#basically i was so anxious i messed up my address in the form and they looked at it and went

[ice-devourer]

a government worker was a little mean and now im sad i hatehate hate being sensitive

[questioningalllifechoices]

i was thinking about s5 and now i’ve got too many things in my head that i need to get out. so without further ado, this is a list of things im excited/worried to see play out next season…

1. wills connection with the upside down and vecna. we know it’s a hive mind and it’s all connected so with will being in that connection, what’s gonna happen when the UD dies? is the connection just gonna wither away? is will gonna become the ruler of the UD? is will gonna die??? are they gonna somehow sever the connection before killing vecna? is the UD always going to exist therefore the connection is always going to exist? like i’m genuinely worried about all of these possibilities, I NEED ANSWERS!!!

2. the painting. i could truly see an argument happening about it but i could also see mike breaking down over it. let me explain, he trusts will more than anyone with his vulnerability. he could possibly see it as will was lying to him about everything rather than just who the feelings are actually from. if they go this route, mikes gonna question hisself and his relationship with will but in possibly the worst way. they made amends before the whole painting confession thing so mike more than likely thinks they were doing good! but then will turns around and lies about el’s feelings for mike to hide his own. meaning when he finds out the truth, mike might see it as will doesn’t trust him or doesn’t see him as worthy enough to be vulnerable around when in all actuality will was just scared which could also be used for mike to put himself down, unfortunately. (this one isn’t as articulate as the former but i tried my best to explain it properly)

3. el’s storyline. they’ve basically taken everything from her besides the fact that they’ve given her hopper back and an actual family. i want more than anything for her to find her independence and i truly hope that she has a happy ending. she deserves it just as much as will does.

4. max. as someone who is partially blind im kind of anxious but excited to see how they go about showing her with that type of disability if they decide to go that route.

5. dustin’s trauma. they’ve yet to address it so i’m a bit worried they might not even think of doing so in the last season. i mean the poor kid is the only one besides el who has actually directly killed a person. he watch one of the men he looked up to die and actually held him as he did along with that, they’re probably going to kill steve off(god, i hope not but still). he has an absent father. i mean we know little to nothing about his life outside of the party whereas we know about wills life as well as mikes, lucas’ max’s and el’s. all we know is he doesn’t have a dad present and he lives with his mother and their cat…it truly feels like they’ve neglected his character at least a little bit so i hope we get to see more of his backstory or an exploration of his character in s5.

5. i have a feeling steve and possibly robin are going to die. i stg if they kill them i’ll burn netflix to the ground!

6. ms. kelley. im convinced she’s got something to do with everything. going by her being connected to everyone that was targeted by vecna and the fact she’s also got a clock thingy around her neck the theory of her working with vecna or something isn’t too far fetched!

7. mike being targeted or something because he’s been in vecnas way for the past 4 seasons. he always messes up his plans in some kind of way wether intentional or not.

8. im excited to see how lonnie is going to play into all this going from that picture from the set. hopefully it’s a form of revenge for will(not that i think he’s capable of doing something that “evil” but why not?) and not because of will getting vecna’d.

9. the russia plot. there’s no way in hell the russian government is going to let the russia group get away with what an all they did.

10. i swear if they bring stancy back i hate to say it but i actually do hope they kill steve off. if they put him through all of that character development just to put him back with nancy then what was really the point?? like seriously he’s better off by himself than with her considering how she hurt him. it would be a disservice to both of their characters and jonathan’s to make them endgame.

11. this should probably be higher up on the list but oh well, im concerned about how they’re going to go through with byler. i have no doubt in my mind that there’s going to be byler endgame BUT i hope they make mike make the first move for the simple fact that the homophobic portion of the GA would completely rip will to shreds if he were to do something first. they’d say he forced mike or made him uncomfortable or that mike just went along with it to be nice or some shit and i really don’t wanna hear that.

that’s all for now. this is honestly a complete mess but i think it’s coherent enough to be understood lmao.

[melodiesofblueroses]

𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘓𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴

♡ ━ Obey me, Headcanons

»»————————-　♡　————————-««

𝘗𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴: Lucifer x reader, Mammon x reader, Leviathan x reader

𝘎𝘦𝘯𝘳𝘦: Fluff

𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘺: the older brothers find a love letter addressed to them

𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴 𝘶𝘱: gn!reader 

»»————-　♡　————-««

✦ Lucifer

he finds the letter on his desk one day, although he doesn’t pay much mind to it given that his desk is always swamped with paperwork

figures that it’s just another form to fill out and hand in to Diavolo, so he sorta just brushes it off to the side until he can make time to get to it

when he finally gets to opening it, however, Lucifer is taken aback

he didn’t think anything could surprise him after having lived thousands of years, but he certainly is shocked to see a handwritten confession (he didn’t like the feeling and tries to deny it)

immediately recognizes your handwriting since he had to read your RAD homework and other forms given to the human exchange students

plus, you did live with them now, so Lucifer got pretty used to your way of speaking, which was undeniably yours given the letter

skims over the letter multiple times, not because of the disbelief of being confessed to, but because he just loved the surge of pride he felt after reading it

i mean, here was this human confessing that they were in love with him

of course they were in love with him, the one and only avatar of pride, strongest demon second only to the prince and king themselves

Lucifer was practically the only choice given the other contenders (he really did love his brothers, but they were just a bit much at times)

smugly smiles to himself and stores it in a drawer as a keepsake, although it was mainly because he wanted to get the chance to reread it whenever he liked

when you two cross paths again, he’d pull you to the side

“by the way y/n, I quite enjoyed your letter”

he kept his cool, or rather he couldn’t hide the smirk on his face, which would only fluster you since you had no idea what he was thinking

was he going to reciprocate your feelings? reject you? make you grovel and beg for him to never tell anyone of it? how did you fall for him again?

“o-oh”

“I accept”

with those two words, Lucifer would walk out of the House of Lamentation as he made his way to RAD, leaving you behind at the house as you tried to process what had just occurred, 

you mentally cursed yourself once you broke out into a stupid grin, knowing full well that the demon had wanted to fluster you, and you had fallen straight into his plot

»»————-　♡　————-««

✧ Mammon

the letter is sitting on the hood of his car that was in his room (you still have no idea how he managed to bring one indoors) but it takes him a few days to realize it’s even there

he doesn’t really have the best perception, so even if he does eye the letter, it won’t register in his mind that there’s a letter sitting atop his car

(you start to worry that you may have given it to the wrong brother or not given it at all)

when he finally does realize that it’s there, Mammon will most likely think it’s some note from the witches he still owed money though

just the thought of them makes him shudder

so he’d put it to the side once again, until he sees the little heart sticker on the opening, which makes him automatically flustered

and the next thing he knew, Mammon was ripping open the letter and reading its contents, turning redder by the minute

someone loved him? like not in a friendly way too?? 

well, I mean, of course. he was THE great Mammon after all. the one and only

Mammon doesn’t even notice that it’s your handwriting, so he’s just hanging on to this letter that he thinks is from a secret admirer and doesn’t bring it up to anyone

meaning that you don’t even know if he saw or even received the letter, and the waiting was eating you up on the inside

confessing was already stressful enough, and now you don’t even get a response?? this was practically a nightmare

one day, you get too anxious from waiting so you decide to confront him about it directly

he tries to say that he has no idea what you’re talking about, but the blush on his face says it all

“w-what love letter? I dunno what yer talking about...”

“Mammon, I see the letter sticking out of your pocket”

tries to brush it off all as if this was a daily occurrence for him, but he was basically a stuttering mess so you knew better

“soo, do you accept?”

“of cour-I mean, if that’s what ya want then sure. I am THE great Mammon, and of course ya would fall for me, so I’ll be generous and play along”

that was one of his qualities that made you fall for him 

»»————-　♡　————-««

✰ Leviathan

when he first finds the letter at the bottom of his bathtub, Levi is convinced that it’s a cruel prank at first

there was no way that someone would even like Levi, the nasty, yucky otaku who spends all his time trapped in his room playing games or watching anime

forget that he’s one of the strongest demons and grand admiral of hell’s navy, he was a good-for-nothing freeloader and-

“ugh, let’s just get this over with,” he mumbled to himself as he tore open the envelope and quickly scanned over the letter

although he was convinced it was a prank, Levi held a tiny bit of hope, just the tiniest bit, that maybe it was genuine. he just didn’t want to get his hopes up to have them viciously crushed in the end

the letter, to his surprise, seemed rather genuine?

although Levi didn’t interact with others much, he could still tell when a person (or demon) was telling the truth

he did live thousands of years after all and experienced so much

immediately, Levi would get flustered and start shaking a bit from all the excitement

someone actually loved him?? this was a scene ripped straight out of a romance manga no doubt about it

him, the social recluse that never interacted with others much, finally having a s/o. gosh, it didn’t sound right at all, but oh did it feel so good

Levi would reread it over and over again, each time his heart beating faster and louder than before as his cheeks got progressively warmer

he never wanted this feeling to end. if this was a dream, he wanted to stay and revel in it

it takes a good few minutes of thinking and analyzing, but Levi is able to figure out that it’s you who wrote the letter

and he’s over the moon, especially because you were his crush, and his feelings were reciprocated

this truly would make for a great romance manga

immediately goes to you in order to confirm that you were, in fact, not lying and trying to pull a cruel prank on him

“um...y/n? so, uh, about the letter, were you, uh, ya know, being serious?”

poor guy, he was he nervous

“of course I was,” you reassure him. “I poured my feelings out into that letter. I’d never lie about something like that.”

once he got your confirmation, he’d go red once more and try, keyword try, to say that he felt the same

although it came out as an incoherent jumble, you perfectly understood him and smiled, happy to know that he felt the same

when you kissed him in response, Levi swore he felt his soul (do demons even have souls?) leave his body, and he practically malfunctioned, although he did gather up the courage to kiss you back in response

he was just too cute

[olivarryprompts]

Fanfic Friday #6

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

Read and save it on A03 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/32370130

{Peter Parker’s Field Trip to Stark Industries}

Ships: peppertony, wandanat, sambucky

Warnings: mild anxiety, swearing

Status: married or dating

Wc: 3,281

“-and so that wraps up this lesson. Your homework is to do this worksheet, please hand a sheet back to everyone. I have a quick announcement, and it is very exciting. Given that this is one of the most advanced classes we offer, the school has arranged for us to have a field trip!”

Peter refocused on the word field trip. He didn’t have a good track record for those.

“We will be going to Avenger’s Tower! This is a very exclusive opportunity and you all should be very excited-”

No, no, no, no, this couldn’t be happening to Peter. Not now. Oh god. He had a suspicion this was set up by his basically-father. He was going to kill Tony. His teacher went on to blabber about permission slips and NDAs.

“Class dismissed. Please hand your forms in tomorrow as the field trip is on Friday.”

FRIDAY? How could it be so soon. Peter wanted to die. He headed for the door, but was stopped in his tracks by Mr. Blaze calling his name.

“Yes?” he said, turning around. The class had mainly cleared out by now.

“Peter, you're a good kid, and I understand not being the most popular student in school, but we need to talk about the lie you made up about working at Stark Industries.”

“But the internship is re-”

“This field trip is a great opportunity, and I do not want your lies ruining it for yourself or your classmates. Please do not mention it whilst we are there, or there will be serious consequences.”

“It’s a real intern-”

“Please Peter. You should know better than this. See you tomorrow.”

He was tired and fed up of school when he headed into the hallways to see his best friend.

“Hey,” Ned said, meeting him in the hallway.

“Hey,” Peter replied weakly.

“What’s up? Something happened?”

“Nah, just that field trip.”

“Oh the one to Stark Tower! It’s going to be so fun!”

“Right..”

“You’re not excited? I know you work there and stuff, but still.”

“Hmn uh yeah. No it was more Mr. Blaze being a bitch,” he replied, half lying.

“Still thinks you're lying about the internship?”

“Unfortunately.”

“Wanna come over to mine? Build some lego?”

“Nah, got to be home. Too much work to catch up on with all the patrolling I’ve been doing.”

“Gotcha. Well, see you tomorrow.”

“Yeah, yeah see you.”

Peter walked to the carpark expecting to find Happy in his black SUV. He was, instead, met by Black Widow.

“Nat?”

“Hey spider boy.”

“What are you doing here?”

“Figured I’d pick ya up and bring you home. Had a second free.”

He jumped into the passenger seat of the jet black convertible.

“How was school паук?”

“Не очень хорошо,” he said easily slipping into Russian. (Not very good)

“Зачем? что-то случилось? (Why? Did something happen?”)

“Да. У нас есть производственная практика в Stark Industries. Что было бы не так уж и плохо, но мой глупый учитель не думает, что я действительно проходил там стажировку, поэтому он отругал меня. Плюс мое паучье чутье сегодня сильно пошло на убыль.” (Yes. We have a field trip to Stark Industries. Which wouldn't be so bad, but my stupid teacher doesn't think I really have an internship there, so he told me off. Plus my spider sense were going off so much today.)

“бедный ребенок. Я могу чем-нибудь помочь?” (Poor kid. Anything I can do to help?)

“Убить Tony за это? (Kill Tony for setting this up?”)

“Нет, детка. Сожалею." (No can do kiddo. Sorry.)

“Разве ты не можешь рассказать другим Мстителям? Особенно папа.” (Can you not tell the other Avengers? ‘Specially Dad.)

“Я не обещаю.” (I won’t, promise.)

"Спасибо.” (Thanks.)

They’d arrived at the tower. There was more to it than he was telling. Ever since he’d moved into the tower, he’d been his safe space. It was his and his families. And he knew it was supid because so many people used it, but still. It felt awful for people from his school to come there. Peter pulled his security card out of his bag, scanning it.

“Peter Parker-Stark, clearance level Alpha 5, all access. Hi baby boss,” Friday, the building's AI called out, “Shall I tell Mr. Stark you’re home?”

“Yeah sure. I’m going straight to my lab, though.”

“Okay sir. Morgan would also like to inform you that she is looking for you.”

“Send her down to the lab.”

“As you wish.”

He hopped in the lift and allowed Friday to take him to floor 89. It was his personal lab. Oren, he’d reprogram Karen, allowed him entry through the glass door.

“Hello Peter, welcome back. What would you like to work on?”

“I’m going to do some work on my web shooters. Play my “workin after school” playlist on, please.”

“Yes, sir.”

He worked peacefully on his shooters design and mechanics for about 30 minutes before Oren alerted him that Morgan was coming up.

“Morgan Stark is requesting entry.”

“Granted.”

The door opened and revealed his basically little sister.

“Hey Mo,” he said, picking up the little girl, “Who let you roam around all on your own?”

“Mummy sent me up,” she smiled.

Peter nodded.

“What are you working on Petey.”

“I’ll show you,” he said, placing Morgan on his work table. He’d quickly made sure there was nothing that could hurt her.

“Web shooters?” she guessed.

“Yep. See I wanted to make them even more efficient so I changed the gears and trigger mechanism.”

She nodded knowingly. She was very smart for her age.

“Nice! Can we build our robot?”

“Sure thing. Oren, pull up the files for Petey-Pie and Morgana’s Robot.” He’d let Morgan handle the name for their creation.

Peter went and grabbed the box that had all their pieces in it. Being careful around the young girl, they continued to work on building the robot, Peter teaching her little things on the way.

So he had a normal evening. Did some fun work, some homework, ate dinner with the lunatics called the avengers, and went to bed.

“If it isn’t my two favorite small children!” Tony said, entering his lab.

“Daddy!” Morgan said, running into her father’s arms.

“Oren, I thought I told you to lock Dad out.”

“Unfortunately your father runs the building, so I could not follow your wanted protocol.”

“Love you too kid.”

“You set up the field trip.”

“Field trip?”

“Yeah. My school’s coming here on Friday!” Peter said, looking up from his work.

“Really? Nope wasn’t me. It was likely someone from PR, kiddo. You do go to one of the best STEM schools in the country.”

Tony had a point.

“Right...sorry.”

“It’s good, kid. What’s got you so wound up about it?”

“Daddy, I’m going to Mummy.”

“Okay kiddo, Friday take little Potts to bigger Potts,” he said with a smile.

“Yes sir.”

Once Morgan left, Tony asked again, “So wanna talk about it?”

“Just, just this is home. My home. And I know that’s stupid because it’s a fuckin 100 floor tower, but I know it. I know it so well, and I just don’t really want kids from my school here. I know I can’t gatekeep a building bu-”

“Hey, hey, it’s not stupid. It makes sense. This place is home and you don’t want them messing with any part of it. I bet most kids in your class wouldn’t love it if people came into their home for a field trip.”

“Yeah. And i-its my safeplace. From everything.” Everything being all the people he lost. His parents and uncle and aunt.

“I get it. Want me to have Pep cancel the trip?”

“N-no, no. All the kids in my class were so excited.”

“Always so selfless,” Tony smiled, “When is it again?”

“Friday.”

“Kiddo, I promise it’ll be fine. If anything, anything happens just get Fri to call me or Pep. Most of the avengers will be around too so you can call ‘em too.”

“Yeah. Thanks. They’ll just try to embarrass me, though,” Peter laughed.

“They will. Do I need to sign something?”

“I’m just going to have Mum do it because her signature is less recognizable.”

“Yeah, okay. Your teachers still don’t believe you?”

“How did you know th-”

“Come on kid, I’m Tony Stark.”

Peter smiled, “Fair enough. Yeah they don’t. I mean they will after the trip.”

“Yeah, that’s the bright side.”

“Yeah.”

“Okay, I’ll leave you to it then. Don’t stay in here too late.”

The night before the field trip he was so nervous. He ended up eating dinner in his lab. Pepper complained but Tony just told her he’d had a long day and deserved a break.

He knew he should have gone to bed but as each hour passed, he got more and more anxious about the trip. He needed something to take his mind off it, so he just kept working and working. Suddenly it was seven in the morning and he needed a shower. Finishing his eighth coffee of the eve, he headed to the 91st floor where he stayed. Hoping that neither of his parents would notice his all nighter he crept into his room.

After getting ready for school, he made his way back out of his room.

“Morning,” Pepper greeted him, “How was last night?” She wore a knowing smile as she continued to tap on her computer, presumably doing work.

“Fine,” he smiled, “Don’t tell dad.”

“I won’t. You're turning into him, though.”

“What else was expected?”

Pepper just smiled, “Sam and Bucky had loads of pastry delivered to the main kitchen if you wanna pop in there.”

“Yeah, sounds good. Thanks.”

“By sweetie, have a good day at school.”

“Thanks. Love you.”

“Love you too, hun.”

Peter jumped in the lift taking him up two floores to the Avengers hang out space.

“Spiderling!” Sam and Bucky greeted

“Old Man, bird boy,” he smirked.

“You look like shit, паук,” Nat said from the sofa.

“Thanks,” he said, putting a few of the delicious looking treats onto his plate. He also grabbed himself another cup of coffee. He plops himself down next to Nat on the sofa.

“Did you not sleep again? You look like hell.” Tony said, entering the kitchen to get himself another cup of coffee.

“Right back at you dad.”

“Fair.”

Steve entered, coming back from his run.

“Hey,” he said, addressing the room, “God kid, you look like yo-”

“OKAY NEXT PERSON TO TELL ME I LOOK SHIT IS GETTING IT!”

“Oh sorry,” Steve said, rolling his eyes. Clint came in with Pietro at his side, “What’s this about Peter looking shit?”

“I hate you all,” he said, finishing his last bite. He laid down on the sofa.

“Oh ah kid, something I needed to tell you. Right, you can stay here. No need to go to school and back. Pepper wrote a note saying you’d meet at the school because you had a doctor's appointment or some shit.”

“Why is spider boy here?” Sam asked.

“School field trip.”

“Only you Parker,” the White Wolf laughed.

“No embarrassing me, please,” he begged.

“Hell no, this is a great opportunity,” Sam said, looking over to bucky.

“I won’t,” Nat said with her hands up.

“I’m in, team embarrass Peter,” Clint said, high fiving Bucky and Sam. At that moment, Wanda walked in heading straight for her girlfriend’s arms. Nat happily let her fall into her lap.”

“What’s wrong with you?” Nat asked with some level of concern.

“Everything,” Wanda said.

“Drama queen,” Pietro scoffed. Peter closed his eyes and let the conversation happen around him. At some point, Tony had left. Clint had gone off to train with the Dumb and Dumber, and Steve claimed he had a mission brief.

Friday’s voice startled him, “Peter, I recommend you head downstairs as your class is arriving in 5.”

“Five what?” Peter questioned.

“Four,” The AI continued.

“A LITTLE MORE WARNING WOULD BE NICE!”

Peter grabbed his shit and jumped into the private elevator as fast as he could. Luckily, he was in the lobby mere moments before the class entered. He pretended just to be standing around.

“Peter,” Mr. Blaze called, “Please come and join the class.”

Peter nodded, spotting his best friend amongst the crowd.

“Hey,” Ned greeted.

“‘Sup.”

“Good morning everyone,” said the tour guild, “My name is Tamiko Hiroki and I will be taking you on your tour today. To start, I will be giving you all badges. When I call your name please step up and collect it.”

She made her way through the basket and by the time she was done only one student had not received a badge.

“Hey, Peter didn’t get a badge,” Cindy Moon, a kind girl in his physics class, called.

“Apologies, there doesn’t seem to be one in here for a Peter.”

“Uh I-i, I have m-my own. Thanks Tamiko.”

“Oh okay, cool. Please follow me to security.” The class seemed shocked. Was the kid telling the truth about his internship?

“So, there are many different levels of pass here. Guests get Beta levels 1-5 depending on what they are doing. Then there’s Omega’s who are interns and such. Next is the scientist and important employees with Zeta. Finally there’s Alpha for major important roles such as department heads. The top level, Alpha 5, contains the most important people like the Avengers who live in the tower and CEO Pepper Pots.

“Tamiko Hiro, Clearance level Beta 5.”

“Don’t worry everyone, that's Friday, the AI who runs the building. Just keep passing through.”

“Philip Maiko, Clearance level Beta 1.”

“Michelle Jones, Clearance level Beta 1.”

Peter headed towards the back, allowing all the students to go in front of him. He prayed they didn’t hear his security protocol. The rest passed through with Beta 1. Then, Peter came up.

“Peter Parker-Stark, clearance level Alpha 5, all access. Hi baby boss,” Friday, the building's AI called out, “Shall I tell Mr. Stark you’re home early?”

“I’m on a field trip, Fri. No need to tell D-Mr. Stark. Thanks.”

The class, once again, looked shocked.

“Why does Penis Parker have all access?” Flash called to Tamiko.

“I do not believe I have clearance to disclose that information, but Peter here may answer,” Tamiko said, glaring at Flash.

“I mean I’ve said it before. I am a personal intern of-”

“PETEY!” Bucky yelled, giving him a hug from behind.

Deflated, he responded, “Hey Buck.”

“Is that all I get?

The two settled on one of the many sofas in the lab. Pete’s head in Tony’s lab.

“Sorry about that, Pepper explicitly told all tours to stay off this level, but it seems as though her assistant made an exception because she thought it was okay as you were on the tour. Pepper fired her.”

Only his mum, “She didn’t have to do that.”

“She was furious.”

“Oh I’m sure.”

“I know this is your safe space, so-”

“It’s okay. No one came in.”

“Yeah.”

“You feeling any better?”

“Just tired. Thanks.”

“Always kiddo. You wanna go upstairs? Take a nap?”

“Sure.”

[i-need-air]

King & Queen. – Bakugou Katsuki x F!Reader.

Summary: Fluff, Baku being extra while confessing, social media shenanigans.

Word count: 1784.

It's 4 AM, I'm a mess but I needed to get this off my chest. I'm testing the waters with my writings, it's been forever since I wrote anything and I wanted to throw myself a little bit into the fandom I've been obsessed with for the past months. I do hope you enjoy it. ♥

Bakugou Katsuki took pride in having such a large following online. Ever since the first year UA Sports Festival, both his Twitter and Instagram accounts got thousands and thousands of followers, mostly crushing over him and others just hating on him, and in both ways he loved the attention.

The Aesthetics™ he had were always on point and his Twitter was just filled with one sentence tweets, re-tweets of famous heroes, a somewhat dry, dark and/or sarcastic meme from time to time, only and only if it fit (again) his aesthetics. Sometimes he'd engage with the Bakusquad, specially Kaminari and Mina, both very active users, and [Y/N], answering to her tweets with a one word roast and little more.

After the second year UA Sports Festival though? His social media reached the 100k mark, skyrocketing into a small celebrity as he won the first place for two years in a row. But what made him reach such a large number was the way he won. Their battle for the first place was insane, such a difference compared to what he had to deal with Todoroki in the past. [Y/N] put an amazing fight, there's no doubt to that, but the woman overused her quirk and he knew her weakness, mostly since he sometimes (rarely, almost never, pft) observed her train with Icy-Hot or Deku. It was a spectacle to watch and it has even been televised for a whole week afterwards, critics applauding how promising UA's students were. And that's how it all started.

The shipping.

Images and even fucking edited music videos of their fight were everywhere. It was so obvious both of them enjoyed the fight, the little grins they shared as they attacked each other, the small comments both threw and the camera and mics everywhere picked, the look Bakugou Katsuki gave [Y/N] when she kicked his ass. Such an adoration, followed by his insane grin, ready for a challenge. The look [Y/N] gave him, as he took the first place medal with pride from Endeavor, thriving at the applauses from the public. Stars were put to shame compared to the sparks in her eyes. Oh, and the moment their orbs made contact exactly after that? The chemistry.

Bakuy/n was one of their names online, apart from variations of their hero names mixed together. The fandom was slowly picking up a name, mostly going with the first mentioned. And Katsuki? He was fucking aware of everything. Her social media was on radio silence, but this event made him think. Actually think, not half-ass an idea and just throw himself head on into it. And the conversation he overheard was just making him plot now.

Mina and [Y/N] were actually discussing this exact topic. The pink girl was thriving for it. Her Twitter account was now filled with subliminal messages about love and it made her poor friend anxious. Basically because this issue hasn't been addressed at all with Bakugou and she planned to keep it that way. Yet Mina, sweet, adorable, loving Mina was just pressing on it really badly, but thankfully she never did when both sides of Bakuy/n were in the same room/conversation.

"Isn't it like so romantic?" Mina's eyes shined, hands clapped, her gaze looking somewhere in the distance, daydreaming.

"No, it's not, it's weird..." her [h/c] haired friend answered, falling more into the couch of their living quarters, trying to hide from the world.

"It would be if it wasn't obvious you pin for each other!"

"Oh, god, please stop saying that."

"You're not denying it though!"

"MINA!"

Laughter coming from the pinkette filled the room as the blond man decided not to interrupt and leave, small grin on his face as [Y/N]'s groans just told him what he needed to hear. She definitely did not deny the attraction and whatever chemistry they had.

Which leads to the current situation.

The girl was sitting in the cafeteria, waiting for Ochaco and Mina to come around, phone in hand as she scrolled mindlessly through Twitter, watching as her most recent tweet, the first one in ages, was getting attention. She giggled at Denki's stupidity, as he just posted a selfie of himself drenched in Diet Coke clearly in the UA bathrooms. Checking his replies she saw the boy she's been [kinda, lowkey, just a lil bit] trying to avoid for the past days.

[@BakugouKatsuki:]

"Dumbass."

[@MissPinky:]

"So THAT'S WHY U NEEDED MINTS!?!!!!!?? 🤣

She giggled again, entertained by her friends when her interactions just exploded. App actually crashed as she blinked while munching on some french fries dumbly.

As she tried to open her app again, both her friends landed by the table, joking about Kaminari and his never ending stupidity. Notifications popped again and again, legit confusing the girl to no end, making her ignore her two friends as they asked her what was going on, mainly because of her expression.

"The hell...?" she muttered, throwing the phone down while Twitter took its sweet, sweet time to load and open and just as she opened her mouth to answer Mina, she made eye contact with some very intense red eyes.

Clasping her mouth shut and ignoring Ochaco as she took [Y/N]'s phone to see what's going on, the girl could only focus on Bakugou, sitting a few tables away, facing her direction. She almost shivered in place under the intensity he was giving away, although his position was laid back, phone in one hand, chin in the other. And, again, gaze on her. He barely even blinked, his neutral expression giving nothing away and she knew she was blushing. Why was she a blushing mess under his gaze? Well, answer was obvious for everyone, even the whole internet now, but oh, she wished Bakugou Katsuki wasn't that sharp. Who are we kidding though?

Ochaco started to shake her out of her daze, interrupting the intense eye contact battle as she shoved her phone in her face.

"Oh. My. God." She muttered, stuttering her following words "Please, look at this, I can't believe it... Mina, check Twitter."

"If Kaminari threw Diet Coke and Mints in one of the bathroom toilets to 'experiment', I'm done with him." Mina responded but froze in place, just as [Y/N] looked away from the explosive boy. "Wait... WAIT!" her eyes almost popped out of her skull. "WHAAAAAAA–?!"

On the screen of her phone was the profile of the guy she's been crushing for... A year now? The guy that at first ignored her, then screamed at her, then beat her ass in training, then got his ass beaten by her, that scoffed at her shitty jokes, that actually chuckled at her shitty jokes, that studied with her, that smiled at her... The guy that complimented her when her quick improved. The guy that took her opinion seriously even when acting like he didn't care. The guy that stole her heart when he showed little glimpses of his complex persona only to her. The guy that fucking retweeted:

[@onlybakuy/nhere:]

"King & Queen."

And a picture attached, them shaking hands after their battle, ready to go get prepared for the podium. Bloodied, sweaty, yet both smiling at each other.

"I can't believe this–[Y/N]–" The brunette started rambling and fangirling besides her, but... With a careful glance, she peeked under her eyelashes to look at the boy again, her heart almost stopping when noticing he was still observing, small grin on his face hidden behind his hand, perfectly angled for her to see. "There's another one!"

Everything started to make sense, as she quickly checked her notifications to see the Internet™ just going crazy over that retweet. People started mass-following her, fans and stans just living for it, tagging her username with a screenshot of the retweet and now it hyped up again with... pictures of his profile? Did he change his description? He... changed his description. While there was absolutely nothing in there, now there was one single word. King.

Her eyebrows just rose so high her forehead hurt, the 3 braincells that were still somehow functioning were catching up to what the hell was going on and now she was positive, 100%, without a doubt that she was blushing like a mad-woman, a smile forming on her lips as she hit the retweet button on the same tweet he did and instantly opening her profile to edit.

Both her friends were freaking out by her side, accusing her of being way too calm in this situation, to explain but [Y/N] knew she couldn't utter any word, or even look up at them or at him. If she did, she'd break the spell, the moment, and as she deleted her description and only wrote a single word in her profile, her smile only widened. Hearing Mina screech after seeing her retweet, the girl giggled like an idiot.

Bakugou Katsuki was loud, brash, maybe a little bit emotionally constipated, rough around the edges, incredibly smart, observing, caring, awful with words but straight to the point with actions. And he was, without a doubt, fucking extra when doing things.

As she pressed the button Save on her profile, she caught him looking at his phone, being patted on the back by Kirishima, that somehow appeared in the frame yet was so distant in her field of vision as only he mattered at the moment. Waiting his reaction patiently and waiting for the internet to start freaking out again, her chest was hurting from the drumming of her heart. Hell, she knew she looked like a disaster with a flushed face, phone gripped so hard in her hand that it could break, a group of girls forming around her, noisy yet so distant. The world going in slow motion, seeing his crimson eyes widen for a fraction of a second, hiding more of his face in the palm of his hand as he still tried to look so casual, Kirishima's "Yeaaaaaaaah!" filled her ears as he tapped his finger on the screen, destination already clear. And when he saw what he needed...

He got up, leaving his tray of food behind, shit-eating grin basically parting the sea of people forming around them both as he marched towards where she was seated, and for the third time they made eye contact. His cheeks flushed, such a boyish expression coveting his normally angry features, mischievous and happy, relieved, just... Perfect.

Everything went in slow motion for her, his march, decisive and bold, as he always was, took to an end as he got to her, just giving her a hand and a raised brow, inviting her to leave with him anywhere but there.

And she took it without hesitation.

[xenteaart]

Halloween Night

Pairing: Five Hargreeves x Reader

Summary: It’s a University AU where Five and Reader are in their 20s and Five doesn’t have any powers. Basically, that’s how you two met.

Note: this is a very quick short thing and i apologize if it’s shit but like........ i couldnt resist. can u tell i rewatched s2 of fleabag? well, you will definitely see that when you’ve read the fic. I AM SORRY

“God fucking damn it,” you muttered in frustration, the sound of your voice muffled by the roaring music.

You stared at your phone for a few more seconds and groaned, too distracted to have fun now as the words from the email were playing in your head like a broken record.

Overdue overdue overdue.

You’d missed a very important deadline, and it most certainly meant you were in trouble. It wasn’t anything fatal, of course, but it was definitely another bullet-point on your list of things you had to worry about, and, to your embarrassment, the list was already quite impressive.

You were falling behind on your assignments so much that it was genuinely a miracle you hadn’t been expelled yet. Your underperformance had nothing to do with the course itself, though - your professors were absolute sweethearts, and you enjoyed your classes an awful lot. You were just very out of it.

As you frantically looked around, seeking some sort of anchor to shift your attention to and ground yourself a little, you quickly realized that the friend that had dragged you into this mess of a party was long lost in the busy crowd of dancing bodies. Brilliant.

You downed your glass of punch in one gulp and stormed out of the house to get some fresh air because the beat of the music and the cheerful drunken chatter were beginning to give you a headache.

Anxious, angry and tipsy was not a good combination, and you were starting to feel almost nauseous from the range of emotions that were boiling the blood in your veins, but instead of addressing it you did what you always had done. You pushed it all down and pulled a cigarette out of your half-empty pack.

As soon as you stepped outside, you were hit with a wave of chilly and humid air, and the sudden contrast with the hot stuffy atmosphere of the house made you shiver.

You swiftly fished the lighter out of your pocket, but it didn’t seem to be working and your shaking hands weren’t helping the process either as you were furiously trying to light up your cigarette. Since all of your focus and dedication went into this simple but apparently impossible task, you didn’t even notice that you actually weren’t alone.

“Here,” said the mysterious person as he flicked his own lighter and touched the tip of your cigarette with its flame. You nodded instead of saying a proper “thank you” and exhaled loudly, leaning on the cold wall and looking up at the starry sky absent-mindedly.

“Having a good time then?” he smirked with a chuckle, eyeing your entire form indifferently.

“Very perceptive. I am having a blast, thanks for asking,” you nodded once again, not even trying to conceal how your tone was basically oozing with sarcasm. It wasn’t the rude kind, though. You knew better than to lash out on strangers, even when your tiny world was crumbling down just a bit. He smiled in response.

As you were slowly coming down from your frustration fueled high, you finally took a proper look at the guy standing next to you.

Oh, he was handsome.

Dark thick brows, big eyes, sharp jawline, very kissable lips, slim and muscular figure. Fucking hell.

You sighed.

He was wearing all black, and the rolled up sleeves of his crisp and perfectly-fitted shirt were exposing his forearms in the most flattering way. Fucking hell.

You couldn’t help but spot one particular detail of his outfit, and it made you grin.

“A priest then.” you stated, clearly amused, “Bit ironic dressing as a priest for Halloween. Isn’t that offensive?”

“Don’t know,” he simply shrugged, taking a drag on his cigarette and blowing the smoke into the cool night air, “Klaus said people find it hot rather than offensive.”

You assumed that said Klaus was his friend.

“I find it lazy. A piece of paper for a collar makes up the whole costume! Pretty low-effort, if you ask me,” you noted, letting out a silent chuckle.

“You can talk. A witch? How basic.” Oh, you liked him.

“Clearly, we both didn’t really want to be here in the first place,” you concluded, and he laughed in unspoken agreement.

“I’m Y/N.”

“Five.”

“Sorry?”

He rolled his eyes, slightly annoyed by this painfully regular occurrence in his life.

“It’s my name,” he explained, stubbing out his smoke and getting ready to leave you on your own.

You didn’t really find anything worthy to say in response, and in just a second Five disappeared into the house.

“Well, your Klaus person clearly knew what he was talking about,” you whispered to yourself, knowing full well he had no way of hearing you now.

A mere moment later, you felt your phone buzz in your pocket and cringed at the rush of anxiety that followed right after. Unfortunately, escaping problems didn’t make them go away.

“Ah, shit.”

[thoughts-of-a-bibleophile]

confessions under the moonlight

hey. so...it’s the last day of HCS week and i’m finally posting my first fic for day 1. life just really didn’t want me to participate this week aaaaaaaa

the good news is i have three fics basically done already that i just need to reread and look over, so those should be coming either tonight or tomorrow fingers crossed?

this is for full moon! it’s definitely still rough, so sorry in advance, but i want to post something before this week’s over, so i hope you enjoy!

one day i’ll put these fics on ao3.... as soon as i figure out how to use ao3....

summary: may invites steven over to her house for tsukimi (the japanese moon festival). baking and shenanigans ensue.

The sky was clear and blue, the air crisp and the wind sharp in a way unique to only autumn. Rustboro was one of those cities that changed colors with the seasons: Currently, the trees were either yellow or totally barren, leaves scattered along every sidewalk.

Under the eaves of the Kalossian restaurant in a tucked away corner of the city, two trainers sat outside for their weekly lunch. Neither of them knew when weekly lunches had become a regular occurrence, but neither of them were willing to put a stop to them either. So every Tuesday at noon, they met here, partially because Steven only had an hour lunch and couldn’t travel too far from Devon, and partially because May had become quite fond of the little bistro they always frequented.

As they were discussing their plans for the next week over coffee, the late autumn wind ruffling their hair and shifting the curls of steam wafting from their drinks, she mentioned it offhand.

“What are you going to be doing for tsukimi?”

Steven dropped the roll he was holding back on his plate, processing the question.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, are you and your dad going to be hosting some sort of party? Or are you going to be keeping it between the two of you?”

He blinked. “My father’s going to be out of town on a business trip, but... Why would we have a party? It’s just another Thursday, isn’t it?”

May furrowed her brow. “Wait. Have you never celebrated?”

“I mean, I suppose I went to a festival when I was younger-?”

“You never had the little dumplings? You never had to eat that weird grass?”

“Grass? Why are you eating grass-?”

“Oh Arceus, that explains so much,” she said, more to herself than him.

“What does that mean?” he said, a touch indignant.

She ignored him. “Come to my house on Thursday. You need to experience a tsukimi, Littleroot-style.”

“I don’t need to experience it, May,” he replied. “And I wouldn’t want to inconvenience you or your family on such late notice-“

“Are you kidding? My mom is always of the opinion ‘the more, the merrier.’ And she’s been asking me to bring you over to meet her anyway-“

“She wants to meet me?” Steven asked, bemused. Did he do something to offend her somehow?

“It’s not important,” May said quickly. “She just wants to meet, uh, the previous champion and all that, you know.”

He wanted to counter that he had been at her Champion coronation and easily could have met her then, but May switched back to the original conversation before he could say anything.

“Anyway, she has the best dango recipe, which you have to try! She’ll ruin you for all other celebrations.”

“Are you sure it won’t be an issue for your family?”

“No, not at all. Really.”

It wasn’t like he really had anything else to do that night besides paperwork for Devon and it was always nice to spend time with May, he reasoned.

“Alright, it’s a date.”

-

At 4 p.m. on Thursday, Steven stood outside May’s house with a bottle of sake in one hand, the other hesitantly raised up to knock.

The other day, it had been easy to say yes to today, but now that he was here, he felt nervous for whatever reason. Perhaps it was because he wanted to make a good impression? May had said that her mother wanted to talk to him, so maybe he had already squandered that first impression, so tonight he would have to make up for it, somehow. It would be easier to do that if he knew what he had messed up in the first place though.

He shook away his anxious thoughts, realizing he had been standing outside a few minutes longer than necessary, all because he was lost in his thoughts, as usual.

Steven took a deep breath, steeling himself for whatever was to come, and knocked twice.

No answer.

He frowned, wondering if maybe he hadn’t knocked loud enough. He tried again, a little firmer this time.

Again, no answer.

He... was at the right house, wasn’t he?

One glance at the name plate said that he was at the Hawthorn residence, so he hadn’t messed that up. Did he somehow show up at the wrong time?

“Hello?” he called to the closed front door. Was he supposed to meet somewhere else-?

“Steven!”

His head turned at the sound of May’s voice. She was at the house across the street from where he stood, waving at him.

“I should’ve told you, but things got so crazy- We’re actually going to be celebrating here! Come on over!”

Suddenly Steven felt foolish for knocking on her door for Arceus knows how long. As he walked toward her, he prayed she hadn’t been watching him be an idiot for the last few minutes.

She wore a bandana as usual, keeping her bangs back from her face, as well as a cute red apron that he noticed had a little torchic embroidered on one of the pockets. It was both incredibly different from what she normally wore, but somehow so very May that he couldn’t help but smile.

She was nearly bouncing in place as he approached. Then her eyes noticed the bottle in his hand.

“You didn’t have to bring a gift, you dork,” she said, elbowing him in the side.

“I just thought it would make for a good first impression,” he said, shrugging.

May rolled her eyes. “You worry too much. She’ll love you.” She grabbed his arm and dragged him in. “Let’s go!”

Half-stumbling through the door, it took him a moment to take in the room before him.

To the left, the living room blended into the dining room, covered in moon-related decorations. There was an open archway at the back with voices coming from it that he could only assume was the kitchen. To the right, there was a set of stairs with a string of azumarill lanterns hung along the banister, a door that looked to lead outside at the very end of the hall.

A few people he recognized from Professor Birch’s lab were hanging up more lanterns along the wall as well as other decorations he wasn’t sure of the names of while the few kids that were there folded origami in the living room.

Some looked up at their arrival, casting them - or more likely, him - confused looks that quickly morphed into some form of recognition.

May ignored them all, though, and marched him straight into the kitchen, despite the gaggle of people standing in their way.

“Mom, Steven’s here!” she announced to the three people flitting about in the kitchen.

One woman, her brown hair matching May’s exactly, looked up from where she was stirring what looked to be noodles in a large pot.

“Oh, it’s about time!” She placed her cooking chopsticks to the side and rushed over to them. He was about to hold out a hand to shake before she embraced him in a hug tight enough to squeeze the life out of him.

“Mom, please don’t kill him,” May said from his side, sounding exasperated.

Mrs. Hawthorn released him and he let out a small gasp of relief. “I’m so sorry, Steven; I just get a little overexcited with my hugs, you see. I’m a bit like a mama Ursaring at times.” She laughed. “Oh and you’ve brought sake as well; you’re so sweet! I’ve really been so looking forward to meeting you after everything May’s told us about you-“

“You’ve talked about me?” Steven asked May, glancing at her.

“Only good things, don’t worry,” May said with a laugh.

“I’ve only heard the best things about you, Steven, honestly, you should hear some of the things she says about you-“

“Ooookay Mom,” May cut in quickly. “I’m sure you guys can talk about that later when I’m not here.”

May’s mother gave her daughter a look that Steven couldn’t interpret, then turned back to him, beaming. “We’ll just have to catch up later.” She took the bottle from him. “Please make yourself at home.”

He had a feeling that something had transpired that he wasn’t privy to, but he didn’t think now was the time to ask about it.

May pulled him away before he could say as much, saying, “Sorry about her. She can be...a lot.”

Steven thought about his own father, with his tendency to ramble and his over exuberant personality, and only nodded in understanding. “No, she was great, honestly. Where are we going now-?”

“Steven Stone?”

They both turned to the person addressing him. Professor Birch‘s son - Brendan, if Steven remembered correctly. He took in the two of them, eyes darting between them, to May’s hand on his arm, and then back to their faces.

“Didn’t realize you would be here.”

“May invited me,” Steven replied, not entirely sure why he felt like he was being analyzed.

“Did she?” Brendan asked, smiling in a way that could Steven could only describe as mischievous, his eyes meeting May’s in another look that Steven couldn’t figure out.

“Yes, Brendan, I did, and we’re going to go help my dad decorate now, aren’t we, Steven?”

Before Steven could say anything, May turned them away from the living room and toward the stairwell. He felt like he was missing something here, but he had a feeling if he asked no one would tell him what it was.

The Petalburg Gym Leader and May’s father, Norman, was talking to Professor Birch by the back door by the stairs, a handful of foldable chairs against the wall as well as a coil of lights.

“Hey Professor, hey Dad. I’ve brought you guys a helper,” May said.

They both looked up at the two, Professor Birch with a smile, Norman with ... a much less friendly expression. All of the nerves that had begun to ease after meeting May’s mother immediately swarmed back at the frosty reception. Did Steven mess up his first impression with her father somehow as well? What had he done? He couldn’t think of any animosity between them when he had been Champion, but surely something had happened.

“Steven Stone,” Norman Hawthorn said with a curt nod. “I hope your father is doing well.”

“Thank you. He’s actually in Johto right now on business.”

“Well, please tell him hello from me when you see him next.”

“Of course. I’m sure he would be pleased to hear from you.”

Professor Birch, on the other hand, was quite excited to see him and cut in before the conversation could get more awkward.

“Steven, it’s been so long! How’s your team doing? How’s that little Beldum you hatched?”

“It’s doing well, Professor. Thank you again for watching after him while I was away.”

“Oh, it was no trouble; he was a delight! I’m glad you’re here! We can use all the help we can get!”

“What ... exactly are we doing?”

“We’re setting up everything outside.” Professor Birch nodded at the stacks of chairs beside them. “That’s the best part of the celebration: It’s all about appreciating nature and what better way to do that than outside with food cooked from the garden we’ve cultivated here in Littleroot?”

“What can I do to help?”

“Help set up the lights in the back before it gets dark. Vigoroth will take care of the chairs,” Norman said, pulling out a Pokéball.

“I’ll head outside to grab the ladders,” May said, already halfway out the door.

“May, I need you in here!” her mother called from the kitchen. May groaned.

“Never mind, I guess,” she grumbled. As she passed him to move to the kitchen, she gave him a half-smile. “I’ll catch up with you later?”

“I’ll be here,” he said, smiling back.

“May!” her mother called again. May rolled her eyes at him before heading to the kitchen. Steven watched her go, only to feel a coil of lights shoved into his arms a moment later. He glanced back to see Norman giving him that frosty look again and Steven cleared his throat, feeling the nerves even more than before.

“Lights, right. Let’s get started then.”

-

Two long tables sat out in the backyard under rows of string lights as the sun set. The sky was ablaze in streaks of orange and peach, the sun turning the trees to gold and everyone outside into long shadows. Steven had thought he had gotten over being impressed by sunsets after his years of traveling, but he had to admit that Littleroot had some gorgeous ones.

As they had set things up, Professor Birch told him that it was primarily the Birches and Hawthorns tonight, as well as a few lab aids and their kids who hadn’t had family to go to for the holidays. Ever since the Hawthorns had moved to Littleroot, they had tried to make it a tradition to hold a big celebration like this, with Professor Birch’s wife taking the lead on dinner while May’s mother handled decorations. Though they had been doing this for so long that they didn’t need directions nearly as much as before, so she normally handled desserts with May.

Once the lights were hung, Professor Birch sent Steven over to help set the table. Brendan was already there, so Steven started at the opposite side.

“Did May’s dad scare you off yet?” Brendan asked after a bit of silence between them.

Steven looked up in confusion. “What?”

“I’m just kidding, dude, don’t worry.” Brendan raised an eyebrow. “I mean, you know how this looks, right?”

Steven’s brow furrowed.

“Oh dear Mew,” Brendan muttered with a sigh. “You’re the first person she’s brought home since she moved to Hoenn and, short of bringing you for Christmas, tonight’s a pretty big deal for her family?”

“She just told me I had to come to try the dango,” Steven said lamely.

Brendan groaned. “Steven, with all due respect, as much as I know you like rocks, I didn’t think you would be as dumb as one.”

“Excuse me?”

“It looks like you’re dating,” Brendan exclaimed, sounding exasperated. “You know, you and May? In a relationship?”

It suddenly felt way too warm for a late autumn night. May and him? Dating? That was ridiculous; she had said so herself that her mother had wanted to meet him and she wanted him to try some sweets. Sure, he admired her in a dozen and a half ways and thought she was incredibly strong, kind, passionate- And he was getting off track. None of those meant that he wanted to date her or that any feelings he may or may not have were reciprocated.

“Th-That’s not what this is,” Steven managed, trying to not sound as confused as he felt. “She just wanted me to actually go to a tsukimi celebration and introduce me to her mother-“

Brendan gave him a look that could only be read as “really?”

“As far as I’m aware,” Steven tried instead. “We are not dating.”

“It sure looks like it, dude,” Brendan said with a snort. “Her mom and dad think so, at least.”

They were done setting the table, but Steven’s mind was replaying several scenes over in his head from the last few months. They definitely could have been seen as dates and that... explained a lot in hindsight, he thought. 

Before he could ask Brendan anything else, Mrs. Hawthorne and May came out with a handful of dishes. Behind them, Professor Birch carried a giant pot with what smelled like curry in it. Once they were placed onto the second table, Professor Birch called, “Dinner’s served!”

May caught his eye across the way and he felt himself smile and raised his hand in a wave. Behind him, Brendan groaned. “Hopeless, the  both of you.”

-

Steven found himself sitting next to May, much to Mrs. Hawthorn’s insistence, and across from Brendan, who kept smirking at both of them.

May ignored him, instead talking to her mother on her right or Steven on her left. Dinner was delicious, but Steven was barely able to focus on that or on the conversations May tried to start, his mind circling back to his earlier talk with Brendan.

It certainly explained why his father always seemed to be asking about May and telling him to bring her for dinner sometime. It also explained why Wallace had asked what was going on with them At the time, Steven had said nothing because he hadn’t thought anything was going on. But clearly something was, whether either of them knew it or not.

“Steven?” He felt a hand on his arm and turned to see May looking concerned. “Is everything okay?”

Suddenly every touch and look from her felt so much more real and Steven recoiled on instinct, only to feel even worse when her brow furrowed at his movement.

“Everything is fine here,” he said, his voice sounding strangely cheery even to his own ears. “Is everything fine with you?”

“Uh, yeah, I’m good.” She frowned. “Did you end up drinking some of that sake? You’re acting kind of weird.”

“What do you mean? I’m acting perfectly normal right now.”

May just stared at him for a moment, searching his face as if she would find an answer to his strange behavior, but then shrugged. “Okay, but if you need to go home early, just let me know. We won’t be upset-“

“No, no!” he interrupted. He was making a much bigger deal of this than he needed to and probably worrying her when she already had so much to think about. What was wrong with him? “I’m fine, really, I’m sorry for worrying you.”

She looked at him for another moment, then nodded, smiling slightly. “Okay, I believe you. But seriously, I won’t be mad if you don’t feel well or need to leave early.”

“Okay,” he said. Brendan caught his eye and mouthed “smooth” and Steven wished the ground would just swallow him up instead of letting him continue to make a fool of himself.

-

Things had gotten easier after dinner: Professor Birch has engaged him in a long discussion on evolution and May’s mother had asked him to help start the fire in the pit they had moved their chairs around. Despite the string lights and the fire, the moon was bright overhead, shining like a silver coin with a scattering of stars around it.

An hour or so after dinner, May had caught up with him and pulled him back into the kitchen. He resisted the urge to pull against her. Because, really, he did want to spend more time with her, but he also didn’t know how to act around her now that he knew what it looked like. Did she know that they looked like a couple? Did she... like it? Did she want to be one?

His head was full of so many what-ifs and questions for her and himself that he didn’t do anything but smile politely as they walked into the kitchen with Mrs. Hawthorn.

“Wait, what are we doing now?” he asked, realizing he hadn’t actually learned why he was there in the first place.

“We’re making dango, of course.” At his confused look, she rolled her eyes. “What, you thought we just bought them pre-made at the store? My mom would kill me if we served store-bought dango.”

“Oh, don’t be dramatic, May,” Mrs. Hawthorn sighed. “They’re just so much better when you make them by hand, of course.”

“I’ve never made them before-“ Steven started, but Mrs. Hawthorn simply patted his arm.

“Don’t worry, it’s easy! May’s made them for years now, so she can show you the ropes.”

“It’s really not that hard,” May assured him. “If I can do it, you definitely can.”

“Well, I’ll check on you two in a bit,” Mrs. Hawthorn said with another one of those looks at May that he now had a feeling meant she wanted to give them some alone time.

He glanced at her, wondering if he should ask about everything now, but she was instead holding an apron out to him: blue with a little aron embroidered in the pocket, just like hers.

Steven laughed at the sight and May scowled. “What?”

“No, nothing,” he assured her, grinning. “This just reminds me of something my dad would’ve gotten me as a kid. I had so much aron stuff, but I don’t think he ever got me an apron.”

“Well now you can add an apron to your collection,” May said. After he put it on, she grinned. “I’m glad it fits.”

“Wait, did you get this for me specifically?”

“I- Well,” she started, looking away from him and fiddling with the straps of her apron. “We only have two aprons here and they’re already being used by me and my mom, and I knew you would need one, and then I saw that one the other day and I thought it would be cute on you, so... I got it.”

Steven felt his face warm, but just because the oven was likely on and not because he was thinking about her calling him cute-

“Um, thank you,” he tried, hoping he didn’t sound as awkward as he felt. “I appreciate the thought- about the apron, I mean. It’s great, really.” Nope, definitely sounded as awkward as he felt.

“Of course,” she said, still not looking at him. “So, um, let’s start, shall we?”

He nodded, not trusting himself to speak lest he make more of an idiot of himself than he already had tonight.

Theoretically, it wasn’t a difficult recipe: 3 and a half ounces of rice flour, 2/3 of a cup of water; combine the flour and water; mix until it becomes a dough, then form the dumplings.

He primarily fetched ingredients for her, watching her work and mentally taking notes on how it all worked. He wasn’t sure what he was going to use this knowledge for in the future, but he still took notes regardless.

“How long have you made these?” he asked as she stirred in the flour.

“Ever since I can remember, honestly,” she replied. “Even when I was little, I remember my mom sitting me on the counter and asking me to help make the dango into balls, all the while telling me the story of the azumarill on the moon.”

“The azumarill on the moon?” he asked as he watched the last part of the flour fold into the dough.

“You don’t know the story?” May asked. When he shook his head, she simply shrugged. “It’s just a kids story, but I always liked it.”

“Could you tell me it?”

“Do you really want to hear it?” she asked, skeptical.

“I do. Would you?”

There was a moment of silence and Steven wondered if she would decide against it. He then wondered if he had somehow overstepped some boundary that he wasn’t aware of, but after another minute, she began.

“The story goes that there was a hungry old man who asked a vulpix, an aipom and an azumarill for some food.”

She mixed the dough with ease, like she had been making this for ages, which, he supposed she had. The faintest smile was on her face as she spoke and he tried to imagine her as a little girl, wearing an apron just like this, eyes wide as she heard this story for the first time.

“The aipom used his tail to get berries, the vulpix caught him some fish, but the rabbit only had grass to offer,” she continued. “So the azumarill built a fire and then jumped in, offering himself as food for the old man.”

Steven frowned. “This is a kids story?”

“Hey, I swear it has a happy ending,” she insisted with a laugh. “The old man revealed himself to be the moon god and, grateful for what the azumarill had done, saved him from the fire and thanked him. Then the moon god brought the azumarill to live with him on the moon. Legend has it, he’s still up there, making mochi for himself and the moon god. And speaking of-“

May pulled the dough from the bowl and onto the counter with a thump. Steven jumped slightly, too caught up in the story to notice that the dough was finished.

“So I’ll roll this out and divide it into 16 pieces, then we’ll make them into little balls,” she explained.

It was quiet for a moment as she worked the dough, both of them lost in their thoughts. Steven’s had settled considerably - perhaps it had been the repetition of making dumplings that had helped his mind stop running in a million circles.

“It was just a dumb kids story,” she said. “Sorry if I bored you.”

“No, no, that wasn’t it,” he replied. “Sorry, I was just thinking. I liked it, really.”

“I just- I thought it was pretty amazing that the azumarill did so much for someone he didn’t know, y’know?”

Steven was quiet, but May continued. “And then to live on the moon and have mochi for the rest of my life? Sounded like a good deal to me.”

He laughed and after a second, she did, too, and it seemed to break the awkwardness that had been lingering since they began baking. He didn’t know why he had been so nervous before. Even if they looked like a couple and people thought they were, it was nothing a little explanation couldn’t fix. The important thing was that he and May were still friends and that she would still be there for him at the end of the day; that was all that mattered.

“I know I asked earlier, but are you okay, really?” May glanced over at him, worry still in her eyes.

He sighed and leaned against the counter as she divided the dough into sixteen pieces.

“I am. I’m sorry for acting so strange earlier. I was just stuck in my head. We’re okay.”

“Okay, good,” she said, smiling, and he felt himself warm at seeing it. He had felt that before, but he had always just brushed it off as admiration and friendship before. But now he was starting to rethink it all.

“Alright, we’ll each do eight,” May instructed. She picked one of the dough pieces up and began to roll it. “Just fold the piece into itself and roll it between your hands until it’s a smooth ball like this.” She showed him a near perfect sphere, then placed it on the baking tray.

It was simple, really, but some inner perfectionist made him want the spheres to be as perfect as possible, which made him significantly slower than her. When she had finished her batch and he was only halfway through his, she laughed.

“They don’t have to be perfect, Steven. They’re going to be eaten either way.”

“I know,” he said, despite still rolling the ball in his hand because it was a little bigger than the other three.

May grabbed his hands in hers to stop him. He glanced up from his hands to her. She smiled and he could see the amusement in her eyes.

“They’re already great, Steven, really.” She took the dough ball and exchanged it for another slice.

“How’s it going, kids?” Mrs. Hawthorn said, popping her head in the doorway.

“Almost done, Mom!” May said.

Mrs. Hawthorn walked toward them to look over their work. 

“Great job, Steven! I would never have thought this was your first time doing this.”

“Well, May did all of the work,” he said.

“No, I couldn’t have done it without you,” she insisted.

“I just handed you ingredients-“

“Yes, but you’ve already made almost half of the dango yourself.”

“Well, however much work you did, you did very well, dear,” Mrs. Hawthorn said with a warm smile. “I’ll let the others know that you’re almost done.”

They thanked her and went back to finishing the last two slices.

Once they finished, May dropped them into boiling water and cleaned up their space as the dumplings cooked.

“Okay, so it wasn’t just me being in my head,” he admitted as they put away the rice flour. “I talked to Brendan earlier and-“

“Oh Mew, what did Brendan say?” she asked with a laugh.

“He- Honestly, it’s nothing. Don’t worry.”

May turned her full attention to him, her eyes narrowed in suspicion. “What did he say?”

Steven brushed a hand through his hair, wondering why he even brought this up in the first place when they had just dissolved the tension they had had. How did he even explain this without making things awkward again?

“He, er, said that it looks like you brought me home as... your date.”

The bubbling of the water was the only sound between them for far too long. May’s face was red now and she very pointedly looked away from him. Steven’s own face was warm and he knew better than to think it was the steam from the dumplings.

“I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable because I’m here or feel that you’re forced into doing anything or acting in a certain way. I genuinely thought I was just coming over to make these,” Steven gestured to the pot. “I just- don’t want things to get weird between us, if that’s not what you intended.” His voice quieted at the tail end of the sentence, wondering if she had heard him and, if so, if she would explain to him what she did intend.

She still wouldn’t look at him, though, instead stirring the dough balls and fishing out the ones that were apparently done cooking.

“I just want to know what’s happening right now, May,” he said. “Regardless of what happens tonight, nothing will change. At least not for me.”

She let out a long exhale, then glanced over at him.

“I- I really did want you to just experience a Littleroot tsukimi and enjoy yourself,” she started. “I... know what a lot of people have said about us and how this looks, but I know we’re not ... that.“

The question was at the tip of his tongue, but he held it back, waiting as she spoke again.

“I know we’re not and I’m sorry if tonight made you feel uncomfortable or if Brendan or my dad said something that freaked you out. They’re honestly the worst and I can’t believe they would interrogate you tonight-“

Steven touched her shoulder and, like he had earlier, she shied away. His hand held empty air and he was surprised at how much such a small reaction hurt.

“It wasn’t them, May. Sure, Brendan explained things, but he just told me what I probably should’ve known about a while ago. Your dad didn’t say anything. It’s just me. I just want to know ... how you feel. About us.”

He felt foolish for not being able to say it. They were adults for crying out loud; why was it so difficult to ask if she wanted something more, if she did actually want to date him?

You know why, a voice whispered in his mind, all of his flaws and insecurities coming to the forefront of his mind. Flighty even in the best of times, inexperienced in far too many things, travels too much for any steady relationship, hyper focuses on far too many weird hobbies-

May didn’t get to answer, though, because Mrs. Hawthorn popped back into the kitchen just then, her eyes lighting up when she saw the finished dango.

“Right on time! I’ll just take these outside.” She grabbed the baking tray and began walking out. She looked over her shoulder, nodding at them. “And that means you kids too!”

Steven followed her outside, May behind him. He felt less like he was walking somewhere and more that his body was moving for him. There was still so much unsaid between them; would they ever actually have a chance to talk it?

He felt a hand on his wrist pull him back. He looked back at her, but she was very much not looking at him.

“Mom, we’ll be there in a sec,” May said, sounding a lot more normal than he felt right now.

Mrs. Hawthorn smiled mischievously at them. “Don’t take too long, you two!”

Steven shifted from foot to foot once they were alone, just imagining the things she could be thinking about.

It was quiet for far too long between them and he hated it. He wanted to do something, anything, to break it, to go back to the joking and laughing from before. He never should have said anything to begin with; maybe then things wouldn’t be as bad as they are now-

“This is not at all how I thought this was going to go,” May said, startling him from his thoughts. “Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to go through with this, but I guess now is as good a time as any other.” She took a deep breath, then another. Steven couldn’t breathe.

“I like you. A lot. Like, more than I ever thought I would like someone.” Everything around him froze at her words. Time slowed, yet his heart rate and breathing sped up even further, feeling like an azumarill tapping its foot against his chest.

She was looking at everything but him, her arms crossed tightly in front of her and her face still so red it almost matched her bandana. It was ridiculously cute.

“If you don’t feel the same way, I completely understand and I won’t bring this up ever again, but... I just needed you to know, especially after everything that happened tonight.”

“May-“ He stepped toward her.

“No, no, I also want to say that if you don’t want to be friends or talk anymore after this, I understand that, too, I just-“

“May,” he said again.

“What?!” she exclaimed, finally looking at him. She looked upset, more upset than he’d ever seen her, and he felt horrible for being the reason for it.

A hundred things popped up in his mind to say, things he had heard were romantic or gallant, but all he could muster was a quiet, “I like you, too.”

“As a friend, though, right?”

“No! I mean, yes, of course as a friend, but also as more than that, as more than a friend,” he stammered out. He wanted to hug her and do something to make her feel better, but his hands just fluttered uselessly above her shoulders.

“I- I’ve always admired you; I’ve been in awe of your strength and skill in everything you do since I first met you,” he tried to explain. “I always thought that was all that it was: admiration. But, something changed. I don’t know if it was tonight or if it was on one of our lunch dates that I never realized until now were dates or if it was when you stepped out of the Cave of Origin like a living legend and I realized I was so grateful I hadn’t lost you.” He was rambling, oh Mew, he was rambling; how did people do this?

“I care about you, May,” he said, feeling like something in him had lightened by telling her despite the anxiety he felt for even saying the words. “And whether that’s as a partner or just as a mentor or as a friend, I want to be there for you.”

She still looked at him in almost... disbelief. “You, Steven Stone, like me?”

He smiled, hoping it would quell the doubt in her eyes. “I, Steven Stone, like you, May Hawthorn.”

“Okay,” she said with a breathy exhale that could have almost been a laugh. “Okay.”

Before he could think about what to do next, she flung herself into his arms with a real laugh this time, the one he heard almost daily over the phone and over food, the one that made him want to be the one to make her laugh like that again and again.

They just stood there for a moment and it felt like the puzzle pieces that had broken apart between them earlier that night were fitting themselves back together again.

May pulled back slightly, looking slightly sheepish, though her eyes shone brightly in the moonlight.

“So I know we definitely did this out of order, but do you want to go on a date with me?”

Steven laughed. “After all the apparent dates we’ve been on already?”

May rolled her eyes. “The other ones didn’t count because we didn’t even know they were dates.”

“We definitely did this out of order,” he said.

“Well, now we can do everything in order and do all the cheesy first date things, right?” She bit her lip as she looked up at him, as if she was trying to keep from smiling too wide.

“Right,” he agreed, his mind already thinking of all the things he wanted to do together, all the things he wanted to give her. “Does tonight count?”

She looked above them and the moonlight sparkled in her eyes. He couldn’t look away.

“Dinner under a full moon - not bad,” she said. “But I think we can do better.”

“Tomorrow then. At that sushi place in Rustboro, then a late night flight?”

She smiled and Steven swore it was brighter than the moon itself. “It’s a date.”

-

dango: rice dumplings similar to mochi that are made during tsukimi to represent the moon!

thank you for reading this - i’m sorry again for not having posted anything this week, but i really hope you enjoyed! again, i’m going to try to figure out ao3 tomorrow - work has just been A Mess and i haven’t had a chance to until now.

i also want to thank the discord for helping me work through my writer’s block and just being really lovely <3 y’all are the best!!!

[horrorslashergirl]

Hunter meeting Hunter

A Xaviera Lah-Mo and Andrei Kulokova Story Chapter 2

Authors Note: Here is part 2 of this exciting, thrilling story with Xaviera and Andrei! It’s so much fun writing these two. This is more from Xaviera’s perspective. God, I love these two.

Chapter 1 HERE

Xaviera Lah-Mo belongs to me

Andrei Kulokova belongs to @the-slasher-files​

Warnings: Some tension and a glimpse of Xaviera’s past

Words: 2.1k

The snow was starting to fall from the clouded sky harder, wind getting more aggressive; typical Himalayan winter, something that didn't surprise Xaviera as she gazed out the window of the cottage at the scenario outside, waiting for the stew in the two bowls she prepared to cool down a little, the smell of food relaxing her.

She huffed, wondering what she should do with the mysterious man upstairs. She was so used to traveling alone that the presence of someone made her anxious and stay on her toes for anything to happen, especially seeing how this man wasn't a usual one, her icy blue eyes drifting from the window to his weapons.

After five minutes, she got up from the chair, taking the tray of food, and marching upstairs to the bedroom, opening the door to see the brown-haired man smoke, gazing out the window at the snow falling down.

Without saying anything, she set the tray of food on the nightstand, taking her own portion and sitting into the old armchair next to the bed. He eyed curiously and suspiciously, taking the bowl and setting it in his lap.

"It's not poisonous if that's what you're wondering. If I wanted you dead I would have left you to the wild animals in the snow." she stated, taking a spoonful of her own stew.

He snorted at her words, taking a generous spoonful of the stew, his eyes closed, savoring in the taste and warmness of the dish.

"I've been through worse, myshka." he told her with a smirk.

Xaviera didn't say anything else, a tranquil silence falling on both of them as they eat. After she finished eating, she set her empty bowl on the nightstand, then gazed at him, many questions filled her head.

"Are you going to tell me now who you are and don't play that stubborn game of telling me a false name, Andrei Kulokova. It's not that hard to read your dog tags." she broke the silence, his own ice blue eyes widened a little at her words; that she knew who he was.

His surprised expression quickly changed into a hard glare, the hard cold walls surrounding him like some sort of protection.

"If you know my name is only fair to know yours." he told her, voice rough and with a certain predatory curiosity, like a wild animal wanting to acknowledge the other predator's identity.

"Xaviera Lah-Mo." she simply answered, making herself comfortable on the armchair, her eyes moving to his bandaged ankle, only for him to finish the food and starting to try to get up from the bed.

She gently pushed her hand on his chest to stop him from trying to get up, his eyes like a dangerous wolf ready to strike, but she kept her braveness, not breaking eye contact, macing his glare with her strict one.

"Your ankle is twisted, you need to rest." she firmly told him, who raised a scarred eyebrow at her words.

"What is it your business if I twist my neck?" the Russian man asked her, placing a big, rough hand on her arm gently, a silent warning for her not to pull a stupid stunt.

"I know you care too much for me, but try not fall in love." he whispered, a smug smirk tugging at his lips, K9's on display, but she only scowled at his arrogance, rolling her blue eyes at his attempt at flirting.

"Don't get all high and mighty. I don't want to drag your stubborn self upstair....again." she explained, his hand on her arm, burning her skin through the sweater she was wearing.

"And don't make me kick your ass out. There's a blizzard outside and there are worse killers that I'm sure will love an injured prey." she hissed, tugging at her arm from his hold, without a good result.

The Russian laughs; sadistic and twisted amusement in his wolfish eyes, his face inching towards her own; the two looking like two deadly wild animals ready to clash in a ball of claws and sharp teeth, the fight for dominance evident between the small woman and behemoth of a man.

"So much fire in such a little frame, darling..." he mused, lightening up his cigarette, blowing smoke in her face, making her venomous eyes intensify.

"I like that."

His grip on her arms tightens, it was loose enough that Xaviera could escape but also tight enough that she had to put on a little fight to escape the grips of the big bad wolf.

He was asserting the dominance here, reminding her of a male wolf in the prime of life, hot-blooded against a smaller one. It was a silent assertion.

'I am the big bad one, little one.' That's what it screamed.

Xaviera dismissed his comment, feeling her cheeks heat up involuntarily, something that happened to her in years.

"You know...Some of the deadliest animals are very small." she whispers, face pulled into a frown, just like a feline is ready to hiss in a warning.

Yes, size was important in the animal kingdom. Xaviera remembers during one trip in India when she was studying the King Cobra; a small animal in comparison with a tiger, but the snake packed enough neurotoxin to kill an elephant with a single bite.

"Don't make me scratch your eyes out." the white-haired woman warns him, tugging on her arm from his hold, without success.

The cigarette from between his lips hangs lazily, while he smirks her way.

"Come and try it, little kitten." he challenges her, only for Xaviera to blush at the use of the pet name on her, gulping down nervously, a weird feeling settling in her chest like something was crawling from the deepness of her ribcage. Despite that feeling, she kept a defensive demeanor.

"I'm not little." she hisses.

Andrei raises an eyebrow at her attempt to be threatening.\

"Have you looked in mirror?" he asks, pulling her closer, his body language telling her that he was deep in thought.

"Your neck will be so small under my hand as I squeeze...your trashing will be like nothing to me, little kitten." he spoke lowly with an animalistic growl that made Xaviera shiver, despite her facade at putting a feral face that made the Russian smirk.

Xaviera was the most sensitive at her neck, next to her ears and the prospect of him touching her there, made alarm bells ring in her head like a nuclear reactor ready to blow.

"If you touch my neck I am gonna castrate you, doggie." she hissed under her breath, brows pulled into a frown and her eyes looking directly into his.

She knew that if she broke the eye-contact that would be a sign of weakness on her part.

The man snarls only mere inches away from her face, one of his larger and rough hands moves to run along her thigh and she had to use all her power to control her breathing, trying not to show weakness or hesitation.

"Oh, you would love to get that close to me, wouldn't you....that intimate." he spoke, the air in the room turning from dangerous to sexual, the hand on her arm moving up to run the back of it along her cheek.

"You don't have to ask, baby girl, you know where to find me." with that said from his part, he removes his hands with a little shove and grabs the tea from the tray on the nightstand, taking a long sip while he held eye-contact with her.

Xaviera was taken back by his obscenity, never had she meet a man who spoke so directly at her in such lewd ways; probably because all the men she encountered were either too scared to addresses her, because of her ice-cold demeanor.

She snorts, pulling on a face of disgust.

"Keep dreaming, asshole. One more of that and I am gonna kick your butt in the snow." she warned him with her trademark icy glare.

Andrei holds the cup of tea in his lap and scoffs at her threat.

"Baby, I'm from Russia, the snow and cold is no bother to me." he tells her with a cocky smirk.

"You're infuriating." she tells him, stalking out of the bedroom and walking downstairs, leaving him alone.

After that, she went back on her research; she couldn't wait to kill the group of poachers that she had stalked for so long, mostly because their target was the rare snow leopard and just the idea of them killing the beautiful and gracious animal for the majestic fur made her see red and almost break a compass in her hand.

She needed to focus and that unnerving Russian was driving her nuts. Gazing out the window, the time passed so fast that it was starting to get dark outside, the night slowly falling in. Might as well rest herself during this blizzard, because she will need all the power for the upcoming hunt.

Her eyes looked to the stairs and she scoffed; no way was she going to sleep next to that male that she wanted to scratch his eyes out. She moved towards the fireplace, laying down on the fluffy blanket in front, the flames warming her up and making her eyelids feel as heavy as her sniper rifle.

Before she knew it she was fast asleep.

===========================

She was running, that's all she could do, hearing the loud hitting of numerous paws hitting the dry ground. Her ears perked up as the sounds of laughing growling meet her, basically feeling how the sharp canines will tear her flesh to the bone.

No weapons, no defense. Xaviera was scared and she felt like death was chasing her in the form of a pack of hyenas; the only animal she was anxious to be around, mostly because it reminded her so much of her parents dead.

No, not the animal killed their parents, the poachers did and the feliform carnivoran mammals just clean up the mess. A 14-year-old being forced to watch how her mother was devoured by the feral animals. How the hyenas tore the flesh of her mother's face-off, ripping her limbs apart.

She couldn't run and before she knew it she was on the ground, mouths of sharp teeth surrounding her, snarling and mocking her.

She wanted to wake up!

==============================

She jolted up with a scream, moving to get away from anything until her back meets a corner; she was hyperventilating, scanning her surroundings.

She was back in the cottage, in the bedroom, but she remembers that she fell asleep in front of the fireplace. Her gaze moved from the bed to the other side of the bedroom, seeing the Russian in a defensive position, one hunting knife in hand, the blade shining from the moonlight that peeks from the window.

Seeing that there was no danger, just the two of them in the silence of the night. He lowered his knives down, bending down and just looking at her.

She took as much air in her lungs as she could, controlling her breathing and uneasiness, reminding herself that it was only a nightmare and there is no danger, nothing to harm her in....that way.

Still, the gruesome images of her mother made her muscles tense, like a feline ready to pounce if she was threatened.

Xaviera was pulled from her dark thoughts by the slight shushing and cooing voice of Andrei, as he took careful steps towards her, her hands ready to strike if she had to, but he just stopped in front of her, not showing any sign that he will hurt or kill her.

Without realizing it, she leaned her forehead against his chest; she was so small compared to him and he could easily twist her neck if he so desired, especially in her vulnerable state.

That thought made her pull away from him slowly, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath.

"It was nothing." she told him in a quiet voice, exiting the bedroom and going downstairs, not having it in her to be around anyone at this moment.

The vulnerability was dangerous; she saw many times how that could cost someone's life. Animals showed no mercy when they got their prey in their claws or jaws....and so were humans, but humans were greedier, their avarice destroying everything.

Xaviera sometimes wondered if she was human because she felt more in connection with the wildness and animals.

Life thought her that is either you're the predator or the prey and she sure as hell wasn't going to be the second option. Still, she wondered why she saved the predator upstairs.

Maybe, because like her, he was more animal than human, and her soft spot for feral creatures kicked in?

She sighed as she gazed out the window outside, still night and snowing and she could feel as she gazed at the Himalayan mountains the spirit of the snow leopard, remembering that she was strong and deadly, killing so many people, just like a predator.

[helloprettybb]

previews

I have a lot of things in the works, so I thought, why not show some previews. I don’t know when a majority of these are coming out, but I promise they will eventually. There are a lot more than just these, but they aren’t as fledged out. The title names may change in the future, once I finish, but the summaries will be the same. The eta’s may be really off, but I’ll try to get them out.

orders

summary- you disobey Steve on a mission and now you have to pay the consequences.

current word count- 2.3k

eta- 8/17-8/21

“What did I say?” Steve asks, once you close the bedroom door behind you. His voice is low and angry, which is scarier than if he were yelling. If you were being honest, you deserved his exasperation. What you did was reckless and completely disobeyed orders, but in the heat of the moment, you didn’t really care.

“Retreat,” you mumbled, knowing how much trouble you were in. Steve hadn’t spoken to you since the mission ended and the two of you could be alone. The moment the jet landed, he stormed off to his room. Steve didn’t even need to tell you to follow him, because you knew whatever was coming would be much worse if you didn’t.

“And what did you do?” Steve questions, knowing you knew the answer.

“I proceeded with the mission,” you replied, head low and eyes stuck on the ground. You were usually confident and brimming with enthusiasm, but on the receiving end of Steve’s anger, you couldn’t even lift your head up. Steve senses your timidness, so he grabs your chin and forces you to meet his eyes. Unlike their usual softness, his eyes are tough and piercing. You fight a little to lower your head, but Steve’s strong grip stops any resistance. You know he’s angry with you, but you can’t stop the dirty thoughts that rushed in your mind.

“You did. And what happens when you disobey orders?” Steve asks, his tone leaving you trembling beneath him.

“I get punished,” you answer meekly.

-

captain idiot

summary- Steve finally tells you how he feels, but then tells you it won’t work. Maybe a couple of people can knock some sense into him.

current word count- 943

eta- late august-early september

It’s the day you’ve looked forward to since you joined the Avengers and you’ve never wanted a day to end more. It was actually a good day and when Steve told you he wanted to talk, you thought it would be even better. Oh, how ignorant you were.

“So, what do you want to talk about?” you ask, trying to contain your excitement. You bite the inside of your lip to prevent the giddy smile from forming. Sitting beside him in the common room, you force your leg still as you wait for him to speak.

You’ve had a massive crush on Steve ever since you joined the team. Actually, you liked him even before that, when you saw him on TV for the first time. You were only sixteen at the time, but seeing people like you saving New York inspired you. All of your life, you’ve been ostracized and cast out for your abilities. While your parents tried to be supportive, they still held some fear. You don’t blame them, especially after your accidentally split the house in half with a tree.

You were only seventeen when you first met Fury. He offered a position on the team. At the time, you wanted to attend college, so you declined, but you kept in touch and after graduating, you decided to join the team. Tensions between the team were high as Steve, Natasha and Sam just rejoined the team and the Accords were dropped. But gradually, strain eased and the team seemed back to normal. Tony started talking to Steve and Bucky even joined the group. Everyone lived in harmony, until today.

“I don’t know how to say this, so I’ll just be blunt.” Steve states, his intense eye contact piercing into your soul. “I like you. More than just a friend.”

You try to remain calm, but you can feel the childish joy rise in your chest. Steadying your tone, you reply, “I like you, too.” For some reason, Steve doesn’t smile, but looks more serious.

He sighs and asserts, “I was afraid you’d say that.”

-

swindler’s trick

summary- Steve Rogers needed to clear his head. Haunted from the war and his past relationship, Steve sets sail for England to reunite with an old friend and hopefully distract himself from his life in America. His distraction comes in the form of a beautiful young girl, who proves to be a worthy distraction, but will she be enough to help Steve move on from his past?

current word count- 7.3k

eta- mid-september

“Perfection is relative, old friend. You’ll understand when you find it.” Anthony advises wisely and as if on cue, an angel walks through the doorway. Well, not literally, but you are the closest thing to a saint on earth.

With your smooth hands and polished nails, you don’t look like a servant, but for your status, you dressed rather simply. As opposed to a large, decorated dress, you donned a dark, modest gown. You dressed closer to a middle-class maiden than a noblewoman, yet Steve took note that no outfit could diminish your beauty. Instead of the intricate up-dos he’s seen many high-class women wear, you have your hair down and pulled back.

Anthony notices your entrance and greets, “Y/n, dear!”

Steve knew Anthony favored beautiful women, but he did not expect for him to marry someone so young. Steve’s seen his fair share of older men and young partners, but he didn’t think Anthony would be that kind of man.

Strolling up to Anthony, you greet him lovingly by placing a gentle kiss on his cheek. Turning to Steve, you acknowledge politely, “Hello, sir. To what name shall I call you?” The moment you address him, Steve forgets every word in the English language. His mouth runs dry and he starts to regret denying Anthony’s tea offer.

Your stunning beauty and air of confidence fluster Steve and he manages to stutter out,“I- I am Captain America Rogers. I mean, Steve Rogers.” Attempting to recover, he clarifies, “I’m from America and I served as a Captain in the Army.”

You laugh lightly and Steve could have sworn an angel acquired its wings. “Well, Captain America. I appreciate the background information, but I figured from your accent that you were not from here.” you quip.

Anthony glares as you and gently scolds, “He is an old friend, y/n. Please be nice.”

You smile softly and tell him, “Oh papa, I hold no malice. It was a simple jest.” You turn to him and say, “But if any offense was taken, I do apologize. I’m aware that my tongue can be quite scathing.”

-

powers of persuasion

summary- you’re an expert assassin with ‘powers of persuasion’ who happens to be at the top of S.H.I.E.L.D’s most wanted list. catching you was the easiest part, now comes the hard part: turning you into an Avenger.

current word count- 1.4k

eta- mid-september

You are one of the most insufferable, arrogant, rude people he’s ever met. You are the one handcuffed to the chair, not him. Yet you acted like you were the one in control. No, he had the upper hand in the conversation. You definitely did not fluster him when you implied something about the handcuffs and Steve certainly didn’t imagine a scenario where he’d put the handcuffs to use.

Fine, you’re attractive, but you already knew that, which is one of the worst qualities about you. You know that you’re beautiful and use that to your advantage just to mess with people’s minds. That and your actual ability to mess with people’s minds.

Steve didn’t think he’d get that angry in such a short span of time, but something about the smug look on your face and unfazed teasing made Steve want to snap the table in half. He had to leave and clear his head.

Steve leaves the interrogation area altogether, needing to get as far away as possible. He talked to you by yourself, which was his mistake. Hopefully back at the base, he can find someone who will sympathize and agree that you are selfish, annoying, disrespectful...

“She’s joining the team,” Fury states. Steve couldn’t even hide his reaction, as his jaw dropped and eyebrows furrowed.

“Fury, are you serious?” Steve asks instinctively. While they are basically the same rank, Steve still treats Fury with respect, but right now, all of that flew out the window.

“Yes, Rogers. She’s useful.” Fury responds, “Not only is she an expect fighter, her persuasion ability will be advantageous.”

“So what? She’s untrustworthy!” Steve exclaimed, his voice rising more than he’d like.

“Well, learn to trust her,” Fury says in his blunt tone that shuts everyone down. “Besides, it’s better to have her on our side.” His last sentence shut all of Steve’s protests down. When Fury sees that he ended the argument, he places a key in Steve’s hand and commands, “Bring her to the Compound. You’re training her starting tomorrow morning.”

Before Steve could start another argument, Fury walks away and leaves Steve alone with his angry self.

the flirt

summary- Peter’s a sucker for British accents. Especially when they’re attached to a beautiful girl with glowing eyes.

current word count- 1.1k

eta- unknown

Peter Parker is a very anxious person. Whether it was asking strangers for help or working in group projects, he found it very difficult to speak up to newcomers. So when Mr. Stark called from a mysterious location and told him the Avengers gained a new member, Peter instantly began to worry. He asked for any information on them, but Tony insisted that it should be a surprise.

“Do you know who it is?” Peter asked Clint. He’s spent his entire morning bugging everyone at the compound. So far, he’s received a groan from Bucky, a ‘go away’ from Sam and an ‘I don’t know’ from Wanda.

“No,” Clint replied bluntly. subtly turning the knob on his hearing aid to block out Peter’s pestering. Nat looks up from her phone and shakes her head.

“You’re not going to get anything from us, kid.” Natasha simply states. Peter plops beside her on the couch and Natasha doesn’t even try to hide her eye roll.

“Wait, so you do know something?” he asked. His bouncing irritates Nat and she puts her phone down.

“Yes, but I won’t tell you. Besides, Tony will be here in a couple hours.” Nat says. Peter flops on the couch dramatically.

“But I can’t wait a couple hours!” he announces. Fed up with his antics, Nat gets up from the couch and leaves Peter to his thoughts. What if the new person doesn’t like him? It took him years for the others to like him and they still get annoyed. Now he has to get another person to tolerate him!

Peter bounced between pacing his room and annoying the other Avengers as he waits for Tony’s arrival. He only stops when Bucky threatens to ‘put him to sleep.’ Peter then, on his own, decides that he’ll stay in his room for the rest of the time. He’s pulled out of his thoughts when F.R.I.D.A.Y announces, “Mr. Stark has arrived.”

“O-okay voice lady,” Peter replies nervously. He sprints downstairs and meets with the others at the compound’s entrance. Steve’s standing with his arms crossed and stoic like usual. Bucky’s arms are also crossed, but he has a bored expression on his face. He doesn’t know why he’s so bored. There is going to be someone new living with them!

Natasha and Wanda on their phones, probably texting each other so they don’t have to talk in front of the guys. Sam leans down and tells Peter, “They call her the Green-Eyed Monster.”

He knows Sam only said it to scare him, but what kind of name is the Green-Eyed Monster. She must be evil to get a name like that. And if she’s evil, why would Tony willing bring her in. Wait, Sam said her?

As if on cue, Tony Stark opens the doors and following behind him is the most beautiful girl Peter’s ever seen.

[bigmafluff]

My Story Chapt.1 & 2

My

Story!

The Ultimate Fan fiction/Love story! Tom Hiddleston,

This is fiction it is not real I'm not this lucky! 

family!Courage ! Faith! And Kids! This book is a new life after parenthood. It is my new journey. And a not so guilty obsession. Thanks for reading!

Summary.

What happens When a Single Mom Who Has devoted her Soul to her Family. receives her Empty nest papers . That the world said she would never have. Hi I'm Shannon ! I'm a writer  well I want to be . Need a Publisher first.  Where are the Best . In the U.K. Didn't count on Love too. Come find out what happened. It's a great adventure.

Chapter 1

A shocking encounter.

{I want to break free. By Queen, Hello By Lionel Richie, and I can't feel my my face. By the weekend}

FREEDOM!

A new Beginning ! Yup something I thought this would never have. You see I'm a Autism Mom and helped my sis raise her 2 kid when she couldn't by herself. I was One of those mom's that where told That .I was gonna be Raising my Son Lucas all my life. Well God and Lucas had other plans. I'm So Dang Proud!!!!!! So Kids grown. Lucas has an Aide, A Job as a Mechanic/Car dealer back Home . I think the mechanic stuff is his hobbies cause My Lucas Love's to tinker. My Nephew is working for NASA/ and Microsoft which I also think

NASA thing is the hobbies . As I said Tinker Just smaller. Now My Niece Katrina . She Is my Butterfly . Totally out side the box, 4 tour's In the Navy. She's A Young Mama and A News Caster In Little Rock, Arkansas, USA. Here's the twist Her and Her kids do Video's on YouTube for fun.

Enough about My Babies. Writing was not the only reason to Go across the Pond to America's Father land. I had recently gone through several Surgeries to fix my body after losing a extreme amount of weight from a Lifetime of Issues with my weight. 2 charities offer to help me finish that Journey but the only Plastic Surgeon willing to touch me Is at Oxford University Hospital. So Here I Go A Strange women in a strange land .

So When I was all of sudden a Empty nest . I was struck with something I haven't thought bout sense childhood . What do I do when I grow up! LOL !! So I hit my bucket List and started @ the 2 Largest and hardest things to accomplish on that list . Fix my body and Write! . So College to get my literary degree. While Extreme Yoga, Running , lil' bit of Martial art's and Lessons In all form's of skating! [Skating Hobby AKA on DA list!] God, family, and Music Made it all worth it and surprisingly easy! Dream's come when your are working hard and not Looking for it. These are one of those.

Now I'm in a UK/London Airport bundled up with 3 List's and a map on my phone .Braving the unknown, Trying to find DA Baggage claim and Customs in the rather Large Heathrow Airport . Dang!!!! it was noisy! Honestly I wasn't even paying no attention to were I was going. I was just Focused on Trying hard to get out of this busy packed Building ,Stress &Anxiety times 10!!!!!

while heading to Customs Dragging 2 rolling cases and Large tote on my shoulder. I'm walking past a group of screaming women and teens along with flashing lights from camera's Butt I was determined to stay focused on Why I'm in a hurry. I hit something head on and drop to the ground my tote spill and it was like hitting a wall and all of a sudden all the noise stopped. I don't care who says other wise, British and Aussie Ascent's are smooth and sexy and butter! The are several men in the U.K. That send my fan girl hormones into Overload. But only 3 are Single Tom Hiddleston, Henry Cavill, and Luke Evan's.

Now Tom Hiddleston is epic. Stage, screen, voice, He is it. He is melt worthy . Hint's the screamers! 6/2 160 Stormy blue eyes , He's strutting the Black dye job for a movie he just finished he is a naturally curly blonde. I'm a sucker For men's curls no Joke. Pure Killer Eye Candy !!!!!

As I try to pick my things up and apologize I see a hand also picking up my things . He touched my hand and I look up and see those wonderful blue's I start to shake to nervous to talk . I shake my head and Just finish picking up my things . I don't have time for this and I don't want to have a fainting spell from nerves it this Airport. So keeping my head down I stand . Say Thank you and Apologize again for slamming into the man and Leave before he says anything.

One hour Later!!!!!

I made it to my hotel via Uber. I changed , called family especially Lucas my Captain America. I ordered pizza {Yes ! there is Pizza in the U.K."} And was going thru everything and found my Chromebook! But my Ticket receipt and my Night Manager Novel is missing . Well that sucks 'I'm hoping I can get home on the stub. I wasn't as mad about the receipt as I was about my Book. I Just bought it. Before I left I had watched the series With my sister. She said that I had to read

the book to get the full experience. I only just got past the 2nd chapter when I landed. Anyways I was laying down and working on the next book in my children's book arsenal. When I must of passed out . Cause I woke to The ringing of my phone.

I go to answer it .Noticing it was already morning. A very groggy Lucas Wishes Mama a good morning and goodnight due to the time difference. After 45minutes for trying to tell my son I am OK and he needed to go to bed. I was finally able to shower and get ready for my day. I decided to stay and write today so my body can adjust before I go rampaging thru London looking for a publisher. I got half way thru Luca 's day in wonderland when I git a knock at My room door.

I open The door and there he is again invading my Life and charging hormones I thought long dead. Thomas William Hiddleston and he was holding my book with the receipt sticking out of it and a white rose . I'm thinking DA rose was a sign of peace. I'm standing there speechless. I think He realized I was a little Star struck so he helped me Back in to my room . Sat me down and brought me the water bottle I had on my Nightstand . I took a sip and Shook My self out of the fog I was in.

I begin to stutter and When he put His Finger over my lips. He then Said " Calm yourself Girl then we have Us a chat Yes? Where is the Tea around here ,or do you drink it" . All I could do is point to the Mini fridge. Curiously He Looks in the fridge . Then I remembered The English drink it hot . Then I said Finally calmed enough to be clear.

" Stop ! Look above it next to the coffee pot. I drink my Tea cold. I'm sorry! I think the stuff you want is in the Lil' treasure box next to The pot Sir. After a Little while Mr. Hiddleston And I Had interesting Chat . Yes we did. Basically This very conceded ,Arrogant , But Knock-out Gorgeous Man. Basically Had to find me Just because I didn't ask his name or for selfie or any thing. Honestly I think he was Just messing with me cause He Saw My Funko babies on the coffee table . Yes! There were a couple of His there.

He asked what I was doing here In his Home Across the pond. I showed him my stories on my Chromebook. Hey I was thinking he might be able to help me. I told him I was looking for a publisher . I also told him I was Do to have surgery I a couple of weeks, while I was here at the University Hospital. Hey When I get nervous thing's just spew I can't help it. So I told Him all of It Right down to my sudden empty nest. All while he read one of my Stories and nodding. He is in the middle of, Luca and The Golden Lion.

Thomas asked me some Questions about the story. I asked him some to. We bantered and I was surprisingly calm and comfy just chatting along. No longer nervous or anxious . We had been talking for hours . Tom was getting ready to leave . He handed me my book then held my hand there then whispered in my ear making me shiver." Still no selfie , no autograph, or Scream, Well Mrs. Jones. I would say You weren't a fan except for your greeting. So what is a Guy to do to get your attention. We will find out won't we, Till I see you again my Lady." I closed the door behind him as he left. Then promptly passed out right therein front of the door. Life just got interesting !

Chapter 2

Career Change Wow!

[Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the waves, Hay YA by OutKast, High hopes By Panic at the disco.]

I woke the next morning to sunshine and birdsong. It must be a sign I am on the right track. So Coffee a Shower and breakfast burrito's at McDonald's, and I'm out in London . I'm Publisher hunting. I had a call from the Hospital about my per-opp appointment for surgery. That is in a few day's. So Little nervous about that . As I walk into my first office building then I Stop in the lobby when my phone rings.

It was a local # so I answered . It was a Guy named Luke Parsons He is a free lance publisher that heard about my stories. I was shocked how did he hear about me. He asked if we could meet at his office at 3pm. I agreed,he gave me the address and hung up. I went in to the build kinda stoked . I figure I try all my options. So through out the day I went to many publishing companies all saying the same which pissed me off to no end. But did I show it NO. Just because I'm American they won't even Look at them. I couldn't even eat . I grabbed a Juice @ a convenience store, then went back to my hotel to change. I needed time to find this place for my 3:00 meeting with Mr. parsons and I want to make a good impression since I was rejected so many other times today.

So I decided to call a Uber because I felt I had been walking all day and needed a small break . When we Pulled up to the Building and guess who was standing there with a smart ass smile on his face! Yup! Tom was opening my door after paying the driver , which I didn't expect. He grabs My hand and kisses my palm. Honestly why is a guy like him even paying me any attention . I'm not the tiny,skinny little thing that he is normally with and I don't act or sing. It's frustrating and exhilarating at the same time. GOD HELP ME!!! I told my self.

I asked Tom what he was doing here and then everything clicked. He told Mr. Parson's about me. When I asked how he knew Mr. Parsons. Tom told me that Luke was a Publicist by trade but had a small publishing company on the side as a hobby. So not letting go of my hand Thomas took me inside to meet Luke. Tom stayed in the waiting room as I went into Luke's office. He didn't have a huge office, but it was still dark and intimidating. The tall blonde man in the gray suit, stood and shook my hand . And I sat in the chair across from his desk. when I was going to speak. But he straight shut mt up with a finger. He started Hounding me about Tom. Ii became Anxious and when that happens I Babble and stutter badly. I spilled everything from my weight to the confrontation @ my hotel. By that point I am crying and Thomas came in and took one look at me and Was about to give Luke the business when Luke stopped him Saying He needed to Gage my character. Do to the fact that Thomas was one of his most prominent Clients. I relaxed cause Tom did. And Luke apologized .

When all was calmed. Tom pulled a chair next to me. He told me to go ahead and give Luke my flash drive with my book copies on it . All while holding my hand and rubbing my back . I have to admit I had a small smile on my face cause I was feeling @ peace with TWH sitting and pampering me. It was nice. Mr. Parsons plugged my flash drive into his desk top. While telling me to call him Luke. He said regardless if he likes mysteries or not He is probably gonna see a lot of me because he was Tom's Publicist. I am not giving any weight to that remark not yet .AHAHAH!!!! As Luke was reading Tommy and I were talking and Honestly I needed to get a lot of my frustration's off my chest .Unfortunately Thomas was my victim , willing I might add considering he was grinning the whole time.

Once I was done giving the 3rd degree to Tommy. He squeezed my hand then answered." Well Shannon. I have been in this business for a while now and out of all my so called fans. I never had one Ignore me! They'll always wanted something from me. A picture, to Kneel,autograph,selfie,hug,any attention I would give they sucked it from me. But when you ran into me at the airport. The funko toy's spilling from your bag told me your were a fan and I saw your face you recognized me, I heard you breath hitch. Yet you said sorry and left. No selfie, No nothing. It intrigued me so much I had Luke here who was with me that day check you out using the stub and book with your name and address in America in it . Which also gave me more proof you were a fan." as he continues to explain I look at him in awe he has no clue how bad I want to fan girl and ask for all those things but my heart may be with him but my mind is on what Luke is doing because Luke has my future in his hands.

Back to Tom's explanation." Shannon I came to your room Just to give a fan a gift. On my way to my Mother's for lunch. I ended up canceling lunch when you froze on me. Then I was so humbled by your nervousness. Dearling ." He says as he caresses my face ,raising Luke's eyebrows he is reading. Tom finally finishes with," As I was leaving your room I knew I had to know you more and since you were Looking for someone to help you get your stories read I talked to Luke about it and he was happy to get a new client especially one not for the public business but for His hobby. Now that I explained everything Love turn and listen to Luke I think he has something to say."

That caught my attention. I shook off the haze from listening to Tom . Turned my head to see a smiling almost ecstatic Luke. Looking at us. Then retold me he loved my stories. He said the fan-fix he even might know someone who might want to turn it into a play with the right circumstances. The other 2 he wanted to know if this is a story arc Like the old Harry Potter Series going on cause he could make it happen if there was gonna be more. He also asked about the Illustration in the stories.

I answered him promptly,about Luca and his daydreams and how they relate to my son who is Autistic and who also did the pictures for my stories Neither of them realized I was a mother . Which took both by surprise. Luke asked if I was married . OMG ! Would I have let Tom flirt with me if I was. Yes ! I would have, But I told Luke the truth I have been separated and divorced. For many years. And my Son is almost 30. that floored Tom ! I guess he thought is was younger Ha! Wait till he finds out I'm 2 years older than him. Dang straight! Cougar Power !

Now I get excited when Luke pulls a rather large group of paper's out of his desk. And writes on them. The put's them in front of me and explains. "Now Shannon can I call you that . Of course I can!" I just nod quietly." Well Shannon this is a contact for exclusivity. So anything you write is published through our Publishing company. So any fan based Fiction, Lucas stories all of it Go through us. Do you understand that Shannon?" I nod in understanding. He continues, "I am going to pay you up front for the 3 stories you have now plus signing bonus. Although only 2 are guaranteed to hit book shelves very Quickly.

Also I am Also going out of my way and despite conflict of interest with Tom I going to take you on to navigate your public appearance as well. You will need that for book signing's and such. I will also make sure Lucas gets paid for all his pictures and any future picture's for your book's. Now one last thing that may help ease your mind a bit Shannon. Tom Has nothing to do with this contract or the merit of your stories. It was just a lucky shot for both of us that He was the one you ran into in the Airport and that he knew what Me and a few friends do in our spare time. Helping Storytellers get their stories read when no one else would is what we at Parsonage publishing are here to do most the commissions I'll receive for your book go to the Literacy foundation here in the U.K. Which is 5% but I also am taking10% for my Public work. But you won't even need to worry Shannon. I'm prepared to make you a very Popular and rich woman."

Honestly I am froze I did not think Lucas's and My stories would be this popular. Especially on there own merit. I'm speechless! Until Thomas starts shaking me to get my attention. I Turn, Tom point's to Luke. I turn and Luke asks? " Shannon Darling did you get all of it or do I need to repeat any of it?" I tell Luke as I take a look at the contraction front of me. Tom still holding my hand and I am thankful for the support. I got it surprisingly knew what the whole Author gig entails so to have Luke help me with both sides of that is a life saver, but I still have one or two questions.

" OK Luke ! I got most of it I am just got a couple questions? 1st Are you sure about the Public side I can find another if it helps your piece of mind. Also Are you sure my little stories are gonna get that popular and Last if so who has a pen. To my shock and tears. He answered all my question reassuring me of his sincerity and excitement .He also gave me a pen to sign my first almost million $Contract. I was so giddy . Luke asked for my main info like email ,cell, direct deposit > I just realized I'm not a disabled parent anymore. I am A writer/Author ,gainfully employed . I am crying Laughing and falling off my chair taking Tom with me.

While Luke gets me copy of my contract I had just signed . Tom Kisses my palm then he was kissing the my forehead. Then He shocks me by looking me straight in the eyes , Blue on Blue then asking out to Dinner tonight. WAS THIS A DATE!!!!!!????????????????

[lunarapocolypse]

Shigaraki week: Day 1

Okay, something happened and I had to delete the original post, so let’s try this again!

Present/Wings/Rebirth

@shigarakiweek Thanks for helping me clean up Tenko, I appreciate it.” Aylin giggled, picking up confetti. The ravenette only nodded as he helped her.

“It’s no big deal, I had nothing better to do anyways.” He muttered.

“Still, thank you. I’m surprised you even came, to be honest.” She mused, sweeping the multicolored strands along with cake crumbs into a dustpan.  

“Why wouldn’t I come?”

“Because you don’t like parties?”

“I don’t, but you said there wouldn't be more than six people. I can tolerate that.” He scoffed. He paused for a moment before adding on. “And there was cake.” Aylin raised an eyebrow at that.

“So you were motivated by cake! That makes sense.” She replied, nodding. Tenko blushed lightly, narrowing his scarlet eyes.

“That wasn’t the only reason! I also wanted to come because it was your birthday party, and we’re friends.”

“Awww, really? That’s so sweet of you, I knew you had a soft spot for me!”

“Nevermind, we’re not friends anymore. You’re dead to me.”

“Wait no, Tenko! I was just teasing you!” Aylin replied, through a fit of giggles. She reached a hand out towards her friend, who turned away so she wouldn’t see the small smile forming on his face.

“Goodbye Aylin.”

“Nooo don’t leave me! Whatever will I do without you?” 

“Die.”

“I beggeth thee forgiveness,  o most wondrous one.  I hath been foolish to vex thee, wilt thou pardon mine own pitiful soul?” She spoke, dramatically propping one knee forward and lowering her head. Despite the ebony locks of hair obscuring her face, Tenko could tell she was smiling. 

“Hmm, I have one condition.”

“What might that be?”

“I get an extra slice of cake.” Aylin laughed as she raised her head.

“Why not? I should probably give you one anyways, for helping me.”

“Darn right you should.”

She laughed again, going back to sweeping with a small smile on her face. It was rare they saw each other outside of school, or more than once a day. Being  friends with differing college majors is difficult, but there's always time during lunch to meet and catch up.

There was a cherry tree right behind the school. Although it was supposedly  hard to find. Tenko had stumbled upon it on his first day and had been eating lunch there everyday. He wasn’t sure why, but that tree had a calming effect. It felt familiar to him, like he was home.He liked that feeling.

Aylin had found his special place a few weeks later, and it became their meeting spot. It was awkward at first since they were both socially anxious messes, but they eventually became best friends.

“It’s a shame Himiko couldn’t make it, I’ll drop by her place with some stuff later.” She sighed, snapping Tenko out of his thoughts.

“...Himiko?”

“One of my friends from middle school, she’s like a sister to me! She was invited, but got sick just the day before.” Aylin whined, pouting.

“Don’t you remember? I’ve talked to you about her a few times now.” Tenko blinked. Himiko…? The name was oddly familiar, and it held a sense of warmth. He could recall a sense of familiarity from that name… it was strange.

Then again, he had strange feelings a lot. 

“Huh? That’s weird I don’t remember.” He mumbled, shrugging.

“You’re so forgetful, Ten.”

“Says the one who forgot her own birthday until I mentioned it was a week away.”

“In my defense, my birthday is in the middle of exam prep time.”

“Your birthday is March 30.  Exams are late May.”

“I procrastinate on studying so I gotta start kinda early.”

“That makes no sense.”

“It makes sense to me!”

“Whatever.”

Tenko sighed, standing up. They were basically done cleaning, he’d be able to go home soon. He had a project due in a few days, he really needed to get started on that. He noticed a small wrapped present at the corner of his eyes. It was yellow, with a frilly orange ribbon.

“Hey, you unwrapped all the presents, right?”

“Yeah, why?”

“There’s one near the window, It’s still wrapped.”

Aylin looked in the direction he was pointing in, frowning lightly upon seeing the vibrant colors.

“Huh? I got one from everyone though. And I even checked afterwards if I missed anything! That’s odd...can you bring it over?” He took the box in his hands, scratching his neck lightly as he handed it to her. She held it, chocolate brown eyes widening as she took a closer look.

“Tenko, this is addressed to you.””

“...What?”

“Look.” She showed him a tiny label attached to the ribbon. Sure enough, there was writing scribbled in a familiar handwriting.

To: Tenko Shimura

From: An old friend

“An old friend?” he questioned. He didn’t have many friends when he was younger, none that he was close to at least. Who could’ve sent this?

“This is kind of creepy...unless you know who might’ve sent it?” Aylin asked, looking up at him. Tenko shook his head.

“I..I don’t.”

She sighed, fiddling with the ribbon.

“Do you think we should open it? You can take it somewhere private if you don’t want me to see. Or we could just throw it. It’s your decision.” She said. She acted indifferent, but there was curiosity in her voice.

“I’ll open it here.” He wasn’t sure what was inside, but whatever it was he didn’t want to be alone to see it. It was probably a prank of some sort, but why was it in Aylin’s apartment? Did someone who came to the party leave it?

And why did the handwriting look so familiar?

He opened the box, looking at the cute pink stuffing paper. In the center of it all was...a knife?

It was a persian pocket knife with what looked like polished amber on the handle, as well as an elaborate design at the top and bottom of it. The blade itself had designs engraved into it, and if Tomura looked at it close enough he could feel like he was going dizzy. Despite that, it was extremely beautiful. Yet he couldn’t help but recall a sense of familiarity from it…

“Is this for me? Wow, it’s so pretty!” A shrill, feminine voice squealed. A much deeper, more scratchy voice chuckled from beside her.

“It’s a thanks for working so hard on the last mission. I didn’t think it was very practical, but you’ve always enjoyed cute things so I thought you’d like it.”

“Like it? Are you kidding me? I love it! Thank you thank you thank you!” 

“No problem. Keep working hard, okay?” The feminine voice giggled.

“I will!”

“-enko! Tenko!” 

Tenko gasped, opening his eyes in a shock. He could barely breathe. He was on the floor, staring at the worried expression on his friend’s face.

“Are you okay? You fainted all of a sudden! It wasn’t for that long, but still! Do you need to go to the doctor?” She murmured, helping him up.

“I-I’m fine. Just..tired I guess.” He muttered. What...what was that?

“Are you sure?” The girl asked, giving him an unsure expression. Tenko gave her a brief smile.

“Yeah..I’m sure.” He then picked up the box, shutting it before he could see the knife. Who knew what would happen if he saw it again.

“I think I’ll head home now. It’s been a long day, can you pack the cake? I’ll eat it at home.” He said, rubbing his head. Whatever just happened sure made his head hurt.

“A..alright. Just...stay safe okay? And that knife...is it a death threat of some sort?” She muttered, eyes glued to the box. Tenko sighed, chuckling nervously.

“I’m not sure. I just…” What was that? “I’ll think about it later.”

“But-”

“Aylin.” He said, looking her in the eyes. “It’s alright. It’s probably some sort of joke. I stayed up all last night so that’s probably why I fainted. I’m really tired.” She stayed silent for a few moments.

“You’ll tell me if anything bad happens, right? Or maybe not me, but you’ll tell somebody close to you?” She asked. She seemed just as shaken up as he was. He nodded.

“...I will.”  Aylin sighed upon hearing that.

“I’ll go pack the cake. Just, take care of yourself alright? And..whatever this is.” She said, gesturing to the box. “I don’t want my friend getting hurt.”

“Don’t worry Ay. It’s probably nothing serious, I’ll be fine.”

“If you say so…” The almond skinned girl sighed again, going to the kitchen to pack some cake for him. As she left Tenko grimaced, looking down at the box in his hands. There seemed to be a piece of paper stuck in the box, different from the stuffing paper he had seen. Curious, he took off the lid, slipping it out.

Did you like the present? You gave this to someone once, after all. You should visit her sometime, you have a mutual friend don’t you?  Do you remember anything?

Huh? He read over the paper carefully, what? He gave this to someone before…? 

He stuffed the paper into the pocket of his hoodie, shaking his head. He needed some rest.

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

Tenko wasn’t able to get back to sleep. What time was it? He knew it was after 12, but it wasn’t before sunrise. After he got back from Aylin’s he had just flopped down and taken a nap. He...he didn’t know what to think. What was that knife? How did it end up in her apartment? What was that...vision? Flashback? Whatever it was, what did it mean?!?

His thoughts were interrupted by an obnoxious knock on his door.

Who would be here at this time? He didn’t have a roommate, maybe it was Aylin coming to check on him? Or someone else? He didn’t want to get up. He groaned, putting his face back in the pillow. The knock sounded again, much louder this time.

“Alright, alright I’m coming…” He grumbled, getting out of bed. Who could be there at a time like this? He opened the door.

“Alright who-” He was shocked to see nowhere there, only the darkness of the night. He groaned.

“What the hell...was that a prank?” He mumbled. Great, he just wanted some peace and quiet, and then this had to happen. He sighed about the turn away when he noticed something by his foot. It was a present box.

“Another one?” He mumbled, picking it up. Should...should he open it? He remembered what happened when he opened the knife, would the same thing happen? He glanced back at his table, where the present box laid along with the knife. Against his better judgement, he picked up this box, taking it to his desk. This time it was green with a pink ribbon. What would be inside? 

Well, there was only one way to find out, right?

He took a deep breath before taking off the lid. Inside was a playstation controller. It was just like any other, right? He took a closer look. It was cracked at the edge, like it had been thrown across the room. The fact that it was a crack rather than part of it being chipped off was a little weird, how did that happen-

“FUCKING RUN!” The scratchy voice yelled.

“I”M FUCKING TRYING!” A slightly higher voice screeched back. 

“Stop getting so worked up you two, it’s just  a game-”

“SHUT UP COMPRESS!” The two voices said, in unison.  The third voice, an older man he assumed, seemed to sigh.

“Dude, you’re cracking the screen.” The higher voice said.

“Huh? Shit, I forgot to wear gloves!”

“We’re almost done, just hang in there until then!”

“Yeah yeah, I know. Just focus on the game.”

“Roger that, boss!”

He was brought back to earth, gasping as he fell onto his bed. He clutched his head, trying to get his breath back. Again? He must be going insane. What was happening? He looked at the box, checking for a note like last time. Sure enough, he found one.

You’ve always liked video games, probably in this life as well. It took forever to recreate the crack on this though.  Do you remember anything?

Recreate? Like...like it had been cracked before. In another life.

Wait, another life?

The note clearly said, “in this life.” So he had more than one life? What? Whatever sick prank this was, he wanted it to stop. 

And why did it end with “Do you remember anything?” That’s what the last note ended with that  as well! What did it mean by that?

Those visions...were they memories? 

No they couldn’t be! There’s no way he would’ve been there for that, how could he? He never had memory loss so why would-

In another life.

“SHUT UP!” He yelled, uncaring of whomever he might’ve woken up. What the hell was happening? The knife then the controller, what was next? He stuffed his face into his pillow, breathing out a sigh. There was no doubt he wouldn’t be able to sleep now.

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

Maybe it was all some elaborate April fools day joke, Tenko thinks as he walks to Art History. For the rest of the day yesterday, he hadn’t received anything. Same with today. He got the first gift on March 30, then March 31st, today was April 1st. He’d probably get one today and then never again. That made sense. Or maybe today he’d get duped and someone would come up to him, tell him it was all a prank. And he could tell them he knew all along. Yeah, that’s probably how this would play out. He didn’t need to worry.

So why did he feel so uncertain?

Maybe it was because of the flashbacks? How did they even pull that off anyways? Probably some psychology trick, right?

As he sat down in his usual seat for the lecture, he saw another box. Black with a gray ribbon. What was with the color combos anyways?

He wasn’t sure if he should open it in class, what if that happened? Where his head hurt and he lost breath? He looked around, he had arrived pretty early. No one else should be here, not yet.

He opened the box carefully, noticing a measuring tape. It was different though, it was sharper. As if it could be used as a blade if held the right way.

“You should really eat more, boss! You’re super skinny. It’s because all you eat is garbage. How do you not gain anything when you’re just lazing around eating junk food all day?” Two voices seemed to say. They were practically the same, however one was slightly deeper. It seemed to be the same person though.

“Metabolism. And I’m not that skinny.” The scratchy voice huffed. The scratchy voice that had been in both of his first flashbacks.

“Yes you are! Are you taking care of yourself properly? You have a bit of lean muscle, but other than that you’re a twig. How are you even strong like this? Weak trash. Hey, don’t call him weak! Or trash! What? It’s true. No it isn't ! Take that back!” The voices argued. The scratchy voice let out a chuckle.

“Whatever. Just finish the measurements, we don’t have all day.”

“Nah, I don’t feel like it. I’m on it!”

He gasped, opening his eyes in a violent...less violent shock. Huh? That was calmer than the first two times.  Now that he thought about it, wasn’t the second time as little calmer as well? I mean, he was out of breath,but he didn’t faint or anything. And his head didn’t hurt as much. This time, it was still bad but not as bad. Maybe it was something you get used to.

There was probably a note this time too, right? He checked for the slip of paper that had been in the first two. 

He took our measurements one time, so this should help. You've always found his contradicting personalities amusing. Do you remember anything?

Again with the do you remember anything? Tenko groaned. Whoever this was was really trying to make this convincing. He wasn’t buying it though. Today would probably be the last day of this odd joke.

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

He was wrong about it being the last day. His eye twitched seeing a dark purple present box with a yellow ribbon inside of his bag. How did it even get there? What the hell? And he thought today would actually be normal, seeing as he didn’t get any “presents” until classes finished.

Tenko sighed, taking off the lid. What was in store for him this time? 

Inside was a small dark pink teddy bear. Hm, that was different.

“I got you something.” A deep voice spoke. No the usually low scratchy one, but a smoother, calmer voice. It was rich, like honey.

“Huh?” Spoke the scratchy voice of a child.

“You’ve been having nightmares, am I correct? I got you a stuffed animal to help. It’ll protect you from the nightmares, alright?”

“It will?” the small  voice questioned, filled with doubt.

“Of course. As long as you believe it will. And if for whatever reason it fails to work, you are free to come into my room at night.”

“...Even if it works can I still come to you? I like the bedtime stories.” He murmured shyly. The deeper voice chuckled.

“Of course. You’re welcome to see me anytime you wish. I’d actually like that.”

“...Thank you. I like it.” The child’s voice muttered. It was so small you might not have heard it.

“You’re welcome. Don’t be afraid to ask me for anything, alright?”

“Alright.”

Tenko’s eyes shook open, but he didn’t gasp. He was still breathless, but not as much as before. How come the low scratchy voice wasn’t there this time? It was in the first three…

Now that he thought of it, the child’s voice was pretty scratchy as well. It must be him as a child.

When he thought of it, that voice sounded a lot like his own. Just a tad bit deeper and croakier. In another life? Was that voice…

No. It couldn’t be him! He was here, how could that be him?

But it would make sense…

No it wouldn’t! It wouldn’t at all!

He checked for a slip of paper, just as there had been the first three times.

You kept that bear. It was your most prized possession, aside from Father and those creepy hands. Do you remember anything?

Father? Hands?

“I think I remember something.” He muttered, mostly to himself. He was still trying to convince himself this was a prank, but part of him was starting to doubt that. This… this was too uncanny.

“Maybe this is more serious than I thought it was….” He whispered, to no one in particular. No one but himself and the questions settling into his mind.

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

“Hm, I don’t know anyone who’d do that. That’s really creepy…” Aylin muttered, picking at her lunch. They were at the cherry tree for lunch break, as always. Tenko left out a lot of the details, such as the notes and the flashbacks, but he told her about the “gifts”.

“I see…” He mumbled, stabbing a cherry tomato.

“Maybe they really were from an old friend. That’s what the tag on the first one said, right? Were the rest of them tagged?”

“I..I didn’t check...wait, they were!” He could remember seeing the tag, but ignoring it. Each one had been signed similarly.

“There you have it. Although if this gets too out of hand that might be bad...do you want to tell the police or something? It seems worrying…”

“I think it’s fine. It’s just a prank.” Or maybe it really was an old friend. He didn’t want to believe it, but the possibility was getting more and more likely.

“Just stay safe.”

“I will.”

“Maybe it’s something for your birthday? That’s tomorrow, right?” She asked, tilting her head. 

“Yeah, it is...I’m not sure. Seems a little too weird for a birthday thing.”

“Hmm...tell me if anything else happens, alright?”

“Yeah.” He replied, nodding.

I gotta go to class now, take care!” She said, sighing as she picked up her stuff. Tenko nodded through a mouth of pasta. 

He needed to go in a few minutes as well. Just then, something seemed to fall from the sky, right onto his head.

“Ow- what the hell?” He cursed, rubbing his head. He looked down at his feet to see a cyan blue box with a black ribbon.

“Another one?” He mumbled, picking it up and taking off the lid. This box might’ve been the smallest that he had gotten, what was in it?

He tilted his head at the sight of a ring. Well, it seemed to be a ring. It was a small silver hand, curved in the way it could fit over a finger.  The wrist was covered in amethyst, and it seemed like there were...staples? Weird. Why a ring though..?

“You’re crazy.” The scratchy voice breathed. 

“Crazy for you.” Another voice replied. It was deep and rich, yet  less refined and more coarse than the one from before. It was like you could hear a smirk from it.

“You do realize we can’t have a wedding or anything, right?”

“Why not? Sure, it’s nothing official, but we could probably do something small with the rest of the league. Vapeman would make a great priest, he’s always looking tired.” The smugness in his voice just seemed to increase.

“I’m being serious here! We...why…” A loud scratching sound was heard, like nails raking across dry flesh. That’s probably what it was. The noise stopped.

“So am I.” The deep, coarse voice spoke, softer this time. “Who’s to say what we can or can’t do? You’re the king of this world, right? Then you make the rules. So I’ll ask you again, and you can pick the answer on your own judgement. Not on what society will or won’t let us do.” The scratchy voice seems to be breathing heavily as the deep one whispers.

“Will you marry me?”

“...Yes.”

Tomura took a breath, eyes blown wide. His head still hurt, but barely. He was barely out of breath as well. A marriage proposal? Huh? 

What?

This was...too weird. At this point Tenko believed this wasn’t a prank. This was the fourth time. Why did this keep happening?

In another life.

Did he live another life before this?

He checked the tag, seeing the same one as the first box. An old friend, huh? Tenko slipped the ring on his middle finger, just to flip off whoever kept giving him these gifts. They deserved it.

He unfolded the slip of paper,reading for any clues.

Did you like the ring? You liked it then. I thought it would be cute in a sick kind of way, it mimics those hands you’d always wear. Do you remember anything?

Remember anything? Was that a memory from his past life? He wondered….

He looked up at the tree, feeling a sense of warmth from it. The warmth of home. The same warmth he received from those memories. It was weird. He touched the bark, like it would give him an answer.

It was too dark to see details, but there were silhouettes. Of a scarred man holding out a ring to his lover. Of an excited girl making a crown of its flowers and placing atop someone’s head. Of a boy banging his fists against it as he cried. Of a child sitting on a branch as what seemed like mist in a suit watched over him.

Tenko blinked. Images? He had heard voices in those flashbacks, but he never saw anything. This tree...was it linked to whatever was happening? Is that why he was so drawn to it?

He picked up his stuff, realizing he would be late for his next class. Right now, he could only try to make sense of the memories he was given.

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

A pastel blue box with a scarlet ribbon sat on his windowsill when he woke up the morning of his birthday. The ribbon was the color of his eyes, he noted as he picked it up.

Inside, there wasn’t anything but a slip of paper.

Come to the cherry tree at 8:00 PM. Remember.

Tenko gulped reading those words. Would whoever had been sending gifts finally show up? Well, there was only one way to find out.

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

He scratched his neck, fluffy raven locks bouncing as he walked towards the tree. What would happen? Was this real or a prank? What was going on? His mind was racing a hundred miles per minute.

He passed behind a building, taking a deep breath once the tree was in sight.

“Happy Birthday.”

He halted hearing the voice. He knew that voice. It was the one from the proposal scene, the one that made his heart beat twice as fast.

“Dabi.” He breathed. He wasn’t sure where that came from, he just knew it. It was like he’d always known it.

“That’s my name.” The man stepped out from behind the tree. He had jet black hair, probably from dye, and multiple piercings. There were faint scars across his face, but nothing major. For some reason, he expected there to be more. 

“Do you remember yet, Tomura?”

Tomura? But his name was Tenko...but Tomura sounded familiar. As if it was him once.

The headache came back, this one worse than before. He couldn’t breathe. He could hear heavy footsteps along with a concerned tone, and felt gentle hand on his back, holding him up. 

Memories flooded into him as he laid limp in the other’s arms.

“Dabi.”

“Yes?” The voice asked uncertainly. Tomura chuckled, leaning forward to capture his lips in a kiss. The other happily obliged

“Tomura. You’re back.”

“Indeed I am.” he said, giggling.

“Although, in this life I go by Tenko. It’s...it’s not too bad anymore.” He mumbled. “I don’t mind if you call me Tomura, though. You have special permission.” Dabi’s lips curved up into a smirk.

“Whatever you say boss.”

“Why the presents? Couldn't you make me remember in a less cryptic way? How did you even get everything?” he asks, curiously. 

“You saw what happened just now. You needed to get used to it first. If you remembered everything at once...it wouldn’t end well. You could end up in a coma from the pressure of it, or worse. And apparently everything that existed in our previous life somehow exists now, including those specific  items.As for the ring and the controller, I had that custom made and cracked the controller myself. Don’t worry about cost, my dad is still loaded in this one. Unfortunately he’s still an asshole, but not as much as last time. He didn’t really hurt me, just didn’t care.” He shrugged.

“I see.” That made sense. “How did you remember your past, then?” Dabi gave him a sad smile.

“How do you think I know what would happen?” Tomura’s eyes widened, as he reached forward to touch the other’s cheek.

“You…” he gasped.

“It’s alright. It wasn’t for too long anyways. I’m okay.” He said, nuzzling his cheek. “I’m glad you are as well.”

“Toga, Spinner, Twice, Kurogiri everyone-”

“They’re safe. In this life, they’re not dead. I’m not sure if they remember though.” He mumbled.

“I know where Toga is, but not everyone else.”

“Is that so.” Tomura smirked. “I guess we’ll just have to find them. Dabi laughed.

“I guess we will.”

“The tree..it was there in our past lives as well, wasn’t it?” His gaze turned to the cherry tree, standing to witness their bizarre reunion. “It was my special place then and now.”

“It was.” Dabi spoke, sighing into his neck. Tomura let him, smiling tenderly.

“...You put the ring on your middle finger.”

“Don’t act surprised, you should’ve seen this coming.”

“I really should’ve.”

This time, they’d win. This world was different, but they had each other. Not even death could separate them.

Bonus:

“I have a boyfriend.” Tenko blurted, the next day. Aylin proceeded to spit out her lemonade.

“What how when where why-”

“It’s a long story. I’ll introduce you later. By the way, is your friend still sick?”

“She got better two days ago, why?”

“Mind giving this to her?”

He held out a present box.

[cheyenneosis]

ok so after looking through some things my anxiety and paranoia has lessened much more, but im gonna mention some more things...personally this was a bit distressing to read about so only read more if you're curious abt my input

so i already talked abt this weird mess that popped up on here a few days ago when things looked very uncertain about a particular streamer

initially this looked like this was something that was meant to call out the guy as several users made this out to seem potentially illegal and toxic and the op who revealed to having a fling with vin also seemed to be somewhat against him based on their replies to other ppl so for several days i felt very anxious and was preparing to stop supporting vinny altogether

with op being legal and confirming that it was consensual i don't think there's anything to do, i find the age gap a bit strange to say the least but had they been just a year younger then I'd prob be more put off as grown adults should still stray away from basically fresh-out-of-hs ppl but i understand if others don't wish to watch vinny anymore bc of this however its just that it doesn't appear to be a case of abuse or grooming or toxicity so I'm not super bothered by this personally...people, esp those on this dumb site tend to celebrate and glorify the fact that teenagers who've just turned 18 yesterday will have already began promoting their onlyfans or some other form of sex work whether it be getting into p orn or escorting that likely attract the attention of 40+ y/os which is more disturbing to me so im just not super put off by someone who's gonna be 20 anyways hooking up with someone in their 30s

while i'm relieved that this did not turn out to be super fucked up ive seen a person or two get extremely defensive to the point of coming after op and emailing vinny about this...perhaps the way ppl have been talking about this drama could have caused these guys to think that this was a genuine slander situation but then again looking back no one ever actually accused vinny of doing something illegal/fucked aside from the age gap so this itself is bit of a red flag as if this was actually the case then those guys would have potentially been blindly defending vin just for the sake of protecting their beloved idol so...you know who you are...

on the other hand i got mixed messages throughout this whole thing which is probably what had me feel so migrained and on edge the past few days as i wasn't sure if this was some joke or an actual call out of some sort and earlier on i lowkey thought that it may have been something straight up untruthful tbh but things do connect so perhaps this isn't a lie of any sort...but with that being said i don't think any of those details should've been our business? i don't think that vinny would want that sort of thing being spread around so i thought this wasn't a good idea esp since it was kinda treated like this was supposed to be calling vinny out so idk its possible that before covid vinny was likely someone who occasionally hooked up with women as some adults do just for pleasure or whatever as long as its healthy then why should other people get involved in that info

i know someone's prob gonna message me or make fun of me for posting this long thing about this drama but vinesauce is just something i grew so attached to over the course of several months so if some nasty shit were to come to light my heart would break and I'd feel so unsure abt the future of the entire team but you know im prepared to put a dying dog down when things get too painful for it and ofc the others streamers are still just as good i just needed to get all that off my chest completely this time. seeing as this doesn't appear to be a very bad widespread situation i don't think vinny would need to address this but if he does then it probably wouldn't be such a bad idea

idk why this stuff had to get so weird in multiple areas i just want to go off but this will do hopefully. sorry if this post sounds off or poorly worded i only wanted to give my thoughts about this thing that plagued me for nearly a week everyone has just kinda done some things poorly in my opinion ill probably delete this sometime anyways time for sleep

[thegospelofnagisa]

Magia Record Anime: Final Episode and Overall Thoughts of the Final Arc.

Ok… Sorry for the delay but I really really needed to fully structure my thoughts regarding the final episode of Magia Record and this whole final arch as a whole because...I am gonna be straight to the bullshit...I did not like this ending very much, as the episode itself I have to say it is my least favorite in the anime and I personally consider it the worst in the entire anime, right from the start I want you to know that, and with that being said, lets get into the reasons why.

First of all, while it is not a defining factor, it’s not the fault of SHAFT or bothers me a lot, it has to be said simply for the sake of completion, the quality of the episodes has been reduced dramatically, and that can be bothersome to some people, I understand that given the situation with the Coroner, this was expected, everyone knew it was going to happen, and again let me say, it doesn’t bother me, I can stand an anime that looks like blurry blob of shit, AS LONG AS THE STORY IS good, unfortunately for Magia Record I cannot shake the feeling in my head that the lack of resources might have had a hand in how things played out beyond a graphical downgrade...what things? That’s our next point.

Second, I have a big problem with this massive cliffhanger ending,I feel it was widely open, we are left with an ending that does not follow the story of the game in the slightest so NO ONE has any idea what the hell is going to happen and the story of this final arc is left inconclusive, we don’t know what will happen with Momoko and Rena, we don’t know if Iroha is going to be ok, we don’t know what happened to Mami...there is so much we aren’t aware of.

This is in itself is not a big issue because we know that there is going to be a second season, they’ve confirmed it….but here’s the thing, even so, you can’t just play with fire like that, leaving a massive cliffhanger like that is basically just begging the audience to continue to watch the series in the hopes that they’ll want to come and see what will happen, I feel that weights on the story because it doesn’t allow you to fully closure a story and like I said, a lot of things can change from here to then, sure Magia Record is popular, sure the anime is getting good ratings and it is selling well despite the pandemic, but that can change very quickly, what if the game messes something up and it puts a massive negative mark on the game that will affect its popularity? What if something happens with SHAFT and the anime gets delayed or worst, canceled? What if things get worst from here and now (I am very optimistic they won’t and we will all pull through with it but, it would be naive to discard a bad case scenario) you will ultimately disappoint your audiences when said continuation never comes, and it will be a huge disservice to the story you worked so much in.

G.R Martin can get away with it because that is the tone he has set for A Song of Ice and Fire, one of absolute uncertainty where you don’t know what will happen and things can change in an instant, so the audience is used to that dynamic, Magia Record IS NOT A Song of Ice and Fire, doing this is not good.

They should have finished episode 6 properly and then follow on with episode 7 and beyond in the second season...that is what I think.

The story itself is not that good because even in the game, it’s not very well written, it relies too much on backstory telling and trippy psychedelic antics, to the anime’s credit they summarized it very well, but still, it was not a good place to end the anime on, let alone finish it up with a fucking cliffhanger, so there is that.

And let’s not even get into what I perceive as contradictions with the original anime, for starters Kyubey saying in episode 12 that the witches are beneficial for humanity, I am sorry...I am sorry but...the Incubators don’t give two shits about humanity, Kyubey says it so in the original anime, he doesn’t care if we die or survive, he sees us meerly as resources and once our usefulness expires, he doesn’t care about us, they have the energy they want to stop entropy, it makes the implication that it isn’t just humans but other species across the universe that get milked by Incubators, but in Magia Record this is overly simplified by both Kyubey and Touka through the final arc, it’s not just about humans, that’s what gives magnificence to the story and to Madoka’s wish, for the people who wonder why we glorify Gen Urobuchi so much, is because of this, he crafted a truly expansive concept with Madoka Magica, and then this dumb brat comes and bawls for the plight of Puella Magi….girl….NO ONE KNOWS PUELLA MAGI EXISTS! OF COURSE NO ONE IS GOING TO CARE ABOUT YOU! OMG for someone who harbors the superiority of Puella Magi, you sure make them look stupid Touka.

Then again, for those who played the game and know its story, they know the Magius ideology is bullshit and hypocritical anyway, but I won’t get much into that due to spoilers, for further in the story, needless to say, there is a bit of irony in Touka’s speech about resources management.

And finally my fourth negative point, which are mostly nitpicks but I’ll mention them, if you want me to address them individually I gladly will, but to summarize as much as possible, I do not like the way they handled Mami’s working with the Magius in the anime and the fact that they made Kaede join the fucking Magius...these two share the same problem for me and I’ll explain why, I feel the anime people don’t understand the basics of Mami and Kaede, see, joining the Magius is an act of weakness, because while the Magius system cleanses the soul gems of dispair, it doesn’t solve the problem, Puella Magia always get despair, so releasing a doppel becomes a necesity for them, a drug to put it in more comprehensible terms, one they grow dependant on, one they take they take it for relief at first, but later they’ll take it because they don’t want to feel bad. Really Momoko, Yachiyo, Yuma, Madokami’s approach is the correct one here, instead of worrying about the coming despair, you grow strong and don’t let it destroy you, that way you overcome it and grow stronger as a Puella Magi.

But then there are weak willed Puella Magi who form the Magius (Mifuyu for example, she might not be a “clingy jealous ex girlfriend” but she is a complete weakling and a coward, the perfect candidate for the Magius cult), that being said, the fact that you tell me Kaede is going to join the Magius, an organization she knows very well what it is, bugs me, Kaede is very fragile, introvert and easy to push around, but she is not a weakling, her main problem is that she is on a team with Rena, anyone is going to be a nervous wreck on a team with Rena, now replace Rena with...Kanagi, Oriko, or even the Pleiades Saints, now Kaede will grow, and even on the team she is, she grows quite a lot, so I feel making her go the Magius route is an insult to her character, cimenting her as a “Weakling” (Granted there is the possibility this is temporary and she will be snappend out of her stuppers by the other 2 and the three will perform an audacious escape from the Magius Rally at the beginning of the second season, but until then, I am going to take it as as I explained it.).

The same thing applies to Mami, and this bugs me because there is a lot of people who don’t understand Mami DOESN’T BREAK DOWN BECAUSE SHE IS WEAK, she breaks down because she realizes her fight it’s POINTLESS, HOWEVER, if Mami has the support of a team with her, she can usually survive the shock, as Oriko Magica and The Different Story show, I am tired of people perpetuating the idea of Mami being a crazy nut job about to explode, that is a gross misunderstanding of her character.

But well….those are all my negatives, I’ll go back to the positives of the episodes, I like how they’ve developed the relationship between Iroha and Yachiyo, I still don’t fee the love tonight but, I do feel they’re really close together in a way Yachiyo has never had, so the anime did a good job with that.

I did like the Naziesque imagery with Touka’s speech, sure it can hit a nerve on some people, I completely understand it, but then again...she IS the villain, of course you expect her to hit you bad, and Touka is an excellent villain like Alina, she really really makes you hate her guts, and the Magius ARE a cult so they’re supposed to evoke this inhuman and fascist vibe on people because that’s what they are, they believe in the supremacy of a group over the other, isn’t that what a Nazi is? Assholes who think their misconceptions of how race works grant them a superiority over the rest of humanity, that’s what the Magius are, two fart sniffing brats who think their erroneous misconceptions of their status as a Puella Magi grants them the right over the rest of humanity.

Perfect casting I’d say.

And finally, Sayaka! Omg Sayaka really shined this episode, and this is a version of Sayaka we don’t often see, a mature baddass Sayaka, sure she’s still a rookie compared to Mami, but she performs with a lot more confidence and skill than she ever did in the main anime, you can tell she knows how to use her skills and she’s not afraid to use them, allowing her arm to get blown off to save Iroha and Yachiyo and later healing herself ring on the spots she was hurt, all through visual details, Inu Curry’s expertise, really if you’re a fan of Sayaka, THIS is the brightest moment in her life, this episode will make you love Sayaka Miki a lot.

Overall...I have to say, despite all my complains up there, I generally enjoyed Magia Record a lot and I am anxious for the next season, here’s hoping all will go well, and the Coroner won’t stop anyone, sure the world will change, but in some ways, I feel it will be a change for the best, and I hope these changes don’t halt the production of Magia Record, the franchise has managed to resurect from the grave Shinbo buried it with Rebellion many years ago, it would be a tragedy if it were to die here, but just like humanity, I am sure this new team heading the franchise can overcome all those odds….sorry that was fucking cheese XD

I give this final arch a 7, originally I was going to give it 6 but Sayaka was so fantastic that it pushed it to a 7 for sure...as to the entire series, I give it an 9, very good series, and a must if you watched Madoka Magica, skip Rebellion, let it rot on the ground and embrace the new path of the franchise with Magia Record.

[thewisekenisme]

Dear Abuela

Summary: Roman writes a letter to his grandmother talking about his roommates.and how each of them has changed his life for the better

warnings: mentions crying, meltdowns, loud noises, and anxiety

words: 3,188

Series College AU

(sorry, this is shorter than I normally write Guy’s I will make it up to you! I promise also this is just an introduction into the series! so there will be more soon!)

Dear abuela,

I miss you so much! thank you for your latest letter and providing your famous chicken enchilada recipes, Patton wanted me to tell you he will make you proud when he makes it for dinner for us this week! classes are amazing! I am enjoying my theater classes and my history of theater. let me tell you I am learning way more than what Google taught me! like I learned ' that the history of theatre charts the development of theatre over the past 2,500 years. While performative elements are present in every society, it is customary to acknowledge a distinction between theatre as an art form and entertainment and theatrical or performative elements in other activities.'

but I also learned that college is a time where teens become independent, they move away from their families to focus on themselves as well as to their studies to pursue careers that have drawn their interests, but most importantly, college is a place to make some life long friendships, maybe even some relationships. There was one rule that every college student knew and would agree with. It was that being a roommate was hard. when trying to respect each others privacy going through your day to day life as a student, and trying to not get in each other's way, was a very tough and hard thing to do when they were basically with you every night. But when you end up having four other roommates on top of yourself, you tend to be in the way of everyone, more then you want to be. That is what I, Roman Prince has found out the hard way, living with four roommates was probably the hardest thing he has ever done in his life. But if you ask me if I would change it for the world. Nope, I wouldn't change anything about any of my roommates, not a single thing!

Right! My roommates, all four of them. There's Patton (padre because he acts like our dad!) Logan (mama lo, because he worries more then a mother does) Virgil (Emo nightmare, panic at the everywhere, etc.) And finally Dee (Dr. Jekyll and Mr lie, jack the fiber, etc). Oh! How can I forget Spot! ( Logan's service dog) These are the people who have changed my life in just a few short months! And I will tell you why because hopefully they can come to visit sometime during break soon! I know you and papa will love to meet them, and abuela I know how much you love to make sure everyone who comes into the house is feed and is happy, you won't have to worry about them not liking your food, I have been telling them all about you and your cooking, and about papa, everything! And they can't wait to try your cooking and to meet you and papa, that will be an amazing day that I will not forget. Okay so how I am going to tell you about each of them, I will put their first and last name, their ages and what year they are! Okay? Okay! Let's get started!

Patton hart, 21 junior -

Now Patton is basically the dad In our little friend group. He makes sure we have breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Makes sure we have soup and medicine when we are sick, he says puns like they are going out of style! Everything that a parent does, Patton's has done it ten times that! Patton is the kindest person you will ever meet. like if he sees someone he doesn't know struggling to carry their books, he will be by their side willing to carry the books for them. He's also super hyper and cheerful! I think he has ADHD like me, but when I ask he gets nervous and tells me I'm just being silly and he doesn't have that. But I can tell because he's lying because he always bites his lips and giggles a bit when he lies. But I won't push him to tell if he doesn't wish too.

Anyways, he is the oldest in our apartment, he shares a room with his twin brother Logan and Logan's service dog spot. (I'll tell you more about him next, but get this, Logan has a different last name! I know crazy huh! Turns out their parents are divorced and Pat goes from his moms and dads but logan stay's with his mom mostly, okay sorry ill stop gossiping for now) He is going to school to become a veterinarian (even tho he's allergic to cats) he told us it was the perfect job for him because he loves animals and taking care of people. What better way than to take care of both? I mean yes we are all still very worried about him and his allergies, but I believe he can do anything he puts his mind too, and he has! So far he's been aceing all of his classes plus has been keeping up with helping any of us if we need it.

Now I bet you're wondering how I met this wonderful human? Well, I met him just how I explained Patton helps people. I was struggling to carry all my books after my bookbag had just fallen apart, I was also late for class so I was rushing and ended up tripping scattering my books everywhere! I am not ashamed to say I cried, it was the first week of school, I was rushing, I was late, so this was just the icing on the cake! But then out of the blue, an angel appeared in front of me reaching a hand out offering a helping hand. There stood Patton hart with a worried expression and hand out to help me. As I said he is the kindest person you will ever meet! And since that moment we have been friends! So that's good.

Oh, Patton wanted me to let you know that when they visit you will not be allowed to lift a finger. He wants to be able to take care of you because you let all five of us into your home. And yes I told him you would want to do things anyways but he insisted so. Abuela you may have met your match. 

Logan Berry, 21 junior -

Logan is actually the mom of the group. he is the opposite of Patton, he makes us study, makes sure we go to bed and wake up at a decent time, eats a healthy diet, no sweets or movie nights on school nights! but all he does is study and stay with Patton, and get this we aren't allowed to be loud if we are excited or want to get our point across! he has all of us on a tight schedule we aren't allowed to do anything fun! he is the second oldest in the house (twenty minutes younger then Patton, but he acts like the oldest, and thinks he can boss us around!) A total killjoy, But mostly he can sometimes be an emotionless robot, which may sound harsh but he kinda acts like one, like he doesn't show much emotion and speaks very monotoned like "I too would appreciate it if you did not speak so loudly, spot and I do not like the noise" that's how he talks to us, all the time, he's just so proper and preppy kinda like a snob who thinks their better then everyone. I mean he is a Science major and is really smart so maybe he thinks he has to act that way towards everyone but I'm not sure.

But then again he has a reason for all of this, At first we all thought he was just a stick in the mud so we decided to make as much noise as possible and try to mess with his schedule, boy did we regret it. You see at the time we didn't know but Logan has Autism and has made this schedule to fit all of our needs including his. so when we (i mean me, Virgil and Dee) decided to break the no being loud rule, we found out why there was a service dog in our apartment. Us ignoring his schedule, messing with his alarm clock and being extremely loud, we ended up causing him to have a really bad meltdown. That was the scariest thing I have ever seen, we saw Spot do his tasking (doing tasks to make sure their owners know they are doing a thing that could be triggered by other things. such as cratching your arm when they are anxious, their service dog will gently jump on their owner and move their hands away.) 

Anyways, when both Patton and Spot were able to get Logan to calm down and was able to move him to his room the rest of us was given a long lecture and the worst feeling of guilt any of us has ever felt, Patton explained to us why he has everything on such a tight schedule and stuff, which made us feel a lot worse. So when Logan came out of his room now calm and feeling better we all made sure to apologize for our actions and tell him that we will now follow his schedule and rules, to make him feel comfortable in his own Home, I kid you not he actually smiled!  it was totally worth seeing, and we all plan on making sure we can see it again, soon.

Logan also wanted to me to send you a note he was talking and told me to write down everything he says, so this is what he said, (or this is how our entire conversation went. ) 'Mrs. Prince I have made sure to keep Roman on a strict schedule that will allow him to focus on school, theater and still have time to write you letters, (tho I am highly impressed people still write letters, it is an art form that has been lost by many our age, I had no idea anyone has written a letter. I wonder if my mom would appreciate a letter along with our daily text messages, I could stop by the local post office and buy a packet of an assortment of postcards to send to her, maybe I should send some to my dad as well. I would have to ask Patton for his address so I can.) ME: Lo, I'm glad I gave you a great new way to talk to your family but what else would you like me to tell her? hm oh yes, apologize. please do tell her that Patton and I will make sure you are well taken care of that is all I wish to tell her.

so, that's what lo wanted me to tell you, you have no idea how hard it was to not laugh the whole time, it was the cutest thing I have ever seen!

Virgil Peterson, freshmen 19-

Next up, we have Virgil Peterson. (More like emo nightmare, but I shall spare the teasing, and name calling for right now.) the one friend who wears dark eyeshadow, black skinny and a purple jacket my nicknames basically define what he looks and how he acts. He also takes my teasing and name calling as a grain of salt but dishes it back way more then he needs too. But I suppose our playful banter goes both ways more than one. (Do you know how papa and I  go back and forth? Well, that is basically how mine and Virgil's friendship is defined. Friendly banter and such) he is basically in the middle child like myself. So it goes Patton, Logan, me. Virgil, and then dee (I will tell you about him next) and boy does he take advantage of this development! He takes up all of Patton's cuddles when we have a movie night, he's allowed to be moody whenever he wants, but god forbid any of the others be moody. (Sorry I'm getting off subject, but still, he is basically a toddler. A toddler who can use stronger language. But thankfully Patton made a swear jar for him, the bad side of the swear jar, we all are forced to use it.) So basically if he is tired and stays up past Logan's bedtime for any reason except for studying. Well normally Logan would get upset with us, but with Virgil, he just sits with him keeping him company until he either goes to bed or the sunrises.

Anyways let's ignore that whole rant and go back to talking about what Virgil actually does. Virgil is a writer and is taking creative writing courses here at the college, what he likes to write I'm not sure what he enjoys writing (he will not share any of it with me!) But whatever it is Logan seems to enjoy it as does Patton and Dee. It seems that the only ones who are not allowed to read his writing are me and spot and Spots a dog! Which I don't understand I'm not very critical about things (yes, I am critical about the live action Disney movies, but hey they better slay or go away. but that's not the point, the point is he won't let me read his writing no matter what I do, beg, grovel, nothing happens I am still kept in the dark about his writing.) But other then that Virgil also works at the theater my class uses for our performances so he's able to sneak all of us in when a new show comes on, thankfully he hasn't got caught yet so we are able to do things like that. ( I saw the cutest middle school Romeo and Juliet performance and ah, it was so cute, and wish they were doing it for another week, but sadly it was only a three day play) even if we do bicker all the time, I guess he is pretty cool not that I would tell him to his face.

Anyways I bet you're wondering how I met Virgil? Well it was through Patton, Virgil and his older Brother Devan (Dee for short) they where looking for a place to live and me Logan and pat had a spare room so we allowed them to move in, that's when we first met, and I wasn't so sure how I felt about him, I still don't but all I know is he is a little anxious at times and has nightmares and such. We found out the hard way, so whenever I wake up in the middle of the night and I see he is in the living room in the dark, I will sit on the couch  and put on a Disney movie, I will watch it until he is ready to talk about it or he relaxes enough to fall back asleep. So basically that became out routine whenever he has a bad night and his brother isn't awake or there to help him through the stress, and anxiety of the dream or the day he had.

He also wanted me to tell you that he is also excited to come to visit you mainly because I've talked about how good your food is, but is a little nervous about flying to a new place, he nor his brother have ever been too. Which I replied with your farm is peaceful and the fresh air would be good for him. He agreed he would like to try and come, so we may just do that, but by driving so none of us feel nervous about flying. Which means we will have five people plus a dog in the car for a long time, don't want to think about the hours we will spend in the car, but I will keep my mind on the fact that we will be together, soon! 

Devan (Dee) Peterson, senior in highschool 18-

 Now I do not know much about Dee, all I know is that he is Virgil's younger brother, he is in design classes to make clothing and such (he makes amazing clothing for Virgil and I am completely jealous of because  they look absolutely fabulous), not to mention he has a birthmark that goes over the left side of his face and is also is mute? (it's more of a question because Virgil says he does talk but then he doesn't, Logan said it sounds like he has selective muteness which makes sense. because he is very quiet and uses sign language mostly but we don't want to questions him about it and make him uncomfortable.) He really doesn't like to be around us unless Virgil is around. But even then he sticks to cuddling his sweet little snake Sweetpea finding comfort in her and spot. all and all He's a really quiet kid. (although Virgil warned us that once Dee gets comfortable with us, he will start to become very mischievous and play pranks on us, but for now, he will stay quiet and do his own thing.)

I also only know from Virgil That Dee is very thankful that you are allowing him to bring Sweetpea with us when we come to visit. He told me that his brother was really worried he wouldn't be allowed to bring her. But I told him that you wouldn't mind so your answer in the last letter really took away a lot of anxiety for them. Virgil did want me to tell you that if you feel uncomfortable with him and dee staying in the living room were sweetpea will be sleeping with him, just let him know and they will try and find a better spot for her. which I replied you raised four boys plus me you have seen the worst of things. but I told them I would tell you, so here we are.

well, Abuela, this is all I have to tell you so far in this letter, school is great, my roommates mates are great, life is all in all great, the only thing not great is homesick I am. I miss you and papa so much words can not describe how much I miss both of you. If I'm being honest the way everyone is talking about their families makes me feel blessed for my big happy family. like take Patton and Logan, for example, Patton said this is the first time Logan hasn't been away from From their mom this long since he was little, Pat even said he didn't want to see their dad alone anymore like ever, but he didn't go into details as in why all I know is if we mention it to Logan he won't be happy with any of us. anyways, I hope this letter finds you in good health, please tell papa that I love him, and of course I love you! I shall call you as soon as I can Abuela, I love you and can't wait to see you soon.

sincerely your  príncipe valiente Roman

tag list

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[writehardwhumpharder]

Carson - Panic Attack drabble

(also posted to Ao3, I’d link it if I knew how)

"Can you come pick me up?"

Morris looked at the time and frowned, Carson wouldn't be calling him if it wasn't important. "Can't you get a taxi?"

"I don't have any money on me, and I just, need to get out here," Carson said. He stood on a street corner in a neighborhood of New York City he'd never seen before in all his time living there. It was that strange time in the early morning when it was just barely light outside and people were starting to make their way to work in a sleepy daze. A guy walked into him, nearly knocking Carson over, then had the nerve to tell him to watch where he's going. If he had some energy to spare he'd trip the guy. "Please."

"Alright, alright, where are you?" He asked. Carson heard rustling on the other line as Morris grabbed his keys and made his way out to his car.

"Um, the corner of... 69th and 54th." Carson said looking at the nearest street signs.

Morris put the address into his maps and merged in with the morning traffic. What had the kid so rattled? All he could do was get there as fast as he could and hope that Carson could take care of himself for the next 20 or 30 minutes.

Carson sat down on a bench next to the bus stop to wait. He tried to remember why he'd gone out without gloves and a hat in the first place. Though his coat kept him warm the frigid air still did a number on his nose and ears. He picked up a little lingering energy and carefully used it to heat the air around the covered bench. An older lady sitting on the opposite end seemed to relax a little, also enjoying the sudden warmth.

Two buses came and went and Carson was getting a little impatient. He didn't have enough charge left on his phone to play games so he just sat there, watching all the strange people come and go. He banged his head on the plastic wall repeatedly, just to distract himself from the turmoil within himself. He felt... confused, scared, anxious, restless. While he did remember going out last night he couldn't quite remember how he got here.

"Oh don't do that," the old lady said to him. Carson thought she would be gone by now. She must be waiting for someone.

Carson ignored her and squeezed his eyes shut, clinging to the basic rhythm it made. She scooted closer to him and touched his hand. Big mistake. Instead of being comforting the touch triggered his magic which was going a little haywire lately. He looked at her with his senses and saw before him just a faint glow. The kind of waning soul that a person had when they were near death. He jerked his hand away and stared straight ahead. That was the last thing he needed that morning.

Carson closed his eyes and went back to what he was doing until a shadow blocked the sun against his eyelids. Carson blinked wearily up at the tall man, feeling so small in front of him. A man passing by staggered to a stop next to Morris, "Hey you got any-"

He flashed his badge and the guy was quick to walk around him. The old lady gasped and covered her mouth, "Oh no, you aren't here to take my grandson away again are you?" She pleaded.

Morris sighed, "Don't worry, I already found the idiot I was looking for." He turned back to Carson, "Now get up I don't want to be late for work."

Carson stood and followed Morris obediently toward the car parked on the other side of the street. Morris had thought it would be easier to find him in a neighborhood like this. In his expensive coat Carson should have stuck out like a sore thumb, but there was something off about his eyes, he looked a little crazed, like he hadn't slept in a couple days. And his hair was in a similar state of disarray.

As Carson walked behind him a strange feeling washed over him, "What if he's still here somewhere, watching me?"

Morris stopped and turned around, "Alright, tell me right now, and be honest, are you on something?" He questioned. Carson shook his head adamantly. "Then what the hell are you talking about?"

"I remember now. I was following someone, but I lost him somewhere around here." Carson explained, looking around uneasily.

"Well it doesn't matter now, they can't be dumb enough to mess with the police," he said, raising his voice on the word "police" as a not so subtle warning to anyone around who might want to cause them trouble. They started walking again and came to a crosswalk. Just as Morris was about to step into the road he heard Carson hiss from behind him.

He whirled around, "What is it this time?"

Carson stood there with a hand over his eyes and his teeth clenched. "Nothing, it's just, my magic is going a little haywire today." He blinked his eyes and was relieved when they went back to normal. He's not used to his vision shifting so suddenly like that. Just as he was about to step into the street it happened again. Carson groaned and held his head with both hands. What the fuck is wrong with me? His eyes kept flashing back and forth dizzyingly. One second it was sunny outside then the next everything grew dark and all he could see was the magical energy around him and the glow of peoples' souls. That's when it hit him.

Carson looked over at the bus stop on the adjacent street corner where three men stood waiting for the bus. But when his vision shifted again, there was nothing there. No soul, not even an outline of a person. His eyes can play tricks on him but his senses don't lie, they show the world in its most basic form. And when he looked at where the three men should be, they simply weren't there.

Carson's eyes finally went back to normal and he shrunk back, making some small noise of panic. This time Morris looked at him with genuine concern as his face went white in a matter of seconds, the fear in his eyes tripling. "D-do you see them? At the bus stop, those th-three guys." He stumbled over his words, eyes glued to the spot he was talking about.

"Yeah what about them?" Morris asked. Carson stumbled backward again and Morris caught his shoulder.

"They're not real, they're not," Carson said, nearly hysterical at this point. His whole body started trembling, and not from the cold. Morris looked at each of the guys, they appeared completely normal, they weren’t even standing in a group.

"Carson, I need you to calm down. I don't know what you see but there's nothing wrong. You might just be having a panic attack," Morris said, his voice smooth and calming. He's had some experience talking people down after traumatic events.

One of the guys stood up suddenly and Carson's eyes went wide with fear, "no, no, no, no..." He clutched Morris's coat with one hand, "I'm fucking serious, they're not real, they have no souls." Carson finally got the words out, his voice barely above a whisper.

"They're just waiting for the bus, no one is gonna hurt you." Morris said, trying again to calm him down. "Let's just get to the car, okay?" Carson wasted enough time that they'd have to wait through a whole light before it turned to walk again.

A truck passed by, hiding the men momentarily, and when it was out of the way one of the men was gone. Carson shrieked. Where could he have disappeared to in those few seconds? He could be anywhere. Carson's heart pounded in his chest and his breathing got faster and faster. Unable to scream or form words he just started making this, "nnngh" sound over and over again.

Morris still wasn't convinced anything was wrong but he kept his eyes peeled anyway, ready to reach for his gun at any moment. Something did feel strange to him, but not strange enough to send him into a full blown panic like it did Carson. At this point his whole mission was just somehow getting him to the car.

In a last ditch effort to preserve his sanity Carson tried to reason with himself that he really was just seeing things. Staying up all night must have made him paranoid. Just to be sure, he had to check again. Fighting to keep his breathing under control Carson looked at the two men still standing at the bus stop then he closed his eyes and looked at them with his magic. His heart clenched when he saw the same thing he did before, absolutely nothing. Although now that he looked at it again he swore he saw the faintest of shadows. Not only where they not alive, but the absence of life was so strong they had to be more than dead.

Carson opened his eyes again and everything went blurry. His legs turned to jelly, leaving only Morris's strong grip keeping him upright.

Without warning, the two men snapped their heads in his direction at the same exact time. Their soulless eyes met his and he heard voice, clear as day, as if someone was standing right next to him and whispering in his ear.

"Carson Hall. We need to talk."

All the tension he'd been holding in his body melted away as his eyes rolled back in his skull.

[anasatsia98]

The Devil and The Daughter  Chapter Two

"Miss. Johnson."

Johnson, Cora hadn't heard someone call her by that name in a few years and her face flashed with confusion. Her back was turned to the counter, the heat from the open over causing a few beads of sweat to drip down her face. The voice that had called her name… hadn't been one of familiarity. Cora's bakery had opened five years ago and, at first, had been the talk of Small Heath. Not many men had been able to reside in Birmingham—having been drafted for the war—and her bakery was quick to become the number one place where anxious and frightened women came to eat their worries away.

The bakery had two uses: one, a bakery and two, an extra place for the family business. Pol, however, often reminded Cora to make sure the bakery was as realistic and homey as possible. The first year of the draft was hard on Pol, Ada, and Cora, and the bakery had become a safe haven for them as well. Cora knew what the women who came to her bakery were going through and she wanted to make her pastry shop as welcoming and warm as possible. So, she made sure that she was on a first name basis with everyone and that everyone greeted her, and addressed her with her first name.

As the war raged on and discharged, wounded, and disabled soldiers returned home, they too found solace in her shop. She knew each man by the slur of their words and each woman by the pitch of their voice.

So, when Cora heard this voice say her name, she had no recollection of a man with an Irish accent and a voice of higher tone ever stepping foot in her shop. Placing a sweet smile on her face, Cora closed the oven door and set the fresh batch of sugar cookies on the stove top before she turned to face the owner of the voice.

"Yes," Cora asked, resting her hand on the counter and staring up at the man in front of her, "How may I help you?"

He was an older man, his hair greying along with his mustache. Other than that, Cora wouldn't have paid much attention to him if she saw him on the streets or in her shop. The only reason her attention stayed divided on him and not the two policemen standing behind him was because of his eyes.

Two harsh, beady black eyes stared down at Cora, never straying too far from her face. They were far from cold, they stared at her as though she were the one who opened Pandora's box and Cora mentally snickered; with the Shelby's, she may have.

"I've heard that you know much about the Shelby brothers, that you're close with them." Cora almost rolled her eyes. The Inspector made it obvious that he had come here for one reason, and that it wasn't to buy any of her sweets.

Smiling softly, Cora shook her head before letting out a soft sigh—a sigh, Campbell noticed, that held a multitude of sadness, "I was close to them, sir. As in, I was close to them in the past. We had grown up together, our mother's knowing each other quite well, but when they sent to war… I thought them dead until they returned."

A blatant lie, but the Inspector hadn't noticed.

"War changes a man—I knew that before they left, but I didn't realize how much it could change someone. They're not the men I knew, Inspector, they barely visit and stay far away from me… as if they were staying far from their past."

She couldn't tell if the Inspector believed her or not. He kept his gaze cold and emotionless—the perfect poker face. The tension in Cora's body slowly started to ease and the smile on her face became more genuine and realistic, it was only when the Inspector's eyes hardened and narrowed did she know she messed up.

"War does change a man." Campbell agreed as a sick, sadistic smile twisted his features, "But I'm sure that isn't enough of a reason for you to not know your own husband."

Cora's eyes flashed and if Campbell hadn't known better, he would've thought she twitched. But he knew better and he knew the sweet little secrets the Peaky Blinders thought they kept unknown.

Thinking carefully, but keeping the smile on her face, Cora brushed back a strand of blonde hair. The ring resting on the delicate, silver chain that hung around her neck felt heavier than usual and she worried for a moment that it was visible through her white blouse. She knew it was foolish, though. For years, she had learned to cover and conceal the jewelry so that it wasn't visible to the eye.

"I'm not sure I know what you mean." Cora frowned, ignoring the smug feeling that blossomed in her chest as the Inspector's eyes grew darker at her words.

"Of course, you don't, Mrs. Shelby." Campbell hissed out the last name as though it were a deadly poison… so deadly, that even the name itself could kill you, "After all, your husband was gone for five years."

"Thomas and I never married." Cora interrupted, quick to stop the Inspector's tirade, her tone sharp as her eyes were cold, "We planned to be married before he left, but he was drafted earlier than we expected. He left, and we didn't speak for the five years he was gone. I was too scared to write to the man I loved, a man who was basically a walking corpse, and never get a response."

Cora took a shaky breath and closed her eyes, trying to calm her nerves.

"Thomas didn't have time to show his fancy for a girl while trying to save his life and the lives of his comrades. When he came back, the two of us didn't speak. What was there to speak of? Five years is a long time, Inspector. I didn't want to see the changed man he had become, and he didn't want to see a changed woman. Going back to the past is harder than moving on with the future."

The hesitation was clear in the Inspector's eyes no matter how hard he tried to hide it. Cora was a good actress, something that had stayed with her through her childhood, and now all she needed to do was end the conversation—end it while he was still doubting himself.

"I've only recently spoken to him at the Garrison." Hook, line, and sinker, "I left with him once because there had been an outburst from a formal soldier and he didn't want me to walk alone. You can ask the barman if you doubt me."

"The how come you were spotted leaving your bakery with him a day ago?" Campbell pressed, glaring into Cora's ethereal blue eyes. She refused to turn away from his gaze, knowing that men like him thrived from fear.

"Arthur got up pretty badly and I know how to stitch someone up—my mother was a nurse and I took some nursing classes during the war. He took me to their house, had me stitch Arthur up, and then kicked me out. Thomas refused t tell me what had happened. No one would. I know nothing of what's going on within that family, Inspector Campbell. You're asking the wrong person."

Though the Inspector's predatory gaze didn't leave her form, Cora refused to acknowledge it. She knew he was searching for a sign to signify that she was lying: a twitch, sharp intake, tapping fingers, anything. But, to his disappointment, Cora stood perfectly posed. Her shoulders remained relaxed, her eyes soft, and the warm smile never leaving her face. She remained posed for the few minutes that he watched her, merely blinking when he turned and stalked out towards the door.

Cora watched as he paused, one hand on the door.

"Turn the place upside down."

The two policemen that had been by his side their entire meeting wasted no time in grabbing tables and chairs and throwing them to the ground. Sighing, Cora closed her eyes as the thuds and crashes echoed in her ear before she turned around and went back to place the cookies in the display case.

_______________________________________________________________________

Her hands were littered with small shards of glass and Cora pursed her lips at the irritated red glow that was emitting. Calmly picking the thin, small shards, she stood lazily next to Tommy, her back resting against the door of Polly's office. She had managed to clean the mess the coppers had made in record time, but her hands weren't spared from the quick work. Cuts, scrapes, and splinters littered her palms; each representing her lack of focus and hast. Cora was aware of Tommy's cold gaze on her but she pushed it to the back of her mind, her face scrunching up as she pulled out a particularly long shard of glass out of her hand. Quickly, she brought her hand to her mouth before any blood could drip to the floor, wincing at the sharp, metallic taste.

"The coppers told everyone Arthur had agreed to t it when he was arrested," Pol informed them, and Cora looked at up at her, "They said the Peaky Blinders had cleared out the fair to let them do it."

"I never said nothing to that copper about smashing up bloody houses." Arthur fumed, Cora looking at Tommy as a sigh left his lips before he took a drag of his cigarette.

"All right. Which pubs did they do?" Tommy asked as Cora pulled her hand away from her mouth, inspecting the small—but deep—cut that was visible for a few seconds before blood quickly pooled out and around it.

"The Guns, the Chain, the Marquis. All the ones that pay you to protect them." Pol listed before taking a long drag from her cigarette, blowing out the smoke as she spoke, "Only one they didn't touch was the Garrison. Make sure people think we were in on it. He's smart, this copper."

"Not quite," Cora looked up from her hand, her blue eyes skimming across the faces in the room, "He trashed the bakery; the one place people know Tommy would never touch. If they see that the bakery got fucked up, then they'll most likely know the Peaky Blinders weren't in on it."

"You're saying he doesn't know?" Pol questioned, a dumbfounded look on her face and Cora nodded, her eyes meeting Tommy's for a brief moment.

"Campbell knows that I have some relation to you, but he doesn't think it's a strong one. I made it clear that after the war, we cut connections and that this reunion is only recent." She explained. Cora wasn't bothered by the silence that followed. The information that she had just educated them with was valuable, much too valuable for them to forget or misuse.

Pol's brusque voice cut through the silence of the room, bringing the men out of their thoughts, "Go on, drink your beers, get out. You better show people you are still the cocks of the walk."

Grumbling to his feet, John shot his older brother a sly glare before opening the door to the room, Landlow, Smith, and Thomson following shortly after.

"Hand out some cash to the landlords of the pubs," Tommy called to the four of them. Striking a match, he brought it to the cigarette that rested between his lips, "Pay some veterans to fix the places up."

Lagging behind the rest of the group, Cora watched as Arthur pulled on his tweed jacket before grabbing his cap off the table in front of him. She knew that with his position in the business being compromised, he wanted to make sure that Tommy wasn't getting to know any extra information and that no secrets were being kept from him.

"So, what about you, Tommy?" He asked, fixing the flaps of his jacket and placing the cap on his head.

"I have to go to Charlie's to stable the horse," Tommy took a long drag from his cigarette, not bothering to look at his brother, "She looked footsore in the box."

Cora softly ran her thumb over her left palm as she checked for any bumps of glass or splinters she could've missed. She knew her best chance of checking her hand was at home where she had tweezers that could pull out small splinters, but she didn't know when she'd be heading back home. She didn't want the wounds to fester any longer than they had to.

"So you're sure Campbell knows nothing," Cora looked up at Pol's voice and watched as she walked towards her and Tommy, taking a seat in front of the two.

"Positive," Cora confirmed, clasping her hands together and holding them in front of her as Tommy walked to stand slightly behind her, his hand slipping around her waist as he pulled her towards him.

"And the ring?" Pol pressed, her eyes dropping to Cora's left hand and glancing up at her when she saw that it was bare.

"I don't wear it that much anymore," Cora said and she pulled the silver chain out from under her blouse, the ring falling freely against her chest. Cora adored the ring. It was simple in its beauty: a thin band of silver with a small, teardrop-shaped diamond resting in the middle. When Tommy had given it to her, he told her that it reminded him of her. Simple but remarkably elegant, "It's bad for business."

"That's not what I like to hear, Cora," Tommy muttered, his dark blue eyes meeting hers as they flashed a soft green in the sunlight. Cora grinned at him cheekily and reached up a hand to squeeze the ring.

"I'm just joking, love. In all actuality, I don't want to ruin it with all the baking I do. Dough it very hard to get out of the cracks and crevices."

Cora felt Pol's eyes on her and Tommy. During the war, Pol would often express her sorrow to Cora—her sorrow of Cora's relationship with Tommy. It became common for Pol to mutter 'if only it were a different time' under her breath when she cradled a sobbing Cora. Cora didn't disagree either and often wondered herself how things would've been different if she and Tommy had married earlier if Tommy didn't go to war, if his mother was still alive, if her mother was still alive, the list was endless.

Reaching an arm across her waist, Cora slid her small, soft hand over Tommy's rather large, calloused ones. Squeezing it, she stepped out of his embrace and grabbed her coat, shrugging it on.

"I best be going now, wouldn't want Campbell's dogs to get too suspicious if I'm gone for too long, would we?"

Cora smiled softly before she walked out the door and down the hall. She didn't want to go… really, she didn't. She and Tommy hadn't had any time together since his return. He had closed himself for the first three months and refused to see Cora. She didn't blame him at first, she knew that after everything he's seen, he needed time. But three months turned to six and Cora decided she had enough.

Before the mess with the guns, before the mess with Campbell, before his father left and his mother died, Cora and Tommy told each other everything.

They were their own special Yin and Yang.

Stepping outside, the gentle wind blew Cora's hair so that it danced around her to an unheard tune. The streets had regained their normality: kids shouting, people talking, workers working; and yet, as she walked down the road, it seemed as though the people parted for her. Arriving at her shop, she unlocked the door and stepped inside before shrugging off her coat and hanging it up. Bending her head slightly, Cora slid on her apron, tying it as she walked behind the counter and grabbing the fresh dough from the counter.

Her mind was blank as she began to knead the dough, not knowing exactly what to think about. Cora grabbed the Dutch oven from the counter behind her and sprinkled flour onto the bottom. She hurriedly rolled the dough into a ball before dropping it into the Dutch oven and placing it into the oven itself.

It was only when she turned back around she noticed the tip of a white envelope peeking out from underneath the coatrack that was placed near the door. She wasn't going to lie; she had been disappointed when she hadn't seen the envelope earlier that day. Hurrying around the counter, Cora pulled the envelope out and ripped it open, a laugh echoing around the silent room.

The chicken-scratch handwriting was barely legible, but Cora had spent a year trying to decipher it.

What did the baker's wife catch him doing when she got home?

Masterbaking.

_______________________________________________________________________

By the time dusk had rolled around, Finn had burst through the door and bounded towards her counter. Cora was expecting Finn to beg for a cookie or any pastry, and she was already reaching into her display case to grab a few sugar cookies when he jumped up onto her counter.

"Hey," Cora barked, her eyes widening in shock at Finn's actions and her face twisting in disgust. That boy ran from the stables to the other side of town in those shoes and there was no way in hell he was allowed to put them on her counter, "What the fuck do you think you're doing?"

"We're having a fire," Finn stated as he reached forward and grabbed the picture of the king that hung on the wall. Cora's brows furrowed in confusion, mouthing 'what-the-fuck' as she watched Finn turn back around.

"Oh, no you don't." Cora scolded, gently grabbing Finn's arm and leading him around the counter and towards the door, "And where is this fire?"

"Front of the Garrison," Finn's words slurred and Cora opened the door, "You coming?"

Cora sighed as she handed Finn the three cookies she snagged for him, "I'll be there in a few."

"Thanks, Cora!" Finn beamed, grabbing the cookies and taking off down the street. Cora sighed, closing the door, and scratched her forehead as she closed the door and made her way back towards the oven.

Grabbing out the loaf, she tossed it on the stovetop and took off her apron before sliding on her coat. Cora twisted the doorknob twice after she locked her door and made her way down the street, taking note of the people who rushed past her. The glow of the fire traveled to three houses in front of her, and Cora mentally gave a hand to the Blinders. Whatever game they were playing, they weren't playing cautiously. They wanted a show for Campbell to see.

The pyre was littered with the king's photos and Cora winced at the bright light that illuminated. It wasn't hard to make her way to the Shelby's—they stood closes to the fire, facing the Garrison.

"What've you got here?" Cora called as she slid next to Arthur, the warmth emitting from the fire reminding her of the rush of heat that hit her in the face when she opened the oven.

"Cora!" Arthur cried, taking a swig from the whiskey bottle in his hand and swinging his arm over her shoulder, "I'm so glad you could join us."

"Is this a celebration, Arthur?" Cora teased, feeling Tommy's gaze on her for a second before Arthur let out a booming laugh.

"You're damn right, it is."

Shaking her head, Cora shook her head even though the smile on her face betrayed her. Maybe it was her gypsy blood or maybe it was her intuition, but Cora had a feeling that this wasn't the storm that was blowing to Birmingham, it was just the wind that was guiding it to its destination.