#anyway it should say *wasn't* finished up there near the top)

[louthestarspeaker]

so i signed up for an oc bingo thingy on impulse which sounds very fun and im really excited, but i also realized a minute later that i have to get all the oc stuff out of my head and actually into the physical world lol XD

I’m rereading some of the stuff about my TB OC Laurie I already had posted, and tbh there was always this sense of anxiety connected to them because I was so darn nervous, but honestly they’re all really cute!! XD

Anyway I’m working on being more spontaneous and self-indulgent with my writing and characters and the oc bingo is giving me the perfect reason to do it, so if this all goes to plan you may have the chance to meet the silly characters i’ve been rotating in my head for who knows how long XD  

the event is here btw if it sounds interesting :)

[rie-092]

congrats on 2k!!! may i request song 21 with yeodan from inso law?

ENTRY'S EVENT OO4 : CAN'T FEEL MY FACE

[ yandere! ban yeodan ]

note : the event ヾ⁠(⁠*⁠’⁠Ｏ⁠’⁠*⁠)⁠/

you and yeodan are two sides of a same coin.

sure, you two shares the same habits and characteristics. but you are a delinquent while yeodan is the top student.

but honestly? this doesn't bother him at all.

he doesn't know the reason behind it. but, the first time he saw you, he was mesmerized.

he doesn't know why his friends and the people around him asked him if he hit his head when he accidentally called you ‘beautiful’ when you passed by.

as a yandere, yeodan was chill.

he likes watching you from afar. he likes to see you free and running around the school.

you rarely attend the class, but it was fine. since yeodan always give you a notebook that contains the lessons and put it on your locker. he also make sure that it will be easy to understand.

but when you saw that unfamiliar notebook in your locker, you were worried <3

i mean, you never gave anyone a spare key on your locker. but little did you know, the top student of your school was really good in lock picking.

when he sees you in the class with that notebook? damn, the usual stoic face of yeodan will disappear because he will be smiling all day (which is unusual but the girls likes it so much)

the first time you and yeodan interacted face to face was when he got assigned as your partner in a certain project.

yeodan was happy (even though his face remained the same) and you were confused.

why? because you felt everyone's eyes on you when you and yeodan interacted about the project.

you even started to pity yeodan when you got countless letters saying that you should stay away from their angel, prince, king, etc. wow, what a chaotic life yeodan has.

little did you know, yeodan who usually looks inside your locker (to get rid of the things that might ‘harm’ you) just let you see those letters. he wants you to pity him, after all.

yeodan will always ask you to go with him on the coffeeshop near the school after class so that the two of you can talk about the ‘project’ even though he already finished it a day after the teacher gave it.

don't blame him, he just wants to spend time with you.

expect that once the two of you become close, yeodan will become reallyyyyy clingy.

he will start dragging you to class so he can spend more time with you.

this guy is surprisingly shameless since he didn't hide the fact that there are times that he took countless pictures of you.

and what happened to those pictures? he will put it on his ( name ) collection. along with the pens and other gifts that he got from you.

he is surprisingly good at manipulating people. this guy managed to isolate you from the boys in your class by simply telling them how much you hate boys. and you usually beat up the boys who talk to you. of course, everyone immediately believed him since he was ban yeodan, the top student of their school— so why would they doubt him anyway?

and yeodan knew that this wasn't good at all.

using his influence at school to isolate you, invading your privacy, clinging to you, being obssessed with you.

he knew that he was slowly destroying himself.

but you see, yeodan doesn't care at all. because if he will be able to win your affection by destroying himself, so be it.

so be ready, because he won't stop until you were his. and it was unfair how he was already yours (but of course, you are not aware of that) when he first saw you.

and yeodan is not a fan of unrequited love at all.

￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣

“ i know that she'll be the death of me, yeoryeong. but i'm already in the point of no return.”

[simplyreveries]

happy valentines day!! short but i did dorm leaders + vice dorm leader heree heheh.

riddle rosehearts

riddle takes this very seriously; he is simply fretting over every detail of this day as he wants to make it as enjoyable and perfect for you. he'll go to trey expressing his concerns and talking over ideas- he prompts to doing more of the traditional route with flowers and chocolates. of course, he'll get you the prettiest red roses he could find in the gardens (the thorns are cut off too). he even went out of his way to try and make the chocolates himself.... trey was trying hard to be so supportive and not laugh when he saw the finished result. he is a flushed mess when he presents them to you, it's funny to see him so nervous. though, he spent so much time and effort over what to do, when you give him something as well, he is looking at you with the shocked but loving expression... like he wasn't expecting it. he loves it, he loves anything personal and will cherish any letters and gifts from you.

trey clover

you're going to be so sick by the end of the day from all the sweets and treats this man makes you. literally, he decorates them cute and with red, pink, white frosting with hearts- he's such a dork its so sweet. trey is a sucker for any of your compliments and praise too- since he knows his good at it. he'll be laugh and act all humble "ah, its nothing sweetheart, im glad you like it." about it but he is absolutely loving hearing that from you.

leona kingscholar

ok even if he isn't one for liking valentines day- when it comes to you, obviously he will be doing something. he always seems to cave in anyways because he can't really say no to you. let's not forget this man is still a prince... it doesn't matter what it is you want he can pretty much get his hands on it. leona would give you something incredibly nice, but small like an accessory for yourself that he knows would suit your taste. he does pay attention to these things believe it or not. plus, he will get you chocolates- even if he is a jerk and takes one or two, while grumbling about how you like all this "mushy stuff". he's smiling though, you can see it.

ruggie bucchi

ruggie struggles to make things work out to get stuff for himself, so he can't help but stress and worry a little about what he should do for you. he never seemed to be one to like the holidays for this reason. but he wants to be able to give to you the world yet he's stuck with working extra around places in town near campus or doing stuff for other people at school to be able to get extra savings to get you something, even if it's simple. with the addition of his own personal things, as he does hand pick the flowers (one's he knows you'd find pretty and like) and set the up together. he plays off his nervousness that day with a cheeky grin and laugh, but he feels so warm in the face.

azul ashengrotto

loves valentines day or any holiday because he can figure out a way to profit off of it-- clearly that changes a bit since he's been with you. he wants to make the day perfect for you, he makes a special time at the end of the day to have dinner with you at the mostro lounge. (he'll make sure jade knows to have floyd be in line haha). he tries to be the perfect gentlemen of course... pulling out chair, opening the door, it's funny to see him stumble slightly as he tries to go over the top on a special day like this. he keeps a cool demeanor, but he can't help but feel so anxious and his chest tighten with worry. he melts as soon as you simply place your hand on his and tell him how much you like it.

jade leech

he is unused to human customs, so with holidays like this it makes him curious more than anything. hearing you talk about it in anyway is instantly taken note of. he keeps interest as if he wants to know more about traditions on land but it's so he can figure out more of what you'd like or what you'd want. either way, jade knows how to do his best to make you happy - he'd be shamelessly a little over the top for occasions such as these. though, he'd treat you similarly as azul would, he's just smoother hehe.

kalim al-asim

oh kalim is overjoyed for this day, it's even more of an excuse to completely spoil you with anything you want. he can't just choose one thing, it's obviously going to be multiples, clothes, treats, flowers, accessories- if you wanted an elephant, you could probably get that as well. you may have to tell him to calm down, he cant help but get so excited. also, he will literally adore anything you give him. it could be simply a letter with some flowers, he'd be swooning. feeling so special, he can't believe he has the privilege to be yours.

jamil viper

he's definitely tamer than kalim, but the simple yet sweet affections and gifts he has for you are very personalized and loving. he wants it to be a very special and private setting- he hates interruptions and only just wants his time with you. if you happen to get him anything as well, he'll be flattered and try to hide his face with his hood slightly, saying it wasn't necessary for you to do that. he loves it though. you can get a softer jamil out of this day, especially in the late-night hours when he can be more open.

vil schoenheit

vil... would be able to gift you the best brands of whatever you want,,, like multiple colors and sizes too. it's whatever you'd like with him. he chuckles and adores the look on your face with what he's given you. but on the more personal note, he will give you the prettiest flowers along with a (long) written letter by him. he believes that's the best way for him to express how he feels towards it. vil loves anything you'd gift him; he loves personal things more than anything though. he'd gently place his hands on your cheeks and kiss you on the face a few times before reaching your lips, telling you how much he loves it.

rook hunt

he finds this holiday to be so beautiful, he loves it and doesn't quite understand anyone's lack of interest for it. he finds love so alluring and the idea of it all is so perfect to him. of course, he'd endlessly shower you in attention and very personalized poems, art, gifts and more as he can't just choose one thing to express his love for you. he is an intense, he is constantly thinking of ways he could show you, his affections. in all honesty, him on this day feels no different than any other because of how passionate he is about these kinds of things.

idia shroud

oh he hated this holiday, thought it was mushy and gross, just a consumerism kind of scheme.... then fell victim to that when he fell in love with you. so now here he is anxiously going off and rambling to ortho about ideas he has on what he can do for you. he is so nervous but idia knows you so well. i'd think he'd be the type to get you some sort of basket of goodies and stuff that he thinks (or hopes) that you would love, also a few things he may have even made and created himself, designed just for you. he'd bounce his leg and bite his lip with a nervous grin as he watches you look at all he put together for you for your gift. he then goes on and kinda explains everything he got you- the ends of his hair turn pink when you kiss him and thank him. he feels so proud of himself.

malleus draconia

he has an idea on what the holiday is... it certainly intrigued him when he first started learning about it. as this is traditions he is not quite used to. he'd definitely notice the way you seem to be excited or talk about it to him, malleus would go to lilia as well since that old fae may have a better understanding of it than him. to which, he suggests all the classic and traditional gifts for malleus to give. as soon as he realizes the great deal of giving things during this holiday, he gets ahead of himself by finding something he wants to impress and see you with. like a ring, prettily adorned in some rare and exquisite gem. he'd have a gentle smile on his face as he presents it to you along with the other things lilia had recommended. if you're happy he is happy.

lilia vanrouge

he finds this holiday oh so endearing and sweet. he is happy he finally gets to participate in it with you. he'll go out of his way to treat you so carefully and sweet- albeit old fashioned if you will, but that's normal lilia honestly. he had originally wanted to make you dinner himself but when he told silver, his son seemed to have insisted on having him do that instead. he found that to be so kind, lilia was pleased he would have some more time and attention focused on you anyway. the flowers he got for you a deep and dark color but like riddle, he removes the thorns!

[strawberrymochin]

Springtime Fushiguros♪

Context-: exploring the memories of childhood of fushiguros, marking the spring time of you and satoru gojo.

Gojo's cooking skills-: gojo cooks for the fushiguros while you are away. (Disaster)

Gojo frowns not being able to locate a pan in the kitchen. Megumi sighs at the sense of foreboding, it's already been 20 mins gojo's rummaging through the kitchen, just to find a single pan to cook. He could simply ask Tsumiki or Megumi but the guy believes in self reliance, thus asking help from the kids would feel like a betrayal to himself.

He wants to make you proud, by cooking for the kids, serving them the utmost savoury finger licking heavenly food. (Without the help of anyone)

'Tshh,' says Tsumiki drawing her brother's attention, 'Don't you think we should help gojo Sensei?' she whispers, keeping her voice low. 'And do you think he would agree?' replies Megumi fretfully.

You are out for work today, a rare occasion in this household. You work partime in a marketing firm that advertises a buisness good or service making it reach its desired market sale.

It haven't been much long since you joined this company, before moving in with gojo satoru you used to work 9 to 5 but now that you have the kids to take care of, you convinced your boss to work half-day. He agreed since you were only a part time employee. You normally go to work after the kids go to school and return before their arrival.

However today is a bit different, the work load is enormous for a special deal whose ad is supposed to be out tomorrow, which resulted in your boss asking you to do overtime. You agreed instantly, since gojo wasn't going on any missions today and the kids were on a special holiday. Moreover your boss has been too kind to you to refuse.

Gojo has reassured you that he won't need any help, even though you insisted him to call if he faces any problem. He didn't wanted you to work while stressing about them. Even after that, you had given atleast 3 lectures on how to take care of the kids, where the cooking materials are and about their likes and dislikes.

'How about you sneak in the kitchen, take the pan out of the shelf while I keep him occupied on something else?' Megumi raises a brow at Tsumiki's idea. He thinks it's waste of energy but agress anyways.

Both go according to the plan, Tsumiki drags gojo outside lying someone was on the door, while Megumi sneaks in the kitchen getting the pan out from the shelf.

'There's no one 'miki! You sure you heard someone?' Megumi hurries trying to place the pan on the counter at the sound of gojo's approaching steps, 'yes! Sensei! I'm sure. Why don't you come and check again!!' Tsumiki pulls gojo's hand dragging him to the front door again, when 'Megumi, what are you doing?' gojo asks nonchalantly as Tsumiki's eyes widen.

Megumi quickly places the pan on the top of the counter shutting the shelf sneaking out of the kitchen, when gojo picks him up in his lap, a pissed expression in his face.

Gojo's was nowhere near the kitchen a few seconds ago. He was standing with Tsumiki in the living room. Now Tsumiki is standing alone in the living room creeped out.

He drags a shocked megumi to the living room and settles him on the couch. He goes for Tsumiki next, settling her beside Megumi.

'you guys think you can surpass me? Tsk tsk tsk, I'm the strongest—' Megumi interrupts before gojo could finish. 'Did you just—teleported from the living room?'

'yup.'

'wow. So you can teleport! Can you do that too Megumi-chan?' says Tsumiki fascinated as megumi stares at his Sensei.

'megumi can do that too one day, if he works hard to keep up with me....and you have to now that you promised.' gojo ruffles megumi's hair annoying him again.

'now, you two don't interfere when I'm cooking, I gotta make y/n proud and prove i can take care of you guys without any lectures.'

Gojo strolls back to rummaging the kitchen, as the kids watch, turning their heads from the couch.

'megumi can do that too one day' said gojo to Tsumiki. 'I will do that too.' thought Megumi, he might not like his Sensei much, he might strongly believe he's unserious and annoying but he can't ignore the fact that his Sensei is the strongest. And it's the only thing he truly admires. He promised gojo to work hard and keep up with him. He promises to work hard again but this time not to gojo, but to himself. He will work hard and become like his Sensei one day.

'Would you like pizza instead?' gojo said apologetically. He ended up burning the Ginger chicken rice and salad he was making. The kids were starving till the pizza arrived.

The kids accepted the their fate, desperately wishing you to comeback and never go back. Atleast that meant good healthy food that actually tastes good. Megumi made a mental note never to learn cooking from his Sensei.

When you arrived late in the house expecting the kids fast asleep, you were instead greeted by a whining megumi, who was having digestion problems.

That's it. You are never leaving the kids with him again.

'Atleast, I fed him on time!'

'Yeah, and you fed him pizza, which is the reason he's having stomach ache. You said you would make them something healthy.'

'I did.'

'Then—wait don't tell me you—' you rush into the kitchen to see a burnt cooking pan and a couple of dishes stacked in the basin.

'well, it wasn't burnt, just a bit overcooked—that it turned black.'

'yeah, into ashes.'

'But love, i atleast tried.'

'Aww honey! You're so sweet. Now go do the dishes. Without breaking anything.'

[cutecowthing]

First Contact

[18+ only, reader is gender neutral, includes TF elements]

Finally, you were done. You had finished moving all your earthly possessions into your new home. There were still several unopened boxes left to go through, but those could wait. All you wanted to do now was rest.

As soon as you laid your head on the pillow, you were asleep. It was near instantaneous: one moment you were in your bed, and the next you were dreaming. You were absolutely exhausted, after all.

Your dream was strangely vivid. You found yourself inside of what looked like a spaceship. You were on your hands and knees, surrounded on all sides by a wooden paddock. It was small compared to the vastness of the ship, but it was comfortable.

In front of you was an alien. You couldn't tell where its eyes were--or if it had any in the first place-- but you knew it was staring at you.

"Sorry about that." The noises it made didn't sound like any language you knew, but you understood it anyway.

"We come in peace." It explained. "We're scientists, you see. We came to your planet to run some experiments on bos taurus-- the animal you call 'cows'. The ship flagged you as a cow and brought you up here."

You sleepily looked down at your white tank top and black shorts. Dream logic at its finest.

"But now that you're here, would you mind helping us out?" It inquired. "You'll be returned to your bed once the testing has finished, of course."

"Okay." You yawned.

"Great!" It replied. "Just relax. This won't hurt a bit."

The alien grabbed a few utensils off of a table near the paddock and stepped inside. You were a little shocked when it suddenly took your shirt off and affixed two pumps to your nipples. The glass tubes were cold against your bare skin.

The alien stepped out of the paddock and pressed a button on a remote, causing the pumps to tug against your chest. Slowly, forcefully, rhythmically. One, then the other.

Back and forth it went. It felt like the machine was trying to extract your very essence out of your nipples.

It wasn't long until the milk started to flow. You let out a soft groan as it spurted into the pumps, watching with a mix of nervousness and excitement as the liquid traveled down a tube and into a bottle. Your brain was all hazy and sleepy and your body felt like molasses. The alien looked like it was writing something down.

Then you started to feel an odd sensation. It was a dull ache, reminiscent of growing pains. Something else was happening to you.

Did you always have big boobs?

That didn't sound right, but you glanced downwards and there they were, supple and full. They jiggled in time with the pumps as more milk began to flow from you.

"Oh dear." The alien said.

"Huh?" You were confused. But you knew one thing: you felt good.

"It appears that there have been some... er, complications caused by the ship's technology." It explained, watching you curiously. "Simply put, when you were beamed up, your DNA got a little mixed up with some cow DNA."

It prodded at your head with a spare appendage. "You've grown horns."

It said that like it was abnormal. Cows have horns, so you obviously had to have them too.

You wanted to say something in response but the only thing that came out of your mouth was a long, low "moo". A few other aliens on the ship even momentarily turned to look at the sudden noise.

"Hmm." The alien said. "Well, I think that concludes our testing. You should return to normal in six months as your cells repair your DNA. Thank you for your assistance."

You let out another "moo". You had a hard time comprehending what it was saying to you. Between the tantalizing heaviness of your new tits and the milk being coaxed from your body you had a hard time focusing on its words.

It reached over the fence to take the pumps off and handed your shirt back to you. You sleepily tried to put it on again but there was no point as it clearly didn't fit anymore. Not like there was a point in it anyway-- you'd wake up any minute now, comfortable in your bed and ready to face the day.

In the span of a few seconds, you found yourself laying completely straight in your bed as if someone had laid you down there. You were exhausted mentally and physically. It was difficult to even open your eyes. Sunlight was beaming onto your face from the open window.

When you flopped over onto your side to hopefully get a little more sleep, you realized that last night wasn't just a dream. Your body really had changed.

You whined and started massaging your aching breasts. You just couldn't help yourself.

Cows are meant to be milked, after all.

[gingerparker]

PULL ON MY THONG

Pairing: College!Peter Parker X Reader

Summary: Peter needs a vacation. So, naturally, he goes to Vegas during his summer break. He's thin on cash and finds a job at a water park! The hot girl behind the bikini bar is a great bonus to his biweekly paycheck.

Warning: Fluff, sexual tension, teasing, slight body worship, drinking (both reader and Peter are 21+)

Word Count: 7158

A/N: let's pretend this wasn't a summer writing challenge... life happened HARD for it to be posted now.. but i hope y'all enjoy anyway ajsjjs DISCLAIMER!! i know the hotel i used here doesn't have a water park but i was too lazy to use a real one sooo it's an invented one!

It's too warm as soon as Peter exits the airport. It's a sticky and dry kind of warmth, no wind of any kind can be felt around him. His small luggage feels like it weighs 5 tons more than it did mere seconds ago and he realizes how stupid it is to have worn dark clothes.

Travellers push past him to find a cab of any kind to get out of the intense heat. Families get into larger Ubers and some are crazy enough to be walking out. Peter is not that determined.

He has to shuffle through the crowd to find a free cab, they are being filled much quicker than he would have thought. Thank god for his faster pace.

Inside the car, he's blasted with cool air, the sweat on his forehead seemingly evaporating.

The drive to his hotel is smooth. He chugs the rest of his water bottle minutes into the ride. Queen's weather didn't prepare him for this.

In only a few minutes he's on the strip. Billboards of all kinds flash around the cab. It's day outside yet he feels blinded by the colourful lights. He sees half-naked men posing with tourists for money as well as showgirls doing the same. He doesn't let his eyes linger too long. The sidewalk is full of people; after all, it's tourist season.

A bright pink flamingo catches his eye, his hotel seemingly calling out to him! Come, Peter! There's some air con in me maybe you could go to my bar or even check out my casin-

"Sir!" he's startled by the harsh voice that calls him, the cab driver.

"Yes?"

"We're here? I've taken you to your hotel" he gestures to the building they are parked next to.

"Oh! How much do I owe you?"

-

"Y/N, I need you to do the night shift today! Bebe is stuck in St-George, you know how horrible the construction traffic is" Your boss, Xiomara, pleads over the phone. "And I can't come in I have an appointment with my OB"

"What about Charlize?" you ask.

Your phone is on speaker on your bed and you're already looking through the clean bikinis you have ready.

"I haven't been able to reach her, please please please!" she sounds so desperate that you laugh a little.

"Should I wear the blue holo set or go for the pink and red tie-dye one?" Mars squeals loudly, her voice cracks through the speaker on your phone.

"Tie-dye!! You're a lifesaver Y/N/N, I owe you"

"No worries babes, nothing exciting was happening with me tonight" You'll just have to reschedule your date with your vibrator for another day.

"I'll buy you breakfast on your next opening shift! Wait, that's tomorrow, oh god you're gonna be so tired. I can still try and reach Char-"

"Mars! Don't worry so much, keep it going and the baby will just shoot right out of you" you laugh as you pack your bag for the evening.

"I mean I wouldn't complain. I'm very much over pregnancy" she sighs and you only hum as an answer.

You both say your goodbyes and you're quickly doing a makeup look to match your uniform for the night.

Deep red lipstick, a thick black liner that frames your eyes just the way you like and a light amount of everything else. It heats up like crazy in the small bar so you don't want to be sweating it off in seconds. The finishing touch is some body shimmer, that's for the extra tips.

You live in a resort-like rental near the Vegas Strip. Your university funds top students from other states to live in these apartments. When you'd been accepted and offered to house you; you couldn't turn it down. Leaving New York was easy enough, your parents were always travelling for their jobs and your friends were leaving for other schools so it was an easy decision.

A big bonus was that it was only 10 minutes away by foot from your job in a hotel's adult pool.

You gathered all your things and made your way out.

Tuesday nights are the slowest nights. The restricted pool access you work in usually has a long cue to be let in but currently, there are only 5 people. 7 if you count the obviously underage girls that nervously fiddle with their fake IDS.

You've only made 50$ in tips so far which is pretty disheartening. Did you waste your best body shimmer for this?

After cleaning the bar for the third time in the last 10 minutes you give up pretending to be busy. Maybe you should make yourself a drink... A nice cranberry, vodka and watermelon purée slushy... You could even try the new bubblegum gin you received...

As you're trying to figure out what to mix the new alcohol with you spot a guy. A hot guy to be precise. He looks lost as he enters the area and pockets his wallet. His eyes are wide and they seem to be full of awe. First time in Vegas probably. His abs are what make your eyes follow him. For such a soft face the body he has is a pleasant surprise, muscles that don't look too bulky and that highlight the fact that he probably takes very good care of himself.

He looks like a Long Island ice tea type of guy, who likes alcohol but doesn't like tasting it all that much. You almost want to whistle at him or do anything to catch his eye.

He'd be a better date than your vibrator that's for sure.

-

It's Peter's fifth day in Las Vegas and he just learned about his hotel's private pool. They only let people 21 years old and older in. All he knew was that there was a small water park, and the kids' screaming could be heard throughout the day.

There are more palm trees to cover up this part of the hotel's grounds, giving more privacy to whatever happens here. There's a large DJ booth elevated at the end of the pool and at least 3 different bars. The DJ obviously pressed shuffle on a Spotify playlist and decided to scroll through his phone. The 3 bartenders he sees look bored out of their minds and are seemingly playing a card game. Only about 20 other guests are enjoying the privacy of this section.

He chooses to go buy himself a drink, there's nothing much to do besides that and swim right now.

Right as he's about to go and disturb the guys playing cards he sees a little hut next to the jacuzzi. It's pure white and only has a sign on the front where it's written "Cheeky Chicks" with a bright pink bikini painted on.

His brows furrow before he steps back to look inside.

His eyes widen and his breath hitches. There stands a girl. A half-naked girl. A very very pretty half-naked girl. A girl that's already looking at him. Peter's knees might just give out under him. A smirk forms on your lips when you realised cute hot chiselled guy noticed you. This is going to be so much fun.

"Hi," you say while leaning forward on your bar a little. The guy's face heats up instantly. Red creeps up his chest and onto his face. Peter is incredibly weak for pretty girls.

"Hi," he manages to breathe out.

"Come over here," you say with a wink. No one can tell you that you aren't good at your job.

Peter nods and makes his way over to her. His steps are quicker than he initially wanted, he did want to look cool and nonchalant. Too late now!

"What's your name?" you ask when he reaches your hut.

"Um... I'm not sure" his brain is screaming the answer at him but all he can hear is "her eyes are up there, her eyes are up there, her eyes ar-"

"Mh that's unfortunate, guess I'll have to stick with sexy stranger" your smirk grows when his tongue comes out to lick his lips.

"Right, um, I'm Peter?"

"You sure about that babes?" his eyes get as wide as saucers, nicknames are appreciated... You make a mental note of this.

"Peter Parker," he says "That's my name" he nods to himself. Probably feeling very proud that he's remembered it. God, he's adorable your practically melting.

"Hi Peter Parker, I'm Y/N, it's nice to meet you hot stuff" You lean back to your normal position, he's been working very hard to keep his eyes in respectful eye contact.

"What can I get you, Pete?"

"Huh?"

"You walked up to my bar, don't you want a drink?" you gesture to all the alcohol you have around you.

"Oh! Um what's your favourite?" he looks at the numerous bottles around you.

"Anything turned into a slush" you answer honestly.

"Ok... Something with cherry?" he suggests with a tilt of his head. You nod and get to work.

If you mix your shaker more than usual who could fault you? It keeps his eyes on you as silence settles over. After adding a cherry and coconut slush to the alcohol mix you top it off with maraschino cherries and a bright pink swirly straw.

You hand it over to him, purposefully making contact with his hand. He takes a big sip and your stare falls to his neck. Thick but lean, muscular and so soft looking. He'd look so good with hickeys littered all over it. You could even trail some down, down, down... just under where his swimming trucks start. God, you really need to get off.

"So what do you think, babes?" you ask him as he brings his straw away from his lips. He nods excitedly as a smile spreads on his face. How can you want him to rearrange your insides and bake him a cake all at once?

"It's delicious! I can't even taste the alcohol you put in here" he nods seemingly approvingly and you smile smugly.

"That's how you know it's a dangerous drink" you wink, turning around to quickly put away the things you used to prepare Peter's drink.

"So how much do I owe you?" he takes his wallet out and opens it up with one hand.

Maybe this is your chance to be bold. Get a date out of this incredibly slow day?

"Mh it'll only cost you your phone number" you shrug with a smirk on your face. Peter sputters on the sip he'd taken and flushes from head to toe. He shakes his head quickly and puts down his cup.

"I have to pay you" he goes through the bills he has in his wallet, instantly paling. He counts them again to then meet your eyes anxiously. "Um, any luck this cost under 6$?" he laughs awkwardly taking out the six 1$ bill he had. You cringe and shake your head. Why must you go for the broke cutie? He sighs and shoves the bills into your tip jar.

"I'm sorry, my aunt always tells me to budget better but this trip has got me much shorter on cash than usual..." Peter puts his wallet away, already knowing it's best if leaves as fast as he can.

"How long are you staying in Vegas for?" your question surprises even yourself. You both expect to have him just walk away and forget this interaction happened... but alas you're incredibly weak.

"I don't know really... I bought a one-way ticket so... I'll probably try and get a ticket to leave at the end of summer" which is currently two and a half months away.

"And you already have no cash left??" you gasp. How is that even possible? "Do you have a job? Or a sugar daddy?" you add in a rushed tone, shocked at his quite reckless planning.

"Think I'd look good in a bikini?" he teases. Joking at a time like this? He might just be your soulmate.

"You'd look amazing in a bikini but this is a woman owed and woman run" You sigh dreamily at the thought of Peter in a bikini. New kink unlocked? Or are you just incredibly horny... "Although... one of the lifeguards at the water park quit! Maybe I could get a good word in for you" You start shutting off the lights in your little hut and locking up the coolers and stands around you.

"Now?" Peter exclaims. You ignore his shock and turn back to him. You spot his unfinished slushy and hand it back to him.

"Drink it at least, I'm not doing charity for you not to enjoy it" you tease him before making your way out, locking the side door and hanging up the "Closed" sign.

"Oh and I'm still expecting your phone number"

-

That's how Peter Parker got himself a job at his hotel's water park. The man running it barely asked him what his name was before he was hired. They made sure that he had the right certification for a lifeguard job and the next day he was on the schedule. Well, they wrote him in with a Sharpie and they spelt his name wrong but he had a job!

The kids were... tolerable, the pay was ok and the conditions were bearable. His favourite part, however, is the hottie that always put extra cherries on his alcoholic slushes.

It's been three weeks now since he was able to pay back the first one, and it's also been three weeks since you've exchanged numbers.

You've been texting back and forth like crazy. Just facts about your days when you aren't working at the same time or you even like to have him pick out your bikini. He gets exceptionally shy and takes forever to answer but, surprisingly, he's got impeccable taste. Peter knows it's because of how attracted to you he is. Getting to know you has only deepened how doomed he is, how quickly his feelings have shifted from plain lust.

"So you haven't fucked yet?" Ned's voice is loud out of his phone speaker and it scares the shit out of Peter. He's on his lunch break and it's his weekly bro date with Ned. They have lately been full of your name.

"No, women and men can be friends. You know this" Peter knows full well that he'd ditch the friendship in a heartbeat for something more. He'll keep this act up tho, more gentlemanly... right?

"Not when they obviously wanna bone Pete... You're telling me not even a steamy make-out session?" Peter is glad they decided not to FaceTime because he knows what face Ned would be making right now and he doesn't want to see it.

"No" He wishes. He wishes so badly. Like it's actually starting to concern him how much he just wants you to sit on his lap, put your hands in his hair, maybe pull a little, definitely call him babes like you alw- See? He's going insane.

"That's sad Petey, get a move on! If Y/N is as hot as you say then you can't waste any time!" Ned's voice is so diplomatic it's weird but comforting.

"Oh. My. God. Babes you talk about me?" your chipper voice almost startles Peter off his seat and onto the suspiciously green floors.

Peter looks at you with a terrified expression on his face, like you've caught him mid-murder. Damn, his Peter Tingle for not warning him of your arrival!

"Is that her? Y/N! PETER WANTS TO FU-"

His phone is thrown across the room at record-breaking speed, destroying it. You barely seem surprised.

The silence that takes over the room gives Peter time to look you over. What you're wearing today has to be lingerie... just enough is left to the imagination and it's hypnotising. The way the slightest movement makes you look, the up and down of your chest as you breathe, how you look walking closer to him. Wait, walking closer??

His eyes snap up to meet yours as you walk over to him.

"Take me out tonight" You lean down to his eye level. The eye contact you hold is intense. So much is communicated through facial expressions. Peter's mind repeats your statement over and over, making sure he actually heard the right thing.

"Where?"

"Anywhere near an Apple Store so we can get you a new phone" you wink.

-

Smoking hot date, check.

Carefully picked out outfit, check.

Cute but comfortable makeup, check.

Get Peter a new phone before the date actually starts, check.

You and Peter are now slowly making your way down the Vegas Strip. With the ending goal in mind to find someplace interesting to eat. You walked past many many different restaurants but nothing that made you stop walking.

Peter's hand holds yours loosely, the hot weather unsuitable for real hand-holding. He's wearing a light pink shirt with flamingos and flowers patterned around it, obviously, he hadn't packed a "date shirt" before leaving New York and bought it at his hotel. His legs are barely hidden away by his short jeans short that have numerous rips in them... God you want to bite his thighs.

"You're staring at my legs again" You can hear him smirking through the tone of his voice.

"Oh shut up!" you knock your shoulder onto his arm with a laugh.

"It's fine this most likely compensates for the number of times I've at your boobs... or your ass... or anything really when you have a bikini on" he gestures with his free hand to you. Most likely visualising a bikini on you now.

"Mh, that's true... I'll keep staring then!" you smile proudly winking at him. His face and neck flush pink as he ducks his head. He's so fun to tease always so responsive.

Conversation is easy. It always is. Your personalities mesh together perfectly which makes hanging out with him so fun.

This being more officially a date has put weight on both of your shoulders. Somehow, it's made a sliver of anxiety surround the both of you. It must mean you both want this date to go well; to have many more after.

"Oh! How about hot dogs?" Peter points to a small restaurant to his left.

"Those are probably, like funky hot dogs... I'm down, let's go!" you tug him towards Haute Doggery.

You're both greeted by a woman behind the counter when you walk in. The place is small, with four two-person tables and a high counter along one of the only bare walls. That said it's cosy and inviting so you're immediately excited.

"Wow! A foot-long hog dog??" Peter gasps as he reads the menu. You giggle at his reaction now reading the menu yourself. So many options to choose from... "Want to share two regular-sized speciality ones?"

"Only if we get fries" you nod seriously, now choosing a hot dog to share with him.

"I definitely want to try the mac and cheese one" Peter looks away from the menu to meet your eyes.

"Good choice! I saw we get that one and the breakfast one, I can never say no to hash browns"

Once you receive your order you make your way to one of the tables, ready to absolutely dig in. Peter takes the time to precisely cut in half both hot dogs and gives you your pieces.

"Cheers!" you say knocking your half with his before taking a generous bite of the breakfast delight.

-

"So this is my room!" Peter shuffles inside his hotel room before holding the door open for you.

The room is nothing crazy. One queen bed in. the middle, a dresser with a tv on top of it, grey carpet flooring, pinkish walls, a bathroom and a balcony overlooking the pools and the waterpark.

You make your way over to his freshly made bed: thank you housekeeping. You sit down on it beckoning Peter over to you. He toes off his shoes in a hurry before practically lunging at the spot next to you. Cute.

"Had fun, cutie?" you look at him with seductive eyes and a warm smile. You want him to be putty in your hands.

Peter reacts immediately to the name you call him, blushing and wide-eyed.

"Yeah, you're easy to talk to and really sex- I mean smart. Really smart." his words seem to be tumbling out of his mouth in a panic.

"Babes, calm down!! You can compliment me. Physically too" you smack his chest feeling the firm muscle of his peck.

He only nods as an answer but keeps his eyes locked with yours. You're the one to break the eye contact to glance at his lips. You want to kiss him so bad...

"Can I kiss you?" Peter might be a mind reader.

"Please" is what you answer.

Kissing Peter is immediately addicting. He's so enthusiastic, kisses like his life depends on it. His left hand goes to your back and his right cradles your jaw. Your own move around his body. Gripping his muscles, tangling in his hair, slipping under his shirt. You're having a great time exploring his body.

You bite his bottom lip playfully, tugging it towards you and it makes Peter moan in delight.

"You're so hot, I'm going insane" he mumbles between desperate kisses.

You only hum in answer wrapping your arms around his neck and pulling him down above you. His body is so warm against yours like he's on fire. You tug off his shirt, to help him cool down is what you tell yourself.

"I know I see you without a shirt more than with one but this is so much sexier" you trail your fingers all. over. him.

Peter turns you onto your side to unzip your romper. His lips never leave yours, the contact staying feverish and fast. It's like he wants to eat you whole. Maybe he does, you'd let him.

The shrill sound of your ringtone startles you, causing you to knock your chin into Peter's nose as you look up.

He groans as you reach to silence the (incredibly rude) device. Unfortunately, your index has other plans and presses the accept call button.

"Y/N?" Xiomara... This can only mean bad news.

"I know you're on a date and I'm so incredibly sorry to be doing this. I just went into labour and you're literally in the hotel somewhere..." Her voice is strained and you breathe out in exasperation.

Peter's head drops into the crook of your neck. His hands don't start roaming, they travel, map your body out. Every single inch of skin he can reach. Inside the romper, your face, legs, arms... Anything and everything.

"I... I don't have a bikini" you manage to say.

"I really don't care what you wear. Actually, you know what I don't care about the bar right now never mind" She hangs up immediately.

"Thank fuck for that" Peter exclaims dragging the rest of your romper off.

You laugh as he readily gets back to what he was doing. His lips on yours, guided your hands into his hair and hips bucking into yours.

Yeah, this is so much better than taking over "Cheeky Chicks" for the evening.

[biblio-smia]

reciprocate [ethan landry x reader]

pairing: ethan landry x gender neutral reader

summary: ethan is convinced your flirting is nothing special, no matter how it makes him blush. you're like this with everyone; there's no way you like him how he likes you.

masterlist | requests are open!

The soft blow of air conditioning and the soft shuffle of feet against carpet where the only sounds of the library at this time of day. The soft chill of the air raised goosebumps on your arms and made your body shiver. Your hands came up instinctively to your arms, trying to warm your skin up through your long sleeves.

You could hear the soft padding of footsteps approach your table and could see a figure grow near out of the corner of your eye. With a slight turn of your head and the movement of the chair beside you, you knew it was Ethan.

You let yourself focus on him for only a moment, eyes flickering back to the sprawl of textbooks and papers before Ethan's eyes could catch yours.

"Did you find it?" Your voice rang clearly yet quietly; it wasn't like there were many people in the library to complain, anyway. Your eyes glanced cautiously at the sleeve of Ethan's sweater; the dark blue one you thought complimented his complexion perfectly.

Ethan shook his head with a small frown. "I'll have to look for it some other day."

You turned towards Ethan, catching his eye with a smile. "So you're done for the day?"

Ethan give you something that resembled a laugh, quiet with a hint of a smile. "I didn't say that," he said lowly, turning his attention back to his laptop.

"Well, I'm pretty much done," you lied, quickly shutting the top of your laptop before Ethan's eyes could fact-check you. "Do you want to go somewhere else? Maybe get some food?"

Ethan shook his head before you could even finish, fingers typing on his laptop again. "No, that's okay. I have to get this done. But you go ahead if you're done."

A strained smile formed on your lips, though Ethan was far too distracted to notice. You'd backed yourself into a corner; you should've just kept quiet and kept working. "Yeah, okay. See you later."

"See you," Ethan called softly after you, half-distracted as you packed up your things and left the library with an embarrassed flush on your face.

「 … 」

After that came the overthinking. The image of Ethan at his laptop, air conditioning softly blowing his hair, eyes stuck on his screen in focus. You held onto the moment for only a few seconds before the frustration began to brew.

You replayed Ethan's rejection of your invitation, his eyes barely flickering to you as he dismissed the idea. Did he really have more work to do? Or was he tired of hanging out with you?

Or worse... Was this his non-confrontational way of letting you down gently?

You let out an audible groan. You were running mental laps trying to figure this boy out, never knowing what it was he actually felt.

You were sure you'd made it clear you were interested without outright saying it. You'd done it all; eye contact, physical contact, always laughing at his jokes no matter how stupid (though there was always a smile on your face when Ethan was around).

Either Ethan wasn't picking up on your signals or he was gently rejecting you over and over.

Should you even keep trying?

You could give Ethan the benefit of the doubt; after all, this was all partially your fault.

You liked to describe yourself as friendly rather than flirty, though most of your friends disagreed. You argued that you just liked to make people feel special. Your friends agreed with this point, though they noted that maybe sometimes you made too many people feel too special.

Between interested, attentive eyes and constant smiles, it was easy to confuse your soft friendliness for something else. Chad even admitted he thought you were into him the first time you'd met.

You'd known Ethan was a little clueless from the beginning (thanks, Chad). You'd refused any more help from your friends, determined to do this on your own. So, while you didn't change your personality, you amped up all the things your friends told you made you come off as flirty to the max around Ethan, growing bolder and bolder until you were positive he couldn't mix things up. Still - nothing.

No clear special treatment or bold compliments were enough. No amount of sitting next to him and bumping your shoulders or eye contact until Ethan broke away with a blush was enough to convey your feelings.

How much would be too much? If Ethan knew, how long until you made him uncomfortable?

A war waged in your head as you contemplated how to approach this. Maybe it was time to give up - though would you really be able to look at Ethan as just a friend?

「 … 」

Ethan definitely wouldn't able to settle for that.

With the way his heart sped up with every compliment and heat rose on his face every time you held his gaze, hanging onto every word like what the was saying was the most interesting things in the world. Ethan got woozy around you, unable to keep his cool for long.

But deep down, Ethan knew that there was no way you were interested in him.

This was just how you were. You were just being nice.

Even so, Ethan would lie awake at night, grinning as he replayed every moment with you. In each memory, he could vividly remember how special you made him feel, warm all over.

The way you touched him that sent a shiver up his spine; whether it was a nudge on his shoulder or grazing fingers as you passed him something.

You’d always look at him and smile when your knees bumped (which was often) as if you hadn’t done it on purpose (not that Ethan caught onto that).

Your body was always turned towards him in some way, and you were always so close - yet so far.

“Ethan! That shirt looks great on you!” (It was heinous).

“Oh, you should come over sometime and look at my collection!” (He didn’t think you were serious).

“Hang on, Ethan, there’s something in your hair.” (There was nothing in his hair).

But he knew you were like that with everyone. No matter if he felt like it, he wasn’t special.

「 … 」

This was it. All or nothing.

With a lot of cheering on by your friends, you came to a decision; you were going to come clean and tell Ethan. No matter how he reacted, you'd deal with it. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. You felt a little better knowing you'd have the support of your friends no matter what.

And yet, your heart was pounding and your palms were sweating.

You and Ethan were in his room, sprawled out apart from each other, but together. Chad had made of show of asking if you guys needed anything from the store half an hour after you got there, avoiding Ethan's eyes as he pointed out Chad had made a trip to the store the day before.

Ethan just laughed lightheartedly at Chad as the both of you heard the front door shut, a silence that was comfortable for Ethan but incredibly tense for you settling.

One of Ethan's arms rested under his head while the other held his phone up, his eyes watching whatever with a relaxed smile on his face.

This was it.

You shifted closer to Ethan, setting your own phone down and leaning closer to watch his screen. Ethan's eyes flickered nervously from his phone to you, his attention immediately broken. He was suddenly incredibly aware of you, your head softly resting on his shoulder, your favorite scent lingering on your skin.

Ethan dropped his phone on his chest and you laughed.

"Here, I'll hold it," you offered before Ethan could react, your hand reaching out to pick up Ethan's phone.

Now your arm was on him.

Ethan bit his lip and hoped you couldn't see the redness he knew was forming on the tip of his ears an spreading down to his cheeks. He swallowed thickly, pushing out a weak, "Thanks."

There was quiet for a minute, or maybe ten (Ethan's mind was spinning with you so close), before you spoke up again.

You took a breath before speaking, heart pounding at the proximity of Ethan mixed with the nerves.

No one had been paying attention to the phone, after all.

"You know I like you, right?"

Ethan’s voice came out strained and high. “What?”

You moved your head off Ethan’s shoulder, face expressing the confusion you could hear in his voice.

“I’ve liked you since forever,” you smiled shyly, a little bit of confidence returning to your voice. “I was wondering when you’d notice.”

“I didn’t- I wasn’t sure you liked me like that,” Ethan began nervously, growing shy under your gaze. “I mean, I thought you were just being nice.”

That made you laugh as you sat up fully, looking down at Ethan. “Ethan, I’ve literally told you I would date you to your face!”

“Well, you guys were hyping me up…” Ethan said, though a smile grew on his face as he dropped his phone, rising to meet you. “Whatever," he mumbled. "Shut up.”

“You’re cute when you’re clueless.”

“Shut up!” Ethan whined, dropping his head on your shoulder.

You were laughing now, as if you hadn't been worrying about the rejection you were sure you'd face ten minutes ago.

Although now, Ethan was left with the knowledge that you'd been into his this entire time. And he'd waved you off this entire time.

“I like you too, by the way,” Ethan mumbled softly. "I'm sorry I didn't realize you... liked me."

"Yeah, you should be. I was going insane trying to figure out if you were really oblivious or just not into me.”

“How could I not be into you?”

“How could I not be into you?” You repeated teasingly, smiling as Ethan frowned. “I think you owe me. For being so difficult.”

Ethan scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief with a smile. “Me? It was impossible to tell if you were flirting or being friendly.”

“Well, I had to make the first move,” you teased.

Ethan scoffed lightly, before he gave it a second thought. Yeah. There was no way he would've made the first move. “Okay,” he admitted. “You’re right.”

So he leaned in and kissed you first.

[letstalkaboutshtufff]

Twisted Love pt 5

Loki x reader

Pairing: Loki x Wife reader

Warnings: Forced marriage, language, anxiety, panic attacks, if I forgot anything please let me know!

Summary: Loki Leaves for the hunt and your left to your own devices.

A.N Sorry it’s been so long loves!! The writers block was hitting hard but the Loki show revived me lol, hope you enjoy this chapter!

"No your highness, you should wear this. It's tradition after all"

You glanced over to the wardrobe where Adessa held out a silky dress of emerald.

"Tradition to wear green?" You tilted your head.

She smiled nodding her head, "No, not quite, but it is tradition to wear your husbands colors on the days of the hunt" she pulled you towards the screen and slid the fabric to you. Knowing you liked privacy.

“Oh I see" for some reason that made you feel a bit embarrassed but you slid off your sleep clothes and complied anyway.

Luckily last night your exhaustion won over so you didn't lie nervously overthinking from Loki being so close for too long.

Although you had been anxious, you actually didn't hate that he slept next to you. It was sort of nice to not sleep alone.

You stepped out and Adessa nodded approvingly. "Now for the finishing touches, she pulled you towards a small chest on the ground and pulled out a few golden accessories.

"There, now there's just one more thing..." she shuffled in the chest some more and her hands pulled out a small dainty golden headpiece that had two protruding horns.

"Adessa do I have to wear that...?" You eyed the crown carefully. It wasn't that you didn't like the headpiece. Quite opposite actually because the piece shimmered gorgeously and you loved how the design was subtle and elegant all at once. The problem however was that is was a version of Lokis own Horn crown and for some reason that made you shy.

"Yes you do, it's the law" you gave a her a look.

"Ok so it's not the law but still, you'll look lovely with it on and his majesty won't be able to resist."

That doesn't make me feel any better...

Reluctantly you nodded, knowing she wouldn't give up any time soon.

"Alright now you're ready, let's go!" she pushed you excitedly out of the tent before you could even mentally prepare yourselves.

The guards at the entrance bowed slightly when you appeared then proceeded to escort you.

You eyed Adessa nervously.

"Don't worry, we are just going to see off the hunting parties" she whispered then fell into step behind you. You nodded and tried not to shrink away when you saw people stop to look at you.

You knew that everything, even you being escorted was all part of the big show.

Even the trail you walked was lined with petals.

Ok this was nearing on being ridiculous now...

"This way your highness" one of the guards motioned to an open area where you could see in the distance Loki, Thor and the rest of the royal family. They were all clad in lavish armor, in their respective colors.

You gulped when you neared closer and gained their attention.

"Her royal highness" the guards stepped aside and left you exposed.

With a shaky smile you bowed and walked closer. Frigga was the first to greet you.

“My dear you look absolutely lovely” she pulled you to stand next to her which you were grateful of.

You bowed your head slightly to the all father, and Thor and when your eyes met Loki you sucked in a breathe. His eyes were not on you but rather roaming from bottom to top.

Perhaps you should have fought Adessa harder, did he think this was too much?

When he did finally look up he averted his gaze quickly and you felt you had upset him somehow.

"Loki doesn't she look absolutely stunning" you flushed at her sudden teasing. Frigga why...

You hesitantly looked to him awaiting his answer,

he cleared his throat, "Yes she does" although he was basically forced to say it it still made you fluttery and nervous all the same.

"Now then let's not waste another moment" Odin suddenly announced stepping in front of everyone.

"Good luck my dears” Frigga gave her sons a nod then turned to you with an encouraging nod.

“G-good Luck Loki” you felt butterflies flutter in your stomach, had his name always sounded so smooth on your tongue?

He gave you a small nod then turned around with the others and made their way out of the camp.

“Now how about some breakfast?” The Queen smiled and offered her arm.

“That sounds lovely” you followed her through the makeshift camp, eyes leaving Lokis disappearing figure reluctantly.

**********************************************

“My Lady I wonder if I might ask a favor of you…”

You perked up from your laying position under the shade of a beautiful bay lily tree.

“Of course, what is it?” You eyed the slightly blushing girl curiously.

“Well um you see, this camp is close to an old dear friends place of mine and well I’d hate to miss the opportunity to see her while I’m here um…would it be alright if I took the next few hours off? Of course I’ll have someone look after you in my stead!”

A smirk formed on your lips. “Well of course, we can’t keep your dear “friend” waiting now can we?”

“Here” you handed her the thick cloak that lay at your side. “It’s been getting colder I’ve noticed, oh and don’t worry about getting back to me too soon, enjoy your time, take tomorrow off as well if you wish, I’ll be just fine here on my own.” You smiled encouragingly. Honestly you felt a little uneasy at the thought of not having her nearby but you could tell she needed a break. Preparations for the hunt have been running everyone ragged.

She practically jumped on you with joy,” Oh my Sweet benevolent gracious Lady! You are truly a gem among rocks!!”

“Alright alright, you’d best save that sweet talk for your friend hm?” You jutted your head towards the camp entrance.

“Now go on before it gets dark, and I mean it about not rushing back, I don’t want you walking back at night, it’s not safe. Come back during daylight tommorow ok?”

“Ok mother will do, I’ll alert one of the maids so they can-“

“N-no that’s not necessary, I’ll be ok on my own”

“But how could I possibly leave you with no one to assist you?”

“Honestly I’ll be alright, I’m just going to be laying here reading anyway. And I am more than capable of dressing myself for bed.”

She looked like she wanted to protest but you playfully pushed her along and she reluctantly agreed. “Well alright… but if you need anything ask for Felice, she’s very sweet and keeps her nose where it belongs.

“Alright, I will, have fun”

“Oh I will my Lady, don’t you worry” she winked before practically sprinting out the camp.

You laughed quietly after her, the sun was still high in the sky and everyone seemed to have something to do but you. Sighing you threw your book aside and decided to stretch your legs.

Out of the corner of your eye you saw Mathis and some other guards helping unload crates off a carriage.

Frowning you spun the other direction away from him and began walking mindlessly.

It was amazing how this area was once just forest and now it looked like a mini city.

Luckily everyone was occupied so no guards followed you. One thing you took for granted in your old life was freedom of well… freedom.

In the palace you didn’t leave your room that often and when you did a guard was beside you wherever you went.

You quickened your steps until you reached the outskirts of the camp. There was practically no one there and you felt you could finally relax, truly relax.

Your eyes scanned the forest line, dozens of tall beautiful trees lined the area. Valheim didn’t have beautiful foliage like this, or maybe it did, it’s not like you really had a chance to go on vacation.

You spent several moments standing there breathing in the crisp air.

Your thoughts traveled to Loki and wondered how he was faring. In all your time together you’d only seen him composed and elegant, you couldn’t exactly picture him covered in blood and taking down a wolf. Or perhaps he’d opt for a bow instead of his golden blades.

The area was too peaceful to leave so soon so you decided to explore a bit more. You followed a small opening between two trees that formed a natural trail.

You kicked off your shoes and sighed happily feeling the soft grass caress your feet.

You started to pick flowers along the way, maybe you’d bring a bundle back for Frigga. Or maybe that would seem not proper? Picking wildflowers like common folk. Oh well you’d pick them anyway and decide later since they were so pretty.

Maybe you’d make perfume for yourself out of them…

Before you knew it you had a picked enough flowers to fill a shop, your dress wrappings conveniently formed the perfect basket.

The dimming of the sky caught your attention.

Perhaps you should be getting back before anyone worries about your absence.

You are just about to turn back when a sudden howl has you frozen to the spot.

****************************

Next Taglist

Ok so a bit of a short chapter but I’ve already begun writing the next one! Please let me know what you think:)

@oceanmermaidwitch

@sophiaedits

@anda-the-valkyrie

@daddylokisqueen

@anemois-hiraeth

@movielover2002

@ibuki-as-president

@someonesleftshoe

@sin-bin-kin

@sara–ravenclaw

@fuzzyphantomsandwich-blog

@the-professor-of-gallifrey

@spike-meowsters

@gasstationfifacard

@katrinakennedy1

@useless-snail

@not-anotha-loki-fanart-acc

@crimson25

@huntress-artemiss

@ilovefanfictions

@christineblood

@prpertyofnoone

@hatsparkle

@loveisfolklore

@mari-styles14

@y-napotat

@pietromaximoffsbabe

@fuzzyphantomsandwich

@shikamaruscumrag

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[my-own-walker]

hiiiiii can you do a predeath kyle smut??? take any direction u want i trust you

I'm Freaking Out In My Mind

note: i apologize for how long this took i totally lost this ask in my inbox wtf!

summary: another party, another weekend, and another drink for Y/N, but she can't shake this feeling about one kyle spencer. and, inexplicably, he won't stop looking in her direction.

warnings: p in v, fem!reader, hand stuff, kinda drunk teens

+++

'A guy I kind of hate is here,' I shouted, already pretty drunk. We'd only been at our friend's party for an hour.

'Huh?' Lily yelled back.

I shuffled closer to my best friend and leaned into her, putting my mouth next to her ear. It was admittedly impossible to hear over the deafening rap music playing in the basement. 'I said: a guy I kind of hate is here.'

'Who?' she gasped, raising her eyebrows and turning quickly to face me. She always loved drama.

'Fuckin' Kyle Spencer,' I slurred. The crowded basement shifted, causing people to begin to bump into each other. The guy standing next to me stepped back into my arm. Losing my footing, I stumbled into Lily, nearly pulling her over. Her drink collided with my chest, and a little bit spilled down my shirt. 'I should NOT have had that last beer.'

Lily laughed uncontrollably at my clumsiness. 'We should get out of here,' she giggled, grabbing my forearm.

'Nooooo,' I whined. 'We only just got here.'

'Let's at least go upstairs, okay?' she bargained, pulling me toward her. We weaved through the throngs of people to the painted wooden stairs. I could almost feel how unstable they were under my feet as Lily and I trudged upwards.

I'm not sure what compelled me to do it, but I looked back over the crowded basement as I reached the top of the staircase. My eyes scanned the faces before meeting Kyle Spencer's. I blinked, unsure if I was imagining him staring at me. Before I could even process it, though, Lily tugged my arm harder, urging me to finish my ascent.

+

It took us a little bit to find a quieter place to settle on the house's main floor. There was a little nook in the living room near the front door. I leaned against the wall, while Lily made a side table a makeshift seat.

Lily was my best-friend-turned-roommate at Tulane University. Well, actually, roommate-turned-best-friend-turned roommate. We'd known each other since our freshman year. We got paired up at random to room together in the dorms. The rest is history.

We weren't huge partiers. We went out when we needed to, like this night, for example. Our friend Leon decided to host a blowout party for his birthday and asked us to attend. He was afraid no one would show up, but quite the contrary was the reality. It seemed as though the entire school had shown up.

'What was it you were saying about Kyle earlier?' Lily asked, taking a sip out of her red solo cup.

'Oh, yeah,' I began. 'I saw Kyle Spencer here. He's in my German class. He's in like Alpha Kappa Kappa or something.'

'Kappa Lambda Gamma. Leon's frat,' Lily corrected.

'Oh shit! That's why he's here,' I replied, mouth agape. There was something about him that made my stomach do flips. Seeing him here was a shock, and I wasn't sure it was a pleasant feeling. I couldn't lie to myself. Kyle was really attractive. He had a kind smile and seemed genuine, but something about him put me off.

'Well, anyways,' I continued, 'I was put in a group project with him and he did like...no work. I think he thinks he's above everything. He just epitomizes all of the worst parts of every frat guy. Cocky, kinda cute, probably rich or something-''

'Uh, wait, shut up a sec,' Lily snapped.

'What?' Lily pulled me closer to her and cupped her mouth to whisper.

'He's like, right there,' she warned, pointing to her right. I shifted my gaze slightly, spotting the blonde boy on the opposite side of the room. His eyes flicked up and met mine again, before returning to his cell phone.

'Lily, you're gonna think I'm crazy, but I swear that motherfucker keeps looking at me,' I said in a hushed tone.

'Yeah?' she challenged. 'No more alcohol for you then...' She took my cup out of my hand and poured the contents into her own.

'No, I swear,' I urged. 'He was looking at me when we walked up the stairs just now.'

'Why would he be doing that?' Lily questioned.

'Damn, I don't know. I mean, I wasn't exactly nice to him when he did no work in German class,' I explained. 'Maybe he hates me now. I just wanted a good grade on the project. It's not my fault he was uncooperative.'

'Maybe he likes you,' Lily teased.

'Oh, as if. Get crucial. He either hates me or he can't figure out who I am,' I groaned. As if on cue, someone cleared their throat behind me. Shivers went down my spine. I turned my head and was met with the most piercing brown-eyed gaze.

'Hey Kyle,' Lily greeted, standing from her side table chair.

'Hi. Uh- mind if I steal Y/N from you for a sec?' Kyle smiled.

'Not at all,' she replied, pushing my arm lightly as she walked away. I cast a pleading look in her direction, but she didn't see. Turning my attention to Kyle, I said a quiet prayer that he wasn't about to yell at me or something.

'I've been trying to talk to you all night,' he spoke lowly, looking deep into my eyes.

'Me? Why?' I stammered. I looked quickly to my left, hoping to find comfort in Lily's presence nearby, but instead, she was nowhere to be found.

'I just feel like I need to get to know you or something,' he explained. 'We got off on the wrong foot.'

'I- like, I'm sorry I'm just a bitch about my grades and-'

'No, no,' he interrupted. 'Don't worry about it. I get it. I can tell you why I acted like that in class.'

'Oh, you can, can you?' I challenged, leaning back against the wall again, slightly more comfortable with the interaction.

'Yeah. Honestly, I hate that fucking professor,' he laughed. 'It's hard to want to try in that garbage class.'

'I don't disagree with you on that,' I giggled. 'Gotta take it, though.'

'Damn you, language requirement,' he declared, shaking his fist in the air. I laughed harder than I wanted to at that. I had never seen him so animated.

'It's definitely a drag.'

'Do you wanna, I don't know, maybe go somewhere more quiet?' Kyle suggested. 'That sounds creepy, I just mean-'

'No, yeah, I'd like that,' I grinned.

+

Kyle and I elected to walk to my apartment. It was the closer out of the two of our places to the party. I shot Lily a text on the way there, letting her know what was going on.

We got to my place and settled in on the couch. I turned on some music to ease any tension, but it seemed unnecessary. His charm was really working on me, as embarrassed as I was to admit it to myself. Our conversation on the way to my apartment flowed so naturally. He made me laugh until my sides hurt.

'This is a nice couch,' he muttered, running his hands over the upholstery next to him. I cackled loudly.

'Yeah?' I laughed. 'I stole it off the side of the road. Cleaned it, of course. Loved the color. Purple's my favorite.'

'It's soft, I don't know,' he giggled. 'I'm just a fan of couches.' He shifted uncomfortably and shook his head at himself.

'You're insane,' I chuckled. We sat in silence for a second, just looking at each other. The question on my brain was killing me, so I broke the silence to ask. 'So, Kyle. What's your game here?'

'Game?'

'We have not said more than two words to each other over half the semester, but somehow, you're in my house. On my couch,' I explained. 'Why are you suddenly talking to me tonight? And why is it working?'

'Listen, Y/N,' he began, leaning forward to better meet my eyes. 'I'm so tired of the frat act. This is going to sound weird, but I felt like I wouldn't be able to win you over.'

'What do you mean?'

'I'm some blonde guy that wears frat polos and khakis. I hang around with douchebags,' he continued. 'You're, like, so fucking cool. You're so above all of the college social politics. The bullshit I deal with every day.' I couldn't help but scoff at his words. I pulled my feet up from the ground to sit cross-legged on the sofa and turned to face Kyle entirely.

'You got me all wrong,' I urged. 'I just get up, go to class, and come back here. I'm not trying to be some sort of edgy mysterious bitch.'

'No, that's not what I'm saying. God, I think this is the alcohol speaking, but I don't care,' Kyle interrupted. 'You're cool without trying. That's the thing. You just have it all figured out. And I know you're above all the frat garbage. You know it, too. I see the way you look through me.'

'Kyle, that's not-'

'I wanna be someone you've never seen before,' Kyle professed, leaning forward to put a hand on my knee. 'I want you to know the guy behind what you see.'

I will admit that I hadn't given Kyle the time of day. His aloofness in class, coupled with his style of dress and fraternity status made me turn my nose up entirely at him. Did he not help in class? Or did my inner feelings toward him make themselves clear, stifling him in turn?

'Gosh, I'm sorry, Kyle,' I spoke, barely audible. I cleared my throat, placed my hand over his, and continued. 'I think you're lovely.'

'You do?' he replied, taken aback.

'Tonight has been really great. You're really great,' I added. 'No guy has made me laugh like you have.' I leaned into his face and pressed my lips to his. There Is A Light That Never Goes Out by The Smiths started playing. Kyle relaxed into my touch and scooted closer to me, wrapping his arms around me.

'I was so scared you'd reject me,' Kyle giggled, pulling away. 'I was freaking out in my mind, sure you'd laugh in my face.'

'Dang, I must've been a bitch in your imagination,' I chuckled, proceeding to reconnect my lips with his. He leaned forward even more, guiding me to lay back, positioning himself on top of me. I pulled at the hem of his shirt, encouraging him to take it off. He pulled the fabric off smoothly and threw it across the room.

Kyle's body was way more athletic than I had imagined. The muscles in his toned shoulders were apparent. His biceps were large and the veins in his arms protruded oh-so deliciously. His strong hands found their way to my top, and without thinking, I sat up slightly to tug it off.

Suddenly feeling exposed, being in just my bra in the front room, I stopped kissing Kyle. 'We should move to my room,' I whispered. 'Just in case my roommate comes home.'

'I don't know that I can wait,' he rumbled, stooping down to pepper kisses up and down my neck. It was in my best interest to protest, but the feeling of his soft lips upon my breasts put me in a trance. I felt my way down to his pants and palmed his erection through the fabric. He whimpered at the touch.

I undid the fastens on the pants, and Kyle took the work of pulling them off of himself. I took that time to take my own jeans off, tossing them behind me. He stopped to regard me in just my underwear. He chuckled and shook his head.

'What?'

'You're so fucking hot,' he breathed. I continued kissing him and put my hand down his boxers.

'Okay?' I asked. He nodded in reply, inhaling sharply when my fingers wrapped around his cock. I pumped his erection, reveling in his moans and whines.

'Fuck,' he spat. I removed contact, making Kyle grunt loudly.

'One sec,' I whispered, reaching back to the side table next to the couch. I fumbled with the drawer, opening it to grab a spare condom. I handed it over with a smirk. 'For you.'

'Thank god you remembered,' he sighed. He slid his boxers down and opened the package with his teeth, guiding the rubber over his member. Then, he pulled my panties down and guided my legs apart. I yelped when I felt his dick enter me. It was much larger than I anticipated.

'You okay?' he panted, beginning to hit his stride.

'Mmhmm,' I affirmed through gritted teeth. I threw my head back, feeling my walls tighten around him. His thrusts got deeper, hitting the innermost parts of me. We both grunted, gasped, and moaned at the contact.

‘Shit, I’m gonna come,’ Kyle groaned. He stroked a few more times before coming with a whimper. I felt warm spread in my middle. He pulled out and stood to clean up. I laid on the couch for a moment, watching his toned back ripple as he pulled his boxers back on.

He handed me my own underpants upon his return, a shy grin on his face, and a pink flush in his cheeks. I chuckled at him as I slid them back on.

I stood to meet him, kissing him again. ‘You wanna, uh, go to my room now?’ I proposed. ‘You can sleep over.’

‘God, Y/N Y/L/N inviting me to stay,’ Kyle said, shaking his head. ‘I cant believe this is my life.’ He kissed me again, wrapping me tightly in his warm embrace.

+++

This was supposed to be done last night but whatever I forget and I lose track!!

[gilly-moon]

Listen I might never finish this so have an opening snippet of a Blackice Snowboarding!AU thing I wrote:

⟡

"You can't keep me here forever, y'know," Jack mumbled against the arm holding him captive.

"Says who?" replied his captor, warm lips pressed against the top of his head.

"Says the gaggle of eight-year-olds who'll beat you up for making me late to class."

Pitch grumbled something, his breath tickling the fine hairs behind Jack's ear. They'd already hit the metaphorical snooze button on the day once, or at least Pitch had when he all but dragged Jack back underneath the covers. A few stolen hours later, and the sun was now creeping above the horizon. The light would usher in a parade of SUVs and hatchbacks down the icy highway, parents towing along their kids up to the ski lodge, ready for another day of snowboarding lessons.

Usually, Jack liked to head up the slopes bright and early before anyone else arrived. Usually, he'd be back down at the entrance ramp right when the first puffy-coated kid waddled up for class so he could greet them and their parents.

Usually, he wasn't trapped in bed by a pair of arms around his chest and a warm, downy comforter that was so soft it should be illegal. Maybe it was illegal. It was hard to tell, with Pitch. The way he threw his money around, he could be anything from an honest businessman to some mafia lord parading around in plain sight. As long as all that money wasn't being tossed at Jack, he didn't really care either way.

"Seriously though," he pressed, managing to free his head from the blankets. "I gotta get ready. Some of us actually have to work for a living."

"I could remedy that," Pitch hummed, tightening his hold so their bare skin pressed together.

Shivers traced down Jack's spine at the memory of the night before. He could still feel fingers digging into his hips, his thighs, his ass - and he could feel how desperately he needed a shower.

"Just say the magic word," Pitch teased as he hooked his chin over Jack's shoulder. "My offer has no expiration."

"My answer doesn't, either." Shoving a hand against Pitch's face, Jack managed to wriggle his way free just enough to sit up.

A few months ago, Pitch had shown up out of seemingly thin air with a miracle offer - a sponsorship for Jack, to take his snowboarding skills into competition. Back then, he'd just laughed and brushed it off as a scam, but Pitch was, in a word, stubborn.

Jack's answer never changed, though, even after discovering that Pitch had plenty of cash and connections to back up his claims. Despite the tantalizing offer though, Jack simply didn't care to compete. He liked snowboarding for the fun of it, and getting to teach the kids. But he indulged Pitch anyway, sitting with him for coffee at the lodge in the mornings, and eventually meeting for lunch dates.

At some point, offers of sponsorship became inside jokes and teasing. Teasing became flirting, which escalated into dinner dates at Pitch's winter vacation home near the slopes. These days, Jack practically lived here. He might not let Pitch pay for his coffee or his boarding gear, but he was more than happy to mooch off his central heating.

"Perhaps," Pitch said, his voice far more awake and clear now, "I just need to be a little more…convincing."

[nightwanderers12081]

dp phandom who followed us sorry this is not dp related BABDBS

So-- have been fixating on Sonic for a bit-- a few aus have popped into mind and i want to talk about one called "Gone with the Wind", a satbk au

This au takes place immediately following the end of satbk

Upon being declared King, Sonic decides that he does not, in fact, want to be king and wants to go home, and asks merlinda if she could send him home, She denies his request because she believes their needs to be a king.

He decides right then and there that if no one would help him get home, then he might as well do it himself, he bolts away leaving everyone (including caliburn) in shock.

he stops by Griffin(tails-- this is infact based on a fic iykyk) blacksmith and picks up a different sword (a very basic one-- Griffin makes sure its fitted well-- well as well as he was able too considering Sonic is in a rush) under the lie that Caliburn said he should have a back up weapon just in case, After he buys the essentials like a stock of food and a cloak(for a disguise) and leaves town

He camps out in the dragon's cave since he had already slayed the dragon and there weren't any remaining enemies there anymore since King Arthur was gone. The cave becomes his home as he figures out how the fuck to get home

Meanwhile, the knights set up a missing poster asap, Griffin sees the poster and is concerned for Sonic's well being.

Back to Sonic-- he starts making trips to town every few weeks to refill on food-- Griffin catches him one night but agrees to help him by sneaking him food and other supplies he needs, he also finishes customizing Sonic's new sword to his liking

Another thing is that Sonic will train by Challeging passing knights(usually those he thinks are newer based on how they carry themselves n haow they act, etc) to a friendly duel under a different name(we haven't thought of his fake name yet) usually most dont really think about it. The purpose of training is that if hes caught, he wont be defenseless

SPEAKING OF BEING CAUGHT

Gawain recalls how sonic was heading to slay a dragon in the past before being interrupted by himself-- only to continue on his journey after beating him

Lancelot offers to go, Caliburn says he should bring him along to which Lance declines because he might not even be there

Anyways Lance makes the trip, Sonic was near the entrance and noticed him entering and hides towards the top of the cave in the shadows, covering his blue quills as much as possible so he doesn't stand out

Wasn't sure where to mention this so im plopping it here but Sonic made alot of renovations to the Cave so he was more comfortable while he tried to find his way home-- this includes things like small acoves of food or blankets and wooden bridges that he could run across

Back to the "plot", Despite having a genuinely good hiding spot, Lance notices him considering hes very observant and they have a confrontation-- starting with a sword fight

Sonic kind of shouts at him during the fight about how he never even wanted this and how he was literally taken out of his world without being given any choice in the matter and now they expected him to stay despite literally going by the title knight of the wind

The fight ends there, Lance hesitantly offering comfort while Sonic breaks down over how he just wants to go home and how he misses his friends

Lance is conflicted, hes unsure if its the right thing to turn in Sonic now. He decides that he wouldn't tell the other knights for now while he cleared his head, and tells Sonic just as much. Want to mention this isn't a guaranteed "I wont turn you in" but its a possibility

Sonic is just grateful that hes not being turned into the knights.

This was literally and idea that popped into our head last night so its not completely fleshed out-- we still want to start plotting out how Sonic finds his way home-- atm we want him to talk to the Lady at the Lake at some point for guidance

We've seen alot of aus where Sonic takes up the role of king or is teetering between being king or leaving, so we thought it would be fun to make an au where he very clearly chooses to not be king

In terms of ships n stuff, atm we have nothing but this au could be implied Lansoni (we thrive for more lance and knight of the wind content compared to lance and king arther/sonic(WHICH IS GOOD CONTENT WE JUST WANNA SEE MORE OF THE PRIOR))

[scaryspears]

My rant on ITSV and ATSV

So I've just finished watching the ITSV and ATSV because I'm a late watcher, and when the movies came out I wasn't myself. I'm glad I took the time to watch them, although I had to buy ATSV online because it's no longer in the cinema. This means I got to watch my favourite scenes without issue. With that being said, I have a lot of things to get off my chest regarding both films, mostly with the characters. 

Warning: Long post and slight bashing of characters and terrible screenshots.

I don't want to be one of those people who hate Gwen just to hate on her, and I don't hate or dislike her character, but right from the jump her vibe was just off. She felt like one of those characters that disliked the main character for no reason despite barely interacting with her/him (them). I know that isn't the case but I didn't like the way she was blankly talking to him. I'm using the word 'blankly' because I can't think of another word other than 'coldly'.

During the chase scene where Miles and Peter steal the computer, she comes out of nowhere and helps save the day. I was glad but at the same time what the hell. Anyways, Miles compliments her haircut and she snaps with "You don't get to like my haircut.", referring to when he accidentally got his hand stuck to her hair and she had to get half her hair shaved off, I understand getting angry about that. It was an accident, and Miles could've apologised (I don't remember him saying sorry), but she's acting like he did it on purpose.

To top it all off she knew he was like her, which meant she knew what he was going through as he was transitioning. Getting taller, hearing multiple voices, hands sticky, and all that stuff. So that means she's aware that it was an accident, and there's also the fact that she pretended to be a student at his school and hovered around him. She bumped into him on purpose knowing he was a fellow spider.

When you think about it, why didn't she try to get to know him and investigate with him about what's going on? She just left him to discover his spider side chaotically. She should know how scary and confusing that is, but not once does she attempt helping him out. 

I'm gonna sweep it under the rug because they are teenagers, and even if they were adults they shouldn't be expected to be more sympathetic to each other. But you'd think she'd be a little bit more understanding. (Don't get me started on her going into his artwork and opening his collectable in ATSV)

Now, Uncle Aaron. I love his dynamic with Miles, the true cool uncle. His love for his generation of hip hop and us seeing Miles' taste of music. The graffiti art bonding, loved it. There were small hints that he was the Prowler. The 1610 Peter getting killed near where Miles and Aaron did the graffiti, Miles calling him while he's being chased by the Prowler, and the Prowler appearing in Aaron's home. I'm thinking "Where's Aaron in all this?" dun dun dun, he's the Prowler. I loved every bit of it. This also makes Miles different from other spider men, being the fact that his loved one ended up being an antagonist, and one scarier than Kingpin. There's no "With great power comes great responsibility." instead it's "In a bad person you can find good in them." Also, the inner torment that he was about to harm his own nephew is chef's kiss. Uncle Ben who?

Moving on to ATSV. It opens up with Gwen and her meeting Miguel and Jess. She looked at Jess and said "Will you adopt me?" Like??? Where yo mum at? I know she passed away, but still. You've only had one look at this woman and that's one of the things that comes out of your mouth? You don't know this woman! Jess sounds like one of those women that only talk with attitude no matter what so I had a hard time rocking with her, like what is her problem??? And she's fighting while pregnant... smdh.

Spot. Funny villain, I liked his banter with Miles, but he's a pu**y punk bi**h. He's blaming Miles for what he became, when he's the one that decided to become a mad scientist and work with other mad scientists under Kingpin. I'm pretty sure there's more to it than a bagel. Lesson is: once you become a mad scientist something happens to you. Norman Osborn became Green Goblin, 65 Peter (Gwen's home) became a monster and died, Shang Tsung got Rick Rolled by himself, you get the idea. Spot made himself like that not Miles.

So Gwen didn't talk to Miles for a really long time because of the whole Spider society thing. When you think about it, none of the other spiders he met did, and I get that they couldn't with the exclusion of Peni. But not one visit? Not one letter? Something??? Now Miles has a little short conversation with Hobie and admits that he only wants to get into the Spider society to talk to his friends and help out with defeating Spot. He just wants to hang with his friends, but Peni and Gwen decided not to do that.

Moving on, I'd like to talk about Miles' walk through within the spider society. They acknowledge Gwen and only Gwen, they don't bother saying hi or even looking at Miles. It was like Miles wasn't even there. Never thought I'd say it, but these Spider men are arse holes. I also got annoyed at the way Jess was talking to him, I get that he's not supposed to be there but she needed to chill.

This anger went when Miles bumped into Margo, and she looked like she was about to lose her cool but she lightened up once she saw who it was, a complete stranger. I'm not a MargoMiles shipper, but I don't mind it (granted so long as they are the same age).

So the scene that goes 0 to 100 quick: I watched a bunch of memes and edits that painted Miguel as racist and I didn't understand why, and thought it was like a Millie Bobby Brown situation. Re-watching the scene where Miles meets Miguel I can see why.

All the other spidermen showed up to gang up on Miles.

"You can't ask me not to save my father."

"I'm not asking."

And hit him with this.

While Miles is freaking out at the sudden imprisonment we can hear Miguel say "We just need to hold him a few days." They were treating Miles like a criminal and/or a confused wild animal. And then Miguel had the nerve to say "All he had to do was listen." when Miles escaped them. I don't think Miguel is racist, but the memes I will support.

Hobie was looking out for Miles as soon as he met him, and I love that so much. He knew Miles wasn't like the ones in the spider society, and made sure to tell Miles to be better. Gwen didn't do that. She did, but she didn't if you know what I mean. She followed along with the crap Miguel was spitting.

And then there was the chase scene. Bro had a bunch of spider men chase Miles and not one of them could catch him. That is the biggest L I've ever seen. One 15 year old boy, and he didn't use his other 2 powers until after Miguel slammed him onto his back. Miles was not playing. Also, Miguel was endangering the lives of people who were driving. And yes, Miguel's at fault and not Miles.

They gave Miles crap just because he didn't want his dad to die, unlike Miguel who actively replaced the life of his other self. Gwen was really going to let her dad die, and Peter B tried to justify it by saying their uncle's death made them who they are. Pavitr was just supposed to get over his love interest's dad dying? They knowingly let that happen.

Miguel calling Miles an anomaly is mega projecting. Miles becoming Spiderman wasn't on purpose it just happened, and that's always how the story goes. No one is simply meant to be Spiderman, they just become him/her. It's also funny coming from a man who crawled on all fours chasing down a teenager.

42 Miles. Prowler Miles. Gonzales. Kilo Immorales. I love him already, can't wait to see the next film where we'll see him in full action. I love how we as a fandom collectively agreed that these two would have a sibling dynamic even though we've only seen 42 Miles for like a minute. I love the Boondocks comparisons as well. I need 42 Miles to hate everyone. I need Miles to be full of rage in the 3rd film Adult Gon style. Prepare for double and make it double.

In conclusion, I should've watched these films when they first came out, they are so great. The art, the incorporation of hip hop and correctness of Afro related backgrounds and the storyline. I honestly felt like Miles was a great representation of the new generation. I saw myself in him, and not just being black but the graffiti and finding out that a family member of yours isn't really a good person. I don't do graffiti or art but I do find them beautiful whenever I see them. Also, the Air Forces. Step aside Peter Parker, we have a Spider man with more drip.

[em-writes-stuff-sometimes]

20 Questions for Fic Writers

I wasn't tagged directly, lol. I'm doing it anyway, though!

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

I have 12 works on AO3!

2. What's your total AO3 word count?

390,129 words, at present.

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Currently (and I suspect forevermore): House of the Dragon. Previously: Harry Potter (back before JKR was a massive cunt).

4. Top five fics by kudos?

dōnus riñus (sweet girl) (3,417) gevivys (beauty) (2,971) ñuhus prūmȳs (my heart) (2,276) ilībītsos (little slut) (1,881) darilaros (princess) (883)

5. Do you respond to comments?

Yes, I do! I like to thank people for reading, plus it satisfies my odd-number issue (they make me weirdly uncomfy). When people take time out of their day to leave me a message, I want to make sure I'm recognising that and letting them know that I appreciate it.

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Yikes. I think it's the Harry Potter one, where I have Harry and Hermione marry and have a kid during the war, and they both die in the Final Battle and Ron ends up taking the kid to visit their grave.

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

I think that pretty much all my terms of endearment fics have happy endings - or near enough for ASOIAF-verse!

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Weirdly enough, no. I'd resigned myself to it given the themes and content, but people are weirdly accepting of it. I sometimes get strange comments (like someone who keeps insisting I make Daemon cheat with Rhaenyra), but they aren't hate, just... odd.

9. Do you write smut?

Yes. Feels like that should be overemphasised, haha. My writing is diiiiiirty.

10. Craziest crossover?

I haven't written any crossovers! If I were to do so, I'd probably do a 'Daenerys teleports back in time to House of the Dragon and gets with Daemon and Rhaenyra'. Hot.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Three damn times, lol, all from the same fic series (ToE). Once in May of last year, where someone stole my work and only changed the names to fit the Shadow and Bone fandom. Once again in June of last year, where someone plagiarised multiple ways and multiple times to write their fic (a whole other drama, yikes). And once in May of this year, where someone stole the entire first part of one of my chapters to write their Daemon x OC fic on Wattpad. All have been removed, because I'm not down with plagiarism at all.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

I think so? I cannot remember for the life of me. I know I've been asked, and I gave my approval, but I haven't seen the translations myself so no idea if that ever went ahead.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Yes! But it hasn't been published. We call it 'the Socussy fic' because it involves an unnamed female OC being hired by the Blacks to off the Greens during the Dance, only she does so by banging them to death in hilariously macabre ways. I wrote the establishing part featuring Daemon hiring her and the Larys footfuck death. We're missing one final bit, I think? It started in the big HotD Discord server I run, and @bottlesandbarricades @targaryenrealnessdarling and @ewanmitchellcrumbs have all collaborated on it. We're waiting for a final victim to contribute and then we shall convene as the Socussy Council and bestow the posting of it upon one poor soul! (I vote you Rach @bottlesandbarricades)

14. All time favourite ship?

I'm a die-hard Daemyra (Daemon Targaryen x Rhaenyra Targaryen) fan, but I also recognise that this is likely going to fracture and perish as the series progresses. I'm also hella into Jonsa (Jon Snow x Sansa Stark) and Jonerys (Jon Snow x Daenerys Targaryen). Plus, I like Jaimsa (Jaime Lannister x Sansa Stark) and Sanseryn (Sansa Stark x Oberyn Martell). I don't really know what this all says about me as a person, both the pairings themselves AND the fact they're all ASOIAF ships.

15. What's a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

I have an Aemond WIP fic that I'm too scared to finish given Aemond stans are a little intimidating to me! Also, I have a Klaus Mikaelson x OC/Reader x Elijah Mikaelson threesome fic that lingers in my files.

16. What are your writing strengths?

I like to think my strengths are my flowery prose, my relative era-accurate world-building and my characterisation.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

I ramble way the fuck too much. Seriously, shut up, Em. Explain those three paragraphs in one goddamn sentence only.

18. Thoughts on dialogue in another language?

I think it's cool! I've made sure to research how one would format the inclusion of this in a standard fiction novel, too, so that it reads as 'professionally' as it can be. I manually translate High Valyrian to include in my writing, because the translators aren't at all accurate and I don't want to break the immersion (even for myself). (As an aside, I can and do assist others in this too - hit me up if you need it!)

19. First fandom you wrote in?

Blegh. Harry Potter. Don't shoot me, I was a child.

20. Favorite fic you've written?

My series terms of endearment. If I have to choose within the series, probably ñuhus prūmȳs (my heart); it's the first proper divergence from show material featuring my own plot, and I think it's where my writing truly takes form.

YAY! Done.

No pressure tags: @vampire-exgirlfriend @emilykaldwen @marthawrites @mini-kunoichi @selfproclaimedunicorn

@ripdragonbeans @flowerpotmage @presidenthades @queen--kenobi @lady-morrigen

[redwineconversation]

lose something, babe, risk something (Lyon - Fleury Postgame Thoughts)

Where the fuck was this Lyon last week?

It's always been true that this team plays better when vexed. They need their feelings hurt, they need to get pissed off, because it brings something out in them. They're better for it in many ways. You would have thought the possibility of not playing in a final would have brought that out in them, but apparently mediocre performances are now deemed acceptable standards.

This team got a lot of backlash after the semi-final loss, and I think it was good for them, I do. There's a somewhat flimsy argument that players should be protected at all costs. I get it in theory but fans should be able to hold players accountable for their performances. If you can say when a team played well, you should also be able to say when they played badly.

And there was a lot of the latter. There was a lot of "get rid of Bompastor" (still true), "sell the dead weight players" (also still true), and more importantly, "this team was a disgrace". The fans were frustrated and disappointed and let their feelings be known. I think that's a good thing. Hold your team accountable when they fall short of the standards you know they are capable of meeting.

I think it's necessary to do that because we saw in Friday's game what happens when Lyon does meet those standards. We saw some really good sequences of play. The movement was better, the passing was crisper. They genuinely looked better. it was nice to see Lyon being, well, Lyon again.

The standout player was obviously Dabritz. She's really become such a big game player, and is genuinely fun to watch. She's just a no-nonsense player, keeps her head down, does her job, and will do her upmost best to drag Lyon over the finish line. She's starting to show some really interesting leadership qualities too. I wonder if she will become like Endler, what the team psychiatrist referred to as a "quiet leader" in that they aren't necessarily vocal / giving big speeches, but players follow by example.

Dabritz flies under the radar a lot of the time, but I think her profile will grow. My true German royalty player. (Can I make royal monarchy jokes considering the Kate Middleton scandal going on? Ehh, why not)

It was nice to keep a clean sheet again though once more I fucking hate how everyone uses "le clean sheet" every time their goalkeeper does the minimum. It's so, so fucking annoying, especially because it was taken out of context. Anyway, defense was good, though I do think Gilles could have done better. She wasn't bad, but when you compare her with her top form, the level definitely wasn't the same. M'Bock is getting back to her pre-injury form, which is always nice to see. Bacha was a little inconsistent but it was nowhere near as inconsistent as the Coupe de France semifinal. Carpenter didn't really do anything which stood out, which is more a reflection on the defense not really having much to do for most of the game than anything else.

Van de Donk was good but not great. It's one of those situations where she played well, could have played better, but was still a good performance. The scuffle at the end which resulted in not one, not two, but three Lyon players having to intervene did make me laugh a little, especially because the audio picked up Bompastor going "Daan Daan Daan DAAN" as soon as van de Donk got up from the foul. Van de Donk is similar to Lyon in that she plays better when she is a little pissed off. Again, not her best performance ever, but she was good, it must be said.

So it was a good win, a good performance. Have they played better? Sure. But they've played worse, especially the horror show that was last week, so it's nice to see Lyon looking like themselves again before the trip to Benfica next week. Bompastor said in the postgame that she's been following Benfica closely, so we'll see that actually translates to the field or not.

[summerlycoris]

Is it really a birthday party if you wake up in a hospital?

Chapter 7- Are you waiting for a moment to leave?

Previous chapter- tumblr link

Current chapter- Ao3 link

Chapters in chronological order- tumblr link

There's mentions of suicide in this chapter. Nothing major, but if you want to skip it, start at 'His eyes were wide.' And finish at 'He didn't seem to know what to say, either.'

Turns out, what Mom had left to talk about, was whether Cassie should get a therapist to talk to about everything. That's why the physio had packed it in early- so Mom could go to see Cassie's case manager about this.

Cassie found this out when Mom took her into a little office a few days later, to introduce a ‘lovely lady’ to Cassie.

And Cassie was sure she was lovely. She looked lovely- except for the bags under her eyes- with her bright green eyes, short hazelnut hair, and sun-damaged face. But Cassie couldn't talk to her. Not about any of the stuff that was really bothering her.

Cassie pasted a smile on her face, and lied through her teeth- "Hello, I'm Cassie. It's nice to meet you."

The lady smiled, and introduced herself back. "Hello, I'm Ms Tyrian. It's a pleasure to meet you."

“Ms Tyrian…” Cassie had to fight not to giggle. “That's an interesting name.”

She’d seen that color, while looking through fabric swatches in the past. Technically purple- but it was really more of a red color.

Mom didn’t understand, but still seemed disproving. “Cassie?”

Meanwhile, Ms Tyrian seemed to take it in stride. “Yes, I know. It’s probably not the best color name for a therapist. Especially one who works in Hurricane sometimes- luckily, most people don’t put two and two together- no relation to the purple guy, trust me.”

“Although…” she grinned conspiratorially. “I won't lie- I respect his ability to keep kids quiet, when mine are bouncing off the walls.”

Now Cassie really couldn’t fight off her laughter. While Mom shook her head. “Too soon, Sophie…”

“Marcela, it’s been fifty years. And I’m not talking about the real missing kids anyway.”

Okay, maybe this won't be so bad. Cassie thought.

"Anyway, jokes aside. This meeting is mostly to, well, meet you today. If you've got anything on your mind, you can ask me about it, as well." She turned to Mom. "Marcela, did you want to step out for a bit and have a coffee? It'll be good for Cassie to have some privacy here."

"Oh, of course." Mom came up, and gave Cassie a quick hug. "I'll see you soon, okay." Then she was gone. And it was just Ms Tyrian and Cassie.

This room was set up with two lounge chairs that were set up like the chairs on talk shows. They were at a ninety degree turn from each other. There was a coffee table, with a cute plant on top in between the chairs. They looked comfy- but Cassie was in her own chair and couldn't transfer by herself yet. Instead of sitting near Ms Lavender, like intended, Cassie sat facing her head on. It felt odd, like she was being studied.

Ms Tyrian seemed content to just lean on the armrest of her chair, and fiddle with her cropped hair. All the while, watching Cassie. Cassie wasn't sure how this was supposed to work- was she supposed to speak first, or the counselor?

Ms Tyrian answered that question herself, by asking Cassie a question. "I'm guessing you like those games, what were they called? Freddyworld?"

"Oh no, they have a different name. I've never played them- but my dad did! He said they had a 'morbid sense of humor.' He'd let me watch him play them. My favorite was Sister Location. It, um, it wasn't my dad's favorite." She could remember her dad screaming at the screen, after the twentieth time failing Ennard Night. But Cassie had loved Circus Baby. She was so red, and cool, and cute. Circus Baby had been her favorite, before Roxy was introduced.

Ms Tyrian continued. "Your dad. I heard about what happened to him. It must've been difficult for you."

…and now they were getting into uncomfortable territory. Cassie did not want to deal with this today.

"Could we talk about something else, please." Cassie said.

Ms Tyrian seemed to get the hint. "Well, in that case, I have a question for you- do you have any goals you would like to achieve while here?"

Cassie really didn't know. "Um, mostly getting Mom off my back? I don't know… This wasn't exactly my choice." Cassie whispered that last sentence. But Ms Tyrian had heard it.

"I guess your Mom is a little worried about you. How have you been feeling, recently?"

I thought this session was ‘mainly to meet’ me?

Cassie was tempted to roll her eyes. "I've been feeling great, never better."

Ms Tyrian looked at her strangely, tilting her head. "Well, that's good news! Though, I heard you had a visitor a few days ago. An old friend of yours?"

Cassie couldn't keep looking at her. "Yeah, I did. There isn't much to say- Mom's already given you a crash course on this?"

"She did tell me that you had a best friend named Gregory, and that he'd gone missing over a year ago. Is that correct?"

"Yes. That's correct." She didn't want to talk about this. She really didn't want to talk about this. She could feel herself clenching her skirt in her hands, messing up the red sequins and turning them blue.

Ms Tyrian sat in silence for a bit, to see if Cassie would continue. When Cassie didn't, she asked a question- "What's your favorite memory with him?"

"My favorite- huh?" This threw a curveball for Cassie. She thought the next question would be something like ‘Do you really think he was here?’ Or ‘were you just so lonely, you were imagining him?’

(I'm not crazy I'm not crazy.)

"Um. I guess my favorite memory was just... His Mom was often busy, and his Dad couldn't take care of him at home anymore. He'd gotten too sick. Gregory would sometimes stay at my house.

"One day, my Dad took us all out to Sand Hollow State Park, for a weekend camping trip. Me and Gregory got to go to Jumping Rock for a swim. I was scared to dive in- I'm not good with heights… but he held my hand as we cannonballed into the lake. We all got to go fishing together- I didn't catch anything, but we had fun- we got to cook marshmallows on the campfire, tell spooky stories with Dad and Andy… it was really nice."

Cassie smoothed out the sequins in her skirt, turning them back to red. "It's not much, but I like it." She fought to keep her voice level.

Everything was silent, as Cassie kicked her legs and looked at the floor.

"That was a really nice story, Cassie. He must've been really special to you."

Cassie nodded. And no one said a word.

Until they did.

"Did you… want to talk about how you felt when he went missing?"

Cassie shook her head. She wanted out. Now.

But she didn't want to go back to bed, just to lie there thinking. She didn't want to go for a walk with Mom, who would ask her about everything. She wanted to just. Play, or draw, or do something.

"Could you take me to the playroom please? I don't want to talk anymore." Cassie asked.

Ms Tyrian thought about it. "We've only been here for about ten minutes. I can take you there, but I'll need to let your Mom know where you're going first."

She got out of her lounge chair, and went to go find Cassie's mom.

________

The playroom was nice.

It was colorful. It had toys. It had coloring sheets and drawing supplies on a table in the middle of the room. It had a tv set up against the far wall, with a couch (with a plastic cover on it) and an old video game console. Two boys were playing a racing game, and occasionally trash talking each other. A few girls were in a group, chatting. Two smaller kids were playing with dolls on the floor.

Cassie had come here a few times previously. But mostly played by herself. All the other kids seemed to already have friends.

Cassie was at the table, trying to draw something cool. She wasn't very good at drawing. She'd never been good at it. But she was determined to draw something cool. Like a motorbike with flowers all over it. The kind of bike she'd like as an adult.

But it turns out drawing a motorbike is really difficult. Especially when you don't know how. She gave up, scrunching up her attempt, and just stuck with the flowers. Anyone can draw flowers- just four petals around a circle.

She could hear Ms Tyrian and her Mom talking near the entrance. It was distracting.

She'd already heard that she would be having another session with Ms Tyrian when she got home from Salt Lake City.

Her flower only had three petals. Warped and misshapen. She scrunched up that paper too, with a frustrated growl.

Her right leg kicked under the table. Her left one just twitched and hurt.

She needed a different plan. She could color in but none of the coloring sheets looked cool enough.

Then Cassie had an idea- she could draw Roxy.

Could I?

She could! She remembered Roxy's face like the face of her hand. And she'd drawn Roxy okay in the past- or at least her head.

First, she started with big eyes, and beautiful, long eyelashes. All the better to put eyeliner on. She drew a snout underneath, making sure to add Roxys lipstick in the correct color. (She wouldn't be caught dead wearing orange! It needs to be purple!) Cassie added in Roxy's ears. And drew in her mane of hair, making sure to add the green forelock in, well, green. Afterwards, she drew in the face around her features. Then polished the picture off by adding in the stripes.

It… it wasn't perfect. Cassie had made a mistake with Roxy's snout and hair, and there was no eraser to fix it. Her face was also wonky, it had a Picasso-esque quality to it. Except this would be lucky to get fifty cents if I sold it!

Still, it looked like Roxy. Cassie was proud of her work.

"That's a really cool drawing." A boy's voice came from just beside her. Cassie nearby jumped out of her chair- she'd been so focused on drawing, she hadn't heard anyone approach.

She collected herself, and turned her face to the boy. He was also in a wheelchair, but his was not one of the hospital ones. It was dark green, and looked like it had two metal wheels on the left-hand side. Probably just to look cooler? He could move around by himself. She wasn't jealous at all.

He'd pulled up to the table, and grabbed a sheet of paper to draw on.

One of his arms- the right one- didn't seem to work right, it was bent up towards his chest, and didn't look like it could move much. He had curly black hair, brown skin, and dark brown eyes that looked like they were sparkling with joy.

Cassie broke her gaze, telling herself off for staring. And for not introducing herself. "Umm, thank you. My name is Cassie, what's your name?"

The boy looked up from his drawing. He'd drawn some stars over the paper, and what looked like a big, wonky snout drawn in green pencil in the middle. "Hello, I'm Lawrence. It's nice to meet you."

Cassie needed to pay attention when Lawrence spoke- she'd nearly missed his name, because he spoke kind of quickly, "it's nice to meet you too." A few seconds passed, as he continued drawing.

Cassie had some conflicting thoughts going through her head. On one hand, she could make a new friend. On the other, Lawrence could be like most of the other kids on the ward- gone tomorrow. Just recovering from sedation used in planned surgery, then going home the next day.

One day is hardly enough time to know anyone. "Hey, um, Lawrence? How long are you gonna be here for? I'm stuck here for another 10 days." She hoped her question wasn't too weird.

He looked up at her. "I've got about… a week here? I think? That's what Mom said. They had to fix up my leg, and want to keep me here to see if it worked."

"... Did it work?" She felt silly immediately after asking that question.

"Hopefully!" He said with a big grin. "Wanna see what they did?"

"Um, yeah. Okay." If this was surgery, he would probably be showing off a scar on his leg.

He wheeled backwards with his left arm, and spun towards her. Cassie pushed against the table to go back a bit. She couldn't turn well, so he pushed one side of her chair backwards, so she was facing him.

"Look at this!" He pulled up the leg of his shorts a bit, so Cassie could see the start of a big plaster on his upper thigh. "That's where the place they cut me open is." His right leg was held out straight, with the footrest extended.

"You broke your femur too? I've got a scar there, as well. From when they had to put a nail into the bone to hold it in place."

He scrunched his face up. "Kinda? I guess it's broken now? It hadn't been broken before the surgery."

Now Cassie felt bad. "... Did something go wrong?" She couldn't imagine how badly surgery must have gone, for a bone to get broken during it.

"Oh no, they needed to break it." He pointed to his right knee. It had a brace around it. His left knee looked slightly bent inwards. "My knee was facing the wrong way. It was getting really hard to walk. So they cut the thigh-bone" he indicated this with a chopping motion of his hand. " and straightened it. Then they put a plate in to keep it straight."

Cassie nodded. "Then, why didn't they fix this leg too." She pointed to his left leg.

"It's getting better by itself. It used to be worse on that side." He pointed to the left. "But the other leg-" he pointed back to his right leg now. "wasn't getting better- it was really bent. Here's where my toes used to be." He indicated it, by tilting his hand so that his fingers pointed inwards.

"What about your cuts?" He asked. "You said you have one too- do you still have a plaster?"

Cassie leaned away. "I can't show you mine! It's too high up- and I'm wearing leggings." Then she thought a bit more. "Actually, hold on. I've got one near my knee. Wanna see it?"

He nodded.

Cassie could hear an ‘a-hem’ noise from Mom. She turned, and both her and Ms Tyrian were looking at her.

Well, that's embarrassing. "We're just comparing scars, Mom! It's nothing weird!" Mom just tilted her head in response. Cassie turned away and rolled her eyes.

She needed to pull off her left moon boot, first. Then she rolled up the legging on that side carefully. Her leg still hurt, though. She grit her teeth, and got it over her knee. "There it is. I have one on my hip, and one here." She said, pointing out the areas. He leaned in close to see her knee scar. It looked faded, but still visible- they'd taken the stitches out while she was still in PICU. "They had to put a nail through my tibia- that's one of the big bones in the lower leg." She felt smart for knowing this- and thankful she'd read the pamphlets a few weeks ago.

"Wow, mine's gonna look like that? Once the plaster's off?"

"Um, probably? They may have to take the stitches out, first." She rolled her legging back down, and strapped up her moon boot again.

He nodded, and asked. "What happened to you? I got surgery because my knee was bent. But what about you?"

Cassie sucked in a sharp breath, as she tried to figure out what to say here. Keeping it simple was probably the best solution. "I fell from a high place. Broke both my legs- one worse than the other- one of my wrists" She held up her left wrist. It was still in a brace, so she probably didn't need to, but… "and I broke my back. I can still move my legs… kind of. But I can't walk yet."

His eyes were wide. He looked around, then leaned in close and whispered. "Did you… did you jump? My brother did…"

Cassies face would've gone white, if it could. "No no no- I fell. I would never- ummm." How do you answer a question like that? "I was in an elevator. A really old one. The wires snapped, and it fell."

He didn't seem to know what to say, either. "We-were you okay? Afterwards?"

Cassie saw the perfect opportunity to lighten the mood. "Nope- I died! You're actually talking to my ghost right now. Bet you didn't know you had the sixth sense before this moment, huh Lawrence?"

He looked at her with confusion and horror for a moment, until she couldn't keep her face straight, and burst into a cheeky grin. Then he shoved her shoulder- "Don't scare me like that!"

They both burst out laughing.

It took a while for them to calm down, and it took a bit for Lawrence to say something. "I like your skirt. It keeps catching the light."

Cassie grinned, and said "Thank you. It's got sequins all over it- red on top, blue underneath. If they're ruffled, the skirt changes color."

She ruffled it up, to showcase this, getting a "Wow, wish I had a shirt like that." Out of Lawrence. She felt proud of this skirt- she'd sewn it over the summer break, using sequin fabric. it wasn't the… easiest to coordinate with other clothes. And she knew that Mom wouldn't let her wear it to school- it was delicate, and distracting.

But when she pulled it off, she pulled it off.

"Thank you! I'd do a twirl, but I'd definitely fall over right now." She looked at his drawing, back on the table. "I like your drawing so far- is it Monty?"

"Yeah!" He looked really happy that she knew about it. "How did you know? I just started it."

"You were using green. And the snout is kinda wonky, like Monty's is in the cartoon."

"You like the cartoon too- who's your favorite character?" He asked. He was sitting on the edge of his seat in excitement. Honestly? Cassie was feeling the same way- it wasn't often she found someone else who liked any of the Freddys cartoons.

Cassie held up her Roxy drawing. He nodded. "Who's your favorite?"

"Mine's Monty!" He said, tapping his in-progress Monty drawing.

How can Monty be anyone's favorite? She thought. "Oh- what's your favorite episode?" She asked.

"I like all of them- but the best was the one where they all went to the beach, and Monty was teaching Bonnie how to surf. It looked like so much fun! What about yours?"

"My favorite one was 'The Big Race.' When Roxy was introduced. She had this snazzy racecar, and Foxy took everyone to the raceway to cheer her on… it was so cool!"

They continued gushing about the show for what felt like ages to Cassie. They talked about when Mangle was reintroduced, about the differences in the Portuguese dub and the English original, about the Easter special that only aired once, and was now only aired in Europe and South America. (They'd made a joke that people thought was referring to nine/eleven. FazEnt had to make an… interesting apology after that snafu.), about how the writing changed after they fired all the creative and got an AI to write the episodes…

("Ugh! They really screwed up the characterisation! Especially Chica's- making Chica into a health nut."

("Chica? Really?"

("Yeah! They only did it so that they could advertise Mazer-cise. You should have seen the arguments on the forum about it…")

But this conversation came to an end when Mom came to grab Cassie- "Cassie, we've got to get going now. You've been up for nearly an hour."

She looked between Mom, and Lawrence. Then back to Mom. "Do I have to go?" She whined.

Mom nodded. "You can't sit up too long- or you might hurt yourself. Cassie couldn't help but slump- I'm not a baby. But it's hard not to feel like one, when I'm constantly being put down to rest.

Lawrence helped make the situation a bit better, by saying. "How about I see you again tomorrow? We can keep talking about that Christmas special then!"

She perked up a bit. "Yeah, that'd be great. I'll see you then."

They waved to each other, as Cassie was wheeled away, back to her bed. But at least now she had something to look forward to- seeing her new friend again.

________

The next few days were quite fun.

Sure, she'd had to spend time doing her physio exercises, laying in bed, and waiting for glowing orange eyes to appear next to her while she's asleep…

But she also spent time with Lawrence. And that was enough to make up for all the other, bad things.

Scream-cryer had been discharged yesterday, so Cassie had an uninterrupted sleep last night. She also got to meet Curly for real- turns out her name was Alison. Alison had hung out with Lawrence and her for a bit two days ago. She'd also been discharged yesterday as well, which sucked. But at least they'd got to meet. She'd also been a fan of the Freddy’s cartoon, and they'd all swapped handles to the Fazfans forum. Cassie had also swapped phone numbers with Lawrence that day.

Right now, Cassie was in the cafe with Andy and Mom.

Andy had just gotten out of ‘being grounded’ (Having her fake ID confiscated and destroyed, and having her dad told what she'd been up to.) She still looked a little salty about it.

Cassie had learnt from last time, and ordered a grape soda. Andy had a milkshake, (‘Had’- she'd drank it all within ten seconds, and then got a bad case of brain freeze.) and Mom had her usual coffee.

The TV on the wall was, as usual, on the local news station. Cassie had asked them last time if they could swap to cartoons. But they didn't have cable here.

"I've been talking to your case manager last night- they'll probably be in to talk to you later- they said you've been doing a good job with your exercises, and they've confirmed you will be attending that clinic in Salt Lake City. They think you'll be able to go there in about a week, if you keep up the good work." Mom said, talking to Cassie.

Cassie grinned at that- she had been putting in a lot of effort into her physical therapy, and was glad she was getting results now. They'd even asked her yesterday to sit on the edge of her bed, and put some weight through her legs. ("This'll help strengthen the bones, while they're healing. If you do this, it'll help prepare you for weight-bearing when you go to rehab.")

"Lucky you, getting to skip out on school for another month." Andy said. Cassie stuck her tongue out at her while Mom was looking at the TV. Andy flipped her off in return.

"You say that as if you're not also skipping school- when are you going back to college?" Cassie asked.

Andy lay her head in her hands, and leaned on the table. "Tomorrow, actually. I'll be flying back for a bit, sorting out some things-" She got cut off when Mom shushed her, and pointed to the TV.

They both turned to look.

On the screen was a newscaster, standing outside the Mega Pizzaplex. In the corner was a girl's old school photo.

She had red hair, tied up with pale pink ribbons, tanned skin, and a smattering of freckles.

It was a picture of Janet Faraday.

Cassie knew, because they'd all had school photos done last year. For the yearbook- it was their last year of Intermediate school.

Her mouth went dry, and she couldn't take a breath. She didn't need to hear what they were going to say about Janet. It was already clear.

"Late last night, police found the remains of a local middle-schooler, Janet Faraday, age twelve, at the abandoned Mega Pizzaplex."

She didn't want to hear the rest. She looked at Andy. Andy's eyes were wide open, like a deer in the headlights. Cassie was sure her eyes were the same.

Instead of looking at the TV, or Mom. Cassie looked at the table and sipped her grape soda.

She didn't know what to say. Or what to think. She tried to block out everything, but still caught snippets.

"Potential copycat killer" "No known motive" "hacked communications through an old fan forum" "anonymous report a week ago" "police are investigating."

"Hey, Mom? I might head back home." Andy said, pushing back against the table.

Mom turned to Andy- "Wait, why? It's your last day here."

"Feeling kinda sick. I guess lactose intolerance, a big milkshake, and child murder don't make for a happy stomach. Cassie, I'll see you again soon." She said as she walked away.

"Andromeda, please-" but Mom's plea fell on deaf ears. Andy was gone, before Cassie could even wave goodbye.

Mom stared after her. "If she keeps behaving like this, people will think…" She whispered, then shook her head. "Cassie, do you want to have your drink elsewhere? There's that garden, it's quite quiet there."

Cassie started. She hadn't expected to be addressed suddenly. Her mind was miles away. "Yeah, that'd be great."

________

In the garden were a variety of plants. Most of them, Cassie didn't know the names of. Though she spotted a lone plumeria tree in a pot on wheels. They'd have to bring it back inside by December, before the weather got too cold. There were also some pink and white flowering hibiscus along the fence. They looked beautiful, but Cassies wished some of them were red.

Mom wheeled her over to a quiet place, near the hibiscus. There were some wooden benches there. Mom took a seat on one.

She looked really uncomfortable, smoothing out her pants legs.

"Cassie. You're going to have to be very careful." Mom said, worry lines running through her forehead. She looked older than she was.

Cassie nodded. She knew that- she would never fall for that trick again, that's for sure…

Mom sighed. "You don't understand. When you come home, I can't let you use the computer without supervision." She pursed her lips. "I'm not sure what to do about your phone…"

This surprised Cassie. "What? You're going to take away my phone? And the computer? How am I going to talk to Lawrence when I leave here? Haven't I been punished enough?"

"It's not about punishing you! Didn't you see the news report? They tricked that little girl through messages, like you. But they've also tried copying people's voices digitally, and leaving voice-mails telling people to meet them."

Cassie was dumbstruck. It's really moving quickly…

"... it was a miracle that the little boy's dad was home, and heard his own doppelganger trying to lure his son first…" Mom clenched her pants legs with her fingers. Cassie couldn't help but fidget, too.

"I just… I don't know what to do. I can't let them trick you again. But what's to say they won't turn up at our house to target you there? Should we go into witness protection? Would taking your phone even work? Or would it make it more likely you'll get stuck somewhere, unable to call for help…"

Again.

They sat in silence for a bit. Cassie bit the inside of her cheek.

"Mom, I… I think if it was after me, it would've… already found me."

She didn't want to think about what would've happened if it had "found her." But she kind of had to, now.

"It's not like hospital records can't be hacked. I've been here for weeks now. If it really wanted me dead, it would've just hacked their way into being considered my parent. Then came in while I was on the ventilator, and disconnected it."

Heck, It could've pulled out the ECMO tubes, and watched me slowly bleed to death…

Mom sobbed, burying her face in her hands. Cassie regretted saying anything. She wasn't physically close enough to grab Mom's hand, or give her a hug. She just whispered out "I'm sorry."

Mom let out a few more hiccupy sobs, then wiped her eyes and said "God, I feel so useless." She sniffled, eyes looking red.

They sat in an awkward silence for a while. Cassie wasn't emotionally close enough to her Mom, to know how to make her feel better. She just felt bad.

She sipped on her nearly forgotten soda.

Eventually, Mom stopped sniffling. "Well, you'll need a phone for Salt Lake City. So I can call you. Just… don't believe me if I say something like 'I'll meet you downtown', will you? If I come visit, I'll come meet you at the rehab center."

Cassie nodded frantically, and Mom stood up. She just looked miserable. It made Cassie feel miserable to see her like this.

But she didn't know what to say.

"I'll keep thinking about what I can do while you're away." Mom said. She grabbed Cassie and started wheeling her back inside. "I'm sorry for unloading all that on you."

"No- Mom. It's okay. Don't worry. I get why you're scared."

Cassie left her half finished drink in the cafe. Honestly? She didn't want it anymore.

Then Mom took her back to her room.

________

It was a day later. Cassie had been doing more work with the physio. More strength building. More working on her legs.

She'd gotten better at using her right leg again- she still needed the Moon Boot, and couldn't walk. But now she could put more weight onto her right leg without risking hurting it- as certified by a weight-bearing x-ray.

Her left leg was still useless. Slightly less useless, but still useless. In theory, she should be able to put weight on it- the bones should be healed enough. But she couldn't do the weight-bearing x-ray with it. Because it had buckled and nearly sent her to the floor, gasping in pain.

The physio was working on her left leg- moving it up and down with their hands, while Cassie sat on the edge of the bed, and kicked out the other leg. Mostly to have something to do.

She wasn't sure what she could do.

About that monster, anyway.

She'd talked to Andy about it over the phone last night, brainstorming different ideas on how to be safe in a post monster-escape world.

They'd come up with a few suggestions.

If it's an unknown number, it's not your friend calling.

If they ask you to a weird location, ask if you can bring an adult or a different friend. If they get weird about it, reconsider going.

Ask them something only you and them should know the answer to. If they can't answer or redirect, hang up.

Ask for a selfie. Check the dates if they send it, to make sure it's current. If they don't send one… you know the drill.

The main benefit Andy and Cassie had was that they knew what this thing looked like, and some of how it worked. It mimics people to lure them in. Then it kills them.

Other people- staff at the hospital, Mom, other parents and kids, had no idea how it worked. Only that someone was trying (and succeeding) to kill kids, was able to hack, and could maybe mimic voices? People were speculating it to be the same copycat as the recent bout of missing children- but that had stopped six months ago, with six total missing. Around the same time of that earthquake. Cassie and Andy were fairly certain this monster wasn't behind those missing kids.

("Gregory said it'd been down there for 'a really long time', and it'd been stuck behind concrete before I let it out. If it had managed to lure other kids down, it would've already been free, right?"

("Eh, maybe? They could've all got mangled by Monty before reaching the sinkhole. You said it yourself- you nearly died six ways from Sunday."

(Cassie had hummed into the phone, thinking. "I remember seeing video footage, while wearing the V.A.N.N.I mask, of a lady wearing my mask and chasing Gregory. He was one of those missing kids. Maybe she's the one that did it?")

They'd had no solid proof though. That conversation got them nowhere.

Her phone vibrated in her skorts pocket, just after she had finished up her usual weight-bearing exercise. It was too early in the day for it to be Andy- she should still be on her flight.

"Is it okay if I answer this?" The physio nodded yes, and Cassie checked if it was an unknown number. It came up with Lawrence's name. Thank goodness.

"Hey Lawrence, how are you?"

"Uhh, yeah. I'm good." He doesn't sound good. "Hey, Cassie. Did you want to meet in the garden for a bit? I just need to talk to you. In person."

This raised a bit of suspicion. "How about you come meet me here? I can't travel as easily as you can, and I'm supposed to lay down for a bit, anyway."

"Okay, but… where is 'here'?"

It took a second for Cassie to understand him. Oh, I've been to visit him once in the boys ward with Mom, and have seen him in the playroom. But I've never seen him in the girls ward.

"I'm in the girls ward. It's just two doors down to the right from the boys ward. Look for the pink butterfly on the door. If you see the operating room, you've gone too far."

"Okay, I'll see you in a few minutes, Cassie." Then he hung up. She apologized to her physio, for holding her up, then took off her back brace for a bit. She really only needed it when she was sitting, or moving. Or walking, but I can't do that yet.

The physio left, and Cassie kept her eyes peeled on the windows. They were a little tall- so she'd only be able to see the top of Lawrence's curly hair as he wheeled by them. If he looked like he'd miss the door, she'd yell out to him.

Soon, she could hear the familiar squeaking of his wheels, and see the top of his hair through the window. He didn't miss the door- coming through and spotting Cassie on her bed. She was just glad it was him.

He grinned when he saw her, and came over. She waved back, but felt a little… silly? Lazy? I should be sitting up for this.

"Hello Lawrence, sorry for being rude- I'm not supposed to sit up for a bit. Just got done with physio-stuff."

He shook his head. "That's not rude- I'll come up and join you."

Cassie quickly looked to the nurses station. It was between the girls ward, and the boys ward, and had windows facing into both wards (though, Cassie had never been able to look from the girls ward through to the boys ward- the nurses station was set up in a way where that wasn't possible.) All the nurses inside were chatting, or focused elsewhere. Still…

"I think if you do that, the nurses will get the wrong idea." She said.

He tilted his head. "What idea?"

Oh no, his parents haven't given him the talk yet?

"Umm, well, you see…" How should she word this? "Only moms and dads lay in bed next to each other." Saved it. She didn't want any weird rumors of them floating around. She didn't want to deal with Mom's sideways glances, or Andy's ribbing about it, either. She had to deal with enough of that when she and Gregory were friends.

He blinked a few times, and Cassie got really worried he'd ask something like "why?"

Instead he said. "The beds are too small for that- I meant, I'll sit at your feet. Hang on."

He pushed down the bed rail on his side, to get more room. Then stood up on his left leg, and used his left arm to pull himself onto the bed. He doesn't need a transfer board? Lucky… He then dragged up his right leg, so it could sit flat on the bed, with his left leg crossed beside it. "Ta-da! These beds are longer than they are wide, and you're short, so there's plenty of room."

"I'm not short!" She cried.

"Yes you are- you're shorter than I am." He replied.

She pouted for a bit, before saying. "Well, that's just because you're so tall!" Checkmate.

Lawrence tilted his head. "Am I?" Then thought for a bit, putting a finger under his chin. "Do you think if I jumped up, could I touch the ceiling?"

That got Cassie's brain turning too. She looked up at the ceiling, and tried to figure this out. "Hmmm, I don't know about the ceiling, but you could probably touch the top of the doorframe?"

He hummed as well. "I might try that…" then he remembered something, and his face fell. Cassie remembered how he'd sounded over the phone.

"Hey Lawrence, are you okay? You seemed really sad over the phone." She asked, keeping her voice low. Most people were out of the ward right now- only having someone down the other end playing on their phone- but it was still good to keep this private.

His eyes went wide, like a deer in the headlights. "It's just. Umm. You know the forum? One of the admins posted about a murder." Cassies face fell, too. "It was Janet. Do you remember her from school?"

Cassie remembered her.

They'd never really been ‘friends’, as much as ‘acquaintances.’ Janet and Setia had been best friends since forever- and they weren't looking for a third wheel. They didn't hang out with Cassie after school, unless they were working together on a group project. And that was different to hanging out as friends. Cassie had invited her to her birthday party last year. But Janet had been honest about not being able to go- she'd been signed up for summer camp, and it'd be running at the same time. Janet only got back from her camp the day before school started. Cassie's birthday was a week before then. So she'd never held a grudge against Janet.

They'd worked together frequently during Intermediate school, on group projects. Cassie, Janet, and Setia made a good team. No one would slack off, and they'd usually get an A on their work. Especially in drama class. When they performed an (admittedly pirated) version of Jack+Jill. It got featured in the school newsletter as an example of going 'above and beyond.' Cassie had done backstage work for that performance- making sure the music they'd made played at the right time, making the costumes. (They could have just used their regular clothes. But Cassie wanted their outfits to be special.) and helping the group paint the backdrop prior to the performance. While Janet played Jack, and Setia played Jill.

"Yeah, I knew Janet. We were in a lot of the same classes. What about you?" She'd never seen Lawrence in her classes before, but he lived in Hurricane and they were in the same grade, so he must have attended her intermediate school.

He looked a bit… embarrassed. "I… mostly had different classes than you guys do. But I know Janet from Band practice. She was amazing with the saxophone. She liked jazz music, and probably could've been part of a big, pro band after school… She was nice to me."

He fidgeted with his hair, twirling a loose coil around his finger. "I heard from one of her friends, they said she'd run away, to go to New York. So that she could chase her acting ambitions. Then later, on the news, they got a tipoff about a girl at the Pizzaplex. The police didn't believe it at first, a lady talking about a killer robot that chased her- but when they ran out of things to check, they checked there…"

They sat in heavy silence for a bit.

"What happened to her, that was nearly what happened to you too, right?" He asked. It was a rude surprise- Cassie had not told him about going to the Pizzaplex.

"How did you know?" She whispered. Her face hadn't been in the news, when discussing her case. Nobody should know yet.

He backed up a bit. "I didn't know- my Mom thought it was you, in the news. They'd talked about a different young girl getting lured in by her 'friend', falling and getting really hurt in the Pizzaplex. She would've been the same age as you, so it was probably you."

Her shoulders slumped. Great. So everyone's gonna know I was the silly girl who nearly killed herself at the Pizzaplex…

"... Yeah, that was me."

He didn't look at her, just down into his hand. "Did you see Janet there? That night?" He asked in a whisper. Cassie could hear the unasked question behind it- what happened to her?

Cassie hesitated before answering. Lawrence and her were friends, she hoped. But they'd only known each other for a few days. Would he run away screaming, and never talk to her again, if she told him what happened?

"Cassie." She looked up at him. He was now looking at her eyes. "Please tell me. I'm not stupid."

So she did. She told him about what happened to her, in low whispers. And told him that Andy had found Janet's body, and reported it to the police. She didn't need to tell him the details. No one needed to know that.

He couldn't look at her. She couldn't look at him. She could hear him sniffling.

"I can't believe it… just can't believe it…" he sobbed out, wiping tears from his eyes.

Cassie's heart broke, hearing him like this. He was usually so bubbly, bringing comfort to anyone who needed a friendly ear. But now he needed comfort.

She pushed herself up, so she was sitting. It was still hard to do by herself- part of the muscles she needed had been paralyzed, the rest were weak. But she did it anyway. She reached over to him, and put her hand on his shoulder.

He didn't say anything, just scooted closer to her. She wrapped her arms around him and gave him a hug, which he returned. She could hear him quietly sobbing against her ear.

They stayed like that for a while, until Lawrence's alarm went off, and he had to go back to his dorm.

________

It was two days later, and things were still a little awkward. Mainly, because they hadn't talked about it. She and Lawrence had been texting each other. But not about that day, and not about Janet.

It was Lawrence's last day in hospital. And Cassie would be going to Salt Lake City in three days. So, if they wanted to talk in person and clear the air, they needed to do it today.

Cassie had already made some plans- texting Lawrence, asking if he'd meet her in the garden. Asking Mom if she could take her to the garden, and leave her there for a bit. Mom had raised an eyebrow at this request, but had said she'd do it.

So now Cassie was waiting, in the garden. Near the benches at the Hibiscus trees. The plumeria tree sat nearby, waving in the breeze.

She'd had a lot of time to think- soon, it'd be time to act. She could hear Lawrence's wheels crunching over some lost leaves.

"Hey Lawrence." She said, waving to him. He pulled up nearby, and waved back. Which was kinda useless at that point- they were within arms distance.

Even though she'd been thinking things through, worrying about it for ages, the words still stuck in her mouth. "Umm. I'm sorry. For Janet. If I hadn't let it out, it couldn't have…" the last bit got caught in her throat. "I can understand if you don't want to be friends anymore."

He looked at her as if she was talking nonsense. "Why are you sorry? You're not the one who did it- that weird robot thing did."

"But I let it out-"

"If you hadn't, it would've just got Janet to do it. You know that, right? It would've kept fishing for people until someone ate the bait." He crossed his arms, as best he could.

The weight in her chest lifted slightly. "... I guess so."

"And I still want to be friends. Hannah and Chris don't like hearing me talk forever about cartoons. But you listen- and talk back about them. And we go to the same school- once you're back, it'll be great."

She smiled slightly, and said. "It'll be great to see you again too- I wonder if I'll have any classes with you this year? You could do really well in art class."

"Maybe? I have the same art class as normal kids. We might be in the same one? And you might be in my PE class now."

Cassie hadn't thought about it- but she couldn't see herself doing PE. Not like this, anyway. "Maybe, I don't think I'll do well with dodgeball this year. What is your PE class like?"

"It's only a small class- there's seven of us in it so far. Split between grade eight and nine."

Her eyes went wide. "That is a small class. How'd that happen?"

He looked a little embarrassed. "Um, it's because I can't walk good. I nearly broke my hip doing PE in Elementary school. The teacher asked me to run cross-country. Mom got really mad, and now they keep me in a different class."

"Oh, that makes sense." She said. She wanted to lighten the mood again. "Well, if you don't have to do cross-country in that class- I'm in!" She'd always tried to play sick on cross-country days in the past.

He laughed slightly. "I only got to be in middle school for a few weeks before surgery. You haven't even been this year, huh?"

"No, not yet. I've heard it's supposed to be hell. But it can't be that different from intermediate school, right?"

"No, most kids are just the same kids they were last year. If you liked them, you'll like them. If you didn't, you won't."

Cassie nodded. Well, maybe middle school wouldn't be that great for her…

"... Even if we're not in the same classes, we should still be able to hang out at lunch, hopefully. We're in the same grade." She fidgeted awkwardly. "I'm gonna miss you. When I'm away. It's gonna be so weird being up in Salt Lake City by myself…" because she would be by herself- Mom would have work. Andy has college. And Lawrence lives down here. She wasn't a baby- she wouldn't be homesick or anything- but she would be lonely.

Lawrence came up, a bit closer. "I'll miss you too. But you'll see cool things up there- there's the Zoo! If you go there, you might see a real alligator!" He had a huge grin on his face.

"If I go and see any alligators, I'll send you a photo of them, okay." He nodded at that. Cassie could hear the sound of footsteps over the lost leaves on the floor, before she saw who was coming. It was a lady, with brown skin and straight black hair, walking over to them. This has to be Lawrence's mom.

Cassie pointed her out to him, and he turned to face her. "Hey Mom, is it that time already?"

She nodded, and asked. "Is this your little friend you've been telling me about?" She seemed to smile with her eyes. Which fitted exactly how Lawrence had described his Mom- a warm, bubbly person.

Lawrence nodded, and Cassie introduced herself. "Hello Mrs Smith. I'm Cassie."

"It's nice to meet you Cassie, I got talking to your Mom just inside."

Her eyes went wide. "She didn't say anything weird about me, did she?" Mom was full of embarrassing stories that she loved to bring out when talking to other parents.

"Well, she did tell me a story about how you used to draw yourself with a pink pencil." She said. Cassie groaned and covered her face with her hands. "She let me know you two were out here."

"Oh, do I get to go home now, Mom?" Asked Lawrence. Cassie heard nothing. He turned back to Cassie audibly- wheels crunching over leaves. Cassie pulled her hands away from her face. "I'll see you again soon- have a great time up in Salt Lake for me!"

"I will! Have a great time in school!" She said. Then Lawrence followed his Mom out, out of the garden and out of the hospital. Cassie waving behind him.

She wished she could follow him. But her arms weren't long enough to reach her wheels.

She sat there, wondering what it'd be like when she left, until Mom came back out to collect her.

~~~~~~~~

Authors note- this chapter title is also from Frente’s Labour of Love.

[tekeruthechaotictrap]

Quick little note: If you saw this already published. I have no idea what happened, that was incomplete and it resulted in me accidentally losing progress for the chapter. This is me, trying desperately to do this again. (I should really start using like, a word document for this shouldn't I?). Anyways, without further ado:

Lament of a Nobody (chapter 4)

Meeting Viktor Vasko and Dorian "Zib" Zibowski

Ivy and John finished walking towards the bar where there were two men. John focused on the one that was the bartender at first, he was a giant man in shabby clothing, with a permanently angry face and an eyepatch. Clearly, being welcoming and easy to look at wasn't his strong suit.

Turning his attention to the second gentleman, John noticed he was slumped over. Presumably having passed out drunk. He wore crimson trousers and a matching suit vest and hat. The top buttons of his shirt were unbuttoned and all of his clothing was creased and messed up.

Ivy would notice John's eyes on the passed out man and speak.

"That's Zib, we'll get to him later... hopefully when he's already awake. For now, I'm introducing you to Viktor!" Ivy would motion to the bartender drawing John's attention back to him.

"John, this is Viktor. Viktor this is John. He'll be working with us starting today!"

Viktor would look downwards to the Russian Blue, scowl remaining unmoving. There would be silence for a while as both members seemed to stare at each other.

Ivy spoke after a few minutes, "Is no one going to-"

"He is small." Viktor would interrupt Ivy's complaint. He spoke in a deep accented voice, John struggled to identify where it's from. Russian? Perhaps Slovakia? Some area close by to those most likely.

However he wouldn't think it over for long, as this retort caused John to show clear annoyance, his ears flattening against his head and his eyebrows furrowing as he frowned displaying the first genuine emotion he's displayed thus far. Ivy immediately noticed and turned to John.

"Ignore him he's just a grumpy old man! One who doesn't know how to make a good first impression!" Ivy said, clearly attempting to get some reaction out of Viktor. But she recieved nothing, resuming the silence that was there just a few minutes before. Conversation never seemed to be something Viktor was very good at, Ivy knew that for certain. Still she at least hoped he'd try.

"What vill you be doing?" Viktor asked John.

"Of course work is what gets you talking." Ivy would complain, before asking, "Although, I am a bit curious too."

Upon hearing them both ask, John would regain his composure, going back to his emotionless yet polite way of speaking. "Anything really, as long as Mrs. May tells me to. Her wish is my command so to speak."

"Vould you get the drinks?" Viktor asked

"You mean bootlegging?... If Mrs. May asked me to, yes."

"You know how to shoot?" Viktor would continue asking, raising an eyebrow slightly.

"Yes, somewhat. I have never had to shoot a moving target before so, if things get dicey out there I would most likely struggle a bit."

"Still better than spaghetti arms."

At this point slight confusion crossed John's face. "Spaghetti arms?"

Ivy would chuckle "It's what Viktor calls Rocky sometimes."

"Would you all keep it down?" The passed out man spoke up. "Some of us are trying to get rid of a headache."

"Now's not the time Zib! There's a new guy!" Ivy would tell him, causing Zib to lift himself up slightly and turning to the three other people near him.

"A new face huh? That's rare. Who would have guessed Mitzi could bring in strays too."

"Pardon?" John would ask

"Nothing, ignore me kid. Just an old joke around here."

"O....k...." John would outstretch a hand for a handshake. "In that case, my name's John. Pleasure to meet you."

Zib would half-heartedly return the handshake. "Zib. I'm the band's lead."

Ivy would take the opportunity annoy Zib a little. "You mean the band that's currently all drinking doing nothing?" She'd say with a big grin.

"You try performing without an audience."

"Honestly I'm glad you aren't performing," John would state, "I dislike music."

At this point Ivy and Zib would look puzzled.

"That's one you don't hear to often." Zib said

"What?! You don't like music?!" Ivy would yell in surprise.

"Uhm..." John was not expecting such a major reaction. "I mean, honestly everytime I've been hearing music lately I just... haven't been in the best of moods? I'm still willing to give it a shot."

"Well in that case." Ivy would say clearly plotting, "Maybe Zib and the band could perform for you when you are in the mood?"

Zib would pipe up immediately, "Do I have to?"

"Yes, it's happening, I've decided." Ivy would reply. "So, what do you think John?"

"Sure, I suppose."

"Great! Now, I should probably introduce you to the rest of the band!" Ivy would say beginning to drag John yet again.

"In that case, I'll see you two later?" John would say, accepting that he has no choice here. Viktor would barely acknowledge John said anything, while Zib simply raised his hand up in a tired wave.

"I'll start telling you about them as we go along." Ivy would say beginning to point out certain members of the band, "That's Sy, he plays trumpet. That's JJ, he plays the trombone. That over there is Ben, he's on Bass. And last, but not least Mozzie on Piano-"

At the end of pointing out the band something drew Ivy's attention, John looked to where she was staring. He saw a face he recognised as Rocky, alongside a ginger cat with a young face.

"It's Freckle! Let's go!" Ivy would say, swiftly changing directions to the other duo.