

Buster: I told you, I can find a solution for anything

Rio: We’ll see

Buster: [Come back and bribe this waiter into lowkey being y’all’s new bestie, soz sir]

Rio: [get some more wine because truly the only way to deal tonight with these feelings, shaking our head at you like we don’t approve but we’re not being serious with our unamusement]

Buster: [It’s too real, soz you’re gonna be drunk af on the plane but it’s better than being too sober for this rn, clink glasses when he goes away like that’s your only problem solved now lads]

Rio: [as if this man was the problem in any way lmao ‘you take the piss’ in such an endeared way]

Buster: [‘your whole night would’ve been ruined if they asked us to leave before you had a chance to try what I’ve chosen for you for dessert’ again so unrepentant, just like we had a problem and I did what a had to do to sort it nbd and not soz]

Rio: [‘they wouldn’t be asking us to leave if you could behave’ with a laugh but we can’t resist sneaking a LOOK in there before focusing back on our drink and finishing off this food so said dessert can be got to]

Buster: [LOOKING back at her as always, his is not at all sneaky though because can’t and won’t focus on anything else, soz to his dessert that he doesn’t care about lol ‘I did something else you’re going to tell me I shouldn’t have’ in a oh you spoilsport kind of tone like she’s so mad he’s on his worst behaviour]

Rio: [when you’re vaguely trying not to end up in the exact same situation again immediately but your resolve is so weak lmao, sat here 😳 at his attention ‘go on’ keeping with the air we’re not impressed with a cold tone that’s so un-us it’s obviously a joke anyway]

Buster: [‘I couldn’t resist getting you an early birthday present’ because my vibe is that he’s bought her all the other outfits she didn’t wear tonight and they are gonna just show up to her house in a few days not at all casually, excuse us everyone]

Rio: [‘what?’ but in an excited way undeniably ‘what did you do that for?’ giving his arm a little smack] 

Buster: [‘I haven’t bought you one before’ as if it’s just nbd that they’ve got all this time to make up for and not a feelsy first at all or a giant surprise that’s gonna have everyone wondering where the hell she got all these expensive outfits from when they arrive]

Rio: [‘just don’t buy me one on my actual birthday’ like then we’ll be even because she did get him something, won’t/can’t specify right now but you said you would when you were out boujee shopping so it’s definitely a thing ‘it’s a surprise’ more of a statement because you’ve confirmed that we like them already in this convo so we know you aren’t telling us until we receive ‘em]

Buster: [‘No promises’ because he is defs gonna also buy her something for her actual birthday and we all know it, obvs a nod about the surprise regardless of the fact it wasn’t actually a question as he sips his wine as if that’s the only thing stopping him from giving it away despite the fact he’s clearly excellent at keeping secrets]

Rio: [when you can’t even fake a proper level of outrage at his refusal to play by the rules because you don’t just want presents, you want him to want to buy you presents, so you sip your own wine so you aren’t just 😍 at him non-stop]

Buster: [leaning forward slightly not in her fully out of her seat way earlier but enough to make a point of it and make the eye contact even more !! ‘Don’t be mad at me’ as if she remotely is or could be rn ‘I didn’t end up ordering a pair of skis’ because that joke just be running and running]

Rio: [opening your mouth to reply to his first sentence but being unable to until the ski banter anyway ‘well now I’m furious’ with a smirk like you’re so gutted not to get your apres-ski on]

Buster: [‘furious suits you’ just telling her she looks amazing rn in the most chill way possible because the heart eyes/LOOK is extra enough, thank you]

Rio: [tilting your head to look up at him like you’re really regarding him for the first time and not just continuing to LOOK at him ‘nice suits you’ straightening the collar on whatever he may be wearing, getting close enough to do so without fully getting up again yourself]

Buster: [‘I’m not nice’ as he in turn sorts out whatever necklace she’s wearing whether we’re pretending it’s tangled or the pendant bit has flipped over or whatever the case may be]

Rio: [stopping breathing in a noticeable given the closeness rn way ‘you are to me’ quietly, because again, you don’t need to be loud atm]

Buster: [‘I want it to be memorable for you’ not elaborating if we mean your bday or every day until then because it’s when you’ll see each other again if he is invited or tonight or all of the above ‘that’s all’ like you just said something v casual and not what you did]

Rio: [Obviously thinking about all of those possibilities and more right now ‘that’s all…’ almost like a question but not quite, pointing out how actual not casual that is to us ‘I hope you had an okay day today’ because you have basically spent the whole day together and on a date and you’d like him to remember his 18th as not entirely shit too, obviously ‘I should’ve-’ cutting yourself off and shaking your head, leaning back]

Buster: [doing an exhale in contrast to her not breathing before because we know how not casual that sounded but we’re still not soz and never shall be ‘okay isn’t the word’ because truly, what a wild day y’all have had, leaning back himself when she does, looking at her in that way you do when you’re waiting to see if someone is gonna finish their sentence/say any more]

Rio: [crossing and uncrossing your arms in front of you on the table, doing a half shrug ‘I could’ve-’ the could being a correction to the should because ‘- done more to make it more memorable’ point being we agreed we should not but still, looking at you like could’ve, would’ve]

Buster: [‘No, it was out of your control, last night being already memorable for the wrong reasons’ because they’ve also agreed they weren’t in the mood so him finally telling her what happened so matter of factly, the way he walked in on Nancy and James and the state of him in no uncertain terms and how disgusted he is by that, as well as James’ relationship + dad status, some of which she probably knows from the goss and the fact she was also at the party but we’re just getting it all out there, well, except the Chlo of it because not ready to go there obvs]

Rio: [listen to this all in horror honestly because yikes on every count of this mess of a situation ‘that’s fucked up, really fucked up’ because truly what else can we say ‘maybe she was so trashed she didn’t realise how far gone he was?’ like an attempt to not make Nancy a total bitch here but we don’t sound totally convinced ourself] 

Buster: [shaking his head because he and everyone else, Nancy included know the state James always gets himself into in this era but we don’t need to get into that fully rn and out him as a huge mess, especially when it’s clear that Rio didn’t even believe it herself as she was saying it]

Rio: [such a sad face honestly because we know you’re a flop but the levels, Nancy, we’re not about it and we know there isn’t much that can be done by us or by Buster because you just need to sort yourself out bitch ‘why would he still be with her?’ because that makes no sense]

Buster: [He’s as sad and that’s blatant even though he isn’t showing it as openly, we all are, baze would be so disappointed in you if they knew about this Nancy, it’s despicable behaviour truly ‘It isn’t like there’s just one reason he does anything’ because James isn’t as black and white as Buster, that poor sweet and honourable boy]

Rio: [mm in response because no, things are clearly not that simple and now we’re just thinking about this mess and similar situations in your own family with all the varied baby daddy drama Alison got herself into ‘it’s shit, watching people do things and be in situations that are bad for them, because you can’t do anything about it’ a meaningful glance at him because we know you especially hate not having solutions and answers and we are similar when it comes to helping the people we love]

Buster: [‘I wasn’t going to tell you’ as close to a sorry as we’re going to get but also he genuinely planned to not for a million reasons including not wanting to bring the vibe down or give her any more to be worrying about when she already has this Liam and Edie situation on her mind]

Rio: [shake your head like no, no ‘I’m glad you did, please don’t worry about me’ like this is not about me remotely ‘space is probably the best thing you can give her’ like it’s definitely a longshot but maybe Nancy will bring herself to care if you’re icing her out]

Buster: [looking at her as meaningfully as she did to him a second ago because he does worry about her and what she said about how shit it is to have to watch helplessly is too legit for the vibe of Rio having all these flop bfs and there being nothing he can do about it even though she deserves way better and he’d literally want to say as much, to say ALL this but cannot]

Rio: [reaching out and fully holding his hand on this tabletop, giving it a squeeze]

Buster: [‘Maybe I should say something, what she probably needs the most is some professional help’ lol just being like a bitch needs therapy because lbr you do gal what’s your damage]

Rio: [do a little ha but not because you think this is hilarious, obviously, more like yeah but ‘a lot of people treat therapy like their own personal chat show if they don’t want to get better and the shrink isn’t good enough to get them there in the first place’ like she’d just be bragging about her exploits if she doesn’t think she needs help, because so real ‘your parents might be able to do something’ like you could tell them though]

Buster: [making a face because it’s too real and he can imagine that playing out so vividly, likewise he can picture the scene of baze as helpless as he is because she is a flop and there isn’t much they can really do either rn, it’s her shit to sort and we all know she isn’t gonna]

Rio: [a sigh because we know what you’re thinking and yeah, nothing about this situation is easily fixable for anyone, baze included ‘just be thankful you only have the two’ joking but also all the siblings we have is no joke]

Buster: [‘I’m thankful one of them is Ava’ because if she was a flop too he would not cope, lord imagine, downing however much wine he has left because ugh take us back to when the vibe was saucy antics, not this]

Rio: [‘cute’ but sincerely, letting go of your hand so you can drink your drink and do what you gotta do ‘she’ll have to change, act like that too long and you’ll find yourself with no friends fast’ because true, people don’t appreciate you being a mess and a devious cow to boot ‘being kicked out of the in-crowd is the best incentive for a girl like Nance’]

Buster: [‘She doesn’t have friends, her bar tab does’ because there isn’t a person she’s hanging around that isn’t using her for some reason and he’s all too aware of it because all his friends are fake too ‘and the in-crowd are all as bad as each other, I would know’ shoutout to when he said he’s not nice, he’s done some shady shit too, we can’t pretend otherwise]

Rio: [just looking at him for a while ‘we’ve all done things we’re not proud of’ like no one is a saint and certainly no teenager ‘but you grow up or get left behind, right?’ like at some point, probably not for a while yet because people seem to like staying messy into their late 20s if they can, you’ll all be bored and hate each other and drift apart, none of it’s gonna last]

Buster: [‘But who the fuck will she be by that point?’ Oh honey, if only you knew the big storm that’s coming, she’s 44 in gen 4 and still acting like this and dragging your daughter into her mess, I’m so soz]

Rio: [take your own big sip of wine because I know and I’m sorry ‘I don’t know, Buster’ with a sigh because honestly, what a mess]

Buster: [pushing his empty wine glass away angrily because we hate this and we hate this is the turn this evening has taken when we promised to distract her from all the bad shit occurring]

Rio: [leaving him the time and space to deal because we’ve clearly had some boyfriends where that was the best approach but also we don’t even know what to say or do for the best ourself here]

Buster: [picking up her hand again and doing the thumb over her wrist rub that he did way earlier in the cafe I think because not trying to waste his time and life being angry over Nancy, hard as it is to not be when he’s the kind of person he is]

Rio: [look back up at him and half smile, tracing your own fingers up his arm gently ‘it will sound sort of fucked up…’ starting like but bear with me ‘but I think you have to try and enjoy yourself, regardless of other people’s bad shit, or you never will’]

Buster: [‘It doesn’t, if you don’t you get dragged down by it’ the way he’s so clearly thinking about the baze and Ro situation as he says that because there was nothing they could do there, try as they might ‘I stopped her, that’s all I could do, there’s nothing else right now’ like yeah we’ve gotta draw a line under it for now]

Rio: [nod because yes, exactly ‘no use to anyone if you’re not sorted and content with your own shit’ still just stroking his arm casually ‘you did what you could’ reassurance because it’s true and there’s no need to beat yourself up on it like there’s more that you could’ve or could now]

Buster: [doing his own half smile as he nods too because this is the most you’ve talked to each other probably ever and it would be incredible to realise how much she gets him and how much they have in common when it would’ve seemed in the past like they were so different]

Rio: [it would be lowkey wild in a way we’re not even fully appreciating whilst still in the moment, resting our head on our shoulder for a sec when you smile because it’s too cute and we’re now overwhelmed in a different way]

Buster: [‘I’m glad it took Nance this long to burn the bridges’ just saying we’re glad you’re here because yeah she’s a flop and you could have so easily not been invited/attended]

Rio: [‘she’ll always need someone to amuse her when you’re in Dublin’ because we’re not under much illusion she likes us any more than that because like he said, that’s how her friendships work ‘invite me to your next birthday?’ like whatever you do, because it’s not going to be a shared party, clearly]

Buster: [‘I can’t blame her for that, you are very amusing’ the way he’s saying amusing like it could and should be a different word entirely, again we see you sir ‘and there’s nobody else I’d rather turn 19 with’ could be jokey but it’s so sincere, you just already are his fave and we all know]

Rio: [raising a brow like oh, am I? ‘Should I be offended?’ you know damn well he only meant that in the most complimentary terms but who can resist a flirt when presented to them, not y’all; have to do the biggest smile at that though, shamelessly]

Buster: [Answering the eyebrow raise as if she asked the actual q oh am I and answering in the sauciest way possible by saying ‘Yeah, I really want to play with you’ boy stop it but don’t ever ‘Well, are you offended?’ when you know damn well she is not]

Rio: [‘We used to play together’ so casually as if that’s how he meant it and how you mean the implication of we can play together still, shaking your head slowly in response to the question that didn’t even need to be asked]

Buster: [starting a more intense game of footsie than the previous in response, simply must]

Rio: [excuse us whilst we fully commit to that because the energy that is not being expressed rn is killing you]

Buster: [likewise and adding ‘I wish we’d played together more’ with all the feeling here]

Rio: [the ‘me too’ sounding seriously indecent because we cannot help it ‘it’s more fun when it’s just us two’ like grateful no other siblings are here right now though]

Buster: [‘I’ll invite only you’ meaning for his 19th obvs, love that we’re shamelessly declaring this right here and right now]

Rio: [‘promise?’ just moving your foot a little further up his leg]

Buster: [‘You’ll see’ because could not mean this more and knowing him he’s probably already planning shit in his head, or at least trying to because she is being v distracting]

Rio: [almost immediately drop your foot right back to the ground like that was your evil plan and now you’ve got what you want… but it’s really just to stop yourself going too far]

Buster: [go along with that by asking her if there’s anything else she wants in terms of this meal as if he’s but a minion and she’s the evil genius mastermind but it’s really because lord knows what else you might say or do otherwise]

Rio: [‘I was promised a really amazing dessert’ because better make that happen, getting up as we say this to go to the bathroom again because realistically you would need to with the drink consumed but also it’s how you stop yourself so, walk past and do the thing where you drag your fingers from one shoulder to another as you do ‘have it waiting for me by the time I’ve freshened up’]

Buster: [I’m cackling imagining how boujee this dessert will be first of all and second of all the absolute song and dance he will make this waiter do to bring it to her as if it’s yet again her birthday instead of having just been his]

Rio: [we love to see it, gotta finish this meal with some flair]

Buster: [you’re both gonna be so gutted when it’s over and the mems are gonna have to keep you going for a while so it has to be done]

Rio: [mhmm, it’s the mood and we gotta, especially ‘cos we really don’t wanna go home now but it’s not as if you can just find an excuse to stay]

Buster: [you’ve both got school if nothing else, don’t ask me how we’re gonna cockblock y’all from hooking up on this drive to the airport though because god only knows]

Rio: [good luck to us lmao]

Buster: [unless it’s half term in which case you don’t lol I can’t remember when they are now that I’m not in school, ps Winnie is evil laughing about the creative corners we paint ourselves into]

Rio: [I do genuinely think there is one around Halloween, ‘cos I always remember that you did around 7 weeks of school before having one because I used to be counting down lol but that’s beside the point, Winnie is a monster boy]

Buster: [you’re not staying anyway hun regardless of if there is or there isn’t, come and eat your dramatic af dessert and consider yourself lucky]

Rio: [sassed and frassed but in a nutshell, so do come back to be shooketh by this dramatic display]

Buster: [I can’t be cockblocking y’all for days and days that’d be impossible and ridiculous, let’s all just enjoy this moment and how proud he is of himself that he keeps managing to be more and more extra, though I dread to think of the money he has spent today, buying all those outfits alone would have cost a fortune, calm down sir]

Rio: [truly soz to your wallet but we aren’t soz because we’ve loved it all and will love all those outfits when we receive them back home, for now try not to be too indecent about how delicious this dessert is but you gotta let it be known]

Buster: [he’s gotta steal some of it in a flirty manner whether that’s by sticking his finger in it or stealing the spoon or literally stealing some from the corner of her mouth, take your pick of the saucy cliche tbh, any are possible]

Rio: [any way we’re 😍 and will not be soz or subtle about it ‘good?’]

Buster: [‘delicious’ not soz or subtle either ever]

Rio: [look away and be blushy about it]

Buster: [drink your fancy coffee you don’t need remotely at whatever o clock this is and after all your other drinks but you’ve ordered instead of dessert because lowkey every boy I know except my father doesn’t like sweet things and that feels like your vibe]

Rio: [I see it, it’s very manly, as if wanting to eat a sweet treat is so girly but you know, toxic masculinity etc ‘I’ll let you know, about my party’ blurting this out but you’re clearly just thinking how you have no reason to talk to him, never mind see him, until then]

Buster: [‘Good’ because he v much wants to talk to and see her before then obvs but yeah realistically can’t and also he doesn’t want her to get talked into going away with her bf which he’s aware could still very much happen despite what’s been said because real life]

Rio: [smile like okay, good, because soon you’re going to have to get up and go and you don’t want to and that makes a goodbye more awkward than it already is when there’s this whole vibe we’re not really addressing ‘so don’t leave me on read, like’]

Buster: [‘I won’t’ this just sounding like he said I can’t because that’s the tea and he literally never would have even if y’all were in a pretending to hate each other phase, always gotta get the last word in that argument]

Rio: [‘do you want me to tell you, about the Liam thing?’ quieter, like do you want those updates or do you wanna forget I ever had that meltdown]

Buster: [‘You can talk to me about anything, you know that’ because the sincerity is too real]

Rio: [just nod so you don’t say anything too emotional and give yourself away entirely ‘you too’ nudging him with your foot again like I’m sure you won’t but you know you can]

Buster: [smile at her because he does know that even if he is less likely to take her up on it ‘I appreciate it, even when I act like I don’t’ he’s self aware at least lol]

Rio: [make a noise that’s the equivalent of yeah, I know ‘won’t ask for it in writing’ like it’s okay, you can pretend to be a prick all you need]

Buster: [writing it on his napkin like a massive nerd and going to give it to her before snatching it away again like oh yeah you said you didn’t want it, my bad, excuse me while I just die because it says ‘I appreciate you, always’ in his beautiful posh boy handwriting]

Rio: [reaching up like um no, give me that now with a grumpy lil face]

Buster: [when that height difference makes it too easy to hold this napkin out of her reach, he wouldn’t even have to try ‘ask for it’ because we know that’s all she ever has to do]

Rio: [‘Please give it to me, Buster’ without any hesitation or shame ‘I really want it’]

Buster: [do give it to her even though you’ve gotta in a deliberately slow manner to do the most despite the fact you’re barely touching]

Rio: [pouting and doing gimme hands the whole time but then when you can actually read it you’re genuinely emotional about it, put this napkin in your handbag like I will be keeping that]

Buster: [gotta keep that forever for when you’re an old married couple, not soz]

Rio: [100%; when you’re in your handbag, look at your phone for the first time because you don’t have infinite time and you have to go sooner than you would like]

Buster: [you probs also have messages from your bf if he’s the one who’s gonna pick her up because he’d wanna make sure you’re defs getting on that flight, ew, meanwhile check your watch you’re gonna give her in the future, boy and say which flight it is more like a statement than a question because you’ve worked it out, I’m sure, I doubt there’s a million to choose from]

Rio: [the casual way we aren’t responding to any messages because I’m sure even Nancy, flop that she is, is like where you at, etc, even if that’s just ‘cos she thinks you’re hooking up with one of the lads and she wants the goss like a nosy cow, put this phone back and nod ‘you probably shouldn’t come to the airport’]

Buster: [mhmm she’ll think you’re with the friend she’s supposed to be on a date with rn because he isn’t gonna tell the truth that he got ditched when he can lie and then brag about whatever he wants to say happened ‘I want to though’ because he do]

Rio: [smile and bite the corner of your mouth ‘there’s alone and then there’s alone’ just fully admitting we don’t trust ourself to be in a car with you and one other person, like full transparency]

Buster: [‘okay’ because he knows full well what could and would happen and he’s not gonna insist upon it if she’s like no no]

Rio: [‘I want you to too but-’ shrugging like well, we’ve been over it, why it’s not a good idea, why we can’t, but couldn’t just have you thinking we are not down, of course]

Buster: [‘I know’ because again, he do, we’re on the same page here about all of it]

Rio: [being 😒 on the low before putting your head in your hands like ugh, get a grip because can’t be overstated how strange this all is by the sheer fact it doesn’t feel it and it REALLY should ‘thank God everyone gets pissed at the airport’ as if we can blame even half this vibe on being tipsy]

Buster: [this boy pouring her a glass of water from the boujee bottle/jug that they always leave on the table and y’all have not touched til now as if yeah this will all be solved by sobering up slightly but we all know he’s 1. Just delaying the inevitable goodbye for a bit longer and 2. Using it as an excuse to pass it to her so lovingly, complete with the whole gently cupping her face and lifting her head back up move and everything]

Rio: [looking up at you with a combination of heart eyes and 😖 because now all we wanna do is kiss you and stay and all these things that are still off the table but take a sip of this water so the ‘thanks’ is a little less hoarse even if the !! won’t fully leave your tone]

Buster: [taking the glass from her and taking his own sip because you can’t kiss rn but your lips can touch via said glass and that’s something + the only thing he can do to stop himself fully being like fuck it at this moment]

Rio: [we can stare at your lips for a shameless amount of time, we’re not opposed, at this point, you both know what you’re saying, even if it’s not happened/happening by your current reckoning ‘do you think-’ shaking your head like no, that’s not fair to ask ‘it would ruin everything, yeah?’ ‘cos we still can’t make it a statement even though we know/think we should, we don’t want to be that definitive about it in this moment when we want it so bad]

Buster: [‘You don’t want to hear what I’m thinking’ blurted out because of how bad he wants this rn]

Rio: [‘I do, that’s the problem’ shaking our head like for fuck’s sake]

Buster: [‘We can’t’ after the most agonising pause during which he could and wanted to say a million other things but I’m going with this purely for the contrast to when they get to say we can on st paddys]

Rio: [‘yeah’ after almost as long a pause because it goes against everything you personally want and feel in this moment but it’s also, essentially, true, coming at it from basically the world’s POV, so you can’t disagree ‘I should go’]

Buster: [‘You have to go’ because she very much shouldn’t in his opinion atm but it doesn’t change the fact she has got a flight to catch and a life to go back to]

Rio: [get yourself as collected as is possible in this state that is so not about the alcohol even slightly, stand yourself up like okay then because you don’t even know what to say for a goodbye]

Buster: [‘I’ll see you soon’ because that’s something else he says in the st paddy’s convo and I can’t resist for how heartbreakingly different it is here]

Rio: [‘see you soon’ in a tone like you can’t believe you’re even saying that because of how much it does not convey or feel appropriate but it’s all you got]

Buster: [take her wrist for the final time but instead of pulling her into him like he clearly wants to, leading her towards the exit with it where this car is probably already waiting or literally about to pull up because like I’ve said he’s that organised bitch]

Rio: [awkward when you are going to think he’s going for a hug because that’s generally the kind of bitch you are, even if it wasn’t desperately what you wanted in this particular instance, no playing that off so thank god the car is there so you don’t have to run away and hide]

Buster: [I’m soz that he’s not a hugger because that makes me wanna die, I would simply pass away, get in that car gal so he can dramatically stand there long after it has gone]

Rio: [lbr, you said and did more incriminating things if he really wanted to go back to the we hate and mock each other vibe, so bigger things to agonize over but go do that in this car and hope the driver isn’t a chatty one because not right now honey]

Buster: [ugh I’m so soz we’re evil, speaking of, Winnie says she should have to go away with her bf for her bday because it’s the easiest and realistic way to cockblock and then he can be salty about it when they see each other at christmas, at least initially, you obvs can’t stay mad at her]

Rio: [yeah that was my thought exactly because realistically this man has a job and has probably booked the time off and planned it already, you really couldn’t be like oh no thank you, unless you were fully wanting to have a break-up on your birthday and who wants that aggro when it’s already not what you actually wanna do so you’re not living, shitty 18ths for you both, soz]

Buster: [it’s really unfair of us but it’s so legit, it’s up to you if she wants to say anything to him about the Liam and Edie situation when she’s back any time between now and her bday/xmas or if she’s going with not dealing and thus not talking about it]

Rio: [right, so she’s probably not telling Edie and thus not telling you because we only would if we had done it because we know you won’t be happy if we’re like no, decided not to, bye]

Buster: [That tracks, so he’s just here waiting to hear about that and birthday deets that never come, sad times, but he still will send her a bday gift once he realises he isn’t gonna see her in person because that bitch, I’m pondering because I’d like it to actually be something ski related for the bants, but it’s still gotta be something she actually wants, unless he fully goes for buying her a lil skiing holiday mini break]

Rio: [Honestly hate it, like I could do a little message being like no, definitely going away, because you probably would even though you know that’s not going to be met with anything great, because not trying to fully give into the dig he made about real life and it being like the other doesn’t exist because don’t stan that; it would be funny if you outdid her boyfriend and also another reason for him to be fuming ‘cos he’s going to think that’s a sugar daddy thing and you’ve got to break up, I think I said after Xmas in the St Paddys convo? But you could’ve just been with your own fams not wanting to deal with the fact you’re over on the actual day ‘cos depressing]

Buster: [Exactly my thinking, I absolutely would love for him to effortlessly outdo her bf like that and it does lend itself well to what you said was the vibe of their break up]

Rio: [‘cos he clearly is like pictures of yourself in lingerie is fine but if you’re trying to do ANY more than that, I’m not having it, and we are so, the look of you being bought a holiday is really not gonna go down well lmao; shall I do the bday message in this convo or start the Xmas of it with that?]

Buster: [yeah, and it’s not like she can tell him her cousin bought her the holiday because not trying to get into that lol, hmmm we should probably do it at the start of the xmas one as her bday is closer to then and I’m sure she’s leaving it as late as she can to tell him without it being so last minute it’s rude]

Rio: [mhmm honey, okay, lemme post this and then we getting festive, only a month later than we wanted hehe]

[elsaclack]

Hi em I hope all is well with you!!! I have a fic request for whenever you have time/energy to write. I was watching The Golden Child and I noticed amy wearing a little infinity sign necklace. Could you write about jake giving it to her?? Thank you!!! I love you and your writing soooo much

ahsldkFHASDLFKAJSD this is probably not what u had in mind but!!! this is where my brain went i’m! not even sorry!

and I LOVE U TOO SOSOSOSOSOSOSO MUCH

Holt has been gone for an hour and Amy has been dressed like Holly Gennero for forty-seven minutes and so far, all they’ve done is talk.

It’s not that he minds, exactly. Talking to Amy is probably his favorite thing in the world - tied with making Amy laugh and holding Amy’s hand and cuddling with Amy and boinking Amy and watching TV with Amy and…

It’s Amy, actually, his favorite thing in the world is Amy and she’s his wife and right now she’s sitting with him on a balcony in Mexico gingerly sipping a cocktail through a straw bobbing around in half of a coconut and she’s dressed like Holly Gennero.

For sex reasons.

His wife, Amy freaking Santiago, is dressed like Holly Gennero, specifically for sex reasons.

For forty-seven minutes he’s been sitting next to his craziest, most impossible sex fantasy come to life, and all he’s done is talk to her. About not-sex stuff.

And he’s never been more content in his life.

It’s weird, how not-weird this is.

She’s watching him now, her brown eyes glittering with amusement beneath the fringe of curly Holly hair on her forehead and he’s suddenly aware of the fact that he has no idea what she just said.

The smile blossoming across her face tells him that she already knows.

“Sorry,” he says with a sheepish grin, switching his beer bottle from one hand to the other and wiping the condensation off of his free hand on his shorts.

“It’s the wig, isn’t it? The curls?” She turns her head away just sharply enough that a wave of tight ringlets tumble over one shoulder before turning back to him, her grin much broader and more sly than before.

“They’re nice,” he admits with a laugh, “but I…actually prefer your normal hair. It’s all pretty and soft.”

“Cheeseball,” she mutters, but her eyes are soft with affection.

“I can’t believe he’s actually gone,” he says after a moment of comfortable silence. “I keep expecting him to, like…I don’t know, Spiderman down from the balcony over ours any second now.”

“I know,” Amy laughs as she shakes her head. “I can’t believe we spent our whole honeymoon taking care of our boss.”

“I should have put my foot down,” he says, guilt rising like a tide in his throat. “I shouldn’t have let it go that far. I’m sorry.”

“Never apologize to me for caring about other people,” she says gently. “You have the biggest, kindest heart - if anything, it just reminded me why I love you as much as I do.”

He bridges the gap between their chairs, interlacing their fingers so their hands hang clasped together between their armrests. “Still the right person for you?”

“Just like yesterday, and the day before that, and the day before that.”

“What about tomorrow?”

“Then, too. And next week, and next month, and next year.”

“What about ten years from now?”

“Raise you twenty.”

“The year twenty-forty-three?”

“Let me save you some time - and some math - you’re my person from now until infinity.”

He reflects her smile for a moment, before leaning toward her. They meet in the middle, the brush of their lips tender and chaste, the prickly hairs of her wig tickling his forehead - the sensation, combined with the lightheaded giddiness coursing through his veins, has him grinning like a fool against her.

Her expression is one of combined curiosity and exasperation when she pulls away. “What?”

“‘Til infinity…and beyond?”

“Yeah? That’s the joke you wanna make right now? We’re married, I just told you you’re my person, I’m dressed like Holly Gennero, and you wanna make a Toy Story joke?”

“I mean I’d like to get you inside so I can save you from the German terrorists, Ms. Gennero, I just thought -”

“It’s Mrs. Peralta.”

He blinks. “What?”

“Gennero is my maiden name,” she says slowly, eyes shining with earnestness and mirth and something deeper, something that makes the heat simmering in his belly begin to stir. “It’s Peralta. Mrs. Peralta.”

He swallows thickly, mouth suddenly dry. “Okay,” he rasps, “Let’s - let’s get you inside - need some medical attention after - after escaping Nakatomi Plaza -”

“The only attention I want is yours, Mr. Peralta,” she interrupts, carefully setting her coconut on the table on her other side. “Hans Gruber wasn’t happy when he realized I’m your wife - thank you for saving me, how can I ever repay you?”

“Oh, it’s about to get real weird in here.” he mutters, and she laughs, stumbling as he yanks her to her feet and leads the way back into their room.

The morning of her birthday - some four months and some-odd days later - starts off far more quietly than he was hoping.

He should count his blessings, of course. He’s actually here for this birthday, for starters - his presence on this day has been a bit of a crapshoot over the last few years. He’s here, and she’s here, too - she may be sound asleep and snoring loud enough to rattle the floorboards, but it counts. They’re both here, they’re both relatively healthy (try as she might, the whole drinking water thing just hasn’t stuck with him yet), there are no impending trials or monster cases or any other scary uncontrollable things looming over their heads.

He should count his blessings, but he can’t.

Because it sounds like Amy is literally sawing logs in their bedroom, and he knows she won’t wake up on her own for hours to come.

“Just a couple of hours,” he mutters to himself as he swipes the spatula through the eggs cooking on the stove top before him, pitching his voice up high, repeating her words still ringing in his head from the night before. “Just a little guidance for the overnight crew, I’ll be home before you finish the Harry Potter marathon on Freeform.”

He scoffs louder than he means to. Amy’s snores continue on.

On a certain level, he knew this would end up happening. The moment her phone rang - which happened to be about half a second after they both settled on the couch to watch said Harry Potter marathon - he knew his plans for her birthday were completely out the window, despite Amy’s exasperated, good-natured assurances that they weren’t.

“Comin’ home at six AM smelling like a whole dog park and sounding like asthmatic Darth Vader,” he mutters, grinning at his own joke in spite of himself as he scrapes the eggs onto the two plates set out on the counter beside the stove. “I’m gonna kill Gary the next time I see him.”

He covers both plates with foil and tucks them into the oven, before snatching the little jewelry box on the counter and tip-toeing out of the kitchen toward their bedroom. He needn’t have bothered - he knows nothing short of a nuclear explosion reaches her when she’s this deeply asleep - but still, he eases the door open and slips inside as soundlessly as possible.

Amy’s star-fished over the bed, torso turned at an angle, head caught in the valley between their pillows. She’s flat on her back - a sign of her increased difficulty breathing - and her mouth is open, drool only just beginning to leak from the corner closer to her pillow. It’s hard to tell with the quilt pulled up as high as it is, but he’s fairly certain she’s still wearing the blouse she left the house in the night before. He stares at her a moment, taking in her awkwardly splayed legs beneath their quilt, her arm bent up under her pillow and the other stretched ram-rod straight across his side of the mattress, curled fingers only just extending past the edge of the bed. Even from here, he can see the dark circles under her eyes, the still red and raw quality of the skin around her nose, her hair uncombed and disheveled on the pillows, the pallor in her forehead and cheeks and neck casting an air of illness about her.

She looks like she’s been dragged through hell and back.

She’s ridiculously, stupidly hot.

She’s his wife.

She’s asleep on her own birthday.

He picks his way across their bedroom floor carefully and sets the jewelry box down on his bedside table before gently moving her arm so that he can perch on the mattress beside her. She snuffles for a moment, pulling her arm out of his grip to cross loosely over her torso, turning just slightly more toward her side of the bed; a moment after she settles, the snoring starts up again.

She’s turned just enough that he has access to a narrow portion of her back, so he slides his hand under her shoulder blade and begins stroking her back with just enough force that it breaks through her subconsciousness. “Babe,” he whispers, and the snoring suddenly cuts off. “Hey, Ames, you awake?”

Her eyes are still closed, but he sees her fingers flex against the quilt; a moment later she turns more earnestly, granting him access to the entire expanse of her back.

(Or maybe it’s so that he can’t see her face anymore.)

“Amy,” he says a little louder, and she hums, legs shifting restlessly beneath the quilt. “C’mon, Ames, wake up.”

“M’tired,” she mumbles hoarsely, and his desire to kill Gary for unknowingly leading her into a dog fighting den crime scene the night before is renewed. “Wanna sleep.”

“I promise you can sleep for the rest of the day if you wake up and have breakfast with me right now.”

She groans - pitiful and reminiscent of a cranky toddler - and he bites the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. “No breakfast,” she mumbles, “jus’ napping. Join me.”

“I wanna give you your birthday present now, though.”

He feels the muscles in her back stiffen; after a moment he draws his hand back and she rolls just far enough to peer up at him through bleary, blood-shot eyes. “Present?” she repeats.

He nods, hoping his smile looks more suggestive than it feels.

“Do I have to get out of bed?”

He considers her a moment. “I mean...I guess we could do breakfast in bed. I just thought, y’know, crumbs -”

“I’ll get up,” she interrupts, voice deadpan.

“You could open your present in bed, though,” he offers as she throws the quilt off, crumpling it down by her feet.

(He was right, she is still wearing the blouse she left the house in last night - but not her pants. And somehow the sight of his wife in a rumpled, wrinkled work shirt and underwear is almost as hot as it is unbearably endearing.)

She props herself up on an elbow, somehow managing to look interested despite vigorously rubbing the sleep out of her eye with her other hand. “It’s not a sex thing, is it? ‘Cause I love you, and everything, but I can barely keep my eyes open -”

“It’s not a sex thing,” he laughs. Her eyes follow the movement of his hand as he leans forward; they seem to light up significantly when she recognizes the shape of the object in his hand. “Sorry I didn’t have time to wrap it.” She takes the box when he offers it to her, eyes darting up to his face as she pries the lid up. “I couldn’t find any non-Christmassy wrapping paper.”

She appears not to hear him - all of her attention is fixated on the contents of the box. He smiles at the emotions flicking across her face as she processes it - the delicate chain, the tiny metal pendant, the way it all seems to catch every modicum of light in the room. He remembers the moment he spotted it - scouring the jewelry section of the department store at the mall near his mom’s house. The little infinity symbol seemed to scream his name, glowing beneath it’s own invisible spotlight until the saleswoman pulled it from the case and handed it to him over the counter.

“Jake,” Amy breathes - and a lump rises up in his throat at the realization that her voice is warbling as she fights off tears. “It’s - it’s -”

“You said on our honeymoon that I’m your person until infinity,” he says softly once he’s sure she won’t finish her sentence. “I hope you already know that you’re mine, too, but in case you didn’t, or you forget...” he gestures to the box, to the necklace whose chain is hooked around Amy’s fingers. “Happy birthday, Amy.”

Tears are brimming in her eyes when he meets her gaze again. “It’s beautiful,” she whispers, letting the chain slip from her fingers so she can touch his face. He leans down and kisses her - and lifts his hands to cup her face when he feels her smile against him.

Her forehead lingers against his when they break apart, tears only just beginning to fall down her still-sallow face. “Here,” he murmurs, leaning back just far enough to pull the necklace out of the box. She reaches around to pull her hair away as he moves to work the clasp. He plants another kiss on her cheek once the necklace is in place, and then another on her lips when she loosely grips his shirt over his chest to hold him in place.

“I love it,” she whispers when they break apart again. “And I love you. So much.”

“I love you so much, too, and I have breakfast made if you’re awake enough for that now, but I’m also beyond happy to join you for a nap if you’re too tired.”

“Breakfast sounds good,” she murmurs, hands sliding down his chest to land loosely in his on his lap. “I do have one question,” she whispers.

“What’s that?”

“Is this an infinity necklace or an infinity-and-beyond necklace?”

“You are so lucky that it’s your birthday and we’re married and legally share all of our jokes, because otherwise I’d totally sue you for that.”